The News in Brief Monday, April 14, 2025 Following his meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the state of Georgia's cooperation with the institution. He stated that while overall engagement with the Council of Europe remains important and active, there are specific areas of friction particularly with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Venice Commission.Kobakhidze criticized both bodies, claiming PACE has made politically motivated decisions and accusing the Venice Commission of disregarding legal principles. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the broader value of cooperation, especially in relation to the European Court of Human Rights, which he said contributes positively to Georgia's democratic development.He also expressed appreciation for Berset's role and past visits to Georgia, reaffirming the government's openness to dialogue on all issues concerning democracy and governance.In a separate comment, Kobakhidze sharply criticized members of the domestic opposition, accusing them of acting as "foreign agents" and working against Georgia's national interests. He likened their actions and rhetoric to those of historical figures from the Soviet era, drawing comparisons to Bolshevik methods and labeling them as hostile to the country's sovereignty.The Social Justice Center (SJC) has condemned the recent dismissal of journalists Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from Georgia's Public Broadcaster, calling it a case of political persecution and a serious violation of labor and human rights.According to the organization, the firings reflect an alarming trend of punishing employees for expressing critical views. SJC argues that the dismissals are part of a broader effort to assert political control over an institution that is supposed to operate independently under the Constitution.The group also pointed to the ongoing public protests outside the broadcaster's headquarters as a sign of widespread concern, contrasting this with what they described as the management's failure to uphold neutrality, objectivity, and legal obligations.SJC warned that the broadcaster's loss of independence, especially during a time of political tension, is a direct threat to media freedom and public interest in Georgia. The organization called the dismissals a stain on the broadcaster's legacy and said they raise serious concerns about accountability.Expressing solidarity with the dismissed journalists, SJC pledged to use all available tools to defend their rights and seek justice. 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 At first she thought it was a bit of broken glass but then she looked closer. The picturesque area is home to Killiecrankie diamonds and visitors can dig for them at the local beaches. Source: Jocelyn Flint On the same day she retired from Australia Post after years of delivering mail, Jocelyn Flint made a special discovery while visiting a remote island off Tasmanias northeast. While walking towards one of the stunning beaches on Flinders Island, she spotted something in the sand that left her absolutely shocked. On a path leading to Killiecrankie beach she found a clear, rectangular-shaped stone about the length of her fingertip. The next day, she found a diamond-shaped gem that really made her excited. Ive always heard about the Killiecrankie diamonds, Jocelyn told Yahoo News. I found all this smokey quartz and then next thing there it was. Honestly I thought it was a bit of broken glass, absolutely shocked. ADVERTISEMENT The beach is famed for its hidden gems, with tourists trying their luck to find one with sieves and shovels. Killiecrankie diamonds got their name from their resemblance to rough diamonds, but the stones are actually topaz. Jocelyn was thrilled to discover these two Killiecrankie diamonds a day apart. Source: Jocelyn Flint 'Buried treasure' on Flinders Island The gems were first collected by tin miners in the 1800s and were one of the earliest gems or minerals exported from Australia, according to the University of Tasmania. A well-known story among locals is that one of the miners buried several kerosene tins of Killiecrankie diamonds near the tin mine, however they have never been found. One of the biggest finds, however, belongs to Margaret Wheatley, who told Yahoo the 585g stone is worth around $3,400. Jocelyn said she was 'absolutely shocked' by the stunning finds. Source: Jocelyn Flint Margaret, 71, and her husband Alan hire out fossicking gear and give advice to tourists about where to search. She also turns the stones into jewellery, and sells them from her home. ADVERTISEMENT "The bigger ones are harder to find, but you still find a few that are reasonable size, she said. You can still find them, they are heavy stones and under the sand so you do actually have to do some work. I tell people the harder they work the luckier they get! Alan has been selling the stones since he was 12 years old hes now 73. Margaret joined the business when the pair got married 51 years ago and started creating jewellery. She believes its unusual to find a beach in Australia filled with topaz, noting they are usually found in gem fields inland. On this path towards the beach, Jocelyn found the diamond-shaped stone. Source: Jocelyn Flint This is probably the best area with beaches, but you can find them in places like Mount Surprise in Queensland or Oban in NSW, they are in a number of places. Just not so close to the water, she said. If youre going to go looking its best to go at low tide because you can get further down the beach, and because they are heavy stones they go to the lowest point. ADVERTISEMENT While Jocelyns find might not be worth much, its the memory of the trip and the thrill of the find that she is holding on to. I dont think Ill turn into a diamond hunter, she laughed. Ive worked all these years and delivered mail everyday around the countryside on the northwest of Tassie. Itll be nice to just explore now and enjoy life. How to get to Flinders Island Flinders Island is accessible by either boat or plane, with short flights departing from Launceston (35 minutes), Hobart (1 hour) or Melbourne (1 hour) with Sharp Airlines. If you prefer to be on the sea, there is a weekly barge departing from Bridport, Tasmania which takes about eight hours. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The 'beautiful' python thought it had found an easy meal. Source: Rodney Fischer/Facebook A remote Aussie fisherman and snake handler has shared incredible images of a large Olive python after it was found inside a friend's chicken coop, describing the mad dash to save the backyard bird and "untangle" the two-metre snake from its prey. Western Australian man Rodney Fischer lives in the remote region of East Kimberley and was called to his friend's house when she noticed the intruder amongst her hens. "She rang up about 7.30 at night and said, 'A snake's got me chook'," he recalled to Yahoo News on Sunday. About five minutes away, Rodney raced to the scene to find the snake wrapped around the bird. ADVERTISEMENT The pythons are non venomous but instead constrict their prey, with Rodney explaining it would happily gorge on a chicken. "Theyll swallow a chicken, especially a snake that size, it was around two metres long, so no problem for a python that big," he said. The snake was resoundingly described as "beautiful" when the photos were shared online over the weekend. Source: Rodney Fischer/Facebook The python was still wrapped around the chicken when he arrived on the property, "and the chicken was still alive". "So I untangled it and got the snake off ... took it home and went and released it the next day," he told Yahoo. As for the chook, it managed to pull through the ordeal and live to fight another day. "My friend sent me a picture of the chook and it survived," he added. ADVERTISEMENT The homeowner had lost chickens to snakes before, which can often get into the enclosure but become stuck and unable to get back out once they have a large chicken in their belly. The snake was released in the Shire of Wyndham, East Kimberley. Source: Rodney Fischer/Facebook The avid photographer and videographer travels throughout the Kimberly in the far north of WA, usually with his dingo Bob, taking photos of the region's unique wildlife capturing everything from huge crocs to the threatened Gouldian finch. The Olive python is endemic to Australia and is only found in the very northern parts of the country, with Rodney saying it's one of the most common species he happens to come across out there. Earlier this year a cattle farmer in the Northern Territory described the "horribly amazing" discovery she made after a two-metre Olive python had eaten her shirt and bra before later regurgitating the clothing in her laundry. "It was quite slimy and certainly needed a very good soak, but it all came back out in one piece," she told the ABC in February. ADVERTISEMENT According to experts, the snakes can be attracted to items that smell like potential food, such as those worn by people who work with animals. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Pest controllers say there is a common "myth" when it comes to termites. But these pictures show the true danger. Aussie homeowners are being reminded not to fall for a common "myth" that could cost them thousands of dollars in damage and repair bills. And often you won't realise until it's "too late". The typical home insurance in Australia won't cover homeowners for one seriously big risk termites. But even for houses primarily made of brick, there is no reason to be complacent when it comes to looking out for the destructive invader. A pest control company in Ipswich, Queensland, urged locals this week not to fall for the "myth" that they're safe from the threat just because they've got brick walls. The company shared photos showing termite tracks, commonly referred to as tunnels, burrowing through a brick home. "My house is a brick block house, it cant get termites ADVERTISEMENT "Oh if I had a dollar for every time I have been told that and other termite myths," the company wrote. Termites "can travel over brick, through brick, wherever they need to go". Source: Facebook/Ipswich & surrounds Termite & Pest Control solutions Speaking to Yahoo News, pest controller Christopher James warned that "nobodys immune to termite damage". "When you've got a brick home, a double brick home, it doesn't really matter too much," the Sydney-based exterminator said. "A brick home still has a timber structure roof. It'll still have doorways, windowsills, eaves that can still be eaten". "Because they are a subterranean species, they can come in from underground undetected. They can travel over brick, through brick, wherever they need to go to get to the next piece of timber." Hidden out of sight, he warned they can do enough damage to "destroy a whole house" in less than 12 months. ADVERTISEMENT "You don't really see the damage or know they're there until it's too late," he told Yahoo. "They could be eating half the house but it looks good to the average eye." According to the Australian Museum, termite colonies are formed during warm, humid weather, typically in spring and autumn. While there are over 200 species of termites in Australia, only a few are of concern to humans. With unusually wet weather in recent months, some parts of the country have been more prone to termite activity, with one pest control company on the south coast of NSW telling Yahoo in December the pests had been "on the move". "Termites are pretty rampant, w'ere doing about five or six calls out every week ... We're always finding lots of termites," Chris this week. Many exterminators these days take to social media to share their disturbing discoveries and share tips for homeowners on the signs to look out for. Those in the industry almost unanimously urge homeowners to get termite inspections every year or two, typically costing a few hundred dollars. If treatments is required, however, that can range from between $2,000 to $8,000. ADVERTISEMENT How to prevent termites at your home According to Jhy Carroll from pest control company EBS Queensland, there are two main ways to prevent termites, one is with a chemical barrier and the other is an in-ground baiting system. "Chemical barrier treatment consists of digging a trench around the external perimeter of the home and chemically treating the soil area," he previously told Yahoo. While in-ground systems are also installed around the external perimeter of the house, they include a bait that the termites feed on to "eliminate the colony". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Ben (L) and Dan Shulman at a Syracuse basketball game in 2021. (Dan Shulman, via Sportsnet.ca.) Weve seen a lot of announcer jinxes involving on-air discussion of an athletes recent struggles before the player does something spectacular. But its more unusual to see a father and son both involved in that. That took place on the Toronto Blue Jays TV and radio broadcasts of their clash with the Baltimore Orioles Sunday. There, both Dan Shulman (their TV primary play-by-play voice since 2020) and Ben Shulman (Dans son, and their primary radio voice since 2024) got into discussions (with analysts Buck Martinez and Chris Leroux, respectively) of Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastles success against the Jays over the years but struggles this season, right before Mountcastle hit a home run: Toronto Blue Jays broadcasters Dan and Ben Shulman (TV and radio, respectively) were both involved in announcer jinxes of the Orioles Ryan Mountcastle today. Heres Dan and analyst Buck Martinez on the TV call talking Mountcastles struggles this year, followed by his home run. pic.twitter.com/bUQ8BNGwAM Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 13, 2025 Heres the similar conversation about Mountcastles struggles, followed by the home run, from Ben Shulman and Chris Leroux on the radio broadcast. pic.twitter.com/EoAXfgdGZ3 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 13, 2025 Some key comments on the TV broadcast included Odd to see Mountcastle hitting eighth, but his power numbers were down last year, still doesnt have one [home run] this year from Dan Shulman and Considering how well he hits against the Blue Jays, it is surprising to see him way down in the order, but hes not swinging very well right now from Martinez. On the radio call, Leroux says Ben, if I told you last year that Ryan Mountcastle was batting eighth against the Blue Jays, youd probably think I was nuts, and Shulman adds I would have thought they brought in [Juan] Soto, brought back [Anthony] SantanderHes off to a tough start this year, thougha .250 average isnt brutal, but no power, and he doesnt walk very much, so his OPS just at .578. Both of those conversations are completely reasonable. As each of the announcing pairs noted, Mountcastle has been incredible against the Blue Jays over the years, hitting .299/.360/.564 with 18 home runs in 292 appearances against the Orioles AL East rivals entering Sunday. But he had also been struggling this year, hitting just .250/.283/.295 entering Sunday. So those are definitely fair conversations to have about the surprise to see Mountcastles performance this season given his past performance (against Toronto in particular). But the left-inside pitch here and the moved-in left-field fence this season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (a longstanding enemy of Mountcastle at its old distance) led to a home run here. And it also led to these conversations turning into announcer jinxes. While the Shulmans were only half of that, with both Martinez and Leroux also contributing, that did lead to an unusual and interesting father-son announcing jinx here. Gavin Sheets after a solo home run on April 11, 2025. (Chadd Cady/Imagn Images.) Some broadcasters, and broadcast moments, work in multiple languages. That happened on the San Diego Padres Spanish-language TV and radio broadcast of their clash with the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday night. There, famed broadcaster Eduardo Ortega interrupted his Spanish-language call of a Gavin Sheets home run for an English Holy SHEEEETS!, followed by Sheets, Sheets, RA, RA, RA! Future Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer Eduardo Ortega calling Gavin Sheets HR last night: GavinHOLY SHEETS. Sheets, Sheets, RA RA RA! pic.twitter.com/Sy4aouSYx7 Justice Parman (@justice_parman) April 13, 2025 Ortega has called Padres games in Spanish since 1987. But he certainly still has a lot of excitement for that role. Thats shown with the passion he put into this seventh-inning solo shot, which only changed the score from 7-0 to 8-0. This moment was maybe even more notable for Sheets, though. The outfielder joined the Padres as a free agent this offseason. He made that move after he was cut by the Chicago White Sox in November. And Sheets recently told Jeff Saunders of The San Diego Union-Tribune being cut by the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2017 fueled me a little bit, to say the least. That fuel has certainly worked out for Sheets so far. He was hitting .316/.357/.526 through Saturday, all career-highs. This was Sheets second home run on the year, and there may be more to come. And that could set the stage for some future notable Gavin Sheets calls from Ortega down the road this season. Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu Vice-Rector Ana-Raluca Sassu speaks during an event marking the International Chinese Language Day in Sibiu, Romania, on April 11, 2025. The Confucius Institute at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu held a vibrant celebration on Friday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day, attracting more than 100 students from the university and local high schools. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) The Confucius Institute at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu held a vibrant celebration on Friday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day, attracting more than 100 students from the university and local high schools. The event showcased a rich variety of cultural experiences, including traditional Chinese calligraphy, Guzheng performances and lectures, tea ceremonies, and themed workshops. Interactive activities such as painting Peking Opera masks, crafting herbal sachets, and sculpting traditional Chinese foods from clay offered participants a hands-on exploration of Chinese culture. Hua Yafang, charge d'affaires ad interim (a.i.) of the Chinese Embassy in Romania, emphasized the power of language in bridging cultures, saying that "learning Chinese can deepen your understanding of China's rich heritage and its dynamic development today." "The establishment of International Chinese Language Day reminds us that language learning is not only about mastering a skill, but also about opening doors to the world and the future," said Lucian Blaga University Vice-Rector Ana-Raluca Sassu. Cultural performances by faculty and students of the Confucius Institute included dances inspired by Ascending Spring Mountain and A Moment of Romance, a Guzheng solo of Liu Yang River, and concluded with a lively group rendition of Beijing Welcomes You, bringing the atmosphere to a festive climax. Eva-Maria Cazan, a second-year Chinese major, said she enjoyed practicing Chinese with her teachers and making new friends during the event. Wang Jiong, Director of the Confucius Institute, said the event aimed to inspire students by connecting language learning with cultural experiences. She added that the institute plans to further expand its outreach beyond schools and into the wider community. Since its establishment in 2007, the Confucius Institute at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu has trained approximately 35,000 learners in Chinese language and culture. iberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are offering similar sounding energy development plans that would fast-track regulatory processes and create energy corridors to develop natural resource projects. But some industry analysts and observers, while applauding the directions that both leaders are taking, are cautioning that their proposals may face significant challenges. "It's great to see that improving regulatory systems for major projects is on the agenda, but both approaches ... raised some pretty big questions for me about how that would actually work in practice," said Monica Gattinger, chair of the University of Ottawa's positive energy program. Both Poilievre and Carney said their plans would help reduce reliance on the U.S, particularly in the wake of the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. To that end, Carney said he wants to cut wait times for the approval processes for major resource projects from five years to two. Poilievre's Conservatives have promised a one-year maximum for review times, with a target of six months. Both leaders have also raised the issue of implementing some kind of energy corridor. Carney has promised to create trade and energy corridors for various types of projects deemed to be in the national interest for transport, energy, critical minerals and digital connectivity. Meanwhile, Poilievre announced the creation of a "'Canada First' National Energy Corridor" that would "fast-track approvals for transmission lines, railways, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure across Canada in a pre-approved transport corridor entirely within Canada." Poilievre outlines proposal for national energy corridor 13 days ago Duration2:23 WATCH: Poilievre outlines proposal for national energy corridor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking from Saint John, N.B., details his partys plan to have a pre-approved corridor allowing businesses to build pipelines, transmission lines, railways, and other critical infrastructure across Canada. 'Haven't seen a lot of detail' In the corridor, all levels of government would provide legally binding commitments to approve projects, according to the Conservatives. Still, Gattinger said one of the first challenges for these policies will be defining exactly what a corridor is. "I don't think there's a single definition of corridor, and we haven't seen a lot of detail from either campaign about precisely what they mean by that concept," Gattinger said. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he will create a 'Canada First' National Energy Corridor. (Aaron Whitfield/The Canadian Press) Martha Hall Findlay, director of the University of Calgary's school of public policy and a former Liberal MP, said both Carney and Poilievre are talking about the importance of Canadian energy to the economy. "It's not often you get the leaders of the two main parties actually saying similar things," she said. "They're coming at it from a bit of a different perspective. They're both saying, we get it, we need to build the infrastructure, we need to capitalize on the resources that we're so blessed to have in this country [and] which we have not been capitalizing on for 20 years." Hall Findlay also said that their public policy school has studied the concept of a northern corridor for years and has come up with some important conclusions. "One of the fundamental conclusions is [that] shortcuts make for lengthy delays. Two, it's going to be hard." Katarina Koch, one of the researchers of that corridor project, said it's important to note that a pre-approved corridor is not infrastructure development in itself but just a route that is being set aside for any potential future development. "It's not yet entirely clear what kind of infrastructure will be potentially built in this corridor," she told CBC's Calgary Eyeopener. "So this is really where a lot of the complexity and uncertainty comes from." The corridor could include different types of infrastructure pipelines, road, railways and they all come with their own regulatory requirements, Koch said. Canada Votes | Carney vows to make Canada an energy superpower 3 days ago Duration0:43 3 days ago WATCH: Carney vows to make Canada an 'energy superpower'Liberal Leader Mark Carney praised Alberta energy workers and pledged to turn Canada into an energy superpower at a campaign stop in Calgary. "The community might be open for one type of infrastructure but maybe not for another type of infrastructure," Koch said. "And then there are really some questions about how this approval process will look like." The process also involves dealing with landholder rights, protected areas and Indigenous communities, she added. Grand chief criticizes proposal The Conservatives have said that First Nations will be involved from the outset, ensuring that economic benefits flow directly to them and that their approval is secured before any money is spent. But shortly after Poilievre's announcement, Grand Chief Savanna McGregor of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council criticized the proposal. "How can there be consultation (to say nothing of accommodation and consent) if the corridor is 'pre-approved' before anyone has the blueprints for what infrastructure will be built and where?" she wrote in the Toronto Star. Hall Findlay said one of the frustrations with Poilievre's corridor plan is that he makes the idea seem easy to implement. "And it's not. And I think Mark Carney recognizes that it's more complicated," she said. "You can't just say, 'We'll just do this and we'll get permits and approvals.' You have to take into consideration community interests, regional interests, Indigenous community interests." But with Carney, Hall Findlay said there's still an uncertainty about what exactly he means by an "energy corridor", and whether that includes oil pipelines. She said the world needs Canadian oil, and should be increasing production. "Am I looking to hear certain things from Mark Carney that are maybe a little more specific about not being coy about oil? Yes." Gattinger added that it's not clear how Carney by doubling down on the oil and gas emissions cap and on Bill C-69, the Impact Assessment Act (dubbed the "no more pipelines act" by some critics) squares that with talk about improving the investment environment to get more projects built. "We've in effect got the same investment environment we have had over the last number of years," she said. "How does that change things for the attractiveness of Canada as a place to do business?" But on the Conservative side, Gattinger said if they swing too far toward pre-approving projects, they might begin to lose public support. Too focused on regulatory systems, expert says Gattinger also said both leaders are too focused on timelines and how to improve regulatory systems to get projects built faster. "That's an important objective, but a lot of the weaknesses in Canada's investment environment have been issues over and above time, like the predictability of our policy framework," she said. One such example, Gattinger said, is the uncertainty over whether Canada will have an industrial carbon price or an oil and gas emissions cap. "If you're an investor, you can't calculate the economics. of a project easily when you've got this unpredictability." Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe In Erie County, about nine out of every 10 people charged with crimes are represented by defense attorneys paid for by taxpayers. County officials were outraged when they learned that some attorneys working as private contractors were paid $400,000 to $500,000 last year to represent people who said they could not afford to hire their own lawyers. Now, the county is preparing to move many of those cases to a nonprofit agency, the Buffalo Legal Aid Bureau. County Executive Mark Poloncarz is expected to announce soon a pilot program that would shift many cases away from an assigned counsel program run by the Erie County Bar Association to the Legal Aid Bureau, five sources closely familiar with the plan told The Buffalo News in recent days. I think were going to have cost savings all over the place, one of those sources told The News on Friday. The main thing is, youll have salaried attorneys from Legal Aid doing the work that private contractors have been doing for $158 an hour. Administrators of the Legal Aid Bureau told the county last year that they can do a better and more cost-efficient job of representing thousands of criminal defendants and family court participants who are represented by attorneys hired by the assigned counsel program overseen by the Bar Association. The changes are designed to help the county cut the skyrocketing costs of representing indigent defendants individuals who say they cannot afford to hire their own attorneys. The county said it spent $26 million last year to hire attorneys for indigents. Budget director Mark Cornell said the state reimbursed the county for $5 million of that expense. I think were on the precipice of some big changes, some coming very soon and others coming later, County Attorney Jeremy C. Toth said. Toth said he could not provide details of the changes, saying they will be announced soon by Poloncarz. The county executives office said Poloncarz will discuss the changes during his state of the county address at the end of this month. Among the expected changes cited by sources who spoke to The News: Legal Aid Bureau says it can save Erie County money on representation of criminal defendants The not-for-profit Buffalo Legal Aid Bureau says it can help Erie County to address the skyrocketing cost of representing indigent people in the criminal and family court system. A pilot program will begin later this year at one of the countys largest town courts, possibly in Cheektowaga. Two or three staff attorneys from the Legal Aid Bureau will handle indigent cases that, in the past, have been handled by attorneys hired as private contractors by the Bar Associations program. Instead of having 20 or 25 assigned counsel attorneys at town court one night, all making $158 per hour for each case, you will have a few staff attorneys from the Legal Aid Bureau handling all those cases, one knowledgeable source told The News. Staff attorneys from the Legal Aid Bureau already handle all of the indigent misdemeanor cases and many of the indigent felony cases that originate at Buffalo City Court. The Legal Aid Bureau will handle more of those felony cases. The Bar Associations assigned counsel program will continue to represent individuals charged with homicide. The Legal Aid Bureau will increase its caseload at Family Court, where many defendants are currently represented by assigned counsel from the Bar Association program. While the Bar Association programs caseload will gradually decrease, the program will continue to play an important role, handling homicide cases for indigents. The office will also represent people who cannot be represented by the Legal Aid Bureau because of ethical conflicts. For example, two people who are charged as co-defendants in the same case cannot be represented by the same law office. Last April, Poloncarz said the county needs to bring down its costs for representing indigent defendants. At that time, Poloncarz suggested the possibility of opening a County Public Defenders Office, staffed by county employees. Poloncarz appointed a task force of legal experts, called the Indigent Defenders Working Group, to study possible changes. That group recently recommended that instead of starting a new county public defenders office the county should make more use of the Legal Aid Bureau, which already represents many of the indigent defendants in the county. I am not suggesting that the Assigned Counsel Program does not do good work, but we feel we could do much of the same work. I believe we can do it cheaper, better and more efficiently than it is being done now, David Schopp, executive director of the Legal Aid Bureau, told The News in November. We already have a relationship with the county and handle about 29% of the indigent defense cases in this county. Some Erie County attorneys make big money as taxpayer-funded assigned counsel In 2023, about 250 local attorneys were paid a total of more than $20 million to handle criminal, parole and Family Court cases in Erie County, according to a tax return filed by the Erie County Assigned Counsel program. That number is expected to increase this year. Also speaking to The News in November, Michelle Parker, executive director of the Assigned Counsel Program, defended the work done by attorneys hired by the Bar Association program. With defense attorneys working as private contractors, her office never has to deal with union issues that can sometimes increase expenses and decrease efficiency and effectiveness, Parker said. She noted that the private contractors receive no benefits, such as sick time, vacation time, help with office expenses, or funding for secretaries, researchers or paralegals. The reason why costs are rising, Parker said, is a more than 100% statewide hourly pay hike for assigned attorneys that took effect in April 2023. Assigned criminal defense attorneys who were previously paid $60 to $75 an hour now receive $158, Parker said. The expenses are paid by county taxpayers, with help from the state office of Indigent Legal Services. Both Parker and Schopp said Friday that it would be premature for them to comment on the countys plans until Poloncarz releases the details. Of the cases prosecuted by the Erie County District Attorneys Office, the Bar Associations Assigned Counsel Program represented about 61.5% of defendants, with the Legal Aid Bureau representing about 28.5%, Parker said last year. Privately hired attorneys got about 10% of the cases. Many local attorneys who work in private practice including Frank LoTempio III and Anthony J. Lana have voiced their complaints about a criminal justice system where 90% of defendants get free lawyers. One Buffalo attorney said he has a longtime client who makes an annual salary above $170,000. The guy recently got a DWI and the Assigned Counsel Program reached out to him and offered him free legal representation, said the attorney, who spoke on the condition that he and his client would not be named. Its very unfair, not only to us, but to the taxpayers who are paying the bills for all this. Some attorneys working as assigned counsel now make more than twice as much as the county district attorney and every judge in the state, LoTempio said. Lana said he and other private practice attorneys have dealt with unfair competition many times in recent years. The court system needs to do a better job of evaluating whether a defendant can actually afford to hire an attorney, both LoTempio and Lana told The News. Its not fair to attorneys who are providing good service and trying to make a living, Lana said. How do I compete with free? Social media users are mocking billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk after a photo of his notepad during a cabinet meeting began making rounds online, with the words "Top Secret!!" scrawled onto it in blue ink. The Trump administration cabinet sat down for a meeting on Thursday, marking their first meeting since President Donald Trump announced his intended implementation of sweeping tariffs against many of the United States' major trade partners. i just know that he thought he was hilarious Elizabeth (@elizabethkaiixo) April 11, 2025 Underlined twice, two exclamation points. The most top secret. cas~tel (@rudie_cantfail) April 10, 2025 "Everyone at this table is doing an incredible job," Trump said during the meeting. "By the way, I have to say, incredible. And the relationships are -- it's like they're friends. The relationships are very strong, really good, really strong. And these meetings are very good." Musk, who was present at the meeting, talked about the achievements of DOGE, the department he heads, aimed at reducing inefficiencies in government. "Thanks to [Trump's] fantastic leadership, this amazing cabinet and the very talented DOGE team, I'm excited to announce that we anticipate savings in fiscal year 26 from reduction of waste and fraud by $150 billion," Musk said at the meeting. really secret what can i say Ninaxhere (@Ninaxhere) April 11, 2025 He's soo quirky dominic (@biggus_maximus) April 10, 2025 Eagle-eyed social media viewers spotted the notepad in front of the Tesla CEO, with the phrase "Top Secret" written on it accompanied by two exclamation marks. They quickly took to online platforms to mock the billionaire for his notes. "He 100% wrote it himself with that pen," said one user. He 100% wrote it himself with that pen Ryan (@Ryans_burner) April 10, 2025 "Underlined twice, two exclamation points. The most top secret," said another. Underlined twice, two exclamation points. The most top secret. cas~tel (@rudie_cantfail) April 10, 2025 "The most Top Secret stuff is written in ball point pen," another added with a thumbs up emoji, while a fourth chimed in with, "They wrote that to make him feel includeded! [sic]" Originally published on Latin Times A Georgia man convicted of murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend was mistakenly released from jail and authorities didn't realize the error until nearly two weeks later. In late 2024, Kathan Guzman was found guilty of felony murder and aggravated assault for the 2022 killing of his girlfriend, Delila Grayson. Prosecutors said Guzman strangled Delila in their apartment, moved her body to the bathroom, and waited more than 10 hours before alerting anyone. Following his conviction, Guzman was ordered to serve a life sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections. On March 27 around 4:49 p.m., despite being sentenced, Guzman was accidentally released from Clayton County Jail. Officials failed to notice his absence for nearly two weeks. The error was only uncovered on April 8, when the Clayton County District Attorney's Office reached out to the sheriff's office to inquire about Guzman's whereabouts. Once alerted, Sheriff Levon Allen initiated an urgent search, which led to the involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service. Guzman was found and arrested without incident on Friday, April 11, by the U.S. Marshals at his mother's home in Ocoee, Florida. He was booked into Orange County Jail and is awaiting extradition back to Georgia. Sheriff Allen confirmed an internal investigation is underway to determine how the release occurred, with possible disciplinary actionsincluding employee terminationson the table once the inquiry concludes. Originally published on Lawyer Herald More than 100 people, including 20 children, are now feared dead in Sudan following paramilitary attacks on the besieged Darfur city of El-Fasher and two nearby famine-hit camps, the United Nations said on Saturday. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at war with the regular army since April 2023, launched "coordinated ground and aerial assaults" on Friday on El-Fasher and the Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. In recent weeks, the paramilitaries have stepped up their attacks on El-Fasher -- the only state capital in Darfur still outside their control -- after the army recaptured the national capital Khartoum last month. Early reports from the local resistance committee, a volunteer aid group in El-Fasher, put Friday's death toll at 57, with 32 civilians killed in El-Fasher and 25 in Zamzam. However, the army said Saturday that 74 civilians were killed and 17 wounded in El-Fasher alone. Activists said Friday the full extent of the damage in Zamzam remains unclear because of internet shutdowns and communications disruptions. The Sudanese Organisation for the Protection of Civilians said Saturday the dead included nine humanitarian workers operating a hospital in Zamzam, run by an international non-governmental organisation. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami condemned their deaths. "The colleagues from an international non-governmental organisation were killed while operating one of the very few remaining health posts still operational in the camp," she said in a statement. "This represents yet another deadly and unacceptable escalation in a series of brutal attacks on displaced people and aid workers in Sudan since the onset of this conflict nearly two years ago. "I strongly urge those committing such acts to immediately desist." In a statement on Saturday, the RSF dismissed a video purportedly shared by activists showing civilians killed in Zamzam. The paramilitary group condemned the footage as a fabricated production, labelling it a "desperate attempt to criminalise" its forces. A local advocacy group, the Darfur General Coordination of Camps for the Displaced and Refugees, said the attack on Zamzam resumed on Saturday morning, with clashes and heavy gunfire heard for hours. The camp was the first part of Sudan where a UN-backed assessment declared famine last year. By December, famine had also spread to two nearby camps -- Abu Shouk and Al Salam -- and is expected to hit El-Fasher itself by May. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and uprooted more than 12 million since it broke out in April 2023. Both sides in the conflict have been accused of war crimes and breaches of international humanitarian law. Federal prosecutors have charged a Pennsylvania man who goes by the moniker "Mr. Satan" with threatening to kill President Donald Trump and other government officials. Shawn Monper, 32, faces criminal charges for a series of statements made online between February 17 and April 1. Federal prosecutors did not say whether Monper had purchased any firearms, but they noted that he did obtain a firearms permit shortly after President Trump's inauguration. The criminal complaint states that Monper made the following threats: February 17, 2025: "Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way. Remember, we are the majority, MAGA is a minority of the country, and by the time its time to make the move, they will be weakened, many will be crushed by these policies, and they will want revenge too. American Revolution 2.0" March 4, 2025: "im going to assassinate him myself." This threat was made in a YouTube video titled "Live: Trump's address to Congress." March 18, 2025: "ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them." April 1, 2025: "If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them." The FBI National Threat Operations Section (NTOS) received a report regarding the comments posted by Monper under the username "Mr Satan." "I want to applaud the outstanding and courageous investigative work of the FBI and the Butler Township Police Department, who thankfully identified and apprehended this individual before he could carry out his threats against President Trump's life and the lives of other innocent Americans," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Rest assured that whenever and wherever threats of assassination or mass violence occur, this Department of Justice will find, arrest, and prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law and seek the maximum appropriate punishment," she stated. Originally published on Lawyer Herald Penguins in the South Atlantic seen in the documentary 'Antarctic Voyage' screening Monday at Images Cinema. An albatross near South Georgia Island. The winter research expedition was the first in 30 years. Kevin Schreck was invited to create a documentary to make the trip's findings more accessible. Blue Antarctic ice. PreviousNext Images Cinema to Screen Antarctic Documentary Sunrise over the Antarctic during southern winter from 'Antarctic Voyage.' WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Plenty of artists suffer for their work. Not many have to go under the knife for it. Documentary filmmaker Kevin Schreck screens his documentary "Antarctic Voyage" on Monday evening at Images Cinema. The film follows environmental scientist Samantha Monier on a research expedition to the remote South Atlantic island of South Georgia. It was a project years in the making and one for which Schreck had to go above and beyond. "I had to endure surgery to qualify for this [voyage,]," Schreck said in a recent telephone conversation from his base in Brooklyn, N.Y. "They want to make sure, with you being thousands of miles from a doctor or dentist or medical facility, that you're OK. They can't risk anything that is preventable or expected. I had a wisdom tooth that was a millimeter or so out of place. I was fine with it. I probably could have lived for years and never had a problem with it. But the government was like, 'If that thing ruptures while you're at sea, it jeopardizes the whole mission, and I agreed." Monier's work was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, which suggested that the researcher find a way to make the trip's findings more accessible to a larger audience than those who typically might read a scientific paper, Schreck said. "It was Sam's idea to have a documentarian," he said. Fortunately for her, she knew one, a college friend with a talent for filmmaking and a love for biology even if the two had not always been connected. "Growing up, I'd watch science and nature films on PBS or from the BBC with David Attenborough," Schreck said. "Things like that were incredibly inspiring to me. "I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker since I was 10 years old. Going to college, I had this liberal arts approach of exploring lots of passions and biology, and I had always been interested in the natural world probably at least as long as I was into making movies, maybe longer. I was thinking, 'Should I be a biology major?' " Ultimately, he gravitated toward film after realizing that a career in making movies would leave the door open to pursue a host of passions. Most of his career, it turned out, tended more toward biography than biology. His 2015 documentary on animator Richard Williams, "Persistence of Vision," was screened in film festivals from Melbourne, Australia, to Oslo, Norway, to Boston. In 2018, he released "Tangent Realms," which examines contemporary Turkish artist C.M. Kosemen and was named Best Documentary by Cleveland's Indie Gathering International Film Festival. HIs next release, a feature-length documentary on rapper/producer/Ph.D. candidate Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, is seven years in the making, Schreck said. But in between creating all those character studies, the opportunity arose to join Monier in her studies. "I jumped at the chance," Schreck said. Even if it meant going to one of the coldest places on Earth in the dead of winter. "What's significant about this research is there hasn't been research funded by the National Science Foundation or conducted by anyone from the United States about what wildlife is up to in the southern winter around that region in 30 years," Schreck said. "A lot can happen in 30 years. "Most research is done during the local summer time for obvious reasons: It's more comfortable, wildlife is more active, they're breeding, you get a lot more daylight. But if you don't know what the wildlife is up to for half of the year for 30 years, you're missing half the story." In the (southern) winter of 2023, Schreck set sail for four weeks in the South Atlantic to help tell that story as well as the story of the researchers. "Even though I was inspired by nature films, I didn't want to emulate a style that's already there," he said. "I was making a film I wanted to see. Sometimes, these films don't focus on the scientist. Sometimes it's just the data, and they don't focus on the biography. "I knew I wanted to really make it feel like an adventure in an authentic way. I want to make it feel like the audience was there on this unique adventure. Getting to know the people involved is an important element of that." Because space was limited on the research vessel, Schreck was a film crew of one, but that fit in with his process. On most projects, he has had maybe two or three other people along on locations, he said. "Yes, it was a very lean operation, but that's kind of how I roll with these things," he said. "Even though this shoot required the most of me physically and was on such a tight schedule by necessity, it was one of the easiest things I've edited. It was something I've always wanted to make, even though I didn't consciously think about it. "I'm very lucky to be part of a very small club of people who have been able to make a creator-driven, artful film in the Antarctic, get paid to do it and have full creative control over it." "Antarctic Voyage" screens at Images Cinema in Williamstown on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. Director Kevin Schreck will be on hand for a conversation after the film. Admission is "pay what you can." Questions Needed for Dalton Select Board Forum DALTON, Mass. Attention Dalton voters: iBerkshires is asking the public to submit questions for the upcoming Select Board Candidate Forum at the Senior Center on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. During the event, Pittsfield Bureau Chief Brittany Polito will ask Select Board candidates questions curated from voter submissions. Submit a question by emailing our Dalton reporter, Sabrina Damms, at sdamms@iberkshires.com All questions must be submitted by April 22. Please limit questions not highlighted in the candidates' background section of this article. The number of questions will be determined by the 90-minute time limit. In this forum, each candidate will begin with a two-minute opening statement. Following this, Polito will ask questions. For every question, the candidates will each have up to 1 1/2 minutes to answer, followed by 30 seconds each to rebut or follow up. The moderator can allow for further debate on a particular question if needed. At the conclusion of the event, we will allow each candidate up to 90 seconds to deliver a closing statement. The candidates will not be given the topics or questions in advance. We will rotate which candidate is the first to answer each question. The election is at the Senior Center, located at 40 Field St., on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other items on the ballot include voting for a moderator for a one-year term, a member of the Dalton Housing Authority, and a cemetery trustee, two members of the Planning Board, four library trustees, and five Finance Committee members, for three-year terms. Background on Candidates Marc Strout Strout has served on the Select Board for nine years, including a stint as vice chair. In addition, he has been a police officer for 30 years and currently is a patrol captain. "I feel that being on the Select Board for nine years has made me understand that in this position you have to make tough decisions and that the residents elect you to this position to represent them in making these decisions," he said. "Making these decisions and being able to effectively communicate why you made those decisions is key." The town is at a crossroads, which propelled him to run for reelection. There has recently been a lot of negative, and Strout said he refuses "to allow our great town to go down that road." "When I initially ran for Select Board, communication between the town and the residents was poor but my use of social media has improved this," he said. Strout runs a Facebook page: " Marc Strout , Town of Dalton Selectman ," which he and residents use to stay informed about Dalton news, businesses, initiatives, and events. If re-elected, he is committed to addressing residents' concerns and moving the town forward while "continuing to be a good steward of taxpayer money," he said "I also have had recent discussions in regard to trying to open up our downtown and attract new business and restaurants." Robert Collins Collins is the newest member of the Select Board after being elected during the special election in February. He is running for a full three-year term. He highlighted his "sense of commitment to the town" and "strong desire to contribute to making Daltons future as strong as possible." Collins said he has been very active in helping residents, including the people and town staff, and dealing with the complaints of sand from Berkshire Concrete. He serves on the Planning Board, a seat he has held for a year, and is the towns delegate on the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Additionally, he was the president of the Massachusetts Association of Professional Foresters for seven years and was on the Forest Reserve Committee for the secretary of state's forum. Collins highlighted his experience running his business, REWC Land Management Inc., an environmental and landscape construction company, where he has experience in contract negotiations, project planning, budgeting, bidding and procurement ethics, and project planning. His vision for the community includes maintaining accountability and accessibility as a board member, promoting an accessible, responsive, and transparent town government, and achieving improved financial stability through long-range planning, and the proposed Capital Planning Committee. Additionally, he hopes to encourage the enhancement of town infrastructure with the help of a revitalized stormwater commission and will advocate for increased green energy initiatives to assist residents in adapting to climate change. William Drosehn Drosehn was raised in a family involved in local government in Hinsdale. His father was the Department of Public Works superintendent, and his mother was a town assessor. He has always wanted to follow in their footsteps. Residents have encouraged him to run, especially considering the recent financial challenges the town has faced, he said. "I share their concern and feel my Finance Committee experience positions me well to help. Since I believe the town will be well served through better long-range financial planning and then basing annual spending on that plan, these challenges will be my first priority," Drosehn said. He also aims to engage Dalton residents outside Select Board meeting, have the town pay "greater attention" to infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks. Other priorities he highlighted included exploring getting a solar field on the old Dalton landfill so there can be incentive monies available to help people make climate change preparations and beginning the search for opportunities for the town to bring money into the general fund other than taxes. Drosehn has been on the Dalton Finance Committee since 1995, serving as chair for more than seven years, and said you can know everything about the town being on that committee. Additionally, he has served on the Traffic Commission for eight years, the last five as chair. Drosehn highlighted his 28 years of experience as the state Department of Transportation bridge inspector, serving 15 years, running a business, plus other experiences that have gained him negotiation skills. Antonio Pagliarulo Pagliarulo has been volunteering for the town in one capacity or another since 1987, beginning by serving on the Dalton Finance Committee until 1995. Currently, he is involved in the Public Safety Facility Committee and has advocated for changing town bylaws to allow additional dwelling units while promoting green initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations and community composting. Additionally, he served on the committee to repurpose the old Dalton High School building. Pagliarulo highlighted how he has seen the town change over two-plus decades, including hiring the first town manager and overcoming a "major fiscal crisis which resulted in the closure of town offices on Fridays." "I've learned the importance of listening, asking questions, and being informed before acting. Im intent on providing for the safety and well-being of Dalton," he said. "I understand that Dalton must adapt to these changing times, mindful of our communitys culture." Pagliarulo emphasized his background as a special education teacher and his leadership roles, including serving as executive secretary/president of the Central Berkshire Teachers Association (2002-2006) and as Massachusetts Teachers Association regional district director (2006-2010). As a director, he was the first chair of the committee, which eventually crafted and secured passage of the Fair Share Amendment, he said. He also renovated two houses in Dalton after obtaining a state building supervisor license and represented the Central Berkshire Regional School District on the Board of the County Schools Credit Union (1995-2000). 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 Aimee Lou Wood has hit out at her depiction in Saturday Night Lives White Lotus skit as unfunny and mean. During Saturday nights episode (12 April), SNL cast members reimagined the hit HBO series The White Lotus as The White Potus, which saw Donald Trump (played by James Austin Johnson) attempt to unwind at an exotic vacation resort while secretly panicking about the future financial state of America amid to tariff policy chaos, surrounded by Ivanka (Scarlett Johansson) and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (Jon Gries). The storyline parodies that of the most recent season of The White Lotus, which sees Jason Isaacs character Timothy Ratliff consider murdering his entire family when he finds out that hes bankrupt while on holiday at the luxury Thailand resort. The SNL skit also attempted to recreate the dynamic between Rick (Walton Goggins) and his Mancunian younger girlfriend Chelsea (Lou Wood), with RFK Jr (Jonn Hamm) rambling about fluoride in water to his confused girlfriend, played by SNL cast member Sarah Sherman, who darts off to kill and eat a monkey. In the skit, Sherman puts on a bizarre British accent and appears to be wearing exaggerated prosthetic teeth in an attempt to parody Lou Woods appearance. In a post shared on her Instagram Story on Sunday (13 April), Lou Wood has called the skit unfunny and mean. Yes, take the piss for sure thats what the show is about but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way? Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple weeks ago, she added. open image in gallery SNLs Sarah Sherman in the White Potus skit ( NBC ) Lou Wood, who rose to prominence for her performance as Aimee Gibbs in Netflixs award-winning series Sex Education, has been the focal point of a positive conversation surrounding Hollywood beauty standards since she joined The White Lotus. Her natural teeth have been praised as refreshing amid the perfect-looking veneers that dominate the big and small screens. 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 Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus ( HBO ) Speaking to GQ Hype in a recent interview, Lou Wood said that she was happy about the conversation, but she felt as though she wasnt getting to talk about her work. It makes me really happy that its symbolising rebellion and freedom, but theres a limit, she said. The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I'm not getting to talk about my work. They think its nice because theyre not criticising. And, I have to go there I dont know if it was a man, would we be talking about it this much? Its still going on about a womans appearance. The SNL sketch has been subject to mixed reactions from viewers, with one person sharing a picture of Sherman in the scene on X/Twitter, writing: The White Potus SNL sketch was so bad and I think this was the final nail in the coffin for me. However, others have praised it for its impressive cameos and for being one of the funniest SNL sketches in recent years. 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 Saturday Night Lives Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost kicked off the latest episode with a segment mocking Donald Trumps U-turn on tariff policies. Jost quipped that Trump had spent the past week trying to rescue the economy from the disastrous policies of whoever was president last week. They played a supercut of Trump discussing tariffs endlessly, with Jost saying hearing the president discuss the taxation was like listening to Bubba Gump talk about shrimp. The skit was based on Trumps partial pullback of his recent blanket tariffs policy, which has so far seen a 25 per cent tax imposed on imported vehicles that went into effect on 3 April. Trump unveiled a raft of new tariffs after he repeatedly threatened reciprocal dollar-for-dollar tariffs on nations that levy duties on the US on a day he billed as Liberation Day. When markets began to nosedive, Trump announced on Truth Social on Wednesday (9 April) that there would be a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs while hiking other duties on China to 125 per cent. Co-host Michael Che parodied Trumps reaction to the tariffs fallout, in which he said Sometimes you have to take medicine, to which Che said: Yeah, but this feels like we took a whole bottle of medicine with a glass of vodka and laid in a warm bath. Che also drew reaction from the crowd when he said: It was reported that Elon Musk personally appealed to President Trump to stop his tariff plan, and it worked! The stock market went up like this, he said, as a picture of Musk doing a Nazi salute onstage at Trumps inauguration in January appeared on screen. open image in gallery Colin Jost mocked Trumps tariffs U-turn ( NBC ) Last nights episode also featured an Easter-themed scene, only for Donald Trump (played by James Austin Johnson) to jump in and compare himself to Jesus. 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. Johnson appeared onstage in character as Trump, wearing a royal blue suit and red tie, saying: You know, many people are even calling me the Messiah because of the mess I, ah, made out of the economy. open image in gallery Michael Che appearing in the Weekend Update ( NBC ) Or because of my beautiful tariffs so beautiful they were working so well that I had to stop them, he continued. The sketch opened with Mikey Day as Jesus, recreating the scene from the Bible in which Jesus visits the temple in Jerusalem and expels the merchants and the money changers for their actions. James Austin Johnson then entered as Trump, saying: Remind you of anyone? I also got rid of money last week, but instead of one temple, I did a whole country. The skit marked the second consecutive week that SNL has mocked Trump, as Johnson appeared in last weeks episode to satirise the presidents rollout of the new policy. open image in gallery James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump on SNL ( NBC ) We had to stop, Johnsons Trump said. But now everything is back exactly how it was, minus a few trillion dollars and an historic transfer of wealth from the middle class to my buddies. The skit also took aim at Trumps varying embrace of religion, with Johnson saying: Today is the first day of Passover for our Jewish friends, and we call it Passover because its when we pass right over the little kosher section in the grocery store. We go straight to that Easter candy. Fish in a jar? No thanks, I want a Peep. He added: We love Easter. We love bunny. We love hunting for eggs just like everyones doing in the grocery store right now, because they cost a billion, trillion dollars. But I thought that was what the whole campaign was about, but I just cant crack it. Egg joke, here we go. We are looking forward to Easter Mass, definitely, he went on. Easter Mass is always packed, right? You know, its sad. Some people only go to church on Christmas and Easter. Not me. I dont go on those days either. 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 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday, adding to the region's recent seismic woes. This latest tremor comes as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the same central region on March 28. The epicentre of Sunday's quake was located approximately halfway between Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, and the capital, Naypyitaw. Both cities experienced significant damage in last month's earthquake, with Mandalay bearing the brunt of casualties and destruction, and Naypyitaw suffering damage to several government buildings. This new earthquake further complicates ongoing relief and recovery efforts in the region. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties caused by the new quake, one of the strongest of hundreds of aftershocks from the March 28 event. As of Friday, the death toll from that quake was 3,649, with 5,018 injured, according to Major General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for Myanmar's military government. A map of Meiktila: Myanmar's Meteorological Department said Sunday's quake occurred in the area of Wundwin township, 60 miles south of Mandalay, at a depth of 12 miles. The US Geological Survey estimated the depth at 4.8 miles. Two Wundwin residents told Associated Press by phone the quake was so strong people rushed out of buildings and that ceilings in some dwellings were damaged. A resident of Naypyitaw also reached by phone said he did not feel the latest quake. open image in gallery People clean debris from damaged buildings in the aftermath of an earthquake on March 28, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Those contacted asked not to be named for fear of angering the military government, which prefers to closely control information. The United Nations last week warned damage caused by the March 28 quake will worsen the existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where a civil war had already displaced more than three million people. It said the quake severely disrupted agricultural production and that a health emergency loomed because many medical facilities in the quake zone were damaged or destroyed. Sunday's quake occurred on the morning of the first day of the country's three-day Thingyan holiday, which celebrates the traditional new year. Public festivities for the holiday had already been canceled. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has repeatedly endorsed the idea of sending U.S. citizens to prisons in El Salvador, following a proposal from Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele, who is jailing dozens of deported Venezuelan immigrants in a notorious prison. But the presidents desire is plainly illegal. There is no constitutional or statutory authority to exile citizens in foreign prisons, and banishing citizens from the country and incarcerating them abroad amounts to an unconstitutional assault on human rights, according to immigration law experts and constitutional scholars. Trump and administration officials have not offered up any specific plans, or clarified whether he is only referring to naturalized citizens who were not born in the United States. But Trumps suggestion that citizens can be imprisoned in foreign jails shows how absolutely critical it is for the courts to put an immediate stop to this extrajudicial imprisonment by foreign proxy, according to David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute. U.S. citizens may not be deported to imprisonment abroad, he told NBC News. There is no authority for that in any U.S. law. Bukele has already agreed to jail dozens of immigrants summarily removed from the United States inside a notorious prison complex that human rights groups have labeled a tropical gulag following reports of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention for inmates in densely packed cells. Inmates there face the prospect of indefinite detention. The State Department arranged a $6 million deal with Bukele the self-described worlds coolest dictator to jail hundreds of immigrants removed from the United States inside the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, despite U.S. law barring financial support in the form of units of foreign security forces that face credible accusations of human rights abuses. Inside the Oval Office alongside Bukele on April 14, Trump said homegrowns should be next. open image in gallery Salvadoran prison guards walk alleged gang members in handcuffs through El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center after they were deported from the United States on April 12 ( via REUTERS ) The homegrowns. You gotta build about five more places, he said. Its not big enough. I just asked the president its this massive complex that he built, jail complex I said, 'Can you build some more of them please? As many as we can get out of our country, Trump told reporters. Pressed on whether that means incarcerating American citizens in El Salvador, Trump said Im all for it. Trump said he spoke with Attorney General Pam Bondi to determine how to legally deport and incarcerate American citizens out of the country. Id like to go a step further. I said to Pam I dont know what the laws are, we always have to obey the laws but we also have homegrown criminals that push people into subways, that hit elderly ladies on the back of the head with a baseball bat when theyre not looking, that are absolute monsters, Trump told reporters. Id like to include them in the group of people to get them out of the country. But youll have to be looking at the laws. But the law is already clear, according to legal experts. It is pretty obviously illegal and unconstitutional, according to Ilya Somin, a professor at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School. Its constitutionally very problematic, if not illegal, University of Virginia immigration law professor Amanda Frost told TIME. It's a baseline right of citizenship that you can remain in the country. Its also illegal to expatriate U.S. citizens for a crime, according to Lauren-Brooke Eisen, senior director of the justice program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. In fact, U.S. citizens can only be stripped of citizenship if they knowingly perform acts resulting in a voluntary relinquishment of citizenship such as a formal renunciation of nationality in the United States during a time of war or leaving or remaining outside the United States during a time of war or national emergency to avoid military service, according to Eisen. open image in gallery During a White House meeting with El Salvadors president Nayib Bukele on April 14, Trump said he is all for jailing American citizens in that countrys prisons ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump administration officials have been publicly mulling whether to send Americans to El Salvadors prisons since at least February. There are obviously legalities involved. We have a Constitution, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the time. But its a very generous offer. No ones ever made an offer like that and to outsource, at a fraction of the cost, at least some of the most dangerous and violent criminals that we have in the United States But obviously, the administration will have to make a decision. Bukele is undoubtedly trolling, but to emphasize again: this is so incredibly illegal that there's not even a hint of a possible way to do it under any circumstances whatsoever, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council think tank, wrote at the time. It violates international law and the U.S. constitution. Period. End of story. Trump later said he would be fine and very happy with sending incarcerated Americans to El Salvadors jails, which Elon Musk also called a great idea. On April 6, Trump told reporters he loves the idea of jailing American wise guys in El Salvador. "I love that," Trump said. "If we could take some of our 20-time wiseguys that push people into subways and hit people over the back of the head and then purposely run people over in cars if he would take them, I would be honored to give them. Courts have affirmed constitutional protections ensuring Americans cannot be stripped of their citizenship for criminal convictions, meaning incarcerated citizens cannot be kicked out of the country, whether or not theyre imprisoned. I know of nothing that would give the president the authority to force U.S. citizens serving federal prison sentences to serve their time in a different country's prisons, law professor M. Isabel Medina with Loyola University New Orleans College of Law told The Independent earlier this year. There is also nothing in federal law that would give the Bureau of Prisons discretion to send citizens outside of the federal corrections system. Thus, anyone enmeshed in the federal criminal justice system certainly including the very very bad people Trump says he would like to send to prison in El Salvador must be housed (and cared for) by the Bureau of Prisons, according to Cornell Law School professor Michael C. Dorf. To be sure, the statute nowhere says that the federal Bureau of Prisons must operate all of its facilities in the United States, but crucially, it must operate, manage, and regulate all prisons or other facilities that house U.S. prisoners, Dorf writes. It might, in theory, be possible for the Bureau of Prisons to operate a prison on foreign soil, but if so, it would have to be a U.S. prison operating under U.S. standards. Shipping U.S. prisoners to a prison operated by a foreign sovereign as Trump proposes to do would be plainly unlawful. Even if Congress tried to rewrite federal law to hand citizens to a foreign government, constitutional safeguards would still apply, according to Dorf. Other than the lack of statutory authority, another complication would be application of the Eighth Amendment, procedural due process, First Amendment and other constitutional protections that federal prisoners are entitled to while serving their sentences, Medina told The Independent. Because the constitutional authority to create federal crimes lies with Congress, not the executive, and because U.S. citizens may not be deported, even if imprisoned, it would appear to be illegal for the president to do this particularly without any statutory authority, she said. Its also a scenario that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned about in a dissent to the courts divided ruling that partially blocked the Trump administration from summarily deporting alleged Venezuelan members of Tren de Aragua under the Alien Enemies Act without a court hearing. The implication of the Governments position is that not only noncitizens but also United States citizens could be taken off the streets, forced onto planes, and confined to foreign prisons with no opportunity for redress, she wrote. History is no stranger to such lawless regimes, but this Nations system of laws is designed to prevent, not enable, their rise. This story was first published on February 2 and has been updated with developments 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 An unprecedented number of early suspected sightings of Asian hornets has raised fears of a surge in the UK population of the invasive species. Experts are warning of the potential impact on key native pollinators, with the hornets which are capable of killing 50 honey bees a day having already devastated colonies and severely reduced honey production in parts of France and Italy. The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is believed to have first arrived in France in a cargo of pottery from China in 2004, spreading rapidly across Europe to the extent that the species has now been sighted in 15 countries. open image in gallery An Asian or yellow-legged hornet in flight ( Alamy/PA ) It was first spotted in the UK in 2016, but experts warned last year that the invasive hornets had successfully overwintered in the UK for the first time. Now, with a warm start to the spring season, experts in Jersey have reported an unprecedented number of early sightings of Vespa velutina, whose sting causes an allergic reaction that can lead to fatal anaphylactic shock in extremely rare cases. The first queens were more than two weeks early this year, John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, told The Guardian, adding: Were obviously concerned. According to the group, there were 262 reported sightings of queen Asian hornets as of 11 April marking an increase of more than 1,000 per cent compared with the same date last year. The number had risen quickly from 147 reports of queen hornets on 6 April, and just 33 a week earlier, Mr De Carteret said. When we reach 266 queens, we will equal the total from 2024 and that figure wasnt reached until 25 June, he added. open image in gallery The Asian hornet is a species indigenous to southeast Asia ( Getty ) Ian Campbell, of the British Beekeepers Association, told the newspaper it would be a surprise if numbers were not above the 2024 level as he warned of their alarming ability to proliferate, saying: In some countries, like Spain and Belgium, weve seen numbers increase from a handful of nests to 10,000 nests in four years. According to Mr Campbell, a typical nest of between 2,000 and 3,000 hornets can eat more than 11kg of insects per season equating to the weight of around 90,000 bees. Research published in November 2023 suggested that in France the worst-hit country in Europe between 2.6 and 29.2 per cent of the countrys bee colonies are at risk of being wiped out every year by Asian hornets, in a blow to the economy of up to 30m (26m). While just two hornets have officially been sighted so far in the UK in 2025 in Shropshire and Kent, according to the governments Animal and Plant Health Agencys database the number of confirmed sightings is typically far greater than the number of insects ultimately confirmed and eradicated. Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Exeter carried out genetic analysis to identify prey species in the guts of more than 1,500 hornet larvae from 103 nests in Jersey, France, Spain, and the UK and found that the hornets feast on hundreds of different insect species that are already under pressure from farming, land use changes, and chemical pollution. open image in gallery An Asian hornet taking nectar from an ivy flower head ( Alamy/PA ) The study drew attention to the potential impact on agriculture, noting that 43 of the 50 most commonly identified species eaten by the hornet larvae are known to visit flowers. These included Europes three main crop pollinators the honey bee, the buff-tailed bumble bee, and the red-tailed bumble bee. Warning that their findings showed that the hornets are highly flexible predators, the studys lead author Siffreya Pedersen said: Insects play vital roles in enabling ecosystems to function including pollination, decomposition and pest control. Most insect populations are in decline due to factors such as habitat destruction and chemical pollution. The expanding area inhabited by Asian hornets poses an extra threat. 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 The family of an 11-year-old girl who went missing in the Thames last month have been informed that a body has been found in the river. Kaliyah Coa, who had been playing with another young girl and boy during a school inset day, slipped into the water on 31 March before a life ring could be thrown to her, nearby residents said. She entered the Thames near Barge House Causeway, close to London City Airport in east London, and was not found despite a huge search by emergency services. The Metropolitan Police has now said her family was told that a body was found in the river on Sunday morning. Officers were alerted to a body in the River Thames in Maritime Quay in east London on Sunday at 9.03am. A police spokesperson said: The body is yet to be formally identified. However, the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of this development and are being supported by specialist officers. Kaliyahs family asked that their privacy be respected at this time, the force added. open image in gallery Kaliyah Coa entered the River Thames at Barge House Causeway in east London last month ( PA Wire ) At the time of her disappearance, emergency services launched a large-scale response, but the search was later scaled down, with the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the RNLI saying crews had been stood down. Kerry Benadjaoud said a male neighbour told her he had called the police. She said: But he said at the time he could see her [the girls] hands going down. So, by the time I got down there with the ring, I couldnt find her. The lifelong area resident said she discovered shoes, a sock, a coat and a phone near the river and handed the items to the police. Apparently she was paddling, so her socks and shoes were off, her coat, then she must have slipped and gone down, she added. 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 Three brothers aiming to become the fastest people to row across the Pacific Ocean have departed on a 9,000-mile adventure, and their luggage includes haggis, neeps and tatties. Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean departed Lima, Peru, on a 14,000km, non-stop and unsupported row across the Pacific, expecting to arrive in Sydney, Australia, on August 2. Their boat was cheered on by hundreds of supporters and the Peruvian Navy brass band, while middle sibling Jamie played the bagpipes. The siblings from Edinburgh became the fastest and youngest trio to row the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, raising more than 200,000 for charity, and this expedition is considered one of the most remote and physically demanding open-water rows ever attempted. Custom-built carbon fibre vessel Rose Emily was launched from Yacht Club Peruano on Saturday evening with the brothers rowing in two-hour shifts, with no resupplies or safety boat on the 280kg boat, to raise 1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. The departure was delayed more than a month by customs issues holding their boat and 500kg of food in port, including 75kg of oats and a menu of high-calorie comfort meals, for around 120 days at sea. The Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row aims to raise more than 1 million for The Maclean Foundation the clean water charity the brothers founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE. The siblings prepared for the expedition by moving to a croft in Nedd in the Highlands to train on the Minch, a strait which separates the mainland from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Lachlan Maclean, 26, said: I cant believe the buzz of leaving that atmosphere. Ive never heard bagpipes alongside a brass band before, but I think it could catch on. Weve been like coiled springs this past month. Being stuck with our boat and food held in customs could have been incredibly stressful but the team at Yacht Club Peruano gave us a place to sleep, store our gear and stay sane. Now were just excited to be on the water. Its definitely daunting, but weve prepared so long that were desperate to get going. In many ways were a bit weird Im probably happier on the water. Ive never been good at replying to emails, and now I have the best excuse in the world. The brothers packed a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, to celebrate Lachlans birthday in June. Ewan Maclean, 33, a former Dyson engineer, said: We usually forget things when were going away for the weekend, so preparing for 120 days at sea has not been without its challenges. But here we are, and were so happy to be on the water. During our last row, we started thinking about how we could spend more time at sea and help more people, and this challenge was born. The more we looked into rowing the Pacific, the more we realised why so few attempt it you have to bring an awful lot of food to sustain yourselves for that period of time, which gets pretty heavy. And its an awful long time. But if we want to raise 1 million we had to go for something big. During our visits to Madagascar, weve seen what access to clean water can do it helps kids get an education, helps entire communities thrive. Thats what drives us. Their attempt is dedicated to their unborn sister, Rose Emily, and their mother Sheila hand-painted the name on the boat. Jamie Maclean, 31, added: We know this will be hard for mum and dad, having all three of us isolated at sea. But theyve been incredibly supportive. Theyve worked just as hard as we have to prepare and we cant wait to see them when we row into Sydney Harbour. The brothers trained for the voyage with elite sport performance consultant Chloe Lanthier, a performance physiologist for Nasa and professional athletes including Rafael Nadal and Paris Saint-Germain. Their route from Lima to Sydney spans roughly 9,000 miles, depending on conditions and the brothers aim to arrive before the British and Irish Lions third test in Sydney on August 2. 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 When Lesley Manville was working as an actor in the 1980s, there was ample opportunity for her to work on stage and plenty of choices of shows for audiences to watch. But slowly, over the decades, she has sadly watched theatre after theatre close. Theatre owners across the country have told The Independent that they worry every day about underfunding putting their theatres at risk. As they struggle to keep their venues afloat, regional theatre might be facing its final act. Ms Manville called for better funding for theatres around the UK as she accepted her Best Actress gong at the Olivier Awards for her role in Oedipus at the Wyndham Theatre, London. There is not enough money thrown into regional theatre, she said as she picked up the award. She later told the BBCs Today programme: Its tragic because those theatres serve their communities. Sometimes, travelling to go see a play, or a ballet, or an opera, might be prohibitive. And certainly from a performance point of view, there's less opportunity to work. When I was younger, you went anywhere to do a play. It's going to be a diminishing discipline because there's not always the amount of stage work available for them to go and do. The arts has to, for our sanity, continue to be funded. open image in gallery Two-time Olivier winner Lesley Manville emphasised the importance of regional theatres ( Getty ) The two-time Olivier winner isnt the only actor concerned about the demise of regional theatres. Shereener Browne, soon to appear at Chichester Festival Theatre in The Government Inspector, said regional theatres are vital to the ecosystem of the arts. If we do not fund them properly and allow them to flourish, then actors emerging, and more established actors too, do not get the opportunity to flourish to take risks with their arts and their creativity, which then is fed up the ecosystem to the larger theatres and the West End, she told The Independent. I think the risk is that we will have a reduced number of creatives to feed the West End machine, which is huge. But more importantly and potentially disastrously, we will lose the stories. We will lose those people who tell the stories that connect what's going on onstage to the audience. I mean, it's all very well and good for us to have Mamma Mia, but really what people want to see are stories that resonate with them and are relatable. And those will reduce massively in numbers if we do not fund the writers, producers, directors, and actors to make and create in these smaller spaces. It's all connected. A survey by the Society of London Theatre (Solt) and UK Theatre in 2024 warned that without urgent investment, nearly 40 per cent of UK theatre buildings are at risk of closure. Meanwhile, there are 43 theatres currently at risk of closing in 2025 an increase of five from the year before, according to the Theatres Trust. open image in gallery Actor Shereener Browne warned that we will lose the stories ( Marcus and McCrimmon ) Kathy Bourne, executive director of Chichester Festival Theatre, said: I worry about it every day. Underfunding has meant her theatre has had to be far more selective when it comes to taking on new work, she said, asking: How much risk can we take with new work? [Regional theatres are] brilliant organisations to deliver new work because we are here to support the development of it. Ms Bournes biggest fear is that if funding is cut, Chichester Festival Theatre will have to cut its learning, education and participation work. It currently runs the largest youth theatre in the country for more than 900 children. Theyre the audiences of tomorrow, she said. If we lose them, were nowhere. The theatre is being forced to fundraise and campaign to continue bursary funding for 23 per cent of the children in its youth theatre who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be a part of that group. The UK ranked among the lowest in Europe for government spending on culture in 2024, according to the Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick. It was one of the few nations to cut per capita funding between 2010 and 2022. Solt and UK Theatre reported in February that if theatres could access the investment they need, 54 per cent could provide more jobs for their local communities and 62 per cent would increase or improve their outreach for work. open image in gallery Chris Stafford said the Curve Theatre in Leicester would need an urgent 5m in the theatre's infrastructure in five years ( Ellie Kurtzz/Curve ) Stephanie Sirr, president of UK Theatre and chief executive of Nottingham Playhouse, said current underfunding could lead to an existential situation. I think the theatre sector is so inventive and creative and able to do more with less, that people have forgotten that there will be a bottom point where nothing can be done, she added. It's risking an awful lot for a tiny proportion of public spending, and that's my worry. Its a lot of benefit for a tiny investment, and what you would lose if you lost it [theatres] is absolutely extraordinary. Chris Stafford, chief executive of the Curve Theatre in Leicester, has said the standstill in public funding has meant theatres are unable to build reserves to invest in their theatre. For the Curve Theatre, he warned: There's only so long that we can carry on without a real urgent injection of cash that will be required, and I look over the next five years, we need at least 5m to put into this building. I look at our theatre, it is a community hub. It's a hub for many people who live, work, and learn on our doorstep, and it's my responsibility to make sure that I keep this theatre standing as tall and strong as it can. Solt and UK Theatre have called for the government to invest 500m over four years in theatre buildings and venues to address urgent repairs and prevent closures. They said it would unlock at least another 500m in additional private investment, delivering value for money and creating jobs. Mr Stafford said: I really do believe it's real investment because the public purse is getting bang for its buck in terms of the economic impact of what we do. A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: "We're under no illusions about the financial issues facing the culture sector and are committed to supporting them during this difficult time. "More than 150m of lottery and taxpayer money went to theatres last year alone and we are ensuring that theatres are able to thrive across the country through our recently announced 85m Creative Foundations Fund, which is part of the 270m Arts Everywhere Fund, and will support urgent capital works at theatres and venues across England." 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 Residents of a Nottinghamshire town have been left shocked after a house was blown apart in a gas explosion. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said its emergency crews are responding after receiving the first report about the incident on John Street, Worksop at 7.39pm on Saturday. Images circulated on social media appear to show a terraced house almost completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the street. Residents in the area took to social media to report hearing a large bang on Saturday evening. A number of neighbours on social media described feeling like their own homes were shaking, with one person saying I thought someone had drove into my front room. The public has been asked to avoid the area. The fire service said it has a number of appliances at an incident on John Street, Worksop. This is a gas explosion. Nottinghamshire Police posted on X: We are currently at the scene of an emergency incident in John Street, Worksop. Please avoid the area until further notice. Further updates to follow. 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 business secretary has refused to guarantee that the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe will get enough raw materials in time to keep its crucial blast furnaces running. Jonathan Reynolds also said he would not sell the business to another Chinese owner as he indicated there is now a high trust bar for Chinese companies to meet before they will be allowed to invest in sensitive UK industries. On Saturday the government pushed through emergency legislation to take control of British Steel, with Mr Reynolds warning MPs that once blast furnaces run out of raw materials, they can never be turned back on. British Steel needs to secure raw materials for its blast furnaces to prevent its Scunthorpe facility from shutting down irrevocably ( PA Archive ) A day later he said he would not make my situation or the nations situation more difficult by commenting on specific commercial details. He told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: If we hadnt acted, the blast furnaces were gone; steel production in the UK, primary steel producing, would have gone. So weve given ourselves the opportunity; we are in control of the site. My officials are on site right now to give us a chance to do that. He also revealed that ministers had decided to act when it emerged that the companys Chinese owner, Jingye, was not only halting the purchase of new raw materials but had begun to sell off supplies it already had. But Mr Reynolds declined to accuse the company of deliberately sabotaging the business at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), saying he was not accusing the Chinese state of being directly behind this. However, he did accept that there was now a high trust bar that would have to be surmounted before Chinese investment in sensitive areas like steel production would be allowed. For his part, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was 100 per cent certain that the CCP had ordered Jingye to buy British Steel in order to close the business, but he provided no evidence, citing only intuition. Mr Reynolds also conceded that the government expects to lose money on British Steel, which is losing around 233m a year. But he added that the collapse of the business would have cost easily over 1bn. On Saturday, Mr Reynolds accused Jingye of planning to irrevocably and unilaterally shut the furnaces down by starving them of raw materials as it emerged that police had been called after reports that the companys executives had been blocked from entering the premises. Later, in a surprise move, the prime minister met with steelworkers near Scunthorpe to discuss the plans. He told them: You are the people who have kept this going. You and your colleagues, for years, have been the backbone of British Steel, and its really important that we recognise that. Although the new law stops short of nationalisation, the government conceded it is likely that British Steel will have to be taken into public ownership, after Sir Keir Starmer warned that the UKs economic and national security was on the line. 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 Conservatives have called on the government to get a grip after the terrorist brother of the Manchester Arena bomber attacked three prison officers. Minister have ordered a review of the incident, which took place at a high-security prison, as they pledged to do whatever it takes to keep staff safe. Hashem Abedi, who is serving at least 55 years for helping his brother carry out the atrocity at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, threw hot cooking oil over three prison guards at HMP Frankland on Saturday, according to the Prison Officers Association (POA). He then produced home made weapons and stabbed the officers, who suffered injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds, the union said. Hashem Abedi assisted his brother in carrying out the Manchester Arena bombing (GMP/PA) ( PA Media ) Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said ministers had to get a grip. He said: Why was one of the most dangerous prisoners in the country allowed access to materials which could be used to attack prison officers? We need a full independent investigation into the catastrophic security failure at HMP Frankland. We need to know the truth and the Ministry of Justice needs to get a grip. He added that he had warned of what he claimed were Islamist extremists ruling the roost in prison wings across the country. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the attack as sickening and said ministers must urgently look at increasing the level of control exerted over terrorists held in our prisons. Ian Acheson, a former prison governor, also called for an independent investigation, warning there has to be an independent review of what happened at HMP Frankland. And it needs to be made public. The attack was "unprovoked" and "vicious", the POA said. Two of the officers are in a stable condition in hospital, the union said on Sunday morning. One female officer was discharged on Saturday afternoon. Counter terrorism police are leading an investigation into the serious assault". Abedi was convicted of assisting his suicide bomber brother Salman Abedi to kill 22 people by detonating a homemade rucksack-bomb in a crowd at the concert. POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst told the BBC the attack was carried out in a separation centre where inmates are allowed to use facilities to cook. He added: "To allow that type of prisoner to access the kitchen and use the utensils that can be used as weapons against staff, and can inflict serious harm on staff, that needs to be removed immediately. We're now worried about the knock-on effect of this and copycat incidents. A 2022 inspection found nine men in total were housed in separation centres, then operating in Frankland and HMP Woodhill, Buckinghamshire. Abedi avoided a whole-life order because he was under 21 at the time he orchestrated the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on social media site X on Saturday: "I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. "The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. "Violence against our staff will never be tolerated." A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the two prison officers still in hospital as they recover. "There will be a full review into how this attack was able to happen, alongside the separate police inquiry. "The Government will do whatever it takes to keep our hardworking staff safe. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nigel Farage has claimed Elon Musk was "just trying to encourage" him when he called for him to be sacked as the leader of Reform UK. The former Ukip leader had a spectacular falling out with the billionaire adviser to Donald Trump earlier this year. At its height, just hours after Mr Farage claimed his friendship with the Tesla founder made his party cool, Mr Musk called for him to be replaced at the top of Reform. The Reform leader had a spectacular falling out with the billionaire adviser to Donald Trump earlier this year. ( Getty ) The row erupted over Mr Musk's support for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Mr Farage has consistently opposed allowing Robinson to join his political parties, describing him as "thuggish". At the time there had been speculation that Mr Musk could donate $100m to Reform, in what would have been the largest political donation in British history. But after the two men fell out Mr Musk backed the now-independent MP Rupert Lowe, suggesting he could take over Reform. Asked about the row on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Farage said he had since met Mr Musk and discussed the row. "We talked about it," he said, adding: "He was just trying to encourage me in a few policy areas, ones I wasn't prepared to go down." He was also probed over his claim that his association with Mr Musk made the party look cool, just hours before the entrepreneur suggested Mr Farage should be replaced. He said Mr Musk would say what he wants to say at any moment in time. But, he added, as far as young people are concerned in Britain, we are certainly cooler than the other parties. Before their row, Mr Farage said of the US Presidents first buddy: The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on, and frankly thats only just starting. Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. And I think were beginning to get into that zone we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real Elon helps us with that mission enormously. 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 arrest warrant for the Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has been issued in Bangladesh in connection with new corruption allegations. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh issued the arrest warrant on Sunday over allegations Ms Siddiq illegally received a 7,200 square feet plot of land in the country's capital, Dhaka. Ms Siddiq, a former City minister, is among dozens of people named by a judge, including her mother Sheikh Rehana, her aunt and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the Financial Times reported. Siddiq had been summoned to appear for a hearing on Sunday, following an earlier notice issued on 10 April. After she failed to attend, the court issued arrest warrants. There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Bangladesh. The allegation is said to be separate from an investigation into Ms Siddiqs aunt, the former PM, regarding a nuclear power plant deal in which the former City minister has also been named. Ms Siddiq resigned from her post in the Treasury earlier this year following an investigation by the prime ministers ethics adviser into her links to her aunts regime, which was overthrown last year following mass protests in Bangladesh. In a statement, Ms Siddiq's lawyers said the MP for Hampstead and Highgate had no knowledge of any warrant being issued, and described the claims against her as "politically motivated". open image in gallery Siddiq's lawyers say the MP has no knowledge of any warrant being issued ( Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA ) Ms Siddiqs lawyers said: The ACC has made various allegations against Ms Siddiq through the media in the last few months. The allegations are completely false and have been dealt with in writing by Ms Siddiqs lawyers. The ACC has not responded to Ms Siddiq or put any allegations to her directly or through her lawyers. Ms Siddiq knows nothing about a hearing in Dhaka relating to her and she has no knowledge of any arrest warrant that is said to have been issued. To be clear, there is no basis at all for any charges to be made against her, and there is absolutely no truth in any allegation that she received a plot of land in Dhaka through illegal means. She has never had a plot of land in Bangladesh, and she has never influenced any allocation of plots of land to her family members or anyone else. No evidence has been provided by the ACC to support this or any other allegation made against Ms Siddiq, and it is clear to us that the charges are politically motivated. open image in gallery Former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina fled into exile after being deposed last year ( PA Archive ) Ms Siddiq chose to resign from her role as a minister in Sir Keir Starmers cabinet in January, saying she had become a distraction from the governments agenda. She stepped down following reports that she lived in properties in London linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who is now exiled in India. Although it was concluded that she had not breached the ministerial code, Sir Keir was advised to reconsider Ms Siddiqs responsibilities. The prime ministers adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, said: Given the nature of Ms Siddiqs ministerial responsibilities, which include the promotion of the UK financial services sector and the inherent probity of its regulatory framework as a core component of the UK economy and its growth, it is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks both to her and the government arising from her close familys association with Bangladesh. A Conservative Party spokesperson said Ms Siddiq should immediately stand down as a Labour MP if she is the subject of an arrest warrant in Bangladesh. The ACC 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 Savage cuts to UK foreign aid will leave 55.5 million of the worlds poorest people without access to basic resources, The Independent can reveal. Analysis by Save the Children, shared exclusively with this publication, lays bare the true impact of repeated cuts to the budget, the latest of which will see spending fall to just 0.3 per cent of gross national income (GNI) the lowest level in 25 years. Women and girls will suffer the most as the government is likely forced to scale back programmes across global education, family planning, water and food aid. British aid for maternal healthcare has been essential in countries like Nigeria, where projects supported the fight against pregnancy-related deaths ( Lindsay Mgbor/DFID ) This could leave 12 million people without access to clean water or sanitation and result in 2.9 million fewer children in education, compared to 2019 when aid spending was at its peak at 0.7 per cent. Save the Children warned the loss of funding would devastate lives across the world, while MPs from across the political divide condemned the government for abandoning the worlds poorest people. Labour MP Sarah Champion, the chair of the Commons international development select committee, told The Independent: The cuts made to UK aid over recent years are nothing short of savage. The prime minister told me at the liaison committee that his recent decision to slash the aid budget even further wasnt a choice he wanted to make. But is he fully aware of the true cost of that decision? The latest cuts announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves to pay for a boost in defence spending will reduce the foreign aid spend to just 9.22bn by 2027, a substantial drop from 15.3bn in 2023. But the scale of the cuts is worsened by the fact that the UKs asylum-seeker housing costs continue to come out of the same budget. The latest cuts come despite a Labour manifesto pledge to return spending to 0.7 per cent after pressure on public finances during the Covid pandemic saw it reduced to 0.5 per cent, in what the Tory government of the time said was a temporary measure. Ms Reevess announcement prompted outrage among Labour MPs and saw international development minister Anneliese Dodds quit, saying it would be impossible to maintain [key] priorities given the depth of the cut. When Labour unveiled the plans, Sir Keir Starmer promised support for Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan would be protected. However, the cost of keeping that pledge is around 6.98bn of the total 9.2bn budget. This includes, among others, 520m in aid and development spending for the three countries if current levels are maintained; at least 1.1bn for global health initiatives; and 1.6bn for climate change and environmental protection projects. That figure also includes areas that are highly unlikely to be cut, such as legally binding multilateral funding (365m), Gift Aid (165m), and the UK Integrated Security Fund (406m) which tackles high-priority national security threats overseas. Meanwhile, the cost of housing asylum seekers in the UK, which also comes out of the foreign aid budget, is forecast to sit around 3bn in 2027, according to the Center for Global Development. That is a third of the total budget, so on top of the 6.98bn to keep Sir Keirs Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza commitments, the government will be left with a black hole of at least 750m. That leaves no room for the 1.1bn across other projects meaning tens of millions of people will lose out. Breaking promises is baked into slashing the aid budget, said Dan Paskins, director of policy at Save the Children. But even the pledges Keir Starmer made in the same breath as announcing these cuts are at best back-of-the-envelope and at worst, disingenuous. These cuts cannot be made without delivering a hammer blow to his stated global priorities. The charitys analysis found that 32.8 million women and girls could miss out on family planning support, due to a reduction in sexual health and other programmes, which will have major implications for maternal health, population growth, and even the spread of HIV. The Womens Integrated Sexual Health programme (Wish) is one such project at risk. The programme, which is currently budgeted to receive 49m in 2027, aims to reduce maternal deaths and prevent the use and access to unsafe abortion, including for marginalised and young women. When approached for comment, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) did not dispute the estimates, saying that the specific cuts have not yet been decided ahead of the governments June spending review. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensuring all ODA [official development assistance] delivers value for money, an FCDO spokesperson told The Independent. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing spending review process, based on various factors including impact assessments. However, unless the government significantly slashes the projected cost of asylum-seeker housing, it is difficult to see how it can keep its promises. Home secretary Yvette Cooper is taking measures to reduce the asylum backlog and tackle the cost of hotels but it is unclear how quickly costs will drop, with figures at 4.3bn in 2023; it is unlikely that they will get significantly lower than 3bn by 2027. Based on Save the Childrens analysis, the aid budget will only have around 2.25bn for housing refugees in 2027, or 1.1bn if other budgeted funding for projects such as education is kept. Steep asylum costs leave little room for aid Charities and development organisations have argued that home-based asylum seeker costs should not be taken from the shrinking aid budget. We should not fund our response to one crisis at the expense of others, said Mr Paskins. The UK is absolutely right to be supporting refugees here in the UK, but those costs do not belong in the aid budget. Foreign secretary David Lammy previously argued that the costs should not be taken out of the aid budget, calling it the definition of the ill use of taxpayers money. Ms Champion called for clarity on where the cuts will land. She said: We urgently need more detail on how these cuts will fall. Which programmes will be cut, which will be protected, and who is ultimately holding the reins? Without answers, I remain alarmed that we are retreating from our once influential position without a backup plan. Former international development secretary Sir Andrew Mitchell said: Sadly it is clear that these terrible cuts will diminish Britains reputation and influence in important parts of the world which matter to our country. But it will also mean that desperate people go hungry, dangerous diseases wont secure vaccinations and the causes of illegal immigration into the UK will not be addressed. Liberal Democrat international development spokesperson Monica Harding said the cuts represented a staggering withdrawal of the UKs global responsibilities. Millions more of the worlds poorest will face further deprivation because of these cuts. It will squeeze access to food and medicines for children and axe support and protection for them in conflict zones, she added. By cutting overseas aid, Labour is allowing instability abroad to fester which will only leave us less secure at home. Its a strategic as well as a moral failure. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Sudan's notorious paramilitary group killed at least 100 people in a two-day attack on famine-hit camps for displaced people in the Darfur region, a UN official said. About 20 children and nine aid workers were among those killed by the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and allied militias during their offensive on the Zamzam and Abu Shorouk camps and the nearby city of El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, on Friday. El-Fasher is under the control of the military, which has fought the RSF since Sudan descended into a civil war two years ago, killing more than 24,000 people, according to the UN, though activists say the number is likely far higher. The camps were attacked again on Saturday, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said in a statement. She said nine aid workers were killed "while operating one of the very few remaining health posts still operational" in the Zamzam camp. "This represents yet another deadly and unacceptable escalation in a series of brutal attacks on displaced people and aid workers in Sudan since the onset of this conflict nearly two years ago," she said. open image in gallery A picture shows damaged buildings in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum ( AFP via Getty ) Ms Nkweta-Salami did not identify the aid workers but the Sudanese Doctors Union said in a statement that six medical workers with the Relief International were killed when their hospital in Zamzam came under attack on Friday. They included Dr Mahmoud Babaker Idris and Adam Babaker Abdallah, head of the group in the region, the union said. It blamed the RSF for "this criminal and barbaric act". In a statement on Saturday evening, Relief International mourned the death of the nine workers, saying they had been killed the previous day in a "targeted attack on all health infrastructure in the region", including the group's clinic. The group said the central market in Zamzam along with hundreds of makeshift homes in the camp were destroyed in the attack. The offensive forced nearly 2,400 people to flee the camps and El-Fasher, the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees, a local group in Darfur, said. Zamzam and Abu Shouk shelter over 700,000 people forced to flee their homes across Darfur during past bouts of fighting in the region, Ms Nkweta-Salami said. The Sudanese military last month regained control of Khartoum, a major symbolic victory in the war. But the RSF remained in control of most of Darfur and some other areas. The two camps are among five areas in Sudan suffering famine, according to the global hunger monitoring group Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. The war has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with about 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, facing extreme hunger. 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 flurry of seismic activity that caused 160 quakes in just two hours at the Laguna del Maule volcanic field in central Chile has put authorities on alert. 160 quakes occurred in the area during a two-hour period earlier this week, which served as a stark reminder of the volcanic complex's active nature. Located near the Argentine border, approximately 300km south of the Chilean capital, Laguna del Maule is a sprawling volcanic landscape. Covering 500 square kilometres, the complex comprises numerous volcanic domes, cones, lava flows, and an estimated 130 vents. Chile's National Geology and Mining Service - Sernageomin - has, however, maintained a green alert level, signifying no immediate danger. The quakes were also of low magnitude. The recent seismic swarm underscores the volcano's underlying activity. "These are signs that the volcano is active, it has magma, what's inside is moving and this can lead to a moderate-sized event in the future," explained Ayaz Alam, a geologist and professor at the University of Santiago of Chile. He cautioned, however, that predicting the timing of any potential eruption remains impossible. Chile's National Geology and Mining Service - Sernageomin - has maintained a green alert level, signifying no immediate danger. ( Getty/iStock ) The swarm's relatively low-magnitude quakes are distinct from those occurring along fault lines, Alam noted. Volcanic seismic activity stems from the movement of magma, rather than the collision of tectonic plates. Chilean disaster agency Senapred has affirmed its commitment to ongoing monitoring and collaboration with regional authorities, ensuring preparedness for any potential emergencies. The largest tremor registered during the swarm was a 2.1 magnitude, but the relatively young volcanic field has shown several signs of activity in recent years. Daniel Diaz, a geophysicist and volcanologist at the University of Chile, says the area is quite unique since it doesn't have a single volcanic structure, but dozens around the lake, some of which have formed in the last 2,000 years. "This (volcanic) system is quite recent and therefore we expect there to be activity," Diaz said. "But it's not concentrated in one structure or cone, but all around the zone surround the Laguna del Maule." Laguna del Maule is considered by academics and experts to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes of the Southern Andean volcanic belt and is Argentina's third most dangerous volcano. 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 U.S. has deported 10 more alleged Latin American gang members to El Salvador, where they will likely be detained in a notorious maximum-security prison accused of numerous human rights abuses. Last night, another 10 criminals from the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua Foreign Terrorist Organizations arrived in El Salvador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X on Sunday, praising the collaboration between the Trump administration and Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele as an example for security and prosperity in our hemisphere. The Independent has contact the Departments of State and Homeland Security for more information on the individuals. The flights come as the administration faces criticism over mistakenly deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man, to El Salvador, despite an explicit court order barring his removal to that country. Federal courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, have mandated that the administration facilitate returning the man to the U.S., though the administration has only provided sparse updates that hes alive and secure in the Salvadoran prison, and has argued it doesnt have the power or obligation to secure his release. These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President [Nayib] B[ukele] and his Government, They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again! President Trump said in a Truth Social post on Saturday. Supreme Court allowed administration to continue using Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members to prison in El Salvador ( via REUTERS ) Bukele will meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. Since March, the Trump administration has sent hundreds of alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, and a smaller number of alleged members of MS-13, a Salvadoran group, to El Salvador, where they have been detained in CECOT, a sprawling prison complex rife with controversy. Attorneys say many of the men sent from the U.S. to the prison have no gang ties or criminal records, and family members described only learning the fate of the deportees when they saw media images of the men being manhandled and shaved inside the Salvadoran facility by masked guards. The U.S. invoked the centuries-old wartime Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport the alleged Venezuelan gang members, though the administration has since admitted that many Venezuelans sent to El Salvador do not have criminal histories, and media investigations suggest as many as 75 percent of the Venezuelans initially sent to the prison lacked records. Homeland Security officials have instead relied in part on tattoos to allege these mens gang ties, though gang experts say the Venezuelan group isnt known for using identifying tattoos, and artists who created the images that appeared in an immigration handbook on the alleged gang tattoos told The Independent their work had no relation to Tren de Aragua. The administration has also been accused of defying a court order to turn around deportation flights headed for El Salvador in the midst of a legal challenge against Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act. White House on shipping Americans to El Salvador prisons On Monday, a divided Supreme Court allowed the White House to keep using the emergency law, which was last invoked to carry out Japanese internment in WWII, though those being removed would now be entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal. Inside CECOT, cells have no sheets, pillows, or mattresses, and inmates are held inside them for 23.5 hours a day, with the lights turned on 24/7. Those held in the prisons solitary confinement wing reportedly sleep on concrete beds and sit in pitch black rooms, but for a small hole in the ceiling. Nayib Bukele and his officials have described the prison as something of a living execution chamber, sending inmates, many thousands of whom critics say were arbitrarily arrested, to facilities from which they have little hope of return. We dont have a death penalty, so we have to imprison them all, Bukele said last year. His security minister told CNN last year it would be stupid to ever release inmates serving in the terror prison. The administration has signaled it will expand its use of the Alien Enemies Act to alleged members of MS-13. Trump also said this week he loves idea of sending American wiseguys to prisons in El Salvador. 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 A surge in measles cases across West Texas has raised concerns amongst officials about the potential for outbreaks of preventable diseases across the US due to funding cuts for public health initiatives. Measles, declared eliminated in the US in 2000, has spread across more than 20 Texas counties. Officials attribute this resurgence partly to underfunded health departments struggling to maintain effective vaccination programs. The situation in Texas serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of neglecting public health funding nationwide. We havent had a strong immunization program that can really do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work for years, said Katherine Wells, the health director in Lubbock, a 90-minute drive from the outbreak's epicenter. Immunization programs nationwide have been left brittle by years of stagnant funding by federal, state and local governments. In Texas and elsewhere, this helped set the stage for the measles outbreak and fueled its spread. Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks. Health departments got an influx of cash to deal with COVID-19, but it wasnt enough to make up for years of neglect. On top of that, trust in vaccines has eroded. Health officials warn the situation is primed to get worse. Recent cuts by the Trump administration have pulled billions of dollars in COVID-19 related funding $2 billion of it slated for immunization programs for various diseases. Overseeing the cuts is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who rose to prominence leading an anti-vaccine movement. While Kennedy has said he wants his agency to prevent future outbreaks, he's also declined to deliver a consistent and forceful message that would help do so encouraging people to vaccinate their children against measles while reminding them it is safe. At the same time, lawmakers in Texas and about two-thirds of states have introduced legislation this year that would make it easier to opt out of vaccines or otherwise put up barriers to ensuring more people get shots, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. That further undercuts efforts to keep infectious diseases at bay, health officials said. The more than 700 measles cases reported this year in the U.S. have already surpassed last years total. The vast majority more than 540 are in Texas, but cases have popped up in 23 other states. Two Texas children have died. A 6-year-old girl from Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, died in February, the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. An 8-year-old girl from the same town, Seminole, died earlier this month. open image in gallery More than 700 measles cases have been reported in the US this year. Officials say immunization programs have been impacted by funding cuts ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Children in the U.S. are generally required to be vaccinated to go to school, which in the past ensured vaccination rates stayed high enough to prevent infectious diseases like measles from spreading. But a growing number of parents have been skipping the shots for their kids. The share of children exempted from vaccine requirements has reached an all-time high, and just 92.7 percent of kindergartners got their required shots in 2023. Thats well below the 95 percent coverage level that keeps diseases at bay. Keeping vaccination rates high requires vigilance, commitment and money. Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates. There are similar under-vaccinated pockets across the country that could provide the tinder that sparks another outbreak. Its like a hurricane over warm water in the Caribbean, said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston. As long as theres warm water, the hurricane will continue to accelerate. In this case, the warm water is the unvaccinated kids. Flatlined vaccine funding in Texas Lubbock receives a $254,000 immunization grant from the state annually that can be used for staff, outreach, advertising, education and other elements of a vaccine program. That hasnt increased in at least 15 years as the population grew. It used to be enough for three nurses, an administrative assistant, advertising and even goodies to give out at health fairs, Wells said. Now it covers a nurse, a quarter of a nurse, a little bit of an admin assistant, and basically nothing else. Texas has among the lowest per capita state funding for public health in the nation, just $17 per person in 2023, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Vaccines are among the most successful tools in public healths arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care. Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says the measles vaccine will save some 19 million lives by 2030. U.S. immunization programs are funded by a variable mix of federal, state and local money. Federal money is sent to every state, which then decides how much to send to local health departments. open image in gallery Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates ( Getty Images ) The stagnant immunization grant funding in Texas has made it harder for local health departments to keep their programs going. Lubbocks health department, for example, doesn't have the money to pay for targeted Facebook ads to encourage vaccinations or do robust community outreach to build trust. In Andrews County, which borders Gaines County, the biggest cost of its immunization program is personnel. But while everything has gotten more expensive, the grant hasn't changed, Health Director Gordon Mattimoe said. That shifts the burden to county governments. Some kick in more money, some dont. His did. The problem: keeping people safe from outbreaks requires high vaccination rates across a broad region, and germs dont stop at county borders. Andrews County, population 18,000, offers a walk-in vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, but other West Texas communities dont. More than half the people who come to the clinic travel from other counties, Mattimoe said, including much larger places and Gaines County. Some had to drive an hour or more. They did so because they had trouble getting shots in their home county due to long waits, lack of providers and other issues, Mattimoe said. Theyre unable to obtain it in the place that they live. ... People are overflowing, over to here, Mattimoe said. Theres an access issue. That makes it more likely people wont get their shots. In Gaines County just 82 percent of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. Even in Andrews County, where, at 97 percent, the vaccination rate is above the 95 percent threshold for preventing outbreaks, it has slipped two percentage points since 2020. Vaccine funding crises arent only in Texas The health departments millions of Americans depend on for their shots largely rely on two federal programs: Vaccines for Children and Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act. Vaccines for Children mostly provides the actual vaccines. Section 317 provides grants for vaccines but also to run programs and get shots into arms. About half of kids qualify for Vaccines for Children, a safety-net program created in response to a 1989-1991 measles epidemic that sickened 55,000 people and killed 123. Section 317 money sent to state and local health departments pays for vaccines as well as nurses, outreach and advertising. Health departments generally use the programs in tandem, and since the pandemic theyve often been allowed to supplement it with COVID-19 funds. open image in gallery Health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The 317 funds have been flat for years, even as costs of everything from salaries to vaccines went up. A 2023 CDC report to Congress estimated $1.6 billion was needed to fully fund a comprehensive 317 vaccine program. Last year, Congress approved less than half that: $682 million. This, along with insufficient state and local funding, forces hard choices. Dr. Kelly Moore, a preventive medicine specialist, said she faced this dilemma when directing Tennessee's immunization program from 2004 to 2018. What diseases can we afford to prevent and how many people can we afford to protect? Those decisions have to be made every year by every state, said Moore, who now runs the advocacy group Immunize.org. A rural clinic may have to be closed, or evening and weekend hours eliminated, she said. It becomes difficult for them to staff the clinics they have and difficult for the people in those communities to access them, especially if theyre the working poor. At the same time, health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines. In a 2023 survey by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, 80 percent of local health departments reported vaccine hesitancy among patients or their parents in the previous year, up from 56 percent in 2017. If we dont invest in education, it becomes even more difficult to get these diseases under control," Moore said. An unclear future given continuing cuts and hesitancy Facing these headwinds, things got much worse in March when Kennedys health department canceled billions of dollars in state and local funding. After 23 states sued, a judge put a hold on the cuts for now in those states but not in Texas or other states that didnt join the lawsuit. But local health departments are not taking chances and are moving to cut services. HHS said the money, allocated through COVID-19 initiatives, was cut because the pandemic was over. But CDC had allowed the money to be used to shore up public health infrastructure generally, including immunization programs. open image in gallery As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Before he was confirmed as health secretary, Kennedy vowed not to take vaccines away. But in Texas, his departments cuts mean state and local health departments are losing $125 million in immunization-related federal funding as they deal with the measles outbreak. A spokesperson for the federal health department did not respond to an AP request for comment. Dallas County, 350 miles from where the outbreak began, had to cancel more than 50 immunization clinics, including at schools with low measles vaccination rates, said Dr. Philip Huang, the countys health director. Near the center of the outbreak, Lubbocks health department said seven jobs are on the line because they were paid by those grants. Included in the affected work are immunizations. Across the border in New Mexico, where the outbreak has spread, the state lost grants that funded vaccine education. Kennedys cuts also hit vaccination programs in other states It's still unclear how the recently announced $2 billion in cuts will affect immunization programs across the country, but details are starting to trickle out from some states. Washington state, for example, would lose about $20 million in vaccination-related funding. Officials were forced to pause mobile vaccine efforts on their Care-A-Van, which has administered more than 6,800 COVID-19 vaccines, 3,900 flu vaccines and 5,700 childhood vaccines since July. The state also had to cancel more than 100 vaccine clinics scheduled through June, including more than 35 at schools. Connecticut health officials estimate if the cuts stand, they will lose $26 million for immunization. Among other reductions, this means canceling 43 contracts with local health departments to increase vaccination rates and raise confidence in vaccines, losing vaccination clinics and mobile outreach in underserved neighborhoods, and stopping the distribution of vaccine-related educational materials. Several of the 23 states suing the federal government, including Minnesota, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cite losses to vaccine programs. As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading. And measles and other viruses will too. My whole lifes purpose is to keep people from suffering. And vaccines are a tremendous way to do that, Moore said. But if we dont invest in them to get them in arms, then we dont see their benefits. 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 A suspected terrorist has been accused of setting alight Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiros mansion Saturday evening, forcing his family and other guests to flee the residence. Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was detained in connection with the alleged targeted attack just hours after Shapiro and his family dined to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover at his home in the state capital Saturday, officials say. Balmer is accused of throwing beer bottles full of gasoline into the home. Now, new details, including a possible motive for the attack, have been revealed in unsealed court documents. Balmer held a deep hatred for Shapiro and told officers if the governor had been home when the attack occurred, he would beat him with a hammer, reports WHTM. The documents also reveal that Balmer used his ex-girlfriend to negotiate his surrender to the police. open image in gallery Suspect Cody Balmer harbored a deep hatred of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, according to court documents ( Dauphin County DA ) open image in gallery Governor Josh Shapiros home was left blackened after the targeted attack at his Harrisburg home Saturday evening ( Commonwealth Media Services ) Photos released by the state show that the room where Shapiro had shared a photo of his familys Seder table earlier in the evening had been left in disarray, with furniture charred and wallpaper blackened. The suspect is due to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, Dauphin County district attorney Francis Chardo said Sunday. We dont know the persons specific motive yet, Shapiro, visibly frustrated in an emotionally charged press conference, said. But we do know a few truths. First, this type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one party or another, or one person or another, it is not okay, he continued. It has to stop. We have to be better than this. Shapiro added that he had spoken with FBI director Kash Patel hours before the briefing, noting, He promised all of the federal government's resources. Shapiro, a running mate hopeful for former vice president Kamala Harris last year, said he and his family were woken up just after 2am to state troopers banging on their door, telling them they needed to leave immediately. The Democrat said in the news conference that the fire was set in the dining room, the same location where they had celebrated Passover just hours earlier. open image in gallery Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governors official residence discussing the alleged arson on Sunday ( AP ) The governor said that he, his wife, their children, their dogs and other family members staying at the residence were evacuated safely Sunday morning. Pennsylvania State Police colonel Christopher Paris said the fire was a carefully planned attack but emphasized the investigation is continuing. He did not give a possible motive. Officials said that Balmer hopped over a nearly 7ft-high iron security fence, eluding officers, and entered the home, setting it on fire. State troopers monitor the governors mansion. open image in gallery Police detained Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg in connection to the attack on Shapiros residence ( Commonwealth Media Services ) Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device. The fire left significant damage to the room, charring walls, tables, buffet serving dishes, plates and a piano. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened. A table sign with the seal of the governor of Pennslyvania seal that read, Help yourself to some kid-friendly Passover Crafts! was left covered in smoke dust. open image in gallery Charred tables and dishes are visible inside the Pennsylvania governor's official residence ( AP ) Police became aware someone had climbed over the fence and began a pursuit on the grounds but initially didn't locate anyone. They later arrested him nearby. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, officials said. He clearly had a plan, George Bivens of the state police told the media. He was very methodical in his approach and moved through it without a lot of hurry. open image in gallery Extensive fire damage to the Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion and Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence is seen during a press conference on April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ( Getty ) Crews evacuated the family, and no one was injured. Shapiro and his wife, Lori, have four children and were in a different part of the residence when the fire was lit. open image in gallery Firefighters extinguish flames at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence after an arsonist set fire to the building ( Capitol City Fire Photos ) The fire damage was still visible on the residences south side Sunday and there was still a police presence as yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway and an officer led a dog outside an iron security fence. Shapiro promised that the parts of the residence that were burned would be rebuilt. Well get rid of that smell of fire and smoke, and well be back very soon, he said. Shapiro, who is expected to run for the presidency in 2028, helped oversee the law enforcements response to the assassination attempt against president Donald Trump in Butler last summer. Last month, Shapiro joined a coalition of governors and attorney generals suing Trumps administration after it cut $12bn in federal funds for Covid-19 initiatives and various other nationwide public health projects. The Associated Press contributed to this report Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration stated on Saturday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is alive and secure at a terrorism confinement center there. A U.S. judge demanded updates on the Trump administration's efforts to facilitate his return, per a Supreme Court ruling. Just hours later on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador on Monday at the White House. Despite an earlier statement claiming he would bring Abrego Garcia back if instructed by the Supreme Court, Trump appeared to deflect, saying that those deported are now in the sole custody of El Salvador ... their future is up to President B and his Government. A government court filing provided the update on Abrego Garcia, who was sent to El Salvador on March 15 despite an order protecting him from deportation, after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis demanded daily updates on Friday. The filing from Michael Kozak of the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs did not, however, specify what steps the government was taking to bring Abrego Garcia home, as Xinis had also insisted. I am aware that the instant lawsuit has been filed seeking the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States from El Salvador, Kozak's filing said. open image in gallery Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia of Maryland, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador ( APTOPIX ) It is my understanding, based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador, that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, it said. He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador. Xinis issued her demand a day after the Supreme Court upheld her order directing the administration to facilitate and effectuate Abrego Garcia's return. However, the Supreme Court stated that the term "effectuate" was unclear and might exceed the judge's authority. The Trump administration has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in Maryland and has held a work permit since 2019, was mistakenly deported. However, it stated that it could not immediately bring him back and that diplomatic relations could not operate at the speed demanded by the courts. open image in gallery This handout picture released on March 16, 2025, by El Salvador's Presidency press office shows the arrival of ICE deportees from the United States ( EL SALVADOR'S PRESIDENCY PRESS O ) Trump has told reporters he would comply with a Supreme Court order directing him to return the Maryland resident to the U.S. When asked on Friday if Trump would seek the return of Abrego Garcia during his meeting with Bukele, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the courts ruling made clear the administrations responsibility to facilitate Abrego Garcias return, not to effectuate the return. In his Saturday social media post, Trump praised Bukele for accepting enemy aliens from the U.S. He said the two countries were working closely together to eradicate terrorist organizations. In what has been framed on social media as the president washing his hands of the issue, Trump remarked: These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President B and his Government. They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again! With reporting by Reuters 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 Its beyond wild that people are not questioning Donald Trumps mental fitness amid his ongoing onslaught of tariffs against U.S. trading partners, Jasmine Crockett says. During an appearance on MSNBC, the Texas Democratic Representative compared living through a second-term Trump administration, with its unprecedented emergency policymaking on immigration and the economy, to being in an abusive relationship. The fact that no one is questioning his mental acuity or fitness to serve is beyond wild to me, she said. The fact that they sat around and called Joe Biden Sleepy Joe, as I have said before, at least you could sleep at night because you didnt have to worry about your 401(k) disappearing overnight, she continued. You didnt have to worry about these allegations of fake invasions. You didnt have to worry about the cost of food just skyrocketing, or the skyrocketing cost of all of your electronics. Last month, as the tariff plan was taking shape, a CNBC reporter had a similar read on Trump. Im going to say this at the risk of my job, economics reporter Steve Liesman told business network anchor Kelly Evans. What President Trump is doing is insane. It is absolutely insane. Jasmine Crockett said it is beyond wild that people are questioning Donald Trumps mental fitness as president in the wake of some of his policies ( AP ) Her comments come as some hedge fund managers have questioned Trumps mental fitness as his tariff plan caused chaos in the stock market. In the last few days, we have had many conversations with macro fund managers, Tom Lee, the head of research at the financial analysis firm FSInsights, wrote on Wednesday morning, before Trump backed down from most of his tariffs on U.S. trading partners. And their concern is that the White House is not acting rationally, but rather on ideology. And some even fear that this may not even be ideology, he added. A few have quietly wondered if the President might be insane. Democrats have long questioned Trumps mental fitness, but the president insisted Friday that hes in fine health, boasting that he aced a cognitive test during a physical this week at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I got every answer right, he said on Air Force One as he headed for Florida. Crockett, who took office in 2023, has quickly made a name for herself on the Hill with her sharp-elbowed and often mocking style when discussing Trumps policies or confronting Republicans during hearings. Last month, she provoked outrage for calling Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, Hot Wheels, and Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged that recent comments from Crockett calling to metaphorically take down Elon Musk were driving insurrection and attacks on Tesla. Crockett told The Independent last year her adversarial approach is intentional. I think my role is to push back, she said. I've heard way too often that Democrats are weak and that kind of stuff, and that's just not true. It's just not true. And I think that I'm also supposed to be the person that is really saying what everybody else is thinking that never gets said. Because everybody's trying to be so freakin polite. 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 A staggering 36,000 people protested Donald Trumps administration in Los Angeles Saturday, at the largest rally to date of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs Fighting Oligarchy tour In fiery remarks, the New Yorker laid into the president, accusing him of manipulating the markets for his billionaire friends with his tariff shuffle this week, in which Trump pulled a dramatic U-turn on the implementation of his trade war against U.S. commercial partners and allies. Taking to the stage at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles, Sanders noted that the crowd went back half a mile, before saying that Musk had said most of the people attending these rallies were paid organizers. He asked the crowd: Anybody here get paid to come today? The question was met with a resounding: No! open image in gallery AOC takes a selfie with supporters after the "Fighting Oligarchy" event in Los Angeles ( AP ) Sanders said that Trump was often very envious of sizes and claimed that only two or three thousand people show up to his rallies and that, speaking in the third person, Bernie cant compete with Trump. He lied, said the senator. I invite him to come to LA, tell the people here why you think its a great idea to cut Medicaid and nutrition and healthcare so you can give tax breaks to billionaires. open image in gallery Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gestures as he speaks during a rally held along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), in Los Angeles, California ( REUTERS ) Continuing, Sanders said: Our good friend Elon Musk sent out a tweet and in essence, he said, you know, Bernie Sanders has been talking about the growth of oligarchy year after year after year. Well, Elon, you're damn right. That's what I've been talking about. The difference is I'm no longer talking about how we're moving to oligarchy. I'm talking about how we are living today in an oligarchic form of society. He added: Let me tell you something about the oligarchs. They're very, very religious people. But their religion isnt based on doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Their religion is based on greed greed, and more greed. open image in gallery Sanders tweeted aerial shots of the enormous crowd ( Twitter ) Ocasio-Cortez called the current moment terrifying, saying: We are watching our neighbors, students, and friends being fired, targeted, and disappeared. After decrying that activists are being detained without charge for exercising their First Amendment rights specifically highlighting the cases of Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk the New York progressive Democrat railed against stock trading by elected representatives in Congress, before turning specifically to this weeks market turbulence and Trumps tariffs. Lets be clear: the White Houses tariff shuffle had nothing to do with manufacturing, despite what they claimed. It was about manipulating the markets. It was about hurting retirees and everyday people in the sell-off so Trump could quietly enrich his friends, who he tipped off to buy the dip before reversing it all in the morning, Ocasio-Cortez said. Donald Trump is a criminal convicted on 34 felony counts of fraud. He is lying, and he is manipulating the stock market too. At his best, he enriches himself, the billionaires who back him, and the members of Congress who trade with him. Not you. Not me. Not the people. Oligarchy or Democracy, she said. But, we cannot have both. Concluding his remarks, Senator Sanders said: When Trump looks out at this crowd they pay attention to this stuff, Elon Musk does. You are scaring the hell out of them. Because they know what we know: They are the 1 percent and we are the 99 percent. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were joined by fellow Democrat representatives Reps. Ro Khanna, Jimmy Gomez, Pramila Jayapal, and Maxwell Frost, among other elected officials. There were also performances by Neil Young, Maggie Rogers, and Joan Baez. On a spin through the western states, the Fighting Oligarchy tour next travels to Salt Lake City, Utah; Nampa, Idaho; Bakersfield, California; Folsom, California; and Missoula, Montana. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that Mexico will provide an immediate water delivery to farmers in Texas. This aims to address its shortfall under a treaty that has created tension in U.S. relations and prompted even more tariff threats by President Donald Trump. Mexico's inability to maintain its water deliveries sparked a diplomatic dispute with its largest trading partner at a sensitive time in relations between the two countries amid Trumps escalating trade war with the U.S. neighbor. Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference Friday that Mexico is looking for alternatives to comply with the 81-year-old water-sharing treaty with the U.S., and a proposal had already been sent to U.S. officials. Late Thursday on Truth Social, Trump escalated the disagreement between the two countries by threatening tariffs or sanctions on Mexico if his demands were not met. Texas Republicans have also publicly accused Mexico of openly violating the treaty, which harms farmers reliant on water deliveries. For Texas farmers who are requesting water, there will be an immediate delivery of a certain number of millions of cubic meters that can be provided according to the water availability in the Rio Grande, Sheinbaum said. open image in gallery A farmer surveying the drought conditions in Paradise, Texas ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Sheinbaum did not specify how much water Mexico would send to Texas. Under the 1944 treaty that established water-sharing between the two countries via a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande every five years. An acre-foot of water refers to the volume needed to cover an acre of land to a depth of one foot. The treaty's current five-year cycle ends in October, but Mexico has delivered less than 30 percent of the required water, according to data from the International Boundary and Water Commission. Sheinbaum has said Mexico is complying with the treaty based on water availability, highlighting the drought conditions that have depleted Mexico's supply. She expressed optimism for an agreement in the coming days and did not foresee further conflict. The treaty was fair, she added. open image in gallery Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum ( REUTERS ) Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said on X Friday that he had a call with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau regarding Mexico's commitment to comply with the treaty. He mentioned they discussed water deliveries for this year and irrigation technology in the northern states of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas. Rollins posted a message on X later saying the call had been productive"and praised Trump for being willing to do what's necessary to make it happen. Reuters, citing sources, reported on Wednesday that Mexican officials were scrambling to devise a plan to increase the amount of water sent to the United States due to growing concerns that Trump could involve the dispute in trade negotiations. Mexico has agreed to deliver 122,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. and is exploring an option to supply another 81,000 acre-feet, according to a Mexican official. However, that additional water would still mean Mexico had sent less than 40% of the water it owes under the treaty. With reporting from Reuters 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 U.S. is perilously close to entering a formal economic recession and could well be facing something much worse on the horizon, a billionaire investing expert warned Sunday. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, appeared on NBCs Meet the Press, where he warned that the disruptive nature of Donald Trumps tariff announcements were causing market instability and was making it difficult for both U.S. business and global trading partners to rely on the America. A Wall Street veteran who predicted the collapse of the housing bubble in 2008 which caused a financial crisis that year, Dalio told NBCs Kristen Welker that the chance of stopping something that is much worse than a recession came down to how strategically the White House handled what the presidents advisers have explained is his end goal: a grand reorganization of the global trade structure. We are having profound changes in our domestic order [...] and we're having profound changes in the world order. Such times are very much like the 1930s, said Dalio. So if you take tariffs, if you take debt, if you take the rising power challenging existing power, if you take those factors and look at the factors - those changes in the orders, the systems, are very, very disruptive, he continued. How that's handled could produce something that is much worse than a recession. Or it could be handled well. Dalio - who has a net worth of $14 billion - repeated what he has on several occasions warned: that he believes the growing US federal debt, now at more than $36 trillion, is a ticking time bomb that will hinder the U.S.s ability to spend and borrow in the future. We have a breaking down of the monetary order, Dalio warned. We are going to change the monetary order because we cannot spend the amounts of money [we want]. open image in gallery Billionaire investor Ray Dalio speaks about recession fears on NBC's Meet the Press and said the country is seeing profound changes in our domestic order ( NBC News ) He continued: I believe that members of Congress should take the pledge, what I call the 3 percent pledge. That in one way or another, that they will get that budget deficit down to that number. If they don't, we're going to have a supply/demand problem for debt at the same time as we have these other problems. And the results of that will be worse than a normal recession. His warnings come after days of instability on the stock market, driven by plunging tech stocks and other industries hit by the White Houses new tariffs and vexed by the constantly-changing nature of the policies themselves. Late Friday evening, Trumps Customs and Border Protection agency issued a notice exempting smartphones, solar cells and other imports relevant to Americas tech sector from both sky-high reciprocal tariffs on China and his lower baseline tariff rate of 10 percent on all imported goods. It was a win for companies such as Apple, but one that was deadened Sunday when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned that those tariffs would be reimposed within one to two months. It remains unclear whether the president will leave in place the remainder of his much-maligned reciprocal tariff rates against dozens of U.S. trading partners including the E.U., Japan, Canada and Mexico, or whether Trump will be talked into backing down in part or whole as he has in repeated recent instances. Trump Cabinet officials and White House advisers have been unable to give a clear answer as to whether those tariffs or the presidents across-the-board 10 percent tariff rate are simple negotiation tactics and could be rolled back, or whether they will remain in place for the duration of his term. open image in gallery President Donald Trump holds a chart listing some of his planned reciprocal tariffs during a White House event ( Getty Images ) Other industry leaders have recognized what White House officials repeatedly claim: that the tariffs are at least semi-permanent as the president seeks to force U.S. companies and foreign investors to onshore production and manufacturing in the U.S. in order to sustainably access American markets. What were seeing now is a structural shift, driven by policy, thats likely to be long-lasting, Felix Stellmaszek, global lead of automotive and mobility at Boston Consulting Group, told CNBC on Saturday. This may well be the most consequential year for the auto industry in history not just because of immediate cost pressures, but because its forcing fundamental change in how and where the industry builds. 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 17-year-old autistic teen is brain-dead, his family says, after Idaho police shot him last week. Victor Perez, who also has cerebral palsy, was declared brain-dead Friday after police shot nine times at a family barbecue in Pocatello, his aunt Ana Vazquez NBC News. The incident stemmed from a 911 call on April 5, where someone reported that a man had a knife and other people appeared to be trying to get the weapon away from him. But Vazquez tells NBC News that Perez had found a hidden knife while at a family barbecue. Perezs sister then tried to get the knife away from him, but the family was never in danger and Perez was never threatening them, Vazquez said. Video of the incident shows four police officers running up to a chain-link fence at the home where the family had gathered and drawing their guns, shouting for Perez to get on the ground. When he stood up and walked forward, officers shot him. open image in gallery Victor Perez, 17, is brain-dead after Idaho police shot him nine times while he was at a family barbecue ( AP ) The officers then performed life-saving measures after they shot Perez, the Pocatello Police Department said in a statement. Perez was taken by ambulance to the Portneuf Medical Center. Police Chief Roger Schei says officers told Perez to drop the knife multiple times, and that he stood up and walked toward them while holding it. In this case, two individuals were within a few feet of an armed, non-compliant individual, Schei told reporters at a news conference on Monday. The risk was immediate, and the situation rapidly evolving. open image in gallery The 911 caller said a man had a knife and appeared to be chasing people. But Perezs aunt says the teen wasnt threatening anyone or putting anyone in danger ( AP ) The 911 caller said a man who seemed intoxicated was wielding a kitchen knife and chasing a man and woman in the yard, according to audio of the call. He seems pretty drunk," the caller told a dispatcher. "Hes just running at them with a knife and then falling over. I think he just stabbed himself, actually. Brad Andres, who took the video of the incident, told the Associated Press police appeared to be like a death squad or a firing squad. They never once asked, What is the situation, how can we help? They ran up with their guns drawn, they triggered a mentally disabled person to react and when he reacted ... they shot him, Andres said. The shooting is now being investigated by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force. The four officers involved have also been placed on administrative leave. The incident from the police running towards the fence to the shooting occurred within the space of 20 seconds. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We recognize the pain and grief this incident has caused in our community, Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad in a statement. 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 German police in Cologne on Sunday arrests five Frenchmen and a Belgian woman who had tried to climb the city's famous cathedral. Police said they were informed by the church's private security guards who spotted the young climbers with headlamps on their surveillance cameras in the middle of the night. Police officers in riot gear surrounded the cathedral and a helicopter hovered over the northern dome, until the five climbers were detained inside the tower's stairwell. Authorities said the men were aged between 18 and 27 years, the woman was 26. Their identities were not revealed in line with German privacy rules. Police confiscated a camera, a cellphone and a lock pick. During their search of the building, they discovered several doors that had apparently been broken up and rucksacks containing climbing equipment. The double-domed cathedral is a tourist attraction and one of the oldest, most important Catholic pilgrimage sites of Northern Europe. It's considered Germany's most famous house of worship. 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 new extremist group has claimed responsibility for the bomb that exploded near the offices of Hellenic Train in Athens, Greeces main railway services operator. They also took responsibility for the planting of another near the Labor Ministry in early February. The explosion Friday evening resulted in limited damage and no injuries. The perpetrators had forewarned of the explosion by calling two media organizations about 40 minutes before it happened. In a lengthy posting on the website Athens.indymedia.org on Sunday, the perpetrators, who styled themselves the Revolutionary Class Struggle, explained the reasons for their action, which they said was part of an armed struggle against the state. Revolutionary Class Struggle dedicated the bombings to the Palestinian people and their heroic resistance and paid tribute to Kyriakos Xymitiris, a man who was killed last year when the explosive device he was assembling exploded in a central Athens apartment. The logo of Hellenic Train, Greece's main railway company, is seen outside company's headquarters, following a bomb explosion Friday night causing causing limited damage but no injuries, in Athens, Greece, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The explosion also came during widespread public anger over a 2023 railway disaster, Greeces worst, in which 57 people were killed and dozens more injured when a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions were accidentally put on the same track. The deadly accident exposed severe deficiencies in Greeces railway system, including in safety systems, and has triggered mass protests led by relatives of the victims against the countrys conservative government on the occasion of the accidents second anniversary. In its statement, which serves as a sort of manifesto, Revolutionary Class Struggle connects the accident with what it called the murders of the proletariat in the form of workplace accidents, by capitalists. Greece has a long history of politically motivated violence dating back to the 1970s, with domestic extremist groups carrying out small-scale bombings that usually cause damage but rarely lead to injuries. While the groups most active in the 1980s and 1990s have been dismantled, new smaller groups have emerged. Authorities are calling them a new generation of domestic extremists. With the blood not yet dry, they attributed the (train) accident to human error and the chronic deficiencies of the Greek state, in effect demanding even more freedom of movement for capital, more privatizations and new attacks on any remaining state-owned infrastructure, the extremist group said. Hellenic Train, the operator of passenger and cargo train services, was once a subsidiary of state-owned Hellenic Railways. It was split and sold to Italys Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane in 2017. Hellenic Railways retains ownership and responsibility for the maintenance of the rail infrastructure, including the train stations. Police say they are following leads, including images of one or two individuals on security cameras and possible cellphone conversations. 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 Russian missile strike has devastated the Ukrainian city of Sumy, claiming the lives of more than 30 people, including children, on Palm Sunday. Two ballistic missiles struck the city centre around 10:15am as residents prepared for the religious holiday. Videos circulating on official channels depict a horrific scene of bodies strewn amidst debris and smoke, a stark contrast to the peaceful Palm Sunday observances. Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar expressed the city's grief, stating, "On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy. Unfortunately, we already know of more than 20 deaths." At least 32 people were killed as a result of the attack, including two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine went on to add in a statement. A further 84 people were injured, including 10 children, it said. Initial investigations by the Prosecutor General's Office confirm at least 21 fatalities and 34 injuries, with five children among the victims. The attack marks a grim escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict. A map of Sumy in Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that rescue efforts were ongoing and said dozens had been killed in the double missile attack. According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people, he said. Zelenskyy also called for a global response to the attack. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. Whats needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves, he said. The strike comes less than a day after Russia and Ukraines top diplomats accused each other of violating a tentative U.S.-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of negotiating an end to the 3-year-old war. open image in gallery In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on April 13, 2025, a Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine ( UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP ) The two countries foreign ministers spoke at separate events at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a day after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace prospects. The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning, every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding that Moscow would provide the U.S., Turkey and international bodies with a list of Kyivs attacks during the past three weeks. His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, fiercely contested that claim, saying Saturday that Russia had launched almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 (exploding) drones, and over 6,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, mostly at civilians, since agreeing to the limited pause on strikes. 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 bustle of daily life in Ukraines Sumy makes it hard to believe that its people have faced a constant threat of death since Russia invaded their country three years ago. Just days ago, Putins forces targeted the city centre in back-to-back missile strikes, killing 35 people and injuring over 100. It marked the deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians this year. Neighbours chatted in their apartment blocks, watching children play games in the courtyards. Pausing to look up, they would see the buzzing of attack drones and the familiar sounds of Ukrainian air defences before going back to their strange routine which is quickly becoming usual. open image in gallery Smoke rises from an explosion following a Russian drone strike on Sumy, Ukraine, 14 April 2025 ( AP ) Sumy is only 18 miles from the border of Russias Kursk region, where Ukrainian soldiers continue to hold on to the strip of territory they took in a surprise offensive last summer. Residents of the city say there has been an increase in attacks in recent weeks, but none as devastating as Sundays airstrike which targeted a busy intersection. It came just over over a week after a separate missile strike killed 20 people on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. Russia says its forces were targeting a meeting of soldiers in the attack which killed nine children, but evidence has not been provided to support the claim. The attacks on their cities has left many Ukrainians wondering where the next will occur and cast a shadow over the ongoing ceasefire talks being brokered by the United States. The talks have produced only muted results, as Russia insists on conditions Ukraine deems impossible and Kyiv believes Moscow's forces are gearing up for a fresh offensive. The attack ended some lives and shattered others To the people of Sumy, the talks seem far-removed from their daily struggles. As some of the victims of Sunday's attack were laid to rest on Tuesday, Viktor Voitenko, 56, described how he ended up paralyzed in a hospital bed. He was working as a security guard when the second missile hit and shattered his spine. As he spoke, his wife Hanna, 40, lovingly applied his deodorant a simple act he could no longer perform. open image in gallery The mother of Olena Kohut, who was killed in the deadly Russian attack on Sumy, during a farewell ceremony, 15 April 2025 ( AP ) Mention of the ceasefire negotiations conjured a weary smile from her. Its empty talks. They dont move anywhere. It seems to be public relations to me, Hanna Voitenko said. Nothing happens to bring comfort to regular people. Her husband offered his own take: They are stalling for time. Work, errands and planned family visits brought the victims of Sundays attack to the intersection of Petropavlivska Street and the state university on Sunday morning. Asia Pohorila, 20, was working at a cafe and thinking about whether to buy pastries after her shift when the first missile strike left her in shock and bleeding profusely from her legs. On Tuesday, the times 10:20 and "10:23" were still scrawled in marker on her thighs, noting when medics applied tourniquets to them. A teen springs into action Maryna Illiashenko and her 13-year old son, Kyrylo, heard the sound of that first blast ricochet across the center city as they waited for a bus. They were headed to visit his grandmother, but the teenager was more excited about wrestling practice later that afternoon. Undeterred, they boarded the bus when it arrived a few minutes later. One stop later, the second missile crashed a few feet from from the vehicle, scorching nearby cars, burning passengers alive, killing the bus driver and causing shrapnel to rain down. Three fragments tore through Kyrylos scalp and scratched Marynas face. Enveloped in smoke and debris, the teen leaped out of the shattered bus window and pried open the locked door from outside, saving half a dozen trapped passengers, witnesses said. open image in gallery A woman cries during farewell ceremony of Olena Kohut, who was killed in the deadly Russian attack on Sumy, Ukraine, 15 April 2025 ( AP ) I dont want to think about this as a new type of reality for Sumy city. We can clearly see that our frontline cities are being erased, Oleh Strilka, a spokesperson for the city's State Emergency Service, said while standing outside the collapsed facade of the university building, where the second missile struck. The most painful thing for me is our children. Why do they need to suffer? he asked. I dont want our 13-year-old kids becoming heroes. Liudmyla Shelukhina, 70, was waiting in a neighbors house for a haircut. She was standing in line in the kitchen when the windows suddenly shattered. She said the fridge she was next to saved her life. I would have been decapitated." Dont be so dramatic, joked her husband, Viktor, a former soldier. Their son was hospitalized in the attack. No relief for first responders Rescue workers like Dmytro Shevchenko, 31, have to be prepared to head to the scene of the next attack at all times. He was among the first to arrive at the university grounds on Sunday. Most people he found were too badly injured to help, he said, wiping away tears. He holds on to little hope that ceasefire talks will bear fruit. I just dont believe in it, he said. The childrens hospital where Kyrylo Illiashenko is recovering bears the scars of repeated drone attacks. More than 100 windows were shattered only two weeks ago when a massive drone attack struck nearby, said Chief Dr. Ihor Zmislya. As workers cleared rubble from the sites of the missile strikes Tuesday and Kyrylo expounded on his favorite computer games, an explosion sounded in the distance. From the teen's hospital window, plumes of smoke could be seen rising from a nearby railway line. This is our reality, said Zmislya. It happens all the time. 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 Russian missiles struck the heart of the Ukrainian city of Sumy as residents gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people just days after Donald Trumps envoy met Vladimir Putin for peace talks. Two ballistic weapons hit the city centre at about 10:15 am local time [GMT 07:15] on one of busiest church-going days of the year, destroying a bus and several cars. Pictures from the scene showed lines of black body bags on the side of the road and bodies wrapped in foil blankets. The dead included two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. A further 117 people were wounded, including 15 children. open image in gallery A damaged bus in Sumy on Sunday morning ( AP ) Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What's needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. Emmanuel Macron said that it undermined Washington-led peace talks between the two sides. Everyone knows this war was initiated by Russia alone, the French president said. And it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it with blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump. Sir Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the attack, calling it a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed perpetrated by Vladimir Putin. open image in gallery A man mourns as bodies are recovered in Sumy on Sunday ( AP ) European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen said it was barbaric and even more vile as people gathered peacefully to celebrate Palm Sunday. She added: Russia was and remains the aggressor, in blatant violation of international law. Europe stands with Ukraine and President Zelensky. Andriy Kovalenko, a security official who runs Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation, noted that the strike came after a visit to Russia by US envoy Steve Witkoff for talks with top officials including Mr Putin. Russia is building all this so-called diplomacy ... around strikes on civilians, he wrote on Telegram. The head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andriy Yermak, said the strike also used cluster munitions to kill as many people as possible, although it was not immediately possible to verify the claim. The attack on Sumy followed a deadly missile strike on Mr Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih on 4 April that killed 20 people, including nine children. open image in gallery A severely damaged building in Sumy ( AP ) Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine had been attacking Russia every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions, adding that Moscow would provide the US, Turkey and international bodies with a list of Kyiv's attacks during the past three weeks. His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, contested that claim, saying on Saturday that Russia had launched almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 suicide drones and more than 6,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, mostly at civilians since agreeing to the limited pause on strikes. Russian forces hold the advantage in Ukraine, and Kyiv has warned that Moscow is planning a fresh spring offensive to ramp up pressure on its foe and improve its negotiating position. Ukraine has endorsed a broader US ceasefire proposal, but Russia has effectively blocked it by imposing far-reaching conditions. European governments have accused Mr Putin of dragging his feet. open image in gallery Service personnel carry bodies of victims away from the scene of the Palm Sunday attack ( AP ) General Keith Kellogg, Mr Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, said the Sumy attack crossed any line of decency and that the White House remained committed to ending the conflict. Sumy, with a population of around 250,000 and located just over 24km (15 miles) from the Russian border, became a garrison city when Kyiv's forces launched an incursion into Russia last August that has since been largely repelled. Elsewhere in Ukraine, a 62-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were killed in Russian attacks on the Kherson region, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Sunday. Another person was killed during Russian shelling on the Donetsk region. The mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, said a Russian strike had hit one of the city's kindergartens, shattering windows and damaging the building's facade but no casualties were reported. Reuters and AP contributed to this report 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 Iran and the US said that they held "positive" and "constructive" talks over Tehrans nuclear programme as the Donald Trump administration rushed to make a new deal. Iranian and American officials met in Oman on Saturday and agreed to reconvene next week to continue the talks, days after Mr Trump threatened military action if there was no deal on Tehrans nuclear programme. The US presidents Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi "briefly spoke" together, according to Iran's state broadcaster. Mr Araghchi described the meeting as constructive to state TV, adding that four rounds of messages were exchanged during the indirect portion. "Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time, he said. However, that will certainly not be an easy task. He sought to downplay the encounter as "a brief initial conversation, greetings and polite exchanges", likely to avoid drawing the anger of hardliners in Iran. open image in gallery Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi meets Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat ( Reuters ) Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday the talks were "going OK". "I can't tell you because nothing matters until you get it done, so I don't like talking about it, he said. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think. He had made a surprise announcement last week that Washington and Tehran would begin talks in Oman, a Gulf state that previously mediated between the West and the Islamic Republic. The West had until October this year to trigger a snapback of UN sanctions on Iran for violating its terms. The president this year publicly declared his goal of reaching a new agreement with Tehran that would lead to the shutdown of Irans nuclear weapons programme. Mr Trump faced criticism for withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran nuclear deal, during his first presidency in 2018. Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful despite some of its officials increasingly threatening to pursue a bomb after the conflict with Israel escalated last year. The White House described the discussions in Oman as "very positive and constructive" while conceding the issues that needed to be resolved were "very complicated". "Special envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," the White House said. open image in gallery A general view of Muscat ahead of the awaited negotiations between US and Iran in Oman ( REUTERS ) Saturday's exchanges were indirect and mediated by Oman, as Iran had wanted, rather than face-to-face, as Mr Trump had demanded. Each delegation had its separate room and exchanged messages via Oman's foreign minister. Iran previously rejected direct talks with Washington after Mr Trump in a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei warned that "there are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal". Iran said it would not bow to American "orders to talk". Since then, Mr Trump has repeatedly threatened to launch strikes on Iran's nuclear programme if a deal is not reached. Omani foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who shuttled between the two sides, said Iran and the US had a "shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. "I would like to thank my two colleagues for this engagement, which took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability," he wrote on X. "We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal." The next round of talks is set to take place on 19 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 Israel struck Gazas last functioning hospital with missiles on Sunday as its military announced the expansion of a ground offensive throughout the besieged Palestinian territory. Authorities at al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital had moved the patients out after getting a call from a person who identified themselves as an Israeli security official shortly before the attack. One patient, however, died during the evacuation as medical staff were unable to provide urgent care. The Israeli attack took the hospital out of operation, health officials said. The attack on the hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, came on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christs entry into Jerusalem. The Baptist Church in Jerusalem said that the warning to evacuate the hospital came barely 20 minutes before the missiles struck. We call upon all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions, the Church said in a statement. open image in gallery Palestinians at al-Ahli Baptist Hospital after it was partly destroyed by an Israeli airstrike ( EPA ) The Israeli military claimed that it had taken steps to reduce harm to civilians before it attacked the hospital, which it further claimed was being used by Hamas militants. Pictures circulating on social media purported to show dozens of people leaving the premises, with some assisting patients on hospital beds. The scene was scary. From night until now, I havent slept a single minute out of fear. All night, glass shattered at us inside, said an injured man who gave his name as Mohammed Abu Nasser. The hospitals director, Dr Fadel Naim, said the emergency room, pharmacy and surrounding buildings were severely damaged in the Israeli missile attack, affecting more than 100 patients and dozens of medical staff. open image in gallery The hospitals director said the emergency room, pharmacy and surrounding buildings were severely damaged in the attack ( EPA ) A few hours later, Israeli forces targeted a car in the Deir al-Balah area of central Gaza, killing six brothers and their friend, according to staff at the morgue that received their bodies. In all, at least 14 Palestinians, including the head of the police in Khan Younis, were killed in separate Israeli attacks across Gaza on Sunday. The attacks came barely hours after Israels defence minister said military activity would rapidly expand across Gaza, and that Palestinians would have to evacuate the fighting zones. open image in gallery The wreckage of a car struck by the Israeli army in an attack that killed at least six Palestinians ( AP ) The military announced on Saturday that it would soon expand vigorously across the besieged coastal territory, as it cut off the southern city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza. Israel last week deployed troops to clear a new security corridor, referred to as Morag, between Rafah and Khan Younis. The Rafah municipality called Israels actions a flagrant breach of international legitimacy. The Palestinian foreign ministry and Hamas condemned the attack on al-Ahli Hospital and said that Israel is destroying Gazas healthcare system. Israeli forces have killed more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war on the territory nearly 18 months ago, according to the local health ministry, run by Hamas. They have reduced much of the territory to rubble and displaced most of its 2.2 million population, according to aid groups and the UN. Israel launched the war after nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 were taken hostage during a Hamas attack in the south of the country in October 2023. A ceasefire mediated by the US earlier this year was broken when Israel enforced a total blockade on the entry of food, fuel and medicines into Gaza and renewed its deadly attacks. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said he would not feel comfortable allowing a Chinese business into the British steel industry. Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Sunday, 13 April, Mr Reynolds said, "I wouldn't personally bring a Chinese company into our steel sector." The business secretary appeared to imply that bringing a Chinese company into a sensitive area such as steel could pose a risk to the UKs best interests if the company was to be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. MPs supported the governments plan to take over day-to-day running of British Steel from Chinese owner Jingye in an emergency debate on Saturday, 12 April. Torrential rain has battered Lanzarote, leaving homes and roads in the tourist hotspot flooded, and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency throughout the Canary Islands. Footage shows cars submerged on waterlogged roads, streams turned into dangerous rapids, and homeowners using buckets to bail water out of their houses after as much as 60 litres of rain fell in two hours on Saturday (12 April). The towns of Costa Teguise and Arrecife were worst hit, according to the Island Emergency Consortium, with emergency services being called out to more than 200 incidents. However, authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries. A state of emergency declared on Saturday was stood down by regional government early on Sunday morning. Two Russian missiles struck the northeastern city of Sumy in Ukraine as people walked to church to celebrate Palm Sunday (April 13). At least 32 civilians have been killed and 83 more injured in the attack, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a tough international response, writing on Telegram: "Only scoundrels can act like this. Taking the lives of ordinary people." The strike comes less than a day after Russia and Ukraine's top diplomats accused each other of violating a US-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure. Ever wonder if the guy next to you in the office is getting paid more for the same work? Now you can find out Another and another ... Our hearts break for the victims of yet another senseless shooting in Virginia. Two people killed while grocery shopping at the Harris Teeter in Crozet. Their families left devastated. The most haunting part? It could and should have been prevented. Virginias substantial risk order law (also known as the red flag law) was written to address the very circumstances this tragedy spotlights. We must honor the victims by committing to make Virginia a safer place for all and properly implementing the tools we already have to stop these killings. When we fought for and passed legislation creating Virginias red flag law, we had these exact scenarios in mind. The law became effective on July 1, 2020, and has already been used more than a thousand times in communities all across the commonwealth. Through 2024, a total of 1,391 emergency and final risk orders have been issued. We may never know how many lives have been saved, but research gives us a window into the possibilities. According to a 2024 study, for every 17 risk orders issued, one life is saved from firearm suicide. By that estimate, 82 Virginians may be alive today because the system worked for them. And a team of researchers studying red flag laws in six states found that 9.5% of the risk orders issued involved threats of mass shootings and 21% of those threats were targeted at K-12 schools. Imagine if just one of those orders averted yet another school shooting. Virginias law has a breadth of applications. It allows law enforcement officers or commonwealths attorneys to petition a judge to remove firearms from someone where there is a finding of probable cause to believe that a person poses a substantial risk of personal injury to himself or others in the near future by such persons possession or acquisition of a firearm. For someone in crisis who does not meet the criteria for an emergency custody order, temporary detention order or other mental health-related intervention, a risk order is the very tool law enforcement should be using to intervene and prevent injury and death by removing that persons firearm. Police and prosecutors in Virginia jurisdictions regularly using this lifesaving tool are contributing to the safety of their community and the citizens they serve. Effective use and implementation of this tool is, quite literally, a matter of life and death. But weve seen confusion about similar laws in other states, with deadly consequences. Law enforcement deserves the training and guidance to effectively use this policy. The Department of Criminal Justice Services must expand training to teach law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth how to use this law that we know works. Training is vital, but we must do more. It is family members who are often the first to know when a loved one is in crisis. The family in Highland Park, Illinois, knew. The family in Lewiston, Maine, knew. Under our current law, family members, health providers, roommates, intimate partners and others can contact law enforcement or their commonwealths attorney and request a substantial risk order. But they cannot petition directly to a judge or magistrate for an order. This is a major gap that we must close. Its common sense: Loved ones can often recognize a change in behavior that warrants a risk order to temporarily remove firearms long before others. We should improve Virginias red flag law to expand who is allowed to petition for an order that could save lives. Before the Crozet shooting, the family of the gunman did everything they could. They showed police the warning signs, reached out and begged for help. Now their loved one is dead along with two innocent victims. If Virginia allowed family members to petition a court directly for a risk order to remove firearms from a dangerous individual, more lives could have been saved. This is no solace to their loved ones, but moving forward, we must do everything in our power to make certain that risk orders are used in every appropriate circumstance. Today, were doubling down on our commitment to make Virginia a place that is safe from the horrors of gun violence. Lets honor the victims by making a change. Irish-owned FanDuel is sued in United States under 300-year-old gambling law Case mirrors legal action in Kentucky that was settled by owner Flutter in 2021 for $200m Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott accused FanDuel of causing 'significant harm' to 'vulnerable residents'. Photo: Getty John Mulligan Sat 12 Apr 2025 at 03:30 FanDuel, the American gambling subsidiary of Paddy Power owner Flutter, has been hit with a fresh lawsuit in Washington DC just days after the mayor of the city of Baltimore, Brandon Scott, accused FanDuel of causing significant harm to vulnerable residents with its betting practices. 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 Enterprise Ireland: In a world of change, reinvention gives you the edge The Reinvention Summit will welcome more than 30 guest speakers Midnight on the clock Sean Davis Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 03:30 As technologies and customer behaviours evolve and change at pace, its no longer sustainable to reply on outdated business models and ways of working. Richard Curran: Paul Coulson can have few complaints as 28-year Ardagh odyssey from Ringsend to Wall Street looks like having a happy ending Given the turbulence caused by US tariffs over the past two weeks, Ryanair could buy the Chinese-made Comac C919 as an alternative to its long-favoured American-made Boeing 737, senior aviation analysts have predicted. Corporate spy gets around-the-clock security at his Dublin home paid for by former employer Ex-Rippling employee said he fears power and wealth of those involved in corporate espionage case Keith O'Brien Maeve Sheehan Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 03:30 The payroll manager who was sacked from a multi-million euro company for spying in an international case of corporate espionage is getting around-the-clock security at his north Dublin home paid for by his former employer. A former solicitor who has a conviction for fraud had his job with a legal firm terminated after Netflixs lawyers raised concerns that he was working as a lawyer without having a practising certificate. Farmer Michael Ferris, who killed neighbour Anthony OMahony with teleporter prongs, comes home from prison to 600,000 in Kerry Co-op shares Farmer in crow-banger manslaughter case has 600,000 Kerry Group shares waiting for him after being released from prison Wayne O'Connor and Mark Tighe Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 03:30 A farmer who was convicted of manslaughter after driving a teleporter with pronged forks into a neighbours car and killing him has been released from prison after seven years in custody. The deadline for the introduction of the pension auto-enrolment scheme is now likely to be pushed beyond September, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers has said. Minimum wage increases planned by Government are also set to be delayed as part of plans aimed at supporting businesses amidst the economic uncertainty brought by US tariffs. Mr Chambers said Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary will bring an update to Government in the coming weeks on the specific timing of the rollout of pension auto-enrolment. Speaking to RTEs This Week, he said that while pension auto-enrolment is likely to be pushed past September, its likely to still occur in the short number of months after September. Auto-enrolment is going to be absolutely essential to build sustainability for pensions in the long-term and the exact nature of the commencement is what Minister Calleary is currently considering and it's likely to like likely to be deferred for a very short period. With the scheme having been deferred on previous occasions, Mr Chambers said there have been a couple of issues including large amounts of administrative work to bring people under the framework and a desire within Government to bring it in line with other projects. We are absolutely committed to auto-enrolment. There has to be sustainability with our pension system, and we have to provide for pensions, and I think this has been a really important reform in the last two years and I expect the commencement date to be adjusted only very marginally. This isn't something that's going to be deferred for a longer period, and its something that may be deferred for a short number of months. The pension auto-enrolment scheme will apply to nearly 800,000 working people between 23 and 60 who are in employment but not enrolled in an occupational pension scheme. The scheme aims to ensure people begin saving for their pensions earlier and they are not left with the State pension alone when they retire. Workers aged between 23 and 60 will be automatically enrolled to the scheme if they are earning more than 20,000 and are not already enrolled to an occupational pension scheme. Employee contributions will be matched by their employers and the State will also contribute an additional top-up. Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprise) described the delay as a welcome development, saying: This is a recognition that businesses need help and that we need to slow down the velocity of cost increases for businesses . We are in favour of auto-enrolment but we have just seen businesses costs increase at too fast a rate in the last two years." A spokesperson for business lobby group, IBEC (Irish Business and Employers Confederation) said that given the uncertainty in the economic outlook, it makes sense that Government should postpone any further labour costs. The spokesperson said: The postponement would also give more certainty to employers who are currently unclear on many aspects of auto-enrolment implementation. Mr Chambers also said that planned increases to the minimum wage may be delayed Were considering, I suppose, the overall cumulative impact on costs for businesses and the competitiveness within the Irish economy, he said. The number one focus for Government is to protect jobs, to drive competitiveness, and thats why separately, well be establishing a cost of business advisory forum on how to sustainably manage the overall cost for business. Within that, the Government is considering how we sequence the overall timing of the implementation for the minimum wage, and thats something that will be brought forward to Government shortly. The Government has made a commitment to replace the national minimum wage with a national living wage, set at 60pc of the median wage, by 2026. Mr Chambers also made clear the Government's opposition to the prospect of the EU introducing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the bloc fails to secure a negotiated agreement with president Donald Trump on tariffs. He said if it got to the stage of a digital services tax being imposed it would mean "enormous damage" for the Irish economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has floated the potential of the EU imposing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the dispute on tariffs is not resolved during the 90-day pause period. Many of those tech companies have established major operations in Ireland. Mr Chambers stressed the Government's opposition to such an EU countermeasure. "We've been absolutely clear about this from an Irish perspective, we did not support it in the past, and we do not support it now," he said. "It would be hugely damaging to the Irish economy, to foreign direct investment and to future growth and investment from an Irish perspective. I think we have to be careful what we place on the table." Mr Chambers said the European Commission's response to date had been "measured and considered" and he insisted that all the "energy and the focus" of the bloc should be on achieving an agreed position with the US. "If this escalates to a point of a digital services tax being discussed, we're at a point of enormous damage for the Irish economy, for the European economy, much of which it would be more severe than any of the downside risks which have (already) been outlined," he said. Joe MacAnthony is still remembered among journalists as the newspaper man who broke Irelands first major business scandal, an investigation into the Irish Hospitals Sweepstake in January 1973. MacAnthonys story on how the McGrath family had enriched themselves from what the Readers Digest had called the greatest bleeding-heart racket in the world was a ground-breaking journalistic investigation at a time when such exposes were almost non-existent in Ireland. It had major repercussions for both Independent Newspapers, which published the story in the Sunday Independent, and what was then Irelands wealthiest family, the McGraths, whose business interests included the Irish Sweepstake, the Irish Glass Bottle Company and Waterford Glass. Officially called Hospitals Trust (1940) Ltd, the company survived the investigation, but eventually fell prey to official government lotteries in Ireland and the United States in the late 1980s. When it closed its Ballsbridge facility many of its workers, particularly the women who sorted the lottery tickets, were left with meagre pensions, which also caused a public outcry after the site was sold for an upmarket apartment complex. MacAnthony and the editor of the Sunday Independent, Conor OBrien, did not last long in their respective roles either. Within a year OBrien had been consigned to a small office in the bowels of Independent House in Middle Abbey Street while MacAnthony emigrated to Canada, where he spent the next 40 years and relaunched his career as a writer and investigator. In later life he made a brief return to the Sunday Independent and lived in an apartment in the Beacon Quarter in south Dublin writing his autobiography, Professional Exile: Joe MacAnthony in his Own Words. Joe MacAnthonys grandfather, Francesco Marcantonio, was an Italian emigrant who came to Belfast in the early 1900s. His son shortened his Italian surname to Macantoni and, after taking part in the War of Independence, joined the Free State army, inventing the surname MacAnthony. His son, Joseph, was brought up in Lennox Street, Dublin, and attended Synge Street Christian Brothers school. Due to illness, he missed a year of school and, while recuperating, he developed a love of reading and writing. He joined the Army as a cadet in Galway where he formed a lifelong friendship with showjumper Ned Campion, but left after a disagreement with superior officers. After a brief stint in England as a carpet salesman, he returned to Ireland, and as the writer Joe Joyce described it, came into journalism in a sideways fashion. He became an assistant librarian in The Irish Times, where he stayed for six years, all the while trying to get a job in the newsroom. He later said that the editor, Douglas Gageby, did not regard him as suitable material for a journalist. His first published piece was an account of 1916 and reminiscences by his father-in-law, Seumas Robinson, who, along with Sean Treacy, Dan Breen and Sean Hogan, launched the War of Independence with the Soloheadbeg ambush in Tipperary on January 21, 1919. MacAnthony began contributing to a 1960s RTE consumer programme Home Truths, became involved in a housing agency in Coolock and later joined a public relations firm. He contested the 1970 general election as an Independent for south Dublin, getting 3,500 votes, but failing to win a seat. He worked as a freelancer for the news magazine This Week before joining the Sunday Independent in 1971, where OBrien was pioneering investigative journalism. Conor suggested that I do a story on the Sweeps, MacAnthony said later. What he discovered was that the institution founded by former IRA gunman and government minister, Joe McGrath, and now run by his sons Paddy and Joseph, was riddled with what was described as cronyism, bribery, smuggling, mail fraud and opaque financial dealings. Its monopoly was officially enshrined in legislation and in its early days was a much-needed source of funding for hospitals when such institutions were run by orders of nuns. Joe MacAnthony holds up his front-page scoop in 1973 Most of the Irish Sweepstake tickets were sold illegally through a powerful Old IRA network in America and Canada and sent back to Dublin for a much-publicised draw. The winning tickets were drawn from a large drum by uniformed nurses in Ballsbridge, giving it the official stamp of approval. Winning tickets were allocated to horses at various race meetings, the first in Manchester, but later the Grand National at Aintree and the Irish Sweepstakes at the Curragh. The ticket allocated to the winning horse won the top prize and every ticket carried a large cash prize. There was also a secondary market with bookmakers offering ticket owners large sums to buy either the entire ticket or a share from those who drew fancied horses. The first Irish Sweepstake draw took place in 1930 and the following year when Grakle won the Hospital Sweepstakes at Aintree, London coffee shop proprietor Emilio Scala won a princely 1,723,083, ensuring worldwide publicity. The McGraths and their partners in the enterprise, the Duggan and Freeman families, all became incredibly rich on the Sweepstake profits. Joe McGraths third son, Seamus, looked after the family horse racing empire and had a stud farm at what is now The Gallops housing estate near Sandyford in Dublin. The family also owned Cabinteely House, where Joe McGrath lived and which was donated to the State after his death. MacAnthony spent more than a year researching his subject, travelling to New York and Toronto in the process, meeting ticket sellers and law enforcement agencies trying to crack down on what Senator Robert Kennedy described as a racket. He also discovered that by the 1960s less than 10pc of the money it raised made its way into the hospital system. It was planned to run his investigation over two Sundays, but OBrien decided the second part would never be published because of the family friendship between the proprietors of Independent Newspapers, the Murphy family and the McGraths. The full 8,000-word expose was carried in the edition of Sunday, January 21, 1973, under the heading Where the Sweep millions go. Joe MacAnthony in 2020. Photo: Steve Humphreys The three-page investigation was accompanied by a strongly-worded editorial in which the editor wrote: We still persist in seeking the worlds charity to maintain our health services. And we are prepared to countenance illegalities to do soThe poor mouth is no longer representative of the new Ireland. The McGraths were incensed, with Joe McGrath calling his one-time friend Thomas V Murphy, ordering him to have all the Independents advertising hoardings removed from the Curragh racecourse by the afternoon. The Murphys were devastated by the collateral damage, and sold the business the following year to Tony OReilly. MacAnthony followed it up with another scoop on how Fianna Fail TD Ray Burke was collecting consultancy fees working for builders and developers, particularly in his north Dublin constituency. He discovered this in a document in the files of the Companies Registration Office, but the document was later torn out of the file and disappeared. Decades later Burke, who had held several government ministries in the meantime, was held to account. After he failed to get a pay increase which he said had been agreed for all the other reporters in the newspaper group, MacAnthony left the Sunday Independent. He got a six-month contract on the RTE current affairs programme Seven Days, but said he was not allowed to do any work. On October 1, 1974, MacAnthony, his wife Bairbre and their four children left Ireland for Canada where he took a job with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and had a distinguished career as an investigative reporter. His ground-breaking journalism included exposing corruption in the Canadian security services, investigating Opus Dei and revealing details of a tainted blood scandal. In a career spanning 30 years and in spite of a fair amount of legal threats, I am happy to say that I have never been brought to court for any of my reporting, much less been sued, he once said. My practice has been always to keep a little damning evidence on top of the wardrobe as insurance. In a social media post following his death in the Beacon Hospital, his family said: When he wasnt standing up for ordinary men and woman against the crooked and the corrupt, he was standing rounds of drinks for his confidants and companions against the slings and arrows of sobriety. They also recalled the tall tales he often told in pubs and taverns from Dublin to Toronto and in cities, towns and villages around the world. Indeed, his skill at weaving these pub stories was so compelling that some journalistic friends christened him MacFantasy while recognising that when it came to journalism, he was scrupulously factual. Joe MacAnthony, who died on April 4, was married with four children. His son Declan died in Toronto, Canada, in 2011 and his wife Bairbre died in Dublin in June, 2016. He is survived by his children, Brian, Diarmuid and Grainne, his brothers Colm and Austin, and his sister Carol. His funeral took place at Mount Jerome Crematorium on Thursday, where MacAnthony was remembered as a fearless investigative journalist driven by a powerful sense of social justice and as a devoted husband, father and friend. Darragh O'Brien said the Government was committed to removing the cap. Photo: Collins Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been asked to stop lampooning and lashing out at Fingal County Council in public in a bitter dispute over a controversial passenger cap at the airport. In private discussions, the council said it had been asked many times to speak publicly about the cap but had instead always kept counsel. Meet the letter writers: The letter Im most proud of had just three words. I deliberated a long time over them Ten of our regular writers on their motivations and what got them started Letter writer Tom Gilsenan. Photo: Steve Humphreys Roslyn Dee Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 03:30 When Kathleen Corrigan died a year ago, just a few months short of her 100th birthday, her granddaughter wrote to this newspaper to say how much her gorgeous nana had enjoyed contributing to the Letters to the Editor page in the Sunday Independent for so many years of her life. Writing about the Northern Ireland Protocol is an exercise in Socratic wisdom: the more you know, the more you come to appreciate how little you know. Im convinced there isnt one person in the world who fully understands the protocol. Customs experts might fully understand parts; experts in SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary, or food and plant safety) might understand other bits but no one person fully comprehends the enormity of the complexity. Even if they did, they cant fully predict how this fiendishly complex arrangement, involving sprawling legal texts and subtexts, can be affected by unforeseen events elsewhere. Despite this, when Donald Trump announced his global tariffs on April 2, I was instinctively confident it would give Northern Ireland a clear economic advantage. Until now, the hype about the protocol hadnt come close to fulfilment. Finally, this seemed like the moment the best of both worlds could come true. I was wrong. Amid the wider madness of what Trump was doing, a tax of 10pc on UK goods and 20pc on EU goods meant a theoretical upside for Northern Ireland. It was the one place with unfettered access to the EU Single Market and the UK market, while paying US tariffs at half the level of EU firms. That meant if a company wanted to access the UK and Europe while getting the cheapest tariff possible for selling into the US, Northern Ireland should have been the obvious choice. And yet, even before Trumps U-turn, that wasnt so. To my surprise, I couldnt find a single informed individual north of the Border who was optimistic about this. Whether pro or anti-protocol, people in business, politics, academia and elsewhere where firmly negative. There are no real positives when youre in the middle of a trade war Partly, this was because all these people believe tariffs are fundamentally negative. Take Belfast distillery owner Peter Lavery. There was scant comfort for him in the news that a bottle of Dublin whiskey would have an $8 tariff if his Titanic whiskey had a $4 tariff. Both would see sales fall. Only those firmly committed to buying some Irish whiskey might choose the one with the Belfast bottle many consumers would simply buy something else. Billy Melo Araujo, a trade expert at Queens University Belfast, said Northern Ireland had been left least worst off. But that didnt mean the position was good. There are no real positives when youre in the middle of a trade war. The second problem was Trumps unpredictability. Even if Northern Ireland had an unquestionably substantial advantage, no one would build a factory based on a policy which could be quickly abandoned. As it happened, the tariff differential lasted just seven days, with Trump U-turning to place the entire world on 10pc, apart from China on 145pc. All of that was before even considering the likely EU backlash. Despite last weeks U-turn, its now worth seriously considering what happens if such a situation arises again, as it may well do. US President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting at the White House. Photo: Bloomberg Prof Araujo said if the EU responds with tariffs of its own, from the moment the EU retaliates, Northern Ireland automatically has to apply those tariffs it has no choice. This would mean higher costs for consumers buying US products and for manufacturers buying US parts or raw materials. Economically, that would be problematic. Politically, it would be disastrous. It would spectacularly disprove the DUPs absurd claim that it had swept away the Irish Sea border. Under intense pressure, the party would lobby the British government to enact Article 16 of the Protocol the nuclear button which allows it to suspend key elements of the deal in a crisis. As Keir Starmer tries to build warmer relations with Dublin and Brussels, hed be reluctant to do so. The DUP would then be pressed from its right to pressurise Downing Street by collapsing devolution. The DUP would be reluctant to do so, knowing how damaging that could be for the Union and how difficult it could be to restore devolution. But if the pressure is sufficient, the DUP will do what it believes is in its electoral interest. That is the worst-case scenario. Things generally are not as extreme as they first appear For now, there is no tariff differential and the EU has pressed pause. Yet if the EU was to retaliate, how would Trump view Northern Ireland? Would he see it as part of the UK, unwillingly having these tariffs imposed from Brussels or as an indistinguishable part of the EU retaliation? With such an erratic president, no one can know for sure. But at this point political considerations might play a part. The DUP has prominent members who publicly supported Trump, and Ian Paisley Jr has more than two decades of connections to the Trump family. When Sinn Fein boycotted the White House on St Patricks Day, DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly went to meet Trump. One of her ministers, Gordon Lyons, brought JD Vance, whose ancestors were Ulster Scots, a copy of his family tree compiled by the Public Record Office in Belfast. And hours after Trumps tariff announcement on April 2, Lyons pledged stg250,000 of Stormont cash to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence next year. All of this might count for nothing. Northern Ireland is hardly the only part of the world where ministers are desperately trying to ingratiate themselves to this free-wheeling administration. For now, there are no tariffs on pharmaceuticals, a major part of the Irish economy, but Trump is loudly warning that high tariffs will be levied on that sector. If so, that could mean Northern Ireland is more attractive to pharma firms, though the high capital costs mean factories would only be moved if there was certainty that these changes were permanent. Andrew McCormick was Stormonts top official dealing with Brexit during the torturous negotiations. Now retired, he cautioned: Things generally are not as extreme as they first appear. I dont see it as necessarily a big boom or a big bust. Far from Northern Ireland being the worlds most exciting economic zone as Rishi Sunak claimed two years ago, it is the meat in a very unpleasant sandwich. Business hates uncertainty, and the complexity of the Protocol means Northern Ireland is now a uniquely uncertain place to invest. The obituary of the Sunday Independent journalist Joe MacAnthony recalls that he had been an Army cadet, a carpet salesman and a short order cook whose exposure of the Irish Hospitals Sweepstake and other rackets so infuriated official Ireland of the early 1970s, he had to leave the country and move to Canada. Wexford Senator Cathal Byrne has called for the provision of earlier train offerings for Wexford commuters working or looking to work in Dublin. At present there are seven services each day on the rail route, travelling from the port of Rosslare through Wexford town, Enniscorthy, on to Gorey and onwards to Dublin Connolly through Wicklow. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Byrne highlighted that while commuters from Gorey have adequate time to get to work with an early train service originating from there, the earliest offering from Rosslare, Wexford, and Enniscorthy leaves other commuters under pressure. "I wish to specifically highlight the need for investment in early morning services for commuters in Rosslare, Enniscorthy and Wexford town. At present, there is an early morning service operating from Gorey town and travelling to Dublin Connolly which leaves at 5.50 a.m. and arrives at Dublin Connolly at 7.47 a.m. This leaves plenty of time for commuters to make their way across the city and get into work, he explained. "Unfortunately, the service operating from Wexford starts at 5.59 a.m. and stops in Enniscorthy at 6.20 a.m. but does not arrive in Dublin Connolly until 8.48. a.m., leaving it very tight for commuters, he added. He highlighted that across the country, areas have seen investment in early morning services with many commuters more than willing to leave their car parked and behind at the rail station, but this option being currently denied to the majority of Wexford commuters. "I encourage the Leader to ensure this is prioritised as part of the new national development plan, he said. Prof. President Prof. Daire Keogh and Director of Alumni Relations Ross Munnelly present Laura Miskella with her award for Mentor of the Year. Photo: Kyran O Brien, DCU. A Wexford woman has been awarded the prestigious recognition of Mentor of the Year with DCUs Career Mentoring programme. A native of New Ross and past pupil of St. Marys Secondary School, Laura Miskella graduated as secondary school teacher 11 years ago and has since furthered and deepened her understanding of teaching as she became a researcher specialising in additional educational needs. Over the past four years, Laura, who is currently a teacher in Ramsgrange Community School, has been involved with the DCU Career Mentoring Programme and as the most recent cohort came the end of their journey on the programme, the alumni and students of the programme gathered to celebrate the achievements at a closing ceremony. Through the DCU Career Mentoring programme the graduates give back to Dublin City University by volunteering time, experience and expertise to mentor a second-year student at a crucial stage of their studies. The programme runs for six-months between November and April and pairs second-year students with alumni mentors for the purpose of career and professional development. Alumni and students are matched based on their areas of professional expertise, DCU course and areas of interest. Alumni mentors are asked, if possible, to provide their student mentee with a work-shadowing day as part of the programme. The closing ceremony was held in the surroundings of the new Polaris Building on the Glasnevin Campus, where guests were treated to refreshments and live musicians, including a current DCU jazz student, before the official ceremony. Hosted by Yvonne McLoughlin, Head of the DCU Careers, the event was then opened by DCU President Prof. Daire Keogh with remarks by both the DCU Careers Office and DCU Alumni Office who collaborate on the programme each year. Two major awards were announced on the night, with one being awarded to the Mentee of the Year, Kseniia Sobol (BSc Genetics and Cell Biology), which was presented by Ms McLoughlin. The second award was then presented by Ross Munnelly, Director of Alumni Relations, to Laura for her contribution to the programme. The mentors were thanked at the ceremony by the programme leads for being so engaged and giving back their time and experience to this key programme for the DCU Alumni Office. Over 190 mentors took part this year, which was a six percent rise on the number of mentors from the previous year. Laura described the experience as a complete honour. "Im absolutely thrilled to have received it and to have been nominated by my mentee, I wasnt expecting it whatsoever, she added. Explaining why she got involved as a mentor with the programme, Laura said: I was reading up on the programme and it aligned with many of my own values as a teacher in regard to helping other people and mentoring them, in addition to transferrable skills that I would have used in my own teaching career. Laura hopes to continue her mentoring journey with DCU, and said she would strongly encourage any DCU alumni to get involved with the programme because its a great opportunity to help others and to give back. Wicklow businesswoman and mum-of-three Vicky Noble, who owns Dlulukaloo at The Little Emporium in Greystones, said she is incredibly proud to have been awarded runner-up for Sustainable Business of the Year 2025 at the National Digital Awards. The awards ceremony, which recognises the best digital, ecommerce and innovation businesses in Ireland while celebrating talent across the industry, took place in Dublin on Friday, March 28, with the winners and runners-up crowned in front of over 250 attendees from the digital sector. It consisted of 16 categories featuring the best websites, people, and innovations of the year. "Were incredibly proud to have been awarded runner-up for Sustainable Business of the Year 2025 at the National Digital Awards, Vicki said. As a small Greystones-based business, this recognition means the world to us its the best reward for all the hard work we put into bringing sustainability to life. You can always rest assured that when you shop or rent toys with DluluKaloo, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from the products we select to the way we operate." Read more Meet the Wicklow toy shop owner renting out wooden toys to help parents avoid Christmas clutter Dlulukaloo at The Little Emporium is a toy shop based in Tesco Greystones, and opened in 2020 with the aim of helping to save hundreds of euros for parents and stop their kids getting bored by promoting toys for rent, not just to buy and discard. The fact the toys are all wooden means production sits well in the circular economy, and there is the added bonus that you wont find these toys anywhere else. Parents can rent any of the toys for a monthly fee, plus a fully refundable security deposit. At the end of the month, they can either return all or some of the items or can hold on to anything that they feel their kids really liked. The rental fee for those items will be refunded to the customer and the monthly rentals range from 20-35, depending on the items and volume selected. Speaking to independent.ie previously, Vicki said as she looked to the future: What I would love to achieve is to make sustainable wooden toys accessible to as many people as I can. The Blessington Community College Climate Action team with MC Ruth Scott, Pamela McCann Codling Wind Park Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Paul O'Brien, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District Patsy Glennon and Climate Change Coordinator with Wicklow County Council Mark Costello. A survey of more than 200 secondary school students that attended Wicklows inaugural Youth Biodiversity Conference found than 49pc would not give up social media to combat the climate and biodiversity crisis, even though a large proportion described themselves as alarmed, anxious or unsettled. The poll asked them how concerned they are about climate change and biodiversity loss. 34pc of students were alarmed, 23pc were anxious, and a further 24pc felt unsettled. 49pc still said that they would not give up social media to combat the climate and biodiversity emergency. Over 60pc of the students were also either optimistic or hopeful that we can still reverse the worst impacts of the climate and biodiversity emergency. The event was hosted by Blessington Community College and organised by 18 students from first to fifth year on the schools Environment Council Committee, with support from their teachers and Wicklow County Council. The primary objective of the Youth Biodiversity Conference was to amplify the voices of young people, empowering them to speak out about the ongoing biodiversity crisis and inspire further action. It also aimed to raise awareness among younger generations about the impact on the biodiversity emergency, while also promoting actionable solutions to adapt to and mitigate its effects. Students from four secondary schools in Carnew, Baltinglass and Dunlavin participated and it was co-hosted by Ruth Scott and students Mia Warren and Tara Cullen, featuring presentations on climate change, biodiversity loss, the Wicklow Mountains and National Park, life on land and water, fast fashion, and biodiversity actions we can take. While officially opening the conference, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul OBrien said: It is truly inspiring to see the local secondary schools coming together for this biodiversity conference. Events like this play a crucial role in tackling the challenges of both climate change and biodiversity loss. "We are living in a time of great challenges, but also great opportunities. Together, lets be the generation that restores, protects, and cherishes the natural world. Lets be the voices that deliver a healthier, more biodiverse planet. And lets never forget that even the smallest actions, when multiplied, can change the world. School principal Kieran Burke added: Our school is deeply committed to environmental education and sustainability, and we believe that empowering students to lead conversations about biodiversity is essential to creating lasting change. Hosting this conference not only reflects our values but also provides a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and inspire action in their communities and beyond. The conference included a presentation from Eanna Ni Lamhna, an Irish biologist, television presenter and author, who spoke about the importance of caring for biodiversity. Anja Murray, an ecologist, broadcaster and author shared insights on life on land and water and approaches to talking actions for Irelands environment. Dr Jim Carolan, senior lecturer Maynooth University, addressed Irelands biodiversity crisis and shared experiences from Maynooth University. Declan Murphy, birdwatcher and author highlighted biodiversity loss within Wicklow. The conference also included feedback from the student Environment Council discussing biodiversity-related workshops leading up to the conference. Co-hosts Mia and Tara wrapped up the conference by emphasising that while students are not responsible for causing the climate and biodiversity emergency, they can play a vital role in helping to take action and to find solutions. Comrades of Marharyta Polovinko, 31, a Ukrainian artist, paramedic and volunteer from 3rd Assault Brigade, who was killed recently on the frontline, pay their respects during his funeral ceremony in Krivyi Rih, Ukraine, on Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko) More than 30 people were killed and scores injured in a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, officials said. Two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the city at around 10:15 a.m. as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, according to officials. Videos posted from the scene on official channels showed bodies on the ground amid debris and smoke around central Sumy. 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 A Widows Game OTT Release Date: What if the sweetest smile hid the darkest secret? What if the grieving widow wasnt just mourning, but manipulating? This Netflixs upcoming Spanish-language film peels back the layers of one of Spains most chilling real-life murder cases. The suspense drama is set to premiere globally on May 30 on Netflix, bringing a story that is as shocking as it is compelling. Which case has inspired Netflixs A Widows Game? This one is based on the real Black Widow of Patraix case. On a regular day in August 2017, a man was found stabbed to death in a parking lot in Valencia. He had been stabbed seven times. It looked like a crime of passion. But what followed was anything but expected. The police launched an urgent investigation, led by a seasoned homicide inspector. Stills from A Widows Game | Credits: Netflix Soon, suspicion turned toward someone no one imagined - Maje, the victims young wife. Calm, composed, and soft-spoken, she had only been married to him for less than a year. What could she possibly gain? But as the layers came off, so did the lies. The story of the sweet widow slowly turned into something more manipulative and dark. Meet the team behind A Widows Game Directed by Carlos Sedes and backed by Bambu Producciones (Farina, The Alcasser Murders), this suspenseful film stars Ivana Baquero (Pans Labyrinth, High Seas) as Maria Jesus Moreno Canto, aka Maje. Opposite her is Carmen Machi (Celeste, Criminal, Honeymoon with My Mother), who plays Eva, the inspector leading the case. Tristan Ulloa (The Asunta Case, Berlin) stars as Salva, a key figure in the investigation. Stills from A Widows Game | Credits: Netflix The supporting cast includes Joel Sanchez, Alex Gadea, Pablo Molinero, Pepe Ocio, Ramon Rodenas, Amparo Fernandez, and Miquel Mars. A Widows Game is written by the same writers who created The Asunta Case. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Like the previous season, Black Mirror's seventh season has produced a great deal of social media discussion due to its episodes. This time, one episode in particular is receiving a lot of attention, particularly due to its conclusion. The episode ends at a point that is left up to the viewers' comprehension and imagination. Titled Common People, Working-class couple Mike (played by Chris O'Dowd) and Amanda (played by Rashida Jones) are hoping to start a family. However, as Amanda goes into a coma, her distraught husband proceeds with an apparently life-saving procedure that messes things up further. If you've seen the episode and want to delve deeply into the conclusion, we've got you covered. (Spoilers ahead, you know what to do) The sweetest way to start your day. Black Mirror: Common People pic.twitter.com/7qbfq3R16l Netflix (@netflix) April 12, 2025 Black Mirror season 7 episode Common People ending explained We observe how Rivermind plays games and continuously raises their fees in order to either boost coverage or remove advertisements, among other things. For both of them, it goes over budget. Having lost their jobs due to the need to keep up with Rivermind's new tiers, Mike and Amanda are exhausted in every way possible. To pay for Luxe booster cards, Mike has been pulling his teeth, putting his tongue in a mousetrap and what not in horrible online videos. After receiving some peace with the final booster card, Amanda decides she wants to pass away. Mike uses a pillow to suffocate her as she lies down on the bed as her advertisement is playing. She doesn't feel anything while her advertisements air, so she is unaware of what is going on. After a few seconds, we see Mike entering the room holding a cutter, which may indicate that he also took his own life. However, the filmmakers have not shown us this, so it is up to our interpretation as to what it signifies. black mirrors common people. oh, they started with a banger! this will stay with me. pic.twitter.com/pch4t3wt13 - (@darkerrgrey) April 10, 2025 Black Mirror -Common people episode is exactly what capitalism is doing to middle classes. Sucking every last penny from our pockets and throwing us in poverty or compelling us take extreme step. Capitalism is evil and with technology in hands, capitalists will destroy you Sahil Prasad (@laxmi407) April 10, 2025 What is Black Mirror? Charlie Brooker is the creator of the British anthology television series Black Mirror. In each episode of the show, a variety of genres and tales are explored, leaving viewers with something to think about. The complexity of the seventh season is also being praised, and this specific episode, Common People, is being referred to as depressing and unsettling. You can stream Black Mirror season 7 on Netflix. For more news and upates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. With Puratawn, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, a treasured icon of Bengali and Hindi cinema has arrived to the big screen one more time. But given that the famous actor hinted that it might be her last appearance in a Bengali film, this eagerly awaited release could also mark a significant turning point in her career. During a recent media appearance, the veteran actress discussed the movie and the possibility that this would be her final Bengali picture. Puratawn could be Sharmila Tagores last Bengali film As per PTI, when asked about the possibility of appearing in future Bengali films, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore expressed her fondness for them, saying she loves everything about Kolkata and enjoys working in Bengali cinema. However, she admitted that her current health conditions make it difficult for her to maintain the level of fitness required for film shoots. Reflecting on her experience shooting for Puratwan in 2023, Sharmila recalled spending 1415 days at a resort on the banks of the Ganga with the film's team, describing it as a memorable and enjoyable time. Speaking about the film, she shared her delight at being able to act in Bengali again after more than a decade. She mentioned how natural it felt to improvise lines and express herself in her mother tongue. Despite her vast experience, Sharmila noted that every film continues to present its own set of challenges. Sharmila Tagores Bengali films Sharmila Tagore's notable Bengali films include Apur Sansar released in 1959, Devi in 1960, Nayak in 1966, Aranyer Din Ratri in 1970, Seemabaddha in 1971, and Puratawn in 2023. Sharmila Tagores cancer diagnosis When fans learned in 2023 that veteran actress Sharmila Tagore had been fighting cancer in seclusion, they were taken aback. Soha Ali Khan, her daughter, has provided additional information about that trying time, including how the early diagnosis helped her mother's treatment and recovery. Soha disclosed that Sharmila was given a lung cancer diagnosis at stage zero, which is incredibly early, in an interview with Nayandeep Rakshit. She mentioned that her mother did not need chemotherapy or other intensive treatments because she was one of the very few people who were diagnosed so early. After the cancer was surgically removed, Sharmila is now "touchwood, fine," as Soha kindly said. For more news and upates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Ambedkar Jayanti wishes, images, quotes & more: Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated every year to honour the birth of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar the man who shaped the Indian Constitution and stood for social justice. Known as the Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr Ambedkar spent his life fighting against inequality, caste discrimination, and injustice. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 will mark his 135th birth anniversary and will be observed on Monday, 14 April 2025. This special day is also called Equality Day in India and is celebrated with great respect and enthusiasm across the country. Why We Celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti Dr B R Ambedkar was not only a great leader and visionary, but also a strong voice for the rights of women, workers, and marginalised communities. He believed that true freedom meant equality for all. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar | Credit: PTI He founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in 1923, which aimed to educate and improve the financial condition of low-income and oppressed groups in India. His main goal was to end caste-based discrimination through education and social reforms. Dr Ambedkars Role in Social Movements Dr Ambedkar led several powerful social campaigns like: Anti-caste movement Temple entry movement (notably at Nashik in 1930) Anti-priest movement He believed that just having political power wasn't enough real change would come only when the lower castes received equal rights and opportunities in society. In 1942, he became a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council and worked hard to protect the rights of the underprivileged. He was also a noted economist, thinker, and reformer whose contributions are still celebrated today. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Images, Wishes, and Greetings to Share On Ambedkar Jayanti 2025, many people look for Ambedkar Jayanti images, wishes, and greetings to share with family and friends on social media. You can use these to show your respect and spread his message of equality: Ambedkar Jayanti wishes 2025 "Let us remember the man who gave us the Constitution and stood for the rights of every Indian. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti 2025!" "Celebrate justice, equality, and fraternity this Ambedkar Jayanti!" Dr. B.R. Ambedkars journey is a testament to determination, resilience and the power of knowledge. His vision continues to inspire individuals across generations. May the teachings of Babasaheb fill our hearts with strength, knowledge and determination. Sending you warm wishes on Ambedkar Jayanti. On Ambedkar Jayanti, lets seek to educate, empower and uplift those around us. "May the teachings of Babasaheb guide us towards a better and fair society." Dr. B.R. Ambedkars teachings are timeless may we always strive to uphold them. Wishing you an inspiring Ambedkar Jayanti. "Wishing you a meaningful Ambedkar Jayanti filled with justice, equality, and dignity for all." May we all continue to learn, grow and do what is right, just as Babasaheb taught us. Sending everyone my best wishes on this occasion. On this special day, lets honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkars vision and strive for a society built on justice and equality. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. "May the teachings of Babasaheb inspire us to stand for what is right. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti!" "On this day, let us remember the man who gave India its constitutional identity. Jai Bhim!" "Lets celebrate the birth of a visionary who shaped Indias future Happy Ambedkar Jayanti!" The best tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is to work towards the society he envisioned one of justice, knowledge and progress. Wishing you a purposeful Ambedkar Jayanti. "A humble tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar, the torchbearer of social justice. Warm wishes to all!" May the ideals of Babasaheb inspire us all to work towards a brighter and more inclusive future. Ambedkar Jayanti greetings to you and your family. "Ambedkar Jayanti reminds us that change begins with knowledge and courage." "May we walk the path of equality and justice paved by Dr Ambedkar. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti!" "Today, we salute the man who stood for the voiceless. Jai Bhim and Happy Ambedkar Jayanti!" Dr. B.R. Ambedkars wisdom continues to guide us. May this day remind us to uphold his values in all we do. Best wishes on Ambedkar Jayanti. "Freedom, equality, and respect let these be our guide on Ambedkar Jayanti and beyond." "Wishing you strength to fight injustice and wisdom to uphold democracy. Jai Bhim!" Use these Ambedkar Jayanti wishes as your WhatsApp status or send them to loved ones to celebrate this important day. Powerful Ambedkar Jayanti Quotes to Inspire All Dr Ambedkars words still inspire millions. Here are some famous Ambedkar Jayanti quotes that reflect his vision: Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realise that our people have yet to learn it. Democracy in India is only a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic. Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is not fit to rule another country must admit that one class is not fit to rule another class. If I find the constitution being misused, I shall be the first to burn it. Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is no fit to rule another country must admit that one class is not fit to rule another class. If you ask me, my ideal would be the society based on liberty, equality and fraternity. An ideal society should be mobile and full of channels of conveying a change taking place in one part to other parts. Political tyranny is nothing compared to social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government. I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. I refuse to join with them in performing the miracleI will not say trickof liberating the oppressed with the gold of the tyrant, and raising the poor with the cash of the rich. Religion is for man and not man for religion Be Educated, Be Organised and Be Agitated If you believe in living a respectable life, you believe in self-help which is the best help. Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man's life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self too. We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organize your forces. Power and prestige will come to you through struggle. Lost rights are never regained by appeals to the conscience of the usurpers, but by relentless struggle.... Goats are used for sacrificial offerings and not lions. Once you clear the minds of the people of this misconception and enable them to realise that what they are told is religion is not religion, but that it is really law, you will be in a position to urge its amendment or abolition. I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age. History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them. Life should be great rather than long. The history of India is nothing but a history of a mortal conflict between Buddhism and Brahminism. I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved. Humans are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die. They cannot make history who forget history. A just society is that society in which ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society. Slavery does not merely mean a legalised form of subjection.It means a state of society in which some men are forced to accept from others the purposes which control their conduct. Feel free to share these meaningful quotes as Instagram captions or WhatsApp status to honour the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Best Ambedkar Jayanti Slogans for 2025 Slogans are a great way to spread awareness about Dr Ambedkars life and his fight for justice. Here are some powerful Ambedkar Jayanti slogans you can use: Educate, Agitate, Organise the path shown by Dr Ambedkar. Say no to caste, yes to humanity. Justice is not a favour; its a right. Let knowledge break the chains of inequality. Unity in diversity the vision of Babasaheb. Rise against injustice Be Ambedkars India! From the ashes of oppression rises equality. Be the voice for the voiceless. Jai Bhim! No one is above or below were all equal. Equality is not an idea, its a necessity. These Ambedkar Jayanti slogans can be used in rallies, posters, school activities, and on social media platforms. Ambedkar Jayanti Instagram Captions and WhatsApp Status Ideas Want to post on Instagram or update your WhatsApp status this Ambedkar Jayanti 2025? Here are some unique and creative ideas: Ambedkar Jayanti Instagram Captions Honouring the man who gave India its backbone #DrAmbedkar #AmbedkarJayanti No caste. No discrimination. Only equality. #AmbedkarJayanti2025 Be the change Babasaheb dreamed of. Born to change history. #Babasaheb #AmbedkarJayanti 14 April isnt just a date its a movement. #JaiBhim Woke minds. Equal rights. Inspired by Ambedkar. No caste. No hate. Just equality. #DrAmbedkar Legends write books. Heroes write constitutions. Liberty. Equality. Fraternity. Every caption, every day. Honouring the icon who redefined India. Justice is colourless. So is true leadership. #Ambedkar One man, a million hearts. Jai Bhim, always. Change starts with one Babasaheb showed us how. Ambedkar Jayanti WhatsApp Status "April 14 Celebrating the spirit of justice and equality. #AmbedkarJayanti" "A true patriot, a fearless reformer Salute to Dr Ambedkar " "He gave us rights. Lets give him respect. Jai Bhim!" "Born to break barriers. Babasaheb lives on in our hearts." "Justice begins with awareness. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti!" "One man, one mission Equality for all. #Respect" "Today is not just a holiday. Its a reminder of our values." "From struggle to strength Dr Ambedkar showed us the way." "Ambedkar Jayanti: Lets remember the power of the pen and voice." "Real heroes don't wear capes they write constitutions. Jai Bhim!" April 14 A tribute to the legend of justice. #AmbedkarJayanti We are because he fought for us. Jai Bhim! Lets walk on the path of equality Happy Ambedkar Jayanti! Ambedkar Jayanti images, cards & posters to share Ambedkar Jayanti quote image | Credit: Freepik Ambedkar Jayanti quote image | Credit: Freepik Ambedkar Jayanti quote image | Credit: Freepik Ambedkar Jayanti quote image | Credit: Freepik Ambedkar Jayanti quote image | Credit: Freepik Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 is not just a celebration it's a reminder of the values that Dr Ambedkar stood for: justice, equality, and respect for all. By sharing Ambedkar Jayanti images, posting thoughtful quotes, sending wishes, using impactful slogans, and creative Instagram captions or WhatsApp status, we keep his memory alive and spread his message far and wide. Let this years Ambedkar Jayanti be a day to reflect, remember, and recommit ourselves to building a fairer society for all. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Ambedkar Jayanti short & long speech ideas: Every year on April 14, India celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti to honour the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. This day holds special importance, especially in schools and colleges, where students participate in various programs and deliver speeches to remember the life and work of this great leader. In this article, we bring you a collection of Ambedkar Jayanti speechesa long speech, a short speech, and a 10-line speechto help students and speakers express their thoughts on this occasion. These speeches can be used in school functions, assemblies, cultural programs, or even in essay or speech competitions. Why Do We Celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti? Ambedkar Jayanti marks the birthday of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, born on 14th April 14, 1891. Known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution", Dr Ambedkar was a great thinker, social reformer, economist, jurist, and a voice for the oppressed communities in India. He dedicated his life to the fight against untouchability, caste discrimination, and worked for equal rights for all citizens. His contribution to building modern India is remarkable. That is why Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated with great respect across the country. Tips to Deliver the Best Ambedkar Jayanti Speech Start with a polite greeting. Speak with confidence and clarity. Mention important facts about Dr Ambedkars life. Include his achievements and struggles. End with a strong message about equality and respect. Ambedkar Jayanti Long Speech in English (2025) Good morning, respected principal, teachers, and dear friends. Today, I feel honoured to speak about Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti 2025. Dr Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891 and is remembered for his great role in writing the Constitution of India. He believed in equality, justice, and human rights. Though he is mainly known for drafting the Constitution, his work went beyond that. He was also a lawyer, economist, political leader, and a true social reformer. His early life was full of challenges due to the caste system in India. Yet, he didnt give up. Instead, he used education as a tool to fight against injustice. Dr Ambedkar was the first Dalit to complete higher education, studying at Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He was excellent in 64 subjects and knew 11 languages. In 1947, he became the first Law Minister of independent India. He later resigned due to the slow progress on social reforms. Disappointed with caste-based discrimination in Hinduism, he converted to Buddhism in 1956 along with thousands of his followers. Throughout his life, he ran several movements like temple entry, anti-caste campaigns, and Dalit rights marches, including the famous protest at Chavdar Lake in 1927 and Kalaram Temple in 1930. His slogan Educate, Agitate, Organise is still relevant today. In 1990, the Indian Government awarded him the Bharat Ratna, the countrys highest civilian award. Dr Ambedkars vision was clearan India where no one is judged by caste or class, but by their talent and character. On this Ambedkar Jayanti, let us remember his values and try to follow the path he showed us. I rest my speech with Dr. Amdedkar's inspiring quotes - "If you think it is possible to lead a dignified life, you believe in self-help, which is the best help." Thank you! Ambedkar Jayanti Short Speech 1 in English (2025) Good morning, everyone. Today, I am here to speak a few lines on Ambedkar Jayanti. This special day celebrates the birth of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who was born on April 14, 1891. He was the father of the Indian Constitution and a great leader who fought against the caste system and stood for equality and justice. Dr Ambedkar was also Indias first Law Minister. He believed in the power of education and inspired many to learn and grow. He changed his religion to Buddhism, along with his followers, to protest against untouchability. He was given the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his efforts. We salute him for his selfless work and dedication to building a better India. I rest my speech with Dr. Amdedkar's inspiring quotes, "Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea requires propagation as much as a plant requires watering, otherwise, both will dry up and perish." Thank you! Ambedkar Jayanti Short Speech 2 Good morning everyone, Today, we are here to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti and remember the great man who gave us the Indian ConstitutionDr. B. R. Ambedkar. He was more than just a leader; he was a true visionary who wanted a country where everyone is treated equallyno matter their caste, religion, or gender. As students, it is our duty to respect the rights he fought for and work together to build a fair and equal society. Lets follow his ideas and do our part to create a better India. Ambedkar Jayanti Short Speech 3 Respected teachers and dear friends, Dr. Ambedkar once said, Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence. He strongly believed in the power of education. Despite facing many challenges, he became one of the most educated leaders in history. On his birth anniversary today, lets promise to value education, not just for ourselves, but to help others too. Education is not only about getting degrees, but also about learning, growing, and making the world a better place. Lets keep learning and keep moving forward, just like Babasaheb. Thank you. Ambedkar Jayanti 10 Line Speech in English (2025) Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891. We celebrate his birthday as Ambedkar Jayanti every year. He is known as the father of the Indian Constitution. He was a great leader, reformer, and thinker. Dr Ambedkar worked for the rights of Dalits and backward classes. He studied in India, the USA, and the UK. He was the first Law Minister of independent India. He converted to Buddhism in 1956. He was given the Bharat Ratna in 1990. We remember his contributions on Ambedkar Jayanti with great respect. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Happy New Year wishes & messages: Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Tamil calendar. It is a joyful and meaningful celebration for Tamils across the globe. Puthandu 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, April 14, with great happiness and traditional spirit by Tamil families in India and abroad, especially in places like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Lets explore the significance of Puthandu, along with heartfelt wishes, beautiful messages, meaningful quotes, and fun WhatsApp status ideas to share with your loved ones this Tamil New Year 2025. Puthandu 2025 Wishes to Share with Your Loved Ones Sending good wishes on Puthandu 2025 is a lovely way to show you care. Here are some warm and thoughtful Tamil New Year wishes: Wishing you a bright and beautiful Puthandu filled with peace, prosperity, and positivity. Happy Puthandu! May this Tamil New Year bring new hopes, fresh starts, and endless joy into your life. Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal! May your days ahead be as sweet as sakkarai pongal. Let the light of Puthandu brighten your path and guide you to success. Wishing you and your family a Happy Tamil New Year 2025! Start this year with gratitude and let every day bring you joy and blessings. Wishing you and your family a joyful Puthandu 2025! May this Tamil New Year bring endless happiness and good fortune. Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal! May your life be filled with fresh beginnings and wonderful memories. Happy Tamil New Year! May your days ahead be as bright as kolam designs and as sweet as sakkarai pongal. Sending warm Puthandu wishes your way! May the new year bless you with peace, prosperity, and positivity. Let this Puthandu 2025 be a new chapter of success, health, and togetherness for you and your loved ones. Celebrate this Tamil New Year with a heart full of gratitude and dreams full of promise. May Puthandu bring new goals to chase and sweet memories to treasure throughout the year. Wishing you strength to face challenges and laughter to brighten your journey. Happy Puthandu! Hope this Tamil New Year opens the door to endless possibilities and cherished moments. As the Tamil sun rises on a new year, may it light up your path with joy and achievement. Heartfelt Puthandu 2025 Wishes for Everyone Whether its your family, friends, or colleagues, these Tamil New Year 2025 wishes are perfect for expressing your warm thoughts and good intentions. Happy Puthandu 2025! May this new year bring you success, peace, and prosperity. Wishing you a bright and cheerful Tamil New Year filled with happiness and love. Let this Puthandu mark a fresh start. May your dreams come true this year! Sending you blessings, positive energy, and heartfelt wishes this Tamil New Year. May Puthandu 2025 light up your life with joy and positivity. May this Tamil New Year open up new hopes, new opportunities, and new paths to success. Celebrate this Tamil New Year with joy in your heart and happiness in your life. May your life shine bright like the Kuthu Vilakku this New Year! Puthandu nalvazhthukkal to my first best friends, youre the reason celebrations feel special. May your year be drama-free, stress-free, and full of reasons to celebrate! Mangoes, marundhu, and mess-free joy, heres to the best kind of chaos! Rejoice in new beginnings and cherish every new moment. Happy Tamil New Year! Begin this Puthandu with a grateful heart and a mind full of dreams. Lets welcome the New Year with optimism and hope. Wishing you a joyful Puthandu! Wishing Appa and Amma a year of great health, peaceful moments, and lots of lazy afternoons! Manifesting great vibes, better bank balance, and unlimited sambar. This New Year, may Lord Murugan bless you with wisdom and strength. Wishing you a fresh start with renewed energy and confidence this Puthandu. From childhood memories to todays celebrations, every Puthandu with you is a blessing. Lets celebrate Puthandu with a heart full of gratitude and love. May Chithirai bring clarity, calm, and confidence into your journey. Wishing you all the happiness and prosperity in the world this Puthandu. Align your energy, follow your light, and trust your journey. Happy Puthandu 2025! Here for the blessings and the biryani. #PuthanduFeels Happy Puthandu! May this be the year of your dreams. May your mind be clear and your fridge be full. Happy Puthandu 2025 Messages for Family and Friends Make your loved ones smile with these heartfelt Puthandu messages: Puthandu nalvazhthukkal to my first best friendsmy family. You make every celebration feel special. Heres to another year of family love, good food, and lots of laughter! Wishing Appa and Amma a peaceful, joyful year filled with good health and happy memories. To my siblings: May we always fight, make up, and share snacks like old times! From childhood memories to todays celebrations, every Puthandu with you is a gift. Heres to another beautiful Puthandu spent with people who make life worth celebrating. From childhood memories to todays traditions, Puthandu always brings us closer. Wishing my lovely family a year full of blessings, home-cooked delights, and joyful get-togethers. To friends near and farmay this Tamil New Year bring us back together in laughter and love. To the ones who make every festival feel like homePuthandu nalvazhthukkal! Lets welcome Puthandu with open hearts, open arms, and open plates! Grateful for another year to celebrate our culture, our faith, and each other. May your home echo with laughter and your heart overflow with love this Puthandu. New beginnings are sweeter when shared. Happy Puthandu to all my loved ones! Our traditions remind us who we areproud, loving, and rooted. Cheers to Puthandu 2025! Meaningful Puthandu 2025 Quotes Add depth and beauty to your New Year greetings with these Tamil New Year quotes: "Every new beginning holds the promise of greatness. Let Puthandu be the start of something beautiful." "As the Tamil sun rises, may your soul shine with purpose and peace." "In each grain of pongal lies a prayer, a hope, and a storyHappy Tamil New Year!" "Traditions are the souls way of remembering where it came from." "Puthandu is not just a dayit's a celebration of roots, values, and vision." "Let this Tamil New Year be your fresh pagefill it with kindness, courage, and colour." "Family, food, and faiththe true blessings of Puthandu." "Every festival is a reminder to slow down, breathe, and be grateful." "Celebrate beginnings with the spirit of hope and the heart of tradition." "As the flowers bloom this Chithirai, may your life blossom with joy." Celebrate new beginnings with love in your heart and dreams in your eyes. May this Puthandu be the dawn of peace and prosperity in your home. Let tradition and hope light up your soul this Tamil New Year. Start fresh, stay grateful. Happy Tamil New Year, everyone! Tamil pride, big vibes. Happy New Year, fam! Funny and Festive Puthandu 2025 WhatsApp Status Ideas Want to keep your status fun and festive? Here are some WhatsApp status options perfect for Puthandu 2025: New year, same vibes, more pongal. Happy Puthandu 2025! Suns up, saris onits time for Tamil New Year fun! Keep calm and eat the laddu. #PuthanduVibes Lets glow up with gratitude this Puthandu #NewBeginnings Starting fresh with family, food, and faith. Happy Tamil New Year! Here for the blessings, biryani, and the best chaos. #Puthandu2025 Mangoes, memories, and murukkuwhat more do we need? Cheers to a drama-free, dhoti-filled, delicious New Year! Fresh starts, full hearts, and festive feasts. Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal! Woke up grateful. Its Puthandu. Thats the post. Keep calm and eat vadai. Its Puthandu! Suns out, saris on. Let the Tamil New Year magic begin! New Year. Same me. More idlis. Happy Puthandu! Here for the blessings and the biryani. #PuthanduFeels Hope your Puthandu is as awesome as your Insta game. New Year glow-up, here we go! Mangoes, marundhu, and mess-free joyheres to the best kind of chaos! Lifes too short, eat that extra laddu! Celebrate Tamil New Year 2025 with Love and Positivity No matter where you are in the world, Puthandu 2025 is the perfect time to connect with your roots, appreciate your loved ones, and welcome a new chapter in life. Whether youre sharing Tamil New Year wishes, sending messages, or updating your WhatsApp status, let the spirit of Puthandu fill your heart. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Kellogg: The attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy on Palm Sunday crosses all bounds of decency General Keith Kellogg, President Trump's Special Representative for Ukraine, stated that the Russian attack on civilian targets in Sumy "crosses all boundaries of the acceptable." Todays Russian attack on civilian infrastructure in Sumy, on Palm Sunday, crosses all boundaries of the acceptable. Dozens of civilians have been killed and injured, he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday. As a former military commander, I know what deliberate strikes mean and this is wrong. That is why President Trump is committed to doing everything he can to end this war, Kellogg emphasized. As reported, by 3:35 PM local time, 32 people were confirmed dead and 99 injured, including 11 children, as a result of the Russian missile strike. Docking in Piraeus after a four-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, the admiral of the aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle says, Greece is our best partner in the Mediterranean. The data was presented by the Head of the Employment Experts Unit, Eirini Andriopoulou, during a discussion on the demographic issue If the new generation decides not to have children, future pensions will be zero, stated former Deputy Minister of Labor, Panos Tsakloglou Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has claimed that former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar would quickly defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu offered him a power-sharing deal for the 2027 election. Olayinka made these remarks while commenting on Atikus recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku, along with other political figures such as former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Aminu Tambuwal, and Gabriel Suswam, visited Buhari in Kaduna to mark the Sallah celebration. Advertisement While Atiku described the visit as a gesture of respect, Olayinka dismissed it, suggesting that Atikus political allegiance could shift at any moment if it suited his ambitions. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Olayinka mocked Atikus motives for the visit and suggested that the former vice president should instead be in Abeokuta to pay his respects to former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the Lisabi Day celebrations. Olayinka further joked about Atikus political flexibility, stating that if Tinubu were to promise him the presidency in 2027, Atiku would abandon his opposition and join the APC immediately. Those of us who have sense know that any opposition led by Atiku is a failure from the beginning Reason is, if tomorrow, President Tinubu calls Atiku and tells him, Dont worry, I will hand over to you in 2027, just join APC, he (Atiku) will be in the APC immediately. Olayinka also humorously added, I am still waiting for Atiku to carry body and go to Abeokuta to pay Lisabi Day homage to OBJ sha. Also, we are doing Egungun Festival in my hometown next month. Let him not forget to pay Egungun Festival homage to us in Okemesi Ekiti. https://www.facebook.com/100006835661389/posts/pfbid0L1aqCT3vSQ9AsdNNaiw7b6ET9XujGTz8XuBRuuPvukLu66XKetn1nkvXzZrcTB5Nl/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v No fewer than eight persons have been killed when an improvised explosive device exploded on the Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno State. It was gathered that the incident, which left 11 other persons severely injured, involved a commercial bus heading to Maiduguri, from Damboa on Saturday. READ MORE: Borno Is Losing War Against Boko Haram Insurgency Again Gov Zulum Advertisement Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Spokesperson for Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said the injured passengers are currently receiving treatment at State Specialist Hospital. He said: Today, around 11:45 am, we received a report of an incident where a hummer bus with registration number Jigawa MMR144 from Damboa to Maiduguri stepped on an IED at Komala village in Konduga local government. The IED was suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorist. Unfortunately, eight persons died, while 11 others sustained injury. Currently, the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Damboa and in collaboration with that of Konduga are in high vigilance, and the EOD have sensitised the motorist while clearance operation is ongoing. The Lagos State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has strongly criticized the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over what it describes as poor communication and lack of transparency in the rollout of guidelines for the 2025 local government elections. In a joint statement released on Saturday, IPAC Chairperson Emilade Akinade and Public Relations Officer George Ashiru expressed frustration with LASIECs approach, accusing the electoral body of excluding key political stakeholders from important pre-election conversations. According to IPAC, LASIEC released the new election guidelines without any formal consultation with political parties, a move they say undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Advertisement The council said political parties were left in the dark about several crucial details, especially with regard to how the Supreme Courts ruling on local government autonomy could impact the structure and legality of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos. Critical questions and issues remain unresolved as regards the appropriate interpretation of the Supreme Courts pronouncements on LG autonomy and how that will impact the 37 LCDAs established by the state government, The group further revealed that it was unaware of the revised LASIEC law that empowers the commission to conduct executive elections in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs. They noted that the amendment had been passed and signed into law earlier in January, yet political parties were not officially informed or provided with copies of the new legislation. IPAC only recently learned that a revised LASIEC law empowering the agency to conduct executive elections into 57 LG/LCDAs was approved on January 9 and signed into law on January 10 by the governor. The information was not made public on any platform and copies of the new law are yet to be made available to IPAC for distribution to political parties. They also accused the LASIEC Board, led by retired Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighinle, of not fostering regular dialogue with stakeholders. The group pointed out that only one meeting had taken place between the board and party leaders, and that was at IPACs request. LASIEC has a lot to learn from INEC in Lagos State about the need for continuous engagement, communication, and transparency in order to have a smooth, free and fair election The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut down 14 markets and commercial spaces in the Ketu and Ikorodu areas over repeated environmental infractions. This decisive action, executed through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), followed a series of ignored warnings to market operators accused of violating sanitation rules. Authorities say the closures became necessary after consistent disregard for environmental safety measures, with many of the affected facilities failing to comply with waste disposal guidelines. Advertisement Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, affirmed the states commitment to its environmental policies on Saturday, particularly the Zero Tolerance for Waste initiative. He stressed that cleanliness and proper waste management are non-negotiable for businesses operating within Lagos. The Zero Tolerance for Waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it. The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) . Among the affected locations are Erukan Market, Oja Oba Market, Owoseni Tundas Market, and Oba Ogunjobi Market in Ketu. Others include plaza shops around the BRT terminal, Mile 12, Demurin Street, Ifesowapo Market, and Ikosi Fruit Market. The government emphasized that these markets would remain closed until traders demonstrate full compliance with sanitation regulations, procure standard waste bins, and engage registered waste disposal services. Officials added that the closures were not only punitive but intended to drive home the seriousness of maintaining public hygiene across the state. This move signals a strong message from the state, warning all commercial entities that failure to prioritize environmental responsibility will attract strict consequences. Operatives of Edo State Security Network, have arrested four suspected armed travellers in Benin area of the State. In a statement on Saturday by Spokesman for the states Police Command, Moses Yamu, identified the suspects as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu. Yamu noted that the arrested individuals were intercepted at Ikpoba Hill while travelling from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. Advertisement He added that some dangerous weapons such as three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers were recovered from the suspects. READ MORE: Police Apprehend 14 Suspected Killers Of Northern Travellers In Edo The statement partly reads: The command wishes to inform the general public that four (4) suspects Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three (3) Dane guns, six (6) empty cartridges, three (3) half-filled cartridges, four (4) cutlasses and two (2) daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station. Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen. They were from Doguwa in Kano State heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon LGA of Edo State. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing. Labour Partys governorship candidate in the upcoming November 8 Anambra election, Dr. George Muoghalu, has declared that he is unfazed by the influence of incumbency as the state prepares to elect a new leader. Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, Muoghalu emphasised that political power ultimately lies in the hands of the electorate and God, rather than the ruling party or the incumbent government led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Advertisement The election will be determined by the people and the will of God, not the party or incumbency factor, he stated. According to Muoghalu, history has repeatedly shown that those with incumbency power can be unseated when the people are resolute. He stressed that the contest should focus on integrity, track records, and the capacity to deliver on promises. It is about us going to market ourselves to the people. It is about the people assessing our antecedents, he said. Muoghalu, who recently emerged as Labour Partys flagbearer, said his quick rise in the party was a product of divine will and the trust of party delegates. I give all the glory to God Almighty because I have always said that power belongs to God and He gives it to whom He pleases at His own time, he said. He assured Anambra voters that he would not betray their trust if elected, urging them to place your confidence in me; I will justify it. Muoghalu, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, promised to return to thank the people through impactful governance. The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concerns about the increasing abuse of potent synthetic cannabis variants among youths in the state. The alarm was sounded by the State Narcotics Commander, Mr. Olayinka Joe-Fadile, during a major drug incineration event held at Ipara, Ogun State, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Speaking on the sidelines of the public destruction of over 1.6 million kilograms of seized illicit substances on Saturday, Joe-Fadile decried the growing trend of young people consuming dangerous variants of cannabis commonly referred to as loud. These strains, including names like Scottish Loud, Canadian Loud, and Arizona Loud, are reportedly more expensive and more potent than traditional cannabis. These loud drugs are even more expensive and more dangerous than Cannabis sativa, he said. He described the impact of these substances as deeply destructive, warning that users often underestimate the long-term damage. You may think the drug is giving you inspiration now, but it will eventually kill slowly and painfully, Joe-Fadile cautioned. He urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of drugs, emphasizing that they are the future of the nation and must preserve their health and potential. Joe-Fadile also acknowledged the collaboration between various NDLEA commands which made the joint incineration possible. According to him, this coordinated effort, involving Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, MMIA, and border posts like Seme and Idiroko, highlights the growing unity in Nigerias fight against drug trafficking and abuse. He emphasised that synergy across commands was key to achieving such a large-scale operation, a departure from the previous method of individual state-level incinerations. The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over what it described as a questionable shift in allegiance by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The group raised alarm over El-Rufais recent apparent alignment with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar an individual he had openly attacked in the past. According to the NCM, the move appears less about reconciliation and more about political survival, especially considering El-Rufais recent fallouts within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Advertisement In a strongly-worded statement signed by NCM Coordinator, Lawal Nuhu Ahmed on Saturday, the group questioned the sincerity behind El-Rufais new posture, suggesting it might be an opportunistic bid to realign himself for relevance ahead of the 2027 elections. It reads, The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) finds it necessary to address the recent and perplexing admiration displayed by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai towards former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This surprising shift in political rhetoric, in which El-Rufai, once a vocal critic of Abubakar, now extends praise towards him, raises significant concerns about the integrity and consistency of his political relationships. We call upon all political actors, including El-Rufai, to prioritise the interests of the nation over personal ambitions. The people of Nigeria deserve leaders who are consistent in their values and committed to the greater good. The NCM further warned that such sudden shifts could damage public trust in political leadership and foster confusion among the electorate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. The world expo Osaka, Kansai Expo 2025 has officially kicked off in Osaka, Japan, under the theme Designing the Future Society for Our Lives. The opening ceremony was attended by Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes, and high-level guests from participating countries around the world. Azerbaijan, which has been actively and successfully represented at Expo events since 2000, continues to place great importance on its participation this year. As part of the event, the official opening of Azerbaijans national pavilionorganized by the Heydar Aliyev Centerwas held. The ceremony was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Azerbaijans Commissioner General for Expo 2025 and Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, Shimzi Izumi, Country Manager for Expo 2025 in Azerbaijan, Gursel Ismayilzade, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Japan, along with other distinguished guests. Located in the Connecting Lives section of Expo 2025, the Azerbaijan Pavilion showcases the theme Seven Bridges for Sustainability. The pavilions concept is inspired by the legendary poem Seven Beauties by the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi. It highlights the countrys rich cultural heritage, technological progress, and commitment to sustainable developmentall while emphasizing the importance of openness and dialogue. The idea is simple: through dialogue and connection, we can build a harmonious and sustainable future. The three-story pavilion features a facade inspired by traditional Azerbaijani shebeke (stained-glass latticework), reflecting the nations art, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. Visitors begin their journey through the pavilion by exploring themes symbolized by each of the seven beautiescultural diversity, heritage, traditional art, architectural marvels, sustainability, natural resources, sports, and tourism. The pavilion also features three symbolic trees: the Azerbaijan Tree, the Japan Tree, and the Friendship Tree, which blends elements of both and represents the strong bond between the two countries. Expo 2025 spans more than 155 hectares and brings together 165 countries and 7 international organizations. Over 28 million visitors are expected to attend before the event wraps up on October 13. Former Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried over what he described as poor state of health sector in the country. Obi called for urgent redirection of national planning and investment towards health, education, and poverty alleviation by President Bola Tinubus administration. The former governor of Anambra State led this out at an event organised by ANAP Doctors in North America and the University of Nigeria Alumni at Eko Hotel, Lagos State. Obi added that true development should be measured by improvements in the Human Development Index rather than physical infrastructure. Advertisement READ MORE: Speak Up Against Bad Govt, Nigeria Is Collapsing Peter Obi Charges Supporters The former governor of Anambra State said that more than 70 per cent of the countrys primary healthcare centres are non-functional due to poor facilities and inadequate manpower. He said: The most critical measures of development are not physical infrastructure, such as road construction or buildings, but health, which is measured by the Human Development Index. This is why we say, Health is wealth, along with education and lifting people out of poverty. Currently, Nigeria has only about 10% of the doctor-to-population ratio recommended by global standards. We have borrowed heavily to support our healthcare system, securing several billions of dollars from multilateral agencies. However, these investments have not resulted in significant improvement. Our budgeting and borrowed funds should be directed towards the critical needs of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. Nigerian socialite and barman, Cubana Chief Priest, celebrated his friend and former boss, Obi Cubana, on his 50th birthday. The two have been close for many years, and Cubana shared a heartfelt tribute to commemorate the special occasion. Advertisement On his Instagram, Cubana posted a series of photos capturing their journey together over the years. READ MORE: Ill Embrace Being Fifth Wife If Opportunity Arises Toke Makinwa He expressed deep gratitude, calling Obi the one who discovered him and believed in him first. Cubana acknowledged Obis unwavering support and the role he played in his success. In his post, Cubana also prayed for Gods continued blessings on Obi, wishing him good health and even more prosperity. He added a touching reminder that Obi Cubana is much greater than people may realise. Happy 50th Birthday To The Man Who Discovered Me & Super Believed In Me First, @obi_cubana. God Bless You So Much; youre greater Than Who People Think You Are. Wish you the Best Of Good Health & More Money, Sir, Cubana wrote in his birthday message. SEE POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIWJ1vnIqzk/?img_index=1&igsh=Z3Rnemp2YmhmaTY0 APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has warned that Nigeria could face serious consequences if the South-East region continues to be overlooked in national affairs. Igbokwe, in a statement on Sunday, issued the warning amid ongoing backlash over perceived imbalances in President Bola Ahmed Tinubus appointments. His remarks align with those of Senator Ali Ndume, who recently cautioned that the administrations lopsided appointments might eventually backfire. Advertisement Since Tinubu assumed office, critics have repeatedly accused him of favoring the South-West and Northern regions in distributing top government roles. The presidency, however, has defended its approach, insisting that appointments are based solely on merit. Reacting to the controversy, Igbokwe stressed the long-standing grievances in the South-East and warned against further marginalization. If Nigeria continues to treat the South-east as if the zone does not exist or does not matter, the consequences will be huge. The civil war has ended, but the scars are still there. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Neglect of SE is bad, Igbokwe stated. A United States District Court in Columbia has ordered Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration to release records relating to the criminal investigation of President Bola Tinubu over alleged drug trafficking. Judge Beryl Howell, in a ruling dated April 8, directed both agencies to search for and process non-exempt records tied to Freedom of Information Act, requests filed by American researcher Aaron Greenspan. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Greenspan, founder of legal transparency platform PlainSite, had submitted 12 FOIA requests between 2022 and 2023, seeking information on a Chicago drug ring that operated in the early 1990s. His request included records on Tinubu and three others: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele. Recall that FBI and DEA had previously issued Glomar response, a refusal to confirm or deny the existence of requested records, but the court ruled that such responses were improper in this case. The FBI and DEA have now been ordered to conduct a search and release non-exempt materials, while the parties are to report back to the court on the cases status by May 2, 2025. The judgment reads: The FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring. Any privacy interests implicated by the FOIA requests to the FBI and DEA for records about Tinubu are overcome by the public interest in release of such information. READ MORE: We Knew About Tinubus Chicago Scandal; Hes Failed To Replicate His Work In Lagos For Nigeria El-Rufai Since the FBI and DEA have provided no information to establish that a cognizable privacy interest exists in keeping secret the fact that Tinubu was a subject of criminal investigation. They have failed to meet their burden to sustain their Glomar responses and provide an additional reason why these responses must be lifted. The judge ruled, For the reasons discussed above, plaintiff is entitled to summary judgment as to each of the four Glomar responses asserted by defendants FBI and DEA, while defendant CIA is entitled to summary judgment, since its Glomar response was properly asserted. Accordingly, the FBI and DEA must search for and process non-exempt records responsive to the FOIA requests directed to these agencies. The CIA, meanwhile, is entitled to judgment in its favour in this case. The remaining parties are directed to file jointly, by May 2, 2025, a report on the status of any outstanding issues in this case, as described in the accompanying order. Some properties worth millions of naira were destroyed following a tanker explosion that occured at the Lead City University road, near Ibadan Toll Gate, Oyo State. It was gathered that the incident happened around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, causing damage to nearby shops, vehicles, and motorcycles in the area. One of the affected shops reportedly housed computer sets valued at several millions of naira, all of which were lost to the blaze. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the truck driver and his motor boy narrowly escaped death. READ MORE: Properties Destroyed As Fire Razes 12 Shops In Ibadan Market The owner of one of the affected shops, who refused to disclose her name, said: I just heard a loud bang from outside. Initially, I mistook it for gunshots. Before I realized what was happening, the atmosphere had already been enveloped in thick smoke. Calls were placed to the Fire Service, but before they arrived, the damage had already been done. I have lost everything to the inferno. I dont know where to begin again. Confirming the incident to PUNCH, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, said: Our men are on the ground at the scene of the incident. Painter Odili Donald Odita stands next to "Walls of Change" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia on Friday, April 23, 2021. The artist's latest works are on view at New York City's Museum of Modern Art. Read more On entering New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, one is no longer greeted by Andy Warhols kitschy cow wallpaper. Instead, there is a collection of bright angular shapes playing Tetris with our eyes. Look into the lobby to see a painting of sharp wedges splayed out on a high wall; the bright blue and yellow mellow out as it moves right, gradually settling into earthy tones of maroons, blues, and browns. Similar paintings grace pillars, columns, and walls across the museums first floor and is part of the ongoing Songs from Life exhibit featuring paintings by artist Odili Donald Odita, professor of painting at Temple Universitys Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Advertisement Back in 2021, Oditas Walls of Change was the first thing museumgoers saw when entering the newly renovated Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 2019, his mural Our House was on view at 728 S. Broad St. MoMAs entrance is both inside and outside of the main museum; an in-between that greets visitors with Oditas paintings. When one looks long enough, shapes begin to emerge out of patterns. Sometimes a mountain, sometimes a face, and sometimes origami cranes. For six weeks before the show opened on April 8, museumgoers could see members of Oditas team on scissor lifts, taping and painting the walls of the museum. Even before that, Ugochukwu-Smooth Nzewi, the shows curator, said the pieces took shape in Oditas studio with graphs and charts, and meticulous playing around with numbers, measuring and re-measuring the space and its orientation. READ MORE: Philly-centric art in the new Comcast Tech Center seeks to connect its sky-high offices with the streets below The monthslong process of creating Songs from Life used 192 cans of Benjamin Moore paint that were mixed and remixed to create 10,000-12,000 unique shades. While an artworks journey is never quite done, the final version of the final version (as Odita puts it) ended with him and Nzewi lying on their backs on the museums second floor, making sure the edges of the paintings aligned perfectly with the edges of the wall. When thinking of artists who could paint the lobby, Nzewi instantly thought of Odita. His art, the curator said, welcomes visitors into the museum and establishes it as a safe space where people can interact, socialize, and then enjoy the greater beauty of arts and culture. Both Nzewi and Odita are Nigerian by birth. While Nzewi came to the U.S. as an adult artist, Oditas family moved to Columbus, Ohio, in 1967, fleeing the Biafran war. He moved to Philadelphia in 2006 to teach at Temple and now lives in Conshohocken. The city, for him, is a collection of cultures that have continued to contribute to the bedrock of culture, science, music, art. But it has to be better at knowing its greatness, he added. New York City will know how to advertise itself from day one but in Philadelphia, it takes a second or two to recognize the greatness. Suddenly you realize, Oh my God! John Coltrane lived in that house. Sun Ra lived in that house right there, and I didnt know that!, but people in Germany, Amsterdam knew about it. Its like the tough brother or tough sister at the family table of greatness. Zooming out to look at the larger country, Odita recalls America to be a strange but welcoming space growing up. His parents (Nzewi called his father, the artist Emmanuel Odita, one of the key figures of modern art in Nigeria) attended graduate school while raising a family and took up side jobs to aid Biafran war efforts. They petitioned and protested doing things that students do normally, because theyre very passionate at that time of their lives, Odita said. Creating a safe, welcoming space in a museum, within a country witnessing an uptick in the deportation of immigrants, is a tall task. My parents have said to me that they were welcomed by the people of this country and that people were generous to them, Odita said. Other people have the same story. We all have this story, because this is the story of the world. I want to talk about this in a synonymous way; what it means to come as a stranger, or the one who wants to visit the sanctuary of art, and know that this is a safe place for you to look at the same thing with other people. This shared communal exercise in the museum is not just anchored in Oditas art but also in music. His playlist, accessed by scanning a QR code, becomes a guide that walks people through the narrative his seemingly impenetrable sharp-edged shapes build. The songs, he said, create a particular rhythm. If you listen closely, youll hear another subtext of movement and ideation thats going from one side to the other, much like the lines in his paintings. The first wall is named after Led Zeppelins Immigrant Song and Fela Kutis Roforofo Fight. I liked this idea of the entry, and the idea of migrating, the immigrant coming into the space. Roforofo Fight... its pidgin English for a rough situation. Because its not easy for a stranger to come into a place they may not feel immediately familiar with. The traveler persists, passing through checkpoints quite like the ones in the museum, and gets familiar. Theres a process thats relational to this idea of passing through a border, Odita said. With the playlist as a guide, the viewer walks through the MoMA lobby, surrounded by Oditas art. Theres a story in there with singing narrators Pastor T.L. Barrett And the Youth For Christ Choir, Talking Heads, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers. When youre done taking the journey, stopping at the museums 54th Street entrance, the remastered version of Brand New Day comes on. Another day is over For a new day will begin I wont be sad I wont be destroyed. Odili Donald Odita: Songs from Life is on view at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Through April 2026. moma.org Philadelphia was poised to be a national leader in the restoration of school libraries. Now, a federal grant that was to help the city school system revive school libraries is in jeopardy. Read more The Philadelphia School Districts plans of becoming a national leader in reviving a nearly extinct system of school libraries and certified school librarians now appear to be in jeopardy. Among the federal agencies President Donald Trump has gutted since taking office in January is the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, which last year awarded the school system a grant to develop a national model for urban districts to revive school libraries. Advertisement Nearly every member of the IMLS staff has been laid off. And Debra Kachel, a leader of the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Libraries (PARSL), the nonprofit that helped Philadelphia land the federal money and has been its partner in the grant work, said the district has not given her group answers. READ MORE: In Philly, school librarians are an endangered species. But the district could soon help lead a renaissance. Technically, the $150,000 grant is still active. But invoices for the first part of the grant work have not been paid, Kachel said, and I worry theyre not going to get a cent, she said of the school system. We really dont know if this work is proceeding. On April 2, an IMLS official sent grantees, including the district, an email notifying them of the cuts to the organization. I honestly do not know what will happen to your awards, so please submit any reimbursements for work completed as soon as possible, the official, program officer Jill Connors-Joyce, wrote in the email, which was obtained by The Inquirer. Connors-Joyce was among those laid off. (Multiple lawsuits have been filed attempting to block the Trump administrations dismantling of IMLS.) Monique Braxton, district spokesperson, said the school system prioritizes literacy and has many active literacy spaces, citing libraries constructed in the districts two newest school buildings, T.M. Peirce and Cassidy. (Neither of those schools has a certified school librarian.) Grant payments are being administered, Braxton said in a statement. We are in the planning stages and conducting an analysis of libraries, digital and instructional media centers in the district. District officials did not address what the future of school libraries is given the national climate and its own looming budget deficit. Not a priority? The district this year has three certified school librarians doing full-time library work, at Central, Masterman, and Penn Alexander. Two additional certified school librarians, at Shawmont Elementary and South Philadelphia High, juggle library work and other teaching responsibilities. The district has 216 schools. Thats down from 176 full-time, certified school librarians for 259 schools in the early 1990s. It is, national school library experts say, possibly the worst ratio among all large city school districts. READ MORE: This librarian fought censorship in Texas. She just landed in Philly to revive school libraries. After years of grassroots protests about the districts disappearing school library system, library advocates celebrated progress last year. The district won the grant, began the Urban School Library Restoration Project, and hired Jean Darnell, a school librarian with a national profile, as director of library science, the first time it had filled such a position in decades. The first part of the project is complete: research on school systems nationally that have made some progress in library restoration, and a written analysis of that work completed by Kachel. Also promised, but not yet begun as part of the grant, are building a pipeline for new certified school librarians, working with local institutions to revive school library studies programs, finding ways for current teachers to earn school library certifications, and creating pathways for those who do not now hold teaching licenses to get school library credentials. The final piece of the work was a five-year strategic plan for the district to restore librarians. It was to be a replicable model for other school systems to use. Kachel said PARSL has scheduled an emergency meeting for May 1. Were going to have to have some serious conversations, to discuss if theres any way that we can continue the work without any money, knowing the district might not participate if they stop being paid, she said. Its a pattern that has repeated for years: When budgets get tight, libraries are often on the chopping block. This is the case every single year, said Kachel, a professor of library sciences. In 2020, we were making some headway, and then COVID hit. The real issue is that having school libraries and librarians is simply not a priority with this district, and hasnt been for 20 years. The brains of the country Darnell is currently on medical leave and not authorized to speak on behalf of the district. But in her personal capacity as a school librarian, she said, she is aghast at what she says is a war on libraries and information nationally. This is carefully orchestrated, she said. This administration wants to erase any semblance of equity, any semblance of balanced representation of history, of true intellectual freedom. But any civilization that has tried to destroy knowledge did not age well. Darnell likened IMLS to the brains of the country and, she said, being brain-dead is not the way to go forward. As for her work in Philadelphia, Darnell said she has completed her study of the current state of the districts libraries and asked for the ability to hire 12 librarians, to be allocated based on school need. She has not received a response from district officials, and has never been given any budget, Darnell said. Caroline O'Connell, (left), exhibitions curator, and Mary Grace Wahl, associate director of the museum, are curators of "The Revolutionary City" the American Philosophical Societys Semiquincentennial exhibit. Read more Boston may have lit the fuse, but Philly is where the Revolution really went down. Caught in the middle of all the fury and foment were roughly 40,000 everyday Philadelphians trying to make do during an insurrection. It can be hard telling the local story of a revolution, especially in a city where the local story was the story. The American Philosophical Societys first new exhibit related to Americas 250th birthday in 2026, also known as the Semiquincentennial, tells it in full. Philadelphia, the Revolutionary City," which runs from April 11 through Dec. 28, 2025, provides a street-level, city-columnist view of the colonial city. Its wide array of objects, artwork, and materials, including maps, prints, political cartoons, and newspapers, document the daily lives of Philadelphians living and dying through fevered days of rebellion. Telling stories of long-forgotten lives and with no shortage of hometown pride the exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into what was then the largest city in the new nation. Advertisement It really is a metropolis, said exhibitions curator Caroline OConnell. Its teeming with activity, its economically vibrant, and its culturally diverse but also the messiness of this period has a lot of parallels with the present. The Revolutionary City is a time and place where easy labels dont exist, and life-changing decisions are often made out of simple survival a stratified city of wealth and hunger, riots and executions, newfound freedoms and unchecked cruelties. Its a reminder that people are also still living their lives, even amid these increasingly harsh conditions, said OConnell. And as we move through the show, the conditions get even harsher. Like a free Black man named John Francis who indentured himself in 1781 so he could purchase his wifes freedom from a Bucks County slave owner. Francis signed the contract, on display, with his mark. Or Violet Springhouse, a 6-month-old girl indentured that same year by the overseers of Philadelphias poor house to a Northern Liberties couple for a term of twenty-seven and a half years. Violet, a little girl with a beautiful name but an ugly life, was likely born into slavery, OConnell said. The lengthy term of her contract, also on display, was a common one for children indentured into servitude during the era. Then theres the story of doomed John Roberts, a wealthy Lower Merion Quaker sent to the gallows for aiding the British during their occupation of Philadelphia in 1777 and 1778. Despite pleas for clemency from no less than three signers of the Declaration of Independence, it was one of the very few Philadelphia loyalty trials to end in death during the war. And the diary of budding Philadelphian portrait artist Charles Peale, who on July 2, 1776, penned a grocery list for eggs and beer, before casually noting: This day the Continental Congress declared the United States Colonies Free and Independent States. Peale then quickly got back to his groceries. OConnell, and Mary Grace Wahl, the associate director of the museum, said they assembled objects they hoped would draw in history buffs but also offer unexpected connection points. A small tin cup used by a doctor for the practice of bloodletting. Continental army enlistment certificates found inside the walls of a house on Pine Street. Elegantly designed trade cards. A tiny 1780 almanac carefully modified by its Jewish owner to reflect the Jewish year 5541 and annotated in Hebrew. Well-worn family cookbooks. A mouse-chewed newspaper posting rewards for runaway enslaved people. A brides elegant silk and leather wedding shoes worn just after the wars end. The exhibition is partly inspired by the digital archive The Revolutionary City: A Portal to the Nations Founding, a collaborative project by Philadelphia historic institutions and the University of Pennsylvania to digitize their Revolution-era collections. The portal now hosts over 6,000 objects and 48,500 documents and its still growing. The aim of the combined efforts is to show a complete and complicated view of Revolution-era Philly and also to poke a little shade at Boston, which likes to position itself as the birthplace of the American Revolution, said Patrick Spero, chief executive officer of the American Philosophical Society. The title of the exhibit is no mistake, he said. We want to make the point that every aspect of what was revolutionary in America happened in Philadelphia. A photo from inside the Pennsylvania governor's residence shows the extent of the damage inside the home, where an arsonist set fire Sunday morning. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family had celebrated Passover in the same room just hours before the fire was set. They evacuated the home safely. Read more Pennsylvania State Police took a 38-year-old Harrisburg man into custody Sunday, saying he intentionally set fire to Gov. Josh Shapiros official residence and would be charged with attempted murder of the governor and his family. Authorities identified the suspect as Cody A. Balmer, who has a Harrisburg post office address and is expected to be charged with a litany of crimes, including terrorism and arson. Advertisement Shapiro, first lady Lori Shapiro, and their children evacuated the governors residence in Harrisburg at about 2 a.m. Sunday, hours after the family celebrated Passover there. Police did not identify a motive during a news conference Sunday afternoon. The incident immediately raised questions about security on the premises, which is under constant monitoring by state troopers. Officials said Balmer was armed with homemade incendiary devices and cleared a fence, then evaded police for several minutes. He briefly entered the inside of the home, where he set the fire. Balmer then escaped, according to police, and was taken into custody elsewhere in Harrisburg more than 12 hours later. He clearly had a plan, Lt. Col. George Bivens, of the state police, said. He was very methodical in his approach, and moved through it without a lot of hurry. State police were still collecting evidence Sunday, and investigators were being assisted by the FBI and other federal partners. Shapiro, 51, is a first-term governor who is seen as a front-runner to be the 2028 Democratic nominee for president. He is one of the nations most prominent Democratic elected officials and Pennsylvanias third Jewish governor, who talks often about his faith and how it shapes his leadership. On Saturday evening, the first night of Passover, Shapiro posted a photo of his familys Seder dinner at the governors residence. The fire was set in the same room where the dinner was held. An emotional Shapiro condemned the incident during the news conference, saying, This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society ... We have to be better than this. And we have a responsibility to all be better. He added: If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: We celebrated our faith last night proudly and in a few hours we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover again proudly. Investigators said they were still probing how Balmer allegedly gained access to the property. Col. Christopher L. Paris described the investigation as very active and dynamic, and said the complex crime scene was still being processed Sunday afternoon. Officials said they did not expect Balmer to be charged with conspiracy, suggesting that investigators believe he worked alone. Courts records show Balmer has faced criminal charges on several occasions over the last decade, including for assault, forgery, and traffic-related offenses. In 2023, Balmer was charged with three counts of simple assault in a case that is ongoing in Dauphin County. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to one felony count of forgery and was sentenced to 18 months of probation. Details were not immediately available about either case. Shapiro was in contention to be former Vice President Kamala Harris running mate in the 2024 election, before she ultimately chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He has also been credited by national media for toeing the line in the initial months of President Donald Trumps second term by suing him on three occasions, but avoiding constant criticism of him during a hyper-partisan time. The governor thanked the president and federal authorities for supporting the investigation. He said Sunday that he spoke to FBI Director Kash Patel, who was extremely kind and courteous and thoughtful in his conversation with me. The extent of the damage on the 29,000-square-foot mansion along the Susquehanna River was unclear. Photos of the scene show a blackened door and broken windows, among other damage. The governor lives in the residence when he is not at his home in Abington Township. He has four children, two of whom are still minors who attend private school in Montgomery County. He also often uses the residence for events, including as a place for budget negotiations, which are set to begin in the coming months. There was bipartisan condemnation of the attack Sunday from elected officials and former governors. Former Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican and the nations first secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement that the images of the home he once lived in were heartbreaking. All of us should feel safe in our homes, he said, especially when that home is our states official residence, which makes this particularly shocking. House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) called the arson a senseless, disgusting act and reprehensible and the perpetrator should face the full weight of the law. The Pennsylvania Republican Party called the attack shocking and troubling, and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R., Pa.), who is considering a run against Shapiro in 2026, wrote on X that it was not just an attack on one family, it was an attack on the values we all share as Americans. Two lawmakers who chair the bicameral Legislative Jewish Caucus in the statehouse said they were awaiting more details from law enforcement, but cant ignore the fear and anxiety reverberating through Jewish communities. What we know is deeply troubling: the state police believe it was arson, and that it took place on the first night of Passover one of the most sacred and widely observed nights in Jewish tradition," State Sen. Judy Schwank (D., Berks) and Rep. Dan Frankel (D., Allegheny) said in a joint statement. On Sunday, Shapiro said he and his family were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across the country and from so many caring citizens of this great commonwealth. When asked to reflect on the seriousness of the incident, Shapiro was brief. Honestly, he said, I just right now want to be a good father and a good husband and take care of my family. Staff writers Dylan Purcell and Hira Qureshi contributed to this article. Blanche Levy Park as seen from front of College Hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus Mar. 20, 2025. Van Pelt Library is in rear. Across U.S. college campuses there are heightened fears of the Trump administration's enforcement of immigration directives. Read more At a moment when the Trump administration is targeting international students at American universities, Haverford College has issued fresh guidance to help students if they are approached by ICE. Haverford is private property, school leaders wrote to the college community last week, and our protocols are clear: ICE agents are not permitted on campus without a judicial warrant. Advertisement Students who are stopped by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, or someone they believe is an agent, should immediately call campus security. They may not authorize ICE to go inside campus buildings, and can refuse access if agents attempt to enter student housing, wrote Lillian Burroughs, in charge of campus safety and security, and John McKnight, vice president and dean of the college. The school said no specific incident triggered the notice, which was sent by email and posted on social media. During a town hall on Monday, students requested that this guidance be shared more broadly to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff know what to do if ICE is, or is suspected to be, on campus, said Melissa Shaffmaster, the colleges vice president for marketing and communications. It comes as many college campuses locally and nationwide are suddenly awash in immigration worries. Students at Temple University, Rutgers University, the University of Pennsylvania, and other schools have had their permission to study in this country revoked. Federal agents have searched dorm rooms at Columbia University, and seized a Tufts University student off a Massachusetts street in an arrest captured on video. She was disappeared, Philippe Weisz, legal services director of HIAS Pennsylvania, said Thursday, describing the womans arrest by masked officers. The Trump administration accused Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk of supporting the terrorist organization Hamas but provided no evidence. Neighbors told news reporters that her arrest looked like a kidnapping. She was later found to have been taken to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, where she remains. That comes as President Donald Trumps administration has revoked visas for hundreds of international students at colleges from coast to coast. Some students have been accused of taking part in pro-Palestinian protests, though others appear not to have engaged in political activity. In many cases the reason for revocation is unknown. Revocations keep rising What started as a trickle has become a flow that rises almost by the hour, topping 800 revocations as of Friday and setting off a contentious legal, moral, and ethical debate. Students have had visas rescinded at Harvard, Arizona State, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Cornell, and elsewhere including 40 at Northeastern University in Massachusetts, according to a national tracker created by Inside Higher Ed. In Pennsylvania, seven visas were revoked at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, while others were taken away at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh. Last week, about a dozen students at Rutgers University in New Brunswick were informed without government explanation that their status had been terminated. Rutgers president Jonathan Holloway called it chilling in a message to the college community. Rowan meets with students At Rowan University in South Jersey, eight students had their ability to study in this country rescinded, school leaders said Wednesday. The situation is different for each, the school said, without providing details. The university issued a statement saying it had met with each student to provide guidance and options to help them graduate from Rowan. Its crucial that we support our international students in any way possible at this time, University Senate president Bill Freind said in an email to his colleagues. Check on them, ask them how theyre doing, and let them know that youre here for them. Please work with them to ensure they can complete the class. Temple University confirmed that a student had self-deported after a visa revocation, but provided no other information. Penn leaders said last week that authorization to study here had been revoked for three students, none of which seemed to be related to protest activity but instead to what the school said were immigration status violations. The university also said it had reports of encounters with ICE agents at Penn and additional visa revocations but offered no details. Penn law professor Sarah Paoletti, who founded and directs the schools Transnational Legal Clinic, said the Trump administrations actions have created a tremendous amount of anxiety. Students are worried about, Did I put anything in social media that might trigger something? Was I walking through the quad at the wrong time? she said. It is disturbing to see an assault on students who are learning how to navigate a difficult environment, and learning how to find their voice, and learning how to participate in democracy. Inquirer efforts to contact individual students who had their visas revoked were unsuccessful. The United States hosted an all-time high of more than 1.1 million international students during the 2023-24 academic year, with more than half coming from India and China. A degree from a U.S. university, particularly from those in the upper tiers, is highly prized in many countries, and families often spend years saving money to be able to afford it for their children. Trump decries explosion of antisemitism In January, Trump issued an executive order to fight what his administration called the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and streets that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Trump officials have claimed that some of the students supported Hamas, while student advocates say the president has trampled constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in late March, criticizing students who he said are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over buildings, creating a ruckus. Several lawsuits have been filed to have student visas reinstated, including one by the ACLU of New Hampshire and the firm of Shaheen & Gordon. They represent a Dartmouth College student who attorneys said never committed so much as a traffic violation nor participated in any protest. Sirine Shebaya, executive director of the National Immigration Project, said she expects visa revocations to continue. They are, she said, part of a Trump effort to target a broad swath of American society around immigration. Its been very much this pattern of finding anywhere they can go to target people and deport them, Shebaya said during a Thursday conference call. It started with students who are expressing certain kinds of political speech, but then it sort of opened the door to looking at student visas in general, and then trying to have that be another place where they can increase their numbers. Staff writer Susan Snyder contributed to this article. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. Turkiye highly appreciates Azerbaijan's support in the restoration of Syria, Turkish Foreign Ministry Hakan Fidan said at the closing ceremony of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, Trend reports. "Any support provided by Azerbaijan is very valuable to us. We welcome the initiatives taken in this matter. Baku and Ankara are not just connected by fraternal relations, the parties have established professional cooperation at the level of government agencies," he said. Lucy the Elephant was officially unveiled in Margate, N.J., after a $2.4 million renovation on Dec. 28, 2022. The attraction still needs internal renovations, and the federal funding allocated for them has been cut. Read more It was August in Margate, and Richard D. Helfant, the executive director of the Save Lucy Committee nonprofit, was beyond thrilled. Sen. Cory Booker presented an oversized check for $500,000 to the caretakers of the historic roadside attraction that some would describe as the Jersey Shores equivalent of Paris Eiffel Tower. Advertisement The ceremonial check had Bookers name on the upper left corner and U.S. Treasury sprawled on the lower right. The half a million dollars made out to Lucy the Elephant were meant for internal repairs in the six-story elephant-shaped building, including a fire suppression system and new security alarms. That thrill is now over because the celebrated funding will not come through after it was excluded from the federal budget for the rest of the fiscal year. When you get a promise from a United States senator that the federal government is giving you money, I mean, I would assume that would be as good as you know, money in your hand, because its the United States government, Helfant said Saturday. But I guess thats not the case anymore. Booker secured the $500,000 congressional discretionary spending last year after initially asking the Senate Appropriations Committee for $1 million. But the grant money was slashed before it reached Lucy along with all of the grants of its sort in the Republican-led continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year, according to a March 18 letter to Helfant from Bookers deputy state director, Kaitlin McGuinness. One of those grants was for an organization that provides services for survivors of domestic violence, according to Bookers office. When you have a promise from the federal government, and that promise means nothing, thats a pretty sad state of affairs, Helfant said. Lucy, first born as the Elephant Bazaar roadside attraction on July 20, 1881, and renamed in 1902, is a National Historic Landmark. The attraction offers paid 20-minute tours featuring the history of the landmark and an opportunity to look out the elephants eyes. In a statement, Booker blamed Congressional Republicans (including New Jerseys own) for drafting and passing a budget that cut funding for Lucy, which he called a one-of-a-kind cultural and historic site that is beloved throughout the entire region. READ MORE: Lucy the Elephant slated to undergo $500K interior makeover Nevertheless, I will continue looking for ways to ensure that Lucy the Elephant and its staff have the resources they need to nurture and care for this special landmark, Booker said. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican whose district includes Lucys roadside home, did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday. Jesse Kurtz, a Republican Council member in nearby Atlantic City, said he has faith in Helfants ability to move the project forward. Rich Helfant has done an amazing job raising money and preserving Lucy, Kurtz said. This is a big setback, but if anyone can keep the ship moving, it is Helfant. The upkeep of Lucy is funded both with public and private dollars, with financial assistance from the city and state on other efforts. A $2.4 million exterior renovation in late 2022 incorporated a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service along with state and private funding, Helfant said. Helfant said that the long-planned interior renovation work goes hand-in-hand with a separately funded project to build a new gift shop for Lucy because the air-conditioning equipment for Lucys interior is supposed to go on the roof of the future shop. The bottom line is, work is going to move forward because it has to, Helfant said. He just has to figure out how to pay for it. Organization leaders have already met with their grant writer, the Margate mayor, board members, and other possible sources of funding to try to figure out what we can do to recover from this, Helfant said. We dont have a definitive plan yet, because its all very new, but were working on it, he added. Staff writer Robert Moran contributed to this article. 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 Law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has long held itself up as a trailblazer on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. It launched one of the legal industrys early standalone ESG advisory practices in 2020 to guide clients on things like climate disclosures and labor practices. A year later, it created the ESG and Law Institute, a thought leadership forum that partnered with universities and convened conferences to further the industrys grasp of these topics. All of this has recently vanished. Just weeks after the law firms deal to stave off an attack from the Trump administration, the ESG and Law Institutes website is no longer functioning. Paul Weiss has also quietly removed its ESG advisory practice from its website, along with a slew of reports and webinars touching on this subject. These changes occurred sometime last month, according to archived versions of its website, though its not clear if they happened before or after a March 14 executive order from President Donald Trump. That order accused Paul Weiss of engaging in harmful activity, such as its pro bono lawsuit against individuals involved with the Jan. 6 riot, and it sought to block federal contractors from doing business with the law firm. Although some other law firms have fought similar orders, Paul Weiss settled with the Trump administration, agreeing to perform $40 million in pro bono work for causes favored by Trump, among other concessions. Several Paul Weiss officials, including David Curran, who ran the ESG and Law Institute, didnt respond to numerous requests for comment. While ESG wasnt mentioned in either the executive order or the settlement, legal experts see the abrupt shift as part of an effort by the firm to avoid attacks by Trump and Republicans, who have long expressed disdain for including environmental and social considerations in business and investment decisions. I was very surprised that Paul Weiss retreated from ESG so swiftly, said Amelia Miazad, a law professor at the University of California at Davis, who was on the advisory board for the ESG and Law Institute. She said that the firm hasnt communicated with her about why it shuttered the institutes website. As Trump continues to attack law firms, it raises a question: Will other legal shops also begin backpedaling on ESG? After all, at least three dozenfirms recently deleted or altered their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a top target of the Trump administration according to a spreadsheet maintained by a grassroots group of law students. But a Bloomberg Green review of the websites of more than 40 Big Law firms indicates that Paul Weiss is in the minority when it comes to ESG. Most have made little or no public-facing change to their practices. That includes Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which also recently settled with the Trump administration, yet maintains a robust description of its ESG capabilities, including advising clients on issues from climate change initiatives to equal pay audits to DEI in management and boards. A Skadden spokesperson didnt respond to requests for comment. A key reason may be that corporations are hungry for this expertise as they grapple with a sharp increase in new rules. According to ESG Book, a sustainability data firm, the number of new ESG regulations around the world increased 155% over the past decade. This touches on everything from greenhouse-gas disclosures to supply-chain transparency rules. Clients want law firms who can think about this holistically, said Adrian Walker, a London-based partner at Hogan Lovells, who leads the law firms ESG practice. Its a brisk and growing business. But attacks on ESG have ramped up just as it has become more commonplace. In 2022, a survey by Wolters Kluwer NV found that 50% of law firms in the US and Europe had created an ESG practice in the previous three years. That same year, however, five Republican senators sent letters to over 50 law firms, stating that the ESG movement attempts to weaponize corporations to reshape society, and instructed the firms to preserve relevant documents in anticipation of federal investigations. In response, attorneys at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz penned an essay lamenting that the framework had become so badly misconstrued. ESG, properly understood, is inherently apolitical, they argued. It merely refers to various types of policies, practices, and risks that are material to long-term sustainability and value-creation, and that must be considered and balanced (along with and against all other factors and policies, practices, and risks that are material) by companies and boards. Paul Weiss had been grappling with this growing controversy in the months before its retreat. On a podcast last October, Curran, who ran the ESG and Law Institute, acknowledged the acronym had become a political lightning rod but strongly defended the need for these legal practices. The landscape is littered with companies that have gotten into trouble for documents that were not reviewed by lawyers, for programs and policies not reviewed by lawyers, for governance programs not reviewed or even involving lawyers, he said. Even with most law firms maintaining their ESG practices for now, Paul Weiss isnt the only firm to pull back. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman recently took down its ESG page, which once promised to give clients the insights needed to seize the enormous opportunity ESG presents, while also helping navigate the associated business, legal and regulatory challenges. The firm didnt respond to a request for comment. Walker, the attorney at Hogan Lovells, doesnt expect to see a widespread retreat by the legal profession, which, he said, is simply responding to customer needs. Law firms are here to service that demand, he said. Otherwise, youd be opting out of the law. Photo: President Donald Trump arrives for an executive order signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 8. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. Azerbaijan, thanks to the support of friendly countries, primarily Turkiye, has thwarted the West's plans, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said, Trend reports. He noted that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have not taken any practical steps to resolve the Karabakh problem. "No pressure was put on Armenia to end the occupation; the same approach was demonstrated towards the occupier and the occupied party. After the problem was resolved in the Second Karabakh War, Western countries, which had not shown any activity for 30 years, began to put pressure on Azerbaijan. They allegedly tried to punish Azerbaijan for ensuring its territorial integrity. France and Emmanuel Macron personally are leading these steps. They wanted to punish Azerbaijan by holding discussions in the UN Security Council, they tried to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan in the EU. When Azerbaijan ensured its territorial integrity, they tried to punish and put pressure on us. But thanks to our independent foreign policy and the support of friendly countries, primarily brotherly Turkiye, the West's plans failed," Jeyhun Bayramov said. The Government has been accused of ignoring its own promise to reintroduce the Laura Brennan HPV catch-up vaccination programme. Campaigners have raised concerns around a backslide in uptake of the vaccine which can prevent a number of cancers, including cervical and throat cancer, and are urging the coalition to restart what was previously a highly successful catch-up programme. It comes after People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett last week announced that he will be stepping back from politics as he undergoes treatment for HPV-related throat cancer. While the programme for government commits to establishing a catch-up scheme named after campaigner Laura Brennan, who died after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said that "there are competing vaccination priorities" and "demand on resources is high". The Irish Cancer Society said a robust school vaccination programme is "vital" but, given current rates, it is clear uptake is "not where we need it to be" and an ongoing second opportunity is necessary. Around 640 people a year will get a HPV-related cancer in Ireland "Unlike most other cancers, for HPV-related cancers we have a safe and effective vaccine. At present, this is only being offered to first year students in second-level schools. Until December 2023, it was also available to those under the age of 25 who had not been vaccinated at school through the Laura Brennan catch-up programme," said Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power. The Laura Brennan catch-up programme provided a vital second chance to those who had missed on the free HPV vaccine at school for whatever reason. "Every day that passes, people are being denied a vaccine that could save their life." School jabs During the 2022/23 school year, 80% of girls and around 77% of boys received the HPV jab. However, this is down since the 2019/20 academic year when 84.1% of girls and 81.5% of boys took up the vaccine. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) recommended a catch-up programme for young people aged under 25 and 11,000 people availed of the scheme when it last ran. Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said: "There's a clear commitment in the programme for government to extend the Laura Brennan HPV catch-up vaccination programme to anyone under 25 who missed it. "From the replies that I have received from the Department of Health and the HSE, there is clearly no desire to undertake this catch up campaign. This will leave young women and men who missed their original HPV vaccine more vulnerable Mr O'Gorman added: "I don't understand why the department is reluctant to fulfil the clear commitment in the programme for government. They need to press forward and re-run this successful campaign." Responding to questions from Mr O'Gorman, Ms Carroll MacNeill said her department and the HSE work together to review available options in relation to provision of HPV immunisation in the future. However, she said: "It is critical that any resources available are directed to where they can best be utilised to produce maximum clinical impact." The HSE is this year running a pilot programme on improving HPV vaccination rates among Traveller, Roma, and migrant groups living in Ireland. Vaccination teams are also currently visiting second-level schools to provide the HPV vaccine. Anti-immigration activist Derek Blighe has resigned from the Ireland First party, saying he wants to resume other ambitions and cannot be involved in party politics at the moment. In a post on his social media platforms, Mr Blighe said: As of today, I have resigned from the Ireland First party (committee and membership). I gave this a huge amount of thought, and the decision did not come easily. Mr Blighe, a construction worker from Mitchelstown, Co Cork, said that the past few years have taken a large toll on both his family and work life, adding: I must take this step now to focus on those closest to me and work on some new exciting ventures. I have many goals in life, and it's now time to resume other ambitions Mr Blighe had served as president of the far-right party, which was founded in 2023. He said, however, that the decision will not impact on any future elections I may decide to run in, but I cannot be involved in party politics at the moment. He ran in both the local and European elections last June, and also ran in the Cork North Central constituency in the November general election. He was eliminated in the seventh count in the latter. 'Massive achievement' While he failed to get elected, he said in his announcement on Sunday that securing over 25,000 first preference votes in the European elections was a massive achievement which he could not have done without his supporters and voters. He added: I would like to wish the Ireland First committee and membership the very best for the future, and know that I will be right beside you in your journey to a peaceful and free Ireland. Last month, Mr Blighe appealed a public order conviction after he had failed last year to make a contribution to the Irish Refugee Council. His legal team told the court that his problem with paying the contribution was not political but was purely a religious matter. The issue related to the stance taken by the Irish Refugee Council on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution in relation to abortion, the court heard. Judge Helen Boyle varied the order so that Mr Blighe could instead pay 500 to Nasc, which advises migrants and refugees on their rights in Ireland. His appeal was adjourned for two months to allow for confirmation of payment of the Nasc contribution. The public order case related to an alleged incident at Abbeyville House, Fermoy, on December 22, 2023. He had eight previous convictions. A conservative young millionaire, who is the incumbent president, and a leftist lawyer are again the choices as Ecuador heads to the polls in the second presidential run-off election in under two years. President Daniel Noboa and challenger Luisa Gonzalez have promised voters solutions to the extortions, killings, kidnappings and other crimes that became part of everyday life as Ecuador emerged from the pandemic. Voters chose Mr Noboa over Ms Gonzalez in the run-off of a snap election in October 2023. Both advanced to Sundays contest after Februarys first-round election where Mr Noboa won 44.17% of the vote to his opponents 44%. Luisa Gonzalez is the presidential candidate for the Citizen Revolution party (Fernando Vergara/AP) Analysts expect Sundays results to have a very tight margin. Initial results are expected two hours after polls close at 5pm local time. Voters are primarily worried about the violence which started in 2021 a spike in crime tied to the trafficking of cocaine produced in neighbouring Colombia and Peru. Both candidates have promised tough-on-crime policies, better equipment for law enforcement and international help to fight drug cartels and local criminal groups. More than 13 million people are eligible to vote, which is mandatory for adults up to the age of 65. It is optional for people aged 16 and 17 and over 65. Failure to vote results in a 46 dollar (35) fine. In 2023, Mr Noboa and Mr Gonzalez were largely unknown to most voters as they sought the presidency for the first time. They were first-term politicians in May 2023, when then-president Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly, shortening his own mandate as a result and triggering that years snap election. An heir to a fortune built on the banana trade, Mr Noboa opened an event-organising company when he was 18 and then joined his fathers Noboa Corp, where he held management positions in the shipping, logistics and commercial areas. Incumbent presidential candidate Daniel Noboa speaks at a campaign rally in Guayaquil (Cesar Munoz/AP) Ms Gonzalez, 47, held various government jobs during the presidency of Rafael Correa, who led Ecuador from 2007 to 2017 with free-spending socially conservative policies and grew increasingly authoritarian in his last years as president. Mr Noboa, 37, declared Ecuador to be in a state of internal armed conflict in January 2024, allowing him to deploy thousands of soldiers to the streets to combat gangs and to charge people with terrorism for alleged ties to organised crime groups. Under his watch, the homicide rate dropped from 46.18 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 38.76 in 2024. But despite the decrease, the rate remained far higher than the 6.85 homicides per 100,000 people seen in 2019. Some of his heavy-handed crime-fighting tactics have come under scrutiny for testing the limits of laws and the norms of governing. He has also been criticised for allegations of electoral anomalies he made after Februarys vote. Following the first-round election, he said there had been many irregularities and that in certain provinces there were things that didnt add up. He provided no further details or evidence. Electoral observers from the Organisation of American States and the European Union ruled out fraud. Pennsylvania police evacuated Governor Josh Shapiro and his family from their official residence after someone set fire to the building. The fire broke out overnight on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Mr Shapiro and his family had celebrated at the governors official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg. Donald Trumps doctor has said the oldest man to be elected president is fit to serve as commander in chief as the White House released the results of his physical exam from Friday. Navy Captain Sean Barbabella cited what he said is Mr Trumps active lifestyle which continues to contribute significantly to the Republican presidents well-being. He turns 79 on June 14. In a report released on Sunday, the doctor said in a summary that Mr Trump is fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State. The results showed Mr Trump has lost weight since his last physical as president in 2020. He weighed 17 stone and four pounds then and is now 16 stone. Donald Trump weighs 16 stone, his doctor said (Jon Elswick/AP) The exam summary noted that Mr Trump previously had cataract surgery on both eyes but the report did not include a date or dates. A common procedure among ageing people, the surgery typically involves removing a cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to help clear up vision. In July 2024, according to the report, Mr Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. It is a common condition in which the walls of the intestine weaken with age. It can lead to inflammation, though most people with it never experience any problems. Mr Barbabella wrote that Mr Trump remains in excellent health with robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function. The doctor said his days include participating in multiple meetings, public appearances and frequent victories in golf events. Mr Trump is an avid golfer who said he recently won tournaments played at clubs he owns in Florida His cholesterol levels have improved over time, helped by the medications rosuvastatin and ezetimibe. At his physical in January 2018, his total cholesterol was 223. In early 2019, the reading came in at 196 and it stood at 167 in 2020. Today it is 140. Ideally, total cholesterol should be less than 200. His blood pressure was 128 over 74. That is considered elevated, and people in that situation are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition. He has a resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute, in line with previous tests. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 beats to 100 beats per minute, and generally, a lower rate implies better cardiovascular fitness. Mr Trump also takes aspirin, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sunday, Apr 13th, 2025 (1:49 pm) - Score 9,560 In a somewhat unsurprising development, newspaper reports have today claimed that Vodafone and Three UK (CK Hutchison) may be gearing up to support their merger by discussing the launch of a new Pay TV service. Such products are typically sold as part of a bundle (convergence), such as alongside fixed broadband, phone and mobile plans. The merger, which was approved by the CMA in December 2024 (here) and is said to be worth 15bn+, is due to complete any time now. The deal will see Vodafone retain a 51% slice of the business and CKH (Three UK) hold 49%. Both operators have previously promoted the deal as being great for customers, great for the country and great for competition, while also resulting in a major 11bn investment to upgrade the UKs 5G mobile (broadband) infrastructure and coverage. NOTE: The combined business aspires to reach more than 99% of the UK population with their The combined business aspires to reach more than 99% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (SA) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030, among other things. At present, Three UK is a mobile-only operator, while Vodafone have long since branched out into home broadband by offering related packages via Openreach and CityFibres national networks. Despite this, its not uncommon for major mergers in the telecommunications sector to be followed by a focus on greater convergence of different services, much as weve seen via O2 and Virgin Media, as well as BT and EE before them. Advertisement According to the Sunday Telegraph (paywall), both Vodafone and Three UK are allegedly considering something similar post-merger, with the possible future introduction of a Pay TV service and or broadband bundles via Three UK forming part of their discussions. But a spokesperson for Vodafone warned it was still too early to comment on the companys plans post-merger. Karen Egan, Enders Analysis, said: There are certainly some opportunities for cross-selling Vodafones broadband product to Threes 9.3m mobile subscribers, but broadband is a really tough market right now with very slim margins so theyll be quite constrained in the level of incentive discounts they can offer. In recent years convergence has become somewhat an area of mixed success. This is partly because many consumers have been gradually navigating away from the traditional Pay TV model and preferring to sign-up independently via a collection of often independent streaming providers (e.g. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV, Disney+ etc.). The situation has been somewhat underlined by the recent softening of focus on Pay TV services by the likes of TalkTalk and BT, as well as the complete removal of the TV products by BT sibling PlusNet. Suffice to say that its much harder today to make an attractive Pay TV product, and broadband can also be very challenging. However, its worth noting that Vodafone has been seeing strong UK take-up of their home broadband products in recent years, and the operator does have experience in Pay TV via some of their other markets outside the UK. The potential is certainly there to do something more with bundles, but whether that would be successful is another matter. ANTALYA, TURKIYE, April 12. The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) hopes for Azerbaijans formalizing its membership in July 2025, Director General of IOFS, Ambassador Berik Aryn said in an exclusive interview with Trend on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF). We greatly value our partnership with the Republic of Azerbaijan. The recent visit of Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, to the IOFS Headquarters in Astana marked a significant milestone in our growing bilateral cooperation. On behalf of the organization, I expressed deep gratitude for Azerbaijans generous contribution to our humanitarian aid appeal for Gaza, which enabled the dispatch of the first wheat flour convoy on the first day of the ceasefire a tangible symbol of Islamic solidarity, he said. Furthermore, Aryn noted that the collaboration with Azerbaijan extends into agricultural science and innovation. We are working closely with Azerbaijans Agricultural Research Center, and we commend the active involvement of the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry in the IOFS Gene Bank and Wheat Development programs. These partnerships highlight Azerbaijans strong commitment to agricultural resilience and food security in the region. Looking ahead, we are preparing for the 7th Session of the IOFS General Assembly, scheduled for July 2025 in Astana. We are hopeful that Azerbaijan will formalize its membership by signing the IOFS Statute during the Assembly, enabling it to fully participate in the governance and strategic direction of the organization, noted the director general. He went on to add that the core business of the IOFS is ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in the geography of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The mission of IOFS is to safeguard sustainable food security in the OIC Member States through socio-economic development and systemic promotion of targeted programs related to agriculture, science and technology, humanitarian aid, trade, and food export to the Member States. At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, IOFS is advocating for multilateral cooperation to address the urgent challenges facing agrifood systems in OIC Member States, noted Aryn. The director general pointed out that within this specific context, IOFS has flagship mandates that are being implemented to materialize the priorities into programs and projects. I wish to refer to Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP) through which the IOFS has delivered humanitarian aid and agricultural support since 2022. The Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI), which was launched by the 49th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (Nouakchott, 2023), is serving as a comprehensive strategy to address food security, climate adaptation, and water management in Africa, particularly the Sahel region and North Africa. Additionally, it is important to note the relevant initiatives that stem from the IOFS Strategic Vision 2031, he said. Over 100 individuals, including 20 children, are now feared to have lost their lives in Sudan due to paramilitary assaults on the besieged city of El-Fasher in Darfur and two nearby camps experiencing famine, according to the United Nations. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in conflict with the regular army since April 2023, carried out coordinated ground and aerial attacks yesterday on El-Fasher, as well as the Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Recently, the paramilitary group has intensified its assaults on El-Fasherthe only state capital in Darfur that remains outside their controlfollowing the armys recapture of the national capital, Khartoum, last month. Initial reports from the local resistance committee, a volunteer aid organization in El-Fasher, indicate that yesterdays death toll reached 57, with 32 civilians slain in El-Fasher and 25 in Zamzam. Activists have noted that the full scale of the destruction in Zamzam is still unclear due to internet outages and communication disruptions. The Sudanese Organisation for the Protection of Civilians reported that among the deceased were nine humanitarian workers associated with a hospital in Zamzam, operated by an international non-governmental organization. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, expressed her condemnation of their deaths. The colleagues from an international non-governmental organization lost their lives while working in one of the very few remaining health posts still operational in the camp, she stated in a release. This marks yet another alarming and unacceptable escalation in a series of violent attacks against displaced individuals and aid workers in Sudan since the beginning of this conflict nearly two years ago. I strongly encourage those responsible for such actions to cease immediately. In a statement, the RSF refuted a video allegedly circulated by activists displaying civilians killed in Zamzam. The paramilitary organization denounced the footage as a fabricated production, calling it a desperate attempt to criminalize its forces. A local advocacy group, the Darfur General Coordination of Camps for the Displaced and Refugees, reported that the assault on Zamzam resumed early this morning, marked by clashes and heavy gunfire that lasted for several hours. This camp was the initial area in Sudan where a UN-supported assessment declared famine last year. By December, famine had further spread to two nearby campsAbu Shouk and Al Salamand is anticipated to reach El-Fasher itself by May. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and has displaced more than 12 million individuals since its outbreak in April 2023. Both factions involved in the conflict have been accused of committing war crimes and violating international humanitarian law. At least 20 individuals have lost their lives due to a Russian ballistic missile strike on the center of Sumy, a city in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian interior minister. In the aftermath of the attack, eighty-three people sustained injuries in the city, which is located near the Russian border. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned this incidentone of the most lethal assaults on Ukraine this yearand advocated for a strong international response against Moscow. Only monsters can behave this way, taking the lives of innocent civilians, he expressed on social media. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that the victims were found on the streets, in vehicles, on public transport, and inside buildings at the time of the strike. This was a calculated attack against civilians on a significant religious holiday, he remarked. Sumy, situated approximately 50 km from the Russian border, has faced heightened bombardment from Russian forces in recent weeks. The city has been under immense pressure since Moscow drove much of Ukraines military back from its Kursk region across the border. There are many fatalities today as a result of the missile strike, acting mayor Artem Kobzar stated via social media, noting that the enemy has targeted civilians once more. The assault is among the deadliest incidents in Ukraine this year (Image: Sumy Regional Military Administration) (Image: Sumy Regional Military Administration) Trump: Talks on Russia-Ukraine peace deal progressing well The recent strikes occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that negotiations aimed at concluding the war in Ukraine might be progressing positively, yet stated, there comes a time when you have to either act or be silent. The day before, Mr. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia and urged it to make progress on reaching an agreement. I think negotiations between Ukraine and Russia might be going well, and youll learn more soon, Mr. Trump commented to reporters aboard Air Force One. Theres a moment when you must either act or refrain from talking, and we will see what unfolds, but I believe things are going smoothly. On Friday, Mr. Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the pursuit of a peace agreement. These discussions took place amid a period when U.S.-Russia dialogue, aimed at establishing a ceasefire prior to a potential peace agreement, seemed to have stalled due to disagreements over the conditions for halting hostilities altogether. Mr. Trump has indicated growing impatience and has threatened to impose secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil if he perceives that Moscow is delaying a deal. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commended Mr. Trump for what he claimed was a deeper understanding of the Ukraine conflict than that of any other Western leader. To address the fundamental causes of any conflict, including the one in Ukraine, is the only path toward resolution and lasting peace. We must address the root causes, Mr. Lavrov stated at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in southern Turkey. President Trump was the first and appears to be the only Western leader to consistently assert that involving Ukraine in NATO was a substantial mistake. This is one of the fundamental issues weve referenced repeatedly. Mr. Putin, who initiated Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has long viewed Ukraines alignment with the West, including its aspirations to join NATO, as a threat to Russian interests. In relation to a mutual agreement between Ukraine and Russia to cease strikes on each others energy facilities, Mr. Lavrov remarked that Moscow has adhered to its commitments, while accusing Kyiv of attacking Russian energy infrastructure nearly every day. I provided our Turkish counterparts, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with the same details we shared with the Americans, the UN, and the OSCEa list of incidents detailing Ukraines attacks on Russian energy facilities over the past three weeks. By Melanie Murcott, University of Cape Town (The Conversation) Three South African environmental and climate justice organisations took the South African government to court in November 2021, to challenge the authorisation of new coal-fired power as part of the countrys energy mix. Three years later, the court ruled that the governments new coal plans were unlawful, invalid, and against the countrys constitution. Therefore, these plans cannot go ahead. Environmental law specialist Melanie Murcott researches how courts consider the risks and impacts of climate change and environmental and human rights violations in their judgments. In this article, she discusses the #CancelCoal case. Why was the #CancelCoal case brought to court? South Africa gets about 85% of its electricity from burning coal. The country has committed to moving towards cleaner energy alternatives such as solar and wind energy. But the government has said it will aggressively pursue coal, oil and gas as well as renewable energy. In 2020, the Minister of Mineral Resources authorised procurement of a massive additional amount of new coal-fired capacity into South Africas energy mix. The authorisation was also provided for in South Africas national electricity plan the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 and supported by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. Yet the countrys coal-dominated, unsustainable methods of producing electricity and heating have contributed around 87% of its greenhouse gas emissions. They are driving climate change and deadly air and water pollution. South Africa is ranked the highest emitter of greenhouse gases on the African continent, and thirteenth highest globally. In other words, coal has a huge carbon footprint, with grave human rights implications, especially for those living in poverty. For these reasons, the environmental justice organisations groundWork, the African Climate Alliance and the Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action brought a case to promote a just energy transition. They were supported by two friends of the court: the Centre for Child Law and the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance. What did the environmental justice organisations ask the court to do? The environmental justice organisations wanted the court to declare the authorisation of new coal-fired power unlawful and unconstitutional. This was part of their #CancelCoal campaign. The slang term cancel means to stop giving support to someone or something, usually a celebrity or other high-profile person. The intention is to make them unpopular. Something is cancelled in popular culture when it is rejected or dismissed. However, the #CancelCoal case was not about cancelling existing coal-fired power. Instead, it concerned the human rights implications of locking South Africa into a carbon intensive development pathway by authorising new coal-fired power. The litigants asked the court to: uphold a constitutional challenge to the decisions to authorise an additional 1,500MW of new coal-fired power about 4% of the current total power from coal (38,000 MW) review, set aside, and declare inconsistent with the constitution the decisions and publication of the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan that authorised the coal-fired power. The litigants produced evidence running to thousands of pages showing that coal has adverse impacts on an increasingly volatile climate system, human health and the environment, which are intertwined. Children are especially vulnerable and would be more affected than adults. Expert evidence revealed that this new coal-fired power alone would cause South Africa to significantly exceed its greenhouse gas emissions targets and fair share contribution to combating climate change. On the other hand, cleaner energy would align with the governments international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and would be more affordable and sustainable. The litigants argued that the new coal-fired power would violate human rights to life, human dignity, equality, and access to food and water. Other rights that would be violated were the rights of the child, and the right to an environment thats not harmful to health or wellbeing. What did the judgment say? When judges hear legal challenges to government decisions, they must act as guardians of the human rights entrenched in the bill of rights of the constitution. This includes the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations. Because the constitution is the supreme law of the country, all law and conduct must be consistent with it. Decisions that are inconsistent with the constitution, including those that unjustifiably limit human rights, fall foul of the foundational value of the rule of law provided for in the constitution. A court may therefore declare them unlawful. Photo by Markus Spiske: https://www.pexels.com/photo/climate-road-landscape-people-2990657/ In this case, the judge noted that the government had been hard pressed to show that adequate and appropriate consideration was given to the environmental right and the rights of the child enshrined in the Constitution. The judgment concluded that the government had not shown proof that it had considered the negative impacts of new coal-fired power, particularly on children. Government also failed to show that it considered less harmful means of meeting the countrys electricity needs. Given that its action would violate peoples rights, the government had to show that the violations were reasonable and justifiable. This is required by section 36 of the constitution. The court found that the government had not shown that the human rights violations were reasonable or justifiable in a democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom. What is the significance of the #CancelCoal judgment? The courts emphasis on a duty to justify rights violations arising from coal-fired power is what makes this judgment significant. The courts judgment is also important because it connects the environmental right to other human rights. It shows that decisions locking the country into carbon-intensive and harmful development pathways raise interrelated human rights issues. When decisions limit human rights, government must be able to justify this. Otherwise the courts may declare those decisions unconstitutional and invalid, and set them aside. The #CancelCoal judgment holds the executive branch of government to standards set by the constitution, the countrys supreme law. It also helps South Africa move closer to achieving its international climate change commitments. The judgment creates impetus for cancelling coal by playing this role. Judges have a legitimate, constitutionally ordained role to uphold these standards. When judges play this role, they act as an appropriate check and a balance on unconstitutional exercises of power. They further promote accountability related to climate risk and resilience. Melanie Murcott, Associate Professor, University of Cape Town, University of Cape Town This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Letters and Politics on KPFA with Mitch Jeserich: KPFA Special The History Behind The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Interview with Juan Cole (Long excerpt of computer-generated transcript cleaned up by ChatGPT; caveat emptor): Mitch Jeserich: Good day and welcome to Letters and Politics. Im Mitch Jeserich. Since we cant trust tomorrow, find a way to fill this lovelorn heart with joy. Drink up in the light of the moon - a moon that someday will look for us and not find us. That is one of the quatrainsin other words, a four-line poemthat is found in a new translation of the Rubaiyat, which is historically credited to Omar Khayyam, a renowned Persian astronomer and mathematician in the Middle Ages. Once translated into English in the 19th century, the Rubaiyat would become one of the most read poems in the English-speaking world over the following century. Today, were going to be in conversation about this history and about the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, including its historical influencesinfluences that span from pre-Islamic culture in the Middle East to the Mongolian Empire, and even to classical Chinese poetry. Its a remarkable history that encompasses all of Asia. My guest for this is Juan Cole. Juan Cole is the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. He is the translator of this book that were going to be talking about, called The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: A New Translation from the Persian. Juan Cole, it is my good pleasure to welcome you back to this radio program. Juan Cole: Hi, Mitch. Its great to be here. Mitch: Im excited to be talking. I enjoyed very much preparing for our chat, especially when we got into this deep history of the influences behind the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. But before we get into the history, talk to me about the content. The content of these - what -some more than 150 small poems? Its full of praises of wine, praises of the moon, and philosophy. Basically, it urges one to experience this life in the daynow - because its pretty doubtful that there is existence after life. Tell me more about the content of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Juan Cole : The first thing to say is that the poetry seems remarkable, inasmuch as its coming out of a Muslim society. Its very much unlike what you would expect from a Muslim poet. As you say, its highly skeptical about the basic doctrines of the afterlife. That was one of the things that attracted me to try my hand at a retranslation. In our day, when there are, I think, stereotypical and extreme caricatures of Muslims and Muslim culture, its important for us to understand the whole panoply of Muslim cultural production - and the books and the poetry that are actually valued. And the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam has been cultivated, quoted, and studied for a thousand years. So its something that seems pretty attractive to a Muslim audience - or at least to some audiences within the Muslim world. And it casts a different light on the region. Mitch: Heres another quatrain. When I say quatrain, this is a four-line poem. The Persian version of quatrain is rubai, and Rubaiyat includes all whatsome 156, 157? Juan Cole In the manuscript I worked from, there were 158, but the first one, I think, was a piece of dissimulation. So I translated 157. Mitch : So these 157 rubais in your book collectively become the Rubaiyat, and thats how we get the name of this book. This is Rubaiyat number 19. It says: I know the outward facts of being and nothingness, and I know the inner essence of high and low. Despite all my knowledge, I would be ashamed if I recognized a stage higher than drunkenness. Theres a lot to unpack there, especially considering - as you already said its almost surprising today to think that this came out of the Islamic world. Tell me about the world where the Rubaiyat comes from. Juan Cole: Thats a controversy. Where exactly this poetry comes from has been argued about since the mid-19th century. The claims were that this poetry was produced by the great astronomer and mathematician Omar Khayyam, who worked at the Seljuk imperial court. However, historians became increasingly skeptical of this narrative because we cant identify an early body of the poetry that seems to emanate from the astronomer. The poetry appears here and there in manuscripts, sometimes attributed to Omar Khayyam, sometimes not - sometimes attributed to other people. And I argue its only in the 1400s that a convention developed where people gathered this poetry together, put it in the covers of one book, and attributed it to Omar Khayyam. I think a lot of it was produced by various hands. Some of it maybe by artisans. Some of it has a very popular feel to it - guys sitting around and joking with one another in the tavern. Other poems could emanate from a more courtly environment. The real Omar Khayyam was rich. So I dont think he was sitting around in rags at a tavern, the way the poetry sometimes speaks about. I think a lot of it was produced in the Mongol period. And this is an extraordinary era in Iran and Central Asia and Iraq in Baghdad - when the great Mongols moved west they took Horace Greeleys advice from out near China and Korea and conquered very rapidly a great empire that stretched all the way across Central Asia - what is now Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and so forth - into Iran and Iraq. They threatened what is now Turkey, and made some forays down into India They established an empire - and they were not Muslim. Mitch They were Buddhist. Juan Cole: They were Buddhists of a similar sort to the Tibetan Buddhists. Mitch: I mean, it was interesting when I was reading your epilogue, which is really rivetingand its not surprising, of course, that it happened this waybut it was still, sort of in my own American 21st-century way, surprising when you wrote: Buddhist armies first invaded Persia.' Juan Cole: Yes, yes. Well, the Buddhists all along have had armies. The Dhammapada speaks of peace - the Buddhist teaching - but then so does the Gospel. And the Christians have been known to have armies too. So thats a human condition. The Muslim establishment consisted of a court - a kingand then the king would have court clergy, ulama, people who had been to seminary for purposes of law. A lot of law was derived from Islam, just as in medieval Europe, a lot of law was Catholic canon law. Of course, they would guard orthodoxy. If there was a movement or a set of ideas of which they didnt approve, they would go to the king and complain about it, and see if they couldnt get troops sent to put it down or have the heretic arrested. That kind of thing maybe wasnt quite as common in this area of the world as it was, say, in Inquisition Europe - but those things did exist. When the Mongols came in, that entire complex was swept away. There was no longer a connection between the court and the formal clergy - the seminary-trained people - because the Mongols were Buddhists initially, and they couldnt have cared less about Muslim orthodoxy. Even with the passage of decades, when a few of the high rulers started converting to Islam, I think they wore it lightly. And so it was an era in which, if you wanted to express a sentiment that was deprecated by the religious establishment, I think you could do so without fear of persecution. Even then, of course, you had to deal with people around you, and some of them might be pretty stiff-necked. So you wouldnt get in trouble for reading out such a poem, but you might not want to attribute it to yourself. And so, I think they produced this kind of skeptical or libertine poetry and ascribed it to what the literary people call a frame author. Its like in The Thousand and One Nights - you know, all of those stories are attributed to the princess Scheherazade, who is under threat of being killed at the end of each day by the king. She extends her life every day by telling him a story with a cliffhanger, so he doesnt execute her because he wants to hear the rest of the story. And after a while, he gives up on the idea of executing her because he likes her stories. The stories in The Thousand and One Nights were produced in Cairo, Aleppo, Baghdad - and many of them have an Indian origin. Theyre folk literature from here and there. Theyre not by a single author and certainly not by the princess Scheherazade. But they were attributed to Scheherazade as a frame for the collection of these stories. So I think the same kind of process operated with regard to these unconventional quatrains. They tended to be ascribed to Omar Khayyam. Ultimately, even the anonymous ones and the ones attributed to other authors - some of them, by the way, women - were gathered up and put under the name of Omar. Mitch: The Mongolian Empire is important. I think its remembered in history for its brutalityespecially in its invasions and in war. But the Mongolian Empire was also known, once it did conquer an area, for tolerance. Juan Cole Sure. Again, the Buddhists werent interested in enforcing an orthodoxy. They did establish some Buddhist temples in Iran and Armenia, and there were lots of Buddhist monks - bhikkhus - who would wander around the country and beg. So Buddhism was supported by the early Mongol rulers of Iran. Hulagu is said to have, once he took Baghdad, called a council of various religious leaders - Christians and Jews and Muslims and smaller sects- and taken their advice on religious policy as a group. So there was a certain amount of religious tolerance once they came to power. Their conquests could be brutal. If they took a city, it was looted. But in other instances, if the city elders came out and sued for peace and said, Well accept your rule, just dont invade our city - well fork over taxes and so forth, the Mongols didnt go in. There are cities like Tabriz, for instance, that were not invaded by the Mongols and which survived very nicely. It was the places that put up resistance that tended to get looted and damaged. Even then, the brutality of the Mongols has probably been somewhat exaggerated. Mitch : You also write about the influence of Chinese Tang Dynasty poetry. This is classical Chinese poetry from the 7th century. And heres one more quatrain Id like to read. This is number 125: Look at the wicked deeds of turning skies, Which crushed our friends and emptied out the world. If possible, unite your inner self, Give up the past and futurebe here now. I read that before I read your epilogue, and when I was reading it, I had just happened to have done my own personal deep dive into Tang Dynasty poetry last year. I got really into Li Bai, one of the most well-known classical Chinese poets, very much influenced by Tang Dynasty poetry from Taoism. When I read quatrain 125, I couldnt help but think about classical Chinese poetry. Juan Cole : Of course, its a little speculative, because we dont have historical sources that demonstrate that kind of influence. But the great Italian scholar of Persian, Alessandro Bausani, suggested that the Persian quatrain doesnt seem to be ancient. That is to say, there are stages of Persian, and it doesnt seem to exist in Old Persian. He wondered whether it hadnt come into Iran from China, because the quatrain is an established Chinese poetic form Mitch: from the Silk Road. Juan Cole: Sure. Its a Silk Road argument. He also thought that it could have been transmitted by other peoples. For instance, if the Turks adopted the quatrain from Chinese - and then the Turks came to Iran, as they did (Turks and Mongols were both pastoralists who moved west) - then the Turks could have communicated the form to the Iranians. Thats with regard to the form of the quatrain. Then the substance, as you say, is sometimes quite similar. Theres an emphasis in the quatrains on the ephemerality of life - that life is fleeting, doesnt last very long, and things around you are constantly changing. Thats a very Buddhist sentiment. Theres even a point in the poetry where it says: We dont know even if well be able to breathe out the breath that we just breathed in. Life is so short and unpredictable. A friend of mine who specializes in Buddhism pointed out to me that thats in the Buddhist scriptures - that sentiment, phrased pretty much that way. So between the Silk Road and the Mongol Empire - which, by the way, included both Iran and China. For a while there Iran was a province of the empire, and China was also a province of the same empire - it seems at least plausible that some of these sentiments and ideas are pan-Asian. Theyre being spread around all through the region. Interestingly enough, the Chinese Tang Dynasty quatrain was also adopted in Japan - but it was altered. It became a three-line poem, and we now know it as the haiku. So its at least possible - its in the realm of possibility - that the Rubaiyat of Omar and the Japanese haiku have a common genealogy. Mitch: Yeah, as you saidits speculative. But, you know, I couldnt help but think ofand I think its an apocryphal storythe death of the Chinese poet Li Bai. It goes: He was drunk. He praised the moon constantly in all of his poetry as well, and he was a drunkard. He was in a boat and saw the reflection of the moon in the water. He wanted to chase it. And so, he dived into the water to chase the moon - the reflection of the moon - and he ends up drowning because he was drunk. I mean, you could have found that in the Rubaiyat, almost. Juan Cole : You most certainly could . . . Mitch: So thats interesting. Again, you worked off the manuscript from about 1460 or so Mahmud Yerbudaki? The manuscript still exists, then? Juan Cole : Its in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Its the same one that Edward FitzGeralds friend, Edward Cowell, found. It had been collected during the Napoleonic Wars there was kind of a geopolitical jockeying, and the French and the British both wanted Iran which was an independent empire to side with them. And so, the British sent, in 1810, Sir Gore Ouseley as ambassador to Iran. It was the first modern British embassy. He brought along his brother William I think William did some trade and so forth. So I think William probably was the one who bought this manuscript on the market. It was obviously an old manuscript. And Sir Gore Ouseley brought it back with him when his embassy ended and donated it to the library at Oxford. I think Ouseley himself translated a few of these. He recognized that they were remarkable, and there was a journal of the Royal Asiatic Society at the time where they appeared. But it was FitzGerald who worked most intensively with this text and translated a lot of the poetry. He self-published he, being wealthy, could just pay to have the poetry put out. And, remarkably enough and now I guess this sometimes happens with Amazon self-publishing it went viral. People found out about it in Victorian England and then in the United States and they fell in love with it. FitzGerald, I think, was a truly great poet, and it didnt hurt that he had a way with words. But then, the sentiments in the poetry also I think they came along at a special time. You know, The Rubaiyat was translated around the same time as Darwins Origin of Species came out. And there were these big debates in the late 19th century about science and religion. You know the religious people had thought that the world was only 6,000 years old. And then archaeology revealed the dinosaurs. And then Darwin revealed that you didnt really need an act of God to create species that it was an ongoing biological process. And so, because the Rubaiyat are skeptical about religious verities, and because they were attributed to a scientist they really resonated. Some of the Darwinian-minded in Victorian society especially liked them and promoted them and they werent the only ones. I mean, people loved it. Even religious people often loved it. But you know, theres poetry in the book one of them I translated: Dont blame the stars for virtues or for faults, Or for the joy and grief decreed by fate. For science holds the planets all to be A thousand times more helpless than are we. This is a slam against astrology and its pointing out that, since the frame author was supposed to be an astronomer, we know exactly where Mars is going to be next year at this time. But we dont have any idea where any of us are going to be next year at this time. Human beings are, you know, the most complex beings in the universe. And so, the idea that these regularly revolving rocks in the sky would dictate our fates is, from this scientific point of view, silly. FitzGerald also translated that poem slightly differently. The original says the planets are a thousand times more helpless than we are. FitzGerald translated it as, They roll along, as do you and I. He made it equal like we are just as helpless as the planets. But thats not what the original said. The planets are a thousand times more helpless than we are. So I think he was influenced by these ideas about Orientals being fatalistic and so forth. But the original actually shows human beings to be very dynamic in comparison with the regularities of natural law . . . Mitch: Did you do this new translation of the Rubaiyat in part because our understanding of the Rubaiyat in the English language, anyway, is sort of stuck in the model that was given to us by Edward FitzGerald? Juan Cole : To some extent. I mean, when I went to Iran in my early 20s, I bought this little edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. I was working on Persian, and I compared some of the poetry to whats in FitzGerald. Of course, he made some of these poems famous poems that had been just in manuscripts. And I think that had influence on the Iranian editors. But I looked over some of the poems and how FitzGerald had translated them, and you know, he played around with them quite a lot. I dont slam him for this he was himself a creative person. He would put two poems together and mash them, take half of one and half of another. Or he would get away from the literal meaning of what the poem was saying to push his own agendas. Sometimes he put in poetry by other authors that we know are by other authors. So, the great Persian Sufi poet Attar theres a poem in there from him. And then there are a couple that we are very suspicious may be just FitzGeralds own, since we havent been able to find anything exactly like them in any of the corpus of the original Persian. So, I thought the Bodleian manuscript could be a template for an edition a formal edition thats much less playful and hybrid than the one FitzGerald did. But the real reason I did this was, in part, the internet Google Books and so forth. Google published the Bodleian edition, which had been printed in 1898 or something, but which was rare. Youd have to go to special collections and sit there with it. But there it was I could have it on my phone. I started working through it. I have a blog, and I put up some of my early attempts to translate it there. And people liked it. At that time, we had good blog metrics, and I could tell it was popular. One of the blog metrics showed me trending on social media having to do with lifestyle. Since I was a political blogger, I was kind of amazed. I went and looked, and it was the Rubaiyat. So I thought there was some interest here. And people didnt know about it anymore in the younger generation. As you said, from the time it started to become really popular in the late 19th century until the early 70s, it was among the most quoted and most read poems in the English language. Bartletts Thesaurus and those kinds of anthologies were full of quotations from it. But I think the movement against dead white men, and the desire to expand the range of literature quite rightly so caused high school teachers to drop it from the 1970s forward in favor of other kinds of literature. So, when I meet someone who is my age or older and mention that I translated the Rubaiyat, theyll start quoting FitzGeralds translation. It was very common for people to memorize a lot of it. When I mentioned it to my agent, whos in her 40s, she had no idea what I was talking about. And I found that was typical younger people dont know about it anymore. Its also true that, although FitzGeralds poetry is great poetry, its now full of archaisms and maybe a little difficult sometimes. So I thought I would put it into contemporary American English and translate it not with meter and rhyme, but in free verse. Although sometimes I played with a little bit of rhyme or half-rhyme, mostly it was free verse, and I kept the four-line stanza. That was something my editor insisted on, so it would read like poetry reads today the sort that we enjoy from American poets and to see if I couldnt bring it to a new generation that was completely ignorant of it. Mitch: Does the Yerbudaki script that you translated in Persian have its own rhythm? And is it the same Persian thats still spoken today? Juan: Its not very far from the Persian spoken today. Sometimes its a little archaic, or the choice of words might be different now, but its in a simple kind of Persian. That was a feature of the quatrains of the Rubaiyat as a genre it was beloved by common people, so it wasnt full of highfalutin Arabic words. I think most Iranians today could read the Yerbudaki edition and mostly understand it perfectly well. Its like how, if you get back past about 1600, English becomes much more difficult. Of course, we cant understand Chaucer in the original. But after 1700 or 1800, we can still read Pope and Dryden. I think its the same with Persian. There was what was called New Persian that emerged after the Arab conquests of the 600s. By about the 800s, it had come into being. And the simpler form of New Persian really continues to this day. People in Iran still cultivate the old poetry. Its very common for people to memorize 10,000 poems. So yes, it has its own rhythm, and a lot of these poems are quite beautiful in the original but it is accessible. . . Germany's chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said Sunday that Russia committed a "serious war crime" in its missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 34 people. "It was a perfidious act.. and it is a serious war crime, deliberate and intended," he said in comments to broadcaster ARD. "There are two waves of attacks, and the second arrived as emergency workers were taking care of the victims," said Merz. "That is the response, that is what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does to those who talk with him of a ceasefire," he added. "Our willingness to discuss with him is interpreted not as a serious offer to make peace, but as weakness," said Merz. Two ballistic missiles hit the northeastern city on Sunday morning. Two children were among the dead, authorities said. While Germany's outgoing chancellor Otto Scholz has refused to supply Kyiv with Taurus missiles capable of striking inside Russia, Merz has said he is open to the idea. "I have always said that I would only do it in agreement with European partners," he told ARD. "It must be coordinated and if it is coordinated, then Germany should participate," he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. Azerbaijan's legal entities and individuals conducted trade operations with partners from 144 countries worldwide from January through February of this year, exporting goods to 85 countries and importing from 138 countries. Data obtained by Trend from the State Statistical Committee shows that the foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan, considering the estimated value of crude oil and natural gas exports that were not fully customs cleared, amounted to $8.21 billion in the reporting period. Of this turnover, $4.07 billion (49.6 percent) accounted for exports, and $4.14 billion (50.4 percent) - imports, resulting in a trade balance deficit of $64.8 million. Compared to the first two months of 2024, the foreign trade turnover grew by 27.2 percent in nominal terms and 9.2 percent in real terms. Imports rose by 39 percent in real terms, while exports decreased by 8.9 percent. The exports of non-oil and gas products totaled $485 million from January through February 2025, up 6.6 percent in nominal terms from the same period in 2024, but down 12.6 percent in real terms. Data from the State Customs Committee indicates that Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover was distributed as follows: 25.6 percent with Italy, 11.3 percent with Turkiye, 11.2 percent with Russia, 8.4 percent with China, 5.5 percent with Germany, 2.7 percent with Australia, 2.6 percent with the Czech Republic, 2.4 percent with the UK, 2.1 percent each with Croatia and Mexico, two percent with Romania, 1.7 percent with Georgia, 1.6 percent with Greece, 1.5 percent each with Switzerland and Bulgaria, 1.3 percent each with Ireland and Portugal, 1.2 percent each with Brazil, Iran, and the US, 1.1 percent with Canada, 1.0 percent with Ukraine, and 9.5 percent with other countries. The export value distribution is as follows: 46.3 percent to Italy, 12 percent to Turkiye, six percent to Germany, 4.7 percent to the Czech Republic, 3.9 percent to Croatia, 3.5 percent to Romania, 3.2 percent to Russia, 2.7 percent each to Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece, 2.3 percent each to Ireland and Portugal, two percent to Switzerland, 1.5 percent to the UK, one percent to Serbia, 0.9 percent to Ukraine, 0.3 percent to Kazakhstan, and 0.2 percent each to China, Belarus, the US, Israel, and the UAE, with one percent to other countries. In non-oil and gas product exports, Russia (31.1 percent), Turkiye (17.1 percent), Georgia (10.9 percent), Switzerland (9.0 percent), Ukraine (8.5 percent), Kazakhstan (2.5 percent), Belarus (2.2 percent), the US (2.1 percent), Israel (2.1 percent), Germany (1.7 percent), the UAE (1.7 percent), Turkmenistan (1.3 percent), Uzbekistan (1.1 percent), and Italy (1.1 percent) held the largest shares. For imports, 20.5 percent of the total value came from Russia, 17.8 percent from China, 10.4 percent from Turkiye, 5.8 percent from Australia, 4.8 percent from Germany, 4.5 percent from Mexico, 3.4 percent from the United Kingdom, 2.6 percent from Brazil, 2.5 percent from Iran, 2.3 percent each from the US and Canada, 1.8 percent from Italy, and smaller percentages from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Korea, Belarus, Japan, Ukraine, and Turkmenistan, with 10.3 percent from other countries. In comparison with the same period last year, from January through February 2025, exports of major products increased as follows: fresh fruit by 23.3 percent, sugar by 59.3 percent, fruit and vegetable preserves by 9.0 percent, vegetable oils by 25.6 percent, tea by 24.9 percent, mineral fertilizers by 5.4 percent, cement clinker by 26.8 percent, black metal pipes by 81.5 percent, black metal rods by 43.4 percent, while fresh vegetables increased by 0.2 percent, fruit and vegetable juices by 36.3 percent, tobacco by 70.9 percent, margarine and other food blends by 38.6 percent, natural grape wines and grape concentrate by 27.3 percent, potatoes by 71.5 percent, cotton fiber by 26.8 percent, polypropylene by 25.9 percent, polyethylene by 1.9 percent, electricity by 51.7 percent, unprocessed aluminum by 21.6 percent, cotton yarn by 18.4 percent, and bentonite clay by 16.4 percent. In contrast, imports of certain products increased significantly: wheat by 39.1 percent, butter, other milk fats, and pastes by 79.8 percent, raw sugar by 86.8 percent, tea by 72.9 percent, potatoes by 0.2 percent, passenger cars by 27.3 percent, steel products by 30.2 percent, black metal rods by 2.7 times, rubber tires by 19.2 percent, trucks by 6.9 percent, polyethylene by 13.3 percent, buses by 4.4 times, polypropylene by 11.2 percent, while fresh fruit imports increased by 16.9 percent, chocolate and chocolate products by 9.6 percent, vegetable oils by 52.5 percent, flour confectionery by 19.6 percent, poultry and its products by 13.6 percent, fresh vegetables by 0.8 percent, beef by 11.1 percent, medicines by 26.4 percent, black metal pipes by 31.3 percent, computing machines, blocks, and equipment by 18.5 percent, furniture by 34.3 percent, synthetic detergents by 20.4 percent, mineral fertilizers by 7.8 percent, washing machines by 1.8 percent, household air conditioners by six percent, black metal corners by 2.0 percent, household refrigerators by 4.1 percent, and cement by 7.2 percent. Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas wife, Mama Ida, is setting up a library and has formed a WhatsApp group to fundraise for funds. A list of ODM politicians who have contributed money in the group has emerged and sparked reactions. Most of the politicians are trying to outshine each other to please Ida Odinga. Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Peter Kaluma, has surprised many after he contributed a whooping Ksh 1 million. None of the politicians has contributed less than Ksh 400,000. See the list. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 13, 2025 - Suna East Member of Parliament and Raila Odingas confidant, Junet Mohammed, is living large, thanks to the broad-based government. On Saturday, he visited lawyer Nelson Havis farm aboard a chopper, days after he was pictured wearing a Brioni double-breasted suit that cost Ksh 1 million a piece. Junet is among the architects of the broad-based government, and it is believed that he is cashing in heavily, following the pact between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. See photos. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 13, 2025 - Kenyans have taken to social media to slam local MPs, accusing them of prioritizing salary hikes over needs of constituents. This after American YouTube sensation Mr. Beast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, traveled from the U.S. to Kenya to uplift a local school and feed starving children. His latest humanitarian project, titled "Watch This Video to Feed 1 Person in Need," is more than just a videoits a lifeline. Mr Beast built a fully equipped kitchen, dug a water well, installed a greenhouse, and donated desks to students who had been sharing four to a bench. He even pledged to provide breakfast and lunch daily to over 500 pupils, stating, The more of you that watch this video, the longer we will be able to keep that programme going. He didnt stop there - he also donated other key amenities like a truck and tractor to the community, ensuring long-term impact. He joined teachers in preparing meals like githeri and porridge and served the kids. Mr Beast, traveled all the way from the United States to feed starving children in Kenya. Meanwhile, our Kenyan politiciansespecially MPs are more concerned with increasing their salary perks. Our President seems more focused on bribing churches. We are a s**t hole country. pic.twitter.com/K3WAw43z8q The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) April 12, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Comedian Mulamwah is nursing more than just a broken heart, hes grappling with a bruised ego too. After publicly announcing his breakup with girlfriend and baby mama Ruth K on X (formerly Twitter), hoping for sympathy, things didnt go as planned. Kenyans on X, never ones to sugarcoat, called him out for chasing clout during a time when the country is fixated on weightier matters like the Butere Girls saga and governance concerns. Instead of support, Mulamwah received sharp criticism, a reminder that Kenyans no longer put the so called celebrities on the pedestal. Check out some of the replies he received from Kenyans on X. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, April 13, 2025 - A 19-year-old student who was preparing to join university later this year tragically died in a road accident on Saturday evening at Kanga area along the Migori-Rongo Road. The deceased, identified as Tony Onyango, was riding a motorcycle with a minor when they were struck by a speeding police vehicle. Onyango died on the spot, while the minor sustained injuries and was rushed to Rongo Sub-County Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the police vehicle did not stop after the incident, instead speeding off towards Rongo. South Kamagambo Location Chief, David Onyango, confirmed the fatal accident, stating that the student had just left a cyber cafe where he had gone to apply for a university course online. Chief Onyango further noted that the police vehicle was being driven at a dangerously high speed at the time of the crash. Authorities have launched investigations into the incident as the community mourns the young mans untimely death. The Kenyan DAILY POST TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 13. Uzbekistan has launched the construction of the 228 MW Norin Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) cascade on the Norin River in the Namangan region, Trend reports. In accordance with the presidential decree on "Measures to Further Reform the Hydropower Sector," Uzbekistan has initiated investment projects aimed at increasing the utilization of the country's existing hydro potential, creating new hydropower capacities, and modernizing existing ones. The project is being carried out entirely by Uzbekhydroenergo, utilizing its own resources from start to completion. Local production of key technological equipment, such as hydroaggregates, is part of the national localization efforts. This cascade will be the first fully developed national HPP in Uzbekistan. The project is entirely financed by Uzbekhydroenergo. A working group led by the Chairman of the board of Uzbekhydroenergo Abdugani Sanginov, visited the construction site of the Norin HPP cascade in the Namangan region. At present, the construction of HPP-1 is progressing at a rapid pace. The Norin HPP cascade will consist of six hydropower stations, each with a capacity of 38 MW. Once operational, the cascade is expected to generate an average of 1,025 million kWh of environmentally clean electricity annually, providing power to approximately 430,000 households and saving about 277 million cubic meters of gas each year. Furthermore, over 130 permanent jobs will be created. 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. Work are progressing on the amalgamation of the Presentation primary school and the boys primary school. Last year, Kilkenny Live reported single co-ed primary school is set to be established in Castlecomer with a fully mixed school to cater for students from junior infants to sixth class. The position of principal has been advertised, and the interview process will select a candidate to lead the new school. Dialogue continues with the Department of Education on the necessary work within the building and to prepare the building for the new school. READ NEXT: Kilkenny gardai issue serious threat to 'culprits' who 'dont cease these actions' Castlecomer Presentation Primary School and Castlecomer Boys School jointly requested Bishop Coll, patron of both schools, to sanction the process of amalgamation of the two schools. This request followed consultation with the stakeholders boards of management, teachers, pupils, and parents. Bishop Coll replied to the boards earlier and granted this request, as has the Department of Education. Bishop Coll has also approved Scoil Iosagain as the name for the proposed coeducational school which will emerge from the proposed amalgamation. The name will now be forwarded by the Patron to the Department of Education and the process will continue. FOR MORE NORTH KILKENNY NEWS, CLICK HERE BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), supported by a major grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has signed a landmark education project financing agreement with the Government of Uzbekistan aimed at significantly enhancing the quality, inclusiveness, and efficiency of the countrys preschool and school education system, Trend reports. During the ceremony, IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser signed the agreement with H.E. Dr. Khilola Umarova, Minister of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The signing took place on the margins of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) Conference in Riyadh and was attended by Ms. Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The Smart Education Program, approved by the IsDB and GPE Boards on 15 December 2024 and 18 October 2023 respectively, marks IsDBs largest investment in Uzbekistans education sector to date. The total project cost is US$220.25 million, with US$160.25 million financed by IsDB, a US$40 million grant from GPE, and a US$20 million contribution from the Government of Uzbekistan. This project is fully aligned with Uzbekistans national education strategies and aims to improve the quality and efficiency of the education system and will contribute to the attainment of the SDG-4. The project also aligns with Pillar 2, Inclusive Human Capital Development of the IsDB Strategic Realignment 2023-2025. Further, the 5-year Project implementation has already begun, with early priorities including school construction and the finalization of implementation agreements with UNICEF and UNESCO. With a rapidly growing school-age population and pressing needs to expand infrastructure and improve education quality, this Smart Education (Smart ED) Project will improve learning environments and strengthen systems for sustainable, inclusive, and competency-based education. The project outcome includes the construction of 58 inclusive schools and 2,431 classrooms, all fully equipped with laboratories, furniture, and digital infrastructure in 11 regions of the country and the capital city Tashkent Beyond infrastructure, the project supports comprehensive system reforms, including the development of competency-based curricula, updated teaching and learning materials, enhanced teacher preparation systems, and improved student assessment and school evaluation mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on inclusion. The project is expected to benefit over 72,930 students, including girls and children with disabilities, and will support the training of 36,115 educators and staff. SmartEd directly contributes to IsDBs strategic goals for inclusive human capital development and expanding access to quality education across its Member Countries. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 72F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. CNNs Oren Liebermann, Kareem El Damanhoury and Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report. The board will also vote on a visa sponsorship program and appoint committee assignments for next year. 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. 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. Students walk through the University of Florida campus in Gainesville in 2022. The university confirmed on Friday it has signed an agreement that allows local law enforcement to act as immigration officers. By David Young, PA The Government is set to delay minimum wage increases and the rollout of auto-enrolment pensions as part of plans to bolster Irish businesses amid international economic uncertainty, Jack Chambers has signalled. The Minister for Public Expenditure insisted the September timeline for introducing auto-enrolment pensions would only be pushed back by a short number of months. The Government is currently committed to replacing the national minimum wage with a national living wage from 2026, with the living wage set at 60 per cent of the median wage in any given year. European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is attempting to negotiate a deal with the US on tariffs (Liam McBurney/PA) The minimum wage is due to remain in place until the living wage is fully phased in. Mr Chambers said the nature and scale of wage increases may now be extended over a slightly longer period. His comments come as the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, prepares to present a memo to the cabinet this coming week on a 15-point action plan to enhance competitiveness in the Irish economy. The blueprint represents the Governments short-term response to the turbulence created by the US administrations stance on trade and tariffs. In an interview with RTE Radio Ones This Week programme on Sunday, Mr Chambers also made clear the Governments opposition to the prospect of the EU introducing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the bloc fails to secure a negotiated agreement with President Donald Trump on tariffs. He said if it got to the stage of a digital services tax being imposed, it would mean enormous damage for the Irish economy. The EU last week stepped back from introducing trade countermeasures against the US after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on a swathe of new trade levies, including a 20 per cent tariff targeting the European bloc. A baseline 10 per cent tariff is still being applied by the US on the EU during the three-month pause period amid efforts by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic to strike a deal with the US administration. Were still in a very damaging sphere of disruption and uncertainty, and all of the predictability of the last number of decades when it comes to international trade is still very much undermined by the announcements of recent weeks, Mr Chambers told RTE. And despite the pause being a welcome space to allow for negotiations, theyre still all downside risks for the Irish economy and indeed the European economy. He added: Any eventual outcome which undermines the current trading relationship represents downside risk, and thats why the fact that were coming at this from a position of strength shows that we need to take further actions as an Irish economy to control whats within our own sphere, to strengthen our own competitiveness. Mr Chambers insisted the Government was still absolutely committed to the auto-enrolment pension scheme but said the already-delayed initiative would be pushed back further. Its likely to be pushed beyond September, but its likely to still occur in the short number of months after September, he said. On the moves on the national minimum wage, Mr Chambers said: Were considering, I suppose, the overall cumulative impact on costs for businesses and the competitiveness within the economy. The number one focus for government is to protect jobs, to drive competitiveness, and thats why, separately, well be establishing a cost of business advisory forum on how to sustainably manage the overall cost for business. Within that, the Government is considering how we sequence the overall timing of the implementation for the minimum wage, and thats something that will be brought forward to Government shortly. He said: It means that the work of the Low Pay Commission will continue, but it means the nature and scale of the increases may be extended over a slightly longer period, but there would still, I expect, be increases, but it would be managed in a more sustainable way that reflects the need within the Irish economy to preserve jobs, to ensure we manage the overall cost base. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has floated the potential of the EU imposing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the dispute on tariffs is not resolved during the 90-day pause period. Many of those tech companies have established major operations in Ireland. Mr Chambers stressed the Governments opposition to such an EU countermeasure. Weve been absolutely clear about this from an Irish perspective, we did not support it in the past, and we do not support it now, he said. It would be hugely damaging to the Irish economy, to foreign direct investment, to future growth and investment from an Irish perspective. I think we have to be careful what we place on the table. Mr Chambers said the European Commissions response to date had been measured and considered and he insisted that all the energy and the focus of the bloc should be on achieving an agreed position with the US. If this escalates to a point of a digital services tax being discussed, were at a point of enormous damage for the Irish economy, for the European economy, much of which it would be more severe than any of the downside risks which have (already) been outlined, he said. AN initiative which offers people with physical disabilities the opportunity to skydive in a tandem jump from 10,000 feet was launched at the headquarters of the Irish Parachute Club in Offaly. Handitandem was launched by members from the Portlaoise Rotary Club in conjunction with Naas Rotary Club at an event at Clonbullogue airfield on Wednesday 2 April. The President of Portlaoise Rotary Maeve Furey said the club had learnt about the initiative from a Rotary club in France and was very excited to bring the initiative to Ireland for the first time. She said: I first learned about Handitandem on a visit to France and through my contact with Club Rotary de Matha in Charente-Maritime, who are the originators of the idea. We then established a contact club relationship with them and invited them to Portlaoise. Once our members heard about the positive benefits the experience had on participants, they were determined to make it happen and now were doing that with the invaluable support of our friends in Naas Rotary. Pictured at the launch of 'Handitandem' at Clonbullogue Airfield were Fergus McDonnell (Irish Parachute Club), Kas Jatkowska and Matt Kennelly (Portlaoise Rotary), Derek Griffiths (Assistant Governor Rotary Ireland), Maeve Furey (President of Portlaoise Rotary Club), Seamus Parle (District Governor Rotary Ireland), Coleman Brouder (Irish Parachute Club) and Michele Furey (Naas Rotary). Ms Furey said: The aim of the project is simple. To offer people, who due to their physical disabilities would not normally have the opportunity, the chance to skydive in a tandem jump. Our friends in Rotary de Matha have stories of disabled people who got weeks of pain relief after jumping due to the positive adrenaline effects on them. So, we see great potential benefits for people both mentally and physically in this initiative. Pictured at the launch of 'Handitandem' at Clonbullogue Airfield were Derek Griffiths (Assistant Governor Rotary Ireland) and Gerry Shinners (Naas Rotary). The District Governor of Rotary Ireland Seamus Parle said he hoped up to a dozen people would be able to take part in the jump. Mr Parle said: At the moment through the Irish Wheelchair Association we have about six people who are interested in jumping but we are also encouraging people with other disabilities to join us. Some people who are vision impaired have already expressed their interest so hopefully we can get the number of participants up to 12. He said: Of course, initiatives like this require funding and thats why we are looking for one main national sponsor as well as a number of local business sponsors who want to show their support for our skydivers. If you would like more information about Handitandem or are interested in becoming a sponsor please email portlaoiserotary@gmail.com While the final date is weather dependant, organisers are targeting a day in late May for the jump. THESE DAYS of bright blue skies and spring blossoms make it easy to identify with the Easter message. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Easter reminds us we belong to such a positive and wonderful reality. Despite the turmoil of war in Gaza, persecution of Christians in Syria and economic uncertainty, Easter 2025 is a mighty gift. This Easter of 2025 is especially meaningful. For the first time in years, Christians of the East and West those following the Gregorian and Julian calendars celebrate this holy day together on 20 April. What a beautiful sign of unity! It reminds us that the resurrection is not a gift for a few but for all. It bridges divides, heals wounds and calls us to be one family in Christ. Today, we join hands with believers across the world, proclaiming with one voice: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. He is not here, he is risen is the signal message which the women receive as they make their way to anoint this dead body of Jesus. That the Lord is truly risen is a fundamental element of the Christian faith. The Old Testament readings at the Easter Vigil liturgical celebration are all about how God created every dimension of the cosmos as good and that when humankind drifted away from Gods original plan, God remained faithful. Throughout the centuries, God guided the faithful away from the path of oppression and persecution and domination towards that new liberty which would then be fully achieved in Jesus death and resurrection. Jesus came to save us, to liberate us for new life. Christianity is a faith of new life and of liberation. Saint Paul tells us: In baptism, we are joined with Christs death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Fathers glory, we, too, might live a new life. Certain theologies spoke about freeing people from sin, but had developed a concept of sin and sinner which made it almost impossible for a sinner ever to feel himself or herself truly liberated. There were so many rules that many were left with a sense of scrupulosity, which left them trapped and oppressed by guilt and doubts. We had created a religion of fear, so much that even when we tried to live the good life, we were never left with a sensation of being free. The Lord is truly risen. It is not an easy thing to believe. It defies rationality. We note in the various Gospel accounts how the disciples who head out to visit the tomb, head out to anoint a dead body and that when told, they find it hard to understand that Jesus is truly risen. Despite what they had heard from Jesus, after his death they found the idea of his rising from the dead almost impossible to believe. Rising from the dead seems impossible. But if Jesus has risen from the dead, his message to us is that with faith in him, even what seems impossible in our lives can be attained. Rather than a faith that imprisons us in our weakness, Christianity is a faith which opens horizons of possibility. Saint Paul wrote: As Christ was raised from the dead by the Fathers glory, we too might live a new life. We are not called to reflect or discuss the new life. We are called to live the new life. The Christian cannot live at peace in a world where people are oppressed. If Christianity is a faith of liberation, then the Christian and the Church of Jesus Christ must be a place of real witness to the reality of the powers of darkness, which still today trap people in oppression. None of us can claim to be free if we live immune to the fact of so much oppression and need for liberation. Freedom is not the privilege of the few; it is a call to take responsibility for all. Too often, however, we acquiesce in watching oppression. Too often, the Church has fallen into the logic not of new life but of siding with power and conformity and safety. A Christian theology is always a theology of liberation. But it is not an ideology of liberation. True liberation theology is one which will never leave any politics happy. Liberation is present in the Church through the presence of the Risen Lord, who enables us to live the dangerous and perplexing path of freedom. We should not be fearful of the fact that freedom may sometimes lead us in the wrong direction; it is oppression which always leads in the wrong direction. So today, lets live as Easter people. Lets carry the joy of the resurrection into our homes, our workplaces, our communities. Smile at a stranger. Forgive someone who has hurt you. Get in touch with someone in need. The Risen Christ is alive in us, and his light shines through our acts of love. This Easter, lets be bold in our hope, unshakable in our faith, and radiant in our joy. Exploring the emptiness of soldiers in the Chinese Revolution and the cost of Chinas supposed progress has earned Yan Lianke, 66, the nickname the fearless Chinese writer. His books include Dream of Ding Village which delves into humanitys insatiable greed, Hard Like Water a satire on the revolution, and Lenins Kisses about the downfall of a village in the face of promises of a glorious future. He has won international awards such as the Franz Kafka Prize, been shortlisted twice for the Man Booker International Prize and is repeatedly mentioned as a potential candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Question. In the epilogue of Dream of Ding Village, you apologize to the readers for causing them pain. Answer. In China, people were experiencing the happiness of development. Many people were unaware that others were suffering from the AIDS epidemic, which is what the book portrays. Chinese literature has long focused on the positive aspects, it has been like a hymn to the beauty of society. Q. Why is it important to feel pain? A. There was very little literature that paid attention to the problems we were facing. Those realities were hidden. Thats why Chinese readers found Dream of Ding Village so incredible. I wrote an epilogue apologizing for interrupting their happiness. Q. Would you describe the literature of Chinese Nobel laureates like Gao Xingjian or Mo Yan as escapist? A. Mo Yan writes beautifully. And we must understand that his situation in China is complex. Not all writers can be expected to address reality so directly. Q. What prompted you to do it? A. I push myself to do my best to tell the truth. I believe that if you cant tell the truth, at the very least, you shouldnt tell lies. Q. Have you paid a price for telling the truth? A. Being a controversial writer has consequences: not being able to publish in China. Many people think Im not a good person. The internet is full of insults against me. I take solace in the fact that I do what I think I should do and that I can live in Beijing. In China, there are many writers who have given up some of their independence in order to earn a living. Q. Did you do this early in your career? A. When I started writing, my goal was to fill my stomach. To be able to eat. And also to escape the countryside. Q. Today you write about fear. A. In China, the entire society lives shrouded in fear and anxiety. Q. Everyone in China was afraid: the poor were afraid of uncertainty, and the rich were afraid of losing comfort because they knew their money didnt come from hard work. A. Those who have money fear losing it. And those who dont are worried about their childrens future. Theres also a fear shared by rich and poor alike: the fear of pesticides, the fear of the air we breathe. Q. Are pollution and unsustainability particularly worrying in China? A. Were concerned about food safety. We read about food poisoning in the newspapers. Every year on March 15, there is a progam to combat counterfeit products on television. Most counterfeiting occurs in food products. Pesticides have been found in liquor, meat, and so on. Q. You question how far a person will go for money. A. In the 1990s, development in China was so rampant that it led people to do anything for money. In Dream of Ding Village, they sell blood, the villages trees, and finally, weddings for dead children. My own brother and others would go out in the morning with a tractor and come back loaded with logs. In China, a lot of importance has always been placed on planting trees, and they... well... they wiped them all out. People stole power lines, they stole manhole covers. Economic development unleashed greed. Q. Are the events in your novels based on real stories? A. Everything is real. Q. Are weddings organized for dead children? A. There are people who pay for this service, especially in rural areas. Its cultural. Its about repairing in another life what couldnt be done in this one. Yan Lianke, at Casa Asia in Barcelona during the interview. Vanessa Montero Q. What causes more pain: the pursuit of financial gain, family...? A. What worries me the most is the possibility of losing hope. Problems have arisen during Chinas nearly 40 years of reform and opening-up. But throughout it all, people held on to hope, a sense of trust in life. I think thats waning today. Q. Why? A. In China, 10 million university graduates are fearing for their future every year. The labor market is collapsing. The official statistics office used to publish unemployment figures every year. At the beginning of 2024, it announced it would no longer do so. This lack of information is worrying people. The Chinese economy has been severely affected by the three years of the pandemic. People are also concerned about the almost daily statements that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes regarding Taiwan. We are worried about a conflict. Q. What are they worried about? A. That China could be isolated in the world. I think the stupidest thing the planet could do would be to make China into an enemy country. Our economic power has been vastly overestimated, and with it, the idea that China could be a threat to the world. I would like Europe to understand that China is a country of 1.4 billion people; it represents one-sixth of humanity. Any decision taken could have very harsh consequences for all those people. Q. What is Hard Like Water about, the Chinese Revolution or the love of the main characters? A. In China, theres a saying: water drops, stone is bored through. Thats the idea of the novel: love which may seem like a small thing can penetrate the revolution. Q. Hard Like Water ridicules the Chinese Revolution. The protagonists sing hymns while having sex. A. The novel sought to deconstruct a model of socialist novel that we call novels of love and revolution. Q. Curiously, Hard Like Water a satire about the revolution did make it past the censors. A. Yes, it wasnt censored like some of my other books, but it was banned from being promoted. And now that its out of print, it cant be reprinted. Actually, Dream of Ding Village was also published in China, but it was pulled from bookstores after three days. Q. Like almost all men of your generation, you spent a long time in the army. A. I wrote speeches for senior officials in the propaganda department. Q. What led you to go from working for a corrupt government to describing the revolution as ridiculous? A. The novels I wrote at first were about romanticism and revolutionary heroism. They were what I knew, what Id read. I wrote them for pleasure. And because I didnt know any better. Q. How did that change? A. During the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979, I realized that the soldiers attitude toward war wasnt what the novels Id read and written described. The characters in the novels are dedicated to the homeland and the revolution. In real life, people fear war. What they long for is peace. Q. The protagonist of Hard Like Water wonders if the revolution has been in vain. What do you think? A. The Chinese Revolution is a long and complex subject. All revolutions are terrible. I want to believe that humanity has other ways of progressing. Human progress cannot depend on destruction. The last 100 years of Chinese history have been 100 years of revolution. Q. And destruction? A. Yes. I question the need to destroy the old in order to build the new. None of these revolutions has brought progress to China, where history seems to go around in circles without advancing. What deserves the most admiration are the last nearly 40 years of openness and development. This has allowed us to overcome the revolution and reach out to the rest of the world. Q. You are also critical of the unchecked capitalism that has come with Chinas reconnection to the world. A. As a writer, one must be vigilant. I admire the opening and reform process in China. But I find the blind, unrestrained development taking place and its effects on the environment and peoples lives objectionable. Q. Is it still forbidden in China to have more than one child? A. No. Today you can have up to three. Q. Describe the close relationship between revolution and corruption. A. The goal of revolution isnt to do things right, its to seize power. They dont seek to improve society; they seek to profit. This self-serving attitude prevails among Chinese officials. Its the reason why China, a country that fights corruption, continues to be mired in scandals: those who come to power think primarily of themselves. In revolution, you either win or you are defeated. If you give your enemy a break, hell gather his strength and strike back at you. Q. Can the belief that things can change move the masses? A. I believe the masses move blindly. To a large extent, they are driven by self-interest. They dont have ideals. Q. In some of your novels, you predict what is happening with social media, where fake testimonies are made up. A. It happens all over the world. And its nothing new. In Spain, it happened during the Civil War. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, denunciations by acquaintances were very common. Q. What makes us easy to manipulate? A. Fear. And this darkest part of our humanity can also make us manipulators. During World War II, many people were driven by fear. The Chinese Revolution repeated that pattern. Q. Carl Sagan wrote: If weve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. A. I agree. In China, weve been encouraged to forget many things, and now, when we tell our children about them, they dont believe it. Between 10 and 20 million people died in three years of famine. We dont even know the figures. Young people cant believe that. Nor do they believe that, in order to speak, we had to memorize quotes from Mao. Q. You write about this in Hard Like Water. A. The fact that Maos wife wrote propaganda operas seems like a satire. Today its seen as exaggerated, but it was the truth. We would open any conversation with a couple of quotes from Mao Zedong. For us, it was normal. It happened even in small, remote villages. At New Years, its customary to visit family and friends to wish them a happy New Year. I remember that when we were about to leave home to make these visits, we were reminded of the phrases we were supposed to quote. It was supposedly out of admiration. The uneducated peasants, who couldnt read or write, simply obeyed. Q. No medicine could save us. Have you ever experienced a love like that? A. Not so blinding. All writers write about what they dont have in their lives. Yan Lianke says goodbye at the end of the photoshoot. Vanessa Montero Q. Many write about what they have experienced. A. Both cases can happen, yes. Q. Does love give us courage? A. It gives strength and meaning. That strength is in my novels. Love can exist between a dog and its owner. But as I said, I write about things I dont have. Q. You dont have a dog? A. Yes, I have. Ive had it for over 40 years. Q. It shows. The loyalty of dogs and the wisdom of the elders are constants in your books. A. I am a child of the countryside. In rural China, the elderly are symbols of wisdom, thanks to all theyve been through. And the experiences they share. Q. Are there no bad old people? A. Of course. But its not something Im interested in writing about. I can write about bad young people, but not about bad old people. Q. It leaves little room for hope. A. Hope is very powerful. But it doesnt last long. Its true, I have books with very little hope. They coincide with the times when Ive been at my worst. Q. What happened? A. When I was 31, I had a serious back problem. I cried in pain. I wrote the book The Years, Months, Days lying in bed. Writing has helped me confront my fears. Q. What allows a person to endure? To accept limits? To expect nothing? A. Being honest. Q. What is a good life to you? A. Finding a quiet place where you can read and write away from the noise of the world. Q. A universal classic. A. Yes. The noise of the world draws us in and repels us equally. If I returned to my town, life would be complicated. Everyone knows me there. And everyone would ask me for help with everything. Q. In Beijing, do you live in an apartment? A. Yes. With my wife. She was a telephone operator and retired. Q. You teach writing at the Renmin University of China. What do you think of young people today? A. Many people today dont want to get married or have children. I think if I were young, I wouldnt get married or have children either. Life is full of pressures that we should try to avoid. Q. You always talk about relationships between men and women. Is homosexuality persecuted? A. For many people, its still taboo. Even so, these topics are talked about more today, especially in big cities. Q. What was your childhood home like? A. It was made of adobe. It has already been destroyed. Q. Did your parents ever read any of your books? A. My father died a long time ago. And my mother was illiterate. [Yan Lianke stops. His interpreter, Belen Cuadra Mora, murmurs that the writers mother recently died. I realize that Lianke is crying very quietly because the interpreter herself is teary-eyed in an exercise of symbiosis thats difficult to describe. I know hes been through a very bad time. And it makes me very sad.] Q. What did you learn from your mother? A. How to live. She handled difficulties without drama. When I joined the army and was able to send money home, she told me it wasnt necessary. That she lived very well. Of course, it saddened her that I had written books she couldnt read. It saddened us both. When I returned from trips, she always wanted to see photos of where Id been. She wanted to know what places shed never go to were like. When she was 80, I took her to Hong Kong. She loved it. I wanted to take her to Taiwan, but she was already having so many health problems. It wasnt to be. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Times Staff Writer Anthony P. West, a novelist and critic whose biography of his father, H.G. Wells, proved such a painful examination of his childhood that it took 40 years to complete, is dead at the age of 73. The illegitimate child of a romance between authors Wells and Dame Rebecca West was visiting his son, Edmund P. West, in Stonington, Conn., when he died Sunday after a stroke. He lived in London, New York, and Fishers Island, N.Y. An essayist who contributed several articles to The New Yorker for more than 20 years, West also was the author of books, including a critical biography of D.H. Lawrence published in 1948 and the 1984 biography of his father, H.G. Wells: Aspects of a Life. Advertisement Tale of Two Parents His 1955 novel, Heritage, told the story of a son torn between two high-power literary parents and bore a strong resemblance to actual circumstances, according to his mother, who threatened to sue any publisher who printed it in Britain. None did until after her death in 1983 at age 90. Heritage and a sequence of such stories as David Rees and Among Others, deal with the problems of being the offspring of brilliant parents who are not married to each other. Writing in the Los Angeles Times in 1984, book critic Richard Eder noted that Anthony West never has got over his parents. The pain and allure of their relationship to each other--and their lack of a relationship to him--have overshadowed his life despite his considerable talent and success as a writer and critic. Rebecca West, born Cicily Fairfield, was 19 when she wrote a stinging criticism of Wells Victorian views as expressed in his novel Marriage. Her effort was admittedly designed to bring about an introduction to the world-famous, middle-aged and already married author. They met in 1912 and on Aug. 5, 1914, Anthony Panther West was born in Hunstanton, England. His middle name was derived from one of the terms of endearment his parents had for each other. Advertisement Parents Never Married His parents never married and ended their liaison after 10 years. Rebecca West maintained that Wells understood and respected her feminist credo and independent viewpoint but wanted a traditional mate. Anthony West worked as a dairy farmer and cattle breeder, and was an occasional contributor to magazines from 1937 to 1943. An indifferent student, he never attended college and joined the Far Eastern desk of the British Broadcasting Corp., where he worked until 1945. West came to the United States in 1950, the year he began writing for The New Yorker. Wests other books include The Vintage (1950), Another Kind (1952), Principles and Persuasions (1956), The Trend is Up (1960), Mortal Wounds (1966) and a critical biography of John Piper in 1978. Advertisement In addition to his wife, Lily, he is survived by two sons, two daughters and a granddaughter. Its not easy to win the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest as evidenced by the fact that the tournament started in 2011 has never had a repeat winner. However, that doesnt stop American shad angling enthusiasts from trying. Plus, it certainly helps when the top prize for the heaviest fish caught during the event can be upwards of $20,000. When this years shad tournament gets underway on the Delaware River on April 24, more than 1,000 anglers are expected to participate, with some coming from as far away as Connecticut, Virginia and North Carolina. Event founder and organizer Eric Fistler says 1,105 people participated in 2024, up from 1,022 in 2023, and early registrations in 2025 are right in line with where they were this time last year. Boats dot the Delaware River as anglers compete during the 2023 Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest at Phillipsburg-Easton. Tim Wynkoop File Photo | lehighvalleylive.com contributor According to the Williams Township resident, participation in the tournament has been increasing slightly over the past few years and he attributes that to a couple of factors. We lost a year from COVID they didnt let us have the contest and then people wanted to get out after COVID , Fistler said. And then just generally the warm weather weve been having the past couple of years, we started getting some more fish early. The contest coincides with the shads springtime spawning run up the undammed Delaware. As for the early 2025 shad angling reports, things really started to pick up in the last week or so, and Fistler himself had a solid outing Friday, April 4, indicating the fish are definitely in the area. And with a couple of weeks to go until the tournament, the shad-angling action should only get better. They started catching them like always in the first week of March in the lower river. Not a lot of shad one here, one there, Fistler said. I think the cold winter we had delayed [the run] a little bit. I was out and it really picked up. I fished four or five hours before work and I got 30 of them, he said of the fishing two Fridays ago. I saw other boats and shore fishermen all doing good. I also got some reports from downriver of big numbers bigger schools moving up. An American shad is netted April 19, 2016, after being caught on the Delaware River by Eric Fistler, organizer of the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest. The 2025 edition is scheduled for April 24-27 from the Phillipsburg Boat Launch. Kurt Bresswein File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com As far as this years tournament, everything is essentially the same as in past years. The grand prize is based on sponsorships and the number of paid contest registrations, but Fistler is hoping for a top prize of $20,000. Last year, Ryan Peterson of Easton took the top spot with a 5.185-pound fish, taking home a payout of $25,000. In addition to the cash prize for the heaviest overall shad, there will be prizes for the top four fish caught each day, as well as womens and kids prizes. One change of note is that Fistler has asked all participants to fill out the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissions Delaware River & Estuary Angler Log to help the agency with its monitoring of the shad population. American shad numbers have dropped substantially in recent years, and the surveys provide important data in assessing the overall health of the adult spawning population. I sent everyone an email about how important it is to send them in, Fistler said, noting he emailed about 1,200 people. The Fish Commission gave a report at the (Bi-State Shad Fishing) banquet and hopefully youll see a lot of those fish reports turned in this year. We put the word out there and hopefully they can get the information they need. While the shad tournament is indeed popular with anglers, actually winning the event is extremely difficult, especially since the top weights nowadays are all within a couple ounces of each other. A diehard shad fisherman himself, Fistler said if an angler really has his or her sights set on trying to win the contest, it all comes down to putting time on the water. At one time, a lucky angler might catch a 7-, 8- or even 9-pound shad, but those days are long gone. In fact, the last time the heaviest fish caught during the contest was over 6 pounds was in 2017, when a 6.1-pound shad took the top overall prize. Anglers on the Delaware River at its confluence with the Lehigh River compete during the 2023 Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest. Tim Wynkoop File Photo | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Now the fish are smaller 5-pound fish are winning and everyones in it right to the last minute, Fistler said. The weights are so close . Anybody can catch a 5-pound fish and you can see it (in that) this is our 13th year and weve had 13 different winners. Anyone can win it; you have to put your time in though. Contest details The 2025 Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest is set for April 24-27. The weigh station is at the Phillipsburg Boat Launch, directly behind Jimmys Doggie Stand, 7 Union Square. Registration can be done online at shadfishingcontest.com/application, with fees set at $45 for adults and $25 for children up to age 15. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. A judge refused to accept jurisdiction in a case after looking at photographs of an injured man with missing teeth. Claudio Rodriguez (44) of Knockbane, Palatine, Carlow, is accused of assault causing harm at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on April 27, 2024. Solicitor Philip Meagher said the case had been adjourned to decide jurisdiction and determine whether or not a man had been left with a scar under his eye. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said there is no scar under the eye but there were teeth missing." Judge Susan Fay asked to have another look at the photographs of the injuries. Mr Meagher said the cut that was suffered was glued rather than stitched. After examining the photographs Judge Fay decided to refuse jurisdiction. She asked how long a book of evidence would take to compile. Sgt Kirby said the case would have to go back to the DPP. Judge Fay remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on May 26 for service of a book of evidence. Laois people are being invited to give their views and get involved in a campaign that aims to realise a big Laois bog on Portlaoise's outskirts as an environmental amenity that could boost tourism. Cul na Mona is the collective name given to boglands situated just south-west of Portlaoise that were used by Bord na Mona for peat production. When the State-owned company pulled out of peat harvesting and production, a community group was formed to plot out a new eco future for the landscape to the south of Portlaoise as a public amenity. The group now is appealing for more local involvement and opinions to help realise the potential of the land. They say a recreational walkway could be built. They have outlined the potential in a note issued to community groups around Laois via Laois PPN. "There may be immense potential for ecotourism, which would greatly benefit our local environment, economy and society. The community group would look to engage in the former bogs' development process, championing its sustainable development," says the group. The April meeting is being held to let the public know what has been done to date and to get more people to join them. "All most welcome. We'd love to see as many people as possible," say organisers. The Cul na Mona Bog meeting takes place on Wednesday, April 16 at 7pm in the Parish Centre, Stradbally Road, Portlaosie, R32 FH67. Bord na Mona agreed in 2024 to leave their old train tracks in situ, which once carried the milled peat back to their processing in Togher. The Portlaoise Bogs Group welcomed the decision at the time because of the potential to make the bogs accessible to the public. A proposal is also on the table to use the old railway line linking all bogs via a greenway - which if developed would be the first in Laois. Funding of 50,000 was has been awarded to Laois County Council in 2024 and 2025 to advance the early planning stages of a greenway from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise. It is not clear if the funding was spent in 2024. Part of this greenway would traverse the bogs. The money was awarded under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) National Roads and Greenways Allocations for 2024. Portlaoise-based Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird said in 2024 that the Greenway could be called the O'Moore Way. As a councillor, he promised to advance the project if elected to the Dail. Bord na Mona has other plans for part of the bogs. They plan to build a large anaerobic digester to generate renewable gas and fertiliser, on a 42 acres site at Cul na Mona cutaway bog near Junction 18 off the M7 motorway in Portlaoise. READ ALSO: Dramatic spike in Portlaoise pollution during spring sun The EU must remain calm amid the chaos and confusion surrounding the blocs trading relationship with the US, Irelands premier has said. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his government was committed to protecting jobs in Ireland. The EU has stepped back from introducing trade countermeasures against the US after President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on a swathe of new tariffs, including those targeting the European bloc. Mr Martin reflected on the situation on Saturday evening as he delivered a speech at an event marking the 50th anniversary of his Fianna Fail partys youth wing. Addressing the Ogra Fianna Fail National Youth Conference in Co Roscommon, the Taoiseach acknowledged that many younger members of the party worked for companies that could be affected by the tariff dispute. Mr Martin said Ireland was facing turbulent times. READ NEXT: Man who died in a single-vehicle motorbike accident named locally I know that the current uncertainty around tariffs and the chaos and confusion around our and Europes relationship with the US is a source of great worry for many, he said. I know that there will be a good proportion of you here tonight who work with companies who stand to be directly impacted by this uncertainty. What I would say to you is that you are citizens of a country whose government is absolutely committed to protecting our economic model, protecting jobs and investing in the infrastructure we need to ensure the progress we have enjoyed can continue to be enjoyed by the coming generations. We are working closely with our European counterparts to ensure that we keep things calm and navigate our way through this. We will continue to engage with the US administration and with the many companies, multinational, indigenous in our country. A Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South has said that families in the area are desperate over securing special class or special school places. Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh was addressing Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Michael Moynihan in the Dail on Tuesday April 8 2025. Deputy Ni Raghallaigh asked for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the number of new special classes and special schools sanctioned for September 2025. She further asked if the Minister would guarantee these will be open and fully resourced by September 2025, and if she would make a statement on the matter. Deputy Ni Raghallaigh said: As a former primary school teacher of nearly 20 years, with at least eight of those in special education, and now as Sinn Fein's spokesperson on special education, I am deeply concerned for the many families in Ireland who are struggling to secure appropriate school places for their children. Last week alone, I was contacted by six different families in South Kildare desperate because they have been unable to secure an appropriate place for their children in a special class or school. These are not isolated incidents. Parents from across the State have been campaigning relentlessly for years and there is still no sufficient action from the Department. The Sinn Fein TD for South Kildare said that the failure of government left parents with no alternative last week but to take to the streets to sleep rough in the hopes that their voices would be heard. While the numbers of new special classes and schools being planned for September are welcome, she said, a commitment was needed that they will actually be opened. Responding to Deputy Ni Raghallaigh, the Minister of State confirmed that up to an additional 2,700 specialist places, made up of 400 new special classes for, on average six children each, and 300 special school places will be provided for the coming 2025-2026 school year. Deputy Moynihan added: The NCSE has sanctioned more than 375 new special classes to date, and I think the figure could be up to 390. It is engaging intensely with schools and patron bodies to confirm additional classes as soon as possible. Working groups are also progressing the establishment of five new special schools and capacity is being increased in a number of existing special schools, particularly in Cork and Dublin. On top of this, there will be well in excess of 1,200 places available through the normal annual movement of students progressing and graduating. There also remains special classes with vacant places in some areas of the country. The Minister of State confirmed that there are now close to 4,000 places available for the coming school year, and pointed out the government's commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. READ NEXT: Gardai probing burglary and theft from car in this Kildare town In 1922, the discovery of Tutankhamuns almost-intact tomb provided lovers of ancient Egypt with an unparalleled treasure trove. It gave them a better understanding of the particularities of a pharaonic burial of the period. However, the magnitude of the find was such that, initially, certain elements went largely unnoticed. One of these was a group of objects placed on a sort of carpet in a corner of the burial chamber, including four wooden emblems and four mysterious rectangular unfired clay trays. The excavation records about these clay trays are somewhat brief. They were all cataloged together and dont appear among the approximately 1,400 images taken by British photographer Harry Burton, who documented the excavation of Tutankhamuns tomb. The archeologist who led the mission Howard Carter only referred to them in passing in his report, in which he speculated that the four small clay troughs could have served as the bases for the curious emblems found beside them; an interpretation that has held sway to this day. Two recent studies of these objects, however, offer alternative explanations for the role that these trays may have played in the funerary rituals or funerary ensembles of the pharaohs of the time. The first study suggests that, far from being designed to simply accommodate emblems, the troughs may have actually been libation bowls that were part of a funerary rite associated with Osiris. He was the god of the dead, resurrection and the afterlife (among other concepts) in ancient Egypt. [Tutankhamuns] burial chamber appears to have been arranged to recreate a funerary rite later known as the Awakening of Osiris, in which Horus (a major ancient Egyptian deity and son of Osiris) or an heir acting as Horus awakens the deceased [Osiris] so that he can rule in the afterlife, says Nicholas Brown, an archeologist at Yale University and one of the studys authors. I believe Tutankhamuns tomb is the first [piece of] evidence we have of this ritual in a royal tomb from the New Kingdom of Egypt, he proposes. Models of the plates found in Tutankhamun's embalming area, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art The enigmatic trays from Tutankhamuns tomb arent the only ones that have been found. In total, around 100 more have been discovered in three different locations: two embalming pits in the iconic Valley of the Kings in southern Egypt, as well as in another royal tomb. All of them date from Tutankhamuns reign onward. Brown notes, however, that this small number of examples could be explained by the fact that the clay makes them very fragile and that other trays may have been discarded by tomb raiders. In his reinterpretation of these objects, Brown emphasizes that the trays appear unsuitable for supporting the wooden objects placed alongside them. He notes that none of the objects were found standing upright in the troughs, but were rather found leaning against a wall of the burial chamber. Furthermore, the trays were placed on a mat. Hence, he believes they most likely had a separate function. The troughs are too small and shallow, [while] the emblems too tall and unwieldy to stand [on them], Brown observes. This leads him to believe that they were part of the final and/or eternal funerary rites for the deceased. The archeologist also believes that if one of the purposes of the funerary rites was to bring the deceased back to life and reanimate their corpse in the afterlife, the troughs could have been filled with some liquid, either as an offering to the deceased or for ritual purposes. Furthermore, the fact that the trays were made from Nile clay suggests according to Brown another possible connection with the idea of regeneration and with Osiris, who was also the god of fertility. In fact, the troughs found in the tomb of another pharaoh, Horemheb, appear to show traces of water. Howard Carter examining Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. On the other hand, Browns analysis notes that, during the brief reign of the young Tutankhamun, traditional afterlife beliefs and royal funerary rites and rituals were restored. He proposes that, as part of this program, officials acting in the pharaohs name may have taken the opportunity to reinterpret traditional court funerary practices, such as by including a more direct presence of the god Osiris. Tutankhamuns predecessor Akhenaten reoriented the countrys religious beliefs toward monotheism, [which was] centered on the sun disk, the Aten. This also affected official afterlife beliefs focused on resurrection through Osiris, which werent permitted, Brown explains. Tutankhamun and the officials acting on his behalf were able to adapt, alter and change royal funerary practice and bring Osiris back into the spotlight. He adds that the clay pots are a small aspect of this much broader and more complex religious funerary rite. The other academic study on the purpose and uses of these mysterious clay trays, conducted by Egyptologist Jacobus van Dijk, at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, is yet to be published. But the work offers an alternative explanation. In this case, the Dutch professor suggests that the answer to the enigma could be hidden in an ancient funerary text known as the Book of the Dead, used since before the era of Tutankhamun. In an excerpt from this work, four small clay trays are filled with milk. At dawn, the torches that had illuminated the deceased all night are extinguished. This is believed to symbolize the imminent resurrection of the sun god and Osiris (and, with them, that of the dead). The key to this ritual, Van Dijk notes, may be hidden in one of these trays, particularly those from the tomb of Pharaoh Horemheb. They still preserve a whitish or yellow residue that, if analyzed, could help clarify the enigma. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition AS AMERICAN president Donald Trumps tariffs threaten to do huge economic damage to Ireland, business and political leaders locally are looking to strengthen their Europe ties. Limerick and City and County Council welcomed a delegation from the Portuguese city of Oeiras, who were in the city as part of a trade mission. The group, which included members of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA) met with Mayor John Moran, Priomh Comhairleoir, Cllr Dan McSweeney plus members of the local authoritys executive team. READ MORE: Discover The Banner for Less - Innovative tourism campaign kickstarts Clares 2025 tourist season Updates were provided to the delegation on Limericks continued economic development progress, including through local enterprise, and the progression of a sustainable, future-proofed transport network. The group discussed the possibility of further economic collaboration between the two cities, which both hold operations for Johnson and Johnson. The Oeiras delegation also visited the Engine hub at Cecil Street in the city centre, along with taking part in tours of the Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre at the Technological University of the Shannons campus in Moylish. And they also paid a visit to the Opera Square site in the heart of Limerick as development there continues apace. Mayor Moran said: Since my election, I have made it clear that Limericks future is as an open, inclusive city region today with the world. Strategic collaboration between Limerick and Oeiras holds transformative potential for both cities. By fostering these partnerships from Limerick to other areas, especially our European Union partners, were continuing to create a dynamic ecosystem where innovation and opportunity flourish. He feels if Limerick gets together to build bridges with its partners in Europe, it will enhance its competitiveness on the world stage. Elsewhere, the delegation received a briefing on preparations for the Ryder Cup in Adare, set for 2027. Visits were also paid to Dell Technologies in Raheen Business Park - one of Limericks largest employers - and the IDA manufacturing centre in Castletroy. Cllr McSweeney said: I was delighted to meet the delegation during their stay in Limerick. Both of our cities share a commitment to innovation, growth and sustainability, which offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our economic ties. Together, both Limerick and Oeiras can set a strong example of how effective collaboration can drive lasting prosperity in both areas. The councils director general Dr Pat Daly added: Strengthening ties between Limerick and Oeiras presents opportunities to drive innovation and sustainable growth. By working together, we can achieve great things and create lasting benefits for our communities. Limerick is open for business, both to our European friends and those further afield. The total population of Oeiras is approximately 175,000 people. Located on the Portuguese Riviera, the town lies 16 kilometres from the capital city of Lisbon. Like Limerick, Dell Technologies has a base there, as do a number of other blue-chip companies. In this number are Google, Nestle, McDonalds, BP and General Electric, which has a base at Shannon. LIMERICK gardai discovered an explosive device after responding to a car fire and reports of shots fired at a house this Sunday morning. The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called in from Cork to make the suspect device safe. A garda spokesperson confirmed to Limerick Live that officers in Roxboro Road garda station were alerted to a car on fire outside a residence in Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick city in the early hours of this morning Sunday, April 13. At approximately 2am, gardai requested the fire brigade who attended the scene and extinguished the car on fire, said the garda spokesperson. READ MORE: Man arrested and charged following on-foot chase by gardai in Limerick The residents of the house reported to gardai that shots were discharged at the house and had caused criminal damage, said the garda spokesperson. No persons were injured in either the car fire or shooting. While at the scene, gardai noticed a suspect device on the ground. A cordon was established and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene. The EOD team examined the suspect device and subsequently made it safe. The device was taken away by EOD for further examination and the cordon was lifted. Investigations are ongoing, said the garda spokesperson. A Defence Forces spokesperson said: "An EOD Team was deployed this morning and subsequently handed over the scene to An Garda Siochana once they had ensured it was safe." RESIDENTS have mobilised against new plans to build a biomethane plant in their community. As revealed by Limerick Live last year, Cycle representatives were scoping out land across the county to build one of these plants. It has settled on land at Cappanihane, Bruree, and has applied to Limerick City and County Council for permission to develop. The firm wants to build what it describes as an anaerobic digestion facility to produce renewable biomethane gas, CO2 and fertiliser from organic material. The mammoth development will stretch across a vast site, and will also include a pump house, a digestive storage tank, a boiler, a gas treatment system, and a safety flare. There will also be other works included. But there is massive concern around the proposals, with 15 local residents already writing to the council to object to it as of this Tuesday. And locals have set up the Limerick Biogas Concern Group in response to the proposals. READ MORE: Limerick mother shares daughter's Cystic Fibrosis story ahead of annual fundraising day In a statement, the group said it acknowledges that while it sees biogas as a key renewable energy source, it has significant concerns regarding the location of the plant. The site is located at the junction of the parishes of Granagh-Ballingarry, Castletown-Ballyagran, and the Cappamore and Kilmallock electoral districts. Key issues raised include inadequate transport infrastructure, particularly the capacity of local L roads, the proximity to family homes and potential risks to wildlife and water eco-systems, the group said in a statement. They added there are fears around the demands the plant would make on local electricity and water resources. Group members are also fearful of contamination of the local water supply, Repeated requests for public meetings to facilitate greater community awareness and participation have so far received unsatisfactory responses from Cycle IE Limited, leaving residents with many unanswered questions, the biogas concern group added. For its part, Cycle which is headquartered in London, has pointed out it did hold a public community engagement event at the Charleville Court Hotel back in December. We welcomed many local residents at the event and in several individual conversations held since, we have answered questions including those posed by members of the concern group, a spokesperson said. Feedback received at the public event was considered and amendments considered within our plans, they added. Cycle pointed out that as part of its application to Limerick City and County Council, it has carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment report. The comprehensive report, they say, shows no negative impact on local wildlife or ecosystems. It also details all the mitigating factors to be employed that will manage any impact of traffic movements, noise and odours. The plant will be self-sufficient in electricity and water with built-in rainwater recovery and self-contained water recovery and run-off production. the firm added. Cycle, which builds, owns and operates plants across Europe, is building four new biomethane plants across Ireland as part of a 100m investment. The company previously said its plant will be able to heat up to 3,000 homes a year, and new, green energy jobs will be created off the back of any planning approval. Limerick City and County Council is scheduled to make a decision on the proposals by May 18. US President Donald Trump has been doubling down on countries by imposing extraordinary tariffs on them, in a bid that he says will bring back manufacturing to America. With China hit with a massive 145 per cent tariff, companies like Apple might be forced to move their manufacturing units to the US. The White House is anticipating that eventually, these tariffs would pressurise companies like Apple to make popular products including iPhones in the US. Even after moving some iPhone manufacturing units from China to countries like Vietnam and India, China still remains Apple's largest base to make the smartphones and other devices. Donald Trump on Sunday said he will impose a separate tariffs on smartphone imports, raising fears. His vision is clear, the US President wants companies like Apple to make iPhones in the US. Also Read | Apple Was on Brink of Crisis Before Tariff Concession From Trump But is that even possible? Steve Jobs' warning to Barack Obama Manufacturing iPhones in the US may not be as easy as it sounds. An old 2012 report in the New York Times explains exactly why. The NYT report, which has got back attention, reveals a candid conversation between Apple founder Steve Jobs and then-President Barack Obama, where the late tech titan explained to the leader why US may never be able to manufacture iPhones again. In a private dinner held in February 2011 by Barack Obama, months ahead of Steve Jobs' demise in October that year, the President asked him, What would it take to make iPhones in the United States? Why cant that work come home? Obama asked Jobs. The Apple founder had a blunt response to Obama's question. Those jobs arent coming back, he said, according to NYT quoting a guest at the dinner. The report said that Apple executives at the time believed that the sheer number of overseas factories as well as the flexibility, diligence and industrial skills of foreign workers as opposed to their counterparts in America are better. Why can't Apple make iPhones in US? As per a report by the Associated Press, the disincentives for Apple shifting its production domestically include a complex supply chain that it began building in China during the 1990s. It would take several years and cost billions of dollars to build new plants in the US, and then confront Apple with economic forces that could triple the price of an iPhone, threatening to torpedo sales of its marquee product. Also Read | Apple plans to source more iPhones from India as potential tariff fix If Donald Trump announces tariffs on smartphones, Apple is widely expected to eventually raise the prices on iPhones and other popular products because the Silicon Valleys supply chain is so heavily concentrated in China, India and other overseas markets caught in the crossfire of the escalating trade war. (Bloomberg) -- The helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday and killed all six people aboard was on its eighth sightseeing trip of the day and lacked a flight data recorder, federal investigators said. The Bell 206 L-4 helicopter had completed seven flights before it went down shortly after takeoff, the National Transportation Safety Board said Saturday in an investigative update. The aircraft was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, and no onboard video or camera devices have been recovered, it said. The aircrafts last major inspection was on March 1. It was carrying a senior executive at Siemens AG, his wife and three children as passengers when it crashed near Jersey City, New Jersey. Divers from the New York City Police Department are still searching the river for critical components, including the main rotor, tail rotor, main gearbox, and a large section of the tail boom. Its using scanning sonar to identify possible locations of wreckage and recovery operations will continue into Sunday, the NTSB said. The cockpit, cabin, parts of the tail boom, the vertical fin, and horizontal stabilizer finlets have been recovered, the NTSB added. Some of those components will be sent to NTSB laboratories in Washington for closer inspection, and investigators have begun evaluating the flight control system at a secure facility. The pilot had logged 788 total flight hours as of late March, though the NTSB is still working to determine how many of those hours were in the Bell 206 model. Investigators have met with representatives from the tour operator, New York Helicopter Charter Inc., and reviewed operational policies, safety protocols, and maintenance records. They also examined two similar helicopters as part of the ongoing probe. The crash adds to a troubling safety history for New York Helicopter. In 2013, one of the companys aircraft made an emergency landing in the Hudson due to engine failure later attributed by the NTSB to improper maintenance decisions. In 2015, another incident involved a hard landing blamed on the reuse of an unairworthy component. New York Helicopter filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after city officials cracked down on helicopter traffic over Manhattan. Following the latest crash, CEO Michael Roth said the company was tragically sorry for what happened and is cooperating with investigators. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Hanging precariously from the tops of towering date palms, farm workers painstakingly pollinate the trees by hand. With around 100,000 palms to fertilize in just days, the pressure is especially intense this spring. Located 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of Riyadh, the farm, owned by a company with links to the Saudi royal family, is plotting a massive global expansion under new Chief Executive Officer Nurtac Afridi. She wants Bateel International LLC, which is also backed by French luxury-goods maker LVMH, to triple revenues across its cafe and luxury foods outlets by 2029. The expansion, which will see Bateels store count rising to over 500 globally from just under 200 currently, dovetails with a push by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy beyond oil. Afridi aims to take dates beyond the Middle East and market them everywhere from New York to Seoul as a healthy snack. We see huge potential for growth over the next five years, Afridi, who was CEO of luxury chocolatier Godiva until last year and led that firm though a period of robust sales growth, said in an interview. Bateel sits at the luxury end of a growing market for sales of the fruit traditionally a utilitarian staple in the Middle East and sells elaborate gift boxes of dates stuffed with nuts or covered in chocolate. Its Mediterranean-inspired gourmet cafes look to add a Middle Eastern twist to popular classics like date-infused balsamic vinegar, or mille-feuille sweetened with a thin layer of date paste. Rising demand for dates has caught the governments notice, and brought Bateel greater attention, including from the kingdoms powerful sovereign wealth fund. The Public Investment Fund made a play for the company in 2019, but the talks never progressed. The expansion plans can be financed from internal cashflows, Afridi said. She declined to comment on reports that L Catterton, the private equity unit of LVMH, was considering a sale of its stake in Bateel that was acquired in 2014. L Catterton has been a long-term partner, and while its their decision to make, I think they still see a lot of growth to come in Bateel. The early fruits of Bateels expansion drive are already showing. A new store opening in Seoul in November was greeted by customers queuing around the block. The firm is scouting for locations across the world. The plans also entail tripling the number of date palms at its Saudi plantation and building a new factory in the kingdom to boost supplies. The company is already preparing supply chains for the expected growth in the business. Saudi Arabia produces three billion tons of dates a year, with around half exported. The kingdoms wealth fund launched a date-based cola in December as part of efforts to promote its production and exports. Bateels roots go back about 80 years, when Abdulrahman Al Sudairi first planted a date grove in the area. His sister, Hussa bint Ahmed Al Sudairi who was married to King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia is the grandmother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. To be sure, the firm has no formal links to the Saudi government and is pushing its growth plans without state-support. Bateels farms challenge the common perception of Saudi Arabia as an arid desert. A company-built dam collects rainwater from nearby mountains, channeling it to replenish underground aquifers a crucial step toward sustainable farming and preventing the depletion of groundwater. Much now hinges on the rapid expansion of these farms. As she surveyed the vast expanse of farmland, Afridi said, We need more dates, as our sales are already growing 25% per year. Get the Mideast Money newsletter, a weekly look at the intersection of wealth and power in the region. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com iPhone's birthplace, the US, is one of the biggest victims of Donald Trump's reshaping of the global trading order largely because Apple's iconic product, the iPhone, is assembled in China, which faces the brunt of POTUS's tariff tantrums. Although Donald Trump exempted smartphones, computers and other tech devices from 'reciprocal tariffs', including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports, he hasn't backed down on his Made in USA iPhones ambitions, yet. Made in USA iPhones could triple in price US tech analysts have already warned that iPhone prices could triple to $3500 ( 3.1 lakh) if they are assembled in US, reported CNN. Also Read | India now makes 1 in 5 iPhones as Apple production climbs to $22 billion Given the growing uncertainty on whether Apple's iPhone assembly would be shifted from China which accounts for the majority production of the high-end phones there have been speculations on how the prices would be affected. We take a look at the iPhone 16 costs in its top 5 markets, and where it costs the least: iPhone: How much does it cost in different countries? Apple's top five iPhone sellers are the United States, China, Europe India, and Japan. Here's where it costs the least: Country Price United States $799 ( ~ 68,791.13) China 5,999 Chinese Yuan ( ~ 70,859.11) India 74, 900 Europe approximately 969 Euros (~ 95,000) Japan JPY 124800 ( 75,000) Evidently, Apple's iPhone 16 costs the least in the US, as compared to the four other countries, where it is sold the most. These figures, however, may not remain the same if Trump's Made in USA' iPhone dream turns into a reality. What is the cost of making iPhones in US At the moment, Apple makes over 80% of its products in China, at a labour cost of $40 per iPhone ( 3,500). Also Read | Apple plans to source more iPhones from India as potential tariff fix The same cost would increase five-fold, to $200 per iPhone ( 17, 219), for assembling and testing an iPhone in the US, a Bank of America Securities official told CNBC. Why China is Apple's major manufacturing hub Earlier, Apple co-founder Tim Cook had also shared why US made iPhones are not feasible. He had mentioned that American workers dont have the right skills, states a CNBC report. Also Read | Apple users rush to upgrade iPhones before potential tariff price hikes The reason is because of the quantity of skill in one location, and the type of skill it is, Cook said when asked at a conference why Apple does so much production in China. Earlier this month, the government increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 50 per 14.2 kg cylinder. The hike , which comes roughly after a year, will see the price of an LPG cylinder across metros now range from 853 in Delhi to 879 in Kolkata. Underpinning this hike is evolving demand-supply dynamics. The expansion in its coverage and usage as a cooking fuel has made LPG politically sensitive to a greater degree than before, even as domestic infrastructure to support such consumption has not kept pace. Data from both the government and oil companies shows a sharp increase in active LPG connections. Even as of 2019-20, according to the last National Family Health Survey (NFHS) by the government, 88.6% of urban households used LPG or natural gas as a cooking fuel. However, production has not kept pace, forcing oil companies to import LPG to a greater degree. Imports as a share of domestic consumption have risen almost 20 percentage points over the last 10 years. As a result, the domestic LPG economy has become highly sensitive to global prices. The domestic price of LPG paid by consumers (in Delhi) has closely tracked the effective price at which LPG has been imported over the years. The only exception to this trend was during the run-up to the general elections in mid-2024 and after. While there was a spike in the import price, it was not matched by an increase in domestic prices paid by retail consumers. This hike changes that. Domestic expansion The number of LPG connections in India has increased from 149 million in 2015 to around 329 million in 2025. Assuming that a single LPG connection provides cooking fuel to a four-member household, this implies that LPG is now the dominant source of cooking fuel for Indians by a wide margin. Oil companies' own estimates are that 99% of the Indian population is now covered by LPG, thus implying universal coverage. The expansion in connections has come about due to increasing affluence, as well as government schemes to promote the use of LPG such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Also read: Which oil marketing company benefits the most from lower LPG losses? Of the total 329 million connections, PMUY beneficiaries, who access cylinders at about 300 less than the standard price, account for about 103.3 million. PMUY beneficiaries as a share of total LPG consumers have risen from 27% in 2019 to about 31% as of 2025. Stagnant production In spite of rising consumption, domestic LPG production has stagnated, at 12-13 million tonnes since 2017-18. In 2024-25, for the 11-month period to February 2025, LPG consumption was 28.6 million tonnes, against production of 11.7 million tons. Even the number of LPG distributors has plateaued. Between 2015 and 2020, their numbers rose from 15,930 to 24,670. In the five years since, the increase is below 1,000. The gap between production and consumption is unlikely to be bridged. According to an analysis by the Observer Research Foundation by Lydia Powell and co-authors: Indian refineries are more optimally designed to produce petrol and diesel, and have lower LPG yields, which in turn limits domestic LPG productionwith abundant LPG availability in international markets, thanks to increased production from the US, Indian oil companies are unlikely to dramatically increase LPG production in the future." Indias traditional fuel suppliersQatar, Saudi Arabia and UAEare also its largest LPG suppliers, it adds. Government subsidies For 2025-26, the government has budgeted 11,100 crore towards LPG subsidies. This mainly comprises direct benefit transfer to households for the LPG subsidy, and a scheme to provide new LPG connections to poor households. Interestingly, just 10% of the total beneficiaries under the PMUY scheme are from Southern states. This is mainly because many households in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana were already covered by state schemes. In addition, there are periodic transfers by the central government to oil marketing companies for selling LPG to consumers below a benchmark price. In 2022-23, the governments transferred 22,000 crore to oil companies for such under-recoveries. The major challenge for the government is now on the production side, in getting oil companies to invest in infrastructure to supply LPG to a greater extent to the increased, and growing, mass of consumers. Also read: Data dive: Have startups really missed the innovation bus? www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data Mass recruitment, Youll be paid during training, The four letters of Guadalajara invite you to work these are messages from organized crime groups in Mexico, offering jobs. Sometimes subtly, through deception, and on other occasions directly, cartels like the four letters the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are increasingly using social media to recruit soldiers to join their ranks. The Teuchitlan case, the ranch discovered in March by relatives of people who disappeared in the center of the country, has shed light on this phenomenon, about which little was known until recently. While investigators work to process the enormous amount of evidence found at the ranch, including clothing, human bones, and the remains of bonfires, the public is questioning how it operated. Relatives of missing persons, who number in the tens of thousands across the country, have reported that there a ranch in an agricultural area an hour and a quarter from Guadalajara, the countrys second-largest city an extermination center operated, complete with crematoriums. While waiting for the forensic work to reveal the full extent of the horror, questions arise about the other uses the criminals gave to the site. As authorities have reported in recent weeks, the CJNG operated a training center at the ranch. The criminal organization, one of the most powerful in the country, which ships huge quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine to the United States, recruited young people through false job offers, with the goal of forcibly integrating them into its ranks. The alleged mastermind of this operation, arrested in March, whom authorities identify as Commander Lastra, trained hundreds of individuals at the ranch. Those who refused or tried to escape were killed, according to the detainee, per the governments account. In a report presented at the end of March, federal security czar Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that Commander Lastra managed a group of collaborators dedicated to the recruitment process through TikTok, where he offered fake job opportunities. Garcia Harfuch presented a number of accounts dedicated to that goal and stated that 49 recruiters had already been arrested. The details of the operation shocked a country that has suffered the ravages of violence for almost two decades, adding new concerns about the virtual capabilities of crime, a relatively new field for authorities. Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Imagenes de las ofertas de trabajo publicadas en redes. Cortesia Before Teuchitlan, little was known about criminal recruitment through social media. That was the case for Josue Gutierrez Rios. In August 2024, Gutierrez Rios was 25 years old and had already worked for a long time as a security guard for a private company in the State of Mexico. That summer, a colleague told him about a job opening hed seen on social media. The pay and the requirements were attractive, although he was never entirely clear about the exact location of the ranch he would be guarding. His sister, Guadalupe Gutierrez, has said that Josue was initially told he had to present his documents in Guanajuato and then move to his workplace, which was Guadalajara, Jalisco. However, once he left, the last she heard from him was that he had actually arrived in Nayarit. Once in that state, Josue did not respond to her messages. On October 4 of that same year, while Guadalupe was browsing Facebook posts, trying to find any clues on websites in Nayarit, she came across a photo in which she recognized Josue. It was from a womans account, which would later be deleted, in which her brother appeared dead, his face pixelated. In that image, Guadalupe recognized her brothers clothing: I doubted for a moment it was him, but I could see his clothes. I went to Nayarit two days later and filed the complaint. They told me they would do everything possible to find him, but the prosecutors office and the legal advisor told me they couldnt go to the area they identified as where he was, because its a combat zone. Stories like this are flooding social media and media outlets across the country, which has revealed how thousands of young people are forcibly recruited into drug trafficking. Following the discovery of the Teuchitlan ranch, companies like Honda in Celaya, Guanajuato, and Big Force in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, have had to publicly deny that they are the ones offering jobs at their facilities. Among their criminal schemes, cartels impersonate well-known companies to lure victims. In these offers, most of them posted on Facebook pages or TikTok accounts, the supposed recruiters offer salaries much higher than the average. In the case of direct recruitment into the ranks of the CJNG, they claim that the money will gradually increase, that they will be part of a training program despite being incommunicado at various times and that they will also have accommodation and a good environment. The salaries they show range from 4,500 pesos per week ($220) and more, depending on performance. The minimum wage in Mexico is generally 1,672 pesos per week ($82). Demonstrators hold up photos of missing people after skeletal remains were discovered at Izaguirre Ranch in Teuchitlan, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Alfredo Moya (AP) A former police commander in one of the largest cities in Guanajuato, a state at the center of conflict between the CJNG and a local group calling itself the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, recalls a case from a few months ago in which criminals recruited computer engineering graduates or those about to graduate to work for an international company that was going to set up shop in Nuevo Leon and the Guadalajara metropolitan area. What set off the alarm, he adds, was that the company wasnt based in the area, and its job postings werent standard, he says, referring to the salaries offered. We, through the cyber police, spoke to the company to request information and, above all, to verify if they were recruiting personnel, he adds. Thats how they were discovered. The Teuchitlan case and the wave of recruitment stories uncovered recently necessarily challenge the framework of state protection. How can the authorities prevent this type of criminal activity? David Perez Esparza, part of the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) during the Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador administration (2018-2024), points to three factors beyond the state. On the one hand, family censorship, which is not easy. Since it involves adolescents, it is not straightforward. The other has to do with the internal patrolling capabilities of social media, which can be done through artificial intelligence or human labor. But of course, it entails a cost that companies dont want. And third, state patrolling, which is already done at the C-5, he says, referring to public video surveillance centers. The expert points out that the development of public policies on cybersecurity is slow, and generally focused on prevention. Under Lopez Obrador, a national registry of cyber incidents was created, which sought to allow authorities to receive reports of identity theft, hacking, WhatsApp theft, etc. That was the beginning of the issue. Progress was made, but for this to be meaningful, a cyber police force had to be created, he notes. Now there is a general cybersecurity directorate, which reports to the federal government, but a national center should be created to monitor these issues. The situation is worrisome. The most recent assessments attest to this. A national analysis on the recruitment of children and adolescents by organized crime groups conducted by the Ministry of the Interior in 2021, but publicly revived after the discovery of the ranch in Teuchitlan, reveals that seven out of 10 recruits at that age grew up in high-crime environments. The report also explains how organized crime groups employ minors, first to work as messengers, and thus to climb a pyramid structure that culminates in the training of hitmen or other positions that involve very high levels of violence. The analysis also explains that the recruitment methods used are as follows: prior surveillance; selection of the victim and location; the use or absence of threats or weapons; the use of seduction to reach minors and adolescents through video games or deception; in the case of migrants: the retention of their documents; false promises of greater monetary earnings; or fake job offers on social media. According to this document, the states with the highest incidence of this recruitment are Baja California, Colima, Chihuahua, Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, and Morelos. Employment as day laborers, security guards, drivers, painters, translators or like one of the young recruitment survivors Pablos mother was able to speak with, who had also been hired in Nayarit as a dog sitter are some of the jobs offered on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and others that seem to be serious and credible when it comes to job opportunities and that have turned out to be a mechanism for scams or criminal recruitment. There are also accounts that directly recruit for drug trafficking groups, such as the 39 TikTok accounts that the Federal Security Secretariat shut down on March 25 after verifying that they were recruiting people to join the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The prospect of improved living conditions for people simply seeking better jobs, coupled with the current employment insecurity in Mexico, has become fertile ground for drug trafficking to deceive and recruit more and more young people. Credits: Design and layout: Monica Juarez and Angel Herdora Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The United States is set to launch separate tariffs for smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other electronic component imports into the Western nation, likely in the upcoming one-two month period, reported the news portal ABC News on Sunday, April 13, citing the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick also highlighted the need to build semiconductors, chips, and flat-panel televisions in the United States compared to relying on imports from South Asian nations. All those products are going to come under semiconductors, and they're going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored. We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels -- we need to have these things made in America. We can't be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us, Lutnick told the news portal. Last week, the Donald Trump administration exempted smartphone and laptop imports from the nation's steep tariff on China, providing a break to importers like Apple. However, the Commerce Secretary on Sunday highlighted that smartphone and computer imports are removed from the reciprocal tariff list but will now be added to the semiconductor tariffs within the next two months. So what (US President Donald Trump's) doing is he's saying they're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So these are coming soon, he told the news portal. Tariff on smartphone imports US President Donald Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronics from its high reciprocal tariffs in a move to potentially cushion customers from paying high prices while benefiting big US firms like Apple on Friday, April 11. The US Customs and Border Protection office published the exemptions of smartphones, laptops, hard drives, computer processors, memory chips, and other products from the reciprocal tariffs announced on other world nations. Donald Trump announced the US reciprocal tariffs on April 2, 2025, a day he termed Liberation Day for the United States. We can't be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need, said the Commerce Secretary, as per the news report. He also clarified that the import tariffs on these products are not up for negotiations with other countries. A zero-for-zero tariff trade deal is unlikely under the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement as the two countries are at different levels of economic development, reported the news agency PTI, citing officials aware of the development on Sunday, April 13. Also Read | Trump DID NOT exempt electronics from tariffs, fresh duties coming soon This comes after some trade experts earlier suggested that India will likely propose a 'zero-for-zero' tariff trade policy with the US in response to Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff hike announced on April 2, 2025. The officials cited in the agency report also said that the agreement between India and the US will be a package deal which can include goods and non-tariff barriers. It does not happen like this that if he will do zero in electronics, we will also do in electronics. Trade agreements do not happen like this. It is a wrong thinking, officials told the news agency. Since March 2025, India and the United States have been engaged in negotiating a trade deal. The officials also highlighted that a zero-for-zero tariff trade deal between the US and the European Union (US) can be possible as both partners are developed and advanced nations. The work has started for the agreement. India is far ahead of other countries in negotiating a trade deal, said the official on the progress of the India-US trade deal, as per the agency report. India-US specific sector trade deal India and the United States are set to hold a sector-specific discussion in the upcoming weeks under the bilateral trade agreement, according to the agency report. In a trade agreement, two countries can significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on maximum number of goods traded between them, in turn increasing the bilateral trade and boosting investments into the nations. India will be looking out for tariff cuts in sectors like apparel, textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, plastics, chemicals, oil seeds, shrimp, and horticulture products, while the US will be looking for concessions in industrial goods, automobiles (electric vehicles particularly), wines, petrochemical products, dairy, and agriculture items, according to the report. According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry data, India's goods exports were at $395.63 billion as of February 2025, compared to its $395.38 billion levels in the same period a year ago. The data also showed that India's services export till the month of February in the 2024-25 fiscal was at $354.90 billion, compared to its one-year ago levels of $311.05 billion. Bank holidays next week: All public and private banks across India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), will remain closed for two to three days next week, due to holidays such as Ambedkar Jayanti, Good Friday. As per RBI guidelines, the second and fourth Saturdays and every Sunday in each month are holidays for all banks. In addition to the designated days, banks in India also have local holidays and festivals off. Some bank holidays differ, depending on which state you are in. Here's the list of bank holidays next week: Bank holiday next week April 14, 15, 18 1. April 14 (Monday) The day commemorates Ambedkar Jayanti the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and also coincides with several regional New Year celebrations, including Vishu, Bihu, Tamil New Year, and others. As a result, banks will remain closed in many states and union territories, such as Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh. 2. April 15 (Tuesday) Bengali New Year, Himachal Day, and Bohag Bihu Banks will remain closed for services in Assam, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh to observe these state-specific festivals. 3. April 18 (Friday) Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is observed as a public holiday in several parts of India. On this day, banks will remain shut in all states and UTs including Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal among others. 4. April 20 (Sunday) Easter Sunday Sundays are non-working days for all public and privates banks across India. It is, however, advisable to contact your nearest bank branch in case there are any further confusions regarding bank holidays. Can You Use ATMs, Online Banking During Bank Holidays? Although physical bank branches will remain closed on the mentioned dates, customers can continue to use digital and net banking services such as UPI, ATM servicesunless otherwise notified by the bank (typically for scheduled maintenance). However, the Negotiable Instruments Act deals with the issuance of cheques and promissory notes and transactions involving these instruments will not be available during the holidays. Banks are on the quest to get the authority from the RBI to freeze accounts that are used in channelling illicit transactions. Banks can freeze or block accounts based on internal triggers. However, as per provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they do not have the authority to freeze or block customer accounts without proper authorisation from a court or law enforcement agencies (LEAs). In light of this, we may propose this as a suggestion for further consideration by the RBI, a working group constituted by the Indian Banks' Association said in a report. Why are banks seeking account freezing authority? Money laundering remains one of the most significant threats to financial ecosystems worldwide. Among the tools employed by criminals, money mule accounts play a critical role in disguising the origins of illicit funds. The IBA said that to minimise attempts of cyber fraud, banks should be given the authority to freeze and block fraudulent accounts. Besides, the authority will also allow banks to save crucial time in seeking permission from authorities. What are mule accounts? Mule accounts are used by fraudsters to move illegal funds through the banking system. They are used by scammers to launder money, often without the knowledge of the person under whose name the account has been opened. Although banks freeze thousands of these accounts every year, fraudsters quickly create new accounts using loopholes in the system. Also Read | Rise of illegal digital lending applications led to a wave of frauds The report said that banks may look to verify and restrict accounts most vulnerable to misuse as "mule" accounts for channelling illicit money. How will banks freeze accounts? Banks have proposed using the Election Commission database to verify individuals who open accounts using voter identification cards, They have also suggested using Form 60in the absence of a permanent account number, or PAN. They have further proposed to cap the number of transactions on such accounts. The fight against mule accounts demands a dynamic, technology-driven approach. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into transaction monitoring systems, banks can address existing gaps, anticipate criminal strategies, and protect the integrity of the financial ecosystem, the association suggested. Also Read | Noida Police freezes over 11 crore from 12 bank accounts of FIITJEE founder To secure a safer financial environments, stakeholders are likely to make a concentrated effort and invest in technology, staff training, and collaboration. Weve been together for a few years, but I found out recently that my fiance was flirting with his female friends and the women he met during his travels," says MS, a 26-year-old management trainee from Chandigarh. Although there wasnt any physical infidelity, the emotional toll on MS has been immense. She says theres now a huge trust deficit between them. What MS experienced is an example of micro-cheating, a relationship issue that is often perceived as less severe than physical infidelity, but can be equally damaging. Micro-cheating undermines the foundations of transparency and security in a relationship. The breach of trust can destabilise relational bonds and disrupt healthy communication patterns. Clinically, its important to view micro-cheating within the context of each couples agreed-upon boundaries," explains Rimpa Sarkar, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Sentier Wellness, Mumbai. DEFINING MICRO-CHEATING Micro-cheating is a fluid concept, varying greatly from one relationship to another. It can be defined as the phenomena where one or both partners engage in seemingly innocent behaviour which, when discovered, can feel like a betrayal. Also read: The trouble with falling in love with your AI companion Its the underlying emotional disconnect and the breach of trust that can lead to distress in a relationship," says Shaurya Gahlawat, a psychologist, couples therapist and the founder of Therapy With Shaurya, Gurugram. Micro-cheating may often reveal deeper issues such as unmet needs, low self-esteem, unresolved conflicts or communication breakdowns in current relationships. The key is to understand that micro-cheating is more about intention and impact than specific behaviour. With social media, instant messaging and round-the-clock communication, subtle behaviours that arent blatantly adulterous can still betray a partners trust. RECOGNISING THE SIGNS I discovered that my partner was often messaging a colleague late at night. The messages werent explicitly romantic, but they involved inside jokes and emotional sharing that crossed a boundary for me," says VA, a 41-year-old homemaker from Pune. This kind of secretive communication, even in the absence of physical infidelity, can create trust issues and emotional turmoil. Other behaviours, such as prioritising emotional connections with someone outside the relationship and downplaying the importance of these interactions are common forms of micro-cheating. While physical infidelity is more overt and traditionally considered more damaging, micro-cheating can also have a huge impact on a partners well-being. The ambiguous nature of this form of cheating can create confusion, making it hard to talk it out and clear the air. Sarkar notes that micro-cheating can sometimes be a symptom of personal insecurities. She suggests couples therapy to explore and address these root causes. CAUSE OF CONFLICTS The extent to which micro-cheating leads to significant conflicts or even the dissolution of a relationship varies. If it festers and turns into a perpetual issue, some people might decide to take a step back. Others may choose to overlook micro-cheating, especially if they fear abandonment or are content if no sexual infidelity has occurred. Gahlawat mentions that married couples, particularly those with children, are often more inclined to work through issues of micro-cheating rather than dissolve the relationship. For couples who are dating or in a committed relationship without the ties of marriage or children, micro-cheating can often lead to a break-up. Even for those who choose to continue the relationship, the constant worry and mistrust may exhaust individuals over a long period of time. The worry and distress can manifest as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders or hypervigilance for the affected partner. This mental strain can impact daily functioning and overall well-being, making it crucial for couples to address and resolve these issues before they escalate into more profound psychological problems. However, when men are on the receiving end, they feel equally betrayed, particularly if their emotional security in the relationship is threatened. GENDER PERCEPTIONS While both men and women can be deeply hurt by micro-cheating, Gahlawat notes some gender differences in how these behaviours are perceived. When they indulge in it, men may dismiss micro-cheating as harmless" or just a joke", especially when it involves flirting or casual banter with others. However, when men are on the receiving end, they feel equally betrayed, particularly if their emotional security in the relationship is threatened," she says. Women, on the other hand, may be more attuned to emotional betrayal and often perceive micro-cheating as a serious breach of trust. Emotional investment in someone outside the relationshipand this includes regular communication while neglecting others, sharing personal details and liking specific types of social media postscan feel as harmful as physical infidelity. Every couple should have a conversation about what behaviours they consider acceptable and unacceptable in their relationship," suggests Gahlawat. The tone of the conversation could focus on how the behaviour makes one feel, rather than accusing the other person of infidelity, and finding that common ground. REBUILDING TRUST Transparency is key; if a behaviour isnt acceptable in front of a partner, it might be worth reconsidering that behaviour or action. Gahlawat emphasises the importance of keeping your partner informed about friendships and interactions with others, particularly those of a different sex. Secrecy can breed suspicion," she explains. For those who struggle with personal insecurities that might lead to micro-cheating, working on self-awareness and self-confidence through therapy can reduce the need for external validation. If emotional distance begins to form in a relationship, addressing it early can prevent micro-cheating from becoming a more significant issue. Also read: How to break the cycle of rumination If micro-cheating has already occurred, rebuilding trust is crucial. The partner involved in micro-cheating must take full responsibility without minimising or justifying their behaviour. Acknowledging the emotional impact it has had on their partner is crucial for healing to begin. Both partners need to build a safe, non-judgmental space to express their feelings, which may include hurt, confusion, anger or guilt. This dialogue should focus on understanding rather than blaming. Regularly checking in with each other and spending quality time together can also help prevent the desire to seek emotional fulfilment outside the relationship," says Sarkar. She advises couples to remember that trust cannot be restored overnight. Both partners need to practice patience and understand that healing takes consistent effort, time and compassion from both sides. The journey from betrayal to reconciliation is challenging, but with commitment and empathy, it can transform the relationship into something more resilient and deeply connected. Debarati Chakraborty is an independent journalist, who writes on wellness, relationships and sexuality. Can I buy two residential house properties to claim exemption on long-term capital gains from the sale of one house? Can I buy two house properties in the joint names of self and other family members to claim an exemption for long-term capital gains from the sale of one residential house property held for 20 years by me? I will buy one house 1-2 months before the sale in the names of myself,f my son me and another one within 2 years from the date of sale, in the names of myself and my daughter using the entire sale proceeds. If not, please guide me as to how I should go ahead with a view to ensuring that the house could be passed on to my son and daughter without any income tax implication in the event of my death? Please note that to avail the tax exemption under Section 54 for long-term capital gains from the sale of a residential house, individuals or an HUF are required to invest only the long-term capital gains and not the sale consideration. Since the benefit of indexation is no longer available for claiming exemption, you will have to invest the actual difference between the sale price and its cost price. Though the law requires investment to be made in one residential house property in India but there is a one-time exception where you can invest the capital gains arising from the sale of one residential house in two separate residential houses provided the amount of long-term capital gains does not exceed Rs. 2 crores. In case you have not availed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the past, you can avail exemption from long-term capital gains by investing in two residential house properties. The residential house can be bought within two years after the sale of the house. The exemption is still available if a residential house is purchased within one year before the date of sale of the residential house. The amount which is not utilized by the due date of filing of the ITR is required to be deposited in a bank account under the Capital Gains Account Scheme, which can be utilized for the same purpose. There is no bar on you buying the new properties in joint names of yourself and your son or daughter. What is required is that you should invest the required amount of long-term capital gains in your name. Your son or daughter can be made a joint owner in the agreement even if they do not invest any money in the property. In order to ensure that the property passes on smoothly to your son and daughter after your death, please prepare a will specifying the share of your son and daughter in all your properties, whether movable or immovable. Your son or daughter will not have to pay any tax on the property inherited after your death. Are tax benefits available for a home loan taken to buy addition space ian redeveloped building? My housing society is going for redevelopment and while doing so I am planning to go for additional area in the new flat which will be allotted to me and which will be financed through a home loan. This is the only home I own. My query is whether the loan will be eligible for the tax benefit for principal as well as for interest? Under Section 80 C, an assessee is entitled to a deduction up to Rs. 1.50 lakh towards repayment of home loans taken from specified entities like banks, housing finance companies, Central or State government etc for a residential house. This deduction is available together with other qualifying items like life insurance premium, contribution to Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund etc. Since a joint owner of a property, who just owns a part of the property, is entitled to tax benefits in respect a home loan, there is no reason why you should not be entitled to tax benefits for interest and principal loan repayment of home loan taken to buy additional area in your existing flat. Since your loan would be taken to buy a share in the house property, in my opinion, you will be entitled to claim a deduction under Section 80 C provided you opt for the old tax regime. As far as the claim for your interest is concerned, it would be restricted to Rs. 2 lacs per year as you yourself would be staying in the house under the old tax regime. If you opt for the new tax regime, you will not be able to claim any rebate in respect of interest. Had you bought another house and let it out, you would have been entitled to claim the full interest paid in respect of the loan taken for buying such house under the old tax regime subject to restriction of set off of Rs. 2 lakhs of losses under the house property against other income during the year. Under the new tax regime you would be able to claim interest to the extent of net taxable rent amount as set off of losses under the house property against other income is not allowed under the new tax regime. How are the assets to be distributed after the death of a person, and what is the tax liability of the recipient? My father has passed away. Is there any tax liability on me for the asset I receive on his death? In almost all the investments, my father invested jointly with my mother, so after presenting the death certificate, all the investments in which my father is the first holder would be redeemed/transferred to my mothers name/account. Is she liable for tax on the investments so transferred? My father had mostly invested in bank FD and mutual funds. How much money can I transfer to my mother, my wife or to me? As far as who will succeed to these assets is concerned, it depends on whether your father had prepared a valid will or not. In case your father had prepared a valid will, the assets left behind by your father will devolve as per the instruction of the will. However, in case he has died interstate i.e. without leaving the will or has not willed all the assets owned by him, such assets will pass on to the legal heirs as per the provisions of the succession laws applicable based on your religion. As per the provisions of Hindu Succession Act, the assets of a person dying interstate shall equally devolve on the Class I heirs in equal share. In your case the same shall be divided equally between your mother and you as his heir, as there are there are no other legal heir of class I (assuming you have no brother or sister). Any asset received as inheritance either under a will or under the personal law of the recipient is not treated as income of the recipient and thus is not subject to income tax. So you, your mother or your wife whosoever gets any assets of your father, do not have to pay any income tax on such inheritance as the receipt of the assets on the demise of your father will not be taxable in the hands of the recipient. Who can claim tax benefits for a home loan? My father got a plot in a government lottery scheme and took a house loan to construct a house. I am the co borrower in the home loan but the registry of plot is on the name of my father. The EMI installments are paid from my account. I want to know whether I will get the income tax rebate for the EMI paid by me? My father is not claiming any rebate. We are staying in the house. To claim tax benefits in respect of a home loan under Section 80 C as well as Section 24(b), the person must be the owner of the property as well as the borrower. The ownership may be either single or joint. Since you are not the owner or co-owner of the property, you will not be able to claim any tax benefits in respect of the loan serviced by you, even though you are a co-borrower and servicing the loan, and your father has not claimed any rebate in income tax laws. If you want to avail the tax benefit in respect of the loan, you will have to become a co-owner of the property. You can become a co-owner in two ways. Either you can purchase part of the plot from your father or your father gifts you part of the plot. Please note that the deduction for home loan will be available to you in the ratio of your share in the loan and not in the ratio of your share in the property. So, in case you are servicing the full loan, you can take tax benefits in respect of full interest and full repayment made by you within the limits available under Section 80 C and 24b. Please note that no tax benefits are available under the new tax regime under Section 80C for repayment of the home loan, whether the house is self-occupied or let out. Likewise, deduction for interest under Section 24(b) is not available for self-occupied house under the new tax regime. Balwant Jain is a tax and investment expert and can be reached at jainbalwant@gmail.com and @jainbalwant on his X handle. I have a HUF of which I am the Karta. Say, I create capital through gift in my new HUF from non-members and then invest the amount in bank fixed deposits. After 2-3 years , I need money so I withdraw money from those FDs. Is withdrawal of cash from HUF bank account considered partition or not? Can a Karta withdraw cash freely from HUF bank account anytime? Name withheld on request Under Hindu law, each co-parcener has joint rights in the property of the HUF and therefore, a Karta can withdraw cash freely from the HUF Bank account for the regular expenses and maintenance of the family. Also Read: ITR filing: Can you buy two residential house properties to claim exemption on LTGC from sale of one house? However, if the cash withdrawals are not for the maintenance needs of the family (say, for investment by the karta in his personal capacity), such withdrawal may be treated as a receipt by the karta, and as a partial partition of the HUF. Income tax provisions do not recognise partial partition and therefore, any income from the amount received by the karta on such partial partition will continue to be taxed in the hands of the HUF, even though the amount received on such partial partition will be exempt in the hands of the karta. While creating the capital of the HUF, one also needs to keep in mind that gifts received by the HUF from non-members would be taxable in the hands of the HUF as Income from Other Sources, as the exemption applies only in case of gifts received from members. What is the TDS on rent obligation for tenant in this scenario - there are two owners of the house and rent is received separately by both, which is less than 50,000 per month for each. But the total rent that the tenant pays on the house is more than 50,000 per month. Is TDS required to be deducted in this case as well, although the person paying rent and claiming HRA is only one? Name withheld on request As the rent paid by the tenant to each owner does not exceed 50,000 per month, the requirement for TDS under section 194-IB does not apply. Section 194-IB refers to payment of rent to a resident, and therefore the monthly limit of 50,000 would apply vis-a-vis each recipient separately. Also Read: Market moves are unpredictable. Your portfolio doesnt have to be. However, HRA exemption can be claimed on the entire rent paid to both the joint owners of the same property. While claiming HRA exemption, the tenant would need to provide the PAN of both the owners as the annual rent exceeds 1,00,000. If the monthly rent paid exceeds 50,000 to any owner, TDS is required to be deducted by the tenant on payment to such owner at the rate of 2%. Such TDS is to be deducted from the rent of the last month. Recently, notices have been issued to taxpayers who have claimed HRA without deduction of TDS. While one may need to substantiate the genuineness of the HRA claim, if TDS is applicable on the rent paid and not deducted, the consequences for non-deduction of TDS, including interest, may apply. The above response is on the assumption that both the owners are residents. If either of the owner is a non-resident, TDS would need to be deducted on any payment made to such owner under section 195 at the rate of 30% plus applicable surcharge and education cess, even if the amount paid is less than 50,000 per month. Also Read: These 5 credit cards give free access to domestic and international airport lounges. Check list here Mahesh Nayak, chartered accountant, CNK & Associates. Daripalli Ramaiah, the famous environmentalist of Telangana and Padma Shri awardee died at the age of 87. He breathed his last on Saturday, April 12, morning in Khammam. He died due to heart failure after a cardiac arrest proved to be fatal, family members confirmed. While intimating about his death, his wife Janakamma said, He was suffering from age-related issues for quite some time and suffered a heart attack at his residence in Reddipalli village early in the morning. He was shifted to Khammam government hospital, where he was declared brought dead on arrival," HT reported. All about the nature lover and Padma Shri awardee Renowned for his social forestry initiatives, he was locally known as 'Chetla Ramaiah' or Vanajeevi (forest dweller). Daripalli Ramaiah was honoured with the Padma Shri award in 2017. He received the acclaimed accolade for his invaluable contribution to extending tree cover. A native of Reddipalli village, Telangana's tree-man used to wear a green board around his neck to spread awareness about the importance of conservation of trees. The slogan on his neckband stated, Vriksho Rakshati Rakshita, (Save tree, it will save you). Also Read | After Telangana, Caste Census report submitted to Karnataka cabinet As per an ANI report, the nature lover is estimated to have planted over 1 crore saplings in and around the Khammam district during his life. Born on July 1 in 1937, few years before India obtained independence from British rule, Daripalli Ramaiah was man devoted to conserve nature. He hailed from the Reddypally area of the Khammam district which is located in the eastern region of Telangana. Daripalli Ramaiah is survived by his wife, Janakamma, and four sons. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has declared April 14 as a public holiday in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti. All government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings under the Delhi government will remain closed. Will Banks remain closed? Yes, all public and private sector banks across Delhi will also be shut on Monday. While in-person banking services will be unavailable, customers can continue to access ATMs, mobile banking, and internet banking as usual for essential transactions. In addition to government offices and banks, all educational institutions including private and government schools and colleges will remain closed on Monday, April 14, in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti. Banks will remain closed on Monday, April 14, in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti in the following states and union territories: Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. However, banks will remain open in a few regions including: Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh. While physical bank branches will be closed in the states observing the holiday, customers can still access essential banking services via internet banking, SMS banking, and WhatsApp banking for both financial and non-financial transactions. However, essential services such as hospitals, ration shops, and general stores are expected to remain operational. Do note that Outpatient Departments (OPDs) in some hospitals may be closed for the day. Citizens are advised to check with their local healthcare facilities for exact timings and availability of services. The holiday notification was officially issued on Tuesday by the General Administration Department of the Delhi Government, confirming the public holiday on April 14 in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti. Public holiday in Uttar Pradesh The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a public holiday on April 14, 2025, in honor of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary. The Chief Ministers Office confirmed that the day will be observed with full state honors, recognizing the immense contributions of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. The holiday notification was officially issued on Tuesday by the General Administration Department of the Delhi Government. Hajj 2025: Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Union Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene and take up the reported slashing of the private Hajj pilgrim quota for Indian pilgrims by 80 per cent with the government of Saudi Arabia. The sudden decision, Mufti said, caused distress for pilgrims and tour operators and called it disturbing news. Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of Indias private Hajj quota has been cut abruptly, Mufti said in a post on X on Sunday, April 13. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country, she said and urged Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution. Omar Abdullah, the CM of the Union Territory, has also urged MEA S Jaishankar to engage with the Kingdom and explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. 52,000 Indian pilgrims in lurch Abdullah said the cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year, Abdullah said in a post on X from his official handle. LiveMint could not verify the exact number of private Hajj pilgrims headed to Saudi Arabia this year. Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities of Islam in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage is performed during a particular period that culminates with Eid-ul-Adha. A recent report in the Times of India said that the fate of about 52,000 Indian Hajj pilgrims was uncertain as Saudi Arabia has cancelled the zones in Mina (a stop during Hajj in the Kingdom) that were earlier allotted to private tour operators. When is Hajj 2025? This year, Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon, marking the beginning of Zil-Hajj, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims will likely begin their journey to Saudi Arabia as early as the end of April. The Hajj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims is conducted either through the Hajj Committee of India (HCoI), a statutory organisation under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, or through Private Tour Operators (PTOs), also known as Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) In 2024, about 1,40,000 Indians proceeded for Hajj, according to government of India numbers. Also Read | Saudi Princess Says She Cant Afford to Fight Ex in Mansion Case In January 2025, India signed a Haj agreement with Saudi Arabia, finalising a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims. Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah. "Hajj Agreement 2025 signed with Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister for Hajj and Umrah of Kindom of Saudi Arabia. Finalized a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Hajj 2025. We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our HajJ pilgrims," Rijiju said in a post on X in January. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha in January, Rijiju said that for the year 2025, the quota has been distributed within the same range between HCoI and HGOs, in the ratio of 70:30, which has been communicated vide the Hajj Policy-2025 issued on August 5, 2024. For Hajj 2025, the quota of Haj pilgrims allotted to HGOs is 30 per cent of India's total of 1,75,025, i.e., 52,507, Rijiju said. He also said that in the last five years, the quota distribution between HCoI and HGOs has varied between 70:30 and 80:20. Saudi Arabia has taken many crowd control measures for Hajj this year. The Kingdom has imposed new travel restrictions, suspending the issuance of certain visas to people from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, as per reports. However, the suspension does not impact pilgrims from India who have secured Hajj visas to Saudi Arabia strictly for Hajj. The suspension specifically targets other visa categories to prevent unauthorised individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration and to avoid overcrowding. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak with the leaders of Saudi Arabia on the issue. Hajj application of 37 kids rejected In a related development, applications of 37 children under 12 years old were cancelled from Telangana, according to a report in Deccan Chronicle. The full amount deposited for their pilgrimage will be refunded, officials said. Children below 12 years of age are not allowed to travel to Hajj. Since Donald Trumps return to the White House, the Venezuelan immigrant community in the United States has been under attack as never before. In less than 100 days, the South Americans have been stripped two of the immigratory protections that allowed them to live and work legally in the country. First came the annulment of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) bestowed by the Biden administration an action currently blocked by a California federal judge and that had been applied to some 350,000 Venezuelans, and then the elimination of humanitarian parole, which grated temporary residency to around 117,000 individuals. But perhaps the greatest injury has been the governments attempt to criminalize a diaspora that includes more than 900,000 people, according to the 2023 U.S. Census, making it the 10th largest Latino community in the country. We have been targeted by the new administration through insults and absolutely racist descriptors. Weve been called animals never differentiating the thousands of Venezuelan workers who arrived in this country from the few who have committed a crime. Venezuela is not Tren de Aragua, and we are fighting for the U.S. judicial system to end this injustice, says Adelys Ferro, director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, an organization that participated in the lawsuit with which the National TPS Alliance and seven other plaintiffs were able to temporarily block the Department of Homeland Securitys attempt to suspend TPS for Venezuelans. The Trump Administrations use of the 1798 Foreign Enemies Act, on the grounds that the U.S. was being invaded by the criminal gang Tren de Aragua (which was founded in Venezuela and has a presence in several of the countrys cities), led to the deportation of 238 men born in the South American country to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, without due process. The government even admitted that 101 of the individuals had no criminal record or had ever demonstrably formed part of the organization. This set off a dispute between courts and the White House that intensified when a judge temporarily blocked application of the law (use of which was previously restricted to wartime), and the Trump government appealed to the Supreme Court, asking it to remove obstacles to its accelerated removal of undocumented immigrants. (The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the Trump administration can resume its deportations of Venezuelans under an 18th-century law, provided they are given a court hearing.) The Venezuelan community and human rights organizations were witness to a mass deportation turned spectacle worthy of a terrifying thriller movie. Such was its description by Juanita Goebertus, director of Human Rights Watchs Americas division, who says that Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele seeks to turn his country into a Central American Guantanamo Bay. Meanwhile, official data shows that Venezuelan immigration does not represent any danger to the security of the United States. The Office of Foreign Assets Control, a financial intelligence and enforcement agency of the U.S. Treasury Department, announced that around 800 people had been arrested in the United States due to their participation in or links with Tren de Aragua. That means that just 0.08% of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States are tied to the criminal organization. None of those who were arrested had temporary protected status. The latest numbers available from the U.S. Sentencing Commission sheds light on the foreigners who committed crimes and were sentenced in the U.S. during the fiscal year of 2023. Of the 64,124 cases reported, 21,504 involved non-U.S. citizens (33.7%). Of these, 93.4% were Latinos who committed a crime, and Venezuelans are not among the groups with the highest number of sentences, which include Mexicans (67.1%), Hondurans (7.4%), Guatemalans (5.4%), Dominicans (3.8%), Salvadorans (3.7%) and other Latin American countries (12.6%, a figure that included Venezuelans). Among migrant communities, newcomers tend to be more vulnerable and prone to the stigmas and effects of political agendas that are openly xenophobic, such as those of Donald Trump. In the last decade, the United States has become a popular destination for migrants from Venezuela. A recent report by the Migration Policy Institute shows that the Venezuelan population in the country grew from 33,000 people in 1980 to 770,000 in 2023, though they still account for less than 2% of the total 47.8 million immigrants residing in the United States. The economic and political crisis in Venezuela, triggered by the Nicolas Maduro government, has resulted in the largest exodus in the world since 2015. According to United Nations data, this has so far involved 7.9 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants globally. The instability and repression under the regime, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the economic opportunities offered by the United States and the growing diaspora, have prompted an increasing number of Venezuelans to head north. Some emigrated directly from Venezuela, while many others arrived after residing in other Latin American countries. The MPI report states the 74% of this group of migrants arrived to the United States after 2010. Just 14% of Venezuelans came before 2000. Before Hugo Chavezs arrival to power in December 1998, Venezuela was a prosperous democratic country with a long tradition as a nation that received immigrants. Florida, the most popular state for Venezuelans The Venezuelan diaspora, like the Cuban and Nicaraguan diasporas, is primarily concentrated in Florida, where 49% of the total population resides. The next largest concentrations of Venezuelans are in Texas (14%), Georgia and New York (each with 4%), and California (3%). Together, these five states account for 74% of Venezuelan immigrants. Within Florida, three counties Miami-Dade (home to the city of Doral, often referred to as Dorazuela), Broward, and Orange along with Harris County in Texas (which includes the city of Katy, or Katyzuela), house 38% of the U.S. Venezuelan-born population. Venezuelans in North America are also younger compared to other foreign-born residents. In 2023, their average age was 39, compared to 47 for other immigrant groups. Highest level of education Venezuelans have the highest level of education of any population group in the country. The MPI study confirms that the South Americans have rates of educational levels higher than those of U.S.-born residents and of other migrant communities. In 2023, approximately 48% of Venezuelans aged 25 and up reported having a university degree, masters degree or doctorate, compared to 36% of adults born in the United States and 35% of all immigrants. Around 75% of Venezuelan immigrants aged 16 and up formed part of the workforce in 2023, compared to 67% of other foreign-born communities and 63% of locals, but their earnings were below those of the total population of foreigners and U.S.-born individuals. Homes headed by a Venezuelan immigrant earned on average $71,900, below the $78,700 earned by other immigrants and the $77,600 earned by U.S.-born residents, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Based on this, Venezuelans are more likely to fall below the poverty line than the rest of the population. Almost half a million undocumented immigrants Two years ago, only 25% of Venezuelan immigrants were U.S. citizens, compared to 52% of the overall foreign-born population. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of naturalized Venezuelan immigrants increased by 180,000, but this figure was relatively low. In 2023, just 18,400 Venezuelans received a green card, representing 2% of the 1.2 million total green cards issued that year. Of this group, 26% became permanent residents after being resettled as refugees or granted asylum Estimates from the Migration Policy Institute also reveal that 486,000 Venezuelans were not authorized to live in the U.S. as of mid-2023, making them the fifth-largest group among unauthorized immigrants, accounting for 4% of the total 13.7 million undocumented immigrants in the country. By January 2025, around 607,000 Venezuelans had been granted Temporary Protected Status, with an additional 117,000 arriving through humanitarian parole. Many Venezuelans hold dual immigration status, with both pending asylum cases and TPS, which is why the fight to maintain TPS is crucial, as it affects at least 70% of Venezuelans in the U.S. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the state's Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the Calcutta High Court's order to deploy central forces in violence-hit Murshidabad. Around 150 people were arrested earlier in connection with the violence that erupted in parts of Wes Bengal during a protest over Waqf (Amendment) Act on Friday. Three people have died so far in the violence. Here are Top updates in Murshidabad violence case: 1. The West Bengal Police said 150 people have so far been arrested in connection with the violenc. "Adequate police forces are deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, Murshidabad," police said. 2. A special bench of the Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Holding that it cannot turn a blind eye to reports of vandalism in a few districts of West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court ordered deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad. The court noted that apart from Murshidabad, incidents were reported in Amtala in South 24 Parganas district, in North 24 Parganas district and at Champdani in Hooghly. 3. The BSF deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday. He said the BSF will act in coordination with the police and is prepared to send more forces if needed to help restore peace in the region. 4. BJP's Suvendu Adhikari said, We wrote a letter to the Governor for the deployment of central forces and requested the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. I also requested the CM. But she did not listen, so I went to court. I am very grateful to the Calcutta High Court. I welcome the decision that has come... Also Read | Mamata Banerjee says won't implement Waqf Act in Bengal 5. West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, The verdict of the high court today [Saturday] is a big slap on Mamata Banerjee's cheek that she is not ready to rule the state. He alleged on Saturday that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has handed over the state to "Jihadis" for vote bank politics. "The situation is terrible...The situation has become like this because of Mamata Banerjee's incompetenceShe is not eligible to rule the state," Majumdar told ANI. 6. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy said Mamata Banerjee "knows how to run Bengal" and has called a meeting to pacify the Muslim community. "Mamata Banerjee is the leader of the people of Bengal. She knows how to run Bengal. There is no place for BJP here. People are unhappy over Waqf Amendment Bill, so the Chief Minister has called a meeting to pacify the Muslim community. People's sentiments are agitated over the Waqf Bill. The reaction was spontaneous," Saugata Roy said. 7. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal. "Remember, we did not make the law over which many are agitated. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government," the CM said in a post on X. "We have made our position clear on this matter we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about," she asked. Her remarks came as fresh violence was reported from Dhulian in Murshidabad's Samserganj, where one person sustained a bullet injury. Also Read | A food festival celebrates the flavours of Murshidabad Murshidabad violence: More than 400 Hindu's have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence in Murshidabad over the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the state's Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has alleged. Cops have arrested scores of people for igniting violence and the Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central forces in the area. Here are the top developments of the Murshidabad violence: 1. Suvendu Adhikari: Hindus forced to flee homes Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Sunday that more than 400 Hindus have been "forced to flee" their houses, alleging that people are facing religious violence after riots broke out in Murshidabad over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda, he wrote on X. 2. Murshidabad violence: 150 arrested West Bengal Police have arrested a total of 150 individuals in connection with the Murshidabad violence, which was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, on Sunday. Till Saturday, police had made 118 arrests. 3. Internet suspended in parts of West Bengal On Saturday, a senior police officer said that prohibitory orders were implemented in affected areas of Murshidabad under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He added that internet services in the areas have been suspended as part of the order. 4. Murshidabad violence: Three dead At least three people, including a father-son duo, were killed in the violence. The father-son duo Harogobindo Das and Chandan were found dead inside their home in Jafrabad on Saturday. They had multiple stab wounds. The third victim, identified as 21-year-old Ijaz Momin, sustained bullet wounds during clashes at Sajur More in Suti on Friday. 5. Calcutta HC steps in A special bench of Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad. The high court also instructed both the Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. 6. Locals demand President's rule As per a report by ANI, locals are demanding President's rule in Murshidabad stating that their homes and shops were vandalised which has left them them feeling unsafe and unprotected. They burnt shops and vandalised houses. We want BSF presence here permanently if things are to be peaceful... A police station is very close to here, but they didn't come, ANI quoted a local, Manoj Ghosh, as saying. 7. Heavy police forces deployed, BSF reaches Murshidabad Adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas to maintain order, according to a statement by the police. The BSF has also deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday. He said that BSF will act in coordination with the police and is prepared to send more forces if needed to help restore peace in the region. 8. BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over WB violence Apart from Suvendu Adhikari, other BJP leaders have also slammed Mamata Banerjee over the West Bengal violence that erupted recently. BJP's Purulia MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Centre to declare select bordering districts of West Bengal as disturbed areas under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 9. WB Governor expresses concern West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed concern over the riots in Murshidabad, adding he was glad with the Calcutta HC's orders to deploy central forces in violence-stricken areas. I have been told that the Calcutta High Court has ordered deployment of central forces in riot-affected areas of West Bengal, including Murshidabad. Immediately after receiving information, as Governor I had taken it with competent authorities. Deployment of central forces is required to maintain peace and bring normalcy in those areas. I also discussed the situation with leaders of various political parties. I'm glad that the High Court has stepped in and given the appropriate decision at the appropriate time, he said. 10. Mamata won't implement Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bengal In a bid to pacify the angry protesters, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that the law in question was legislated by the Centre and not by her government. Remember, we did not make the law over which many are agitated. The law was made by the central government. So the answer you want should be sought from the central government, Mamata Banerjee wrote in a post on X. Aiming to curb air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government missed the 1 April deadline to equip fuel refilling stations with a system to detect the age of vehicles and was 23 installations away from rolling out the 'no fuel for overage vehicles' policy, reported PTI. Currently, 372 petrol pumps and 105 CNG refilling stations have been fitted with the device and the rest would be brought on board within the next 10 to 15 days, PTI quoted a senior official from the environment department as saying, adding the government expects to implement the system by the end of April. "We have completed device installation at 477 fuel refilling stations and only 23 are left. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa are closely monitoring the process. A full rollout will happen by the end of this month," PTI quoted the the environment department official as saying. Sirsa had previously underlined that the government was trying hard to get the process completed on time, however, added it was better to delay the rollout slightly than to proceed with only partial implementation. Unveiling of plans: The Delhi government in March unveiled its plans that fuel pumps in the national capital will not provide petrol and diesel to vehicles older than 15 and 10 years, respectively. The city has 500 fuel refilling stations. The move aims to curb vehicular emissions and put a check on air pollution in the city which remains a persistent challenge for the residents. To implement the 'no fuel for overage vehicles' policy, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras were being installed at fuel stations that will identify the age of vehicles based on their registration year. These cameras will also detect whether a vehicle has a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate. If a vehicle is flagged as overage or non-compliant with pollution norms, petrol pump attendants will be alerted and fuel refilling will be denied. "Our aim is to ensure total enforcement. We don't want a situation where it's working at some pumps and not at others. Once every station is equipped, we will launch the initiative citywide," Sirsa had said. Supreme Court ruling: In 2018, the Supreme Court ruling banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi. While a 2014 National Green Tribunal order prohibits parking of vehicles aged over 15 years in public areas. The Delhi government in 2024 issued detailed guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles, stating that such vehicles could only be released from impoundment if owners either shifted them to private premises or registered them in another state after taking necessary approvals. Atleast eight people, including two women, were killed and seven others injured in a fire accident at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Anakapalli district's Kotavuratla of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, reported PTI. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident. He also directed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and assured that the government would support the families of the victims and urged them to stay strong. Naidu instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and submit a report to him. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the condition of two of the injured workers is critical, added CMO. Home Minister V Anitha said, as PTI quoted, "Eight people including two women died and several others were injured in the fire accident. She added that the injured are being shifted to hospitals here, she said adding details are awaited. Meanwhile, the CM directed Anitha and district officials to ensure better medical care to the injured, an official release said. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of 15 lakh to each of the deceased family. While, YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and urged the government to support the victims. He asked his party leaders to extend all possible assistance. PM Modi expressed grief, announces, ex-gratia of 2 lakh from PMNRF Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident. In a post on 'X', he said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected". He also said, "An ex-gratia of 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given 50,000." In a first, the Supreme Court of India has permitted judicial intervention if Governors delay assent to legislative bills for an extended period. The apex court bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, noted that the President must take a decision within three months on bills referred by governors. The April 8 judgement was made in response to the Tamil Nadu government versus Governor case. According to a The Hindu report, the MHA is likely to file a review petition against the SC judgement. The Supreme Court bench said, ...governor does not hold the power to exercise 'absolute veto' on any bill, we see no reason why the same standard would also not apply to the President under Article 201 as well. The President is not an exception to this default rule which permeates throughout our Constitution. Such unbridled powers cannot be said to remain in either of these constitutional posts. The Supreme Court passed the judgement in response to a November 2023 petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government against the States Governor indefinitely withholding assent to ten Bills passed by the State Assembly, some as early as 2020. Let's take a detailed look SC Sets Deadline for President, Governor to Grant Assent to a Bill The Supreme Court judgement settling the dispute between Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and the ruling DMK government over the clearing of Bills while laying down a specific timeframe for the President and Governor to act in such cases seeks to give itself a toehold in the law-making process. The SC prescribed a three-month timeline for the President to decide on Bills referred by the Governor. The Supreme Court invoked Article 143, in noting that the President of India ought to seek the apex court's opinion. It is expected that the Union executive should not assume the role of the courts in determining the vires of a bill and should, as a matter of practice, refer such question to the Supreme Court under Article 143, SC noted. "We have no qualms in stating that the hands of the executive are tied when engaging with purely legal issues in a bill and only the constitutional courts have the prerogative to study and provide recommendations as regards the constitutionality of a bill. SC bench added. What is Article 143? Article 143 of the Indian Constitution grants the President of India the authority to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court on matters of law or fact that are of significant public importance. Under Clause (1), the President may refer such questions to the Supreme Court, which can provide its opinion after necessary hearings. Additionally, Clause (2) allows the President to refer disputes under Article 131 for the Court's opinion. However, the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 is discretionary, meaning it may choose not to provide an opinion in certain cases. The apex court also noted that its not mandatory for the government to accept its opinion. We are of the considered view that although the option to refer a Bill to this Court under Article 143 may not be mandatory, yet the President, as a measure of prudence, ought to seek an opinion under the said provision in respect of Bills that have been reserved for the consideration of the President on grounds of perceived unconstitutionality. MHA Likely To File Review Petition The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to file a review petition against the Supreme Courts April 8 judgement allowing judicial intervention if Governors withhold assent to legislative Bills for too long. Tamil Nadu Govt vs Governor The dispute between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi over state bills culminated in a historic Supreme Court verdict. The Governor had withheld assent to ten bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2020, twice returning them and later referring them to the President for consideration. The Supreme Court intervened, ruling that the Tamil Nadu Governor's actions were "erroneous and illegal," as he could not reserve bills for the President's consideration after denying assent the first time and the bills being re-passed by the Assembly. The Court ordered the bills to be deemed laws from the date they were re-presented to the Governor, effectively bypassing the need for his or the President's assent. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is celebrated every year on April 14 to honour Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, on his birth anniversary. Ambedkar Jayanti, April 14, has been declared a public holiday by the Centre. However, since it is not a gazetted public holiday, not all institutes are liable to observe it. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Will school remain closed tomorrow, April 14? Yes, all educational institutions including private and government schools and colleges will remain closed today, April 14, in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti. All public and private sector banks across Delhi-NCR, including Noida and Gurugram, will also be shut on today. Will banks remain closed? Banks, both government and private, will remain closed on today, April 14, in observance of Ambedkar Jayanti in the following states and union territories: Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. While in-person banking services will be unavailable in these states, customers can access ATMs, mobile banking, and Internet banking as usual for essential transactions. However, some banks will remain open in a few regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh. Is Ambedkar Jayanti a holiday at private offices too? All government offices will be closed today. However, private businesses and corporate offices are not legally obligated to observe a public holiday, but some may close for business for private reasons. Other essential services Essential services such as healthcare, ration depots, pharmacies, and general stores will operate as usual. However, many outpatient departments in hospitals (OPDs) are expected to be closed on that day; it is advisable to check with individual hospitals. About Dr Ambedkar Born in 1891, DR Ambedkar was not just the principal architect of the Indian Constitution but also the first Law Minister of Independent India, a jurist, economist, and social reformer. Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 marks the 135th birthday of Dr Ambedkar. The United States has reportedly demanded control over a key natural gas pipeline in Ukraine, escalating tensions over an increasingly contentious minerals-for-weapons agreement. described the move as part of a colonial shakedown. The pipeline in question, built during the Soviet era, it remains a critical piece of energy infrastructure connecting Russian gas supplies to Europe. According to Reuters, the latest draft of the US proposal demands that the International Development Finance Corporation, a US government agency, take control of the pipeline. Talks turning acrimonious The discussions, held on Friday, have reportedly grown tense, Reuters reported. The newest version of the US draft deal is much more maximalist than earlier versions. In February, Trump administrations preliminary proposal suggested securing $500 billion worth of Ukrainian rare earths, oil, and gas. Under the revised plan now reportedly favoured by Donald Trumps team, Ukraine would surrender critical infrastructure and mineral rights without the promise of additional weapons or security guarantees. US Special Envoy denies partition remarks Amid the uproar, Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, has attempted to clarify controversial comments made to The Times suggesting a post-war partition of Ukraine like Berlin after World War II. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Kellogg said: My remarks were misinterpreted. I was referring to a post-ceasefire resiliency force in support of Ukraines sovereignty not partition. His remarks had raised alarms in Kyiv, where any division of Ukrainian territory is viewed as a red line. Trump ally meets Putin in St Petersburg Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Friday. Witkoff reportedly floated a peace plan that would see Russia retain the four Ukrainian provinces it currently claims including areas still controlled by Ukraine and inhabited by around 1 million people, according to The Guardian report. Allies announce record military aid While talks between Trump allies and Moscow raise eyebrows, Kyiv's international partners reaffirmed their support. At a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on Friday, allies pledged a record 21 billion ($22.7 billion) in additional military assistance. The retrial of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinsteinwhose original prosecution in 2017 played a pivotal role in launching the global #MeToo movementbegins Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom. Harvey Weinstein, once a powerful personality in Hollywood as the co-founder of Miramax Films, became synonymous with sexual violence after decades of accusations from women across the film industry. Weinstein was initially celebrated for producing iconic films like Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, and Sex, Lies, and Videotape, but behind closed doors, he was accused of using his position to exploit, harass, and assault women, particularly aspiring actresses and assistants. In 2017, investigative reports from The New York Times and The New Yorker exposed the extent of Weinstein's predatory behavior, leading to a global reckoning that gave rise to the #MeToo movement. Women began to speak out, sharing their stories of harassment, assault, and rape at Weinstein's hands. The first conviction In 2020, Weinstein was tried and convicted in New York on two charges: the sexual assault of former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and the rape of aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. The jurys guilty verdict resulted in a 23-year prison sentence. However, Weinsteins legal team appealed the conviction, arguing that the jury had been improperly influenced by testimony from women who were not part of the charges he faced. The appeal and setback to #MeToo In April 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein's 2020 conviction. The court's decision to void the verdict was a significant blow to the #MeToo movement, which had fought for justice for survivors of sexual violence. The court ruled that the way witnesses were handled in the original trial was unlawful, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about how cases of sexual assault would be handled in the future. The new trial and ongoing legal battles Weinstein, now 73 and serving a 16-year sentence for a separate conviction in California, is set for a retrial in New York, which began in April 2025. He faces charges of the sexual assault of Mimi Haleyi in 2006, the rape of Jessica Mann in 2013, and a new count of sexual assault in Manhattan in 2006. The retrial comes after an investigation into his misconduct, which has seen over 80 women accuse him of harassment, assault, or rape. Accusers have ranged from famous actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. Weinstein has maintained that the encounters were consensual and has never admitted to any wrongdoing. His defense team, led by lawyer Arthur Aidala, argues that the case should be judged without the influence of public opinion or the high-profile protests surrounding his original trial. Weinsteins legal team hopes that the current political and social climate will allow for a fairer trial. However, victims of Weinstein's actions continue to fight for justice. The three women whose testimonies were central to his 2020 convictionMimi Haleyi, Jessica Mann, and another survivorare expected to testify once more in the retrial. Impact on #MeToo and legal precedents The overturning of Weinsteins conviction underscores the ongoing struggles sexual assault survivors face in seeking justice. As the retrial continues, the world will be watching, not just for the fate of Weinstein, but for the future of legal recourse for sexual assault survivors. Also Read | US can revoke, deny your visa if you support antisemitism on social media A devastating incident unfolded in Ohio when a 7-month-old baby girl, Elizah Turner, was fatally attacked by one of her family's three pit bulls. The heartbreaking tragedy has left her parents, Mackenzie Copley and Kameron Turner, shattered, as they shared their grief publicly on social media. I am so lost and broken Mackenzie Copley, Elizahs mother, took to Facebook to express her overwhelming sorrow, sharing images of her daughter affectionately cuddling with the family dogs. I will never understand why!!! she wrote. This was the same dog who was side by side with my baby every single day. I am so lost and broken. Father: Life is so not fair Elizahs father, Kameron Turner, also expressed the depth of his grief in a heartfelt post. Life is so not fair, he wrote. How can I continue living without her. Her Laugh Was Contagious Elizahs obituary paid tribute to the infants vibrant presence in her familys life. Elizahs face would light up the room and her laugh was contagious. Circumstances not clear The exact details of how the fatal incident occurred remain under investigation. Authorities said the situation escalated quickly, but did not confirm which of the dogs was responsible, according to a report on The New York Post. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro revealed on Sunday (April 13) that an arsonist set fire to the official Governors Residence in Harrisburg, prompting an emergency evacuation of his family in the early hours of the morning. Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence, Shapiro said in a social media post. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Passover celebrations turn to emergency Just hours before the fire, Shapirowho is Jewishhad posted a photo of his familys Passover Seder table, sharing the holiday moment from within the mansion. Authorities said the Shapiro family was in a different section of the house and were unharmed when the fire broke out. First responders praised In a follow-up message, Shapiro expressed gratitude to law enforcement and emergency crews. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Significant damage reported The Pennsylvania State Police, who are leading the investigation, confirmed that the fire caused significant damage to a portion of the residence. While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, the agency said in a statement. While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson. No motive revealed yet Officials have not provided a motive behind the attack. Investigators are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. 2028 speculation Shapiro, a Democrat from a key swing state, is widely seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data With fewer than 100 days back in the White House, Donald Trump has already outdone himself. In his second term, he has proven himself capable of accelerating further, surprising more and making more decisions in order to dominate the publics attention and control the conversation. He has achieved this by taking to the extreme a strategy that he already put into practice in his first government, albeit at a smaller scale, called flooding the zone. It consists of overflowing each days agenda with multiple statements, actions, and issues in order to direct public opinion and disorient the media and the opposition. In an era in which social media has accelerated news cycles and shortened the attention span of the citizenry, Trump has realized that he has to move with much greater speed in order to flood the zone. He also seeks to mark a stark contrast with political elites, whom he brands as lazy. While he and his government are synonymous with efficiency and action, his rivals are inefficient and passive. The consequences are notorious: measures that are announced and then rolled back (tariffs, layoffs, etc.); institutional clashes with other branches of government; a disoriented and overshadowed opposition that does not know what to respond to; and a citizenry overwhelmed by the pace of it all and feeling anxious. And not only in the United States, but also in other countries. In his first 70 days, Trump has flooded the zone more than any other president in U.S. history and more than the presidents of the rest of the world in the same period of time. To top it off, he has an army of influencers who help him multiply his message on social networks. Here are five ways in which he carries out this overflow: To learn more about the subject Articles: - Antoni Gutierrez-Rubi: Inundar la zona - Ezra Klein: Dont Believe Him - Maria Marquez Guerrero: La estrategia comunicativa de Trump: la energia del caos - Adam Tooze: Chartbook 361 Flooding the zone: The first 54 days of the second Trump administration and the end of the world as (we thought) we knew it - Jennifer Mercieca: La constante actividad noticiosa de Donald Trump puede ser agotadora, lo que dificulta que la gente analice sus acciones presidenciales Podcasts: - Governor Gavin Newsom and Ezra Kleins conversation reflecting on Trumps acceleration and the slowness of democratic processes - NPR: Why is Trump flooding the zone? Videos: - Anne Applebaum on the flooding the zone strategy and authoritarian regimes Beijing has called upon US President Donald Trump administration on Sunday to 'completely cancel' the reciprocal tariffs imposed on it, taking the total levies to 145 per cent, reported AFP. "We urge the US to.. take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of 'reciprocal tariff' and return to the right path of mutual respect," AFP quoted a commerce ministry spokesperson as saying in a statement, adding "China is now evaluating the impact." Both the world's largest economies have been engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff war ever since US President Donald Trump announced in April sweeping global tariffs, following escalating the blanket duty on Chinese goods to 145 percent. Retaliatory Chinese import tariffs of 125 percent on US goods took effect Saturday, with Beijing standing defiant against its biggest trade partner. However, this Trump administration announced a 90-day delay for most countries after the US President's tariffs sent global markets into a tailspin. US even excluded China from the reprieve. Washington dials down pressure: Earlier on Friday, Washington again dialled down the pressure as the US Customs and Border Protection office said smartphones, laptops, memory chips and other products would be excluded from the global levies. Reacting to this, China's commerce ministry on Sunday called the exemptions a "small step" by Washington. They added that China was "evaluating the impact" of the decision. The new exemptions by the Trump administration is expected to benefit the US tech companies like Nvidia and Dell, as well as Apple, which makes iPhones and other premium products in China. According to senior RAND researcher Gerard DiPippo, the US Customs data suggests the exempted items account for more than 20 percent of those Chinese imports. While, the semiconductors could still become a target of industry-specific tariffs Trump has suggested placing on imports from all countries. Trump said Saturday that he would give a "very specific" answer to the question of any future semiconductor levies on Monday. (Bloomberg) -- A Maryland man who was wrongly deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador is alive and secure in the facility, according to the US State Department. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant who had been lawfully living in Maryland prior to being deported, is in El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center, senior State official Michael Kozak said in a court declaration to the US District Court on Saturday. He cited official reporting from the US Embassy in San Salvador. The declaration comes after Justice Department lawyers missed a deadline from Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis to provide answers on Abrego Garcias location and status in prison. She gave them until Friday morning to answer her questions, but US lawyers said that wasnt enough time. Abrego Garcia is being detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador, Kozak said, without providing further details. The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that President Donald Trumps administration must take steps to return Abrego Garcia to the US. The decision establishes a limit on Trumps deportation power amid his efforts for sweeping authority with minimal judicial review. Trump officials have said that Abrego Garcia, 29, is a member of the MS-13 criminal gang, which his lawyers and Xinis rejected. Immigration officials had arrested him on March 12 and accused him of playing a prominent role in MS-13, though he hasnt been convicted of a crime or charged with one. He was flown to El Salvador on March 15 along with more than 200 other alleged gang members. Abrego Garcia had been living with his wife and three children, all US citizens. Under a 2019 immigration court order, he cant be deported to El Salvador, where he says he would face gang-based extortion and persecution. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com A twin-engine aircraft carrying two individuals crashed on Saturday in a muddy field in upstate New York. Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore confirmed the crash was fatal but did not specify the number of casualties, as reported by AP. The Federal Aviation Administration said the Mitsubishi MU-2B was headed to Columbia County Airport near Hudson, but crashed about 30 miles away near Copake. The mud, weather and snow have made it difficult for first responders to get to the site, Salvatore said. The National Transportation Safety Board said it has deployed an investigation team, expected to arrive in New York Saturday evening. A Russian missile hit the warehouse of an Indian pharmaceutical company in Ukraine on Saturday, according to a statement from the Ukrainian embassy in India. In a social media post, the embassy accused Russia of intentionally targeting Indian businesses in Ukraine, despite its claims of maintaining a "special friendship" with India, as reported by PTI. Today, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine, the Ukrainian embassy said. "While claiming 'special friendship' with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian businesses -- destroying medicines meant for children and the elderly," it said in a post on X. No further details on the strike were immediately available. All you need to know about Kusum According to the official website, Kusum Healthcare Pvt Ltd was founded in 1997. The healthcare company is a fully export-focused pharmaceutical company based in New Delhi, India. The company began its manufacturing journey in 2007 with a formulation plant in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, and later expanded with a fully automated facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2018 to strengthen domestic production. Kusum Healthcare operates in 28 countries, including regions such as the European Union, Mexico, Ukraine, CIS nations (like Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan), MEA countries (including UAE, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Benin, and others), India, and ASEAN nations (such as Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and more). NDTV reported citing sources that Kusum is a leading pharmaceutical company in Ukraine owned by Indian businessman Rajiv Gupta, plays an important role in supplying essential medicines across the country. They reported that the warehouse was struck directly by a drone, not a missile, NDTV reported. Earlier, the UK's ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris said Russian strikes destroyed a major pharmaceuticals warehouse in Kyiv. He said Russian drones carried out the attack. "This morning Russian drones completely destroyed a major pharmaceuticals warehouse in Kyiv, incinerating stocks of medicines needed by the elderly and children. Russia's campaign of terror against Ukrainian civilians continues," Harris said on X. On its website, Kusum Healthcare said it had a presence in 29 countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Kenya, Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Niger, Cameroon, Mali and Tanzania. In the last few days, Russia pounded several targets in Ukraine even as the US has been pushing for a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow. US envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Friday to discuss the ceasefire in Ukraine. Saturday marks exactly a month since Russia refused to accept a full interim ceasefire proposed by the US. As Russia maintained its offensive against Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha alleged that Russia was the "only obstacle to peace". Sybiha, referring to US-brokered talks for peace in Jeddah, said Ukraine agreed to the proposal on ceasefire. "Russia refused to agree, instead putting forward conditions and demands," he said. From March 11 to April 11, Russia fired at Ukraine almost 70 missiles of various types, over 2,200 Shahed drones, and more than 6,000 guided aerial bombs, he said. While claiming 'special friendship' with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian businesses. These were Russian responses to peace proposals, Sybiha said. The complaint of Donald Trump is that most nations sell their goods cheaply in America , but never let America sell its products at low prices in their markets. He insists that this imbalance is a form of theft, a rip-off" by its major trade partners, including India. But it does not feel that way. As I try to write this paragraph, I have to constantly fight what America owns: distraction. Imagine one nation controlling the power to distract the world. There is ChatGPT, Twitter, Instagram, Google, Gmail, Kindle, WhatsApp, Netflix and The New York Times, which occasionally laments a distracted world. I have knocked out most of them from my American phone, but still. There was a time when my work was more interesting than any distraction because a distraction then usually was just a doorbell ring or something of that quality. Today, the intrusion is probably more interesting than what I am trying to create. Also, what I create itself might be part of a future distraction on an American platform. This is not the only reason why it does not feel as though the world doesnt buy enough of America. In fact, it is a very small part. There is a huge cultural and emotional imbalance between America and the rest, especially India, considering our size. We are very interested in America, but America has little interest in us. We are influenced by the US but cannot influence it. So, I wonder, considering this wide cultural deficit, which has surely benefitted America in material ways, is there a cultural tariff that India can impose? An abstract tariff to compensate? I dont like the idea because who wants more restrictions on culture in the name of culture. But Im just wondering if it is possible. Actually, there might be such a barrier already. Just that it is not very perceptible. But it is not hard to perceive the cultural deficit. It is all around us. Acclaim in tech, science and the arts has to come from America for it to have any value. The Oscars are bigger than any Indian film award. There is no Indian honour Americans would rate higher than what their nation distributes. On occasion, a dubbed Marvel film can gross more in India than any mainstream Indian film. American heft not only hypes its artists, but also relegates Indians of similar talent to their shadows in their own country. Bitcoin succeeded because we instinctively suspected, without evidence, that it was American. The notoriety of this crypto token was the intent of its mysterious creator or creators, only known as Satoshi Nakamoto, that a government should not control currency. Yet, its intellectual appeal and commercial prospects came from our conviction that it was an American invention. We felt that way unconsciously because we have so often surrendered to US hype, which we can recognize from its sheer power. Could a group of anonymous Ethiopians, say, have created the idea of crypto? After all, conceptually it is just high maths, not high tech. Thus, even a suspicion of an American rebellion against America can influence the world. China pulled Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood from theatres. It is widely believed the reason was that the film lampooned Bruce Lee. If that is true, it is funny because China had never shown so much love for an American. That was what Bruce Lee was. He was born in America and was a citizen of British Hong Kong. American culture could pass off a highly westernized Bruce Lee as Chinese to the whole world, including China. Most of what comes to us as world cinema or world literature are just works that some impresarios in America have understood. Even the popularity of yoga is a gift of the cultural deficit. India had forgotten yoga, as B.K.S. Iyengar noted in Light on Life. But when he taught it to the West and Americans took to it, yoga returned to India. So, it turns out, America can sell our own stuff to us. Maybe America has a cultural surplus with the rest of the world not because of its economic heft, but because it is innately interesting. Maybe America got something right about human nature that no other civilization did. Maybe humanity was waiting for Americathose half buns with cheese, trashy movies, music that is relatively new and the idea that greed is good, and also that greed is bad. While countries might appear to be moving away from Western ideology, what every country wants other countries to be is more like the West. Many nations have tried to bridge the cultural surplus of America, misled by the nonsensical idea of soft power. Sending some artists to dance or sing in a foreign land does nothing. Someone eating egg-fried rice in New York does not do anything for China. And someone in San Francisco watching melodramatic Korean serials does not improve South Koreas image. The success of curry or an Egyptian taxi-driver singing Hindi songs means nothing for India. True soft power is a cultural surplus. In response, India does levy a cultural tariff. Naturally, it is unconscious, as an official cultural tariff would be funny. It is in the form of an excessive love of a population for its own culture, led by its provincial elite who feel slighted by the Westernized elite. Many nations have shown this sort of resistance. America is responsible for two strands of nationalism in developing nations. The first arose when the rich of poor nations migrated, felt slighted by foreign elites and began to love home in a way they had never loved before. The second is the cultural tariff, which results in some goons in Bangalore or Mumbai breaking signposts in English. The author is a journalist, novelist, and the creator of the Netflix series, Decoupled. In the complex world of asset distribution, the rights of nominees, particularly in life insurance policies , have been a subject of ongoing legal debate. Traditionally, nominees have been regarded as trust ees, holding the proceeds of an insurance policy temporarily for the rightful legal heirs. However, a significant shift occurred with the 2015 amendment to the Insurance Act, 1938, which granted beneficial rights to certain close family members, including parents, spouses and children nominated by a policyholder. Despite this change in Indias insurance law, the legal landscape surrounding nominee rights remains fraught with ambiguity, as highlighted by a recent Karnataka high court ruling that challenges the scope of these rights in the face of succession laws in the country. This ruling adds to growing uncertainty in this area of law, which continues to evolve as Indian courts interpret the relationship between nominees and legal heirs. A new interpretation of nominee rights: On 20 February 2025, the Karnataka high court ruled that despite the amendment to Section 39 of the Insurance Act, nomination does not automatically override the rights of legal heirs under succession laws. The case involved an individual who had taken life-insurance policies and nominated his mother as the beneficiary. After his marriage and the birth of his son, he did not update his nomination. Following his death in 2019, his widow and minor son filed a suit claiming their rightful share in the insurance proceeds as legal heirs under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. The trial court ruled in their favour, granting equal shares to the widow, minor son and mother. The mother, as the sole nominee of the policies, made an appeal claiming she had an absolute right over the proceeds under the amended law. The Karnataka high court dismissed the mothers appeal, holding that nominations do not override legal succession laws. A nominee does not automatically become the sole beneficiary of insurance proceeds, the court held. The amendment only grants beneficial interest to such specified nominees in the absence of competing claims from legal heirs. Contradictory high court rulings and ongoing legal uncertainty: The Karnataka high courts ruling contradicts the Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan high courts, which previously held that the 2015 amendment to the Insurance Act grants absolute beneficial entitlement to certain nominees, essentially creating a third line of succession. This lack of judicial consensus has created uncertainty for policyholders and their families. The Supreme Court has ruled definitively on nomination rights under other Indian laws, such as the company law, where it held that nominees merely hold shares in trust for legal heirs. However, the Supreme Court has not yet addressed the impact of the 2015 amendment to the Act. Until the Supreme Court provides clarity, the rights of nominees versus legal heirs under the amended law remain an unsettled legal question. We need legislative intervention: The Karnataka high court acknowledged that a plain textual reading of the amendment could support the argument that certain nominees have absolute rights. However, it held that such an interpretation, in light of the Supreme Courts earlier ruling in the context of the company law, would contradict the intention of Parliament and constitutional principles governing inheritance. This uncertainty leaves policyholders in a difficult position, as the implications of their nominations remain unclear. Unless lawmakers definitively clarify the legal position, families could face prolonged litigation over insurance claims. Practical considerations for policyholders: Given the ongoing legal ambiguity, policyholders must take proactive steps to prevent family disputes over insurance proceeds. Policyholders should consider executing a comprehensive will to supplement nominations, ensuring alignment between the nominee designation and legatee under the will. Further, it is vital to regularly update nominations and the will, especially after major life events like marriage, childbirth, or the death of a family member. One should seek legal advice to structure estate plans effectively to minimize future conflicts. Role of financial institutions: Insurers and financial institutions must play a role in educating policyholders about the legal implications of nominations. Many individuals assume that a nominee is the absolute owner, unaware of the legal nuances. Institutions should communicate that nominations do not necessarily override inheritance laws and should encourage policyholders to review and update their nominations periodically to ensure smoother wealth transfers. Conclusion: This recent Karnataka high court judgement reinforces the principle that succession laws exclusively govern inheritance, and nominations do not automatically confer absolute ownership. Until the Supreme Court provides a definitive ruling, or lawmakers step in to provide clarifications to remove ambiguity, the debate over nominee rights in life insurance policies will persist. Policyholders must act prudently to safeguard their legacy and avert inheritance battles. These are the authors personal views. The author is a Partner, Private Client Practice at Trilegal Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Mahmood Madani on Sunday claimed that BJP and its friends were helping builders and land occupiers get lands in prime locations with the Waqf Act. The explosive claims come as agitations rock West Bengal's Murshidabad, where three people have died and several police personnel were injured. The recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, has sparked widespread criticism and protests across India, with prominent Muslim leaders and organisations denouncing the legislation as politically motivated and detrimental to the autonomy of waqf properties. The Act, which received presidential assent on April 5, aims to reform the management of waqf properties but has been accused of serving vested interests rather than addressing genuine concerns. Also Read | Waqf Act: Actor Vijay moves Supreme Court against new law Madanis Criticism of the Waqf Act Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Mahmood Madani has strongly criticised the Act, alleging that it was designed to facilitate land grabbing under the guise of reform. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Madani claimed that the narrative used to justify the amendment falsely portrayed the previous Waqf Boards as unaccountable entities. "This is not an issue of Waqf but politics. In the name of Muslims, sometimes by abusing Muslims or by being the sympathisers of Muslims, this act (was implemented) with malicious intent," Madani said. He claimed that the narrative used to justify the amendment falsely portrayed the previous Waqf Board as having unchecked powers and no government oversight. "BJP and its friends in the country and media friends told that the earlier Waqf Board was such that it could do anything in forming the Waqf Board. The Muslim community had no role in the government. People of their choice were made in the government," he said. Madani alleged that the act is designed to aid real estate developers and land grabbers in acquiring prime Waqf properties. "You are trying to help the builders and land occupiers, so that they get the lands in prime locations. They used to say that it was oppression. This act or amendment is not right for the country, society or Muslims. You are benefiting the occupiers," he said. Madani argued that the new law undermines promises made to Muslims by India's founding leaders and benefits real estate developers by making prime waqf properties vulnerable to occupation. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee says won't implement Waqf Act in Bengal Madani called for peaceful protests across the country, emphasising non-violence and patience in the struggle for justice. "We have appealed to the people to protest peacefully, to protest everywhere. And we condemn any violence -- it will only weaken our movement," Madani said. "Our ancestors decided that we will stay in this country. The founders of this country made certain promises to us, and now those decisions are being trampled upon," he said. Murshidabad Violence Over Waqf Act Violent protests erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, resulting in at least three deaths and numerous injuries. The unrest, which began on April 11, involved clashes between protesters and security forces, with reports of arson, vandalism, and police firings in areas like Suti, Samserganj, and Dhuliyan. New Delhi: The Centres wheat purchase from farmers in the 2025-26 marketing season (April-June) has started on a swift note, with government agencies having procured over 3.1 million tonnes (MT) till 12 April, against 1.7 MT during the corresponding period of last year. Anticipating a bumper harvest, the government aims to procure 31.2 million tonnes of wheat in the current marketing season, and procurement has started in all major wheat-producing states -- Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar. According to Department of Food &Public Distribution data, Madhya Pradesh is leading the procurement process, accounting for 2.7 MT till 12 April, compared with 1.2 MT procured during the same period last year by the state. Madhya Pradesh is followed by Rajasthan (2,02,729 tonnes) and Uttar Pradesh (1,42,332 tonnes). During the corresponding period of last year, 52,693 tonnes of wheat were procured in Rajasthan and 1,16,332 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh. In order to encourage farmers' participation and to meet the procurement target, states such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have announced a bonus over and above the minimum support price (MSP) of 2,425 per quintal. Madhya Pradesh has announced a bonus payment of 175 per quintal and Rajasthan 150 per quintal. Procurement operations in Punjab and Haryana, the two biggest contributors to the central pool stock, are likely to pick up in the coming days. In Punjab, where purchases started on 1 April, 2909 tonnes of wheat were procured. In Punjab, wheat procurement typically picks up significantly after the Baisakhi festival, which falls on 13 April, as most farmers wait for the festival to complete harvesting. "Our official procurement started on 1 April. However, the arrival will accelerate after Baisakhi festival," said a senior official in Punjab's food and Civil supplies. Punjab's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that elaborate arrangement have been made across the state for seamless procurement of wheat which will gather steam in coming days. Similarly, in Haryana, where the government has procured 15,204 tonnes of wheat till 12 April, arrivals are expected to pick up in the coming days. In the 2025-26 marketing season, the government is targeting to procure 31.2 MT of wheat from major wheat producing states such as Punjab (12.4 MT), Haryana (7.5 MT), Madhya Pradesh (6 MT), Uttar Pradesh (3 MT ) and Rajasthan (2 MT). In the 2024-25 marketing year, the government procured 26.6 MT of wheat. Also read | Cold wave to boost wheat and mustard crops; may hit chickpea and potato yield The increase will help the government in meeting social welfare schemes as well as to keep a buffer stock to curb price hikes. Palm Sunday: A Sacred Celebration for Catholics By Shayne Heffernan Palm Sunday holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics worldwide, marking the beginning of Holy Week and commemorating Jesus Christs triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This significant day, observed on the Sunday before Easter, is both a time of reflection and celebration for the faithful. As a Catholic, Ive always found Palm Sunday to be a deeply meaningful moment to connect with my faith, and Id like to share its importance and some ways to fully embrace this sacred day. The Importance of Palm Sunday for Catholics Palm Sunday is rooted in the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which describe Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds greeted Him with palm branches, shouting, Hosanna! They recognized Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the King who would bring salvation. For Catholics, this event is a powerful reminder of Christs humility and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which we prepare to reflect on during Holy Week. The day sets the tone for the journey toward Easter Sunday, the celebration of Christs resurrection. Its a moment to honor Jesus as the King of Peace, but also to acknowledge the suffering He would soon endure for humanitys redemption. During Mass, Catholics participate in the reading of the Passion of Christ, a detailed account of Jesus trial, crucifixion, and death. This reading invites us to walk with Jesus through His final moments, preparing our hearts for the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter. The palm branches, blessed during the Mass, are a cherished symbol. They represent the victory of Christ over sin and death, as well as our own commitment to follow Him. Many Catholics keep these palms in their homes throughout the year, often tucking them behind a crucifix or religious picture, as a reminder of their faith. The palms are later burned to create the ashes used on Ash Wednesday the following year, connecting the liturgical seasons in a beautiful cycle. How to Enjoy and Honor Palm Sunday Palm Sunday is a day to both celebrate and reflect, and there are meaningful ways Catholics can fully engage with its spirit. Here are a few suggestions to make the most of this sacred occasion: Attend Mass and Participate Actively The Palm Sunday Mass is the centerpiece of the day. Arrive early to join the procession, where parishioners often gather outside the church, holding palm branches, to reenact Jesus entry into Jerusalem. The priest blesses the palms, and the congregation processes into the church, singing hymns like All Glory, Laud, and Honor. During the Mass, listen attentively to the Passion reading, which is often presented dramatically, with different readers taking on the roles of Jesus, the narrator, and the crowd. Let the words sink in, and reflect on what Jesus sacrifice means in your life. Create a Family Tradition with Palms After Mass, bring your blessed palms home and involve your family in a special tradition. You might weave the palms into crossesa simple craft that children enjoyand place them around your home. This can be a wonderful opportunity to talk with your kids about the meaning of Palm Sunday, helping them understand why we honor Jesus as our King. Some families also pray together, thanking God for His love and asking for strength to follow Christs example of humility and service. Reflect on the Journey of Holy Week Palm Sunday is a gateway to Holy Week, so use this day to prepare spiritually. Set aside time for quiet prayer or journaling, thinking about how you can walk with Jesus through the events of His Passion. Consider how you might practice selflessness, forgiveness, or compassion in the days ahead, mirroring Christs love. You could also commit to attending other Holy Week services, such as the Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper or the Good Friday veneration of the cross, to deepen your experience. Share the Joy with Your Community Palm Sunday is a communal celebration, so connect with your parish or loved ones. If your church hosts a potluck or gathering after Mass, join in to share stories and fellowship. You might also reach out to someone who may be alone on this dayperhaps an elderly neighbor or a friend whos drifted from the faithand invite them to Mass or simply share a kind word. This small act of outreach reflects the welcoming spirit of the crowds who greeted Jesus with open hearts. Prepare Your Heart for the Week Ahead As the first day of Holy Week, Palm Sunday invites us to shift our focus inward. Take time to examine your conscience and consider going to confession during the week. This sacrament offers a chance to seek forgiveness and start anew, aligning your heart with the redemptive journey of Easter. You might also choose a specific intention for Holy Weekperhaps praying for a loved one, for peace in the world, or for your own spiritual growthand carry that intention through each day. A Day of Joy and Solemnity Palm Sunday is a unique blend of joy and solemnity. We rejoice in Jesus kingship, yet were mindful of the suffering He will endure. This duality reminds us of the Christian life itselfa journey of both celebration and sacrifice, leading to the hope of resurrection. For Catholics, this day is a call to renew our faith, to proclaim Hosanna with sincerity, and to follow Christ with courage through the challenges of Holy Week. As I reflect on my own Palm Sunday experiences, Im reminded of the countless times Ive seen a palm branch and feeling a deep connection to the universal Church. Its a day that unites us in our shared belief in Christs love and victory. Whether youre a lifelong Catholic or someone rediscovering the faith, I encourage you to embrace Palm Sunday with an open heart. Let it be a moment to celebrate, reflect, and prepare for the profound mysteries of Easter. May this Palm Sunday bring you closer to Jesus and fill you with the peace of His presence. Shayne Heffernan is a Catholic writer and financial analyst who has covered markets and culture for over two decades. He is the founder of Knightsbridge, a global investment firm. Alex is 27 years old. A Mexican citizen, he arrived in the United States four years ago on a tourist visa, but never returned to his home country. In search of a better life, he decided to stay in Houston, Texas. While hes in the process of regularizing his status with a work visa, Alex is still one of the approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States. Therefore, hes been added to the Trump administrations list of deportable migrants. In the presidents opinion, the people on this list take advantage of the countrys generosity and commit crimes. He considers them to be undesirables. The agreement reached between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) will facilitate the authorities work in detaining undocumented individuals and moving forward with the largest deportation effort in history. This has been the Republican presidents desire for a long time. Under the agreement, the IRS will transfer information about migrants locations to the agents in charge of expelling them from the country. This would be possible because contrary to popular belief undocumented migrants pay taxes. Like most of the names on that hit list, Alex is not a criminal. I came here to seek a better life, not to evade the law, he explains. And instead of abusing public resources, he finances them. Every year, he files his tax return. This has resulted in him having to pay between $1,200 and $7,000 annually, depending on his income each fiscal year. Even if were immigrants in the United States, one has to abide by the laws of the country. Whether youre in Mexico, the United States, or China, you have to pay your taxes, he asserts with conviction. Despite the claims made by Trump and his supporters, undocumented immigrants not only pay taxes, but they also contribute more to federal and state coffers than they receive from them. Data obtained from various sources indicates that undocumented immigrants pay between $90 billion and $100 billion in federal, state and local taxes annually. According to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), more than a third of the taxes paid by undocumented immigrants go to fund programs that these same workers are prohibited from accessing. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes, $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes and $1.8 billion in unemployment insurance taxes. A woman holds a sign made from tax returns during a protest in Portland, Oregon, in 2017. Alex Milan Tracy (Getty Images) If [the authorities] really cared about pursuing immigrants with any criminal risk, these are the last undocumented immigrants they would want to pursue. Deporting them will hurt tax collections. [And], for those who remain, attacking them for filing their returns will obviously drive them even further underground and make them afraid to pay taxes, opined Michael Ettlinger, a partner at ITEP, at a conference last week. Its estimated that between 50% and 75% of undocumented households file their annual returns using the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to non-citizens who cannot obtain a Social Security number. By paying taxes, they comply with tax laws, which can help them regularize their immigration status by providing proof of their work history and physical presence in the United States. With the ITIN, they can also access the job market, apply for loans and even rent or buy a home. Entrepreneurs Alex obtained his ITIN the second year after arriving in the United States. He began working at a private investment firm, which initiated the process for him to obtain a visa. Then he had to leave for personal reasons, so his process was halted. Later, he started a marketing company, an LLC for which the only necessary identification is a passport. The result wasnt as good as he expected, so now hes embarked on a new venture with a synthetic turf installation company. In addition to his ITIN, he has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which he uses to pay the companys taxes. Alex is concerned about what an agreement between the IRS and ICE will mean for him. Its going to affect a lot of people including me depending on what actions they take with that information. Lets hope they dont make any decisions as drastic as [the ones] theyve been doing so far, he sighs. The dramatic images of ICE agents detaining parents in front of their children, mass workplace raids and the indiscriminate deportation of suspected criminals (who arent criminals) to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador dont bode well for those who have maintained a low profile until now. An undocumented immigrant is detained by ICE agents in Tucson, Arizona, last January. Rebecca Noble (REUTERS) Until now, the IRS has respected taxpayer confidentiality, precisely because of the fear that personal information especially if individuals are undocumented could be misused. Revealing their identities would make it easier for ICE to locate them. But not filing isnt a better option, either. If I stop filing my tax returns, the consequences will be worse, because now, Id be committing another crime, Alex shrugs. Fewer new taxpayers The outlook is different for those who have never filed a tax return before. Percy Pelaez, president of the Central American Chamber of Commerce, has already noticed the effects of Trumps policies in his accounting firm in Houston, Texas, where he has undocumented clients. Now, many people are asking: If I file my tax return this time, will they give my information [to ICE]? The fear isnt because they have to pay taxes: its because they have to give me the information. They ask me: What do you think will happen with this? The deadline for filing taxes ends on April 15th. The accountants clientele has dropped considerably compared to previous years, especially among new clients. While new ITIN applications accounted for between 12% and 15% of clients in previous years, this year, they only reached 1% to 2%. Pelaez acknowledges that offering a recommendation can be complicated. He generally tells his clients that they should follow the law, continue working and continue filing their taxes. However, he doesnt overlook the latent risk of the authorities anti-immigrant crusade. I also think about what happens if they get picked up. [Telling them not to pay would] be irresponsible [of me], but itll be on my conscience, right? Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A serial offender, who was caught driving at almost twice the speed limit and failed to pay a speeding fine, has been convicted. Darren Kelly (39) of Ballynagoshen, Edgeworthstown pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence. Garda Edward Flanagan said he was conducting a speed check on October 8, 2024 when he recorded the defendant driving a car at 96kph in a 50kph zone. Also read: Longford Motorist receives nine months in jail following drug driving incident The officer said he pursued the motorist and he stopped him at Ballynagoshen, Edgeworthstown where he spoke to him about the manner of his driving. Also read: Longford defendant receives a six-month suspended sentence for violent disorder Garda Flanagan said Mr Kelly, who could offer no reasonable excuse for his driving, produced a full Irish driving licence. Garda Flanagan said he issued a fixed charge notice, which he stated the defendant accepted. Mr Kelly had 50 previous convictions. Also read: Gardai get hundreds of lines of enquiry but still no closer to finding missing Kerry farmer Sergeant Mark Mahon informed Judge Bernadette Owens the defendant had received a three year suspended sentence last year for a separate offence. However, the court heard that punishment came prior to the October 8, 2024 incident so the suspended sentence could not be triggered or reactivated. Judge Owens considered the case and she decided to impose a 400 fine with six months to pay. Also read: ALERT: Garda hospitalised after being struck by car during routine traffic stop Longford Fine Gael TD Micheal Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary in the Dail last week for the reason Newtowncashel community centre was not selected for funding. The Ballinalee native also queried if there was an appeals process for the Community Centres Investment Fund scheme, which supports small-scale work on parish halls in designated rural areas. Deputy Carrigy also requested if feedback could be provided to the Newtowncashel committee to support them in making future applications and if further funding opportunities will be available for community centres in 2025. READ NEXT: Trip of a lifetime: Longford youngster visits Brussels after winning prestigious competition Deputy Carrigy stated there was recently a round of the community centre funding announced. "I had a parish hall in Newtowncashel, county Longford, that was unsuccessful due to an error in a letter of comfort as regards the length of time the hall was available," he said. "Will there be an appeals mechanism on unsuccessful applications, particularly, as I said, since community centres play such a vital role in all our communities throughout rural Ireland? In response Minister Dara Calleary stated more than 33 million has now been approved for in excess of 770 projects nationwide under the 2024 Community Centre Investment Fund. READ NEXT: Longford defendant receives a six-month suspended sentence for violent disorder However, he said given the very significant level of demand, not all applications were successful. "The facility referenced by the deputy submitted an application under category 2 of the 2024 fund seeking support of 45,000 for enhancement works on the facility. "The application reached the minimum scoring threshold required to be eligible for consideration but did not score high enough to be successful on this occasion. "Correspondence is now issuing to all unsuccessful applicants. "The community centre referred to by Deputy Carrigy is being offered an opportunity to avail of a feedback call which will clearly explain the basis for the decision and areas where the application can be strengthened. "There is also an opportunity to appeal the outcome of this application process and this will also be outlined during any feedback call," he added. Minister Calleary said he is committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. "In addition all unsuccessful groups may wish to explore other potential funding options supported by my Department, including the LEADER programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLAR programme," he added. Minister Calleary stated details of the aforementioned schemes are available on the Departments website. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem during an interview with Al Manar on March 09, 2025. (Al Ahed News) On March 09, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem gave his first lengthy interview to Manar Sabbagh from Al Manar, Hezbollahs satellite TV station, after assuming his post. Qassems predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, often gave similar interviews to Al Manar and Al Mayadeen, another Lebanese channel, delving deeper into issues that Hezbollah considered important. These engagements allowed Nasrallah to buttress the groups narrative around such issues and develop both his own cult of personality, which helped retain and grow Lebanese Shiite support, and the reputation of other figures deemed critical to the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. In last months interview, Qassem dealt with issues ranging from Nasrallahs funeral to Hezbollahs conduct during the war and the groups future in Lebanon. Sabbagh interjected with questions meant to build up the new secretary-generals cult of personalitya status that made Nasrallah very effective but almost indispensable. Nasrallahs funeral Qassem said Hezbollah delayed holding Nasrallah and Hashem Saffiedines funeral to protect the people, but the delay allowed us to find a burial plot near the airport, and the opportunity to allow the people to participate. This participation, he said, turned out to be exceptional and showed a commitment to the future, expressing Hezbollahs supporters belief that the resistance isnt an idea or a phase; it is their food and drink and the blood coursing in their veins. Qassem insisted funeral attendance was so massive that even [our] foes could not ignore the crowds. He had an interest in exaggerating attendance, of course. However, the most credible estimate, offered by Lebanese consulting group Information International, put attendance at 690,000900,000 overwhelmingly Lebanese attendees. Qassem insisted the funeral attendance was both an outpouring of grief and a message that the groups supporters remained committed and willing to offer more sacrifices. Nasrallahs death and succession After Nasrallahs assassination, Qassem conferred with Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollahs Executive Council chairman and Nasrallahs heir apparent, on the succession. Qassem claims he insisted that Safieddine, whom he deemed more qualified, succeed Nasrallah. He said the two agreed to parcel out roles, with Safieddine overseeing military matters and Qassem handling political issues. That is why I spoke on September 30 as deputy secretary-general, while [Safieddine] attended to the military mission, Qassem said. He claims Safieddine was indeed elected by Hezbollahs Consultative Council but was assassinated by Israel on Thursday, October 3, 2024, before his election was announced that weekend. Qassem described Safieddines assassination as an earthquake. He said he felt reassured by Safieddine being next in line after losing Nasrallah, and Safieddines death turned his life upside down and left him temporarily lost. However, Qassem alleges a quick internal dialogue and divine inspiration helped him regain his bearings and determination to continue in his predecessors pathafter which, he turned to calm his colleagues in Hezbollah with assurances of divinely promised victory. The interviewer interjected to exaggerate Qassems bravery, saying, Those around you described you as exceptionally brave, possessed of a calmness andto also highlight Qassems eruditionclaimed the Hezbollah leader even requested books. Feigning humility, Qassem described his need to constantly read in his free time. Qassem steps up Qassem said his announcement as secretary-general was delayed until September 30 to confirm Safieddines September 19 death, bury him on September 23, and allow a week to pass out of respect. Qassem said he then began liaising with Hezbollahs military leadership to assess the groups remaining capabilities and determine the proper tempo of continued attacks on Israel. I coordinated a program with them for daily strikes, where to strike, the means, the details, when wed hit Tel Aviv, when wed hit Haifa, he claimed. Qassem said he followed the minutiae of the operations so he could set war goals. Qassem claimed Israel intended its rapid assassinations to create an internal earthquake in Hezbollah and end the group. However, he claims that he helped Hezbollah regain its footing within 10 days, aided by the group possessing a big body. We have endless commanders and immense capabilities, he said, claiming they soon filled all vacancies and allowed Hezbollah to continue its daily strikes and hit major Israeli cities. Hezbollahs strength and the ceasefire deal Qassem claimed Hezbollahs strength remained largely intact, citing daily attacks on northern Israel and the endurance of its fighters on the frontline. This strength, he said falsely, prevented Israel from reaching the Litani River. Qassem once again suggested that Hezbollah obstructed Israels real war aim of reaching Beirut and forced Jerusalem to demand a ceasefire. When the ceasefire occurred, it was based on [our] existing strength, and when we stopped [attacks] on the day of the ceasefire, we did so from a position of strength. We still possess this capability, he alleged. Qassem said Hezbollah constantly communicated with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during Lebanons ceasefire negotiations with Israel on the deals content. Ultimately, he claimed, Hezbollah accepted the ceasefire not out of weakness but because it never wanted the war. Thus, when Israel agreed to a ceasefire based on Security Council Resolution 1701, we had no objection. Qassem insisted Hezbollah had exclusively focused its attacks on Israeli military targets, despite also boasting about strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa. He also insisted that his group remained well and will continue despite the damage it absorbed during the war. Sacrifices and heavy price[s], he said, were a natural part of Hezbollahs resistance vocation, but the group prevailed against Israel with all of its murderousness, and America with its tyranny, murderousness, capabilities, weapons, and cooperation of European powers. Qassem sought to explain Hezbollahs setbacks with this oft-repeated exaggeration so the group could spin a clear defeat into a victory by virtue of survival. We paid a heavy price, but the resistance is continuing, thank God, he said. Hezbollah under the ceasefire agreement Qassem said Hezbollah rejected the US-Israel letter of assurance. He said the group agreed to the November 27 Lebanon-Israel ceasefire dealas it applied to the presence of armed groups and their infrastructure and unauthorized border crossingson the basis that it complied with Lebanons idiosyncratic understandings of Security Council Resolution 1701and was operative only south of the Litani River. Now we consider the [Lebanese] state responsible, he said. However, Qassem suggested that the state was failing to live up to its responsibilities. He pointed to visits of religious Jews to the Tomb of Rav Ashi/Sheikh Abbadbifurcated by the Blue Linenear Houla in south Lebanon as proof of this failure and Israels incremental but massive expansionism project from the Mediterranean to the Gulf. Qassem then threatened Israel over its continued presence in five points of south Lebanon past the ceasefires February 18 withdrawal deadline. This resistance and its people will not allow you to remain, Qassem said, advising Israel to seize the opportunity to withdraw peacefully while the Lebanese state is addressing the matter, to which we have agreed. Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the future of the groups arms Qassem rejected claims Hezbollah was fighting anyone elses war on Lebanese land, pointing to all the fighters, martyrs, and the land occupied being Lebanese. He said that Hezbollah differed from its accusers in their responses, though both rejected the Israeli occupation. Hezbollah says the occupation must be confronted with the resistance, the people, and the army if it continues. They choose diplomacy, even if diplomacy costs us Lebanon. Qassem said Hezbollah had withdrawn north of the Litani River, and so Israel lacked any excuse for its continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty. But Israel, he said, needed no excuses to commit aggression, and therefore, he cautioned Lebanese officials against blaming Hezbollah. Qassem called on the groups domestic opponents, disparaging them as self-described sovereigntists, to cooperate with Hezbollah and direct their verbal attacks at Israel instead because we live in one country. In any case, he said, Hezbollah will not stop resistance, try what you may. Well see where it will get you. Qassem also insisted that Hezbollahs principles, including its adherence to Khomeinism, remain unchanged. The group would continue confronting Israels expansionism to liberate our land and also help the Palestinians to achieve liberation based on Hezbollahs current circumstances and means. Qassem said Hezbollah also supports building an effective and just state to satisfy the needs of the people. When we participated in the parliamentary elections [beginning in 1992], or the government [beginning in 2005], or municipal elections, we did so to represent the people and offer our model. So, I repeat, were continuing. Qassem rejected the idea this government engagement meant Hezbollah would lay down its arms and pursue an exclusively political course. When we say the resistance is continuing, and while we speak of a strong state, what do we mean by continuing? With books?! It is continuing on the battlefield, he said. Qassem stated that the participation of Hezbollahs Radwan Force in Nasrallahs funeral was meant to convey Hezbollahs intention to remain in the [battle]field, we are continuing. Qassem insisted that only Hezbollahs methods, means, and time would change. However, he said, its principles, including resistance, would continue, because resistance is part of our principles if resistance ends, will there even be a Lebanon? He pointed to Israels operations in Syria after Bashar al Assads ouster as proof of Israeli designs on Lebanon. Wed see this all in Lebanon if not for the existence of the resistance, he said. Qassem continued: The Israelis know well today that if they dont leave [Lebanese] land, they will confront resistance. Not now. But later. Later when? In a day, in a month, after some time. I dont know. We are being patient. Because the [Lebanese] state is now responsible. But that does not mean matters will always remain like this. They must know this. Some changes happened, and we must adapt our tactics and methods. What do we say to the people? We tell them that now, we wont respond every time Israel strikes like we did in the past. No. There were rules of engagement [lit. an equation], but they no longer exist. New rules of engagement will arise, and we certainly wont allow Israel to set them. We will set rules of engagement that will protect our future and our country and will lead, in steps, toward liberation. Part of the rules by which we are now operating is giving the state the full opportunity for political action, so we can prove to the entire world that Israel only withdraws by force and only understands weapons. Qassem asked the groups supporters for patience and to utilize the current respite in the long war with Israel while trusting that Hezbollahs leadership, resistance and legendary fighters remain present and are acting wisely. Possessing wisdom and faith means I must act appropriately to suit the situation, he said, and that a delayed response demonstrated Hezbollahs strength, not its defeat. We chose patience. We have our means. Our people are with us. Our direction is there. Our principles remain. Our presence remains. But we believe we must now be patient, to see where the [ceasefire] deal will lead us. Hezbollah, Qassem insisted, was acting according to its realistic and pragmatic nature. Qassem confessed that tremendous domestic pressure backed by the United States and Israelincluding halting Iranian airliners from landing in Beirutsought to deny Hezbollah any rest. But the group, he said, remained ready and willing for any confrontation, which it would conduct as appropriatepartially politically, partially through media/information, and partially through other unspecified means. Hezbollah was dealing with all these matters, Qassem claimed, through increased cooperation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and granting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam the partys confidence in parliament. He said that this collaboration had already overcome some of the issues, such as American objections to Hezbollahs presence in Salams government. Qassem said it was premature to judge Hezbollahs relationship with Aoun and Salam but insisted that theres a certain positive warmth with the president. The Hezbollah leader said he supports the prime minister, and Hezbollah seeks cooperation with him but has yet to determine his intentions. Nevertheless, Qassem said, Hezbollah wants to help the Lebanese government with all its challenges, but also stop any American attempts to interfere in domestic politics. Hezbollah retains the weight to remain politically influential, Qassem said, pointing to the 30 parliamentarians it shares with Amal, or almost one-fourth of parliament five ministers, and an extraordinarily cohesive [Shiite] sect, as well as allies. He further stressed that Amal and Hezbollah together had won 45% of all votes cast during the last parliamentary election, overwhelmingly from Shiite voters. We operate within the state based on our popular support, he said, claiming that MP Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollahs Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc, received 47,918 votes, equaling those received by 23 other parliamentarians from smaller districts. Qassem then addressed Hezbollahs position on the states monopolization of weapons: Were not against the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and Lebanese Army being responsible for security in Lebanon and defense. We reject the idea of militias or anyone partnering with the state for defense. But we have nothing to do with this matter. We are a resistance, a resistance against the Israeli enemy. We defend our lands when the enemy attacks us. Now they say the state is sufficient to repel the Israeli enemy. Theyre welcome to show us what they can do with this enemy. We have no objection to them confronting [Israel]. But we as a resistance consider Israel a dangera danger when it is occupying [Lebanese land] or when it seeks occupation, a danger when it is in occupied Palestine. Israel is a danger by all measures. So, the resistance has a right to continue, and that has nothing to do with the administration of the state, the states weapons, or maintaining domestic security. If some consider the words of the president to be directed at us, we dont. No, its not directed at us. We are with monopolization [of arms by the state]. Domestic security and defending the country arent our responsibility. Its theirs. So, let the army, the ISF, and other agencies carry out those responsibilities. We are a resistance. Qassem said that Israel, not Lebanon or any actor in it, controlled the decision of war and peace. If they can prevent Israel from launching wars, great. Then they can monopolize the decision of war and peace. This has nothing to do with someone acting in self-defense when they sense danger, he said. Qassem again claimed Israel intended to launch the recent war irrespective of Hezbollah, citing former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attack Hezbollah as early as October 11, 2023. However, Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8, 2023. Hezbollah and Lebanese elections Qassem seemed unconcerned by attempts to create a parliamentary Shiite opposition bloc. Let them do what they want, and well do the same, he said. Qassem insisted that Lebanese Shiites would remain loyal to Hezbollah, citing failed prior attempts by the American Embassy to use the Embassy Shiites (a pejorative for anti-Hezbollah Shiites) to unseat the group. Qassem said that a previous understanding between Nasrallah and Berri was guiding Hezbollah and Amals current cooperation on upcoming municipal elections, including in villages on the Lebanon-Israel frontier. He was also positive about the groups relationship with the Druze Progressive Socialist Party and the possibility of an electoral alliance during municipal elections and insisted Hezbollahs relationship remained strong with the Free Patriotic Movement and Suleiman Frangiehs Marada Party. Qassem also said there was ample room for agreement with Saad Hariris Future Movement. Weve worked with him and his father [Rafic Hariri], may he rest in peace, so we wish them success and influence inside the country because we can work with them, he said. Reconstruction issues Qassem again said the Lebanese state was responsible for post-war reconstruction because Hezbollah didnt start the war. The group, he said, opened a mere support front, but support fronts dont lead to war. That was an Israeli decision. He also rejected preconditioning reconstruction aid. Qassem said that post-war reconstruction was an inseparable part of the Salam governments promised reforms. He stated that Hezbollah had already helped 236,000 of 286,000 refugees permanently return to their homes and would supplement the states future reconstruction effortsdespite it being the states exclusive responsibility. Qassem blamed Hezbollahs domestic foes for reconstruction delays and framed any conditioning of aid (implicitly upon Hezbollahs disarmament) as an attack on the Shiite sect. Qassem claimed Berri also opposed conditioning aid, describing the Amal Party and Hezbollah as virtually inseparable on the issue. Hezbollah and regional affairs Qassem rejected Lebanese normalization with Israel, describing Netanyahu as an American puppet and normalization as a Western imperialist tool to gradually control the region from the Nile to the Euphrates. He said it must be confronted, describing US President Donald Trump as a true tyrant and beast whose quest for world domination would only succeed if he remained undeterred. Qassem said that the United States and Israel were not guaranteed success. Trump could change, and Netanyahus term would end or he may be killed before that, who knows, God willing. Qassem said the United States knows that an American strike on Iran would endanger the entire US military presence in the region and have dire global repercussions. Trump will be very cautious, even though Israel, which seeks to use the United States as a front, is very excited, he said. Qassem also insisted the Iran-led Axis of Resistance will continue and is present, despite suffering severe setbacks in Palestine and Lebanon. Qassem said it was premature to judge Syrias course. We wish Syria stability to establish a system that makes Syria strong and ends Israeli expansionism. He opposed dividing up Syria and denied any involvement in Syrias internal affairs. He also feigned ignorance regarding the rise of any resistance in that country but said: I dont consider it farfetched that a resistance in Syria will arise against the Israeli enemy. Because the Syrian people are very Arab nationalistic, Islamic, nationalistic, were raised on the hatred of Israel, and reject occupation. Its long been known that the Syrian people were the Palestinian causes primary support but whatever will happen is the responsibility of the Syrians. Qassem ended his interview by sending his salutations to Hezbollahs fighters and the wounded. David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel was on hand to inaugurate the Grand Duchys pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025 on Saturday. Bettel, who had been in Japan since Friday to meet his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya, had earlier attended the expos opening ceremony in the presence of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, as well as Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru. The Luxembourg pavilion illustrates the different facets of Luxembourg: its traditions, its culture, its openness to the world, but also its modernity, Bettel said at the ribbon cutting. He added that Luxembourg is particularly proud of the circular nature of the pavilion. The importance of responsible and respectful management of natural resources is one of the main messages conveyed by Luxembourgs participation in the expo, he said. 1 / 5 Xavier Bettel cut the ribbon to formally open Luxembourgs pavilion on Saturday Photo credit: MAE Luxembourg 2 / 5 Xavier Bettel enjoys some sweet Japanese hospitality at the Osaka World Expo 2025 Photo credit: MAE Luxembourg 3 / 5 Technology is one focus at the Luxembourg pavilion Photo credit: MAE Luxembourg 4 / 5 The minister took time to talk to students of the Luxembourg School of Hotel Management and Tourism Photo credit: MAE Luxembourg 5 / 5 Visitors to the Luxembourg pavilion can take a virtual tour of the Grand Duchy Photo credit: MAE Luxembourg Bettel during his visit signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka economic interest group and the NestaResort Kobe theme park. This seals the resorts commitment to reuse the concrete foundation blocks of the Luxembourg pavilion after the end of the expo. The theme of the Luxembourg pavilion, designed by Luxembourg architectural firm STDM, is Doki Doki - The Luxembourg Heartbeat, the Japanese expression for enthusiastic and joyful heartbeats. Bettel also took time to talk to students of the Luxembourg School of Hotel Management and Tourism (EHTL), who have taken charge of the pavilions restaurant service. Also read: Luxembourg hoping to bowl over visitors to World Expo with own alley He also tried his hand at bowling in the pavilions traditional Keelebunn, which was installed by the Grand Duchys last remaining builder of bowling alleys, Georges Linster. The Osaka World Expo continues until October with visits planned by Luxembourg trade and diplomatic delegations, including Crown Prince Guillaume. Luxembourg and Japan could not be more different: from their approach to work to their communication styles, the two countries are like day and night. If its considered rude to sniff your nose in Grand Duchy, blowing it is considered impolite in Japan, for example. With the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan starting this weekend, the Luxembourg Times talked to Luxembourg nationals who chose to call the East Asian country their home about their experiences. Everything is so different, its really impressive Eric Elter Luxembourger in Japan There are currently 86 Luxembourg citizens - adults and children - registered with the Luxembourg embassy in Japan on a voluntary basis, the embassy confirmed in an email. That compares to around 600 Japanese nationals living in Luxembourg. These Luxembourgers abroad are scattered across the islands, some staying in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, while others chose more rural spaces like Saga and Hada to experience Japanese life. Beautiful nature and big cities With a population of 671,000, Luxembourg has less than 4.73% of the population of Japans capital, Tokyo (17.19 million). Everything is so different, its really impressive, said Eric Elter, 32, who has lived in Japan for two and a half years and currently resides in Kyoto. You cant compare Japanese cities to anything in Luxembourg, but if you go to the countryside, it kind of feels like a small town in Luxembourg. Its very quiet with long roads crossing wide fields, said Corinne Kesseler, who lives in Osaka. While Luxembourg is known for being generously covered by nature while relatively close to other major European cities, Japan truly has it all when it comes to nature, despite being an island. Corinne Kesseler hasnt travelled abroad except to visit family but says Japan caters to all needs of nature lovers Photo credit: Corinne Kesseler While Luxembourg is known for being generously covered by nature while relatively close to other major European cities, Japan truly has it all when it comes to nature, despite being an island. In Luxembourg, I could just travel to Paris or London for the weekend - which I cant do in Japan. But I havent felt too restless because, if you travel to different Japanese prefectures, youll be able to find sand dunes, mountains and the ocean. Every prefecture is so different, Kesseler, who has lived in Japan for three years, said. Juan Tyranowski, a Luxembourg student at Saga University in rural Japan, said both countries are quite similar in regard to nature, in that they both have a strong appreciation for it. However, with its vastness, Japans nature is home to more dangerous wildlife, said Rachel Martin: You have to carry around bear spray and a bear bell when you go hiking and be careful if you meet monkeys because they can be quite aggressive. Deeply layered cultural nuance and communication There are many unspoken rules in Japanese culture, the Luxembourgers in Japan agreed. Although these rules are not vital for tourists to understand, anyone living in Japan and wishing to befriend Japanese people should be aware of them. More than the language barrier, theres this Japanese concept of tatemae which requires you to be friendly and perfect in public, Kesseler said. Tatemae describes a persons outward appearance, how they speak and behave in public compared to how they are privately. Someone dropping their facade and including you in their inner social circle can take time. While some interviewees said this was similar to Luxembourg, others said it was easier to have deep conversations quickly in the Grand Duchy. There are many subtleties in social exchanges Juan Tyranowski Luxembourg student living in Japan Another term that came up in conversations with Luxembourg expats was reading the air - the equivalent of reading the room. In Japan, you need to read the air, read other peoples needs or intentions based off their facial expressions, for instance. If you have no background on the language or culture, it can be tricky, Martin explained. Tyranowski initially found the countrys non-verbal communication style challenging as there are many subtleties in social exchanges and people in Japan choose harmony over conflict, he explained. Juan Tyranowski (right) regularly visits Japanese schools to interact with local students and teach them about Luxembourgs culture Photo credit: Juan Tyranowski Tyranowski initially found the countrys non-verbal communication style challenging as there are many subtleties in social exchanges and people in Japan choose harmony over conflict, he explained. Hierarchy is also important in Japanese culture - reflected both in interactions and the language - but this has its good sides too, Tyranowski said: Juniors have to help out seniors and professors, but the latter also have to be present and help the people below them, he said about his university life. Martin, who has been living in Japan continuously for two years but had done stints in the country before, recommended doing research on the unspoken rules of the country, then taking opportunities to talk to locals when possible. The latter are friendly, but the key is to start with a little Japanese phrase and avoid being too direct. Language barrier Speaking multiple languages is almost expected or normal when living in Luxembourg, but in Japan, most people only speak Japanese - especially in rural parts. You need to learn the language, otherwise your options [for work] are going to be limited, said Francois Blom-Peters, who lives in Hida and has been in Japan almost five years. Language is the most challenging part, especially in a rural place like this one, said Tyranowski. Having picked up some of the language, he says he can really experience authentic Japan in the countryside. Eric Elter fell in love with Japan during a trip, moved there for an MBA and met his partner Photo credit: Eric Elter For administrative matters, not speaking Japanese is also a hurdle, as there is little English support for paperwork, said Elter, whose girlfriend is from Japan and usually helps him. Martin, who had previously earned a bachelors degree in Japanese studies and did a year of language learning at a Japanese university, recommended that even tourists should learn a few Japanese sentences, just to break the ice. However, despite the language barrier, many in Japan are curious about foreign cultures, Tyranowski said, pointing out that some people never get to travel outside of the islands. Where modernity meets tradition Seeing a high rise building right next to an ancient but well-kept shrine isnt surprising in Japan. The modern and traditional are so close to each other here. There is the super high-tech stuff and fax machines, or a massive company next to a shrine. But somehow it all works so well together, Kesseler said. The hyper modernisation doesnt lead to the disappearance of traditions, she continued, a trait Tyranowski said it shared with Luxembourg. Like Japan, Luxembourg is a modern country that values its traditions, he said. Though mainly positive, the downside of this approach to traditions and modernity can lead to outdated systems, the interviewees explained. There is the super high-tech stuff and fax machines, or a massive company next to a shrine. But somehow it all works so well together. Corinne Kesseler Luxembourger in Japan The fax machine, long left in the dust in Luxembourg, remains a staple of Japanese offices, and the countrys government only managed to phase out floppy disks from all its systems last year. The banking experience is also still old-fashioned, said biology researcher Leger who lives in Okinawa. There are opening hours even when you just want to go to the ATM, and my bank doesnt offer online banking, she explained. Despite its exceptional organisation, lauded by all interviewees, the countrys visa and flat hunting experiences are outdated and arduous too, they said. Francois Blom-Peters has been able to work a variety of jobs in Japan, including working in an animal park. Photo credit: Mariko Tagashira Despite its exceptional organisation, lauded by all interviewees, the countrys visa and flat hunting experiences are outdated and arduous too, they said. Intense work culture The work culture in Japan is also completely different from Luxembourg, the expats said. The work culture really shook me - even if its slowly changing now, said Elter, who is currently setting up his consulting firm for start-ups in Japan. Used to eight-hour workdays in Luxembourg, or the occasional long hours as an entrepreneur, Elter was surprised by the fact that its completely normal for people to work 12-14 hours a day. The restaurant and cafe culture found in Luxembourg - where people enjoy meeting for food and drinks for several hours - isnt prevalent in Japan. Okinawa is more relaxed than mainland Japan but Luxembourg is still a bit more informal, said Leger. In Japan, you dont go to the restaurant to hang out a long time with your friends. You go, you eat and youre out in 30 minutes. You might then go to another place to hang out longer. That was a bit of a culture shock, Kesseler explained. 1 / 3 Okinawa, a Japanese island, offers another way to explore the culture, says biology researcher Michelle Leger Photo credit: Michelle Leger 2 / 3 Okinawa, a Japanese island, offers another way to explore the culture, says biology researcher Michelle Leger Photo credit: Michelle Leger 3 / 3 Okinawa, a Japanese island, offers another way to explore the culture, says biology researcher Michelle Leger Photo credit: Michelle Leger And while Japanese cuisine and food are universally lauded as excellent, for Luxembourg expatriates a good cheese can be lacking from the options available. Regardless of cultural differences and some hurdles, consensus is that the foreign residents could see themselves living in Japan for a few years at least. For novices to the country, Tyranowski and Blom-Peters recommended visiting the Japanese countryside while Leger said Okinawa, which feels like a mix between Hawaii and Japan, is worth experiencing because of how different it is from mainland Japan. You have so many options and cultural events. You could live here your whole life and not finish exploring one district of Tokyo, Martin said. A Massachusetts man and his brother have been sentenced in connection with a scheme to price gouge hospitals for face masks that were misbranded as N95 respirators during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday. Norfolk, Massachusetts, resident Jeffrey Motha, 36, and Miami, Florida, resident Daniel Motha, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of introduction of misbranded devices into interstate commerce and one count of conspiracy to commit price gouging in October 2024, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. A federal judge sentenced each brother to one year of probation and ordered them to pay a $9,500 fine in connection with the charges. The two brothers co-owned a now-defunct Florida-based company called JDM Supply LLC that conspired with another company, Advoque Safeguard LLC a PPE manufacturer, to distribute face masks that were misbranded as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 respirators in the spring of 2020, the U.S. Attorneys office said. JDM Supply misled one hospital into believing that the masks were NIOSH-approved N95s, the U.S. Attorneys office said. As a result, the hospital accepted and paid for approximately 850,000 of the face masks at a total price of approximately $2.6 million. JDM Supply sent the hospital NIOSH-passing test results and approval documents for a different mask, the U.S. Attorneys office said. But ultimately, the hospital did not use the masks, which were eventually returned to Advoque. In August 2020, a NIOSH lab tested a sample of the masks that had been shipped to the hospital, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The masks tested between 83.94% and 93.24% filtration efficiency, thus falling below the 95% minimum level of filtration efficiency required for N95 respirators. In August 2023, Norfolk, Massachusetts, resident Jason Colantuoni pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit price gouging in connection the case, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Colantuoni is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2025. A Spencer woman pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $42,000 in Social Security benefits in federal court on Friday, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced. Gina Llerena-Donohue, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. From February 2006 through May 2021, Llerena-Donohue fraudulently obtained $41,954.20 in Social Security benefits, the U.S. Attorneys office said. She accomplished this by not notifying anyone that a beneficiary who she had power of attorney over had died in January 2006. Llerena-Donohue accessed the improperly paid benefits through several counter cash withdrawals, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Furthermore, she submitted four false affidavits to the bank in 2018 and 2019 stating that the power of attorney was still in effect because it had not been terminated by the death of the beneficiary. A federal judge scheduled Llerena-Donohues sentencing for July 23, 2025, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. CHICAGO As expected, the Red Sox placed starter Richard Fitts on the injured list Saturday. To replace him, they added an accomplished veteran arm to their bullpen mix. Boston selected the contract of righty Michael Fulmer and placed Fitts, who left Saturdays game in the sixth inning, on the 15-day injured list with a right pectoral strain. The teams 40-man roster is now full. Fulmer, the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year and a 2017 All-Star, is back in the majors for the first time since 2023. He spent all of 2024 rehabbing after undergoing UCL revision surgery on his right elbow in the fall of 2023. For the 32-year-old Fulmer, who signed a two-year, minor-league contract with the Red Sox in February 2024, the promotion represents the end of a long rehab journey. He didnt pitch at all last season and after being given a shot to crack the Opening Day roster, was one of the final cuts in spring training before beginning the year at Triple-A. A very long road, Fulmer said Sunday. Its a lot to handle for not only myself, but my wife and kids. Just happy a lot of hard work hopefully pays off here, getting the shot again. Its been real long. But Ive been there before. Ive done it. Its a little more satisfying knowing that you didnt have a job guaranteed after a long year of rehab. Just inspires you to put that much more work in with my wife and both my kids and its just, ultimately the most satisfying that Ive done in my career so far, just being able to say I did it. Fulmer started two games for Worcester and came out of the bullpen in his other appearance. For now, though, the Red Sox will use him as a reliever who can give them multiple innings if needed. Fulmer opened eyes by pitching to a 0.79 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 11 spring training innings. He has a 3.09 ERA (4 earned runs in 11 innings) while striking out 18 batters and allowing seven hits in 11 innings so far at Triple-A. He has been throwing the ball well, said manager Alex Cora. He threw the ball well in spring training. Obviously, with the injury, getting another arm here was important. Winc (Josh Winckowski) is down and usage has been up for some guys. Having another righty is gonna help us. Hopefully, we have a big lead and he can go in there and give us three innings. Thats what hes here for. Obviously, the changeup comes into play. Today, theyve got a bunch of righties, of course, with Garrett (Crochet) on the mound. Having him in the bullpen helps. Fulmer was informed Saturday that hed be joining the big league team for its matinee series finale at Rate Field. So he woke up at 3:30 a.m. Sunday and caught a 5:15 a.m. flight to Chicago. His day, believe it or not, started in a camper west of Worcester which he has called home since the beginning of spring training. I traveled light this year, Fulmer said. Wife and kids were back home, just me up there. Brought up the camper and been staying in that. Fulmer previously owned a camper for hunting but never lived in one full-time before this year. He drove it from Fort Myers to Worcester after being told hed start the year in the minors. Its great for one person, Fulmer said. The wife and kids, theyve come and stayed in it down in spring training and the kids loved it. But you can only spend a few days that close to really test your family togetherness. Fitts, as expected, flew back to Boston to undergo an MRI that is scheduled for Monday. The club clarified that his strain is in the pectoral muscle, and not the shoulder, though its unclear how severe the issue is. Boston will start Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler in the first two games of a three-game series in Tampa this week but the starter for Wednesdays series finale is to be determined. No. 5 starter Sean Newcomb will pitch but the Red Sox are considering using an opener, according to Cora. Well see where theyre at, Cora said. Bails (Andrew Bailey) was thinking about having an opener or not an opener. Well talk about it. Sean is in line to pitch that game. The role, we dont know yet. The Red Sox rotation will undergo significant upheaval in the coming weeks with Fitts now sidelined and righties Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito both getting close to activation. Bello will pitch in the minors again in the middle of the week, and Cora said thatll likely be his final rehab outing. Giolito has one or two more outings scheduled, with the next also coming mid-week, depending on the weather. Fitts turn comes around Friday at Fenway Park with the White Sox in town. Boston could pitch Garrett Crochet on regular rest after Thursdays off day or could turn to a fill-in option. Hunter Dobbins and Cooper Criswell are candidates, but Fulmer, who has made 90 career big league starts, cant be ruled out, either. Im just happy to be here, he said. If its in the rotation, in the bullpen, long guy, one-inning guy, doesnt matter to me. Im just happy to be here pitching. SPRINGFIELD Elected officials and some residents have been asking: What is the citys policy on local police involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns? The federal agency has fanned out in cities and towns across the country and Springfield has been no exception. During a series of sweeps in Massachusetts in late March, ICE made its presence known in this city with at least two visits, according to police. Unlike Amherst, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Concord, Newton, Northampton and Somerville, Springfield is not a designated sanctuary city. But it does have an ordinance passed by the City Council in 2018 limiting what police can do with regard to immigration issues. Video News: [Video News] Presentation des candidats pour les Municipales 2025 du Reform Party[Video News] Status quo pour les prix des carburants[Vido News] Les investisseurs institutionnels, les innovations reglementaires et les investissements alternatifs au cur des discussions[Video news] Conference de presse de Platform Citoyen[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 9 avril 2025[Video News] Dans les coulisses de Devdas Le Musical[Video News] Ceremonie douverture de PIAfrica 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 8 avril 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 8 avril 2025 en Live[Video News] Table ronde autour de lEducation[Video News] 12 candidats se sont enregistre pour le Ward 1 de Port-Louis[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 5 avril 2025[Video news] 407 candidats pour les municipales[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 4 avril 2025[Video News] Conference de presse dAtif AslamDerniere ligne droite pour les inscriptions pour lAnahita Trail 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 2 avril 2025[Video News] La GSEA satisfiat des nominations[Video News] Made in Moris accueille 40 nouveaux adherents et renforce son reseauDeces de Val Krimer[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 1er avril 2025[Video news] FinTech in Africa : Vision 2030 , un evenement dAMCHAM (Mauritius) en partenariat avec le Groupe MINDEX[Video News] Bryan Adams a dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 29 mars 2025[Video news] De la poubelle a Mare Chicose[Video news] Les 80 ans de Paul Berenger[Video news] Fintech in Africa Vision 2030[Video News] Plusieurs Top 5 et Top 10 mondiaux parmi les meilleurs etudiants ACCA mauriciens de lannee 2024[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 28 mars 2025[Video news]Les entreprises mauriciennes unissent leurs forces lors du Responsible Business Summit 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 26 mars 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 25 mars 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 25 mars en Live[Video News] Soiree litteraire a lICJM[Video News] Gokan Japan @ Grand Baie La Croisette[Video news] Fam pe zwen[Video news] Plus de 60 etudiants recompenses lors de lACCA High Achievers Celebration[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du mars 2025[Video News] Casela Nature Parks fete ses 45 ans dans une ambiance entre heritage et avenir.[Video News] Brand Within 2025 : Faconner lavenir du travail a MauriceRegus Grand Baie, la solution ideale pour les entreprises et startups souhaitant simplanter dans le nord ![Video News] Casela Nature Parks a fete ses 45 ans[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 19 mars 2025[Video news] Conference de presse du Commissaire Electorale[Video news] Conference de presse de Bruneau Laurette[Video News] Rajesh Bhagwan et Joanna Berenger ont dit[Video news] PIM Limited celebre la Journee Mondiale du Recyclage[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 18 mars 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 18 mars en Live[Video News] Shakeel Mohamed: Livraison de provisions par le navire indien INS Imphal a Agalega [Video News] Reconnaissance pour 200 nouveaux experts-comptables face aux defis de la technologie et du developpement durable[Video news] LACCA Mauritius accueille 180 nouveaux membres[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 15 mars 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 14 mars 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 12 mars 2025[Video News] Message de Navin Ramgoolam pour le 12 mars 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 11 mars 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 8 mars 2025[Video news] Le MMM Celebre la Journee Internationale de la Femme[Video News] Jean-Luc Chane-Kane a anime un seminaire sur la socialisation des chiens[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 7 mars 2025[Video News] Seance parlemantaire du 7 mars 2025[Video News] Nouvelle identite de la Turbine: au-dela dun incubateur, un partenaire strategique de linnovation responsable [Video News] Grays celebre son expertise et son heritage lors de son second Corporate Media Breakfast[Video News] Rebranding de La Turbine[Video News] Conference de presse de lUnion of Artists[Video News] 2e Corporate Media Breakfast de Grays a Villebague[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 5 mars 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 4 mars 2025[Video News] Conference de presse du MSM[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 4 mars 2025 en Live[Video News] Message du ministre des Affaires Etrangeres[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 28 fevrier 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 fevrier 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 28 fevrier 2025Garance: Treizieme bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice (27-02-2025 : 04h10)Garance: Onzieme bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice (26-02-2025 : 22:10)[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 25 fevrier 2025Garance: Septieme bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice ( 26-02-2025 @ 4h10)[Video News] Elsa Wolinski, Clementine Galey, Shakti Callikan et Cristele de Speville font du podcast un vecteur de proximite et dauthenticiteGarance: Sixieme bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice ( 25-02-2025 @ 22h10)[Video news] Point de presse du NCC du 25 fevrier 2025Garance : Cinquieme bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice (25-02-2025 : 16 h 10)Communique du National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management CentrePremier bulletin de cyclone pour Maurice (24-02-2025 : 16:10)[Video News] Dimans politik[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 22 fevrier 2025[Video News] Attitude Talk Series No 7[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 21 fevrier 2025[Video News] Coup denvoi de Pepcity No 2 avec le concert de Atif Aslam, le 5 avril 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 21 fevrier 2025 en Live[Video News] Vernissage de Cendrine Bolaram[Video news] QBL annonce le concert dAtif Aslam a Cote dOr et Pepcity @ Bagatelle[Video news] Bilan des 15 ans de Lottotech[Video News] Expo peinture a loccasion abolition de l esclavage a Quatre Bornes[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 18 fevrier 2025[Video news] Nando Bodha a dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 15 fevrier 2025[Video News] Dimans Politik[Video News] Pravind Rughoo : Fair attention kan sorti dan Sud Moris Mauritius referred to its transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Large Ocean State , The first Partnership Dialogue between the Republic of Mauritius and the European Union was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius in the context of the Samoa Agreement. Five Ministers of Mauritius and senior officials as well as 7 Ambassadors and representatives from 9 EU Member States attended the dialogue. Mauritius and the EU took note of the progress achieved since the last Dialogue in 2022 in their diplomatic, economic and trade relations in promoting development cooperation, financial governance and investment, maritime and port security, sustainable fisheries as well as regional integration. They also reconfirmed the common values of democracy, rule of law and human rights as guiding principles to their relationship. In his welcome address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dhananjay Ramful highlighted the rapidly evolving global landscape marked by rising protectionism, trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. He underlined EUs role as a reliable and longstanding partner for Mauritius. The Minister stated that the Partnership Dialogue was a timely platform to discuss shared priorities such as Climate actions, economic resilience, Maritime security and Innovation. He welcomed enhanced cooperation with the EU and individual EU Member States for an inclusive approach that considers the specific challenges of SIDS like Mauritius. In his response, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Mr Oskar Benedikt stated: We are living in turbulent times; instability is the order of the day and in Europe, we face war and pressure from all sides. In this situation, we must remain reliable partners this is of utmost importance. The EU-Mauritius relations are based on shared values: democracy, rule of law, human rights, international law, and multilateralism. We are eager to strengthen our relationship, particularly in the areas of democracy, financial matters, climate change, the preservation of Mauritiuss natural resources, blue economy, circular economy as well as trade and investment. We are also ready to cooperate in other areas, such as innovation, education, and student exchanges through university partnerships, to include Mauritius in research and innovation networks. The following Ministers also addressed the audience on the occasion: Dr. the Hon. A. Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon A. Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Hon. D. Damry, Junior Minister of Finance. Global situation As it celebrates 25 years of the African UnionEuropean Union Partnership, the EU emphasised that the African Union is a strategic partner for Europe. The EU also underlined that the objectives of the new European Commission for Africa will be a new impetus in their mutual partnership ahead of the next AU-EU Ministerial Meeting in May and the next EU-African Union Summit later this year. Welcoming the celebrations, Mauritius also reaffirmed support for the African Unions permanent membership in the G20 and called for a stronger AUEU dialogue on global financial governance and United Nations Security Council reform. Mauritius emphasised the importance of ensuring that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are not left behind and reiterated its proposal for a tailored Global Gateway mechanism for SIDS with flexible financing and targeted capacity-building. Mauritius and the EU also discussed about geopolitical developments and expressed concern over the on-going wars and conflicts. They both expressed their commitment to territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders, in accordance with the UN Charter. This materialized in joint support on several UN Resolutions. Financial governance Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to the integrity of the international financial system. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international financial standards under FATF and the OECD. It underlined the robustness of its anti-avoidance framework and reiterated that Mauritius was rated as Compliant by the OECD Global Forum. Mauritius also proposed the establishment of a structured MauritiusEU Financial Dialogue Mechanism to promote mutual understanding. The EU reiterated its support to Mauritius in its objective to enhancing the international stature and repute of the Mauritius International Financial Centre. The EU will support Mauritius efforts to fight money laundering through a new programme to be implemented as from September 2025. The Mauritius side indicated its openness to the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Framework assessment. Trade The EU and Mauritius enjoy deep trade ties. The EU is Mauritius main trading partner, main source of tourists and main source of foreign direct investment. Both Parties concurred that it was important to intensify their efforts to complete the negotiations on the deepening of the Economic Partnership Agreement within 2025. Mauritius highlighted the progress achieved so far and requested more flexibility as we progress towards the future agreement which will be the EUs first modern and comprehensive free trade agreement with the Sub-Saharan Africa. 2Mauritius also highlighted priority sectors for which EU cooperation would be welcome, such as, Green energy, Ocean economy, Renewable energy, and Infrastructure modernisation and Digital technologies. Mauritius also requested EU assistance to promote technology transfer and expressed appreciation to the EU for the development of Geographical Indications for Mauritius. Blue economy Mauritius referred to its transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Large Ocean State and underscored that the Blue Economy is a strategic pillar of its development. Mauritius welcomed EUs long-standing support in the Blue Economy sector and highlighted the importance of sustainable management of marine resources of Mauritius, including value addition in global chains, and ensuring artisanal fisher livelihoods. Both parties underlined the benefits of the EU-Mauritius Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement for the seafood industry and the promotion of sustainable fisheries management in Mauritius waters. The EU reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to fighting against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which also applies to the EU vessels, ensuring that no illegally caught fisheries products end up on the EU market. Mauritius also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing and called for enhanced EU collaboration on the implementation of the Fisheries Act 2023 and related traceability systems. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to science-based fisheries governance under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and regional frameworks such as IOTC and SIOFA. Both Parties underlined their constructive cooperation within the IOTC underlining their strong commitment to the sustainability of resources and the fight against IUU fishing and looked forward to the 29th Session of the IOTC that the European Union will be hosting in La Reunion on 13-17 April. Making reference to the European comprehensive approach for a sustainable blue economy, the EU confirmed its readiness to support Mauritius in assessing options to update its national strategy on fisheries and the blue economy. Maritime security Maritime Security is an area of common interest for the EU and Mauritius as their overall objective is to protect their citizens and economies from the consequences of unlawful intentional acts. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the EU to ensure the safety of the Western Indian Ocean and combat threats such as piracy, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Mauritius and the EU also highlighted various initiatives starting since 2010 including bilateral agreement with EUNAVFOR Atalanta Operation and the Safe Seas Africa programme. They underlined the importance of enhancing strategic partnerships with international organisations such as the International Maritime Organization, the United 3Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL as well as with regional organisations such as the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Regional Integration The EU and Mauritius re-affirmed their commitment to peace, regional integration and multilateralism. The EU is one of the main partners and funders of the Indian Ocean Commission, within which Mauritius is very active. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration through its engagement in the IOC, IORA, SADC, and COMESA. Mauritius welcomed the EUs support across several projects and emphasised the need for improved alignment with national priorities and better integration of SIDS-specific challenges within EU programming under NDICI Global Europe. EU Global Gateway The EU presented the Global Gateway, Europes offer for connecting the world with investments and partnerships. The initiative combines grants, concessional loans as well as guarantees to de-risk private sector investments to support a strong, inclusive, green and digital recovery and transformation worldwide. The EU underscored that the implementation of the EUR 150 billion- Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package that was announced at the EU-AU Summit in 2022 has progressed significantly. The EU presented the numerous potential sectors where this initiative could be considered in Mauritius including water, energy, the port, and the circular economy. The EU also presented the new EUR 3 million programme to support the national authorities in the implementation of their national roadmap on Circular Economy. The Rodrigues airport modernisation is a concrete example of a Global Gateway Initiative, where EU grant is mobilised to support investment in infrastructural needs. Mauritius welcomed the Global Gateway as a key enabler of sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and digital transformation. Mauritius called for structured engagement with EU institutions such as the European Investment Bank and proposed the establishment of a dedicated MauritiusEU Task Force to fast-track project implementation. Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Mauritius reiterated its ambition to become a regional innovation hub, highlighting its National AI Strategy, investment in digital public services, and an eventual Centre of Excellence in AI. Mauritius called for expanded cooperation under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ and proposed the creation of an EUMauritius Innovation Platform. The EU welcomed Mauritiuss vision and confirmed its willingness to support research partnerships and academic collaboration, and AI governance through initiatives such as Horizon Europe. Participants on Mauritius side: Hon. D. Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dr. the Hon. A. Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon A. Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Hon. D. Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, in the presence of Dr. the Hon. J. Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Hon. A. Navarre- 4Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Senior officials from different Ministries also attended. Participants on the EU side: The EU Ambassador was accompanied by 7 Ambassadors from 7 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden) as well as representatives from two Member States (Czech Republic and Spain). Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was killed in a road traffic collision in County Waterford. They say the fatal incident, involving a car and a motorbike, happened shortly before 2pm this Saturday on the R634 at Ballydasoon near Youghal on the Cork-Waterford border. "The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His remains have been transferred to the mortuary at Waterford University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, was transported to Cork University Hospital for assessment," said a spokesperson. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are currently examining the scene and motorists are being advised that local traffic diversions remain in place. READ ALSO: Chef Rory O'Connell makes first Irish cookery show in Africa Gardai are appealing to anyone with information, particularly road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, from the area at the time, to contact Midleton garda station at 021-4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. The fatal collision is the second on Irish roads this weekend. A man, aged in his 30s, died after the ride-on lawnmower he was driving was in collision with a car at Kilcash Cross in Tipperary on Friday night. Common dog diseases include parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, rabies, and Lyme disease. Early detection and vaccination help prevent serious illness. Pet owners, be aware! Canine #Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease in #dogs. Vaccination is KEY to protection! #DogHealth #VaccinateYourPets Advertisement Understanding Canine Parvovirus Trusted Source Parvovirus infection Go to source Trusted Source Advertisement Shelters Step Up Prevention Measures Quarantining new intakes before mixing them with the general shelter population. Thorough cleaning routines using disinfectants proven to kill the virus. Public awareness campaigns urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs. Advertisement Pet Owner Responsibility is Key Parvovirus infection - (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parvovirus-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20376085t) A sharp rise in cases ofa highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting dogs, has set off alarm bells in animal shelters and veterinary clinics across several regions of the United States, including the Ozarks and parts of Illinois and Missouri.Shelters are working around the clock to contain the spread of the virus, which primarily targets puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Known for its sudden onset and aggressive symptoms, parvovirus can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness, dehydration , and even death if not treated promptly.Canine parvovirus, or "parvo," () is caused by a virus that attacks a dogs gastrointestinal tract and immune system . According to veterinarians, symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. The virus is especially dangerous because of how easily it spreadsthrough direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated surfaces, including food bowls, soil, and human hands.Parvo is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for months. Thats why outbreaks can escalate so quickly if were not careful, explained a local veterinarian quoted by WGEM in Illinois.Theover the past few weeks, prompting shelters to ramp up disinfection efforts, isolate infected animals, and remind the public of the importance of vaccination.To combat the rising threat, local shelters are implementing emergency protocols, including:At Missouri-based shelters, staff are also partnering with local veterinary clinics to host low-cost vaccination drives, especially targeting high-risk areas where vaccination rates are low.Its heartbreaking to see young puppies suffer from something preventable, said a shelter worker in the OzarksFirst report. Education and vaccination are our best weapons.Health experts and animal advocates are urging pet owners to act swiftly and responsibly. Dogs should begin receivingfollowed by booster shots as recommended by veterinarians. Owners are also advised to avoid exposing puppies to unfamiliar environmentslike dog parks or pet storesuntil they are fully vaccinated.A guide from the Highland Post emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Prompt veterinary intervention can significantly improve a dogs chance of survival, as treatment usually involves hospitalization, IV fluids, antibiotics , and intensive care.While canine parvovirus remains a serious threat, it is entirely preventable through vaccination and hygiene awareness. The rise in recent cases has served as a wake-up call to communities, shelters, and pet parents alike. Parvo is not just a shelter issueits a community issue, said one volunteer. By staying informed and proactive, we can protect our dogs and stop the virus in its tracks.As cases continue to rise, local health authorities and shelters are urging dog owners to check their pets vaccination records and contact their vets for updates.Source-Medindia Fay Odeh poses for a photo at her restaurant Steve's Ranch on April 9, 2025. The restaurant's style is inspired by her late husband Steve Odeh's fascination with the "western" lifestyle, and features a handmade wagon housing the salad bar. (Mitchell Kukulka | MLive.com) Mitchell Kukulka | Mkukulka@mlive.com JACKSON, MI It was an icy, snowy day in mid-December 1978 when the Odeh family first stopped in the parking lot at 311 W. Louis Glick Highway. Fay Odeh along with her husband Steve and six children had just moved to Waterloo Township from the Detroit suburbs. In a time before Google, the Odehs had paused their tour of Jackson to look at a map when they noticed they were parked in front of a Lums restaurant. The eatery, part of the now-defunct franchise, had recently shut its doors, and the For sale/lease sign caught their eyes. It was like it was predestined - like it was meant for us, Odeh, 81, said. We were both working and (Steve) was interested in the restaurant business. It just worked out that the restaurant was up for lease. The building reopened May 6, 1980, as Steves Ranch, and the family restaurant has stood as a staple of the Jackson community for the past four decades. Its calm atmosphere makes Steves Ranch a frequent meeting place for local groups like the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, Odeh said. This is part of the reason Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney recently honored Odeh with a key to the city during his 2025 State of the City Address. Related: Jackson mayor highlights progress, parking in State of the City Address Mahoney said Odeh and her restaurant have stood the test of time. There are so many dignitaries, important people and social clubs that have breakfast, lunch or dinner at Steves Ranch, Mahoney said to Odeh during his address. I wanted to make sure I recognized you and give you your flowers for the way that you contribute to this city. Linda Furgason has been coming to Steves Ranch since it opened 45 years ago. Furgason, 80, is co-president of the Jackson chapter of the League of Women Voters, along with several other groups and social clubs. No matter what group shes representing, Furgason almost always recommends Steves Ranch as a meeting place. Its always been welcoming and accommodating, Furgason said of Steves Ranch. Also, the food is excellent the desserts are out of this world. (Odeh) and her husband both have been fine, upstanding members of the community. Odeh takes pride in making everything from scratch, from her restaurants specialty steaks and prime ribs to homemade desserts. Everybody eats the food and they say Oh my God, thats just like what my mother makes or like their grandmother used to make, Odeh said. Its something that they relate to, something authentic and original. Odeh said she has always liked to cook, finding it to be relaxing and enjoyable. She said she started baking at 6 years old, and has always dreamed of owning her own restaurant. Steve Odeh was an outdoor man who was fascinated with western-style living and cowboy imagery, his wife recalls. These interests inspired not just the theme of their restaurant, but also the Odehs move to Jackson County to build their own ranch on a 40-acre parcel in rural Waterloo Township. The restaurants salad bar is made in the image of a covered wagon, handmade with help from the local Amish community, Odeh said. Steves Ranch is the couples second business. They previously ran Steves Restaurant, a small diner serving breakfast and lunch in downtown Farmington, from 1965 to 1970. Between her two stints as a restaurateur, Odeh studied psychology at Wayne State University, graduating in 1978. Since Steve died in 2004, his family has followed his death-bed wish to keep the business going. It was the hardest thing for me to deal with. I didnt think I was going to make it for many years after he left us, Odeh said. But the community was very supportive. I had a great deal of help from all of the customers. Though she doesnt don the 10-gallon variety of headwear her late husband liked to sport, Odeh wears many hats as a restaurant owner. She visits the establishment almost daily, sometimes helping out as a hostess, waitress, cook and cashier when the need arises. Odeh met her husband in 1963 in her hometown of Ramallah, Palestine. Steve Odeh had been visiting family after attending school in the United States. Somehow I spotted him from the crowd, and it just happened that he saw me too, Odeh said. It was just love at first sight. We ended up getting married, and I came here with him. The couple has eight kids, all of whom attended the University of Michigan before venturing into the fields of medicine and law. Odeh said Jackson has been completely accepting of her family, fulfilling the lifelong dream shes had of owning a restaurant and receiving love and recognition from the community she serves. When you see all the important people of the community come in and have breakfast, and everybodys happy to be here and happy to see you - thats when you are happy, and you know youre one of them and they accept you as a good neighbor and a good member of the community, Odeh said. That is what creates the satisfaction inside your heart if you are in the food industry: happy people. If people are happy, you are happy. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. On Tap & Uncorked is only open to adults 21 years and older. A pictured drivers license or state-issued I.D. will be required upon arrival. (Photo/Muskegon Museum of Art) MMA MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon Museum of Arts (MMA) On Tap & Uncorked event will return this month, kicking off from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Guests 21 and over can expect a multi-sensory tasting event with an artistic twist featuring artfully crafted West Michigan beer, wine, cider and food, all with an artistic twist. The MMA selects a limited number of vendors to participate each year, ranging from community favorites to new places that might not yet be on attendees radar. Organizers say the 10th annual event offers a fun and delicious way to explore the galleries and exhibitions while also supporting local businesses and the art museum. Tickets are $30 for MMA members, $40 for non-members and $50 at the door. Participating beverage and food vendors include the following: Burzurk Brewing Company Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn Coopersville Brewing Co. Domaine Berrien Cellars Fetch Brewing Co. Harmony Brewing Company North Grove Brewing Co. Off The Chain Brewstillery Pigeon Hill Brewing Company Pux Cider Stoney Ridge Vineyards Unruly Brewing Company Carlisles Restaurant Dr. Rolfs Barbeque The Early Owl Gnarly Heifer Hearthstone Lake Bluff Grille One Eyed Petes The Village Baker Additional tokens will be available for purchase at the event, with all proceeds supporting the MMA and special programming at the museum. The event is only open to adults 21 years and older. A drivers license or state-issued I.D. will be required upon arrival. Learn more and purchase tickets in advance online at muskegonartmuseum.org/event/on-tap-uncorked. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. GOETZVILLE, MI Peace. Tranquility. And the unencumbered beauty of the Upper Peninsula. That is at your fingertips. Every sunrise, every sunset enhances the incredible natural land all around you. Gray Stone Manor epitomizes the style, craftsmanship and unique setting that define a true Northern Michigan hunting ranch. Located at 8050 E. Sand Ridge Rd., this gem is listed at $1.2 million through Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors Cedarville with real estate agent Ted Ottaway. This one-of-a-kind property is MLives House of the Week. Homes across the state of various architectural styles and prices are showcased every Wednesday. Related: Peace, quiet and trails galore: Immersive wilderness, privacy key for $1.2 million U.P. paradise Youre going to have your peace and quite and some truly beautiful terrain to experience, Ottaway said. Its designed to be a luxury hunting camp. I see it more as a wilderness retreat with a main home and a guest house on 80 private acres, which is adjacent to 1,500 acres of state land along the south boundary. Its very remote, and would be inaccessible to anyone who isnt neighboring it, providing incredible privacy with quality craftsmanship. The property is named after the intricately constructed stone exterior adorning both residences, with the main home offering three bedrooms and the carriage house an additional two bedrooms plus loft. The main home is distinguished by a vaulted living room, floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace and locally harvested cedar mantle; both structures feature rosewood flooring, maple window frames and floor trim, and artisan-made metal stairway railings, each with its own theme that exemplify two of the owners passions wilderness and automobiles. A multi-acre clearing adjacent to the property creates a park-like feel, framed by massive hardwoods, a planted red pine forest, and features a custom fire pit that is the ultimate place for family gatherings at sunset. The 80 private acres on site offer outstanding terrain for hunting or riding horses, and the land neighbors a state-maintained snow and ATV trail along its southern border. This is like a trail paradise, Ottaway said. You have the state snowmobile trail that brushes up against the southwest side of the property, seasonal roads, unmarked trails for a 20-mile radius, that are perfect for horseback riding, snowmobiles or ATVs. There are 1,500 acres of state forest directly adjacent to the estates south boundary, with pre-existing trails connecting the parcels, which allows for even greater exploration of the diverse ecology and indisputable beauty of this still-undiscovered, spectacular region of the Eastern U.P. The homes are built to optimize the sunset with the floor-to-ceiling custom Bavarian-inspired windows in the living rooms of both residences facing southwest. The windows are overlooking a three-acre clearing, which attracts a lot of wildlife including deer, bear, fox, turkey and ruffed grouse and other sport birds. There are naturalistic flourishes to many light fixtures, hallway sconces and also a moose-antler chandelier. Everything was crafted in order to provide an authentic lodge experience. Theres an artisan made stairway railing in the main home with wildlife renderings, Ottaway said. If you really like exploration and riding trails, its a mecca for trail and horseback riding. You could easily put a barn and a fenced in riding pen and ride horses all day. It has more recreational ideals than just hunting. The stunning originality of the two residences are only matched by a location thats equally unique in its immersive and authentic wilderness setting. The property is only about a 20-minute drive from the quaint shorefront communities of Cedarville and Hessel. Its also only 25 minutes from the Chippewa International Airport, making it a destination for those seeking it as a vacation property, a roughly 45-minute drive northeast from the Mackinac Bridge, and 20 minutes from Lake Huron. You have the ability to access shops, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops and other services and also fly in and out of town close by as well, Ottaway said. View the listing on the realtor website here. View all 36 photos of the home here. 36 1 / 36 Peace, quiet and trails galore: Immersive wilderness, privacy key for $1.2 million U.P. paradise See more on MLive House of the Week features: Tranquility in northern Michigan: Magnificent log home hits market for under $1 million Impressive Michigan mansion boasts 23 rooms on 40 acres with an underground tunnel Feels like Downton Abbey: Lavish Michigan mansion hits the market at nearly $3 million Floating fireplace, lavish manicured gardens accent rare $2.89 million Michigan mansion Rare Michigan mansion by famed architect hits market at $2.95 million Historic Michigan mansion hits the market at $2.5 million Hunting heaven: 3,000-acre property with near-lakefront lodge hits market for $5 million Historic Frank Lloyd Wright opportunity: Two houses being sold at once in same Michigan town Custom-built home in Michigans Little Bavaria could be yours for under $1M $1.99M minimalist home near Saline could be your private art gallery Boat to Lake Michigan from this Spring Lake bayou home listed at $500,000 See inside $1.55 million Michigan floating home with one-of-a kind breathtaking views Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Akshay Kumar urges British Government and King Charles to Watch Kesari 2: They should see what happened... Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bella Thorne accuses Mickey Rourke of on-set abuse: I had bruises on my... Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Imran Khan opens up on his divorce with Avantika Malik; says, We werent empowering each other to be our best selves Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kareena Kapoor sets the stage ablaze with Chammak Challo performance in Dubai, watch here Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept TOKYO - The Japanese government has begun a survey into public health insurance usage by foreign residents, amid concerns voiced by some lawmakers that people may come from overseas to take advantage of the support for expensive medical treatment. It is the first time for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to conduct a study into the actual state of insurance premiums paid by foreigners living in Japan and details of the benefits they receive, with the findings to be released by the summer. The ministry may also consider whether there is a need to review the system itself based on the outcome of survey, according to officials. In Japan, all residents must enroll in a public health insurance program and pay premiums. Foreigners registered as residents and staying in the country for over three months are basically required to enroll in the National Health Insurance program, a system for the self-employed and unemployed, if they have not signed up for any other public health insurance. The system, among other benefits, enables the refunding of medical expenses that exceed an individual's limit in a single month. The ceiling varies depending on age and income. In the fiscal year through March 2024, around 970,000 foreign nationals were enrolled in the National Health Insurance program, representing 4 percent of the total, according to the ministry. From March 2023 to February 2024, 980.3 billion yen ($7 billion) was reimbursed to those who exceeded their monthly cap of medical costs, of which 11.8 billion yen went to foreigners, or 1.21 percent of the total. A health ministry official said the amounts "cannot be said to be high when compared to the proportion of foreigners enrolled." However, politicians have expressed concerns that the system could be misused as foreigners may try to come to Japan to receive expensive medical treatment at lower out-of-pocket money. Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the minor opposition Democratic Party for the People, has wrote on social media that "people staying for just 90 days can get high-cost medical benefits worth tens of millions of yen. It should be reviewed to make its application stricter." Related coverage: No. of foreign residents in Japan hits record high for 3rd year Japan banks block withdrawals from expired foreign resident accounts "My father is Vinod Khanna, and hers is Rajesh Khanna. Thats why...." Twinkle Khanna told sister Rinke Khanna's husband during first meet Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga team up for cop thriller Spirit; actor to undergo transformation Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pratik Gandhi expresses disappointment over Phule delay with Patralekha; urges Brahmin Community to watch the film Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India's iPhone, laptop exports to US have 20% tariff edge over Chinese shipments 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 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 India can ease Trump tariff risks by importing more US oil: Alchemys Hiren Ved Veer 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 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 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept TOKYO - A joint U.S.-Japan investigation team was dispatched for the first time in 2024 to Iwoto Island, formerly known as Iwojima, to recover the remains of U.S. soldiers who perished at the fierce battle site in the Pacific between the two countries, a senior U.S. defense official said in a recent interview. Kelly McKeague, director of the U.S. government's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, told Kyodo News that the team made progress in cross-referencing archival records and exchanging information as part of efforts to recover around 100 U.S. military personnel, out of the 6,821 who died in the Battle of Iwojima, who remain unaccounted for. The joint effort to recover war dead "speaks again to an opportunity to achieve reconciliation," McKeague said, adding that the two countries' shared values "bring us together as allies." Regarding the possibility of the United States cooperating in the recovery of Japanese soldier remains in the future, McKeague said, "we see great value in a strong partnership, primarily with scientific exchanges." He expressed hopes that Japan would allow the use of its advanced technology in isotope analysis, which helps determine the nation of origin of remains, to more places in the world. Its use is currently limited to Okinawa and some island nations in the Pacific. According to McKeague, the bodies of most of the American soldiers who died were recovered following the battle. Their remains were returned to their families after their identities were confirmed using ID tags, uniforms and dental records, while the 49 who were unidentifiable were buried in cemeteries in Manila, the Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii. The Battle of Iwojima lasted about a month from when U.S. forces landed in February 1945, with an estimated 21,900 Japanese and 7,000 U.S. soldiers killed. The island was returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1968 and officially renamed in 2007. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, around 11,190 of the Japanese soldiers who died in the battle remained unrecovered as of January. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, based at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, is a specialized U.S. agency that works to locate missing personnel from past conflicts and recover the remains of the war dead. In 2019, the agency signed a Memorandum of Arrangement with Japan's health ministry to collaborate in recovery of remains from World War II. Related coverage: Japan emperor explores his symbolic role in trips to mourn war dead Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Hindus fleeing in boats, Bengal is burning': Suvendu Adhikari as Waqf protests turn violent in Murshidabad 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 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 Tahawwur Rana likely to be confronted with 'protected witness' by NIA during interrogation 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 Teen stabbed to death in Delhi over school rivalry, three juveniles arrested 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 Tremors across Asia: Four earthquakes strike India, Myanmar, Tajikistan within an hour 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 BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ford CEO Jim Farley warned at a recent investor conference in New York that levying steep tariffs on imported goods "would blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we've never seen." For years, the U.S. auto supply chains have been deeply integrated with its two neighboring countries. Before a car is assembled, its parts may take multiple trips between the United States, Mexico and Canada. U.S. tariffs on Mexico and Canada are driving fears of disrupted supply chains across North America and higher car prices. "What we're seeing is a lot of cost, a lot of chaos," said Farley. MORE U.S. CONSUMERS CAN'T AFFORD NEW CAR In the workshop of Alian Plastics in Monterrey, northern Mexico, molten plastic from the United States is injected into the mold cavity to make plastic car parts such as headlight shells. Felipe Villarreal, the company's general manager, told Xinhua that after the production of these plastic parts is completed, they will be shipped to the United States for component assembly and then returned to Mexico for the assembly of the whole vehicle. Finally, the vehicle will be exported to the United States. "This process is the epitome of close collaboration across the North American automotive industry chain," Villarreal said. "Instead of paying for materials and processing costs, companies could now be subject to tariffs of 15 to 25 percent at every step, with cumulative rates of up to 70 percent," Villarreal said. Despite Washington's claim that added tariffs protect American-made cars, a purely American-made car simply doesn't exist. Today, automakers draw on global resources to make cars. Even Ford's F-150 pickup truck, which has remained the best-selling truck in the United States for over 40 years, gets less than half of its parts from American factories. Ford has a Chihuahua engine plant and two stamping and assembly plants in Cautitlan and Hermosillo, Mexico, and an assembly plant in Oakville, Canada. Last year, around 8 million cars were imported to the United States. Mexico led the pack as the top U.S. car import partner, shipping some 3 million vehicles. Canada ranked fourth, exporting some 1.1 million units to the United States. Michigan-based Anderson Economic Group estimates that tariffs would add 2,500 to 5,000 U.S. dollars to the cheapest cars in the United States, while prices of some imported cars might go up by 20,000 dollars. Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua that auto prices will go up by 4,000 dollars per vehicle, while many firms are expected to report low profits or losses. The higher costs would take a toll. A decade ago, the lowest-earning 20 percent of American consumers couldn't afford a new car. Today, it's the bottom 40 percent, said Venkatesh Prasad, senior vice president of research at the Center for Automotive Research. JOB CUTS "WOULD BE INEVITABLE" U.S. auto production has been steadily declining over the past decade. U.S. Commerce Department data shows that last year, the United States produced only 1.7 million finished vehicles, down from over 4 million in 2014. Because the drop stems from a variety of factors, including rising costs, tougher global competition and a slow transition to electric cars, tariffs to revive domestic manufacturing are likely to backfire. Even if global automakers shift more production to the United States under the threat of tariffs -- as Washington desires -- plenty of steel and aluminum would be needed. But the United States began imposing 25 percent tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum on March 12. Gimme Credit's analyst Jay Cushing warns that added tariffs on steel and aluminum could increase U.S. vehicle costs by up to 1,500 dollars. The Anderson Economic Group estimates that the tariffs slapped on aluminum and steel could increase electric vehicle prices by up to 2,500 dollars. If car prices rise further, production and job cuts in the U.S. auto industry "would be inevitable," the group said. Flavio Volpe, president of Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, warns North America's deeply integrated auto industry could collapse. "We all know that you can't make a car without all of the parts arriving in time, and so if you create a tariff that is at 25 percent ... somebody, either the carmaker, the parts supplier or ultimately the consumer, will have to pay," Volpe said. Canadian auto suppliers operate 156 factories across 18 U.S. states, employing 50,000 American workers, he said. "We're American investors and American employers; don't cut off your nose to spite your face." AUTOMAKERS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP As concerns over U.S. tariff policy uncertainty grow in the auto industry, both small manufacturers and global giants are crafting their "Plan B" to navigate potential disruptions and safeguard their operations. "We are meeting to define strategies, just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed everything from technical stoppages to employee management in case tariff threats materialize," said Manuel Montoya, general director of the Automotive Cluster of Nuevo Leon. General Motors CFO Paul Jacobson recently said the company is ready to adjust for short-term tariffs but will face greater challenges if tariffs remain in place longer term. "If they become permanent, then there's a whole bunch of different things that you have to think about, in terms of where do you allocate plants, do you move plants, etc.," he said. Typically, automakers start designing and testing next-year models early each year. However, many North American companies remain hesitant this year, with the development of 2026 models still on hold. Tariff uncertainties are likely to delay vehicle investment, development and production decisions, according to S&P Global Mobility. The U.S. automotive market could become further fractured from other global markets. In a global context, U.S. protectionism stands in stark contrast to the growing trend of regional cooperation, Montoya said. "We are seeing regions like Europe and Asia strengthen their value chains because it is the most efficient. Isolating oneself is a setback." 'Violence being instigated over Waqf law': UP CM Yogi Adityanath slams Oppn amid protests in Bengal, Assam 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 'I've killed my mother': Mentally ill Kolkata man kills mom at night, confesses to tea vendor next day Ankita Sengupta 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 Mysterious tower seen at US' Area 51 via Google Earth sparks Azkaban-alien tech theories Ankita Sengupta 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 US tea company CEO's response to why he didn't increase prices in 32 years is winning hearts. Watch Ankita Sengupta 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 From jobs to dates: How San Francisco's tech workers are using robot taxis to leave handwritten notes MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. 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 1/8 Design and build quality Samsung Galaxy A36 5G brings subtle refinements to its design compared to last years A35. One of the most notable changes is the use of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back, giving it improved resistance against scratches and minor drops. The flat edges and sleek frame lend the phone a cleaner and more modern look while maintaining a comfortable grip. The device weighs 177 grams and is just 7.8mm thick, making it easy to handle one-handed. There is no camera island instead, the three camera lenses sit on the back over the pill-shaped bump, similar to Samsungs higher-end models. Additionally, the IP67 rating ensures that the phone is resistant to dust and can survive brief submersion in water, offering an extra layer of durability. 2/8 Display Samsung continues to excel with its displays, and the Galaxy A36 5G is no exception. It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and animations throughout the interface. The display produces vibrant colours with deep contrast levels, making it great for media consumption and gaming. Brightness peaks at 1,200 nits, which helps maintain visibility under direct sunlight. This panel is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, matching the protection on the back and enhancing the overall durability of the phone. 3/8 Performance and hardware While Samsung hasnt publicly confirmed the chipset inside the Galaxy A36 5G, early tests suggest it performs similarly to Qualcomms Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 or an equivalent Exynos chip. In day-to-day usage, the phone handles messaging, social media, multitasking, and streaming with ease. The Galaxy A36 supports RAM Plus, which allows dynamic memory expansion up to a total of 12GB, improving app loading and switching speeds. Samsung has also expanded the vapor chamber inside the phone by 73 percent compared to the A35, which results in better heat dissipation and thermal management during extended gaming or video recording sessions. 4/8 Camera performance The Galaxy A36 5G is equipped with a 50MP main sensor that includes optical image stabilisation, helping to capture sharp and stable images even in challenging lighting conditions. In bright daylight, images come out detailed and well-balanced, while low-light performance has improved with software tweaks Samsung is calling Nightography enhancements. These adjustments reduce noise and improve detail in dimly lit environments. The phone also features an ultrawide camera, which performs decently in good lighting but tends to lose sharpness at the edges. On the front, the selfie camera has been upgraded to a 12MP unit from last years 13MP, and it delivers sharp and colour-accurate selfies with support for features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser. 5/8 Software and updates Samsung is positioning the Galaxy A36 5G as a long-term investment by bringing its flagship-level software support to the A-series for the first time. The device ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung has committed to providing four major Android version upgrades along with six years of security updates. This makes the A36 one of the most future-proof phones in the mid-range segment. The interface is smooth, highly customisable, and features smart integrations with Samsungs ecosystem of apps and services. Users can expect to see One UI 7 and beyond during the phones lifetime, ensuring it stays current both in features and security. 6/8 Battery and charging The Galaxy A36 5G is powered by a 5,000mAh battery, which consistently delivers a full day of usage under regular conditions. Whether youre streaming video, browsing social media, or juggling work apps, the phone holds up well. Samsung claims up to 29 hours of video playback on a single charge. The device supports 45W fast charging, which can replenish up to 50 percent of the battery in around 30 minutes, provided you use a compatible charger. However, the charging brick is not included in the box only a USB-C cable is provided. 7/8 Ecosystem features and security Samsung has included Knox Vault in the Galaxy A36 5G, offering hardware-based security that protects sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, and encryption keys. This is typically reserved for higher-end Galaxy models, so its presence here is significant. The phone also supports SmartThings, Quick Share, and Smart Switch, making it easier to sync, share, and move data between other Galaxy devices. 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 KINSHASA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Saturday condemned the killing of 52 civilians during the night of Friday to Saturday in the eastern city of Goma, allegedly carried out by rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23). In an official statement signed by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani, the DRC government accused the M23 of committing serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the country's eastern region. Violent clashes reportedly broke out Friday night in the western part of Goma, the capital of the eastern North Kivu province, according to multiple local sources. Eyewitnesses from the Keshero and Lac-Vert neighborhoods of the city told Xinhua that heavy gunfire and shelling began around 10:00 p.m. (2000 GMT) local time on Friday, causing widespread panic among residents. A relative calm was observed on Saturday morning. According to several local media outlets, the fighting pitted M23 rebels, who have controlled Goma since January, against armed elements affiliated with the Wazalendo self-defense militias and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). In a statement broadcast by the Goma branch of the Congolese National Radio and Television, M23 rebels accused the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition of launching coordinated attacks on several of their positions overnight. Since seizing control of Goma at the end of January this year, M23 has reportedly established its own administrative structures in the city, while clashes continue in other strategic areas of North Kivu. According to the United Nations, around 1 million people, including some 400,000 children, have been displaced in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces since late January 2025 due to the intensifying conflict between the FARDC and various armed groups. 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 Pradeep Tripathi 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 surest way to destroy...': China fires back at Trumps tariffs, quotes Reagans warning Pradeep Tripathi 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 'Trump wants to...': Defiant mood among Chinese exporters as Trumps tariff war escalates Pradeep Tripathi 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 US seeks swift nuclear deal, but challenges remain, says Iran after pivotal talks Pradeep Tripathi 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 ULAN BATOR, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Sunday confirmed 11 new cases of measles infection over the past 24 hours, raising the national tally to 506. More than half of the latest confirmed cases were among school-age children who have had only one shot of the measles vaccine, the NCCD said in a statement. In this regard, the NCCD advised parents to protect their children from a potentially severe disease by getting them two doses of the measles vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact. Common complications include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes. The disease can be prevented by immunization. President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS State flags fly at the Federated States of Micronesia Consulate Office May 7, 2023, in Harmon. From left, the flags of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Photo by David Castro/The Guam Daily Post MANILA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and seven others injured after a speeding passenger jeepney collided with two vehicles on a busy road in the Philippine capital on Sunday, authorities said. The Quezon City Risk Reduction and Management Office said the crash occurred on Sunday morning and involved a passenger jeepney, a sedan car, and an electric jeepney while traveling east along a city's busy avenue. The impact of the crash caused the passenger jeepney to overturn, throwing its passengers onto the road. Two passengers died at the scene. Emergency workers brought the injured passengers to the hospital for treatment. Local authorities have detained the driver of the speeding jeepney while investigating the cause of the collision. Jeepneys are vital to the city's public transportation network. They continue to be a prominent and accessible mode of transport despite the ongoing modernization efforts. A villager arranges incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager demonstrates how to make incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager demonstrates how to make incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) This photo shows bundles of incense sticks placed at a courtyard in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A tourist poses for photos amid bundles of incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A tourist poses for photos amid bundles of incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager arranges incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager arranges incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager arranges incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager arranges incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A villager puts a bundle of incense sticks onto a shelf in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Tourists pose for photos amid bundles of incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A tourist tries to make an incense stick in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A tourist poses for photos amid bundles of incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau Village, Vietnam, March 24, 2025. Quang Phu Cau Village, 35 kilometers south of Hanoi, has a long tradition of making incense sticks. These incense sticks need to go through a dozens of processes, such as bamboo splitting, dyeing, powder wrapping and drying, to be made. When bundles of incense sticks are spread out in courtyards and fields for drying, its various colors like vermilion, bright yellow, indigo, emerald green and others form a spectacular scene, attracting many tourists and photographers. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California lawmakers have blocked a bill to make oil and gas companies liable for damage to homes from natural disasters caused by climate change, warning it could raise gas prices. The bill would have allowed victims of natural disasters, including fires, floods and hurricanes, to sue fossil fuel companies over harm to themselves or their property for damage totaling at least $10,000. Home insurers would also have been able to seek damages under the legislation. The proposal was announced weeks after the Los Angeles-area fires broke out in January, burning thousands of homes and killing at least 30 people. The Senate Judiciary Committee rejected the bill late Tuesday, with several Democrats abstaining, but left open the possibility for it to be reconsidered later this year. Opponents also said it would threaten jobs in the energy industry by dealing a blow to business, and that it would be difficult to prove a specific companys responsibility for a particular natural disaster. State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat representing San Francisco who authored the bill, rejected the argument that it would lead to higher gas prices. He said it was about holding the fossil fuel industry accountable for the impacts of climate change. The bill would have eased the burden on disaster survivors and insurance companies to cover damage costs, he said. Todays vote is a setback for the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires and for the cost of living in California, Wiener said in a statement. Victims of the Eaton and Palisades Fire and of all climate disasters deserve accountability for the decades of Big Oil lies that devastated their communities. When fossil fuels such as oil and gas are burned for energy, carbon dioxide and other emissions enter the Earths atmosphere, causing the planet to warm. Climate change has made natural disasters more frequent and intense. State Sen. Anna Caballero, a Democrat representing part of the Central Valley, said ahead of the vote that lawmakers decision not to support the bill shouldnt be viewed as a move to deprioritize environmental policy. And she said it wouldnt help people who lost their homes to recent fires rebuild. If this was going to actually result in building homes in the fire zones faster, better and with more efficiency, I would probably support it, she said. But from my view, this is more about lawyers. This is about litigation. Wiener said it was important for California to remain a climate leader, invoking President Donald Trumps efforts to roll back environmental policies. Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to identify state rules he said could hinder Americas energy dominance. He called out Californias cap-and-trade program, as well as other climate policies in New York and Vermont. The California bills failure to advance comes after lawmakers in recent years blocked a proposal that would have made oil companies liable for the health problems of people who live close to oil wells. California, a U.S. trendsetter on climate policies, has approved policies over the years to limit emissions from cars, lawn mowers, trucks and trains. But some of those measures have faced threats from the Trump administration. The state Air Resources Board pulled back its requests for federal approval to enforce rules curbing pollution from diesel-powered big rigs and trains ahead of Trumps return to office. Other major California rules are at risk. Congressional Republicans introduced proposals last week to block state policies approved by President Joe Bidens administration that would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks. ___ Austin 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 Austin on X: @sophieadanna By SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press/Report for America Amazons Kuiper satellite launch delay highlights uphill battle against Musks Starlink Jeff Bezos Amazon Project Kuiper satellite launch was delayed due to bad weather, highlighting its struggle to compete with SpaceXs rapid Starlink expansion. SpaceX dominates the satellite internet race with over 8,000 satellites already in orbit and 5M global customers, while Amazon lags with zero operational satellites. The delay intensifies scrutiny over whether Amazons Kuiper offers real innovation or just aims to counter Elon Musks dominance in low-Earth orbit. Starlinks strategic role in Ukraines war effort underscores the national security importance of satellite communications, raising concerns over reliance on a single provider. Amazon has secured 77 future launches but faces skepticism about its ability to catch up as SpaceX keeps accelerating with cost-effective, reusable rockets. The latest skirmish in the high-stakes space race between billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk was delayed this weeknot by technical failures or regulatory hurdles but by the unyielding weather over Floridas Cape Canaveral. Amazons long-awaited Project Kuiper satellite launch, intended to challenge SpaceXs Starlink internet constellation, was scrubbed on Wednesday due to thick clouds and high winds. The postponement underscores the hurdles facing Bezos ambitious venture as Musks Starlink, with over 8,000 satellites already deployed, tightens its grip on the burgeoning low-Earth orbit (LEO) communications market. The setback is more than a temporary inconvenience. It highlights the contrast between Amazons delayed entry and SpaceXs relentless execution, raising questions about whether Bezos project is driven by genuine innovation or merely a desire to counter Musks dominance. A launch grounded by natureand competition United Launch Alliance (ULA), the Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture contracted to carry Amazons first 27 Kuiper satellites, cited stubborn cumulus clouds and persistent winds as the reason for aborting the mission. While weather delays are routine in aerospace, the incident underscores the unforgiving nature of spaceflighta realm where SpaceX has thrived through rapid iteration and risk-taking. SpaceXs Starlink, by contrast, has surged ahead with weekly launches, leveraging its reusable Falcon 9 rockets to deploy satellites at a fraction of the cost of traditional providers. Musks operation now serves over five million customers globally, a testament to its first-mover advantage. Amazon, meanwhile, has yet to place a single operational satellite in orbit despite announcing Kuiper six years ago. The strategic stakes of satellite internet Beyond corporate rivalry, the competition for LEO internet dominance carries profound implications for national security and technological sovereignty. Starlinks role in Ukraines defense against Russian aggression demonstrated the strategic value of satellite-linked communicationsa capability that has made Musk an influential figure in Washington. Amazons slower progress risks leaving the U.S. reliant on a single provider for resilient orbital communications. While Bezos company promises to integrate Kuiper with Amazon Web Services (AWS), offering enterprise-grade connectivity for industries like energy and defense, it must first prove it can execute. Regulatory deadlines loom: the Federal Communications Commission requires Amazon to deploy half its planned 3,200-satellite constellation by July 2026. Private enterprise vs. government dependency The Bezos-Musk rivalry epitomizes the power of private enterprise to drive space innovation without heavy-handed government intervention. SpaceXs success stems from Musks willingness to bypass bureaucratic inertia, while Amazondespite its vast resourceshas struggled to match that urgency. Some skeptics suggest Kuiper is less about revolutionizing internet access and more about Bezos refusal to concede the final frontier to his spacefaring rival. Still, Amazon insists it is poised to accelerate. The company has secured 77 additional launches from ULA, Blue Origin (Bezos separate rocket company), andironicallySpaceX itself. Theres a big difference between launching two satellites and launching 3,000 satellites, Amazons Rajeev Badyal remarked in a recent promotional video. Yet with Starlink already saturating orbits, Kuipers window to compete is narrowing. For now, the clouds over Cape Canaveral serve as a metaphor for Amazons uncertain trajectory. Musks Starlink has set the standard for commercial space ventures, proving that speed and scalability win in this new era. Amazons bid to disrupt the market hinges on overcoming not just weather delays but perceptions that its playing catch-up. As private companies redefine humanitys relationship with space, it is apparent that vision matters, but execution matters more. The question isnt whether Bezos can challenge Muskits whether Kuiper can move fast enough to matter. Sources for this article include: TheGuardian.com CNBC.com NYTimes.com Germany prepares students for war amid growing security concerns The German Interior Ministry is advising schools to prepare students for potential crises and war, reflecting heightened tensions and perceived threats from Russia. The Bundeswehr views a Russian attack on NATO territory as a "realistic scenario" within the next four to seven years, leading to recommendations for crisis response training in schools and emergency supply stockpiling. This push for civil defense education is reminiscent of Cold War measures and is driven by current geopolitical tensions and a perceived lack of U.S. leadership. Similar initiatives are underway in other European countries, including Poland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The European Commission has recommended that EU citizens stockpile essential supplies to sustain themselves for at least three days in emergencies, aiming to enhance overall resilience. The initiative has strong political backing and broader implications for German society and the economy, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to security threats. In a significant shift in national security policy, the German Ministry of the Interior (BMI) is advising schools to prepare students for potential crises and war, according to a report in the Handelsblatt newspaper on Monday, April 7. The ministry's recommendation comes amid heightened tensions and a perceived threat from Russia as Western European governments grapple with the evolving security landscape. The call for enhanced civil defense education in schools reflects a broader trend among Western European governments to bolster civic readiness. This trend has been particularly pronounced since U.S. President Donald Trump took office and the beginning of the U.S.-brokered Ukraine peace talks, which German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described as "deadlocked." A spokesperson for the BMI emphasized that the recent developments in the security situation necessitate a renewed focus on civil defense, including in educational settings. (Related: German military readying for NEW WAR with Russia, classified document reveals.) The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, considers a Russian attack on NATO territory within the next four to seven years a "realistic scenario." In response, the BMI ministry has proposed a series of measures aimed at preparing the population particularly schoolchildren for potential emergencies. These measures include introducing crisis response training into school curricula and encouraging families to store emergency supplies in their homes. The push for civil defense education in Germany is not without precedent. During the Cold War, similar measures were implemented as part of broader civil preparedness efforts. However, the current push is driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions and a perceived vacuum in U.S. leadership on the European stage. The standstill in Ukraine peace talks and the ongoing conflict have further fueled concerns among European leaders. Europe on edge: How the continent is preparing for the unthinkable While Moscow has repeatedly denied any intention to attack a NATO country, its actions on the ground have contributed to a sense of unease in the region. This has prompted similar calls for "civic readiness" across the European Union and the United Kingdom. In line with the German initiative, the European Commission has recently recommended that EU citizens stockpile essential supplies including food and water to sustain themselves for at least three days in case of emergencies. This recommendation is part of a broader strategy to enhance the resilience of EU member states in the face of potential crises. Several European countries have already taken steps to strengthen their civil defense capabilities. Poland and Norway have reinstated Cold War-era measures, such as building bomb shelters and conducting mass military training. Sweden and Finland have also developed guides to help citizens respond to potential attacks, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for preparedness. Senior conservative lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter of the Christian Democratic Union has voiced his support for the initiative. "It is absolutely necessary to practice emergency scenarios, as students are particularly vulnerable and especially affected in such situations," he told Handelsblatt. Kiesewetter, deputy chairman of the Bundestag's intelligence oversight committee, further suggested that basic disaster response training could be beneficial and even serve as a precursor to a possible national service program. The lawmaker cited Finland as an example of a country where such training already exists. While the specter of war looms large, the emphasis on preparedness and resilience offers a ray of hope in an uncertain world. The collective efforts of governments, schools and citizens to enhance their ability to respond to crises will be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the European continent. Watch this video about Germany admitting the need to normalize relations with Russia. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Germany prepping nuclear bunkers as WWIII with Russia looms. NATO draws up plans to deploy 800,000 troops through Germany to fight Russia. The big change ahead: NATO starting a war with Russia? German foreign minister admits country is at war with Russia. Sources include: RT.com IFPNews.com POLITICO.eu Brighteon.com Natures arsenal: How plant compounds power military survival and healthcare in crisis Andrew Mtewa's "Phytochemistry, the Military and Health: Phytotoxins and Natural Defenses" explores how plant-derived compounds serve as both lifesaving resources and potential threats. These phytochemicals, found in plants like black cumin and Physostigma venenosum, have been used for healing (e.g. antiseptics) and harming (e.g. toxins), with significant implications for medicine, warfare and environmental security. In conflict zones and disaster areas, where conventional medicine is scarce, plants offer accessible alternatives for treating infections, malnutrition and injuries. For example, berry juices provide antioxidants for cognitive health and yarrow extracts aid wound healing. Historical examples, such as using sphagnum moss as an antiseptic in World War I, highlight the adaptability of phytochemicals. Modern research explores their potential to counteract chemical weapons like sarin while also acknowledging the ethical dilemmas of using plant toxins in biowarfare. The book warns that the overexploitation of plants like castor beans, valued for both their toxins (ricin) and medicinal properties (castor oil), poses risks to biodiversity and Indigenous knowledge systems. This overexploitation can disrupt food chains and lead to the loss of valuable plant species. Mtewa advocates for integrating phytochemical literacy into military training and civilian education, emphasizing the importance of ethical and sustainable frameworks. Biotechnology and international agreements are proposed as solutions to reduce overharvesting and prevent toxic misuse while still fostering medical innovation. In war zones and disaster areas, where conventional medicine and supplies are scarce, nature's chemical arsenal has repeatedly proven indispensable. Andrew Mtewa's "Phytochemistry, the Military and Health: Phytotoxins and Natural Defenses" delves into the dual-edged role of plant-derived compounds from lifesaving antiseptics to covert toxins and their profound implications for warfare, medicine and environmental security. Mtewa, a researcher bridging botany and conflict studies, meticulously outlines how phytochemicals organic compounds from plants like black cumin and Physostigma venenosum have been harnessed for both healing and harm. Drawing on historical precedents and modern applications, the book reveals how militaries and civilians alike depend on these substances in crises, even as their misuse or overharvesting threatens ecosystems and global health. When infrastructure collapses during conflicts, infections, malnutrition and injuries surge. Traditional pharmaceuticals often run out, but plants offer accessible alternatives. "From emergency pain relief to antimalarials, nature's pharmacy is vast and often underutilized," Mtewa writes. Berry juices, for instance, contain antioxidants that mitigate cognitive decline in high-stress combat environments, while extracts from plants like yarrow accelerate wound healing. Historical records underscore this adaptability. During World War I, medics turned to sphagnum moss a natural antiseptic for dressing wounds when cotton supplies dwindled. Today, research into phytochemicals like physostigmine (from calabar beans) explores their potential to counteract nerve agents like sarin, infamous for its use in Syria's 2013 attacks. Yet, plants' toxicity has also been weaponized. Mtewa documents how ancient warriors employed plant-based poisons, from hemlock-laced arrows to contaminated water supplies. "The line between medicine and weaponry is often a matter of dosage and intent," he notes. Even now, militaries study phytotoxins as templates for synthetic agents, raising ethical dilemmas about biowarfare and conservation. One poignant example is ricin, derived from castor beans. While its potential as a bioweapon led to strict controls, the same plant produces castor oil a medicinal staple. The book warns that overexploitation of such species for military or commercial use risks biodiversity loss, with cascading effects on food chains and Indigenous knowledge systems. Beyond battlefields, Mtewa emphasizes phytochemistry's role in rehabilitating war-torn landscapes. The U.S. Army's Land Condition Trend Analysis program, for example, monitors ecosystems damaged by military training, where rare plants sometimes thrive in disturbed soils. However, restoring these areas requires balancing ecological health with strategic needs a challenge mirrored in debates over bioprospecting in conflict zones. The book advocates integrating phytochemical literacy into military training. "Soldiers versed in foraging safe edibles or identifying medicinal plants gain a survival edge," Mtewa argues. Such knowledge could mean the difference between starvation and sustenance for civilians in crises. Mtewa's work is a clarion call: harnessing phytochemistry's benefits demands ethical and sustainable frameworks. Biotechnology, such as lab-grown plant compounds, could reduce overharvesting, while international agreements must curb toxic misuse without stifling medical innovation. As climate change and global conflicts intensify, "Phytochemistry, the Military and Health" positions plant science as a cornerstone of resilience. "Nature's remedies and threats are two sides of the same leaf," Mtewa concludes. "Understanding both is our best defense." Learn more about "Phytochemistry, the Military and Health" by watching the video below. This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Trump administration cuts federal funding to Maine DOC over transgender inmate housing The Trump administration halted over $1.5 million in nonessential federal grants to Maine's Department of Corrections (DOC) after a transgender inmate convicted of a double murder was housed in a women's prison. The inmate, Andrea Balcer (formerly Andrew Balcer), was sentenced to 40 years for stabbing their parents and dog in 2016. Initially listed as male, Balcer's gender was later changed to female, resulting in a transfer to a women's facility. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the housing of a "six-foot-one, 245-pound" convicted murderer in a women's prison, calling it a violation of federal policy under Trump's administration. The Maine DOC acknowledged the funding termination but claimed no direct link to Balcer's case, stating the grants supported reentry programs and probation innovations. The Trump administration has halted nonessential federal funding to Maine's Department of Corrections (DOC) following controversy over a transgender inmate, a convicted double murderer, being housed in a women's prison facility. In a live interview with Fox News' program "Fox & Friends" on April 8, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Maine's DOC lost over $1.5 million in federal grants following reports that a transgender inmate was being housed in a women's prison. (Related: USDA pauses federal funding for Maine educational programs over transgender athlete policies.) Bondi did not specifically name the transgender, but WMTW identified the inmate in question as Andrea Balcer (formerly Andrew Balcer), who was sentenced to 40 years in 2018 for the brutal 2016 stabbing deaths of his parents and their dog in their Waldo County home. Initially listed as male in DOC records, Balcer's gender designation was later changed to female, resulting in a transfer to the Maine Correctional Center's Women's Center, which primarily houses inmates serving sentences of less than five years. This is in response to Balcer's grandfather, who revealed during a 2017 court hearing that the inmate preferred to be called "Andrea" and to use female pronouns. Bondi claimed that this is a clear violation of federal policy under the Trump administration, so federal cuts are necessary. "We pulled all nonessential funding from the Department of Corrections (DOC) in Maine because they were allowing a man in a women's prison. A giant, six-foot-one, 245-pound guy who committed a double murder with a knife he stabbed his parents to death and the family dog. And he identified as a woman. So they were letting him be housed in a female prison," Bondi said. "No longer. We will pull your funding. We will protect women in prison, we will protect women in sports, we will protect women throughout this country. No more of that." Maine DOC remains in denial about the real reason for its federal funding termination The Maine DOC confirmed receiving the notice from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) terminating key federal grants, effective immediately, but remains in denial about the termination due to housing of a transgender inmate in women's facility. According to the Maine DOC, the revoked grants supported substance use disorder treatment for adults reentering society, programs for incarcerated parents and their children and innovations in probation under the Smart Probation Program. "The department is evaluating the impacts to services from these funding terminations," the Maine DOC said in a press release. "While the department is aware of related public statements by the United States Attorney General, the notice is the only communication that has been received by the department." Visit Wokies.news for more stories like this. Watch the video below where Trump publicly calls out the Maine governor for not complying with federal orders of protecting women's sports. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: University of Michigan shuts down DEI office amid federal funding cuts. Trump bans federal funding for chemical and surgical mutilation of children. Johns Hopkins cuts 2,000 jobs after Trump ends $800m in federal funding. Trump clashes with Maine governor over transgender athletes, threatens federal FUNDING CUTS. Federal crackdown on sanctuary cities intensifies as AG Bondi suspends their funding. Sources include: Breitbart.com WMTW.com Trump escalates tariffs to 145% on Chinese goods amid fentanyl crisis, escalating trade tensions President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions by combining a pre-existing 20 percent fentanyl-related tariff with a new 125 percent reciprocal duty, totaling 145 percent, targeting a broad range of Chinese goods beyond pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The measure aims to pressure China on fentanyl trafficking and trade imbalances. In retaliation, Beijing imposed equivalent tariffs on over 128 American products, including agricultural goods and machinery, citing the need to protect its interests. Analysts note that the retaliatory rate mirrors prior U.S. sanctions, intensifying a trade dispute dating to 2018. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplays China's response, highlighting a U.S.-favored 5-to-1 trade imbalance and Beijing's unresolved role in supplying fentanyl precursors. He vows further punitive measures if necessary but expresses confidence in diplomatic resolutions. Trump announces a 90-day tariff pause for negotiating nations (excluding China), critiquing Beijings stance as disrespectful. The exclusion positions the tariffs as a pre-election tough-on-China strategy, aligning with Trump's 2016 campaign messaging. Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen and the EU criticize the tariffs as economically harmful, while Chinese officials accuse the U.S. of Cold War-era tactics. The dispute underscores unresolved tensions over trade, public health and trust, with no immediate diplomatic resolution in sight. President Donald Trump has ratcheted up trade tensions with China, imposing a new 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports a figure higher than initially stated as retaliation for Beijing's alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking and unfair trade practices. The tariff hike, effective April 9, combines existing sanctions, including a 20 percent fentanyl-related levy and a newly announced 125 percent reciprocal tariff, marking a sharp escalation in an ongoing dispute over trade imbalances and drug supply chains. The measure excludes sectors like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors but targets a broad swath of Chinese goods, prompting immediate retaliation from Beijing and drawing criticism from global markets. (Related: Trump's trade turmoil: U.S. drops tariffs on 70 nations, escalates China trade war to 125%.) The White House clarified Thursday that Chinese imports now face a 145 percent tariff, correcting Trump's prior claim of 125 percent. White House officials explained that the 125 percent figure represented only the reciprocal tariff increase from 84 to 125 percent, excluding the existing 20 percent fentanyl-specific tariff imposed months earlier. The total rate now combines both measures, creating a record high for punitive U.S. tariffs against any nation a move designed to pressure Beijing into addressing fentanyl and trade issues. China strikes back: Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods Beijing swiftly responded on April 9, announcing tit-for-tat tariffs of 84 percent on over 128 American products, including agricultural goods and machinery. China's Ministry of Commerce stated the move was "a necessary step to protect China's core interests and legitimate rights," though some analysts note the 84 percent rate mirrors U.S. prior tariffs before Trump's announcement on the same day. The Chinese action intensifies a trade war that began under the Trump administration in 2018 and has long strained bilateral relations while reshaping global supply chains. In an interview with Fox Business, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Beijing's retaliation as a "loser" decision, citing China's 5to5to1 trade imbalance in favor of U.S. imports. "They can raise tariffs, but so what?" Bessent said, arguing the U.S. seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on Chinese exports. He emphasized that China's alleged complicity in fentanyl precursor chemicals used in opioids flooding U.S. streets remains unresolved: "The flows into North America and onward to the U.S. demand action." Bessent added that all options, including further tariffs, remain "on the table," but expressed confidence a resolution would emerge at "the highest levels." On April 9, Trump also announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for countries negotiating trade agreements, slashing their reciprocal rates to 10 percent. But China was explicitly excluded, with the president calling Beijing's stance "a lack of respect to the world's markets." In a Truth Social post, he justified the global pause by noting public anxiety: "People are getting a little bit yippy, a little bit afraid." However, he maintained China's "harsh tariffs" would stay in place until Beijing addresses fentanyl and trade imbalances. Bessent: U.S. will not blink Economists widely condemned the U.S. tariff hike as counterproductive. Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen called it "a risky escalation" that risks harming U.S. consumers, while the European Union urged restraint to avoid spillover effects. Meanwhile, Chinese officials accused Washington of perpetuating "Cold War logic," contrasting with efforts to decouple economies. For Trump, the tariffs bolster his tough-on-China stance. Bessent pledged negotiations to "rebalance" trade but emphasized the U.S. will "not blink." China's state media warned of "consequences" but offered no concessions, leaving prospects for dialogue uncertain. For now, families of overdose victims and businesses in both nations await clarity on an escalating conflict. The 145 percent tariff on China marks the sharpest chapter yet in a rivalry reshaping global governance. As markets react and negotiations stall, the fentanyl crisis underscores a broader struggle over power, trade and trust in the 21st-century economy all set against the high-stakes backdrop of two nations separated by oceans but inseparable in commerce. Watch the video below that talks about Trump doubling down the economic warfare with China. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: China's counter-tariff strategies: A new chapter in the U.S.-China trade war. Trump's new 50% tariff threat to China rattles markets as allies scramble for deals. Global markets plunge as China retaliates with 34% tariffs on U.S. goods. Sources include: NTD.com Edition.CNN.com Brighteon.com URUMQI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Mirbek Terebek, 23, has lived a nomadic life since he was a child, traveling on horseback throughout the year in search of water and pastures for his family's livestock. But the Kazak herder, who never even saw a plane when he was little, has since explored the world beyond the grasslands of his youth and become a helicopter pilot at a popular tourist destination in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Wearing his pilot's uniform and a headset, Mirbek Terebek skillfully steers a helicopter over the Narat tourism site in the region's Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili, allowing tourists to experience the site's beauty. From the cockpit, he introduces Xinjiang's magnificent landscapes to tourists and recounts his personal journey to becoming a pilot. "Planes have captivated me since childhood, making flying my lifelong dream. And today, that dream has come true," he said. In 2002, Mirbek Terebek was born into a herding family in northern Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture. His mother told him that when he was little, he would beam with pleasure whenever he saw a certain plane model. "There was a pile of toys, but I only wanted that model. Perhaps it was the beginning of my dreams," he said. When he was growing up, he never saw a real plane, and he never imagined he would become a pilot in the future. However, things began to take a favorable turn for him thanks to diversified education opportunities and his family's support. After graduating from a technical college in 2018, he returned to his hometown to work as a ground crew member at a small airport in a scenic area. Each day, he watched planes take off and land, and the roaring sound of the engines rekindled his dream of flying, intensifying his desire to obtain a pilot's license. "My parents have never been on a plane. When I told them that I wanted to learn how to operate a helicopter, they were taken aback," he said, adding that to persuade his parents to allow him to follow his dream, he told them all about helicopters and discussed the prospects of tourism development in Xinjiang with them. Luckily, Mirbek Terebek's parents were soon convinced. In 2023, he began his formal training under Qu Jingwei, a flight instructor at Xinjiang Narat Yubo General Aviation Co., Ltd., which also carries out rescue operations, aerial seeding and other tasks. However, the learning process was challenging. On April 1, 2023, Mirbek Terebek took to the skies for the first time. Upon stepping into the cockpit, he was so nervous that he broke into a sweat and momentarily forgot what to do. Undeterred, he sought guidance from Qu and dedicated his time to studying the training materials, focusing on everything from the joystick to various instrument parameters. After more than a year of intensive study and practice, he earned both his private and commercial helicopter pilot's licenses. Qu said that Xinjiang's low-altitude economy is developing rapidly, and that his company had needed a helicopter pilot at the time. He therefore extended an invitation to Mirbek Terebek after he completed his training. During last year's tourist season, Mirbek Terebek piloted a helicopter and carried tourists from around the world, offering them aerial views of the Narat grasslands. While navigating the aircraft, he also takes on the role of tour guide, narrating Xinjiang's rich culture and speaking about his own experiences. Xinjiang's tourism revenue jumped by 21 percent to over 359 billion yuan (about 49.8 billion U.S. dollars) last year with more than 300 million tourist visits received. "The new tourist season is just around the corner, and we are undergoing targeted training to better ensure the safety of our flights," he said, adding that he plans to bring his parents along for a ride in his helicopter to see Narat this summer. "My parents tell everyone that I'm a pilot now," he said. Since obtaining his pilot's licenses, Mirbek Terebek has accumulated over 440 flight hours and has a new goal: "In the future, I want to get my flight instructor's license, train apprentices and help more children from pastoral areas -- like me -- soar in the sky." China's low-altitude economy, comprising both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, has been gaining momentum, prompting the National Development and Reform Commission to establish a dedicated department in 2024 to support its growth. The scale of China's low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to reach 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Yoga and autism: A science-backed look at how a simple practice is transforming behavior and movement in children with ASD An eight-week yoga program led to reduced behavioral challenges and improved motor coordination in children with autism, with benefits lasting beyond the intervention period. Children showed decreased irritability and social withdrawal, likely due to yoga's calming, structured environment. Yoga enhanced balance, ball-handling skills and posture, helping children feel more confident in physical activities. Yoga combines breath work, mindfulness, movement and sensory integration all of which support body awareness, emotional regulation and social engagement. Simple, visual and child-friendly yoga practices can be integrated into daily routines at home, school or therapy settings to support well-being. A growing body of research suggests that the ancient practice of yoga may offer powerful benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a recent study published in the Behavioral Sciences journal in February 2024, researchers found that yoga not only helped reduce challenging behaviors in children with autism but also improved their motor coordination. This promising evidence shows that yoga when thoughtfully adapted can become more than a wellness trend. It can be a meaningful evidence-based intervention that supports emotional regulation, physical development and well-being for children on the spectrum. (Related: Kids reap yoga benefits too.) Navigating behavior and coordination in autism Children with ASD often face a unique set of challenges. Difficulties with communication, motor coordination, sensory processing and social interaction can lead to frustration and emotional overwhelm. In many cases, these challenges contribute to behaviors such as irritability, restlessness or withdrawal, among others making day-to-day life more difficult for both children and their parents, siblings, caregivers and/or teachers. Finding tools that support multiple areas of need behavioral, emotional and physical can be a game-changer. This is when yoga enters the picture. Exploring yoga as an intervention To explore yoga's potential, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 17 children diagnosed with autism. The children were split into two groups: one group received regular yoga sessions for eight weeks while the other continued with their usual routines. The yoga group attended three sessions per week, each lasting 45 to 50 minutes. The sessions were carefully tailored to the needs of children with autism, incorporating both breathing exercises and physical poses ranging from gentle warm-ups, like the cat pose and mountain pose, to more dynamic movements like the downward dog and tree pose. Researchers assessed the children's behaviors and motor skills before the program began, midway through and immediately after the program and again, four weeks later, to evaluate lasting effects. Behavioral improvements : Children in the yoga group showed significant reductions in irritability, restlessness and social withdrawal compared to the control group. Even a month after the program ended, many of those improvements remained suggesting that yoga's impact may extend beyond the mat. : Children in the yoga group showed significant reductions in irritability, restlessness and social withdrawal compared to the control group. Even a month after the program ended, many of those improvements remained suggesting that yoga's impact may extend beyond the mat. Better motor coordination: Children who practiced yoga also demonstrated better balance and coordination. These improvements were especially noticeable in ball skills (like catching and throwing) and the ability to maintain physical stability during movement and stillness. Why yoga works The positive effects of yoga on children with autism likely come from its unique coordination of breath work, mindfulness, movement and routine all of which support key developmental areas: Emotional awareness : Guided breathing and visualization help children identify, express and manage their emotions in constructive ways. : Guided breathing and visualization help children identify, express and manage their emotions in constructive ways. Motor skill development : Repeated practice of poses improves balance, coordination and strength key areas that are often underdeveloped in children with ASD. : Repeated practice of poses improves balance, coordination and strength key areas that are often underdeveloped in children with ASD. Self-regulation : Breathing exercises and structured movements help calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and helping children respond more calmly to everyday stressors. : Breathing exercises and structured movements help calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and helping children respond more calmly to everyday stressors. Sensory integration : Yoga offers controlled sensory input (balance, movement, touch) that help children better process sensory information from their environment. : Yoga offers controlled sensory input (balance, movement, touch) that help children better process sensory information from their environment. Social and communication skills: Group yoga sessions provide natural opportunities for imitation, shared focus and turn-taking all of which encourage social engagement. Tips for bringing yoga into everyday routines Yoga's beauty lies in its accessibility. It does not require clinical environments, complex instructions or expensive equipment. With thoughtful adaptation, it can become part of a child's routine at home, in the classroom or in a therapy setting. Here are a few practical suggestions for introducing yoga to children with autism: Start with simple poses that allow the child to feel successful. Build gradually. Use pose cards or visuals to help children follow along and feel more in control. Make it fun by incorporating animal-themed poses, calming music or storytelling. Encourage short yoga breaks throughout the day to reset attention and mood. Create a quiet yoga corner at home where your child or children can go to breathe, stretch or unwind. Importantly, yoga sessions can be adapted to each child's preferences. Even seated poses or brief breathing exercises can offer benefits. Model calm behavior during the session. Yoga can be calming for adults, too. Yoga as a supportive tool, not a cure While this study highlights promising results, researchers are quick to note that yoga is not a cure for autism but a supportive tool that can be integrated alongside other therapies. Ongoing studies will continue to explore its long-term effects, how it compares with other interventions and which children benefit most. What this study does show is that yoga can help children with autism feel calmer, move more confidently and connect with others more easily giving them tools to navigate in a world that often feels overwhelming. Yoga may be an ancient practice but its modern-day applications for children with autism are beginning to unfold. With its focus on breath, mindfulness and movement, yoga offers a simple yet powerful way to support behavior, coordination and emotional well-being. Watch this video about "teaching yoga to children with autism." This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Yoga as complementary medicine: How yoga can support your mental and physical health. Yoga improves mood, reduces anxiety and depression. Desk yoga: 10 Yoga poses you can do at work. Sources include: PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov MyTeamABA.com AutismParentingMagazine.com Brighteon.com Survival 101: Dangerous places to avoid when disaster strikes When disaster strikes, panic can lead to chaos in various public spaces. Public transport systems can become choke points during emergencies. If a family member is stranded, have a pre-planned meeting point, like a trusted friend's home or a secure location along their route. Bridges and tunnels are natural bottlenecks and can be blocked by authorities or collapse due to structural damage from earthquakes, floods or attacks. Look for smaller, lesser-known bridges or shallow river crossings. Consider keeping an inflatable raft in your supplies for emergency river crossings. Desperate people may swarm banks to withdraw cash, leading to violence. Store cash in small and large bills, along with valuables like silver or barter items such as ammo, medicine and tools. Unprepared people will rush to hardware stores for tools and materials to fortify their homes, leading to crowds, fights and shortages. Visit local mom-and-pop hardware stores, as they are less likely to be overrun. People dependent on medications will storm pharmacies, leading to violence. Controlled substances make them prime looting targets. Ask your doctor for extra refills, citing travel as a reason to avoid suspicion. Build your food and water stockpile before disaster strikes to sustain your family for the long term. If worried about looters or violence, fortify your home and learn self-defense to protect each other. When disaster hits, panic spreads fast. Unprepared people rush to stores, roads and emergency services, turning these places into chaos zones. While you should avoid obvious hotspots like grocery stores and hospitals, other less obvious locations can be just as dangerous. Here's a list of places to steer clear of and how to navigate them if you have no other choice. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com) Public transport (Trains, buses and ferries) Public transport systems become choke points during emergencies. They rely on grid power, making them unreliable, and crowds can turn violent. Authorities may also use stations for crowd control, trapping you in a risky situation. What to do instead: If a family member is stranded, have a pre-planned rendezvous point, like a trusted friend's home or a secure location along their route. Ensure they know to stay put rather than risk moving through chaos. If you must travel, walk instead, even if it takes longer. Stick to less visible routes to avoid attention. Bridges and tunnels Bridges and tunnels are natural bottlenecks. Authorities may block them, or they could collapse due to structural damage caused by earthquakes, floods or attacks. Even if you cross, you might not get back. What to do instead: Map alternate routes. Look for smaller, lesser-known bridges or shallow river crossings. Consider keeping an inflatable raft in your supplies for emergency river crossings. If you must cross, move quickly and quietly, avoiding crowds. Banks and ATMs Desperate people will swarm banks to withdraw cash, leading to violence. Even if you get your money, you could be robbed on the way out. (Related: Survival basics: How to stay safe if you get stuck in a riot.) What to do instead: Keep emergency cash at home in small and large bills, plus valuables like silver or barter items like ammo, medicine and tools. Store money in multiple hidden spots, like a safe, hidden floorboards or a decoy stash. Avoid flashy transactions. If trading, do so discreetly and with a friend as backup. Big-box hardware stores Unprepared people will rush to big-box hardware stores for tools and materials to fortify their homes. Crowds, fights and shortages make them high-risk areas. What to do instead: Support local mom-and-pop hardware shops since they're less likely to be overrun by panicking people when SHTF. Stockpile essential tools now, such as: Hand tools (hammers, saws and wrenches) Fasteners (nails, screws and bolts) Plywood, 2x4s and plexiglass for emergency repairs Duct tape, tarps and sandbag materials Pharmacies People dependent on medications will storm pharmacies, leading to violence. Controlled substances (like painkillers) also make them prime looting targets. What to do instead: Maintain a medication stockpile and ask your doctor for extra refills. You can tell them that you're traveling so they don't get suspicious. Rotate your stock to avoid expiration. Learn about natural remedies, such as honey for infections and willow bark for pain, as backups. Big-box sporting goods stores It's best to avoid big-box sporting goods stores because unprepared survivors will mob them for guns, ammo and camping gear. Fights over supplies, potentially leading to armed confrontations, are likely to occur. What to do instead: Build your supplies now and dont wait for disaster. Your bug-out bag should sustain you for three to five days minimum. If you must go, scout smaller, lesser-known shops that will be less crowded. Shelters or FEMA camps While shelters and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) camps are designed to help those who find themselves without food or shelter, many shelters are understaffed and operating at or above capacity even in normal times. This means that when SHTF, homeless shelters and food banks will be quickly overwhelmed by crowds. Some may be forced to close their doors to newcomers within days of an emergency. These shelters and any publicized FEMA camps that are open will have very poor conditions. Supplies will be strictly rationed, tempers may flare and violence will be rampant. As more people rush to these shelters and conditions worsen, the buildings and surrounding areas will soon turn into breeding grounds for infection and disease. What to do instead: Build your food and water stockpile before disaster strikes so you have enough supplies for your family in case you face a long-term survival scenario. If you are worried about looters or violence in your area, fortify your home. Those of age must also learn how to use self-defense weapons so you can protect each other when things go south. Disasters amplify desperation. The best strategy is avoidance, but if you must enter a danger zone, move fast, stay quiet and be smart. Pre-plan routes, stockpile essentials and have backup rendezvous points. The more you prepare now, the less you'll need to risk later. Stay safe, stay sharp and never be where the unprepared are rushing. Visit Survival.news for more tips on how to survive different emergencies. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for prepping supplies and other survival needs. Watch the video below to find out why Organic Long Grain Rice deserves a spot in your survival pantry. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Prepping 101: Tips to help you start your prepping journey. Prepping basics: How to scavenge and forage for supplies after SHTF. Advice for beginners: 4 Common prepping pitfalls to avoid. Prepping for SHTF: Top gear you need. Sources include: AskAPrepper.com SHTFToday.news.blog Brighteon.com DOJ and ATF kill Bidens Zero Tolerance firearms dealer policy The DOJ and ATF have rescinded Biden's 2021 "Zero Tolerance" policy, which mandated license revocations for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) over even minor or first-time violations, including paperwork errors. Under Biden, the ATF revoked 92 licenses in 2022 (1.3 percent of reviewed dealers) and 170 in 2023 record highs. With the policy overturned, the ATF will revert to pre-Biden discretion, evaluating violations individually rather than imposing automatic revocations for minor infractions. Trump's DOJ/ATF will reassess Biden's 2023 rule reclassifying pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles (SBRs), which forced owners to register, modify or destroy affected firearms. The rule disproportionately impacted disabled veterans and faced legal challenges. The administration will also review Biden's April 2024 rule expanding the definition of firearm dealers to include those "predominantly earning a profit" from sales, requiring licensing and background checks. Critics argue it overreaches congressional intent. These actions align with Trump's pledge to roll back Biden-era gun restrictions, restoring flexibility for dealers and owners while reviewing contested regulations for legal or procedural flaws. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have terminated former President Joe Biden's stringent rule that subjected firearm dealers to license revocation over minor infractions. In June 2021, the Biden administration implemented the "Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy," commonly called the "Zero Tolerance Policy," that mandated the ATF to revoke the licenses of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) even for first-time violations of federal law, including minor paperwork errors. The policy dramatically increased revocations, with ATF data showing record-high enforcement actions during Biden's tenure. Under the policy, the ATF revoked 92 FFLs in 2022 roughly 1.3 percent of dealers reviewed marking the highest revocation rate since 2006, according to a USA Today analysis. In the fiscal year 2023, the agency yanked 170 licenses out of 8,689 inspections while issuing 667 warning letters, per ATF records. However, President Donald Trump has directed his administration to roll back the anti-gun policy to restore Americans' access to firearms when he takes office in January. This mandate includes overturning the "Zero Tolerance Policy." With the Biden-era policy now rescinded, the ATF is expected to return to case-by-case evaluations of violations, offering gun dealers greater flexibility without fearing immediate revocation over minor mistakes. Trump's DOJ and ATF to review Biden's Pistol Brace Rule and "Engaged in the Business" Policy Aside from the termination of the "Zero Tolerance Policy," the DOJ and the ATF are also set to review Biden's Pistol Brace Rule and "Engaged in the Business" policy. The Biden administration's "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'" rule, implemented in January 2023, classified pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968. The rule gave gun owners 120 days to register, modify or destroy affected firearms. This rule has reclassified millions of pistols as restricted short-barreled rifles. Legal firearm owners, including disabled veterans who rely on stabilizing braces for improved control, were disproportionately impacted. The ATF estimated the rule affected between three million and seven million stabilizing braces in circulation, sparking widespread opposition from Second Amendment advocates. (Related: ATF bans millions of guns with new pistol brace rule.) Now, officials from the Trump-era DOJ and ATF will assess the rule's legal foundations, signaling a potential rollback if legal or procedural flaws are identified. The same is about to happen with the ATF's April 2024 "engaged in the business" rule, which expanded the definition of a firearms dealer under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The regulation now considers anyone who "predominantly earns a profit" from selling firearms as a dealer, requiring them to obtain a federal license and conduct background checks. The DOJ and ATF under Trump will evaluate whether the rule aligns with congressional intent or imposes undue burdens. Visit SecondAmendment.news for more stories about challenges to the right to keep and bear arms. Watch Glenn Beck explain how the ATF's pistol brace rule would turn 40 million gun owners into criminals below. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: "Defund the ATF" Conservatives and politicians push to get ATF defunded and dismantled for anti-gun policies and actions. Illinois judge issues restraining order blocking new 'assault weapons' ban from taking effect. Growing number of Illinois sheriffs say they'll refuse to enforce new gun control law passed by Democrats. ATF bans stabilizing braces on pistols that were legally purchased, turning millions of gun owners into instant criminals. ATF FFL definition expansion isn't just unconstitutional. It's unfeasible. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com DailyCaller.com Rafael Medoff explores the role of Jabotinsky in the rise of Revisionist Zionism in Militant Zionism in America Vladimir Jabotinsky led Revisionist Zionism, advocating for immediate Jewish immigration to Palestine, a Jewish army and a sovereign state contrasting with the gradualist approach of mainstream Zionists. His 1926 U.S. tour aimed to spread these ideas but had limited immediate influence. Jabotinsky's tour saw mixed reception large crowds at some events (e.g., Manhattan Opera House) but poor attendance elsewhere. American Jews were wary of militancy, fearing it would appear unpatriotic amid post-WWI nativism. Jabotinsky broke from the World Zionist Organization (WZO) over its perceived complacency, favoring confrontation with British restrictions. His movement resonated more with Eastern European Jews than with American Jews, who saw the Balfour Declaration as already fulfilling Zionist goals. Though Revisionism gained minor endorsements (e.g., Order Sons of Zion), the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) was weakened, and Labor Zionists actively opposed Jabotinsky's vision. Despite limited immediate success, Jabotinsky's emphasis on self-defense, mass immigration and statehood foreshadowed future Zionist politics, laying groundwork for militant factions that would later gain prominence. Rafael Medoff's "Militant Zionism in America: The Rise and Impact of the Jabotinsky Movement in the United States, 1926-1948" chronicles the emergence of Revisionist Zionism in America, led by the charismatic yet polarizing figure Vladimir "Ze'ev" Jabotinsky. A gifted orator, writer and activist, Jabotinsky represented the maximalist wing of Zionism, advocating for immediate Jewish immigration to Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish army to secure a sovereign state. His 1926 U.S. tour marked a pivotal moment for the movement, yet despite stirring some initial enthusiasm, its overall influence on American Jewry remained limited. Jabotinsky's arrival in New York on Jan. 27, 1926 was notably subdued, with only one young supporter, Izrael Poznanski, present to greet him an indication of how little traction militant Zionism had in the American Jewish community at the time. Over the next five months, Jabotinsky embarked on an ambitious lecture tour, seeking to galvanize support. While his opening speech at the Manhattan Opera House drew an impressive crowd of two thousand, many subsequent events suffered from poor attendance, underscoring the challenges his movement faced. Revisionist Zionism emerged as a distinct force amid growing disillusionment with mainstream Zionist leadership. Jabotinsky, who had initially been a mainstream Zionist figure in tsarist Russia, became increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as the complacency of the World Zionist Organization (WZO) under Chaim Weizmann. While Weizmann favored diplomatic negotiations and gradual settlement in Palestine, Jabotinsky demanded a more confrontational approach toward British restrictions on Jewish immigration and land ownership. His experiences during the 1920 Arab riots where he organized Jewish self-defense and was later imprisoned by the British only hardened his resolve. By 1923, he had resigned from the WZO and founded the Revisionist movement, advocating for a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River. Though his ideas resonated strongly with working-class Jews in Eastern Europe, the American landscape proved more hostile. Post-World War I America was fraught with nativism and suspicion of ethnic nationalist movements. Many American Jews, already facing antisemitic pressures, feared that Zionism might be perceived as unpatriotic. Additionally, the Balfour Declaration had led some to believe that Zionism's central goal securing a Jewish homeland had already been achieved, diminishing enthusiasm for further activism. The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), the dominant Zionist group in the U.S., struggled with dwindling membership after the resignation of its leader, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, in 1921. By 1926, it had only 26,000 members reflecting the broader disengagement among American Jews. Despite these obstacles, Jabotinsky's ideas did find a small but devoted following. The ZOA's official publication, New Palestine, did not actively oppose Revisionism. In fact, it published excerpts from Jabotinskys speeches and framed his movement as part of the broader Zionist consensus, albeit with a more assertive tone. However, many of his staunchest supporters remained distrustful of the ZOA, seeing irreconcilable ideological divides. A minor breakthrough came in April 1926 when the Order Sons of Zion endorsed Revisionism, signaling a potential shift in the American Zionist landscape. Ultimately, while Jabotinsky's tour planted the seeds for future activism, its immediate impact was limited. American Jews remained cautious, and competing factions, such as Labor Zionists, actively worked to discredit his vision. Nevertheless, his insistence on Jewish self-defense, mass immigration and statehood foreshadowed the eventual evolution of Zionist politics both in Palestine and among Jewish Diaspora communities. Though his 1926 campaign did not revolutionize American Zionism, it laid the groundwork for a militant faction that would grow in influence in the decades to come. Watch this video about Rafael Medoff"s "Militant Zionism in America: The Rise and Impact of the Jabotinsky Movement in the United States, 1926-1948". This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com TAKE IT DOWN Act advances in Congress amid free speech concerns The TAKE IT DOWN Act, targeting non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), advanced after Senate approval (65-33) and a near-unanimous committee vote (49-1). The House is expected to fast-track the bill, which mandates removal of flagged NCII content (real or AI-generated) within 48 hours. Supported by figures like Melania Trump and bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Cruz, Klobuchar), the bill is framed as critical for protecting women and children (96% of NCII victims). Lawmakers argue it prevents "suicide out of shame" and curbs "revenge porn," with tech giants like Meta and TikTok backing it. Critics (EFF, CDT) warn the bills "notice-and-takedown" system lacks safeguards against false reports, risking over-censorship of lawful content. Opponents compare it to the DMCAs flaws, fearing platforms will overcensor to avoid penalties, potentially chilling adult consensual content. Some suspect the bill aligns with conservative agendas (e.g., Project 2025) to restrict LGBTQ+ and sex-ed content under the guise of combating NCII. Anti-porn groups support the bill, raising fears it could be weaponized against activism or marginalized communities. Amendments to narrow the bills scope (e.g., exempting commercial porn) were rejected, while alternatives like the SHIELD Act (with stricter due process) remain sidelined. Final passage could empower victims but spark lawsuits over free speech, testing how Congress balances privacy rights and expression online. The bipartisan Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act moved closer to becoming law this week after passing in committee with a 49-1 bipartisan vote. It passed in the Senate 65-33 several weeks ago, with only one Republican, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), opposing it. The legislation, which would criminalize non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and mandate online platforms to remove flagged content within 48 hours, now advances to the House of Representatives, where leaders have pledged to expedite its consideration. The bills swift pathway to the House floor underscores its vocal bipartisan support, with sponsors including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). First Lady Melania Trump, who joined a March 3 bipartisan roundtable to advocate for the legislation, called it a powerful step toward justice for victims. Victims and advocates echoed these sentiments, underscoring the bills potential to address a crisis where 96% of NCII victims are women and children, per testimony provided to legislators. Senate passes Act, touting victim empowerment The Senates vote reflected broad support for its mandate to criminalize the publication of real or AI-generated nonconsensual pornographic material. Sen. Cruz described the bill as a tool to protect teenagers from deepfake revenge porn, emphasizing its requirement that tech companieslike Microsoft, Meta and TikTok, which back the legislationact swiftly to remove illegal material. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), lead House sponsor, framed the bill as a moral imperative, stating it would prevent suicide out of shame caused by image-based sexual abuse. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) echoed this urgency, declaring the law a necessary countermeasure to unspeakable evils enabled by technology. Civil liberties groups warn of censorship threats Despite bipartisan enthusiasm, digital rights advocates argue the bills notice and takedown (NTD) mechanism risks overreach. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) warned that the lack of safeguards for false reports and the absence of appeal processes for wrongly flagged content could suppress lawful speech. Joe Mullin, an EFF policy analyst, compared the bills liability framework to the problematic Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), noting it could incentivize platforms to err on the side of over-censoring to avoid penalties. Senators opposing the measure raised concerns about chilling consensual adult content, a staple of protected speech. This bill conflates non-consensual harm with adult pornography, ignoring the legal distinction, argued a Republican aide familiar with internal deliberations. GOP priorities and Project 2025 ambitions The bills timing raises eyebrows among observers of conservative policy trends. Advocates of the Republican-backed Project 2025which calls for stricter online content regulationshave pushed similar laws in Texas, Florida and other states to restrict access to pornography and LGBTQ+ material. Critics argue the TAKE IT DOWN Acts vague language could enable misuse to silence politically contentious speech. The same actors pushing parental rights bills now oversee Congress, said CDT policy director Morgan Korn. Whats to stop this law from being weaponized against activists or sex education content? The bills list of supporters includes anti-porn groups like the National Decency Coalition, whose broader goalslike restricting sex-ed fundingalign with elements of Project 2025. Path forward: Balancing rights or expanding liability? Efforts to moderate the bills reach have stalled. Sen. Klobuchar rejected amendments to exempt commercial pornography, while the House companion bill retains all controversial provisions. Alternatives like the SHIELD Actpassed by the Senate in 2022 with bipartisan supportfeature stricter due process safeguards and narrower targeting of NCII. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), a SHIELD backer, criticized CircularProgresss version as unconstitutional rushed legislation. Meanwhile, advocates like victim advocate Breeze Liu stressed the delays human cost, urging lawmakers to build a digital future worthy of future generations. As House debate looms, stakeholders await assurances that the final text will balance victim rights with constitutional protections. Without revisions, the TAKE IT DOWN Act stands as both a victory for survivorsand a litmus test for the federal governments ability to police a fast-evolving online landscape. Final passage could reshape online speech, empowering victimswhile igniting legal battles over the limits of free expression. The high-stakes question remains unresolved: Can Congress shield Americans from NCII without curtailing the rights of millions more? Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org TechPolicy.press Commerce.senate.gov Trump proposes historic $1T defense budget amid global tensions and government spending scrutiny President Donald Trump announced a historic $1 trillion defense budget the largest in U.S. history aimed at countering threats from China and Russia, dwarfing the current $895 billion allocation. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touted the budget's focus on "lethality and readiness," the Department of Defense faces criticism for failing seven consecutive audits, including $150 billion in unaccounted spending in 2023. The budget surge coincides with aggressive austerity measures, including Pentagon plans to cut 60,000 civilian jobs and Elon Musk's DOGE eliminating 280,000 federal roles, raising questions about fiscal discipline. The U.S. already outspends Russia and NATO allies combined, but analysts warn that budget size alone won't ensure superiority amid cyberwarfare and AI threats. Trump's $256 billion NATO spending target remains unmet. Congressional disputes over interim increases ($150 billion) and unclear budget scope (Pentagon-only or broader security) complicate passage. Critics argue the proposal risks repeating Cold War-era spending without addressing systemic inefficiencies. This captures the key themes of spending, scrutiny, global context, political hurdles and strategic risks. President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented $1 trillion defense budget proposal on Monday, April 7, marking the largest military spending plan in U.S. history. The pledge, made alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, underscores the administration's commitment to bolstering military readiness amid rising threats from near-peer rivals like China and Russia. But as the Department of Defense faces scrutiny over billions in unaccounted spending and internal cuts, the massive budget push raises questions about fiscal discipline and strategic priorities in an era of growing global competition. The proposed $1 trillion budget would dwarf the current defense allocation of $895 billion, which already exceeds the combined military spending of the next ten largest nations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated the plan on social media, vowing to prioritize "lethality and readiness" while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently. "President @realDonaldTrump is rebuilding our military and FAST," Hegseth wrote on X. "COMING SOON: the first TRILLION dollar @DeptofDefense budget." Despite the staggering figure, Trump emphasized the necessity of the increase, citing escalating global threats. "Nobody's seen anything like it," he told reporters. "We have to be strong because you've got a lot of bad forces out there now." The push for record funding comes alongside aggressive cost-cutting efforts led by Elon Musk's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has overseen the layoffs of 280,000 federal workers. The Pentagon itself is planning to slash eight percent of its budget annually for modernization and reduce up to 60,000 civilian jobs globally. Critics argue these contradictions massive spending hikes paired with austerity measures reflect deeper inefficiencies. The Pentagon has failed its annual audit for seven consecutive years, with $150 billion in spending unaccounted for in 2023 alone. (Related: Trump calls for radical military spending cuts, seeks Ukraine peace and G7 expansion.) NATO spending goals and global comparisons Even a $1 trillion budget falls short of Trump's demand that NATO allies allocate $256 billion, while Russia's is $157 billion. The U.S. outspends both nations combined by nearly threefold. Yet analysts like Baranetz, cited in South Front, warn that budget size alone doesn't guarantee battlefield superiority. Modernization delays, bureaucratic bloat and evolving threats from cyberwarfare and AI-driven combat challenge the Pentagon's ability to maintain dominance. Congressional and fiscal roadblocks Republicans in Congress are separately pushing an interim defense increase of up to $150 billion, though disagreements linger between House and Senate proposals. Meanwhile, the White House has not clarified whether the $1 trillion figure applies solely to the Pentagon or includes broader national security programs. The timing of the announcement months before the formal budget rollout has also raised eyebrows. "Their comments came as a surprise since the rollout of the federal budget isn't expected until late May," noted one defense analyst. Historical context: From Reagan to today The proposal echoes Cold War-era military buildups, particularly under President Ronald Reagan, who prioritized defense spending to counter the Soviet Union. Today's focus on China and Russia reflects a return to great-power competition, yet with far higher price tags and complex technological stakes. Trump's emphasis on military strength aligns with his 2016 campaign promises to "rebuild" the armed forces, citing the Obama administration's purported neglect. Early in his term, he signed a budget with significant Pentagon increases, calling it vital to rehabilitate a "badly worn" military. A high-stakes gamble The $1 trillion proposal signals an aggressive bet on U.S. military primacy at a time of fiscal constraints and audit failures. While supporters hail it as necessary to deter adversaries, skeptics question whether sheer spending can address systemic inefficiencies or emerging threats. As debates unfold in Congress, the budget's final form and its impact on national security will hinge on balancing lethality with accountability in an unpredictable world. Head over to Trump.news for stories related to his fiscal and government spending policies. Watch the video below where Trump announces the upgrades on air defense. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Defense stocks tumble after Trump proposes military spending cuts, while European defense firms surge. Germany rejects Trump's call for increased military spending. No new wars: Trump to CUT military spending, work with Russia and China on denuclearization. Sources include: RT.com Newsweek.com X.com Brighteon.com POLL: U.S. support for Israel drops to lowest level in decades amid Gaza War For the first time in over two decades, 53 percent of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 42 percent in 2022, driven by the Gaza conflict and high Palestinian casualties. Republican support for Israel has declined (64 percent favorable, down from 71 percent), with younger Republicans (under 50) evenly split. Meanwhile, 69 percent of Democrats now disapprove of Israel, a sharp rise from 53 percent in 2022. Younger Americans, especially Democrats, increasingly side with Palestinians, while only White evangelicals (72 percent) remain strongly pro-Israel. Jewish American support has also dipped (73 percent favorable) due to Gaza and Israeli domestic politics. Only 52 percent of Americans (including 53 percent of Jews) trust Netanyahu's leadership, reflecting waning confidence amid U.S.-Israel tensions. 62 percent oppose U.S. involvement in Gaza's governance, with just 15 percent in favor. A majority (54 percent) believe a two-state solution is no longer feasible, though 46 percent remain hopeful. On U.S. policy, 31 percent say Trump overly favors Israel, while three percent think he supports Palestinians too much. A new Pew Research Center poll has revealed that a majority of Americans now hold an unfavorable view of Israel for the first time in over two decades. The survey, released on April 8, found that 53 percent of Americans now view Israel negatively, a sharp rise from 42 percent in March 2022 before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel and the subsequent bombardment of Gaza, which has killed over 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. (Related: Poll: More than half of Americans oppose deploying troops to ISRAEL.) Republicans remain more supportive of Israel (64 percent favorable), but their backing has slipped significantly from 71 percent in previous years. Notably, 37 percent of Republicans now express negative views a 10-point jump since 2022. The shift is especially pronounced among younger Republicans (under 50), with half now viewing Israel unfavorably a shift experts attribute to rising dissent in conservative media from figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. Among Democrats, disapproval has surged to 69 percent, up from 53 percent in 2022. A majority of Americans, except Republicans aged 18-49, say Israel's war in Gaza is "personally important" to them and U.S. interests. Religiously and ethnically, support for Israel has also weakened in some areas. Jewish Americans, though traditionally pro-Israel (73 percent still view it favorably), have seen declining approval due to Israel's domestic political turmoil and the Gaza conflict. White evangelicals remain Israel's strongest U.S. backers (72 percent favorable), while majorities of White Protestants (50 percent) and Catholics (53 percent) now hold unfavorable opinions. Muslim Americans are the most critical, with 81 percent viewing Israel negatively a response to the high Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. "What is most interesting about these numbers is that it's no longer a shift that's happening on only one side of the political spectrum," said Yousef Munayyer, the director of the Palestine/Israel Program at the Arab Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that focuses on U.S. policy toward the Arab world. "What younger voters are seeing happening in Gaza and they have been seeing it for some time now they don't want to be associated with that," he added. "It's not just something that they don't want to be associated with as Republicans, but something that they don't want to be associated with as Americans." Survey reveals Netanyahu's waning credibility The survey was conducted on March 24 to 30 among 3,605 Americans as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington amid strained U.S.-Israel ties and it clearly implies Netanyahu's waning credibility and Americans' opposition in the taking over of Gaza. For instance, based on the results, just 52 percent of Americans, including 53 percent of Jewish respondents, said they had little to no confidence in Netanyahu's leadership on global affairs. In line with his, the poll shows that 62 percent of the respondents oppose the U.S. "taking over Gaza," a floated policy from President Donald Trump, which only 15 percent support. More than half of Americans (54 percent) believe a two-state solution is no longer feasible, though 46 percent still hold hope for peaceful coexistence. On U.S. policy, 31 percent think Trump favors Israel too much, 29 percent say he's balanced, and only three percent believe he supports Palestinians too much. Follow WWIII.news for more stories about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Watch this clip, which asks which to support: Israel or Hamas? This video is from the New Patriot channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Netanyahu demands U.S. expedite aid to Israel, says Americans protesting Israel 'stand with evil.' Poll: Majority of Americans oppose sending weapons, supplies to Israel. POLL: Majority of Americans are against deploying U.S. troops to defend Israel. Poll: Majority of Americans want to halt U.S. arms shipments to Israel. Israel shows why Americans have right to "weapons of war" for self-defense. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net ReligionNews.com U.S. vows to counter Chinese influence in Panama Canal The U.S. aims to counter China's growing presence near the Panama Canal through military and economic partnerships, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowing to "take back" control of the strategic waterway. While China does not operate the canal, its control over nearby ports raises espionage fears. The U.S. has deployed Navy and Coast Guard assets for joint exercises with Panama, marking heightened military cooperation. Panama asserts sovereignty over the canal but has made concessions to the U.S., including withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative. A U.S.-led consortium may acquire Chinese-leased ports, a move praised by Trump. China dismisses U.S. claims as sensationalistic, citing historical U.S. interference (1989 invasion) and emphasizing its commercial, not operational, role in Panama. Experts dispute claims of Chinese meddling. The canal is vital for global trade and military logistics, with the U.S. fearing Chinese intelligence exploitation. Panama remains neutral but caught in superpower competition, with tensions unlikely to ease. The U.S. has escalated efforts to counter China's growing influence over the Panama Canal, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promising that Washington will "take back" control of the strategic waterway through strengthened military and economic partnerships with Panama City. The secretary made the announcement during the inauguration of a U.S.-funded naval dock in Panama's capital Tuesday, April 8. It follows repeated warnings from former President Donald Trump about Beijing's alleged encroachment on canal operations. The canal sees over 40 percent of U.S. container traffic, worth $270 billion annually. Given its status as a linchpin of global trade, ensuring its security is a top priority for Washington. The U.S. completed construction of the Panama Canal in 1914 and handed it over to Panama in 1999. Hegseth emphasized that while China does not operate the canal, its control over nearby infrastructure such as ports leased by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison raises espionage and security concerns. "China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area," Hegseth said. "That gives China the potential to conduct surveillance activities across Panama." Panama Canal: More than just a trade route In recent weeks, the U.S. has deployed Navy vessels, Coast Guard cutters and aircraft to Panama for joint exercises, marking the most significant military cooperation between the two nations in decades. The guided-missile cruisers USS Chosin and USS Normandy, along with the USCGC Kimball, are among the assets now operating near the canal. Hegseth framed the deployments as "bold first steps" to reinforce Panama's sovereignty, though Panamanian officials insist the canal remains firmly under their control. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has pushed back against Trump's claims of Chinese control, calling the canal part of Panama's "inalienable patrimony." Yet Mulino has made concessions to Washington, including withdrawing from China's Belt and Road Initiative in February. A recent audit also flagged irregularities in CK Hutchison's port leases, paving the way for their sale to a U.S.-led consortium including BlackRock a move Trump hailed as "reclaiming" the canal. (Related: BlackRock secures control of Panama Canal ports, curtailing Chinese influence.) China's embassy in Panama dismissed U.S. allegations as "sensationalistic," noting that the only disruption to the canal's operations came during the 1989 U.S. invasion. The embassy even asked: "Who is truly safeguarding the canal's neutrality?" The canal's strategic value has surged amid the U.S.-China rivalry, with planners at the Department of Defense viewing it as vital for moving warships during potential Pacific conflicts. While Panama maintains neutrality, Washington fears Beijing could exploit commercial ties for intelligence gathering a concern amplified by China's global infrastructure ambitions. Watch this discussion that centers on what President Donald Trump's rhetoric about the Panama Canal could mean for the U.S. and China. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump signals willingness to use force to retake Panama Canal, Greenland. Trump vows to reclaim Panama Canal, saying it belongs to America. Russia enters the fray: Trump's Panama Canal claims threaten global trade neutrality. Trump warns U.S. could take over Panama Canal if Panama continues to impose "rip-off" passage fees on American ships. Sources include: RT.com APNews.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's central bank, Da Afghanistan Bank, has collected and incinerated more than 3.3 billion afghani (about 46 million U.S. dollars) of worn-out banknotes over the past year. "The bank has been able to collect 3.36 billion afghani in worn-out banknotes from various zones of the country within the past year and removed them from circulation," local media Tolonews quoted central bank spokesman Hasibullah Noori as saying on Saturday night. In the meantime, Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment of Afghanistan, has emphasized that the Central Bank needs to develop a clear procedure for financial and banking systems to prevent further deterioration of the national currency. "A card-based system should be introduced under which every individual -- whether in shops or markets -- should have a designated payment card. This is a common practice in many countries to prevent the wear and tear of paper currency," the media outlet quoted Alokozai as saying. 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. COLOMBO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police arrested two suspects on Sunday morning after seizing more than 117 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine, police said. The drugs, including 65.7 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 52.3 kg of heroin, were discovered during a vehicle inspection near the Kudawella fishery harbor in southern Sri Lanka, police said. Police said further investigations are underway. Sri Lankan security forces have carried out several successful anti-drug operations in recent weeks, including the largest drug bust in the country's history earlier this month, with a seizure of over 700 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine. The Sri Lankan navy said on Saturday that it has seized over 100 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine during an operation off the country's western coast. 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. Apple Ramps Up iPhone Production In India, Shifts $22-Billion Manufacturing From China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 12:40 IST India's role in Apple's supply chain has grown beyond assembly; the company exported Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of iPhones, or around $17.4 billion, in the fiscal year ending March 2025. Apple is expanding its footprint in the Indian consumer market, where it now commands nearly 8 per cent of the smartphone market share. In a major realignment of its global supply chain, Apple Inc is now manufacturing iPhones worth $22 billion in India, marking a significant shift away from its long-standing production base in China. According to a Bloomberg report, nearly 20 per cent of Apples global iPhone output now comes from India a remarkable leap driven by geopolitical tensions, pandemic-related disruptions, and strategic diversification. The ramp-up was initiated by severe COVID-19 lockdowns in China that disrupted operations at Apples largest plant, compelling the tech giant to reduce its overdependence on the country. A large share of these iPhones are assembled at Foxconn Technology Groups facility in southern India, with Tata Groups electronics arm also emerging as a key contributor. Recommended Stories India Exports $17.4 Billion Worth of iPhones Indias role in Apples supply chain has grown beyond assembly. The company exported Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of iPhones, or around $17.4 billion, in the fiscal year ending March 2025. A major boost to this came after the US government, under President Donald Trump, implemented reciprocal tariffs prompting Apple to prioritise India-made iPhones for the American market. Thanks to this shift, shipments from India to the US have surged, particularly after iPhones assembled in India were exempted from the US tariffs, unlike goods coming from China. Supply Chain Diversification: A Long-Term Strategy Apples move is part of its broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing footprint beyond China. While the transition is expected to take time up to eight years to shift even 10% of its China-based capacity, according to Bloomberg Intelligence India is well-positioned to gain. The Indian government has rolled out $2.7 billion in incentives under its production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to boost electronics manufacturing. Indias ambition to become a global hub for electronics is further supported by its zero-tariff policy on smartphone, laptop, and tablet exports to the US. Indias Competitive Edge Over China According to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which includes Apple, Foxconn, Xiaomi, Dixon, and Lava among its members, both India and Vietnam enjoy a 20% pricing advantage in the US market over Chinese-made smartphones, due to the absence of tariffs. Vietnam similarly exports Samsung smartphones to the US without duties, but Apples scale in India is quickly catching up. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Apples Growing Presence in India Apples local strategy isnt limited to exports. The company is expanding its footprint in the Indian consumer market, where it now commands nearly 8 per cent of the smartphone market share, with sales approaching $8 billion in FY24. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: April 13, 2025, 12:40 IST Governor Gives Assent to Odisha University (Amendment) Bill: Now Varsities Will Hold Faculty Recruitment Published By : PTI Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 15:20 IST The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, reforms higher education by changing faculty recruitment, VC selection, and reintroducing the Senate. Odisha University (Amendment) Act changes faculty recruitment, VC selection, and reintroduces the Senate. (Representational image/File) With Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati giving his assent, the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024 has come into effect from Sunday marking a significant reform in the states higher education sector. The bill was passed on April 2, after extensive deliberation in the Odisha Assembly and it got the governors assent on April 12. Expressing his gratitude to the governor, Odishas Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the development as a new dawn" for higher education in the state. He said the act will bring transformative changes aimed at strengthening the education system, addressing longstanding challenges and enhancing academic excellence. Recommended Stories The act aims to bring about substantial reforms, ensuring autonomy for universities and enhancing the efficiency of academic functions," Suraj said. According to the provision of the act, the recruitment of faculty in universities will not be conducted through the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). Instead, universities will form a committee comprising educationists for faculty recruitment. This will allow the recruitment process to be completed within a specified period, without unnecessary delays, the minister said, adding that it will ensure that faculty appointments align with the requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, as well as subject-specific demands. Regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors, the act has provision of forming a three-member committee for the selection of the VCs. Only distinguished educationists from the field of higher education will be part of this committee. The age limit for VCs has been increased from 67 to 70 years. The new act also ensured the reintroduction of the Senate in universities. The Senate is the highest advisory body of a university, comprising educationists, faculty, students, and administrative staff and it plays a vital role in the development of the university and the higher education sector. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the Act, each university will have a senate that will meet at least twice a year. The senate will consist of 68 members, out of which a minimum of 37 members will be from among teachers, educationists, and student representatives, ensuring balanced and inclusive representation. The minister said that the act also ensures a robust foundation and strengthened education system. The act will also contribute to the growth of a knowledge-driven economy in the state," he said. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More Location : Bhubaneswar, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:20 IST UP Board Result 2025: UPMSP To Release Date & Time For Class 10th, 12th Results Soon, Check Latest Update Curated By : News18 Hindi Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 10:38 IST UP Board Result 2025: A letter claiming UP Board Class 10 and 12 results being announced on April 15 gone viral on social media, is fake. UP Board Result 2025: UPMSP has asked students to check official websites for result updates. (Representative Image) UP Board Result 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) will soon declare the results for the high school and intermediate examinations. Recently A fake letter claiming that the UP Board Class 10 and 12 results will be announced on April 15 at 2 PM went viral on social media, causing confusion among students and parents. UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Prasad Singh has confirmed that the viral letter is completely fake. He clarified that the result preparation is still underway, and no official date has been announced yet. Recommended Stories UP Board Result 2025 Expected In Last Week of April According to the board secretary, the UP Board results are likely to be declared in the last week of April. He advised students and parents not to rely on unverified information and to check only the official UP Board website for accurate updates. The evaluation process for over 3 crore answer sheets concluded by April 2, and the final result compilation is now nearing completion. Typically, results are declared 15 to 20 days after the evaluation ends, indicating that the UP Board results are likely to be announced before April 25. Where To Check UP Board Result 2025? Once the UPMSP Result 2025 are declared, students can check and download their scorecards through the following websites: 1- upmsp.edu.in 2- upresults.nic.in 3- results.gov.in 4- upmspresults.up.nic.in How To Check UP Board Exam 2025 Results? Step 1: Visit upmsp.edu.in or results.upmsp.edu.in. Step 2: Click on the UP Board Exam Result 2025 link on the homepage. Step 3: Enter the required details such as roll number and date of birth. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Step 4: Click on the submit button to view your result on the screen. A total of 54,38,597 students registered for the UP Board Exams 2025, with 27,40,151 candidates appearing for the Class 10 exams. To qualify for the Uttar Pradesh Board Exams 2025, students must secure at least 33% marks in each subject. 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 13, 2025, 10:38 IST Are Chinese Soldiers Fighting For Russia In Ukraine? Relations Between Moscow & Beijing Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 10:11 IST Zelenskyy has claimed 155 Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine. Chinas support to Russia in the war signals that Beijing cannot afford to lose Moscow, as this would threaten the stability of anti-Western regime in Russia China believes there could be a possibility of a confrontation with the US in the future, and this has shaped its approach to the war in Ukraine. (Photo: AFP File) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed hundreds of Chinese soldiers are fighting alongside the Russian army on the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian intelligence has found that 155 Chinese nationals are fighting inside the countrys territory, Zelenskyy said on Wednesday, adding that the actual number might be higher. He also claimed that his army had captured two Chinese men fighting with the Russian army, as quoted by Al Jazeera. Recommended Stories The Ukrainian leader described the potential involvement of Chinese citizens as a major escalation and called on the United States and other allies for support, adding this must be met with a firm and principled response." What Has Zelenskyy Alleged? The fresh allegations come after Zelenskyy claimed that his military chief said a new Russian offensive had begun in eastern Ukraine. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russian forces have intensified assaults in all main directions," including in the countrys eastern Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Such offensive raises questions about the seriousness of peace talks that were brokered by the Trump administration between Moscow and Kyiv. Russias involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war," Zelenskyy wrote, adding, This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace." Zelenskyy had said earlier that the two Chinese nationals his forces had captured were found in the countrys Donetsk region with personal documents, including bank cards, and that Russian units had significantly more" than two Chinese citizens. On Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the accusation had no basis in facts". He even said that he was ready to exchange two Chinese nationals only for Ukrainian soldiers" in Russian captivity. They are more talkative than the prisoners from North Korea, as far as we can see," he said, referring to two North Korean soldiers Ukraine captured in January, as quoted by NBC News. Whats Chinas Response? Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian later said China was asking citizens to stay away from and not involve themselves in armed conflict. Lin, in a statement Thursday, urged relevant parties to refrain from making irresponsible" remarks and adding that Beijing was not a party to the war and that it supported and had actively promoted the peaceful settlement of the crisis." Such claims have no basis. In fact, Chinas position on Ukraine is very clear," Lin told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday, as quoted by Al Jazeera. The Chinese government has always asked its citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict [and] avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form. Ukrainian side needs to view correctly Chinas efforts and constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis." Have There Been Reports In Past About Chinese Soldiers Involvement? French news outlet Le Monde reported on April 6 that it identified social media accounts of 40 Chinese people who claim to have signed up with Russian forces. There have been the prevalence of Chinese mercenaries fighting for Russia, much similar to North Korean soldiers, who came en masse to aid Russias retaking of Kursk Oblast, with help from Pyongyang, the Kyiv Independent said. The first Chinese fighters identified by Ukrainian intelligence arrived in Russia in the summer of 2023, per documents reviewed by the Kyiv Independent. One post on Douyin, Chinas local version of TikTok, dates back to July 2022, shows a purported recent recruit excitedly preparing to be picked up from the Beijing airport on September 1 of that year. Reports suggest there are videos on the internet showing ads inviting Chinese men to come fight for Russia. Other videos show purportedly Chinese recruiters incentivizing people to join Russias Armed Forces in return for high salaries. Mercenaries from several countries have arrived in Russia as tourists and joined the army in fighting against Ukraine. Several foreign mercenaries have also joined the Ukraines side against Russia in the war. And many foreign nationals have claimed over the past three years that they were duped into joining the Russian or Ukrainian militaries after being promised a lucrative pay packet an incentive. In October 2024, reports doing rounds on social media suggested that Ukrainian forces had killed two Chinese mercenaries in Russia, the US-based Newsweek magazine reported. However, this was not backed by evidence and could not be independently verified by Newsweek. How Many Foreign Fighters Are Involved In The War? In 2022, Putin supported a plan to allow foreign fighters to join Russia in the war. A Nepali Ministry of Foreign Affairs official estimated that about 200 Nepali men were fighting in Russia by the end of 2023. Many estimated that there might be thousands of Nepalis on the battlefield. South Korea, the US and Ukraine have also alleged that North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian soldiers in Kursk amid bolstering military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. Russia has not directly confirmed this. But there is a difference: the North Koreans were fighting on the Kursk front against us," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday during a briefing with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine," said Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Colombia-based City Paper Bogota reported in November 2024 that more than 300 Colombian mercenaries fighting on Ukraines side had been killed during the war. It is unknown how many US nationals are fighting in Ukraine. A CNN investigation reported in January that 20 Americans are missing in action in Ukraine, and casualties are rising. How Has China-Russias Relations Been During The War? Chinas support to Russia in the war signals that Beijing cannot afford to lose Moscow, as this would threaten the stability of anti-Western regime in Russia. For Russia, the war has become a test of its relation with China and the outcome has been positive. Despite intense Western pressure and distancing itself from the conflict, China has provided Russia with tangible support, in the economic sphere. For example, China imported Russian energy resources and filled the gaps in the Russian market caused by Western sanctions. Crucially, this includes the supply of dual-use civilian-military products, such as electronic integrated circuits (with exports increasing by 140% between 2021 and 2023) and semiconductors (a 45% rise in exports during the same period. China has also supplied industrial technologies, including machinery; for example, its share in Russias imports of machine tools soared from 28% in 2021 to about 90% in 2023. As a result, economic ties between China and Russia have deepened further. Chinas share in Russias foreign trade grew from 18% in 2021 to 33% in 2023, with imports rising from 25% to 39% and exports surging from 13.8% to 28%. In the first ten months of 2024, China accounted for 33.8% of Russias foreign trade, as per Centre for Eastern Studies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all China believes there could be a possibility of a confrontation with the US, and this has shaped its approach to the war in Ukraine. Chinas decision to support Moscow during the three-year war stemmed from its assessment of Chinas strategic situation, driven by deepening competition with the US. In this context, China needs security and stability along its northern border and a partner to push back against Western influence in Central Asia. Thus, it would not be wrong to assume that in the future, China may attempt to leverage its influence over Russia in order to seek tactical concessions from the US. This would serve as an opportunity for both countries to extract the maximum benefits from Washington. 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 13, 2025, 10:07 IST How Advanced Is Irans Nuclear Programme, Why Is Trump Re-Engaging With Tehran? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 14:48 IST Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if it did not make a new deal. But Iran hopes a deal to limit, but not dismantle, its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief The US pulled out of a previous nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in 2018 during Trumps first term, and imposed economic sanctions on Iran. (Reuters/File) The United States and Iran have tried to reach a new deal in Muscat over Irans controversial nuclear programme, reports said. The White House described the talks positive and constructive", while Iran said the US wants a nuclear agreement as soon as possible". Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a separate statement that the two sides exchanged positions on Irans nuclear programme and the possibility of lifting sanctions on Iran the two critical issues in the negotiations. Recommended Stories Though Araghchi did not provide details on the meeting, he said he spoke for a few minutes with the head of the American delegation, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy. The US had pulled out of a previous nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in 2018 during Trumps first term, and slapped economic sanctions against Iran. Why Is There A Ban On Irans Nuclear Programme? Though Iran has said its nuclear programme is not for civilian purposes, the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is not convinced. There were suspicions about Irans secret nuclear facilities in 2002. This broke an agreement called the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran and other countries had signed. In 2015, Iran and six world powers the US, China, France, Russia, Germany and the UK agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after years of negotiations. But when Donald Trump took office in 2018, he removed the US from the agreement. He said it was a bad deal" because it was not permanent and did not address Irans ballistic missile programme, amongst other things. Trump re-imposed US sanctions as part of a maximum pressure" campaign to compel Iran to negotiate a new agreement. What Is Irans Nuclear Programme? Iran is believed to have nuclear sites across several locations. IAEA believes Iran had a coordinated, secret nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic denies ever having had one or planning to have one. Iran, which maintains it is not seeking nuclear weapons, now has a supply of highly enriched uranium that could be converted to weapons-grade fuel for at least three bombs in a time frame ranging from a few days to a few weeks," The Washington Post reported. As US pulled out of the US-Iran JCPOA signed in 2018, Iran violated a few rules in order to retaliate the sanctions imposed on them. Iran has installed thousands of advanced centrifuges (purification machines) to enrich uranium, something which was banned by the JCPOA. According to IAEA, Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, close to the 90% of weapons grade, at two sites. In theory, it has enough material enriched to that level, if further enriched, for almost four bombs. Nuclear weapons require uranium which has been enriched to 90% purity. Under the JCPOA, Iran was only allowed to possess up to 300kg of uranium enriched to 3.67% well enough for civilian nuclear power and research purposes but not nuclear bombs, as per BBC. But the IAEA said by March 2025, Iran had about 275kg of uranium which it had enriched to 60% purity. That is enough to theoretically make about half a dozen weapons, should Iran further enrich the uranium. Irans Nuclear Facilities Natanz: It is at the heart of the Irans enrichment programme on a plain outside the Shiite Muslim holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. It has two plants: the underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP). As claimed by Iranian opposition group in 2002 that Iran was secretly building Natanz, igniting a diplomatic standoff between the West and Iran over its nuclear projects. Its at Natanz that Iran houses centrifuges. The FEP was built to be able to house 5,000 centrifuges. Around 14,000 centrifuges are currently installed there, roughly 11,000 of which are in operation, refining uranium to up to 5% purity. Reports suggest that damage has been done to the centrifuges at FEP by other means, including an explosion and power cut in April 2021 that Iran claimed was an attack by Israel. US officials told The New York Times that Israel could focus its retaliatory attack on uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz. Fordow: The site is located opposite to Qom, and is dug into a mountain to protect from potential bombardment. In the 2015 deal, the major powers did not allow Iran to enrich at Fordow at all. It has now more than 1,000 centrifuges operating there. Iran recently doubled the number of centrifuges installed at Fordow. The US, Britain and France announced in 2009 that Iran had been secretly building Fordow for years and had failed to inform the IAEA. US President Barack Obama had said then: The size and configuration of this facility is inconsistent with a peaceful programme." Isfahan: Iran has a large nuclear technology centre on the outskirts of Isfahan, its second largest city. It includes the Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP) and the uranium conversion facility (UCF) that can process uranium into the uranium hexafluoride that is fed into centrifuges. The Isfahan facility builds uranium metal, a process that is particularly proliferation-sensitive since it can be used to devise the core of a nuclear bomb. After Irans attack on Israel in April, the latter responded by striking an airbase in Isfahan. Khondab: Iran built heavy-water research reactor Khondab, originally called Arak. Heavy-water reactors pose a nuclear proliferation risk because they can easily produce plutonium which, like enriched uranium, can be used to make the core of an atom bomb. As part of the 2015 deal, construction was halted at Khondab, the reactors core was removed and filled with concrete to make it unusable. The reactor was to be redesigned to minimise the production of plutonium and not to produce weapon-grade plutonium in normal operation". Iran has informed the IAEA that it plans to bring the reactor online in 2026. Bushehr: Irans only operating nuclear power plant, on the Gulf coast, uses Russian fuel that Russia then takes back when it is spent, reducing the proliferation risk. What Does The US And Iran Want? Trump has threatened Iran of bombing" if it did not make a new deal. His national security adviser Mike Waltz has said that Trump wants the full dismantlement" of Irans nuclear programme, adding: Thats enrichment, that is weaponisation, and that is its strategic missile programme." Trumps goal is to ease tensions in Middle East, especially between Iran and Israel. But Israel is suspicious of Iran, who hopes a deal to limit, but not dismantle, its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Our intention is to reach a fair and honourable agreement from an equal position," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, The deal with Iran is acceptable only if the nuclear if the nuclear sites are destroyed under US supervision. Otherwise, the military option is the only choice." Although Trump had said there would be direct talks", Araghchi said the negotiations in Oman were indirect, with only a brief conversation between him and US envoy Steve Witkoff taking place as they were leaving. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Araghchi said Iran was ready to engage with the US, but that Trump must first agree there can be no military option". Iran is looking for relief at a moment, with its economy crippling by sanctions. Irans air defences were substantially weakened in missile exchanges last year with Israel. And Irans regional proxies suffered major setbacks in wars with Israel, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 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 13, 2025, 12:43 IST Why Pakistan Is Concerned About US Military Weapons Left Behind In Afghanistan | Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 15:14 IST Pakistan officials have spoken to the US about the presence of American advanced military weapons in Afghanistan. Islamabad has urged the UN to recover these weapons, which are being used by TTP and the Baloch Liberation Army The US had in 2022 confirmed that $7 billion worth of military hardware was not evacuated during the withdrawal and now forms part of the Talibans arsenal in Afghanistan. (AP File Photo) Pakistan has raised concerns about the stockpile of weapons left behind by the US armed forces after their chaotic exit from Afghanistan in 2021. The United States has acknowledged the issue after Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two have reportedly discussed the issue of US-made advanced weapons in Afghanistan, Islamabads counter-terrorism efforts and other affairs of mutual interest. Recommended Stories How Much Arsenal Has US Left Behind In Afghanistan? An official report by the US Department of Defense in 2022 confirmed that around $7 billion worth of military hardware was not evacuated during the withdrawal and now forms part of the Talibans arsenal. The inventory included a vast range of combat-ready equipment: 78 aircraft, 40,000 military vehicles, over 300,000 weapons, air-to-ground munitions, communications systems and night-vision devices, among others. Geneva-based Small Arms Survey said in its report that as of August 2021, Afghanistan had 258,300 rifles, including M4, M16 and AK-variants, 64,300 pistols, 63,000 sniper rifles, 56,155 light, medium and heavy machine guns, 31,000 grenade launchers, 9,115 shotguns, 1,845 rounds of 60-82mm, as well as hundreds of thousands of accessories and munitions. While Pentagon officials have stated that most US military equipment used by their troops was either destroyed or retrograded, the weaponry that remained largely transferred to Afghan security forces was captured by the Taliban during their return to power. The Talibans chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, had confirmed in February that the weapons that America abandoned" in Afghanistan, as well as those provided to the former Afghan regime, are in the possession of the Mujahideen [or Taliban forces] as spoils of war." What Are Pakistans Concerns? Pakistan has voiced its concerns over the presence of advanced US weapons in Afghanistan which Washington has sought to be returned by Kabuls Afghan Taliban rulers. Islamabad last week urged the United Nations to recover these weapons, warning that militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were gaining access to them. Last month, Small Arms Survey, said in its report that trafficking and illegal sale of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Soviet arms have continued in Afghanistan and Pakistans border regions more than three years after the Talibans takeover of Kabul and their seizure of the previous regimes stockpiles. During his conversation with Rubio, Dar underlined Pakistans efforts in combating terrorism from 2013 till 2018, which caused Islamabad huge economic and human losses. Secretary of State Rubio also appreciated Pakistans efforts in the fight against terrorism and expressed the US desire to further enhance counter-terrorism cooperation," the Pakistani foreign office said. Syed Atif Raza, counsellor at Pakistans UN Mission, told a UNSC meeting on small arms and light weapons management on Friday that militant groups possessed lethal weapons left in Afghanistan that were now being used against civilians and Pakistans armed forces. Rubio, in turn, stressed that cooperation in economy and trade would be the hallmark of future relations between the two countries," particularly in sectors such as critical minerals. In a separate statement, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio expressed appreciation for Pakistans role in counterterrorism, including the arrest and handover of ISIS-K operative Mohammad Sharifullah. How US Arms Left In Afghanistan Are Being Used According to an NBC News report, the weapons are further arming militants in Kashmir. Officials said militants carrying M4s, M16s and other US-made arms and ammunition to carry out their missions. Most of the weapons recovered are from Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), both Pakistan-based militant groups that the US designates as terrorist organisations. In an X post in 2022, the police said they had seized an M4 carbine assault rifle after a gunfight that killed two militants from JeM. Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha said the government was aware of the issue and that measures were in place to combat the infiltration of US weapons into Kashmir. We are monitoring the situation closely and have taken steps accordingly. Our police and army are on the job," Sinha said on the sidelines of a news conference in Srinagar. What Next? The Taliban have expressed its unwillingness to return any of the captured equipment. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Talibans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview that the assets belong to the Afghan state. People dont make deals on the assets of their states. They make agreements through dialog and engagement to find spaces and areas of common interest," he told CBS News in February. In response, US President Donald Trump, has criticised the Biden administration for allowing the equipment to fall into Taliban hands. During a rally in Washington, he said, If were going to pay billions of dollars a year, tell them were not going to give them the money unless they give back our military equipment." Background On What Happened In Afghanistan The Taliban, a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist and predominantly Pashtun movement, controlled most of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. In October 2001, US and allied forces invaded the country and ousted the Taliban regime following its refusal to hand over al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks. Following the US-led invasion, Taliban leadership relocated to southern Afghanistan and across the border to Pakistan, from where they waged an insurgency against the Western-backed government in Kabul, Afghan national security forces, and international coalition troops. When the US-led coalition formally ended its combat mission in 2014, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) was put in charge of Afghanistans security; however, the forces faced significant challenges in holding territory and defending population centres. The Taliban continued to attack rural districts and carry out suicide attacks in major cities, with the ANDSF suffering heavy casualties. In February 2020, after more than a year of direct negotiations, the US government and the Taliban signed a peace deal, called the Doha Agreement, that set a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. Under the agreement, the US had to draw down US troops to approximately 8,500 within 135 days and complete a full withdrawal within 14 months. Violence across Afghanistan continued in 2020 and 2021 as the US increased air strikes and raids targeting the Taliban. A United Nations document said a record high of 10,993 civilian casualties were reported in 2018. However, UN-documented civilian casualties from 2009 to 2020 have been more than 100,000. In April 2021, President Joe Biden announced that US military forces would leave Afghanistan by September 2021. The Taliban, which had continued to capture and contest territory across the country despite ongoing peace talks with the Afghan government, ramped up attacks on ANDSF bases and outposts and began to rapidly seize more territory. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On August 15, 2021, over two weeks before the official US withdrawal deadline, Taliban fighters entered Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani subsequently fled the country and the Afghan government collapsed. Following the US pull out from Afghanistan, more than 120,000 Afghans were airlifted and relocated around the world, with about 76,000 arriving in the US as of August 2022. 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 13, 2025, 14:49 IST LONDON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The British Parliament Saturday passed an emergency law granting the government sweeping powers to take control of British Steel, the last in Britain capable of producing steel from iron ore. The Scunthorpe facility supplies the vast majority of the country's rail tracks. The legislation was introduced in response to British Steel's plan to shut down its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, citing unsustainable financial losses. In an extraordinary Saturday sitting, the first in over four decades, both Houses of Parliament returned from Easter recess to fast-track the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act, which received royal assent the same day. The new law empowers the Business Secretary to intervene directly in steel operations, order the procurement of raw materials, mandate the payment of workers, and even seize assets "using force if necessary." A Dark Chapter In India's History: PM Modi Pays Homage To Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 09:21 IST PM Modi paid homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre and said that it was the turning point in India's freedom struggle. PM Modi pays tribute to martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre (PTI File Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to those who were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, and said their sacrifice was a major turning point in Indias freedom struggle". We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nations history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in Indias freedom struggle," PM Modi posted on X. Recommended Stories We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nations history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in Indias freedom struggle. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 13, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hundreds of people, including women and children, were brutally shot dead on the orders of British general Dyer. The people had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, for a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act a repressive law that allowed the British to arrest Indians without trial. Several people died in the firing as they failed to escape the premises, which had only one narrow exit. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: April 13, 2025, 09:19 IST Bengal Anti-Waqf Clashes: Bangladesh Terror Outfit Regrouping In State, Say Intel Sources | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 13:26 IST Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) recruits are being radicalised in unrecognised madrasas and trained in cross-border camps. They are using tactics similar to those during the 2019 anti-CAA riots, raising fears of a coordinated Islamist agenda," say intel sources A charred bus after violent clashes following protests over Waqf Act at Jangipur, in Murshidabad district, on Saturday. (PTI) The Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), an Islamist terror group responsible for attacks in Bengal in the past, is reactivating modules in seven border districts in the state to recruit youths from madrasas, according to intelligence sources. West Bengal saw violence in Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act, which led to at least three deaths and left several injured over the weekend. Recommended Stories The Bangladesh border is a gateway for radicalisation. They are regrouping in Murshidabad and Malda," said sources. They are using tactics similar to those during the 2019 anti-CAA riots, raising fears of a coordinated Islamist agenda," said sources, adding, The JMB recruits are being radicalised in unrecognised madrasas and trained in cross-border camps." THE VIOLENCE: WHAT GOVT SOURCES SAY Around eight companies of the Border Security Force (BSF), along with around 1,000 police personnel, have been deployed in the district. Officers ranging from the DG level to Additional SP have been deputed in areas that witnessed violent clashes. Over 150 arrests have been made, with prohibitory orders and internet shutdowns imposed in Murshidabad, said government sources. While intelligence agencies have issued urgent alerts to the West Bengal government, there is a systemic collapse of law and order, with state police colluding with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) to ignore communal clashes, allege sources. Sources allege, There were attacks on Hindu properties during protests. The political exploitation of religious sentiments risks is destabilising the state bordering Bangladesh." Police admitted to using minimum force, fuelling allegations of deliberate inaction. Eventually, the Calcutta High Court stepped in and ordered the deployment of central forces not only in Murshidabad, but also anywhere else where such violent incidents take place. With 30% Muslim voters and 2026 elections approaching, CM Mamata Banerjees guarantees are seen as consolidating her vote bank. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Waqf protests, marked by anti-Hindu targeting and inflammatory slogans, have exposed a volatile mix of identity politics, administrative failure, and external threats, said sources. Intelligence agencies stress that Bengals communal protests, if unchecked, could embolden cross-border extremism and destabilise Indias eastern frontier. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: April 13, 2025, 12:33 IST Bengaluru Molestation Case: Accused Arrested In Kerala After 10-Day Manhunt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 21:19 IST Police had formed two special teams and reviewed over 700 CCTV recordings during the investigation to track him down In the video, a man is seen deliberately approaching two women, pinning one to a wall and groping her. (Image: X) The man accused of molesting a woman in Bengaluruan incident that sparked public outrage after being caught on CCTVwas arrested on Sunday in Keralas Naduvannur town, following a 10-day manhunt by the police. The accused, identified as Santosh, is currently being brought back to Bengaluru. Police had formed two special teams and reviewed over 700 CCTV recordings during the investigation to track him down. Recommended Stories A case has been registered against him under BNS Sections 74 (molestation), 75 (sexual harassment), and 78 (stalking). The incident, which occurred on April 3 around 2 am in Bengalurus BTM layout area, was captured on CCTV. The footage shows the man running towards two women walking down an empty street, with a few parked two-wheelers visible. He is seen groping one of the women from behind and touching her inappropriately before fleeing the scene. ALSO READ: Caught On Camera: Man Molests Bengaluru Woman On Street, Then Flees The video quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread condemnation. The case also sparked political tension after Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara referred to it as an isolated incident" and said, Such incidents take place once in a while in such a big city." His comments drew strong criticism, with the BJP demanding for his resignation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Parameshwara later apologised and clarified that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context. My statement was misunderstood and my words were twisted. I have always been concerned for womens safety and protection. If any woman has been hurt by what I said, I regret and apologise for the same," he stated. ALSO READ: Words Were Twisted: Karnataka Home Minister Apologises After Row Over Bengaluru Molestation Case Remark 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 13, 2025, 20:57 IST Coimbatore Pastor Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Two Minor Girls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 16:36 IST Jebaraj was arrested by Coimbatore City Police in Munnar, Idukki district, on Saturday evening after evading arrest for several months Pastor John Jebaraj of Kings Generation Church in Coimbatore. (Image via Instagram) Pastor John Jebaraj of Kings Generation Church in Keralas Coimbatore has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls. Jebaraj was arrested by Coimbatore City Police in Munnar, Idukki district, on Saturday evening after evading arrest for several months. Recommended Stories The 37-year-old pastor is well known on social media for his Christian devotional songs and has over 1,98,000 followers on Instagram. The alleged sexual assault case in which he was arrested dates back to May last year. Jebaraj is accused of assaulting the two minor girls during a party at his home in Coimbatore. One of the victims recently told a family member about what happened, which led to a complaint being filed at the Central All Women Police Station, NDTV reported. The police are continuing their investigation. Jebaraj has been charged under Sections 9 (l) and 9 (m) (aggravated sexual assault), and Section 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. ALSO READ: Self-Proclaimed HIV Healer, Social Media Star, Sexual Abuse Accused: Who Is Yeshu Yeshu Bajinder Singh This case comes shortly after another involving self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, who was convicted in a 2018 rape and sexual harassment case earlier this month. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On 1 April, a Mohali court found Singh guilty and showed no leniency. His plea for mercy was rejected, with the court stating that someone who presents himself as a religious leader cannot betray the trust of those who follow him. The controversial pastor runs two churches the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Tajpur, Jalandhar, and another in Majri, Mohali. He became a Christian preacher in 2012, and his supporters claim the church has several branches in India and abroad. 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 : Kerala, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:58 IST 'Acting Like TMC Cadre': BJP Targets Bengal Police, Dismisses Disinformation Charge Amid Waqf Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 21:39 IST As violence rages on in West Bengal, the BJP slammed Mamata Banerjee's government for failing to protect Hindus, while the TMC hit back by accusing the saffron party of spreading disinformation. The situation in West Bengal's Murshidabad remains tense amid anti-Waqf protests. (PTI/File) West Bengal is seeing violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which left three people dead and several others, including over a dozen police officers, injured. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of failing to protect Hindus and maintain law and order in the state. Violent protests were reported in several areas of the Murshidabad district, including in Samserganj, Suti, and Dhuliyan, where mobs torched vehicles, attacked homes, and clashed with the police. The police have arrested over 130 people so far in connection with the violence. Recommended Stories The Mamata-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that fake videos and hate-filled speeches were being circulated by the BJP in its riot engineering" bid, as protests against the Waqf law continue. The West Bengal Police also posted a fact-check photo, which claimed that most videos linked to the Murshidabad violence were from old incidents. ALSO READ: In A First Since 2011, Bengal Police Fired Rounds At Mob & Admitted It. Why Murshidabad Was Different The BJP hit back at these allegations by sharing photos of various violent incidents in West Bengal, particularly during Hindu festivals of Ram Navami and Holi. BJP IT Department Amit Malviya sharply criticised West Bengal Police and said it should stop licking Mamata Banerjees slippers and acting like TMC cadre". They are advised to focus on their duty instead of playing politics. Lets not forgetsenior officials in the Bengal Police are already facing multiple cases, including for revealing the identities of rape victims in both Sandeshkhali and RG Kar incidents. So, do your job. Get back to policing," he said in a tersely-worded post on X. The West Bengal Police must stop licking Mamata Banerjees slippers and acting like TMC cadre. They are advised to focus on their duty instead of playing politics. Lets not forgetsenior officials in the Bengal Police are already facing multiple cases, including for revealing https://t.co/qs1f6wdc00 pic.twitter.com/UyWAT0u09j Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 13, 2025 Amid relentless criticism from the BJP, the TMC has accused the saffron party of spreading disinformation related to the protests and using religion to spread disharmony. In a video uploaded on the partys official X handle, TMC MP Sushmita Dev said Mamata Banerjee had made it clear that no one will be spared who takes the law in their hands. We have seen that protests have taken place across the country. Its happened in Tripura and its happened in parts of Assam. Whats happened in Murshidabad is extremely unfortunate. But what is even more dangerous is the BJP and its fringe elements spreading fake videos taken from different parts of the country of old incidents, and projecting them as incidents that are taking place in Bengal," she added. ALSO READ: Bengal Anti-Waqf Clashes: Bangladesh Terror Outfit Regrouping In State, Say Intel Sources | Exclusive The TMC leader further highlighted that elections in West Bengal are around the corner and the only tool the BJP has is polarisation. Divide the Hindus and Muslims and take the vote to defeat Mamata Banerjee, who is otherwise undefeatable. These kinds of fake propaganda and fake videos, which are being projected as incidents in Bengal, are harming Bengal and the nation," Dev said, appealing people not to believe in such posts. .@BJP4India is running a campaign of DISINFORMATION.From fake videos to hate-filled speeches, every move is designed to divide Bengal.This is riot engineering, not politics. We see through your lies and Bengal will reject your hate. pic.twitter.com/qqdwrUXB3S All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 13, 2025 What began as a peaceful protest against the Waqf law escalated into violence as incidents of mob violence, arson and police firing surfaced in several parts of the Murshidabad district. The Calcutta High Court stepped in amid violence and ordered the deployment of central forces to restore law and order. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some reports claimed that women and girls were molested, while other mobsters hurled bombs and forced people out of their homes. Hundreds of people affected by the violence were forced to flee from the area by crossing the Bhagirathi River. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adjhikari said 400 Hindus from Dhulian were forced to flee across the river. Appeasement politics of TMC has emboldened radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land! Shame on the state govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order," he added. 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 : Murshidabad, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 21:29 IST In A First Since 2011, Bengal Police Fired Rounds At Mob & Admitted It. Why Murshidabad Was Different Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 15:33 IST Murshidabad anti-Waqf violence: ADG law and order Javed Shamim said, Police used lathis and tear gas shelling, but the crowd was still adamant. They were on a spree to attack police and damage government properties. Police were attacked, which compelled them to fire four rounds. Security forces personnel guard a violence-hit area in Murshidabad district on Sunday. (PTI) In a major policy shift for West Bengals Mamata Banerjee government, the state police, in a first, admitted that they had to resort to firing to control the law and order situation in Murshidabad, which saw anti-Waqf law clashes over the weekend. ADG law and order Javed Shamim said, Police used lathis and tear gas shelling, but the crowd was still adamant. They were on a spree to attack police and damage government properties. Police were attacked, which compelled them to fire four rounds." Recommended Stories 2011 CASE & HOW BENGAL POLICE HANDLE MOBS Over the past few years, the state police have handled mob violence keeping the December 2011 case in mind. Then the police had opened fire in Magrahat in the South 24 Parganas district in self-defence, as a mob attacked a team of WBSEDCL that went to stop power pilferage. Police finally managed to rescue the WBSEDCL team, but two, including a minor, were killed by police bullets. Three police personnel were punished, asked to show-cause and were then transferred. Since this incident, in what is called an unwritten doctrine" in West Bengal according to sources, police never use firearms on mobs. On a few occasions, there were allegations of police firings and deaths, but the police never admitted it. In 2012, in Birbhum, there were reports of police firing, and there too, the SP was punished. That time Banerjee had stated, I condemn the police firing at Loba. I have instructed senior officials to take action against people responsible for this, we dont want police to open fire at innocents, and have instructed officers to restrain from such acts." WHY THE FIRING THIS TIME? Sources say the police fired at the mob in Murshidabad as it turned violent and continued to attack police and vandalise property. Political analyst Sambit Pal said, Police will have to establish law and order. Otherwise, the situation will go out of their control. Its not only about Murshidabad, but also about other places. The police wanted to send a message that they cannot be overpowered by the hooligans." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The youth who suffered a bullet injury succumbed on Saturday. Not just Friday, on Saturday, too, sources said the BSF had to fire, in which two got injured. On Saturday, DG Rajeev Kumar clearly stated: Violence will not be tolerated, anybody who incites people or who tries to take the law in hand will be strictly dealt with." About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:20 IST India Develops Laser Weapon To Shoot Down Aerial Targets, Joins List Of Elite Countries | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 18:08 IST The new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) can target aerial threats like fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and drones, marking a huge milestone for India's defence technology. India's DRDO developed a new laser-based weapon to take down aerial targets. (Photo: ANI) In a first, Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a laser-based weapon system that can neutralise fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones, marking a huge milestone in the countrys defence technology. A team of DRDO officials tested the new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with positive results. With this technology, India has joined the list of elite countries like the United States, China and Russia who possess advanced laser weapon capabilities. Recommended Stories The indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae, according to DRDO sources. #WATCH | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: For the first time, India has showcased its capability to shoot down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones using a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system. India has joined list of selected countries, including the US, China, and Russia, pic.twitter.com/fjGHmqH8N4 ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025 The lightning speed of engagement, accompanied by the precision of the strike within a few seconds, makes it one of the most potent counter-drone systems. This weapon system was developed by DRDOs Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. This laser weapon can target aerial threats like drones and helicopters within a range of 5 km and also includes electronic warfare capabilities like jamming communication and satellite signals. It can be used in both ground and naval operations. This weapon system is now ready for production and deployment across various military platforms, according to reports. The DRDO is also working on other high-energy systems like microwaves and electromagnetic pulses to achieve Star Wars"-like defence capabilities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon," DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat told news agency ANI. We are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies." The increased use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) worldwide has caused the demand for advanced anti-drone technologies to surge. In this context, Indias progress in developing a laser-based weapon system marks a major leap forward in enhancing its defence preparedness and technological edge. 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 : Kurnool, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 18:02 IST 'Mamata Not CM Of One Community': Mohandas Pai Slams Attacks On Hindus During Bengal Waqf Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 22:56 IST Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after reports of attacks on Hindus as violence raged across Murshidabad against the Waqf legislation. Ex-Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai weighed in on the Waqf protests in West Bengal. As violence rages across West Bengal against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after Hindus reportedly fled the Murshidabad district after alleged mob violence. Hundreds of people affected by violence in Murshidabad fled the area by crossing the Bhagirathi River and took shelter in the adjoining Malda district, according to officials. The opposition BJP alleged that Hindus were being targeted in anti-Waqf protests. Recommended Stories There were reports of arson, bombs being hurled and people dragged out of their homes and beaten up. Some reports even claimed that women and girls in the district were molested by gangsters. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said at least 400 people were forced to flee Murshidabads Dhulian area. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad, driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda. Religious persecution in Bengal is real," he said. Appeasement politics of TMC has emboldened radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land!" Mamata Not CM Of One Community Sharing a video of people fleeing Murshidabad following the actions of an alleged Muslim mob, Pai criticised Mamata Banerjee and urged her protect all citizens. This is very wrong CM @MamataOfficial is CM of all Bengal not one community. Should protect life, liberty and property of all citizens," he said. This is very wrong CM @MamataOfficial is CM of all Bengal not one community. Should protect life, liberty and property of all citizens @derekobrienmp https://t.co/TLOm1ljjg9 Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) April 13, 2025 On Sunday, roads were deserted, shops closed and people remained indoors as police and central armed forces patrolled sensitive areas in Dhulian, Shamsherganj and Suti areas which witnessed violence in the last two days. Central forces were deployed in the district on the orders of the Calcutta High Court. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked various parts of Murshidabad during protests over the new legislation on Friday. A man and his son were hacked to death, while another man succumbed to bullet wounds. The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of inciting anti-Hindu violence in the name of Waqf protests, while the Mamata-led party hit back by saying that the saffron party was spreading disinformation and using religion to create communal disharmony. 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 : Murshidabad, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 22:56 IST Man Accused Of Kidnapping, Murdering 5-Year-Old Girl In Karnataka Killed In Police Encounter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 22:46 IST According to the police, the 35-year-old man has been identified as Ritesh Kumar from Bihar. Three police officers were injured during the incident. (Screengrab of the video shared by IANS) The Karnataka Police said on Sunday that the accused in the 5-year-old girls kidnapping and murder case has been killed in an encounter in Karnataka. According to the police, the 35-year-old man identified as, Ritesh Kumar, from Bihar was killed in a police encounter after attempting to escape. Recommended Stories Three police officers were injured during the incident, the police added. Karnataka: In Hubballi, a 35-year-old man named Ritesh Kumar from Bihar, accused of abducting, raping and murdering a 5-year-old girl, was killed in a police encounter after attempting to escape. Three police officers were injured during the incident pic.twitter.com/S3Vx73zump IANS (@ians_india) April 13, 2025 The incident occurred at the Ashok Nagar police station limits in Hubballi, and the body was found in an abandoned building. Police Commissioner of Hubballi-Dharwad N Shashi Kumar said that they have taken up a case of murder and POCSO and a case of obstruction to police duty and attempt to murder against the accused. #WATCH | Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka: On an encounter between police and an accused in a POCSO case, Hubballi Police Commissioner N Shashikumar says, Today morning in Vijayanagara area under Ashoknagar police station of Hubballi-Dharwad, there was an incident where 4 to pic.twitter.com/9JJnsPSvHq ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025 He said that the victims family hailed from the Koppal district. Her mother worked as a housemaid and as an assistant at a beauty parlor, while her father worked as a painter. The mother had taken her daughter for work, as she was working at the houses in the locality. An unidentified man had taken the girl from there. On searching, the girl was found in the bathroom of a small sheet-roofed building in front of the house from where she had gone missing. She was immediately shifted to the hospital, where she was declared brought dead," he said. The police have not confirmed the reports of sexual assault, saying that medical examination and investigations are underway. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed condolences to the victims family, saying that the death of a four-and-a-half-year-old child in Hubballi is a matter of great sadness and shock for me. This is a horrific incident that should make the entire civil society bow its head. Such heinous acts should never happen again. Today, I visited KIMS Hospital and expressed my condolences to the family of the deceased child." While speaking to the media, the Union Minister expressed concerns over the rising drug menace in the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The accused who committed this heinous crime attacked the police while trying to escape the arrest. The police shot the accused, and he died. The police were injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment. It is said that the accused was under the influence of drugs. However, in recent days, the menace of drugs has increased. It should be completely eradicated from civil society. I have given instructions to the Police Commissioner to consider this seriously and maintain law and order," he said. Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 21:05 IST MP: Priest Thrashed By Group Of People For Denying Entry Into Temple After Closing Hours Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 11:51 IST A group of people arrived at the temple and tried forced entry. When the priest tried to stop them, they thrashed him. Screengrab of video shared on X A group of people allegedly thrashed a priest and forcibly entered a temple in Madhya Pradeshs Dewas on Friday, reported PTI. The incident reportedly happened as people were trying to enter the temple after it closed at night. When the priest didnt allow them an entry, they thrashed him. According to City Superintendent of Police Dinesh Agrawal, a case has been lodged based on the complaint filed by the priest at the Kotwali police station. In his complaint, the priest alleged that Jitu Raghuvanshi, who has a past criminal record, reached the temple late Friday night with several other people in eight to ten cars. Recommended Stories They allegedly asked the priest to open the gates and allow them to enter the temple. The priest, however, denied them entry, which led to them thrashing and abusing him. The officials have filed a complaint and are checking the CCTV cameras in the nearby areas. Congress Alleges Son Of BJP MLA Among People Who Thrashed Priest The Congress alleged that the son of a BJP MLA was also part of the group. Dewas City Congress president Manoj Rajani said that a certain BJP MLA should keep an eye on his son who did such an act despite being a Sanatani". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police have not confirmed anything regarding this, and said that an investigation into the case is underway. Some social media videos showed a few cars with red beacons in the fleet arriving at the temple. Location : Dewas, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 09:07 IST BAGHDAD, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's state-run Basra Oil Company (BOC) signed a contract on Sunday with an Italian-Turkish consortium to develop a new offshore oil export pipeline, aimed at enhancing the country's crude export capacity from its southern terminals. The Iraqi Oil Ministry said in a statement that the agreement was signed with Italy's MICOPERI and Turkiye's ESTA, under the patronage of Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani. Abdul Ghani described the project as a strategic step toward improving the flexibility and stability of Iraq's southern crude exports. The new offshore pipeline is expected to have a capacity of around two million barrels per day, the ministry said. Crude oil exports are the backbone of Iraq's economy, accounting for roughly 90 percent of the country's total revenues. NIA Likely To Confront Tahawwur Rana With Protected Witness Who Arranged Mumbai Logistics For David Headley Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 12:27 IST Tahawwur Rana is currently in the NIA custody until April 29, where he is being interrogated about his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Tahawwur Rana (File Image) Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistani native Canadian national who was the co-conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, had asked one of his staff members called employee B to help David Coleman Headley, the main planner of the attacks, with planning and other support, NIA sources said on Sunday. The NIA, which has his custody for 18 days after his extradition from the United States, is likely to confront him with employee B to get more information about the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Recommended Stories However, sources in the NIA said that employee B didnt know about the terror plans. He was only told to handle things like picking up Headley, arranging travel, stay, and providing a place to work and live following Ranas instructions. This employee B is likely to be the protected witness" who allegedly received Headley in Mumbai and arranged logistics for his reconnaissance mission in 2006. Rana used his immigration business to help Headley with visas, hide his Pakistani-Muslim identity, and blend into Indian business and military circles, NIA sources said. He also booked Headleys flight from Karachi and helped create documents for his Moroccan wife. The NIA chargesheet also says Rana was in touch with another conspirator, Major Iqbal. Rana was extradited to India from the US on April 10 and was sent to 18-day NIA custody, where he is being interrogated over the Mumbai terror attacks plot. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He faces several charges in India, including conspiracy, forgery, murder, and terrorism. The ongoing interrogation is focused on various aspects, including his role in the attacks, his links with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and the role of ISI in the attacks in which over 160 people were killed. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: April 13, 2025, 10:24 IST Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Images, Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Pictures And Status To Share Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 07:55 IST Ambedkar Jayanti Wishes And Quotes: Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 marks Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary. Here are some wishes, messages, and inspiring quotes that you can share with your loved ones. Dr BR Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Ambedkar's Birth Anniversary. (Image: Shutterstock) Ambedkar Jayanti Wishes And Images: Ambedkar Jayanti, observed on April 14, marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Born in 1891 in present-day Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Ambedkar was a distinguished jurist, economist, social reformer, and political leader. Revered as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, he is widely honoured as the Father of the Indian Constitution" for his pivotal role in shaping the countrys democratic framework. Throughout his life, Dr. Ambedkar worked to end caste-based discrimination. ALSO READ: Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Best Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages, Facebook & WhatsApp Status Recommended Stories On his birth anniversary, people across the country come together to pay tribute to Dr. Ambedkar. To observe this important day, here are some Ambedkar Jayanti images, wishes, messages, quotes and statuses for Facebook and WhatsApp that you can share with your friends and family. ALSO READ: Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Top 10 Inspiring Quotes By Father Of Indian Constitution Happy Ambedkar Jayanti Wishes And Messages Wishing you a very Happy Ambedkar Jayanti 2025. Let us honour the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar and strive for an equal and just society. May the ideals of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar inspire us to build a nation based on equality, liberty and justice. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. On this Ambedkar Jayanti, lets pledge to follow the path of knowledge, empowerment and social justice. ALSO READ: Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Significance And Celebrations Education is the key to success. On this special day, lets remember Dr Ambedkars contributions and work towards an enlightened future. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. Lets celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti by spreading the message of equality and justice. Wishing you a meaningful and inspiring day. Justice, liberty and fraternity may we all uphold these principles as taught by Dr BR Ambedkar. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. May the teachings of Babasaheb Ambedkar light the path of progress and unity. Wishing you a Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. Dr Ambedkars vision of a discrimination-free society should be our goal. Lets work towards it. A society that values education and equality will always progress. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti to all. On Ambedkar Jayanti 2025, lets remember his struggle and work together to make India a place of equal opportunities for all. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. Lets honour the man who gave us the gift of the Indian Constitution. May the spirit of Dr Ambedkar guide us towards an educated and empowered society. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. Wishing you a meaningful Ambedkar Jayanti filled with wisdom and learning. May Dr Ambedkars teachings lead us to a progressive and equal society. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti. Lets work together for justice and social equality. Happy Ambedkar Jayanti Images Happy Ambedkar Jayanti WhatsApp And Facebook Status Happy Ambedkar Jayanti to one and all. Always burn like a candle to light the lives of others. A functioning, robust democracy requires a healthy, educated participatory followership, and educated, morally grounded leadership. Wishing everyone a very Happy BR Ambedkar Jayanti. Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Happy Ambedkar Jayanti Quotes We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organize your forces. Power and prestige will come to you through struggle." Every man who repeats the dogma of Mill that one country is no fit to rule another country must admit that one class is not fit to rule another class." Law and order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered." They cannot make history who forget history." I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity." Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence." If you believe in living a respectable life, you believe in self-help which is the best help." A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of society." Life should be great rather than long." 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 13, 2025, 18:00 IST Happy Baisakhi 2025: Punjabi New Year Wishes, Quotes, Messages And Status To Share Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 08:06 IST Baisakhi 2025 Wishes Images Quotes: Baisakhi, or Vaisakhi, is a vibrant harvest festival on April 14 in Punjab, marking the start of the harvest season. Share these best wishes, images, messages, status, and greetings to make the day special. Happy Baisakhi Wishes 2025: Vaisakhi Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Sikh New Year. (Image: Shutterstock) Baisakhi Wishes Images And Quotes 2025: Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated with immense joy, especially in Punjab and other parts of northern India. Falling on April 14, Baisakhi marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a time for communities to come together in celebration and gratitude. The day is filled with colourful processions, folk music, energetic bhangra and gidda dances, and traditional fairs. ALSO READ: Happy Baisakhi 2025: Best Wishes, Images, Messages, Greetings, Facebook And WhatsApp Status To Share With Loved Ones Recommended Stories People dress in bright ethnic attire, visit gurudwaras, and enjoy special festive meals with family and friends. Fields come alive with festivity as farmers thank the divine for a bountiful crop and pray for prosperity in the coming year. Whether its the rhythmic beats of the dhol, the aroma of festive food, or the spirit of togetherness, Baisakhi beautifully captures the essence of community, culture, and celebration. ALSO READ: Baisakhi Recipes 2025: Traditional Punjabi Dishes To Celebrate Vaisakhi Heres a collection of warm and cheerful Baisakhi wishes, messages, and greetings you can share with your loved ones: Happy Baisakhi Wishes In Punjabi Waheguru di kirpa naal, Baisakhi diyan bohot bohot vadhayan! Nave saal di lakh lakh vadhayan! Fasal di rangat te khushiyan naal bharpoor Baisakhi di vadhayan! Khushiyan bharpoor Baisakhi di vadhayan! Waheguru ji tuhanu khushiyan te safalta deve! Nave saal di shubhkaamnaavan! Baisakhi de moke te sab nu vadhayan! Sab nu khushiyan bharpoor Baisakhi di vadhayan! Waheguru ji sab te kirpa kare! Baisakhi di vadhayan, nave saal di shuruat khushiyan naal ho! Happy Baisakhi Messages Wishing you a Happy Baisakhi 2025! May this festival bring prosperity, happiness, and success into your life. Enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones. May the festival of Baisakhi fill your heart with joy, your home with harmony, and your life with new opportunities. Have a wonderful and blessed Baisakhi! On this special day, may Waheguru bless you with good health, happiness, and prosperity. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Baisakhi 2025! Baisakhi marks the beginning of a new harvest season and new opportunities. May this festival bring success and joy into your life. Happy Baisakhi! Lets celebrate the spirit of Baisakhi with gratitude and happiness. May this year bring new achievements and endless blessings to you and your family. As the golden fields shine under the sun, may your life be filled with brightness, prosperity, and success. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Baisakhi 2025! May this Baisakhi bring new beginnings, new hopes, and new dreams into your life. Stay happy, stay blessed, and have a wonderful celebration! Baisakhi is a time for joy, gratitude, and togetherness. May this harvest festival bring prosperity and happiness to you and your family. On this joyous occasion of Baisakhi, may your hard work bring great rewards, and may happiness and success always be with you. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead! May the festival of Baisakhi fill your life with positivity, peace, and prosperity. Celebrate this day with love, laughter, and gratitude. Happy Baisakhi 2025! Happy Baisakhi WhatsApp and Facebook Status Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Baisakhi 2025. May this Baisakhi bring happiness, success, and new beginnings. Celebrate the harvest season with gratitude and joy. Happy Baisakhi. May Waheguru bless you with health, peace, and prosperity. Baisakhi is a time for new hopes and new opportunities. Wishing you and your family a blessed and happy Baisakhi. Lets welcome the new season with positivity and happiness. May this Baisakhi fill your life with success and joy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Harvest the rewards of your hard work this Baisakhi. May your life be as golden as the fields this Baisakhi. 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! Location : Amritsar, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 19:00 IST Happy Puthandu 2025: Top Wishes, Quotes, Greetings, Images And WhatsApp Status To Share On Tamil New Year Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 08:03 IST Puthandu 2025 Wishes Images Quotes: Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated on April 14, 2025, with rituals, cultural performances, and religious activities. Send warm wishes to loved ones. Happy Puthandu 2025: Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Tamil New Year. (Image: Shutterstock) Puthandu Wishes Images And Quotes 2025: Puthandu or Puthuvarudam is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm by members of the Tamil community in India and elsewhere in the world. As per the Tamil solar calendar, the festival is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, usually falling in mid-April. Puthandu is being celebrated on April 14 this year. The festival, observed with various rituals, cultural performances and religious activity, marks the Tamil New Year since the ancient Sangam period. ALSO READ: Happy Puthandu 2025: Tamil New Year Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages And Status To Share On WhatsApp With Loved Ones Recommended Stories According to mythology, Lord Brahma started the process of creation on this day, making it an auspicious time for new beginnings. To make this day even more special, send heartwarming wishes and greetings to your loved ones and friends. Happy Puthandu Wishes Sending warm wishes and love on the occasion of Puthandu. Happy Tamil New Year. Wishing a warm Puthandu Vazthukal to all my dear friends. Dear family, may this New Year bring us together in love, happiness and success. Wishing you all a blessed Puthandu! May you be blessed with the choicest blessings of the Lord. Happy Tamil New Year. ALSO READ: Puthandu 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History, Significance And Celebration Of Tamil New Year On the occasion of Puthandu, lets welcome the New Year on a positive note. Let this New Year be the start of something new and great in your life. Wishing you and your family a year full of love and happiness. Happy Tamil New Year. May this New Year bring joy and success in your life. Puthandu Vazthukal. May all your dreams come true in the coming year. Puthandu Vazthukal. Let the Tamil New Year bring you joy and prosperity and fill your days with sweet memories. Happy Tamil New Year. ALSO READ: Happy Puthandu 2025: Traditional Tamil Recipes To Celebrate The Harvest Festival Happy Puthandu Quotes Let the divine light of Puthandu illuminate your path towards happiness and prosperity. Wishing you a Puthandu filled with joy, peace and new beginnings. May the divine grace of Puthandu guide you towards a year filled with happiness and fulfilment. Heres to a year of growth, success and prosperity. Happy Puthandu! May the melody of Puthandu bring harmony and joy to your life. May the blessings of Puthandu bring you and your loved ones abundant happiness and success. As we celebrate Puthandu, lets embrace the beauty of new beginnings and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. May the colours of Puthandu paint your life with happiness, prosperity and positivity. Wishing you and your family a Happy Puthandu filled with love, laughter and blessings. As we welcome the Tamil New Year, lets cherish the blessings of the past and embrace the opportunities of the future. Happy Puthandu Greetings May the divine blessings of this New Year bring you wisdom, good health and wealth. Have a wonderful Puthandu! With each new year comes new hope. May this Puthandu be the start of a wonderful journey ahead! Embrace the new year with a heart full of positivity and dreams. Have a fantastic Tamil New Year! The past is history, the future is a mystery. Lets embrace today with happiness and gratitude. Happy Puthandu! May our partnership grow stronger and may we achieve greater heights this year. Wishing you a blessed Puthandu! Each and every New Year is a new opportunity for us to start fresh and make our dreams come true. A very Happy Tamil New Year to you. On the occasion of Tamil New Year, let us embrace the beauty of a new start and leave behind all the negativity of the past. Happy Puthandu! May the divine light of Puthandu guide you towards a year of success and fulfilment. Happy Tamil New Year! Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Puthandu filled with joy, prosperity and good health. May the new year bring you opportunities to grow, learn and thrive. Happy Puthandu! Happy Puthandu 2025: WhatsApp Status A new beginning, a fresh start! May this Puthandu bless you with endless happiness and success. Puthandu Vaazhthukkal! Let us pray for a year filled with new opportunities, positivity and success. Happy Tamil New Year! Let us welcome this Tamil New Year with a heart full of gratitude and hope for a better future. Puthandu Vazhtukal! As the New Year arrives, let us pray for a year blessed with new energy and hope to overcome new problems and emerge as a winners. Wishing you lots of love and happiness on this happy occasion of the New Year. Puthandu Vazthukal! New aspirations, new hopes, new dreams, its a new beginning. May all your dreams come true. Puthandu Vazthukal! May God Bless you with all good health, strength and happiness in this new year. Happy New Year. May the melody of Puthandu bring harmony and happiness to your life. Happy Tamil New Year! top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heres to a year of growth, resilience and positivity. Happy Puthandu 2025! Wishing you a Puthandu filled with positivity, prosperity and peace. Happy Puthandu 2025! 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 13, 2025, 18:40 IST Happy Puthandu 2025: Traditional Tamil Recipes To Celebrate The Harvest Festival Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 08:03 IST Puthandu Recipes: From Manga Pachadi to Payasam, these traditional dishes are an inseparable part of Puthandu and are enjoyed by a large Tamil population every year. Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, will be celebrated on Monday, 14 April. (Image: Shutterstock) Puthandu Recipes: Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, will be celebrated on Monday, 14 April. Also known as Varsha Pirappu, the day is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. Tamilians commemorate it with aspirations in their minds and positivity in their hearts. The day calls for a hearty celebration, and what better way to celebrate the day than by making some of the traditional lip-smacking and scrumptious delicacies? ALSO READ: Happy Puthandu 2025: Tamil New Year Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages And Status To Share On WhatsApp With Loved Ones Recommended Stories From Manga Pachadi to Payasam, these traditional dishes are an inseparable part of Puthandu and are enjoyed by a large Tamil population every year. Heres a list of some of the traditional dishes which one can relish during the festival. ALSO READ: Puthandu 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History, Significance And Celebration Of Tamil New Year top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Puthandu 2025: Traditional Tamil Recipes Manga Pachadi: Adding a fruity zing to the menu is the sweet and tangy Mango Pachadi. For this dish you would need raw mangoes, jaggery, betel leaves and spices. It is served as a side dish and represents the cyclical aspect of life. The raw mango represents the previous year, and the sweetness of jaggery symbolises hope for a prosperous new year. Payasam: The day of positivity and new beginnings just cant start without a sweet dish, and Payasam is the South Indian-style Kheer that is enjoyed during the festival. This creamy rice pudding called Aval Payasam is traditionally made from rice, jaggery, nuts, and boiled milk. Masala Dal Vada: This mouth-watering snack is prepared from chana dal, urad dal, chopped onion, salt, a teaspoon of asafoetida, green chillies, curry leaves and oil as required. Over time, different variations of the recipe are made, like adding oats and vegetables to make it as healthy and delicious. It is served with sambar, coconut chutney, or rasam. Paruppu Vadai: Another preferred dish during festive occasions is Paruppu Vadai. Made with a mixture of soaked and ground lentils, spiced with green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves, these crispy lentil fritters are extremely loved by the Tamil people. It comes in various sizes and shapes, adding a delightful punch to the Puthandu feast. Manjal Poosanikai Sambar: This is a simple yet appetising dish which is extremely loved by people of all ages. While Sambar is a staple addition to peoples menus in Tamil Nadu, Manjal Poosanikai Sambar is made with pumpkin and toor dal, offering a zing to the dish. It is enjoyed with boiled rice and oodles of ghee on special days such as Tamil New Year. Arachuvitta Rasam: Also known as Kalyana Rasam, this traditional dish is made by grinding dal, rasam spice, and peppery tamarind water. This is a must-have dish on the occasion and is known to have many digestive properties which soothe the tummy after savouring wholesome dishes. Kalkandu Sadam: Similar to Kheer, this traditional sweet dish requires rice, jaggery, milk, water, ghee, moong dal, and dry fruits of your choice. 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 13, 2025, 18:30 IST Happy Vishu 2025: Kerala New Year Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages And Status To Share On WhatsApp With Loved Ones Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 07:59 IST Vishu 2025 Wishes Images Quotes: Here are some beautiful wishes, images, greeting and quotes that you can share with your loved ones on Kerala New Year. Happy Vishu 2025: Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Kerala New Year. (Image: Shutterstock) Vishu Wishes Images And Quotes 2025: Vishu is a colourful Hindu festival widely celebrated in Kerala. The festive day marks the beginning of New Year as per the Malayalam Calendar. Also known as the Malayali New Year, the festival coincides with similar festivals in many other states. The Vishu festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Medam, as per the Malayalam Calendar. The month of Medam corresponds to April-May in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Vishu will be celebrated on April 14. Recommended Stories ALSO READ: Happy Vishu 2025: Best Wishes, Quotes, Images, Greetings And WhatsApp Status To Share On Malayali New Year The harvest festival is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As per Malayalam traditions, the spring festival coincides with the vernal equinox, when day and night are almost equal in duration. ALSO READ: Vishu 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History, Significance And Celebration Of Malayalam New Year On this special day, here are some Happy Vishu 2025 messages, wishes, and Facebook or WhatsApp statuses to share with your loved ones. Happy Vishu Wishes I wish you and your family a Vishu filled with joy, prosperity, and abundance. Happy Vishu! May the divine blessings of Lord Krishna bring you happiness and success in the year ahead. Happy Vishu! On this Vishu, may you be blessed with peace, prosperity, and good health. Happy New Year! As the golden hues of Vishu fill your life with brightness, may you achieve all your dreams and aspirations. Happy Vishu! I wish you a Vishu filled with new hopes, new aspirations, and new beginnings. Happy Vishu 2025! May this Vishu bring you joy, prosperity, and abundance. Happy Vishu! Wishing you and your family a blessed Vishu filled with happiness and good fortune. May the New Year bring you new hope, new aspirations, and new beginnings. Happy Vishu 2025! ALSO READ: Vishu 2025: Traditional Malayali Recipes To Celebrate Keralas Harvest Festival Happy Vishu Images Happy Vishu 2025: Messages Happy Vishu to all my dear friends and family! May this New Year bring you closer to your dreams and aspirations. May the divine blessings of Vishu bring you peace, happiness, and success in abundance. Happy Vishu! On this Vishu, may you be blessed with good health, peace of mind, and success in all your endeavours. Happy Vishu 2025! May the light of Vishu illuminate your life with happiness and prosperity. Have a wonderful Vishu! Lets welcome the New Year with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of positivity. Happy Vishu to you and your family! As the auspicious day of Vishu dawns, may it bring you new hope and opportunities for growth. Wishing you a Happy Vishu! May this Vishu bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your life with love and laughter. Happy Vishu! Happy Vishu 2025: WhatsApp Status On this auspicious occasion of Vishu, lets cherish the blessings of the past year and welcome the new one with hope and joy. Wishing everyone a blessed Vishu filled with love, laughter, and countless memories to cherish. As we celebrate Vishu, may the spirit of joy and prosperity brighten every corner of your life. Happy New Year! Happy Vishu! May this new year bring you endless joy and prosperity. Lets welcome Vishu with open arms and hearts full of gratitude. Happy New Year! May the blessings of Vishu illuminate your life with happiness and success. Happy Vishu! Wishing everyone a Vishu filled with love, laughter, and blessings from above. Happy New Year! Happy Vishu 2025 Celebrations On this festive day, families and communities gather to celebrate the harvest season, seeking the blessing of Lord Vishnu for prosperity and an abundant fresh harvest. On this auspicious day, Women traditionally wear jewellery like Kasu Mala, Palakka Mala and Mullamottu Mala. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Vishukkani, the first thing done on Vishu morning, is one of the traditional practices on this festive day. Several auspicious items like rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold and coins are arranged in a pot and offered to Lord Vishnu. Vishukkaineetam is another tradition in which elders give money to the younger family members as a sign of wealth. 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! Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 18:10 IST Palm Sunday 2025: What Is Palm Sunday? Global Traditions And Bible Verses To Reflect On Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 06:00 IST Palm Sunday 2025: This occasion marks Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, while riding on a donkey. Palm Sunday 2025: The name came from the ritual of waving palm leaves to cheer Jesus Christs entry by the huge crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem. Happy Palm Sunday 2025: Easter, the Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the globe. From decorating eggs and attending religious services to enjoying festive meals with loved ones and participating in egg hunts, the holiday is marked by joy and tradition. But did you know about Palm Sunday, the special day observed the Sunday before Easter? If youre unfamiliar with its significance, read on to discover the meaning of Palm Sunday, how its celebrated around the world and the powerful Bible verse that beautifully captures its essence. Recommended Stories What Is Palm Sunday? Palm Sunday marks Jesus Christs arrival in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, while riding on a donkey. Thus, the day is grandly celebrated in many Christian churches by processions. The name came from the ritual of waving palm leaves to cheer Jesus Christs entry by the huge crowd that had gathered in Jerusalem to give him a grand welcome. As per many local beliefs, palm leaves were also laid down on the path on which he came to the city. However, the joyous occasion is also a day of sorrow for many Christians as they know that only one week later, Jesus died. Moreover, Palm Sunday is followed by events such as the betrayal of Jesus on Spy Wednesday (Holy Wednesday), the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday (Holy Friday). How Is Palm Sunday Celebrated Worldwide? There are many different ways in which Christians celebrate Palm Sunday. Check out below: In many German-speaking countries, processions reenacting Christs entry into Jerusalem on a donkey are performed at various locations around the world. Reportedly, the donkey, in some interpretations, represents humility and Christs willingness to serve his men. Also, various Christian pilgrims of the Holy Land celebrate Palm Sunday by holding masses and processions from the top of the neighbouring Mount of Olives to Jerusalems historic Old City, which is home to multiple holy sites of the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths. In England, the Christians celebrate the day by burning Jack o Lent figures, which symbolises a kind of revenge for those who had betrayed Christ. In India, during processions by various Christian churches, branches of palms are carried to mark Jesus Christs grand welcome. According to the Gospel of John, these palm leaves symbolise victory and triumph. In Egypt and Ethiopia, during the processions, people also used to merrily scream, Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" in praise of the almighty. The word Hosanna" is a plea for salvation and an exclamation of adoration. In Finland, kids dress up as Easter witches and visit door-to-door to collect coins and candies. In Italy and other churches around the world also distribute holy palms and ashes (prepared from burning the previous years palms) to the congregants. Some Christians even make a cross with palm leaves as a blessing from the almighty. A lengthy reading of the Passion narrative, which features Christs suffering and death, is also often included in the service to mark the beginning of Holy Week. In many Polish towns and villages, people organise artificial palm competitions, whereas, in Spain, local people cover palm leaves from the sun to allow them to whiten. What Bible Verse Captures The Palm Sunday Message? Multiple verses from the Bible encapsulate the beautiful messages of Palm Sunday. Amongst them, here are a few of them top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Matthew 21:9 talks about the exuberant praise of the crowds after they recognised Jesus as the Messiah. talks about the exuberant praise of the crowds after they recognised Jesus as the Messiah. Mark 11:9-10 also echoes the joyful cheer of the people, acknowledging Jesus as the bearer of a blessed kingdom. also echoes the joyful cheer of the people, acknowledging Jesus as the bearer of a blessed kingdom. Luke 19:38 speaks about the peace proclaimed by the arrival of Jesus. speaks about the peace proclaimed by the arrival of Jesus. John 12:13 signifies using palm leaves as an ancient symbol of victory and joy. signifies using palm leaves as an ancient symbol of victory and joy. Psalm 118:26 reflects the acknowledgement of Jesus as the blessed one sent by the almighty. There are many such verses which withhold the message of Palm Sunday. 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 13, 2025, 06:00 IST Vishu 2025: Traditional Malayali Recipes To Celebrate Keralas Harvest Festival Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 07:59 IST Vishu Recipes: Vishu 2025, the Malayali New Year, is on April 14. Traditional dishes like Vishu Kanji, Vishu Katta, Thoran, and Alleppey Fish Curry are prepared for the Sadhya feast. Vishu Sadhya is a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring a variety of traditional Kerala dishes to mark the Vishu celebrations.(Image: Shutterstock) Vishu Recipes: Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayali New Year. This vibrant Hindu celebration is widely observed in Kerala, Tulu Nadu, and Mahe in India. Traditionally, it falls on the first day of Medam, the solar month in the Malayali calendar followed predominantly in the Malabar region of Kerala. ALSO READ: Happy Vishu 2025: Best Wishes, Quotes, Images, Greetings And WhatsApp Status To Share On Malayali New Year Recommended Stories As a festival that signifies the solar new year, Vishu is celebrated with a range of meaningful rituals. People dress in new and fresh attire (Kodi), prepare a lavish spread of traditional dishes for the grand feast known as Sadhya, and offer prayers to the divine, seeking blessings for a prosperous harvest season ahead. This year, the festival of Vishu will be celebrated on April 14. One of the most cherished traditions of the day is the arrangement of Vishukkani. It includes symbolic items such as coins or silver ornaments, new clothes (pattu), a mirror, rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits, and other harvest produce, all artistically arranged to invoke prosperity and positivity for the year to come. ALSO READ: Vishu 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History, Significance And Celebration Of Malayalam New Year But are you wondering about which traditional Malayali dishes to cook in Vishu this year? Check out the list below Vishu 2025: Traditional Malayali Recipes Vishu Kanji The Sadhya (feast) is a major part of all Kerala festivals, and Vishu Kanji is one of the most delectable items savoured on that day. The sweet Kanji is prepared with rice, coconut milk, and spices. Ingredients 1/2 cup raw rice 2 cups coconut milk 1/2 cup unakkalari rice 1/4 cup mochai 1/4 cup shredded coconut for garnishing 3 cups water and salt to taste. Step-by-step guide to prepare Vishu Kanji At first, the mochai (hyacinth beans) should be roasted till golden, and soaked in hot water for an hour. Then, it should be cooked in pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until soft and set aside. Afterwards, grind the raw rice coarsely, and mash it together with a ladle. Then add coconut milk and cook for 2 minutes, followed by cooked mochai is added and cooked for 2 minutes until the consistency gets thick later. Finally, garnish with grated coconut and served hot. ALSO READ: Happy Vishu 2025: Kerala New Year Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages And Status To Share On WhatsApp With Loved Ones The wholesome meal can also be savoured after adding spicy gravy, pickle, or chutney to add richness to the flavour. Vishu Katta It is another delicacy hugely loved during Vishy Sadhya. It is prepared from freshly harvested rice powder and coconut milk and served with jaggery for an additional flavour. Ingredients 1/2 cup unakkalari rice 1 and 1/2 cups first coconut milk 1/2 cup second coconut milk 1/4 teaspoon jeera 1 teaspoon ghee 1/2 cup jaggery 1/4 cup water and salt to taste. Step-by-step guide to prepare Vishu Katta First, the jaggery should be soaked in warm water to make it soft for crushing it well. Then, a thick paste of the same is made out of it. On the other hand, you should grate coconut and extract a bit of coconut milk from it. Then, heat the coconut milk in a pan, and add properly washed and rinsed rice into it. Let the rice cook until it becomes soft, then gradually add salt as per taste, followed by the coconut milk. Meanwhile, grease a pan with ghee and spread the rice mixture on the pan. Let it cool for some time, then cut into your desired shapes, and serve them with jaggery syrup. Thoran It is a side dish, mainly made up of cabbage. However, the same dish can also be prepared from beet, carrot and many other vegetables. Ingredients Finely chopped 1 and 1/2 cups of cabbage 7 small onion sliced 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder and salt to taste 2 teaspoons coconut oil, 3/4 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds Curry leaves and 2 red chillies. Step-by-step guide to prepare Thoran First mix the shredded cabbage and onion slices with the turmeric powder and set aside the bowl. Afterwards, heat 2 teaspoon coconut oil in a pan and the spices mentioned for tempering to splutter. In the same pan, then add the cabbage and onion mixture, and saute for 5-7 minutes until cooked. Then add salt to taste and 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, and cook until ready. Thats it, the dish is ready to serve. Mambazha Pulissery This Malayali dish is generally a ripe mango soup for offering sour flavours on the day. Ingredients For making Mango Pulissery, take an ample amount of ripe mangoes alongside freshly prepared coconut paste (made by grinding fresh coconut with green chillies and cumin seeds) Curd which should be thick and not sour Coconut oil For tempering, you need mustard seeds, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, chopped shallot, dry red chillies, and a few curry leaves. Steps To Prepare Mambazha Pulissery First, boil the peeled ripe mangoes alongside water in a pot, turmeric powder, salt and sugar. When cooked, lower the flame, add the coconut paste to the mango gravy and mix gently. Then gradually add curd into the curry, and blend it to get a smooth texture. Afterwards, let it cool for 5 minutes and temper it with the spices. Thats it, you can now serve the mango pulissery with hot rice. Alleppey Fish Curry If you want to savour some non-veg items on Vishu, you can check out the spicy Kerala-style fish curry. This not only explores the spicy flavours but also has a slightly tangy taste due to the use of raw mangoes or tamarind. Ingredients Coconut oil Raw mangoes Any kind of fish, green chillies, curry leaves, onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder. For tempering, you need brown mustard seeds, salt, and coconut milk. Steps To Prepare Alleppey Fish Curry At first, you need to heat 5 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Then add 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds, 3-4 green chillies (chopped into half), and a few curry leaves and let them cook for a few seconds. Following this, add 1 and cups of finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to it. Let them cook till onions turn brown, and then add 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes and cook for a minute. Finally, add raw mangoes with 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, followed by other spices to the pan. Let the curry get prepared and add 1 pound (500 g) fish slices, 1 cup water, and 1 cup coconut milk to it. Cook for 5-6 minutes and thats it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Serve the dish with rice or appam. The combination of all kinds of flavours, including sweet, salty, sour, bitter and astringent, is savoured on the Malayali New Years Day, symbolising that a person will be going through all sorts of experiences in the coming new year. 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! Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 18:20 IST 'Dazed And Confused' Actor Nicky Katt Passes Away At 54; Cause Of Death Unknown Curated By : Bang Showbiz Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 15:51 IST Nicky Katt, star of 'Dazed and Confused', died at 54 on April 8, 2025. Known for roles in 'Boston Public' and 'School of Rock', no cause of death was given. Hollywood actor Nicky Katt passes away. (Photo: Bang Showbiz) Dazed and Confused star Nicky Katt has died at the age of 54. The Hollywood star, best known for his roles as Clint Bruno in the 1993 coming-of-age film Dazed and Confused, as well as Harry Senate in 2000s Fox drama Boston Public, and Razor in 2003s School of Rock, passed away on April 8, 2025, in Burbank, California, his lawyer confirmed. No cause of death was given. Beau Flynn, the founder of Flynn Picture Company, who worked with Katt on his 1996 flick Johns, reacted to the shock news: Heartbroken to learn about the way too early passing of the seriously talented actor Nicky Katt God bless you my friend. What a privilege to know you and work with you on my first movie in 1995 johns. Rest in peace brother." Recommended Stories The former child star landed his first role in a 1980 episode of Fantasy Island, followed by the film Underground Aces, and episodes of CHiPs and V. However, it was his standout role in Richard Linklaters 1993 cult classic Dazed and Confused that put him on the path to stardom. Away from film and TV, he voiced Atton Rand in the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II The Sith Lords. Katt also starred in Woody Allens play A Second Hand Memory at the Off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company in 2004. During his dazzling career, Katt shared the screen with huge Hollywood stars, including George Clooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Meryl Streep, and many more. The Gremlins actor was married to Annie Morse from 1999 until their divorce in 2001. Katt previously admitted being such a versatile actor was a double-edged" sword. He told IGN: So Ive been really lucky. But its kind of worked against me because people will see me in stuff and Ive had people say, Gee, its too bad you got cut out of that movie, and Im like, No no no, I was that frat guy." After his role as tough man Clint in Dazed and Confused, however, he was mostly inundated with offers to play bad guys. He added: So its a double-edged thing, you know at a certain point you can almost be too versatile, and that sounds lame, but Ive always looked up to people like Gary Oldman and Lee Marvin and Warren Oates, these guys who dont really fit into one thing. I mean, everyone also says that the bad guys are the most fun, but Ive definitely gone through streaks where thats all that people wanted me to play, the bad guy, especially after Dazed And Confused." Location : California, USA First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:50 IST Ibrahim Ali Khans Red Jacket Look In Switzerland Sparks Ta Ra Rum Pum Nostalgia; Fans Call Him Saif 2.0 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 20:53 IST Ibrahim Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan's Swiss vacation has fans swooning, especially over Ibrahims red jacket look that sparked Ta Ra Rum Pum comparisons with Saif Ali Khan. Ibrahim Ali Khans red jacket look in Switzerland reminds fans of Saif Ali Khans Ta Ra Rum Pum. Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan continue to win hearts as Bollywoods favorite sibling duo. Whether its their goofy banter, family outings, or picture-perfect vacations, the two never fail to serve sibling goalsand their latest trip to Switzerland is no exception. On Sunday, Ibrahimaffectionately known as Iggyshared a carousel of photos from their snowy getaway to the Swiss Alps. The first photo shows him striking a pose at a scenic outdoor restaurant, while the next captures sister Sara in action, playing photographer for her younger brother. The last snap in the series shows Ibrahim strolling through the picturesque lanes of Interlaken, giving off major movie-star vibes. Ibrahim didnt add a captionjust a Swiss flag emojibut the visuals spoke volumes. Recommended Stories Dressed in a striking red leather jacket over a black shirt, paired with black denim and matching sunglasses, Ibrahims look immediately reminded fans of his father, Saif Ali Khan, in the 2007 hit Ta Ra Rum Pum. Sara, equally stylish, wore a bright yellow co-ord set layered with a metallic silver puffer jacket, adding a pop of sunshine to the snowy backdrop. As soon as the post went live, fans filled the comments section with admirationand nostalgia. This reminds me of Saif in Ta Ra Rum Pum," one fan wrote. Another added, Bro giving RV vibes," referring to Saifs character Rajveer Singh aka RV. One even joked, Ta Ra Rum Pum Part 2?" while others simply gushed over Ibrahims dashing looks with heart emojis and fire reactions. On the work front, Ibrahim recently made his acting debut in the rom-com Nadaaniyan, opposite Khushi Kapoor. The film premiered on Netflix last month and marked the next generations big leap into Bollywood. Meanwhile, Sara is gearing up for the release of Metro In Dino, a multi-starrer directed by Anurag Basu. The ensemble film, which also features Aditya Roy Kapur, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, and Ali Fazal, is set to hit theatres on July 4, 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 13, 2025, 20:53 IST GAZA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Sunday accused Israel of seeking to narrow ongoing ceasefire negotiations to a limited prisoner exchange, warning it would reject any agreement that does not lead to a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas political official, said in a statement that the group would not permit talks to become a "cover for resuming aggression and massacres" following a temporary pause in fighting. Naim said Hamas remained committed to a broader agreement that includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the reconstruction of the enclave, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. His comments came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday for negotiations mediated by Egypt and the United States. Naim described the talks as "complex," citing what he called a failure by regional actors to pressure Israel and accusing the international community of complicity in the destruction caused by the war. He said discussions in Cairo had focused on ending hostilities, reopening Gaza's border crossings to allow the flow of humanitarian aid, and forming a committee to oversee governance in the postwar period. Israel has said it will not allow Hamas to retain power in Gaza. Talks in Cairo are expected to continue this week, though both sides have indicated that a breakthrough remains elusive. Orry Says He Starved Himself To Lose Weight: Id Fall Asleep On My Toilet After Throwing Up Dinner Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 16:04 IST Orry opens up about his dramatic weight loss journey, the extremes he went to for fame, and why he believes "cheating" in life is fair game. Orry reveals extreme weight loss methods, saying he starved and threw up meals to get famous. Orhan Awatramanibetter known to the internet as Orryis one of the most recognisable faces in Indias Gen-Z celebrity circle. From Bollywood parties to viral Instagram selfies with star kids, Orry has become a fixture in the influencer scene. But as he revealed in a brutally honest chat on SCREENs The Suvir Saran Show, the path to fame wasnt all filters and fashionit took grit, discipline, and a dose of controversy. In the beginning of 2023, I was really fat. I was really large70-something kilos," Orry said. This is pre-Ozempic. And it was the year I decided to get famous. But you cant be fat and famous. Thats not how it works. No one wants to see a fat, 5-foot boy on TV." Recommended Stories What followed was a period of intense self-disciplineand unhealthy extremes. I really starved myself," he admitted. Some days Id wake up with neck pain because Id fallen asleep on the toilet after throwing up dinner. But it workedI lost the weight. Technically its cheating, but I did what I had to do." Orry didnt just stop there. He openly supports bending the rules in life, if thats what it takes. I support cheatingnot in games, because then the win doesnt feel real. But in life? Im all for it," he said. If you use Ozempic, thats cheating, but Id support it. If youre in love with one person but also another, Id support it. If youre a bodybuilder and take steroids, Id support that too. Do what you got to do to get where you want to get." While his views may spark debate, Orrys influence remains undeniable. Often seen at A-list events and private Bollywood gatherings, he shares screen time with Gen-Z stars like Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Panday. His cameos as himself in Amazon Prime Videos Call Me Bae and Netflixs Nadaaniyan have further cemented his identity as the influencer who became a cultural moment. Raised in South Mumbais upscale Malabar Hill, Orry attended boarding school in Kodaikanal and later studied at Parsons School of Design in New York City. After returning to India, he worked briefly at Reliance and is known to be close to the Ambani family. 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 13, 2025, 16:01 IST Pawan Kalyan Carries Son Mark In His Arms As They Return To Hyderabad After Singapore School Blaze Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 09:55 IST Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan returned from Singapore with his family after a fire at his son Mark's school. Mark was injured but is now safe. Pawan Kalyan Carries Son Mark In His Arms As They Return To Hyderabad After Singapore School Blaze Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was spotted at the Hyderabad airport in full protective-dad mode as he returned from Singapore, carrying his son Mark in his arms. This comes just days after a fire broke out at Marks school in Singapore. Thankfully, everyone is safe, and the family is back home. Dressed in his usual simple style, Pawan looked calm but clearly relieved as he held onto Mark tightly, not letting him out of sight for a second. He was accompanied by wife, Anna Lezhneva, and daughter, Polena Anjana Pawanova. A video of them from the airport has now emerged on social media. Recommended Stories Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Telugu FilmNagar (@telugufilmnagar) The incident occurred at a school in the River Valley area of Singapore, reportedly engulfing the second and third floors of the building. A viral video captured firefighters breaking windows and assisting panicked students and staff out of smoke-filled classrooms. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the upper floors. The blaze is said to have claimed the life of one child and injured 19 others, including Mark Shankar. Emergency crews, including the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), immediately arrived at the location and worked to control the fire. The fire broke out at a three-storey shophouse on River Valley Road, located near Singapores central business district, where approximately 30 children were attending workshops in cooking, theatre, and robotics. Singapores Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed that a 10-year-old girl tragically lost her life in the incident, while around 20 others including 15 children sustained injuries. Mark Shankar, the youngest son of Pawan Kalyan and Anna Lezhneva, sustained burn injuries on his arms and legs and is experiencing respiratory complications due to smoke inhalation. He is currently undergoing medical treatment. Speaking to the media, Pawan Kalyan shared, He will need to undergo a bronchoscopy. The smoke inhalation may have long-term effects." Pawan Kalyan shares two childrenson Mark and daughter Polenawith his third wife, Anna Lezhneva. First Published: April 13, 2025, 09:55 IST Sunita Ahuja Gestures Paparazzi To Zip It When Questioned About Govinda: Address De Du? | WATCH Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 20:53 IST Govindas wife Sunita Ahuja and their son Yashvardhan recently graced a fashion event in Mumbai. Sunita Ahuja asks 'Address de du?' as paparazzi questions her about Govinda's whereabouts Govindas wife Sunita Ahuja and their children Tina Ahuja and Yashvardhan recently attended a fashion event in Mumbai. Tina walked the ramp, and was the show opener for NIF Global Navi Mumbai at the fashion event, while Sunita and Yashvardhan were also seen posing on the stage during the fashion event. The photographers present at the event asked Sunita about her husband Govindas whereabouts. Sunita had an epic reaction, and she gestured the paparazzi to zip it. When a photographer mentioned that they are missing Govinda, Sunita cheekily asked whether they want his address. A video shared by Instant Bollywood shows Sunita Ahuja and Yashvardhan posing together at the fashion event. While Sunita wore a shimmery co-ord set, her son donned a white tee with blue shirt and olive green pants. The paparazzi asked Sunita, Govinda sir kahaa pe hain? (Where is Govinda sir?)", and in turn, she simply gestured them to zip it. Meanwhile, Yashvardhan looked at her, and smiled before thanking everyone and heading off the stage. As Sunita was leaving, one photographer said, Miss kar rahe hain sir ko. (We are missing sir)." Sunita hilariously replied, Address de du? (Should I give his address?)." The video of Sunitas interaction with the paparazzi has gone viral on social media. Check out the video below! Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) For the unversed, in February, media reports suggested that Govinda and Sunita were considering separation due to constant disagreements and differences in lifestyle. In one of her interviews, Sunita had mentioned that she and Govinda have been living in separate homes. She also mentioned celebrating her birthday alone for the past 12 years, which fuelled speculation about trouble in their marriage. Amid their divorce rumours, Sunita confidently declared that no one can separate her from Govinda. She addressed the rumours, and clarified, Alag-alag rehte hain matlab jab unhone politics join kiya tha tab meri beti jawaan ho rahi thi, toh saare karyakarta ghar par aate the. Ab jawaan beti hai, hum hain, hum shorts pehen ke ghar mein ghoomte hain, toh isliye humne saamne office le liya tha. Humko, mujhe aur Govinda ko is duniya mein agar koi alag kar de, kisi ka mai ka laal toh saamne aa jaye. (We live separately because when Govinda joined politics, my daughter was growing up, and party workers would frequently visit our home. Since we would wear shorts and move around freely at home, we decided to get an office nearby. If anyone in this world dares to separate me and Govinda, let them come forward). First Published: April 13, 2025, 20:53 IST Bengal Clashes: TMC MLA Alleges Police Were Not Active On Day 1; Won't Allow Violence, Says DG Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 13:42 IST While the BJP is blaming the TMCs appeasement, the TMC on, the other hand, is saying that BJP is inciting people. The BJP has also raised questions on the role of the police Police and security personnel keep a vigil at an area amid protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on Saturday. (PTI) Even as the situation in Murshidabad remains tense over the anti-Waqf Act clashes over the weekend, a political war of words has erupted between the Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC). While the BJP is blaming the TMCs appeasement, the TMC on, the other hand, is saying that BJP is inciting people. The BJP has also raised questions on the role of the police. Amid the claims and counters, News18 spoke to TMCs MLA from Farakka Manirul who alleged that he was attacked in Murshidabad and that the police were not up to the mark in handling the situation. Recommended Stories Speaking to News18, Manirul said, They broke CCTV cameras and damaged my house. They were unorganised young boys aged 13 to 19. They also attacked today morning and let me tell you they were saying that TMC leaders are not doing anything. Rather let me tell you, the police were not active on the first day. Now huge deployment is there. We are now roaming. Now things are okay." He also asked what could the TMC leaders have done in such a situation. POLICE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY TYPE OF VIOLENCE: DG DG Rajiv Kumar, meanwhile, said, The police is not at all shy to take action. The police will not allow any type of violence and also rumour-mongering. We will definitely protect the life and property of people. This is the time to work together. This is not the time for scoring points, this is the time to maintain law and order. No violence will be tolerated and anybody trying to disrupt, stringent actions will be taken." Around 150 people have been arrested, 15 police personnel have been injured and three deaths have been reported so far. Police have admitted that on day one, they had to use four rounds of firing and that Saturdays firing was possibly done by the BSF. The Calcutta High Courts order for central forces deployment came after a petition of Suvendu Adhikary and the court has clearly stated that in this situation they cant be mute spectators. The DG and all top cops are now in Murshidabad with eight companies of the the BSF and 400 CRPF personnel on ground. WHAT DID THE COURT SAY? The duty of the court is to protect the citizen. Every citizen has the right to life and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the life and property of every citizen are secured. The court points out that frequent disturbances do take place between two communities. It is undeniable that there have been frequent instances of violence between communities at different parts in the state of West Bengal and the disquieting situation prevailing till today cannot be ignored," the HC said. Although we have noted the stand of the State that the State is making an endeavour to ensure co-existence of different communities in peace and harmony the measures so far taken do not appear to be adequate. The situation is grave. The situation is grave and volatile. Action is to be taken against the culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on a war footing. The court cannot be a mute spectator. Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are in danger," the court said. The HC stated: The deployment of Central Armed forces earlier could have de-escalated the situations as it appears adequate measures have not been taken in time. The court cannot turn a blind eye. We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in a few districts of the State of West Bengal. The purpose of deployment is to help State Force." The purpose of deployment of the para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force is only for the purpose of facilitating the State Administration to ensure the safety and security of the population in this State. It cannot be denied that there is an internal disturbance in some of the districts in the State which inter alia, include Murshidabad. Force can be used in other districts if required," the court said. It would also be open for the State administration to engage para-military forces or Central Armed Police Force to ensure that no escalation of violence takes place and the life and property of the population of the said locality are safe and secured," the HC said. Accordingly, we direct, the deployment of Central Armed Forces in the district of Murshidabad who shall operate in the District in co-operation with the civil administration so that the situation which has necessitated the deployment of the armed forces is effectively dealt with and normalcy is restored. This direction, however, shall not be limited to the district of Murshidabad and as and when required it should be extended to other districts faced with a similar situation in which case the Central Forces may be deployed immediately to arrest the situation and bring normalcy." The report should be submitted. A comprehensive report shall be filed by the State with regard to the steps taken pursuant to our order on the adjourned date upon prior service to the parties," the HC said. 11th April A Black Day in Bengals HistoryBengalis are being forced to relive the horrors of the 1946 Great Calcutta Killingsthis time in Murshidabadas hundreds of Hindus flee, while jihadi mobs unleash a reign of terror in Dhuliyan, Samserganj, and Suti, all under the pic.twitter.com/XqHTOvqQC7 Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 13, 2025 HINDUS FLEEING: BJPS ATTACK top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, many have fled their homes and some are now staying in parts of Maldah. Bengalis are being forced to relive the horrors of the 1946 Great Calcutta Killingsthis time in Murshidabadas hundreds of Hindus flee, while jihadi mobs unleash a reign of terror in Dhuliyan, Samserganj, and Suti, all under the pretext of protesting the Waqf Amendment Act," BJPs Amit Malviya posted on X. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More First Published: April 13, 2025, 13:12 IST Tamil Nadu Governor In Fresh Row Over 'Jai Shri Ram' Chant, Faces DMK Criticism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 18:36 IST A video of the event, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the Governor encouraging students to chant the religious slogan Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi (Photo: X/@rajbhavan_tn) Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has landed in fresh controversy and drawn sharp criticism from the ruling DMK government after asking students at an engineering college in Madurai to chant Jai Shri Ram during an event. The incident took place on Saturday while Ravi, attending as the chief guest, was addressing an event at Thiagarajar Engineering College in Madurai. A video of the event, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the Governor encouraging students to chant the religious slogan. Recommended Stories In the video, Governor Ravi is heard saying, Let us pay tribute to Lord Shri Ram. I say, and you say Jai Shri Ram," to which the students respond by chanting the slogan. The move has drawn strong condemnation from the ruling MK Stalin-led government, with the party accusing Ravi of behaving like an RSS ideologue". Speaking to CNN-News18, DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan said Ravis action goes against the Constitution of the country. Its baffling that the Governor would visit an engineering college and make students chant words of a particular religion. India being a secular country, it goes against our Constitution to impose such religious colours at a college event." TN Guv RN Ravi sparks a fresh row after asking students to chant Jai Shri RamListen to the oppositions reaction#RNRavi #JaiShriRam #TamilNadu | @kritsween pic.twitter.com/o67CL326Ob News18 (@CNNnews18) April 13, 2025 Dharanidharan further stated that this was not the first time Governor Ravi had acted in this controversial manner. The Governor has repeatedly tried to destroy Tamil Nadus history and culture. His is behaving like an RSS ideologue," he stated. Ravis SC Setback Ravis latest row comes just days after a major setback in the Supreme Court. On 8 April, the top court had ruled that the Governors decision to withhold assent to ten key Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly since 2020 was both illegal" and arbitrary." The court had stated that all actions taken by the Governor regarding these Bills were null and void, and declared that the Bills are deemed to have become law from the date they were re-submitted to the Governor by the Assembly. The action of the Governor to reserve the 10 bills for the President is illegal and arbitrary. Thus, the action is set aside. All actions taken by the Governor thereto for the 10 bills are set aside. These Bills shall be deemed to be cleared from the date it was re-presented to the Governor," the bench had stated. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The landmark judgement, delivered by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, settled a long-standing dispute between Governor Ravi and the ruling DMK government. The ten Bills, which were passed twice by the Assembly but blocked by the Governor, have now officially become laweven without his or the Presidents signature. ALSO READ: 10 Bills Cleared By Tamil Nadu Assembly Become Law Without Governors Assent After SC Verdict 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 : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: April 13, 2025, 18:09 IST Apple Watch Series 10 Alerts Woman About Early Stage Blood Cancer: Know What Happened Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 11, 2025, 11:59 IST Apple Watch has time and again helped people get health alert and making them rush to the doctor before something tragic happens with them and it has done it again. Apple Watch Series 10 is helping people detect early stage cancer Apple Watch has long been applauded for its precise health and lifestyle features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, sleep tracking, and fall detection. Recently, it proved to be a life-saving device when it helped a woman detect a rare and aggressive form of cancer at an early stage. Thanks to the new Vitals app, the smartwatch showcased its powerful preventive health capabilities. During an interview with The New Zealand Herald, Amanda Faulkner, a consultant psychiatrist based near Napier, revealed that she was only 48 hours from death when her new Apple Watch Series 10 alerted her to a major health condition. Recommended Stories She told the portal that she has been feeling fatigued, having heavy periods and dealing with the summer heat since the beginning of the year. However, she ignored the symptoms, figuring they were evidence of perimenopause or anaemia. To her surprise, Amandas Apple Watch Series 10s Vitals App, which she recently upgraded, frequently notified her about fluctuations in her resting heart rate. According to the Watch, her heart rate generally stayed around 55 beats per minute (bpm); however, it has recently spiked into the 90s. Faulkner initially thought her Watch was malfunctioning. However, it kept giving her reminders about the fluctuations, reminding her to consult her doctor. Later, Amanda approached her GP and requested additional tests, presenting detailed graphs from her Apple Watch that clearly showed a consistent rise in her heart rate. Taking the data seriously, the doctors acted swiftly. Within just four hours of being admitted to the emergency department in Hastings, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Amandas doctors later informed her that had she delayed treatment any longer, the outcome could have been fatal. The untreated cancer was progressing rapidly, and complications could have claimed her life within just a few days. After being diagnosed with cancer, on January 9, Amanda was admitted to Palmerston North Hospital, where she has been undergoing chemotherapy. If it wasnt for my smartwatch constantly reminding me, I wouldnt have known something was wrong," she said. Her husband, Mike, also praised the Apple Watch for alerting her and providing her the opportunity to fight before it was too late. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some of the significant Apple Watch health features include heart rate tracking, irregular rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, mood logging and activity tracking. It also includes features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS for safety. Apple Watch Series 10 has a lot of health features but it does come at a premium which makes it tough for everyone to get one of these but the company has other affordable variants with limited features on offer. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Zealand First Published: April 11, 2025, 11:59 IST Watch: Orphaned Baby Walrus Finds New Home. Internet 'Absolutely' Loves It Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 08:00 IST After months of critical treatment and recuperation, a rare Pacific walrus calf that was saved as an orphan in Alaska has found a permanent home at SeaWorld Orlando. When Uki was found to be underweight and dehydrated, she was just a few weeks old. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Ukiaq, a rare orphaned Pacific walrus calf who is lovingly referred to as Uki" on social media, is starting a new chapter at SeaWorld Orlando after a spectacular rescue from the Arctic. According to the New York Post (NYP), the walrus calf was found injured and abandoned in the Arctic, and her existence once depended on constant bottle feedings and tenders. She was just a few weeks old when she was discovered last July, close to the isolated Alaskan settlement of Utqiagvik. She had been abandoned by her herd and was in terrible condition, dehydrated, emaciated, and covered in scars. Her odds of surviving without prompt assistance were low, as walrus calves usually stay with their moms for one to two years. Recommended Stories After being taken by air to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), specialists began a 24-hour rescue mission. We watch her signs of improvement with cautious optimism and are pleased to be supported by our partners in providing the best possible care for her and all our wildlife response patients," Dr Wei Ying Wong, President and CEO of the ASLC, said in a written statement as per NYP. To simulate the warmth and physical care she would have received from her mother, the crew took on the role of surrogate parents, bottle-feeding her, cleaning up after her, and even holding her as she slept. Two of her caregivers, Diana Hawke and Staci Owens, were important in her early recuperation by offering vital emotional support. Uki, who is now a healthy 350 pounds, was transported by FedEx to SeaWorld Orlando last fall, where the parks Wild Arctic team has been providing her with specialised one-on-one care ever since. Only a small number of facilities in North America are qualified to care for walruses like Uki, who are considered unfit for life in the wild, therefore, relocation was required. Ukis journey to SeaWorld Orlando is only the beginning of her new chapter," SeaWorld Orlandos vice president of zoological operations, Dr. Joseph Gaspard, also said in the statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As part of a plan to progressively smooth her transition, the young walrus has been exposed to her new environment since arriving through sleepovers, scent-based interactions, and brief trips to her new habitat. She will eventually meet the walrus herd at the park, beginning with Kaboodle, a seasoned walrus mother who has successfully raised multiple babies. Later this month, Uki is anticipated to make her first public appearance, which is anticipated to garner even more admirers and highlight the continued significance of protecting aquatic life. 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 13, 2025, 08:00 IST 7-Month-Old Baby Killed By Pet Pit Bull In US, Mother Says 'Will Never Understand Why' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 17:54 IST The three dogs have been taken into custody by Franklin County Animal Control, and their fate will be determined after a thorough investigation is completed. Mackenzie Copley and Kameron Turner with Elizah. (Facebook) A tragic incident occurred in Columbus, Ohio, where a 7-month-old girl died after being attacked by one of her familys three pet pit bulls. Mackenzie Copley, the childs mother, expressed her grief in a Facebook post, writing, I will never understand why!!!" She also shared images of her daughter Elizah Turner, peacefully cuddling with the dogs. I am so lost and broken. This was the same dog who was side by side with my baby every single day," added the mother, according to a report in the New York Post. Recommended Stories Elizahs father, Kameron Turner, expressed his heartbreak on social media, saying, Life is so not fair. How can I continue living without her?" According to the Franklin County Coroners Office, the 7-month-old girl has been identified as Elizah. Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua said that Elizah was bitten by a family dog at a home located in the 3700 block of South Champion Avenue, according to a report in WBNS. Fuqua described the incident as a heartbreaking and sudden tragedy, noting that the situation escalated very quickly and appeared to be accidental. There are not a lot of words I can say to convey how I feel and how the officers who arrived. Everyone in this process is grieving as if this child belonged to us because most of us are parents and cant imagine just how this scene is," Fuqua was quoted as saying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The three dogs have been taken into custody by Franklin County Animal Control, and their fate will be determined after a thorough investigation is completed. Remembering Elizah, her obituary described her as a joyful and vibrant child: Lizah was spunky, happy and she was never without a smile. She brought light to everyones life, healed her familys hearts and gave them all purpose. Elizahs face would light up the room and her laugh was contagious." Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: April 13, 2025, 17:47 IST Baloch Separatists Kill 8 Pakistanis In Iran, Shehbaz Sharif Urges Tehran To Take Action Published By : AFP Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 20:33 IST The Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA), a Pakistani separatist group, and Jaish al-Adl (Arabic for Army of Justice), a Baloch jihadist group based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan has been battling a decades-long insurgency in impoverished Balochistan. (Reuters/File) Separatists killed eight Pakistanis in Iran, Islamabad said Sunday, across the border from Pakistans Balochistan province where there are regular deadly attacks. Pakistan has been battling a decades-long insurgency in impoverished Balochistan, which militant groups claim is being exploited by outsiders, with wealth from its natural resources syphoned off with little benefit to the local population. Recommended Stories Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the brutal killings of eight Pakistanis", calling on Tehran to immediately arrest the culprits, give them appropriate punishment, and make the reasons behind this brutal act public". The Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA), a Pakistani separatist group, and Jaish al-Adl (Arabic for Army of Justice), a Baloch jihadist group that is based in Pakistan but is also active in Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. The eight men killed were from Pakistans most populous province, Punjab, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency. Armed separatists in the area have in recent months intensified attacks on workers from other provinces, particularly Punjabis who are viewed as having strong links to the military. Irans embassy in Pakistan also confirmed the death toll and condemned the attack as terrorism", calling, like Islamabad, for joint efforts" to combat the violence. Iran and Pakistan frequently accuse each other of allowing militants to operate from their territory to carry out cross-border attacks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both countries have conducted deadly strikes inside each others territory in the border region, which is regularly shaken by violent attacks by Islamist or separatist groups. The most dramatic incident occurred in mid-March, when an armed group took a train hostage in Balochistan. Nine Pakistanis were killed in Irans Sistan-Baluchestan province in January 2024. 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 : Tehran, Iran First Published: April 13, 2025, 20:33 IST Bangladesh Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Sheikh Hasina, Sister Rehana, And Others In Land Corruption Case Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 18:07 IST Judge Zakir Hossain has scheduled April 27 to review the progress on the execution of arrest warrants, according to ACC Assistant Director Aminul Islam. Following Sheikh Hasinas ouster, public anger crystallised into demands for the immediate resignation of the Chief Justice and five of his Appellate Division colleaguesjudges whose rulings were widely perceived as politically compromised. (PTI) A court in Bangladesh on Sunday issued arrest warrants against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 others in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition of land by abusing political power. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain passed the order after considering three separate chargesheets filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. Recommended Stories Judge Hossain fixed April 27 to review reports on the execution of the arrest orders, the newspaper quoted ACC Assistant Director (Prosecution) Aminul Islam as saying. Citing court sources, Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo reported that the ACC recently submitted charge sheets to the court against 53 people in three separate cases on corruption charges in plot allocation. As all 53 accused, including Hasina, were absconding, the court issued arrest warrants against them, the paper said. On April 10, the same court issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 17 others in a separate corruption case related to Rajuk plot allotments. Putul has been serving as the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) based in New Delhi since November 1, 2023. On January 13, the ACC filed a case against Rehana for allegedly acquiring a 10-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town Project through the abuse of authority. The case named 15 accused, including Hasina and Rehanas daughter British lawmaker Tulip Rizwana Siddiq. Rehana did not hold any official position in the past regime. After the investigation, ACC submitted a charge sheet on March 10 against 17 individuals, adding two more names. In a second case, the ACC filed charges against Azmina Siddiq for similar irregularities in acquiring a 10-katha plot in Purbachal. This case initially listed 16 accused, including Tulip Siddiq and Sheikh Hasina. The final chargesheet, submitted on March 10, named 18 people. The ACC filed a third case the same day against Rehanas son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, accused of obtaining a plot using political influence. Tulip Siddiq and Sheikh Hasina were among the 16 named in the initial complaint. The final chargesheet also included 18 accused. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hasina is also accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity, and enforced disappearances while these cases were being filed with Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal. Hasinas 16-year-long Awami League regime was toppled on August 5 last year in a student-led violent mass uprising. Since then, 77-year-old Hasina has been living in India. Location : Bangladesh First Published: April 13, 2025, 18:07 IST SYDNEY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A nine-year-old boy was killed in an accidental shooting at a rural property southwest of Sydney on Sunday, police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said. Emergency services were called to reports of a shooting at a property near the town of Goulburn, 170 km southwest of Sydney and 80 km northeast of Canberra, at about 11:20 a.m. local time on Sunday. An NSW police statement said that officers arrived at the scene and were told that the boy had been injured after the "accidental discharge of a firearm." He was treated for serious neck injuries by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. NSW Police said that an investigation into the incident has commenced and that a report will be prepared for the coroner. Florida Woman Charged With Buying And Selling Human Bones On Facebook Marketplace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 15:14 IST The woman was accused of buying and selling human bones online, the police said. She was arrested and later released on bail. Florida woman charged with buying and selling human bones online (Reuters Image) A Florida woman was arrested for bringing and selling human bones online, the police said, adding that she was charged with trading in human tissue. The woman was identified as Kymberlee Anne Schopper of Deltona, 52, Orange City Police Department said. She was released on Friday from the Volusia County Jail on a $7,500 bond. Recommended Stories How Was She Arrested? The police said that they received a report on December 21, 2023, about a local business selling human bones on Facebook Marketplace, FOX 35 Orlando reported. Police were sent pictures from the businesss Facebook page, which reportedly showed the disturbing items for sale. The store, Wicked Wonderland in Orange City, was selling two human skulls for $90, a human shoulder and collarbone for $90, a rib for $35, vertebrae for $35, and part of a skull for $600, according to officials. The police took the human remains as evidence and sent them to a medical examiner for testing, FOX 35 Orlando reported. What Shop Owner Told Authorities? When inquired about the products, a shop owner told authorities that the shop sold human bones for a number of years, adding that he was not aware it was illegal in Florida. She confirmed that the store had multiple human bone fragments, all purchased from private sellers, and mentioned she has documentation for these transactions but could not provide it at that moment. She described the bones as genuine human remains and delicate in nature," the arrest affidavit said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Schopper, who co-owned the shop, told the police that the bones were educational models". According to the state law, models can be sold legally in Florida. 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 : United States of America (USA) First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:14 IST 34 Killed In Russian Strike On Ukrainian City Days After US Envoy Met Putin For Ceasefire Talks Published By : AFP Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 08:50 IST At least 84 people, including ten children, were wounded in the strike. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a "strong response" from Europe and the US. Russia continues to unleash missile attacks despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. (AFP) A Russian missile strike on Sunday on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 34 people, authorities said as European and US leaders condemned one of the deadliest attacks in months. Two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, on Sunday morning, Ukrainian authorities said. Recommended Stories People ran for cover amid burning cars and bodies were left strewn in the street. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the attack occurred on Palm Sunday, a major Christian feast. Only completely deranged scum can do something like this," he said in his evening address. Emergency services said the missiles killed 34 people, including two children, and wounded 117, including 15 children. The dead were seen covered in silver sheets at the scene of the strike where rescuers worked through the rubble of a building near a destroyed trolleybus. Zelensky said eight of the 68 injured in hospitals were in serious condition. In addition to the university, the strike damaged five apartment buildings, cafes, shops, and the district court. In total, the Russian attack damaged 20 buildings," said Zelensky. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply alarmed and shocked" by the strike, which highlighted a devastating pattern of similar assaults on Ukrainian cities and towns in recent weeks," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. US President Donald Trump called the strike a horrible thing" while speaking to reporters on board Air Force One. I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think its a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing," Trump said. Asked to clarify what he meant by a mistake", the US president said that they made a mistake youre gonna ask them" without specifying who or what he was referring to. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attack horrifying" and a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace". The strike came two days after US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and push Trumps efforts to end the war. Zelensky on Sunday urged the US president to visit his country to better understand the devastation wrought by Russias invasion. Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead," he said according to a transcript of an interview to be broadcast on CBS. A lot of corpses The head of Ukraines GUR military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Telegram that Russia had used two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles on Sumy. One witness told AFP she heard two explosions. A lot of people were very badly injured. A lot of corpses," she said, struggling to speak. Sumy declared three days of mourning. It was the second Russian attack this month to cause a large civilian death toll. An attack on Zelenskys home city of Kryvi Rig killed at least 18 people, including nine children. Zelensky called on the United States and Europe to give a strong response" to Russia, adding: Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs." Trump has previously voiced anger at Moscow for bombing like crazy" in Ukraine. Frances President Emmanuel Macron said the strike showed Russias blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump". British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was appalled" by the attack, which Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni described as a cowardly" act by Russia. Germanys chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz described it as a serious war crime, deliberate and intended". Staging an attack on Palm Sunday outraged several leaders. It was a barbaric attack, made even more vile as people gathered peacefully to celebrate Palm Sunday," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X. The Russian version of a ceasefire. Bloody Palm Sunday," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Relentless Russian offensive Moscow has refused a US-proposed unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Authorities in Sumy published footage of bodies in the street and people running for safety, with cars on fire and wounded civilians on the ground. Russia has relentlessly attacked Ukraine in recent weeks, stepping up its all-out invasion that has gone on for more than three years. Sumy has been under increasing pressure since Moscow pushed back many of Ukraines troops from its Kursk region inside Russia, across the border. Kyiv has warned for weeks that Moscow could mount an offensive on the city. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russia launched its invasion partially through the Sumy region and briefly occupied parts of it before being pushed back by Ukrainian forces. On Sunday, Russia said it captured another village in eastern Ukraines Donetsk region. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: April 13, 2025, 15:52 IST 'Leave Now...': US Gives 30-Day Warning To Foreign Nationals. What Happens If They Don't Comply? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 16:50 IST The Trump administration said that foreign nationals staying in the US must either register themselves with the federal government or face legal consequences. US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image) The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a new warning for foreign nationals staying in the country for more than 30 days, saying they must register with the federal government or face legal action, which may include fines and imprisonment. This came after Homeland Security Kristi Noem recently called on all foreign nationals present in the country for more than 30 days to register under the Alien Registration Act by April 11. This is part of Trumps aggressive immigration crackdown and could have far-reaching implications for immigrants throughout the US. Recommended Stories Foreign nationals present in the US longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport," said the Homeland Security Department on X. This development comes after Trump signed the executive order Protecting the American People Against Invasion, directing DHS to enforce the long-ignored Alien Registration Act on January 20. Later, DHS and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced the registration requirement as an interim final rule on March 12. Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025 ALSO READ: US Judge Allows Pro-Palestinian Activist Columbia Student Mahmoud Khalils Deportation What Are The Punishments For Non-Compliance? The Department of Homeland Security emphasised that self-deportation is safe and people can leave on their own terms by picking their departure flight. Self-deportation also keeps open the opportunity for legal immigration in the future and deportees will also be eligible for a subsidised flight if they cannot afford to leave. However, failure to comply with the rules will invite harsher consequences such as immediate deportation. In this case, people who fail to comply with the rules will be apprehended by Homeland Security without any opportunity to get their affairs in order. As per Trumps recent order, these immigrants will be fined $998 per day if they receive a final order of removal and decide to stay anyway. Failure to self-deport after claiming to do so will also invite a fine of $1,000-$5,000. Immigrants may also be subject to jail time. Most importantly, these people would be prohibited from re-entering the US through the legal immigration system. The Department of Homeland Security has created an app called CBP Home for those people to deport themselves and is notifying them they must leave right away. The Trump administration touts its sweeping drive against migrants a key campaign promise as being in part a crackdown on gang members and other violent criminals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy your freedom and live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested, fined, deported, never to return to our country again," Noem said during a press briefing on Friday. Recently, a US district court judge also approved the Trump administration to implement the controversial new rule mandating millions of immigrants to register with the federal government and carry official documentation. 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 13, 2025, 16:50 IST US, Iran Hold 'Positive And Constructive' Nuclear Talks, Set For Further Dialogue Next Week Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 13, 2025, 07:34 IST The talks were held amid rising tensions between both nations as Trump warned of potential military action if Iran failed to halt its nuclear activities. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | AFP Image The United States and Iran engaged in high-level discussions on Saturday (local time) over Tehrans fast-developing nuclear program, which the White House described as positive and constructive." The US and Iranian delegates will meet again in Oman on April 19, said Irans Foreign Minister, adding that they came close to a negotiation framework during Saturdays meeting. Recommended Stories The discussions were very positive and constructive, and the US deeply thanks Sultanate of Oman for supporting this initiative. Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations differences through dialogue and diplomacy," the White House said in an official statement. The talks were held amid rising tensions between both nations as US President Donald Trump warned of potential military action and declared there would be all hell to pay" if Iran failed to halt its nuclear activities. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday," the statement added. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who briefly met Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff during the indirect talks, told Iranian state TV, I think we are very close to a basis for negotiations, and if we can conclude this basis next week, well have gone a long way." The talks were held indirectly, as preferred by Iran, with each delegation in separate rooms and messages being passed through Omans foreign minister, despite Trumps push for direct talks, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. After over two and a half hours of indirect talks, the heads of the Iranian and American delegations briefly spoke in the presence of the Omani foreign minister as they departed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It all came after Trump on Monday (local time) announced that Washington and Tehran would begin talks in Oman, a Gulf nation with a history of mediating between the West and Iran. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : Oman First Published: April 13, 2025, 07:13 IST US Visa Bulletin For May 2025 Brings Bad News For Indian Workers: Here's What You Need To Know Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 00:12 IST The EB-5 Unreserved category visa for Indians has regressed by over six months to May 1, 2019, while in contrast, the date for China remains at January 22, 2014. The EB-5 unreserved category date for Indians was pushed back by 7 months. The US Department of State has published its Visa Bulletin for May 2025, delivering disappointing news for Indian nationals aspiring to secure H-1B visas and green cards. The bulletin reveals a major setback for Indians in the employment-based fifth preference (EB-5) category. According to the bulletin, the EB-5 Unreserved category visa for Indians has regressed by over six months to May 1, 2019, narrowing eligibility for Indian applicants, while in contrast, the date for China remains at January 22, 2014. It was earlier set at November 1, 2019 for Indian applicants. Recommended Stories The Final Action Dates refer to the date by which the USCIS can determine whether individuals can file such visa applications, where it is family-based or employment-based. High demand and number use by India in the EB-5 unreserved visa categories, combined with increased Rest of World demand and number use, made it necessary to further retrogress the India final action date to hold number use within the maximum allowed under the FY-2025 annual limits," the bulletin read. What About Other Visa Categories? EB-1 (Priority Workers): For the Employment-Based, First Preference (EB-1) Category, there is no change as the cutoff date for India remains at February 2, 2022, and for China, it remains November 8, 2022. All other countries remain current in this category. EB-2 (Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability): In this Category, the status remains the same for Indians and Chinese nationals. The cutoff date for India continues to be January 1, 2013, and for China, it is October 1, 2020. The EB-2 cutoff date for all other countries remains June 22, 2013. EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): As for the Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB-3) Category, Indias cutoff date advances by two weeks to April 15, 2013, while Chinas date stays at November 1, 2020. The cutoff date for other countries is unchanged at January 1, 2023. EB-3 Other Workers: In this category, the cutoff date for Indians aligns with the EB-3 category at April 15. For China, the date is April 1, 2017, while for all other countries, it remains May 22, 2021. The State Department had announced last year that all available EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants) immigrant visas for the financial year 2025 were issued by February 28, 2025. As a result, the EB-4 category is now unavailable and will remain so through the end of the financial year on September 30, 2025. The EB-5 category refers to other qualified immigrants, of which some applications are reserved for those who invest in rural areas, high-unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects. The bulletin also reads, The fiscal year 2025 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000. The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000. Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7 per cent of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620. The dependent area limit is set at 2 per cent, or 7,320." What Does This Mean? Each month, the US Department of State issues a visa bulletin listing the cutoff dates for visa availability by nationality. This bulletin determines which applicants can submit their applications for adjustment of visa status or permanent residency. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Applicants with a priority date before the cutoff date in the most recent bulletin are typically eligible to apply for permanent residency. Visa retrogression occurs when the number of applicants for a particular visa category or country exceed the available visas for that month. This often happens toward the end of the fiscal year as visa issuance nears the annual category or per-country limits. Immigration has become a major issue since US President Donald Trump took office in January, with the goal of the largest deportation exercise in the countrys history. While Trumps policies were aimed at limiting illegal immigration, they seem to also impact high-skilled immigration. 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 14, 2025, 00:12 IST Zen, a 5-year-old border collie, circled around a mound of snow as he picked up a scent, his quick movements signaling to his handler that someone was buried deep below. Zen has been a rescue dog for three years, and on this day he was helping train 20 other dogs being certified for avalanche rescue in the Italian Dolomites. The role of dogs in Italian Alpine rescues is becoming more important, as the number of people caught by avalanches increasesup by 50% over the past 25 years, per the AP. Stats: Avalanches involving people who need rescue in Italy have doubled since the turn of the century, from a rolling average of 30 a year to 60, per the AINEVA snow and avalanche monitoring service. During the same period, the number of excursionists struck on average also increased significantly, from 65 a year to 110 a year. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng interacts with the representative of an exhibiting company before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and "Shopping in China" series in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Sunday welcomed global businesses to invest and thrive in China, as the country, with a population of over 1.4 billion, boasts vast market potential and robust momentum for consumption upgrades. Han made the remarks when talking with the heads of exhibiting companies in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, before attending the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and "Shopping in China" series. Han encouraged global companies to make good use of the expo to expand brand influence, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and achieve mutual benefits. Some 1,000 people, including representatives from government agencies, exhibitors, purchasing firms and diplomatic envoys to China, attended the event. The expo, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, is the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region. Themed "share open opportunities, co-create a better life," this year's expo runs from April 13 to 18, attracting over 1,700 enterprises and more than 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attends the launch event for the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo and "Shopping in China" series in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Seen as ugly and associated with death, vultures are among the world's least loved animals, reports the AP . But conservationists in Africa are trying to change that, launching an effort to save the endangered birds. A recent report by BirdLife International estimated that vultures are worth $1.8 billion a year to certain ecosystems in southern Africa, which might surprise anyone not familiar with the clean-up, pest control, and anti-poaching work performed by one of the most efficient scavengers on the planet. "They are not up there on the pretty scale. And they are not popular. But we know they are very useful," says Fadzai Matsvimbo, an extinction prevention coordinator at BirdLife International. Six of the 11 species found in Africa are listed as endangered or critically endangered. The report focused on research in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and shows how a wake of vulturesthe term for a group of feeding vulturescan strip a decomposing carcass in hours, cleaning up ecosystems and reducing the spread of disease and the presence of rats and feral dogs. Vultures also have extremely strong stomach acid, don't get food poisoning, and are able to consume and neutralize anthrax, botulism, and other bacteria and toxins that would kill other animals, removing deadly threats from the environment. Vultures are nature's "best sanitation services," says Matsvimbo. Conservationists have said the drastic loss of vultures in India over 30 years led to a health crisis. A study published last year said half a million people died in India because of the spread of bacteria and infections in the absence of vultures. Matsvimbo says vultures in Africa are used as "sentinels" because they can lead rangers to where poachers might be active. They have even proven useful in helping farmers locate dead or injured livestock. story continues below Vultures are increasingly being killed for belief-based reasons, says Kerri Wolter, CEO of the Vulpro vulture rehabilitation center in South Africa. She said because vultures have such outstanding eyesight and instincts when it comes to finding a dead animal they are viewed by some as being clairvoyant. Their body parts, and especially their head, are used in potions or as charms to predict the future. "Our work is to change the mindsets of people," Wolter says. "For them to see vultures and think, wow that is amazing." The Trump administration confirmed to a federal judge Saturday that a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported last month remains confined in a notorious prison in El Salvador. But the government's filing did not address the judge's demands that the administration detail what steps it was taking to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. The government said only that Abrego Garcia, 29, is under the authority of the El Salvador government. Abrego Garcia's location was confirmed to the court by Michael G. Kozak, who identified himself in the filing as a "Senior Bureau Official" in the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. The filing comes one day after a US government attorney struggled in a hearing to provide US District Judge Paula Xinis with any information about Abrego Garcia's whereabouts. The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration must bring him back. Xinis issued an order Friday requiring the administration to disclose Abrego Garcia's "current physical location and custodial status" and "what steps, if any, Defendants have taken (and) will take, and when, to facilitate" his return. Kozak's statement did not address the judge's latter requirements. Abrego Garcia has lived in the US for roughly 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married, and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. If he is returned, he will get to face the allegations that prompted his expulsion: a 2019 accusation from local police in Maryland that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denies it. The Trump administration's suggestion that it's reconsidering about $9 billion in federal funding for Harvard University has been answered with a pair of lawsuits from professors. The filing Friday in federal District Court in Massachusetts asks for a temporary restraining order to block any suspension of funding, the New York Times reports. "This action challenges the Trump administration's unlawful and unprecedented misuse of federal funding and civil rights enforcement authority to undermine academic freedom and free speech on a university campus," the lawsuit says. The lawsuit also says the administration failed to provide clear reasoning for its threat, per the Guardian. The legal action by the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard chapter follows the notice that the government's Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is reviewing the funding. The administration sent Harvard a list of demands it said the university must meet to retain funding and protect students from antisemitism on campus. Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania received similar notices this month, and Columbia acceded to administration demands to protect its funding in March. Andrew Manuel Crespo, a Harvard law professor, said Trump's action is intended to chill universities and their faculties from engaging in speech, teaching, and research that clash with the president's stances. "Harvard faculty have the constitutional right to speak, teach and conduct research without fearing that the government will retaliate against their viewpoints by canceling grants," Crespo said, per the Times. The mayor of Cambridge, home to Harvard, joined students and faculty in a protest of the threat on Saturday. "Harvard possesses not just the resources to withstand the pressure, but the moral obligation to do so," said Mayor Denise Simmons. A convalescing Pope Francis greeted the crowd in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, wishing more than 20,000 faithful a "Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week" in another reassuring public sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia. Many in the crowd reached out to touch Francis' hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone. The 88-year-old pope was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, the AP reports, as he had during a similar appearance last Sunday. On his way back to St. Peter's Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary, and he offered candy to a boy who greeted him. The 88-year-old Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds. While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis that has labored his speech. The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday, per the AP. On Saturday, Francis went to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. In the traditional Sunday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. For the ninth week, including his five-week hospitalization starting Feb. 14, the blessing was delivered as a text. The pope offered prayers for those suffering in the conflict in Sudan, which marks its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, where civil war began 50 years ago, as well as for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan. In a prepared Palm Sunday homily read by a cardinal, Francis urged the faithful to carry the cross "of those who suffer around us" to mark the start of the solemn Holy Week. Russian launched ballistic missiles at a northeastern Ukrainian city on Sunday morning, killing at least 34 and injuring 117 as people gathered for Palm Sunday observances. The head of the presidential office said the missiles employed cluster munitions that spray submunitions over the target area, ABC News reports. "A cluster munition missile is something the Russians do to kill as many civilians as possible," Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram. "The strike on the city of Sumy is a deliberate shelling of civilians." The attack was the deadliest of the fighting this year, per CNN . At least two children were killed and 15 injured in the strike about 10:15am. "On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy," acting Mayor Artem Kobzar posted on Telegram. The missiles hit the city center, and authorities said 20 buildings were damaged, including cafes, shops, four educational institutions, and five apartment buildings, per the BBC. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with anger and a call for "a tough reaction from the world." "Only completely deranged scum can do something like this," Zelensky said in his evening address to the nation. The attack was condemned by world leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom demanded Russia agree to a ceasefire. Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, said the attack "crosses any line of decency" and shows why President Trump "is working hard to end this war." US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday, per the AP. On Saturday, Trump said the ceasefire negotiations "might be going OK," per CNN. 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 Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) OSAKA, Japan, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Around 300 guests attended the opening event. In his speech, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized China's strong support for Japan in hosting the Expo. He expressed the hope that the pavilion's exhibitions would present an image of a confident and open China, leaving a memorable mark on the Expo and contributing to a more equal and inclusive global future. Bureau International des Expositions Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes spoke highly of China's participation in world expos, noting that visitors to the China pavilion will be able to experience the country's cultural heritage, ancient wisdom, and modern innovations. Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo Chairperson Masakazu Tokura stressed the importance of Japan-China relations, hoping that Expo 2025 would serve as a launchpad for future-oriented international cooperation. The opening ceremony also featured a traditional lion dance and a performance of the dance drama "The Crested Ibis," both warmly received by the audience. Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." The pavilion features three sections to showcase China's traditional ecological wisdom, modern green development initiatives, and its vision of global cooperation in fostering a sustainable future. Highlights include side-by-side displays of lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions, the "Jiaolong" deep-sea submersible experience capsule and next-generation humanoid robots. A robot greets guests outside the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) People visit the "Jiaolong" deep-sea submersible experience capsule in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) People visit a souvenir shop of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitors looks at lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitor tours the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) A visitor tours the China Pavilion using a mixed reality (MR) device at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) This photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows the lunar soil sample collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission displayed in the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) People visit the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao addresses the opening ceremony of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) Visitors line up to enter the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo in Osaka, Japan, April 13, 2025. The China Pavilion officially opened on Sunday at the Osaka Expo, with an opening ceremony held in front of the pavilion's main building, which is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese scroll. Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy scrolls, the pavilion's architectural design embodies the theme of "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature -- Future Society of Green Development." Osaka Expo 2025 will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The China Pavilion, one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at the event, covers approximately 3,500 square meters. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) Apr 14 (Netflix Anime) - A new adventure unfolds on Future Island "Egghead," home to the lab of genius scientist Dr. Vegapunk. What awaits the Straw Hat crew there? The Egghead Arc in One Piece serves as the first arc of the Final Saga and begins shortly after the dramatic events of the Wano Country Arc, one of the series' longest and most consequential storylines. Following the intense battles in Wano, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates emerge victorious against two of the Four Emperors: Kaido and Big Mom, shaking the balance of power across the world. With the defeat of these formidable figures, Luffy is officially declared one of the new Four Emperors (Yonko), alongside Buggy, Shanks, and Blackbeard. This power shift sets off ripple effects throughout the world, signaling the beginning of a global upheaval. At the same time, the World Government is tightening its grip on dissent, and the mysterious Reverie Incidentwhich involved the Revolutionary Army clashing with the Marines and the apparent capture of Sabohas stirred global concern. Meanwhile, the Cross Guild, a new organization led by Buggy (but orchestrated by Crocodile and Mihawk), is putting bounties on Marines, further destabilizing traditional power structures. Amid this unrest, the Straw Hat crew sets sail from Wano and soon arrives at Egghead Island, a technologically advanced domain under the jurisdiction of Dr. Vegapunk, the worlds greatest scientist. This arc marks the crews first encounter with the full mystery behind Vegapunk, who has long been a shadowy figure referenced throughout the series. It also brings the Straw Hats face-to-face with futuristic technology and a deeper understanding of the worlds hidden history. Egghead becomes a critical turning point, as revelations about the Void Century, ancient technology, and the true nature of the world government begin to surface. Simultaneously, the CP0 agentsled by Rob Lucciarrive on the island with orders to assassinate Vegapunk, further escalating the conflict. The Egghead Arc is not just another island adventure. It functions as a lore-heavy, high-stakes storyline that connects directly to the overarching mysteries of One Piece, while also pushing every factionpirates, revolutionaries, marines, and world noblestoward an inevitable final clash. Apr 14 (East Asia Forum) - As Meta fine-tunes its Llama artificial intelligence (AI) models on global data and OpenAI deepens its enterprise integration, Asias middle powers face mounting pressure to shape their own technological futures. Regionally influential countries like Australia, South Korea, India, Indonesia and Singapore that possess important AI capabilities but lack the ability to shape AI system development and deployment at the scale of the United States or China risk becoming permanent renters of external infrastructure, confined to application-layer innovation and vulnerable to shifting geopolitical winds. In February 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea of an AI third way a multilateral path for middle powers to cooperate on AI development and infrastructure, rather than defaulting to systems built in Silicon Valley or Shenzhen. His appeal echoes a growing recognition across Asia that the global AI landscape is consolidating around two poles, leaving limited room for strategic autonomy or ensuring public redistribution AIs benefits. Breakthroughs in open-source technologies by AI companies like Chinas DeepSeek and Frances Mistral highlight the technical potential for alternatives. But these successes depend on preexisting open-source ecosystems and face limitations in long-term product scaling and distribution without supportive infrastructure. A viable AI third way in Asia will require strategic collaboration across national AI efforts to produce not only AI models but to integrate those models with competitive AI products. National AI strategies are advancing across the region, but most cannot compete at the frontier of product development. India is actively integrating AI into its digital public infrastructure stack through focused efforts like BharatGPT, a conversational AI platform tailored to Indias linguistic diversity. In February 2025, Indonesia announced a sovereign wealth fund for mineral processing, AI and renewable energy, but the country lacks domestic compute capacity and remains reliant on foreign AI platforms and applications. Singapore has emerged as a regional leader in publicprivate AI partnerships and Australia is advancing promising data governance and safety frameworks. These national efforts cannot individually match the scale of compute, talent or high-quality data of US or Chinese AI ecosystems. Worse, they risk reinforcing a dependency cycle in which public sector investments in open infrastructure are captured by private hyperscalers with the capacity to productise and monetise faster. To avoid this trajectory, middle powers need a common technical and policy framework to ensure interoperability between sovereign AI assets. This should include cross-border data sharing protocols, approaches to sharing model weights and, crucially, joint product development. In an era of open-source systems, easy distillation and rapidly advancing capabilities, it is not only the models themselves, but also the iterative data generated through deployment of applications, that matter. Whoever controls these feedback loops holds the leverage. One emerging proposal gaining traction is to create an Airbus for AI, modelled on the European response to US aviation dominance. First proposed in 2024 by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, the idea is to create a publicprivate consortium of middle powers national AI laboratories to build scalable AI products and sell them under a public utility model. The proposal is a go-to-market strategy for middle powers existing public AI investments, designed to serve public needs while anchoring technological sovereignty. Just as Airbus gave Europe a seat at the table in commercial aviation, an AI consortium could offer Asian nations an opportunity to establish industrial capacity and strategic autonomy. The consortium would aggregate compute from participating national labs and codevelop applications built on shared open-source or jointly trained foundation models. A dedicated team sourced from participating nations combining engineering, policy and product expertise would scale these applications across jurisdictions, ensuring commercial viability, responsiveness to local needs and alignment with public interests. Initially the focus would be government services ID verification, document processing and healthcare triage where national data assets are rich and deployment needs are urgent. Over time, this could expand into digital utilities for civil society, small enterprises and country-specific industries, providing a counterbalance to proprietary offerings from US and Chinese hyperscalers. These deployments would help establish the critical feedback loops that many public AI initiatives currently lack and demonstrate that public value and performance can go hand in hand. Beyond the need to pool compute, the consortiums success will rely on three enablers operational coherence, a coordinated regional data policy framework and talent. First, international coordination requires more than aligned policy declarations it also demands operational coherence. Lessons from initiatives like intergovernmental physics laboratory CERN, chip manufacturing consortium SEMATECH, EU global navigation satellite system Galileo, US Operation Warp Speed and Airbus underscore the importance of clear incentives, product focus and intellectual property sharing mechanisms. Second, a coordinated regional data policy framework will be essential to ensure sufficient high-quality training data while upholding privacy and security standards. Countries digital public infrastructure systems including ID systems, payment platforms and data exchanges can form the foundation of equitable data ecosystems. Cross-border interoperability will rely on the development of trusted governance and shared protocols. Third, securing top AI talent remains a global challenge. The consortium could serve as a case for piloting more open regional labor and migration rules. It will also need to offer competitive compensation and highlight opportunities to work on mission-driven applications as well as the prestige of building a regional alternative to AI superpowers. A consortium can build on existing strengths across the region. For example, Australias National AI Centre could anchor safety protocols and Singapores AI Verify Foundation offers a testbed for model auditing. The India Enterprise Architecture offers a framework for connecting between digital public infrastructure and AI-driven public service applications and South Koreas semiconductor strategy could be leveraged for chip-aligned model development. ASEANs Digital Economy Framework and APECs 2025 focus on regional integration of national AI efforts serve as key fora for regional policy coordination. Airbus succeeded because Europe had the collective vision to build strategic capability in a field dominated by others. If Asias middle powers are serious about forging a third path in AI, they must move beyond national scale strategies and take regional action through joint engineering, shared infrastructure and coordinated product development. Jacob Taylor is Fellow at the Brookings Institutions Center for Sustainable Development. Joshua Tan is Co-founder and Research Director at Metagov. Source: East Asia Forum NEW YORK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A small twin-engine private plane crashed in a field near Copake in America's New York state around noon on Saturday, but fatalities remain unkown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The plane had six people on board and was expected to land at Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York. The crash site is located in the middle of an open field and it was difficult to access it due to muddy conditions, said Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore of Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Salvatore didn't disclose the number of fatalities or passengers' information in the accident. The FAA said it would investigate the accident together with the National Transportation Safety Board. The safety of civil aviation in the United States has been a pressing issue recently as a series of accidents have made many people reluctant to fly due to safety concerns. A fatal small plane crash was reported Friday near Boca Raton Regional Airport in the southeastern U.S. state of Florida and a helicopter from New York City crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday, leaving six people dead. Participants perform during the Chinese singing contest "Rose Melodies" in Sofia, Bulgaria, April 12, 2025. This year's United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated in Bulgaria on Saturday alongside the sixth edition of the Chinese singing contest "Rose Melodies." [Photo/Xinhua] This year's United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated in Bulgaria on Saturday alongside the sixth edition of the Chinese singing contest "Rose Melodies." Organized by the Confucius Institute in Sofia, the event brought together 15 solo performers and nine group acts from across the country. Eighteen-year-old Kalina Momchilova from Sofia took first place in the individual category, while the teen quartet "Scarlet Sorghum" from the town of Stara Zagora won the group category. Momchilova shared that she began studying Chinese at the age of 14, and her passion for the language has only deepened over time. "My interest in the people, the culture-absolutely every part of Chinese life-has grown significantly," she said. Guan Xin, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Sofia, said the singing performances not only captured the melody of the Chinese language but also conveyed the emotions of the Chinese people, highlighting the deep cultural resonance between the two nations. Chen Ying, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and Aksiniya Koleva, the Bulgarian director, emphasized that UN Chinese Language Day is dedicated to celebrating the language as a bridge between peoples and cultures, with the song contest serving as a natural extension of that mission. KHARTOUM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 114 civilians were killed in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two displacement camps over the past two days in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in western Sudan, a local official announced on Saturday. "More than 100 civilians were killed as a result of the brutal attack launched by the RSF militia on the Zamzam displacement camp yesterday (Friday), with dozens injured," Ibrahim Khatir, director general of North Darfur State's health authority, told Xinhua. "Today (Saturday), 14 civilians were also killed due to another militia attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp, with dozens more injured," he added. Khatir revealed that among the dead in the Zamzam camp were nine employees of Relief International, a non-governmental organization operating a field hospital in the camp. Emergency Room, a volunteer group, said in a statement that 40 civilians were killed and hundreds injured on Saturday as a result of heavy shelling by the RSF on the Abu Shouk camp. The RSF issued no immediate comment regarding the attacks. Since May 10, 2024, fierce fighting has been raging in El Fasher between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed more than 29,600 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations. A blaze ripped through four homes in Belmar on Sunday morning, though no injuries were reported. Photo by All Hands Fire. All Hands Fire Firefighters battled a blaze early Sunday that destroyed several homes just a few blocks from the beach in Belmar. One resident was injured, but things could have been worse if a good Samaritan hadnt rushed to alert the man about the fire in his home on 13th Avenue. By the time the resident tried to get out, intense flames blocked the front door, said Belmar Fire Chief Sean Pringle. A passerby who was walking her dog called it (the fire) in and then banged on the window and door and the man ran outside through the back, he said. The man suffered minor burns and was treated at the scene by emergency medical services, he said. One firefighter suffered a burn to the neck and another suffered a neck injury, the chief said. Both were treated at the scene. The fire was reported after 6:05 a.m. in the 300 block of 13th Avenue in the Jersey Shore town. More than a dozen fire companies responded to the fire scene with more than 50 firefighters, Pringle said. Fire on Sunday damaged 4 homes in Belmar. All Hands Fire The chief said a gas meter on the side of one of the houses exploded during the fire. Firefighters tried to enter one of the burning homes to check if anyone was inside. However, they were forced out by the intensity of heat and flames, he said. My main concern was to make sure that no one was inside any of these houses, Pringle said. We put some guys in to do a quick initial search of one house. They were up on the second floor, but the fire was so bad we had to pull them out. Pringle called a second alarm for more manpower when he arrived on the scene and saw the flames. Upon arrival we found a house heavily involved in flames, Pringle said. There was heavy fire coming out of the front of the first house, the porch area and the fire was already through the house. He said the fire had extended from one house to two other neighboring houses. Three of the houses are total losses, with the fourth house sustaining exterior damage, the chief said. Firefighters from Belmar Goodwill Hose and Belmar Hook and Ladder, Avon, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Wanamassa, Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Manasquan, South Wall, Glendola, and West Belmar responded. Fire companies remained on the scene until 10 a.m., Pringle said. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal and the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Photos posted by All Hands Fire showed the homes fully engulfed in flames. Drone footage captured by Belmar resident Bill Mckim showed numerous firefighters dousing a destroyed home with water, as well as the surrounding homes. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com. By Bill Cole There have been enough recent instances of Donald Trumps public words and deeds that should alarm anyone in New Jersey who cares about the rights and opportunities for members of the disabled community. Many of you surely cant forget Trumps mean-spirited sentiments expressed during a 2015 speech when he callously mocked a New York Times reporter with a physical disability by mimicking his movements and voice. Then, there were his comments during the 2024 campaign when he repeatedly labeled both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as mentally disabled. Then, there are the jarring claims made by the presidents nephew and disability advocate Fred Trump. In his 2024 book, Fred, whose adult son has significant developmental disabilities, states that his uncle once said to him about his son, He doesnt recognize you. Let him die and move down to Florida. Later, during Trumps first term in office, Fred came to the White House to appeal to his uncle to provide more resources to people with disabilities. Fred writes that his uncle responded to this request: Those people, the costs. They should just die. This is language that sounds eerily close to eugenics. Then, in the aftermath of the tragic helicopter crash in Washington D.C. in January, Trump cited a dubious Fox News claim that the FAAs diversity push includes hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. This led to his antagonistic and unfounded suggestion that intellectually disabled traffic controllers may have been the cause of the horrific event. Most recently, with the tacit support of Health and Human Services head Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his devotion to junk science, there was Trumps February executive order which bizarrely asserted that a host of conditions affecting American children, particularly autism and ADHD, poses a dire threat to the American people and our way of life, and emphasized that these trends harm us, our economy and, our security. Characterizing the rich and nuanced neurodiversity across the lives of so many of our young people as a threat to national security does seem like a dangerous prospect, but not for the reasons the Trump administration states. In her 2012 book, A Disability History of the United States, Kim E. Nielsen chronicles how the early European colonists in America tended to define disability primarily in terms of economic productivity. As long as an individual was able-bodied enough to be at least somewhat of an economically productive laborer, whatever disability might exist was ostensibly irrelevant to the community at large. In the early 1700s, Massachusetts passed laws prohibiting the poor, vicious, and infirm from coming to North American land if they were incapable of managing and maintaining themselves economically. This draconian and hyper-ableist attitude toward the disabled population seems to be rearing its ugly head again in the age of the Trump administration where economic and geopolitical prowess seems to take complete priority over every other consideration, including community, empathy, and humaneness. Blatant discrimination against the disabled continued for decades. After World War II, disability as a form of self-identity, shared experience and culture started taking shape. Out of this development sprouted political activism. After centuries of overt bias, steady momentum grew for stronger federal protections for people with disabilities. In 1973, the Rehabilitation Act was passed with the critical language embedded in section 504 stating people with disabilities could not be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This was soon followed by the passage of the 1975 landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which federally mandated that students with disabilities must have access to public education. A little more than a decade later, the 1990 passage of the American with Disabilities Act, another product of committed activism, further shifted the perception of disability as a burdensome and costly problem for society toward a sense of societal obligation that the environment needed to adjust itself in order to provide appropriate accommodation and access. Disturbingly, based on Trumps recent harsh rhetoric and conduct, we seem to be sliding backwards from this enlightened point in history. As aggressive efforts to dismantle the federal Department of Education continue, the grim outlook for students with disabilities warrants our committed vigilance. One of the main responsibilities of the federal Education Department has been overseeing and enforcing IDEA, which provides the legal, regulatory and financial apparatus to ensure the rights and access for students with disabilities across the whole country. The massive federal spending cuts to education and Medicaid being proposed in conjunction with the gutting of the federal Education Departments staff leaves the effective and appropriate delivery of special education in the state of New Jersey in serious question moving forward. In the current 2025 fiscal year, the federal government has provided $1.24 billion in education funding to New Jersey, including more than $500 million for grants dedicated to special education and $4 million for school-based mental health services. With the federal spending cuts that have already been made and many more on the horizon, utter catastrophe could be waiting for the more than 240,000 New Jersey K-12 students who receive some type of special education services. The projected cuts to special education and adult disability assistance, along with the Trump administrations contempt for diversity, equity and inclusion goals readily leave one to conclude that the end game here is to deliberately degrade the crucial support for people with disabilities while undermining their dignity and treating them as second-class citizens. In troubled times like these, it is a moral imperative to exercise our collective voices in countering the pernicious forces that abound. We need to be in contact with our senators and representatives in the U.S. congress. We need to urge them to ensure that special education and Medicaid continues to be properly and fully funded for our disabled population in the state of New Jersey. We should all be champions for the civil rights and humanity of those with disabilities, while helping preserve their rights and access to proper educational services. They are not to be dismissed as economic liabilities or logistical burdens, but celebrated as essential additions to the multifaceted tapestry of our society, a tapestry that, indeed, helps make America truly great. Bill Cole is a New Jersey-based school psychologist and adjunct professor of developmental psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close TBONG KHMUM, Cambodia, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said here on Saturday that the kingdom's ties with China will be deepened continuously for mutual benefits, as both countries have been working together to build a community with a shared future. Noting that he has presided over the inauguration ceremonies of many Chinese mega-projects, including the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, since he took office, the Cambodian leader said that Cambodia-China relations are walking on the track of mutual support and mutual respect for sovereignty and rights. "Today is a testament to the strengthening of Cambodia-China relations for the common interest of our people," he said during the inauguration ceremony of a China-funded national road in eastern Tbong Khmum province. Meanwhile, Hun Manet said China is the top investor in Cambodia, and has greatly contributed to Cambodia's socio-economic development and the improvement of Cambodian people's livelihoods. He said Cambodia and China forged diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958, and the ties have been constantly fostered and elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation in December 2010. He added that both countries would continue to work together closely under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation towards a high-quality, high-level and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. People in ethnic costumes attend a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 13, 2025. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People in ethnic costumes attend a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 13, 2025. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) People in ethnic costumes attend a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 13, 2025. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) An aerial drone photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows people in ethnic costumes attending a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) People in ethnic costumes attend a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 13, 2025. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) An aerial drone photo taken on April 13, 2025 shows people in ethnic costumes attending a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Tao Liang) People in ethnic costumes attend a singing event to celebrate the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 13, 2025. The singing event was held here along a river on Sunday, as part of the celebrations for the Miao Sisters Festival, a national intangible cultural heritage. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The city of Portage has an escalating problem with cats that have been neglected, injured, abused, lost or abandoned. Fortunately, Hagrid's Hope cares about these cats and is determined to address the potential public safety hazard created by this issue. We have become the default cat rescue for the city because people have no other place to turn, said Jennifer Good, the organizations president. Every place that people call, if you say you live in Portage, they say they will not help you. So they call us. Named in honor of a rescued cat, the nonprofit group was launched in 2023 to fill a void that exists in Portage, the third most populated city in Northwest Indiana. With all those residents comes an influx of cats, kittens and dogs that wind up in public spaces, including the Indiana Toll Road. For the past month we have been at the toll road trying to keep cats off it to prevent car accidents, Good said. Cats are running out in front of vehicles and getting killed out there. We not only care about these cats. We care about people. We don't want to see anyone get into an accident by trying to swerve and miss a cat. So we're out there. We don't get paid for it. We do it because we want to help our community. Hagrid's Hope is operated completely by volunteers, funded from donations and receives no financial assistance from the government or corporations. We are the only rescue/shelter in the city of Portage, and the only hope for homeless cats in our city, its website states. Neither Portage Animal Control nor Porter County Animal Shelter will help Portage residents with stray cats. This has caused continual problems for the organization, its volunteers claim, and confusion for residents seeking help with stray cats. Portage Mayor Austin Bonta said Portage Animal Control does respond to sick and injured cats, and not just cats that have been so sick or injured that they need to be put down. "I worked with our chief of police and assistant chief last year to fund and implement a city TNR program for the first time in our history this year that's now getting started," Bonta said. "Both of these things have already been explained to the leaders of Hagrid's Hope in meetings we've had with them at city hall. Despite that, the leaders of that group have continued to claim online that Portage has done and is doing nothing for cats after each of those meetings," he added. "At one point, someone from Hagrid's Hope claimed online last year that someone had called animal control about a sick cat and was told they would not come to help. Portage Animal Control then confirmed that no such call was made on that night," Bonta said. Portage Animal Control is not tasked with answering calls for homeless cats unless the animals are so severely sick or injured that they need to be taken directly to a vet to be euthanized, according to Hagrid's Hope officials. We need a facility or building where we could take these cats and work with them and get them to a loving home or released into a safer environment, said James Shultz, the groups CEO. Hagrid's Hope supports Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, considered the humane and effective method for managing feral and stray cat populations. We're all for TNR but we're not equipped for it. We're equipped for rescues, Shultz said. To be a TNR, we would have to have a place where we could hold feral cats to get spayed or neutered, and then either put into a place where they could be rehabilitated or into a loving home. Like many of its rescued cats, Hagrid's Hope is looking for a loving home somewhere in the city to improve and expand its services. Were just three human beings, Good said, referring to herself, Shultz, and Kate Schlobohm, the groups secretary. We do it all by ourselves every single day. Portage has this policy of not helping cats. A lot of people would like to see it changed. The Porter County Animal Shelter has a contract with the city, but it does not include accepting cats from residents, according to Hagrid's Hope officials. This leaves residents with no one else to call when they want to help a homeless cat. We have had far more calls to rescue cats than we ever expected when we opened, the groups website states. Good noted that with more requests for cat rescues and services, her group is not getting the assistance it needs from cat lovers, animal advocates and goodhearted supporters. The city just denied us to have more rummage sales to benefit the rescue. We take in cats for the city, but the city has denied us the ability to support these cats, she said. Bonta said this claim is missing context. "Portage gives everyone seven yard sale days per year, in addition to an eighth garage sale day, if they want, on our yearly city wide garage sale day. Hagrid's Hope went to the Board of Works last week and asked for 60 extra garage sale days because they wanted to be able to have the ability to keep items out on a yard in the Capitol Estates neighborhood for that long," he said. "It was determined by the board that was too much in a residential neighborhood and we suggested that they instead find a business to host their big sales downtown or that they apply to use space in one of our city parks," he added. "This decision was made by the Board of Works in part after getting feedback from residents of the Capitol Estates neighborhood who did not appreciate the idea of having yard so many sales going on that long in their neighborhood," Bonta said. Schlobohm noted, We are doing everything we can think of to find grants and funding so we can continue to help these cats, and to increase awareness of this situation." These are not our own personal cats, Good said. These are cats that we have taken in from grocery stores, the toll road, a person's backyard, a residents crawl space or shed and even from inside a car. The other day, a person couldn't go to work because a cat was stuck in her car. Cats inside dumpsters, outside of stores, hiding under vehicles and injured along roadsides. We even had a call for a cat roaming around inside a hotel, Good said. Do you understand how many diseases are out there from all these cats running around, which then brings in coyotes, which then brings in other diseases? This is not only about animal love. It's about public safety. But we need help. Bonta said he loves cats and appreciates all of the different nonprofits in Northwest Indiana that are seeking to help stray cats. "Portage Animal Control and our Portage Police Department are doing what they can within the limits placed on us, and we are excited to now be doing TNR this year and onward. However, Hagrid's Hope has been regularly asked to work with us instead of against us, and instead prefers to tell people that Portage does nothing," he said. "If you're a Portage resident who cares about cats, or a non-resident who wants to help, please send me an email at abonta@portage-in.com and I'd love to meet up, talk about this current situation in our city, and work together to make things better." To contact the organization, visit www.hagridshope.org, email hagridshope@gmail.com or check out the Hagrid's Hope Cat Rescue page on Facebook where photos and videos of cats (including a blind black kitten) tug on the heartstrings of viewers. Donations can be made at Centier Bank under the account Hagrid's Hope Cat Rescue or by choosing items from its wish lists at Amazon.com or Chewy.com, and helping with medical bills at Hero Pet Clinic in Westville. Why Elon Musk Hasnt Come Close to Finding $1 Trillion in Cuts After several months of cutting government contracts, grants, leases and workers, Elon Musk seems to be realizing what budget nerds have long known: His oft-repeated goal of cutting $1 trillion from the federal budget through executive action alone is extremely difficult. In a cabinet meeting this week, he appeared to offer a more modest target, saying he expected to achieve savings of $150 billion. There was always a good reason the original $1 trillion goal was out of reach: The part of the budget that Mr. Musk has been mining for savings was expected to total only $950 billion next year. How to reach $1 trillion if you cut only the budget category Musks team has targeted so far: Nondefense discretionary funding Federal programs, contracts, grants and employment No change $50 billion short Defense No change Medicaid, Obamacare, CHIP CHIP is Childrens Health Insurance Program No change Other benefits to individuals Anti-poverty programs, farm aid, military retirement, other mandatory spending No change Medicare No change Social Security No change Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Source: Analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by Richard Kogan, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Note: Interest payments on the federal debt are not shown. The New York Times Cutting $1 trillion from that part of the budget would eliminate that category of spending entirely including nearly every nondefense government worker, most of the veterans health care system and all spending on medical research from the National Institutes of Health. And hed still be short. Cutting a trillion in spending is not just rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, said Zach Moller, the director of the economic program at Third Way, a center-left research group. It is a fundamental rethinking of the role of government in the United States. By executive order, Mr. Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is limited to cutting this part of the budget, with exclusions for immigration enforcement and public safety. What if cuts to other areas were on the table? The entire federal budget, of course, is much larger than $1 trillion. But a combination of political priorities and legal impediments means Mr. Musk and his team have left major categories of government spending largely untouched so far. Mr. Musks precise plans are hard to determine based on his limited statements at the cabinet meeting. The DOGE team did not respond to questions sent in a direct message on X, its preferred means of communication. The White House also declined to answer detailed questions about the target, though a spokesman told The New York Times on Thursday that $1 trillion remained the goal. The military would perhaps be the easiest place to look for cuts. It is a large source of spending, its leadership has said there is fat to trim, and the main levers for savings canceling contracts and grants, and firing government workers are similar to those Mr. Musks team has used already. But President Trump has not seemed interested in cutting military spending. His executive order establishing Mr. Musks office cordons it off from cuts. Although Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has applauded Mr. Musk for finding some overspending, he said he planned to reallocate the money. The White House has also endorsed a recent budget resolution that would increase the militarys budget. How to reach $1 trillion if you add military spending as an equal cut: Nondefense discretionary funding Federal programs, contracts, grants and employment No change Defense No change Medicaid, Obamacare, CHIP CHIP is Childrens Health Insurance Program No change Other benefits to individuals Anti-poverty programs, farm aid, military retirement, other mandatory spending No change Medicare No change Social Security No change Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Source: Analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by Richard Kogan, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Note: Interest payments on the federal debt are not shown. The New York Times Republicans in Congress are considering cuts to another category of federal spending, which pays for anti-poverty programs like Medicaid, food assistance and income-based student loan plans. The budget resolution that passed the House last week would allow cuts to this part of the budget, although the specifics remain unclear. So far, Mr. Musk has not made major changes to those programs, which would probably fall under an exclusion of DOGEs jurisdiction for direct assistance to individuals. How to reach $1 trillion if you add anti-poverty programs and other benefits as equal cuts: Nondefense discretionary funding Federal programs, contracts, grants and employment No change Defense No change Medicaid, Obamacare, CHIP CHIP is Childrens Health Insurance Program No change Other benefits to individuals Anti-poverty programs, farm aid, military retirement, other mandatory spending No change Medicare No change Social Security No change Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Source: Analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by Richard Kogan, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Note: Interest payments on the federal debt are not shown. The New York Times But some of the biggest parts of the budget have been even more clearly placed off limits. Mr. Trump has vowed repeatedly not to touch Social Security or Medicare, two of the largest categories of federal spending. While Mr. Musk has made some changes to the staffing of those programs, and says he hopes to root out fraud there, he has not changed the underlying benefit structure, where the vast majority of the spending occurs. Theres no way Mr. Musk could find $1 trillion by cutting the programs hes been told to cut, said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office who is now president of the American Action Forum, a center-right economic policy group. Thats just completely implausible, because he cant touch mandatory spending, and thats where all the money is. Mr. Holtz-Eakin noted that even if the Trump administration pursued equal cuts to all parts of the budget, a $1 trillion reduction in one year would be extremely abrupt and disruptive. How to reach $1 trillion if Social Security and Medicare are added as equal cuts: Nondefense discretionary funding Federal programs, contracts, grants and employment No change Defense No change Medicaid, Obamacare, CHIP CHIP is Childrens Health Insurance Program No change Other benefits to individuals Anti-poverty programs, farm aid, military retirement, other mandatory spending No change Medicare No change Social Security No change Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Each box represents $5 billion in projected fiscal year 2026 spending. Defense and nondefense discretionary amounts represent budget authority. Source: Analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by Richard Kogan, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Note: Interest payments on the federal debt are not shown. The New York Times There is one more large category of spending that Mr. Musk cant do much about (and is not shown on our charts). Interest payments on the federal debt are projected to cost upward of $1 trillion next year more than what the government will spend on Medicare or the military. Even very large spending cuts will not make a meaningful dent in those existing interest obligations in a single year. Rising bond yields also largely outside of Mr. Musks control will also make a difference. Mr. Musks recently cited estimate for next year $150 billion lines up with the DOGE websites estimate of how much savings it has already achieved. But that number does not appear to be reliable. Though Mr. Musks group does not itemize all of its savings in detail, the parts of its website that do identify specific cuts have been riddled with errors, double-counting and other large inaccuracies. What is described as a 'very rare' and historic rifle used in Offaly during 1916 Rising has sold for a staggering amount at auction The Mauser Gewehr 98 bolt-action rifle was presented to the Offaly Brigade, Irish Volunteers by Sir Roger Casement. It was up for auction by Whyte's with an estimate of 8,000 to 10,000 but ultimately sold for a staggering 15,000. The provenance on the rifle says that it is serial number 2405 and that it was presented to James O'Connor, Quartermaster of Offaly Irish Volunteers by Roger Casement on his visit to Tullamore. The rifle is probably from the Asgard shipment and it is described as 'a very rare provenanced rifle used in the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence'. James O'Connor was quartermaster for Offaly Irish Volunteers from 1915-1921. Two other firearms that were in the possession of James O'Connor were also sold in the auction. A six shot revolver with an estimate of 1,000 sold for 1,050 while another six shot revolver sold for 850. That had an estimate of 800. READ NEXT: Well known Tullamore man celebrates big birthday on night out READ NEXT: Prison sentence for man who stole bottles of champagne from supermarket in Tullamore A one-way system will come into operation on the Kilbeggan Bridge in Tullamore from next Monday April 14. This is to facilitate further enhancements to the roads. The system will be in place for a period of three weeks. At the Tullamore Municipal District meeting, Senior Executive Engineer Joe Dooley said the work has been timed to coincide with the Easter school holidays minimising disruption to commuters. Key elements of the works will also involve the reinstatement of the pedestrian crossings at Eugene's pub and at Convent View. Meanwhile, the pedestrian crossing at the top of the Kilbeggan bridge is also to be enhanced with new Belisha Beacons and paving with setts. READ NEXT: Fine for drunk young man in Offaly found passed out in park in afternoon The old ESB poles will be removed next week and the ESB will begin dropping cables from Friday April 11 and Saturday April 12. VMS (variable message signs) will be installed to guide traffic and provide real-time updates throughout the duration of the works ''We can't kick the can down the road any longer. It will take three weeks. We are doing everything we can to move them (workers) off the bridge as quickly as possible,'' said Mr Dooley. ''Things are progressing well and they are on track. A lot of the work will be at night. Once they get off the Kilbeggan Bridge they will resurface the road from the Durrow Lane and over the Kilbeggan bridge, that will be towards the end of May. '' he said. READ NEXT: Bidding battle as three bedroom home in Offaly sells for well above guide price at auction VIENTIANE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The cross-border passenger service on the China-Laos Railway has been in operation for two years, helping to boost infrastructure, cross-border movement, and economic development in the Southeast Asian country. The China-Laos Railway started cross-border passenger service on April 13, 2023. Since its opening, the China-Laos Railway has transported over 480,000 cross-border passengers from 112 countries and regions, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating more convenient travel between Laos and China, as well as between Laos and the rest of the world, according to a report released by the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) on Sunday. For many, the cross-border passenger service serves as a bridge to new opportunities, including in education. A 43-year-old father said that he is now considering sending his child to study in China, as the railway has made pursuing education abroad significantly easier. He noted that the affordable and convenient transportation allows smoother travel between Laos and China, and with this improved access, he will be able to visit his child more frequently. "Before the railway, cross-border travel was either too long or too expensive. But now, the reduced travel time and affordability have made it a much more viable option. In addition, the railway has contributed to improvements in infrastructure, economic growth, and stronger connectivity between Laos and China. I believe it has opened up new opportunities for education, business, and cultural exchange, which will greatly benefit our younger generation." By offering a convenient mode of transportation, the cross-border passenger service has helped drive growth in local businesses, attract investment, and strengthen the tourism industry. "In my opinion, the railway has boosted the local economy by increasing tourism, attracting foreign investment, and creating new business opportunities. With improved connectivity making Laos more accessible, it encourages both visitors and investors. I truly believe the railway brings hope for continued growth and will help Laos develop into a regional hub for trade and tourism," Chanhsamay, a street food vendor in Luang Prabang province, told Xinhua. In 2024, the number of Chinese visitors increased to 1,048,034 from 641,314 in 2023, according to the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism. Angthong, a resident of the Lao capital, Vientiane, said, "I hope the China-Laos Railway continues to expand and improve. I look forward to seeing more routes and increased train frequency, so we can grow our economy alongside the railway's development." A man who has given almost seven decades service to traditional music and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in Offaly has been honoured. Birr's Padraig O Dufaigh was presented with the Unsung Hero of Offaly Award by the Offaly Association (Dublin) at a ceremony in Tullamore last weekend. A native of nearby Drumcullen, Mr O Dufaigh served at local, county, provincial and national level with Comhaltas and is also a dedicated member of St Brendan's parish pastoral council in Birr since the late 1950s A special citation in honour of Padraig was read at last Saturday week's gala evening in the Bridge House Hotel by Pat Teehan, a member of the Offaly Person of the Year sub-committee of the Offaly Association. It reads as follows: It gives me great pleasure to present to you this evening the 2024 Unsung Hero of Offaly recipient. The award goes to a man who has given a lifetime of service championing traditional Irish music through Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann at local, county and national level. Despite his advancing years, the 2024 Unsung Hero is still involved with Comhaltas locally and is also an active member of the Parish Pastoral Council in Birr. READ NEXT: A day in Offaly: New Zealand Ambassador gets a true taste of the Faithful County A multi-talented individual, he is a veteran radio presenter who has fronted the popular Coppers and Brass traditional musical programme on Midlands 103 for over three decades. Born in Ballywilliam, Eglish, in Drumcullen parish, our 2024 award recipient grew up with his siblings on a small farm. He was educated at the Presentation Brothers in Birr. Shortly after completing his secondary education, he secured a position with Woods Textile Manufacturing in Birr, later Birr Fabrics, where he worked for 25 years, advancing to the role of sales manager Following that he spent another quarter century working at Erin Peats where he was logistics manager at the time of his retirement. Despite his busy working life and commitment to Comhaltas, our award winner found time to woo and wed his beloved wife, the late Virginia Magee, from Borris-in -Ossory, and the happy couple reared three children, Sinead, Ciaran and Nollaig. Nollaig, who lives and works in the United States, has flown over from Chicago to attend tonight's awards ceremony and we give her a special welcome. Our award winner also delights in his five grandchildren. It was a twist of fate that the 2024 Unsung Hero of Offaly, became involved in Comhaltas in the late 1950s. In 1958, the celebrated Marian Hall has just opened in Birr and various fund-raising efforts were being organised to finance the development. One of the ventures suggested was the organising of a fleadh cheoil and our award winner was nominated to help organise the fund-raiser as he had previously attended a fleadh cheoil. At the time Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was in its infancy and not many were familiar with fleadh cheoileanna. The subsequent fleadh cheoil proved an enormous success and in the following year the Offaly County Board of Comhaltas was formed with the first ever county fleadh being held in Birr. Our award winner was secretary of the first fleadh and the first county board and he has remained in administrative roles in Comhaltas up to this day. READ MORE: THE LONG READ: Paralympic silver medallist and traditional music stalwart honoured at Offaly Person of the Year Awards Originally there were just three Comhaltas branches in Offaly, though Clonaslee was affiliated for a time as there was no Laois county organisation. Offaly now boasts seven branches Birr, Ballyboy, Kilcormac, Rahan, Tullamore, Daingean and Edenderry. In due course, the 2024 Unsung Hero was elected to the Provincial Council and to the National Executive of Comhaltas in the early 1970s. He filled the onerous role of national competitions co-ordinator and was also elected National Treasurer, a post he remained in for 35 years until stepping down last year. Our award winner remains a National Trustee of Comhaltas. He has attended every Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann since 1958 and was a key member of the ogranising committee which brought the event to Tullamore in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Incidentially, the Offaly Person of the Year award was bestowed on that committee in 2009 Sso our Unsung Hero has the distinction of being also the holder of an Offaly Person of the Year award. Our award receipient also became involved in parish affairs in his adopted home of Birr in the late 1950s and remains a member of the Pastoral Council to this day. He has served in the role of Secretary and Chairman of the body but now describes himself as "ordinary foot soldier." He was recently awarded the St Brendan's Medal for his work for the parish for over six decades. Now aged 87, the 2024 Unsung Hero retains his zest for life and his commitment to all things Gaelic and Irish, both language and music. Tonight we salute the fith recipient of the Unsung Hero of Offaly award. Ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding for the 2024 Unsung Hero of Offaly, Padraig O Dufaigh. AN Easter Commemoration will take place again this year on the steps of Tullamore Courthouse in front of the old veterans memorial on Easter Sunday morning, April 20 at 12pm. The commemoration is to honour Offaly men and women who participated in the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War. This year will be the third year to hold the event and it is getting more popular each year said organisers Brenda and Odran Condron. READ MORE: Offaly heroes of the revolutionary period remembered at Easter commemoration Outlined Odran: "From now on every year we will be remembering local people from Offaly who were involved but whose names were never acknowledged in any previous commemorations. This year two local men, Ted Berry and Matt Brien from Killeigh are being honoured." The commemoration consists of contributions from local historians, pipers, drummers and relatives of those who played any part in the fight for Irish Independence. Members of the Tullamore branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) will also be participating in the Colour party. The event is open to the public so all are welcome to attend. By Joel D. Joseph, author of Black Mondays: Worst Decisions of the Supreme Court (6th Edition) I just finished writing the sixth edition of Black Mondays: Worst Decisions of the Supreme Court when the nation's highest court once again undermined the integrity of the Court and justice system in the United States. The District Court issued an injunction requiring the return of immigrants taken off the street without a hearing and flown to a maximum security prison in El Salvador. The Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling. The Supreme Court, even though it agreed that the immigrants were entitled to a hearing, dissolved the injunction and forced the immigrants to stay in one of the most dangerous prisons in the world. The case is Donald Trump v. JGG. Chief Justice Roberts wrote, "The Government expressly agrees that "TdA (Tren de Aragua,Venezuelan gang) members subject to removal under the Alien Enemies Act get judicial review." The Alien Enemies Act has been used by three previous presidents, but only in wartime: by James Madison against British immigrants during the War of 1812, by Woodrow Wilson against German immigrants in World War I, and by Franklin Roosevelt against Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants in World War II. The act requires that war be declared by an act of Congress or a that there was an invasion by a foreign nation. That changed on March 14, 2025, when President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to address an alleged "Invasion of the United States by Tren De Aragua", a criminal organization based in Venezuela. Proclamation No. 10903, 90 Fed. Reg. 13033. There is, of course, no ongoing war between the United States and Venezuela. Nor is Tren de Aragua itself a "foreign nation". The Court recognized that "It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law" in the context of removal proceedings. So, the detainees are entitled to notice and opportunity to be heard "appropriate to the nature of the case". However, the facts of the case are chilling, reminiscent of Nazi SS thugs taking Jews off of the streets in Germany. In mid-morning in Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been at work for hours. "We're with immigration. We have a warrant for your arrest," one of the agents told a 47-year-old Venezuelan man stopped as he approached his work van. Also arrested on March 12th was Kilman Armando Abrego Garcia, 29, who the government now admits was deported in error. Garcia was arrested in Baltimore after working a shift as a sheet metal apprentice who had just picked up his 5-year-old son who has autism. These men, and many others, were flown to Texas. In mid-afternoon, the detainees were taken from El Valle detention center in Raymondville, Texas, to buses where they were taken to Harlingen Air Force Base. On March 15, at 5 p.m., U.S. District Court Judge Boasberg began a court hearing to determine whether to certify the class of those arrested and grant a temporary restraining order for the class. Boasberg asked deputy assistant attorney general Drew Ensign if the Trump administration was planning to carry out deportations using the Alien Enemies Act in the next 48 hours. Ensign replied that he did not know, and Boasberg gave Ensign 40 minutes to find out. Meanwhile, at Harlingen, Texas, two planes with Venezuelan deportees took off, one at 5:26 p.m. and the other at 5:44 p.m. Eastern time. Boasberg resumed the hearing around 5:55 p.m., with Ensign saying that he still had no specific information about the Trump administration's plans. At 6:48 p.m., having stated that he would certify the class and grant a temporary restraining order, Boasberg told the DOJ lawyers "You shall 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." The New York Times reports that at this point, "one of the planes was over Mexico; a second was over the Gulf of Mexico and a third had not yet taken off". Though Boasberg specifically ordered that any planes in the air carrying those covered by his order be turned back and those individuals returned to the U.S., the Trump administration directed the flights to proceed, violating the verbal court order. The hearing ended, and the court posted Boasberg's written order, certifying the class and granting a temporary restraining order for the class. At 7:36 p.m., ten minutes after Boasberg's written order was published, a third deportation flight departed from Harlingen. Later that evening, each of the three planes landed at Soto Cano air base in Comayagua, Honduras. The planes then landed in San Salvador, El Salvador, in the early hours of the morning of March 16th. The District Court, for its part, surmised that "the Government knew as of 10 a.m. on March 15 that the Court would hold a hearing later that day", yet it "hustled people onto those planes in hopes of evading an injunction or perhaps preventing [individuals] from requesting the habeas hearing to which the Government now acknowledges they are entitled". 2025 WL 890401. Rather than turn around the planes that were in the air when the Court issued its order, the federal government landed the planes full of alleged Venezuelan nationals in El Salvador and transferred them directly into El Salvador's Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT). The Appeals The Department of Justice appealed Boasberg's order to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, asking it to block the order. On March 24, a three-judge panel heard arguments in the case. During the hearing, Judge Millett noted that the deportees were given no opportunity to challenge their removal and said "Nazis got better treatment under the Alien Enemies Act." Two days later, the court denied the appeal in a 2-1 ruling. Henderson and Millett wrote concurring statements, and Walker, a Trump appointee, dissented. Chief Justice Roberts, joined by Justices Alito, Kavanaugh, Thomas and Gorsuch, overturned the injunction thus keeping the plaintiffs, even those wrongfully arrested, detained in the dangerous El Salvadoran prison. In dissent, Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, Jackson and Barrett-- all females, wrote, "Three weeks ago, the Federal Government started sending scores of Venezuelan immigrants detained in the United States to a foreign prison in El Salvador. It did so without any due process of law, under the auspices of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law designed for times of war." The dissenters continued, "Critically, even the majority today agrees, and the Federal Government now admits, that individuals subject to removal under the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to adequate notice and judicial review before they can be removed. That should have been the end of the matter. The Court's legal conclusion is suspect. The Court intervenes anyway, granting the Government extraordinary relief and vacating the District Court's order on that basis alone. It does so without mention of the grave harm Plaintiffs will face if they are erroneously removed to El Salvador or regard for the Government's attempts to subvert the judicial process throughout this litigation. Because the Court should not reward the Government's efforts to erode the rule of law with discretionary equitable relief, I respectfully dissent." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Iraq is a democracy in the midst of Middle Eastern turmoil and changing dynamics. To the west, Syria experienced a 14-year civil war, and regime change in December. To the east, Iran has been threatened with a US military attack after decades of meddling in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine. The Israeli war crimes and genocide carried out against the Palestinian people in Gaza have destabilized the entire region. Iraq suffered from decades of war and occupation and is still in the process of recovering from the 2003 US invasion, occupation and regime change. Recently, a number of powerful Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq have signaled their willingness to disarm to avoid the threat of US retaliatory attacks. On Saturday, the US and Iran will have high-level talks concerning its nuclear program. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, his side is coming to the talks in Oman "with a view to seal a deal". US President Donald Trump has spoken hopefully of striking a deal that will prevent Iran from ever having a nuclear weapon, while holding a threat of a major military attack as leverage. Iraq was the second-largest oil supplier to the US in the Arab region, after exporting over five million barrels of oil to the US in March 2025, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Trump has imposed a 39% tariff on Iraq recently, and it remains to be seen how that will affect the trade. Before 2011, Iraq was one of Syria's most important partners in trade, especially in pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles and energy. The civil war brought the trade to a halt, but Iraq now has an opportunity to benefit from Syria's reconstruction efforts by investing in infrastructure projects, energy development and industrial revitalization. Joint ventures in construction, transportation and energy production would create jobs, and lead to prosperity on both sides of the border. However, nothing can begin in Syria until the US sanctions are lifted. Steven Sahiounie interviewed Reema Naissah, Syrian journalist, News Anchor and with vast experience on Iraq to get her views on what are some of the challenges facing Iraq today. 1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): There are reports that Iraqi militias have agreed to lay down their arms to remove the American threat. What is your take on that report? Reema Naissah (RN): This move, if true, may reflect a strategic shift among Iraqi militias toward de-escalation and political integration. Laying down arms could indicate a decline in their dependence on Iran-- or perhaps that Iran has withdrawn its support for them, similar to what happened with the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. I believe it is a step in the right direction toward achieving autonomy and restoring political decision-making in Iraq away from the dominance of ruling militias. However, the key question remains about the mechanisms of implementation and what role these militias will play after giving up their weapons, which are the foundation of their power, influence, and control over political decisions. The extent to which these agreements are sincere and will be implemented is still unclear. Trust-building measures and government oversight will be critical to ensure that this is not a temporary tactic but a step toward lasting peace. 2. SS: The tension between the US and Iran has reached a high level. Some believe that the US may attack Iran. In your opinion, how would Iraq react? RN: Iraq would likely be placed in an extremely difficult position. As a neighbor to Iran and a country with strong ties to both nations, Iraq would be pressured to maintain neutrality. However, any military conflict involving Iran would inevitably spill over into Iraq-- politically, economically, and possibly militarily. Iraq would likely call for de-escalation and push for diplomatic resolutions. 3. SS: Syria has a new transitional government after the fall of President Assad. In your view, how is the relationship between Damascus and Baghdad? RN: With the formation of a transitional government, Baghdad sees an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations based on shared interests such as border security, counterterrorism efforts, and economic cooperation. However, these areas largely depend on the orientation of the new Syrian leadership. Iraq's openness to cooperation with the new Syrian government faces several challenges, most notably security-related concerns tied to the background of the new rulers in Syria and their past connections to al-Qaeda-- an organization that carried out jihadist operations on Iraqi soil and was responsible for the deaths of many Iraqis. This is where the real dilemma lies. However, everything could change if a new regional equation emerges. 4. SS: US President Trump has put 39% tariff on Iraq. In your opinion, how will this act affect the Iraqi economy? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Pierre Rohev at work (Image by Pierre Rohev) Details DMCA The French filmmaker Pierre Rehov may be relatively unknown to Americans, but he has a long and deep history of making short and long films about the Middle East, particularly about Israel and the historical and current conflicts. Progressives are almost entirely unaware of the facts and history of the conflicts, the ties and direct descendance in some cases of Islamic policy, if not beliefs, from Nazi origins. Rehov's bio and website are here. A partial excert is posted below: Pierre Rehov was born in Algeria where his ancestors had lived for almost 500 years. He and his family left for France in 1961 with 250,000 other Jewish refugees who were expelled from the newly Muslim-ruled territory. Rehov was 6 years old when he found out that he was Jewish-after seeing graffiti on the wall of his building where he and his family lived. The graffiti read, "The French in the boat; the Arabs in a castle; and the Jews to be exterminated." 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). I've been listening to and reading all sorts of analyses of the Trump tariffs for three days now and it's pretty clear that anyone with any sense of how economics works thinks they're the dumbest thing since way back the last time this country had a Depression. The numbers make no sense. They're going to hurt a lot of ordinary people and some say that's the point. They're probably going to make some really rich people richer and some say that's the point. They're certainly a way for Trump to try to extort concessions from weaker nations to make himself richer and some say that's the point. Some also say that they will severely weaken America to the benefit of Russia, which has miraculously escaped being on the tariffs list, and some (not nearly enough if you ask me) say that is the primary point and, ever since Trump slumped out of that private meeting with a grinning Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, I agree with this assessment. Trump's in Putin's pocket. But whatever motivation the experts have attributed to the Trump tariffs, they all seem to be surprised by one thing -- the reaction of other nations. Airwaves and the Internet have been full of commentary expressing surprise that European nations haven't just rolled over. The European Union, after strongly criticizing the tariffs, immediately began working on countermeasures, "should negotiations not work". France and Germany especially encouraged a strong response. Across the other ocean, China, Japan and South Korea formed a trade alliance to counter Trump. It takes some doing to get those three together, but Trump managed. China also slapped 34 percent tariffs on all U.S. imports, matching Trump's latest tariffs on Chinese imports. Maybe it's just me, and I know America's been strutting around like the big gun in town for some time, but this isn't Europe's first rodeo, people. Remember Ancient Greece and Rome? France, Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, heck Denmark, which told Trump to keep the hell out of Greenland, have all been around a lot longer than the good old USA. They've been through a lot of stuff and figured it out. Centuries of history is on their side. Which, of course, goes in spades for China and Japan. If those two ancient enemies can figure out a way to work together with the collective centuries of wisdom of the Far East, Trump, the shlump from Queens, hasn't got a chance, whatever the point. rjgaydos@gmail.com This is Oregon Insight, a weekly look inside the numbers behind the state economy. Port of Portland photo President Donald Trumps trade war is focused on reversing the American trade deficit, reducing the money Americans spend to buy products from overseas while increasing domestic manufacturing. But some states already have a trade surplus, which means the value of their exports exceeds the value of what they buy from other countries. That includes Oregon, which shipped $34 billion in products to destinations around the world last year, according to federal data. Its $6 billion more than Oregon imported in 2024. Oregons robust exports have long been among the states key economic strengths, but the trade war could undercut that. China and the European Union have already imposed retaliatory tariffs in response to the Trump administrations new import taxes. That will make products grown or manufactured here more expensive overseas. It could prompt customers in other countries to shift away from Oregon products, like semiconductors made in Hillsboro, in favor of alternatives made elsewhere. New tariffs could also raise the cost of doing business for Oregon firms that rely on products, equipment or raw materials from other countries. Even after Trump backed down on levying many tariffs this past week, he left in place a base tariff of 10% on most countries with a 25% tariff on some products from Canada and Mexico (those not covered by a prior free trade deal), and an extraordinary 145% tariff on products from China. The tariffs currently in force would have totaled nearly $7 billion if levied on goods Oregon imported last year, according to state calculations, increasing the aggregate cost of those products by roughly 25%. A U.S. tariff, its much like a sales tax, really, said Nathan Buehler, spokesperson for Business Oregon, the states economic development department. It raises the cost of products that local businesses import from overseas. Theyve got to pay that. Thats tough to adapt to something like that in your profit margins for your product, Buehler said. So that cost would then likely be passed on to consumers. The impact of the tariffs will vary considerably among businesses, as companies seek locally made alternatives or scale back operations in response to higher costs. A look at Oregons biggest trading partners can help gauge the dynamics. Oregon does more business with China than any other country, importing $2.7 billion of Chinese products and selling nearly $6 billion in products there. That likely reflects Oregons large electronics manufacturing sector, which accounts for more than half the state exports. Intel has a large packaging and testing site in the western Chinese city of Chengdu. Trade data suggests many of the microprocessors Intel makes in Hillsboro end up there for the next step in the production process, while semiconductors made by other Oregon chipmakers go to manufacturers elsewhere in China. In retaliation for Trumps new tariffs, China has levied a 125% tariff on U.S. products. That could significantly raise the cost of the advanced microprocessors Intel makes in Hillsboro, which power PCs and laptops sold all over the world, or prompt Intel to shift production from Oregon to its factories outside the U.S. Intel shares have been sliding since Trump unveiled his tariffs at the beginning of the month, dropping about 12%. (The company also has a large assembly and test operation in Malaysia, another major destination for Oregon exports.) Canada and Mexico are Oregons next-largest trading partners, each with about $7.1 billion in products shipped in or out. Oregon has a $5.5 billion trade surplus with Mexico, with top exports including vehicle parts, industrial equipment and rubber products. Trade data doesnt break out results for individual companies, but Daimler Truck North America and Precision Castparts factories in the Portland area sell their products in Mexico, among other countries. Trucks, wood products and crops are Oregons largest exports to Canada. Many imports from Canada are fertilizers, passing through the Port of Portland en route to destinations elsewhere. Oregon imports $4.7 billion in products from Japan, far more than it sells there. Most of these imports are cars tens of thousands of Toyotas pass through the Port of Portland every month on their way to dealers all over the U.S. While Trump revoked most of his new tariffs, he left in place a blanket 25% tariff on auto imports. The trade war is buffeting businesses large and small. Business Oregon is focused on tallying tariffs impacts, Buehler said, and expanding eligibility for trade assistance programs aimed at smaller manufacturers. Those programs help teach businesses about operating internationally to help them expand their markets. But Buehler said those resources wont overcome the fallout from a global trade war. We obviously cant offset the impact, he said, when youre talking about billions of dollars. This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View past installments here. -- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe REI offered a mea culpa for backing Doug Burgum, the former North Dakota governor who President Donald Trump picked for interior secretary. The Issaquah-based co-op signed onto a letter in January from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition of outdoor-focused companies and agencies, that endorsed Burgum. The letter championed his support for outdoor recreation, the outdoor recreation economy, and the protection of public lands and waters. REI wasnt the only company signed onto the letter. It found itself in a list with recreational vehicle makers, boat manufacturers and other retailers. But not all of the roundtables members were listed. Amazon-backed electric vehicle maker Rivian didnt sign on. Neither did several public agencies and universities. Burgum took office on Feb. 1 and subsequently became a controversial figure among environmental groups. Since then hes called for extracting natural resources from pristine land in Alaska, building housing on federal lands and restoring the coal industry. Let me be clear, signing that letter was a mistake, said REI CEO Mary Beth Laughton in a video posted on Instagram Wednesday. The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the long-standing values of REI. Laughton became REIs CEO on March 31, more than two months after the endorsement. She pointed that out during the statement. Im here to apologize on behalf of REI, to retract our endorsement of Doug Burgum, and to take full accountability for how we move forward, she said. The motive for signing on to the letter was to have a seat at the table to continue outdoor recreation advocacy, according to Laughton. REI declined to provide further comment. REI members and the union representing employees across multiple stores criticized the move earlier this year. For the REI Union its become another sticking point between employees and REI leaders on top of what they view as an increased corporatization at the co-op. Despite the compounding complaints from the union alleged union busting, dismissing union-endorsed board candidates, dragging out contract negotiations members were shocked to see REI endorse someone who has close ties to the oil and gas industry, said Sean Embly, director of organizing for major Washington union UFCW 3000. I think they may be trying to make amends broadly, but retracting the endorsement doesnt do much good because the damage is already done, Embly said. In addition to pulling back the endorsement, REI announced its launching an effort with The Conservation Alliance and other partners called Brands for Public Lands. The coalition has two immediate demands, Laughton said. Its calling for the Department of the Interior to be transparent and to consult the public on major decisions that affect public demands. It also wants Congress to prevent the large-scale sell-off of public lands. This is just the beginning and represents a recommitment to REIs longstanding practice of endorsing policies, not people, Laughton said. 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The tool is available in English and Spanish. Canva illustration for NJ Advance Media With Tax Day approaching, taxpayers who havent filed yet could have a free option. Half the states, including Oregon and Washington, now have access to a zero-cost tool created by the IRS called Direct File that allows people to file taxes online directly to the government using question-based software. Direct File is free, compared to expensive options like corporate-owned software or hiring a private tax-prep company. The typical taxpayer spends an average of eight hours yearly completing their returns and shells out $160. Last year, Direct File software was made available through a pilot program to those with relatively simple tax situations in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. This year, in addition to the 12 states from last years pilot program, all of which are participating again, Direct File has been expanded to include Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Thirty million people in the 25 participating states are eligible to use Direct File, an e-file tool created by the IRS. The deadline to file 2024 taxes is Tuesday, April 15. You can check whether youre eligible by going to directfile.irs.gov. Direct File was designed to make it as easy as possible for people to file taxes. In addition to being free, the tool is mobile-friendly, available in English and Spanish, and has live-chat assistance from the IRS. The tool now pre-populates some information that the IRS already has in its records to make the process even quicker and error-free. Moreover, Direct File is intended to help people claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which one in five eligible filers dont claim. Research shows that when Direct File has been fully scaled up, collectively, Americans could save up to $11 billion in filing costs alone, while low- and moderate-income families could recoup $12 billion in tax credits like the EITC and Child Tax Credit that theyre currently missing out on. That money could come in handy for families struggling to make ends meet in these times of rising costs. Direct File is overwhelmingly popular with the American public. More than 90% of people who used Direct File last year said the tool is Excellent or Above average. Direct File has been cheered by more than 140 members of Congress, 16 attorneys general, 134 leading experts on the U.S. tax system, and more than 250 national, state and local organizations representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Courtney V. Clinton was found dead inside a car with her 1-year-old son in the backseat. Courtesy of Dominique Fuller A 31-year-old man already in custody in Kentucky was arrested in connection with the killing of a woman whose body was found in a car last year, Vancouver Police Department said. Dariel Nunez Montero was arrested in the death of 31-year-old Courtney V. Clinton, of Portland. She was found dead Nov. 1 in her car along with her 1-year-old son, who was unhurt, in the backseat. The Clark County Medical Examiner said she died from neck injuries in an assault by another person. Officers found Clinton along North Blandford Drive, north of Washington State Route 14. Her sister Dominique Fuller described Clinton as a beautiful person and said she had two other young children, an 8-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. The Vancouver Police Department Major Crimes Unit followed leads in the investigation to Montgomery County, Kentucky, where the suspect was in custody on unrelated charges. Detectives arrested him Friday on a first-degree murder warrant. He will be returned to Clark County for prosecution. Palestinians check the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA/JERUSALEM, April 13 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. A medical staff member told Xinhua anonymously that the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning shortly before the strike. The attack struck the hospital's surgical operations department and an oxygen generation unit, inflicting severe damage across multiple sections of the facility. "The two targeted departments were destroyed, and the hospital can no longer operate," the staff member said, adding that the facility had been sheltering patients, injured civilians, and hundreds of displaced residents before the strike. Munir al-Barsh, director general of Health Services in Gaza, described a chaotic evacuation conducted under ongoing bombardment. He said a child being moved from the premises died during the process. Witnesses reported that the evacuation took place amid smoke, fire, and falling debris. The Israeli military stated that it employed precision-guided munitions and conducted aerial surveillance ahead of the strike to reduce the risk to civilians and medical staff. It added that prior warnings had been issued in the area. The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza condemned the strike, calling it a "war crime" and accusing Israel and the United States of bearing responsibility. It claimed the attack was part of a broader campaign against Gaza's healthcare sector. Local health authorities also appealed to international organizations to safeguard medical facilities and personnel. Meanwhile, the health authorities in Gaza reported on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, has reached 50,944, with 116,156 wounded. They noted 11 deaths and 111 injuries in the past 24 hours, adding that rescue efforts continue to be hampered by ongoing hostilities. Palestinians check the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian checks the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian checks the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians check the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians check the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians check the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian checks the damage at a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 13, 2025. An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, damaging key medical infrastructure and forcing the facility to shut down, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses. The Israeli military said the strike targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) House Bill 2926, introduced this session, would allow the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to investigate 150 officer misconduct cases that are now on hold, in "deferred" status. Beth Nakamura | Staff Sandy police recruit Ryan Anderson texted his sergeant after a hunting trip in eastern Oregon, I got an elk lol, beside a photo of his kill. When he returned to work, he continued his story: He was walking through thick brush when he spotted a bedded bull elk and shot twice, then watched as it reacted and died. Two people were arrested Saturday in connection with the death of a Hood River man who confronted someone he thought was stealing from his vehicle, police said Sunday. William Edward Hardy Jr., 36, and Elizabeth June Bowman, 41, were arrested on accusations of second-degree manslaughter, first- degree robbery and theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Hood River police said in a news release. They were booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections facility in connection with the death of Stephen M. Hayes, 38. Police officers found Hayes lying in the roadway when they arrived at Fifth and June streets in Hood River after reports of a man struck by a vehicle. Police said Hayes confronted a person or persons stealing property from his vehicle and was struck by a truck when they fled. Police described the vehicle as a white pickup with an extended cab. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Hood River Police Detective Erin Mason at e.mason@cityofhoodriver.gov or 541-387-5257. HARRISBURG, Pa. Police say a man has been arrested and will face charges including attempted murder, terrorism and attempted arson in the early morning fire that badly damaged the Pennsylvania governors mansion and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to quickly escape. Sundays announcement came after Shapiro and his family were awakened by state troopers at about 2 a.m. and were evacuated from the official governors residence in the state capital of Harrisburg. Shapiro told an afternoon news conference that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover with his family at the residence on Saturday were awakened by state troopers. No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, according to authorities. Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Paris emphasized at a Sunday afternoon news conference that the investigation is continuing. Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said that forthcoming charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson and aggravated assault. Authorities said the suspect hopped over a fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Police deputy commissioner George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device and evaded police who knew there had been a breach. Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Im obviously emotional, Shapiro said at the news conference. When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the story of the Jewish exodus from bondage, he said. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempted to put on me by attacking us as they did last night. State police gave no other details about the cause of the fire at the Susquehanna Riverfront mansion but said it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence. Shapiro and his family had been sleeping in a different part of the residence, police said. Shapiro, viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorneys office as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and, while they worked to put out the fire, police evacuated Shapiro and his family from the residence safely, Shapiro said. On Sunday, fire damage was visible on the residences south side, primarily to a large room often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. There was a police presence Sunday as yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway, investigators observed the damage inside and an officer led a dog outside an iron security fence before investigators sawed off a section from the top of the security fence on the residences south side. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle. Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 100 miles east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the familys Passover Seder table at the residence. Fellow Democrat Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued a statement of support for Shapiro from her and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson on Sunday. The attack on the first family of Pennsylvania is despicable and unconscionable, Kotek said on social media. Aimee and I are holding Governor Shapiro and his family in our hearts and prayers. America is better than this. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a despicable act of cowardice and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers. Former Gov. Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were heartbreaking and said the attack on the official residence was shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth must be held to account, Ridge said. A store security guard was convicted of rape and other sex crimes in a 10-year-old case that was solved after a rape kit testing initiative brought the investigation back to life. Daniel Luis Cassinelli was working as a loss prevention officer in a Portland-area Rite-Aid in 2015 when he saw a woman shoplifting. investigators said. He took her into an office where he sexually assaulted and then raped her, police said. He threatened to expose her shoplifting if she told anyone about the assault. Nevertheless, she contacted a transit police officer after leaving the store and taking a bus to Beaverton. Police were able to quickly identify the suspect but the case went cold when the victim backed out due to life circumstances, investigators said. In 2021, a retired Portland police detective working under a grant intended to help process older rape kits picked up the case. He was able to contact the victim and review other evidence, such as video of Cassinelli and the victim entering the Rite-Aid office together. He was indicted and convicted by Multnomah County Circuit Judge Thomas Ryan. He faces a mandatory minimum of 100 months in prison with sentencing set for July 11. Cassinelli was convicted of first degree rape, two counts of first degree sodomy and two counts of second degree sexual abuse. As part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative even old cases can still be brought forward, said Deputy District Attorney Quinn Zemel, who prosecuted the case. Its never too late for justice. A Wisconsin teenager charged in the deaths of his parents faces wider allegations that he killed them to obtain the financial means to assassinate President Donald Trump and overthrow the government, according to a recently unsealed federal warrant. Nikita Casap, 17, was charged last month by Waukesha County authorities with first-degree murder, theft and other crimes in the deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer. Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot them at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog. He was arrested last month in Kansas. Casap, in custody at the Waukesha County jail on a $1 million bond, is due in court next month to enter a plea. County prosecutors have offered a glimpse of the federal allegations, which were outlined in an FBI warrant unsealed Friday. Federal authorities accuse Casap of planning his parents murders, buying a drone and explosives, and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. His intentions are detailed in a three-page antisemitic manifesto praising Adolf Hitler. The warrant filed at the federal court in Milwaukee also contains excerpts of communications on TikTok and the Telegram messenger app. Casap appears to have written a manifest calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States, the search warrant says. The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan. In court, prosecutors alleged Casap was in touch with a person who speaks Russian and shared a plan to flee to Ukraine. Authorities found him in Kansas with money, passports, a car and the familys dog. Federal prosecutors alleged Casaps manifesto outlined his reasons for wanting to kill Trump and included ideas about how he would live in Ukraine. Citing Casaps writings, the federal warrant said the teenager wanted to spur governmental collapse by by getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president. Phone and online messages seeking comment were left Sunday for Casaps public defender, Nicole Ostrowski. In court last month, she moved to dismiss some of the charges against her client, including theft, arguing that prosecutors had not laid out their case. Shes also noted her clients age during court proceedings. He is young, he is still in high school, she said on March 12. County authorities also charged Casap with hiding a corpse, theft and misappropriating identification to obtain money. Officers found the bodies of Tatiana Casap, 35; and Mayer, 51, on Feb. 28. Family members requested a well-being check after Mayer didnt report for work and Nikita Casap skipped school for about two weeks. Authorities believe the parents were killed weeks earlier. Prosecutors said in court that the couples bodies were so badly decomposed that they had to be identified through dental records. The main target of the attack that day was Pearl Harbor, where the destroyer USS Shaw exploded after being hit by bombs on Dec. 7, 1941. (U.S. Navy via AP, File) AP Vaughn P. Drake Jr., who at 106 was believed to be the oldest surviving veteran of the 1941 Japanese surprise attack on Hawaii, died Monday in Lexington, Ky. Drake was a 23-year-old Army engineer helping to build barracks at Kaneohe Naval Air Station on the windward side of Oahu when the attack took place on Dec. 7, 1941, according to a Facebook post Friday by Pacific Historic Parks, which announced his death. The air station is now part of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, which is on the opposite side of the island from Pearl Harbor, the primary target of the attack. Just over a dozen veterans who survived the attack are known to still be living. Drake was born Nov. 6, 1918, in Winchester, Ky. He was assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers while at Kaneohe Naval Air Station, where he was in charge of operating a temporary power plant to assist carpenters in building new barracks, Drake told the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper in a Dec. 7, 2016, interview. We were getting ready to go to breakfast, and we heard all these planes flying over and making a lot of noise, Drake told the newspaper. We just figured it was the Army Air Corps carrying out maneuvers for practice, like they did a lot. We didnt pay much attention to it. Then, standing in the chow line, they saw planes diving toward the air station, he said. And we thought, Boy, theyre really putting on a good show. Even though we saw the red spots on the wing which was the Japanese symbol we still couldnt believe it [was an enemy attack]. The attack became real when a bomb hit a building on the air station and exploded, he said. We knew by then it was more than maneuvers, he said. It had to be a real attack. It just didnt seem possible. Even while it was happening, we didnt believe it. Moments later, an officer who had been in phone contact with Schofield Barracks in central Oahu which was under attack shouted to the gathered men. The Japanese are attacking the whole island! Drake recalled the officer bellowing. The air station was home to 36 PBY Catalina amphibious planes, dubbed flying boats. Twenty-seven were destroyed in the attack, with the remaining badly damaged. Japan lost 29 planes in the attack, the first of which was shot down at Kaneohe Naval Air Station. Drake told the newspaper he remembered seeing the plane crash. Later that day, some of us went over there and tore some pieces out of it, and this is a little control stick that I got, Drake told the newspaper as he displayed the memento. I dont know for sure what it is. ... Its got some Japanese writing on it, which I never did get translated. He continued to serve with the Corps of Engineers on Saipan during the Marianas campaign, according to an obituary published by Milward Funeral Directors. After the war, Drake attended the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and was a registered engineer for more than 50 years. He worked for the General Telephone Company for 36 years and retired in 1981 as valuation engineering manager. With that company, he designed and supervised construction of all the underground telephone conduits placed in the cities of Lexington, Morehead and Ashland in the 1940s and 1950s, according to the obituary. His wife of 65 years, Lina Wilson Drake, died in 2011. A military burial service will be held April 17 at Winchester Cemetery. 2025 the Stars and Stripes. Visit www.stripes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. While I am not in favor of the new tariffs, I also totally believe in the creativity and resilience of the American public, (How were Trumps new tariffs calculated? Why isnt Russia included? 5 questions, answered, April 3). One can look at history to see multiple instances of shortages of various products due to wars, natural disasters and costs. There is always opportunity in a crisis. Americans can shore up our values of supporting local farmers and can eat more locally. This is better nutritionally and reduces carbon emissions from transportation of exotic fruits and vegetables. Additionally, we may know more about what is in our food due to American regulation of pesticides and additives. Perhaps some U.S. areas which are more tropical can again grow more coffee, bananas and pineapples. While it is difficult to change behavior, perhaps we have become too distanced from our food cycles and would benefit from eating more seasonally and locally. Lauretta Young, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. Corvallis is now a sanctuary city for transgender, intersex and gender-diverse people seemingly the first of its kind in the state of Oregon, and one of only a handful like it in the United States. The resolution, passed unanimously by City Council on April 7, comes at a time when transgender people and many others who dont adhere to the male/female gender binary feel threatened by the Trump administrations rhetoric and executive orders. According to the language of its resolution, Corvallis will not use its resources to enforce federal, state or out-of-state laws or mandates that threaten the ability of any person to receive gender-affirming care, that discriminate against gender-diverse people or that aim to gather and report information about those seeking gender-affirming care, as well as providers of this care. The resolution also codifies Corvallis intent to investigate instances of violence or discrimination committed against transgender, intersex and gender-diverse people and ensure that those communities have equal access to health care, housing, education and employment. My youngest child is nonbinary, Mayor Charles Maughan said at the Monday meeting. For me, its an obvious next step in the city. No stranger to fear On March 3, community member Danielle Chambers, a trans woman, sat before city councilors and told them that almost a year ago, she fell in love with Corvallis and its people. Im no stranger to fear, she said. Before I moved here, when I still lived in Oklahoma, I faced two different threats on my life, including someone who pulled a gun on me in a parking lot and someone who followed me home. Corvallis is so different. I feel safe here. I feel welcomed. But, she said, its time for action. She asked the council to adopt a policy of noncompliance with unconscionable federal mandates. According to the language of the resolution, on Jan. 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to end gender-affirming medical treatments for children and teenagers under the age of 19. That same day, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management released a memo to all federal agencies directing them to remove requests for information about gender on their forms and substitute them with requests for information about sex. Because the federal government relies heavily on local law enforcement at the city level, we can effectively defang these federal mandates which threaten the soul of our community, Chambers told council. If this is made an official position, I know myself and several (in) my community will feel a lot safer. Chambers was not the only one who spoke on behalf of the queer community that night. Drew Wolf, a co-organizer of Corvallis Pride, asked the City Council to publicly affirm support for an inclusive and diverse community by adopting a welcoming and equitable stance in their work with queer- and BIPOC-focused organizations, and to ensure that the language in their proclamations reaffirm that Corvallis is open to all who embrace unity over division and discrimination. After the March 3 meeting, Chambers reached out to individual councilors. She met with Councilor Paul Shaffer and mentioned the idea of a sanctuary city, which Shaffer told her might have legs. Chambers then assembled the resolution, with help in part from friends, and using Corvallis 2016 immigrant sanctuary resolution and similar sanctuary resolutions from around the country as a guide. Chambers asked that Councilor Alison Bowden submit the resolution, as theyre very close to the heart of the issue, Chambers told Mid-Valley Media. Bowden identifies as transgender and nonbinary. I want to recognize the amount of work youve put into this, Bowden said to Chambers at the April 7 council meeting. Im just so thankful to have partnered on this resolution. Community members from a variety of ages and backgrounds showed out to express their support for the resolution. No one spoke in its opposition. The current administration has really made a target of transgender people, Benton County resident Joel Geier said. We need to ensure that Corvallis remains a safe place of refuge for these people, maybe even improve on what we have right now. Others spoke about additional threats made by the Trump administration, particularly to immigrants. Corvallis is already a sanctuary city for immigrants as of 2016, with its resolution stating that it will not honor or enforce federal immigration laws. I appreciate that tonight we were able to, unplanned, celebrate both of these sanctuary city resolutions, Bowden said. Theres so much to celebrate tonight. Council discusses Councilors were largely united in their support for the resolution, and thanked Chambers for speaking up. Heres an old, straight white guy who is 100% supportive, Shaffer told Chambers. Thank you for what youve done. Only one amendment was made to the resolution before its passage a line stating that the city of Corvallis recognizes the rich gender diverse history of the Kalapuya people, who have dwelled in lands now used by the city of Corvallis for over 8,000 years was removed. Councilor Jan Napack, who had already voiced concerns about other aspects of the language in the resolution to do with legality and the citys capacity to enforce its words raised the issue with the statement about the Kalapuya people during discussion. My limited understanding is that invoking their history, invoking their viewpoints or culture to promote or support an official government position is a serious matter, she said. The Confederated Tribes may indeed be in favor of the resolution, but I would rather they be informed and agree to having their cultural and spiritual tradition cited in support of an official government record. Councilor Charlyn Ellis proposed removing the line and then engaging with the Kalapuya or the Native American center on Oregon State Universitys campus. If one of these groups supported the line, then an adjustment to the resolution could be made in a few weeks, Ellis said. Bowden was amenable to the suggestion, though they said it was unfortunate that council found the recognition of gender diversity in Native American culture to be controversial. Talking about other peoples cultural aspects isnt inherently cultural appropriation, they said. Were not erecting a monument. Were not naming a building. We are only recognizing the gender diverse history of a people. Regardless, the line was removed from the resolution. Prior to the resolutions approval, both Napack and Councilor Carolyn Mayers pointed to the potential risks of codifying such language under the current federal administration. When I vote yes, Napack said, I fully realize that it entails the fact that we may have to, at some point, choose between revoking this resolution or missing out on millions of dollars. But Councilor Ava Olson, who identifies as a member of the queer community, said that any talk of leaving people behind in the interest of federal monies was dangerous and unhelpful. This is an argument that comes up time and time again if people are just behaved enough, if people are polite enough, if people are nonconfrontational enough, then its worth it. And thats a dangerous game to play, she said. Frankly, I am disappointed that that was brought up even at all in this conversation. The resolution then was passed unanimously. After the vote, Maughan acknowledged the weight of the councils decision, referencing an email from City Manager Mark Shepard that noted the uncertain federal landscape for sanctuary jurisdictions. We have a serious problem with our current administration making threats to other communities and states across the country. And there could come a time where our decisions of being a sanctuary city, both previously and this new resolution, might come under attack, Maughan said. I think the community is going to have to come together and possibly face some hard decisions in the future because of who we are. --By Ella Hutcherson, Albany Democrat-Herald 2025 Albany Democrat-Herald, Ore.. Visit www.democratherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The late Bill Hamblin and I how it still surprises and grieves me, even now, to write that phrase, the late Bill Hamblin! published the article below in the 19 April 2014 issue of the Deseret News. Its relevant again, today, as were on the eve of Palm Sunday: Historically, Easter has been the most important Christian holy day, as well as the oldest. Since the Reformation, many Protestant groups have simplified their Easter celebrations, focusing only on brief services on Easter Sunday itself. For Roman Catholics and eastern Christians, however, the celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is part of a complex of pilgrimage and ritual commemorations known as Holy Week. Elaborate celebration of Easter had developed in Jerusalem in the early fourth century A.D., when the Christianization of the Roman Empire finally allowed widespread Christian pilgrimage. Holy Week celebrations at Jerusalem evolved into a liturgical or ritual drama re-enacting the events of the last week of Christs life. The first detailed description of Holy Week rituals in Jerusalem comes from the account of the pilgrim Egeria, a French nun who visited Egypt and the Holy Land from 381 to 384. Although originally celebrated only at Jerusalem, Holy Week was soon adopted by Christians throughout the world, with special rites for each day of the week preceding Easter celebrated in local churches in imitation of the original practices of Jerusalem. By participating in Holy Week, Christians commemorate and ritually participate in the Easter story. In a mystical sense, some contemplate the passion of Christ as if they had been there. Palm Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter in commemoration of Christs triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when his followers, waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna to the Son of David, proclaimed him the Messiah. Thousands of pilgrims bearing palm branches follow the ancient route of Jesus triumphal entry still today. The Thursday before Easter is known in English as Maundy Thursday, in commemoration of the Last Supper. The term maundy is derived from Christs washing of the disciples feet, when he gave a new commandment that they should love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34). The phrase new commandment is translated in Latin as mandatum novum; hence, maundy Thursday is the day commemorating the new mandatum or commandment. Vigil is also held in Gethsemane. Good Friday is a day of fasting, abstinence and penance in remembrance of the crucifixion. In some Christian traditions, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are the only two days on which the Eucharist (the sacramental offering of bread and wine) isnt celebrated. Services frequently include reading the story of the crucifixion and veneration of the cross, where believers ritually act as if they themselves were witnesses of the crucifixion. In Jerusalem, pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Pain, where each event of Jesus passion is memorialized. Holy Saturday commemorates the day when Christs body rested in the tomb, culminating in the evening with the Paschal Vigil, in which many Christians attend midnight services in imitation of mourning outside the tomb of Christ and awaiting the resurrection. Although in English the Sunday of the resurrection of Christ is called Easter, in many European languages the name is derived from the ancient word for Passover: in Hebrew pesach and in Aramaic pascha hence, the word paschal. This often includes the lighting of the paschal candle, symbolic of the spread of the light of Christ, and the believers acceptance of that light in their own lives. In early Christianity, Easter was the preferred day of baptism for new converts, many of whom spent the paschal vigil on the night of Holy Saturday in preparation for their baptism on Easter Sunday morning, reflecting the symbolism of baptism as resurrection. The practice of 40 days of fasting before Easter is known as Lent, and seems to have begun as a preparatory period of these candidates for Easter baptism in imitation of the 40-day fast of Christ. In older traditions, the fast permitted only one small evening meal a day, requiring complete abstinence from meat, fish, eggs and milk products. Its a time of penance, abstinence, alms-giving and special religious devotions. Holy Week culminates with the celebration of Easter Sunday. Although specific forms of remembrance can vary widely among Christian denominations, all unite in joyous thanksgiving for the atonement and resurrection of Christ and in hopeful anticipation of the future resurrection of all mankind. Unfortunately, in many modern secularized Western societies where holiday has ceased to mean holy day, becoming instead merely a time for fun and recreation the authentic significance of Easter, like that of Christmas, has been largely obscured by commercialization and indulgence. HONG KONG, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of InnoEX, a four-day innovation and technology expo, kicked off in Hong Kong on Sunday, spotlighting cutting-edge advancements in AI, robotics, low-altitude economy, cybersecurity, and smart mobility. Co-organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event aims to foster global collaboration in tech innovation, focusing on the theme of "Innovate, Automate and Elevate". Sun Dong, secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said the expo brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders worldwide through exhibitions, networking sessions, and seminars, creating opportunities for international partnerships. HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said this year's InnoEX features over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including first-time participants such as Australia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside expanded showcases from Japan, Thailand, and the UK. Running concurrently, the 21st Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) focuses on smart home solutions, health tech, and wearable devices. As core events of Hong Kong's International I&T Business Week 2025, the twin expos have drawn more than 2,800 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions. Ida Liu, marketing director of Seagull (Suzhou) Flying Car Limited, said in an interview that the company is leveraging Hong Kong's global connectivity to expand its international presence and explore partnerships. Derek Chim, head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), said the InnoEX has become a flagship innovation and technology exhibition in Asia, attracting industry experts, investors and buyers from around the world. "We will seize this opportunity to accelerate the expansion of tech enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region and global markets," he added. The expo also features four themed days, each hosting forums on trending tech topics, further enriching the exchange of ideas. If youre a smartphone ownerand chances are thats everyone reading thisyouve probably encountered an eerie, but all too common scenario: One day youre talking about a random topic while your phone is next to you and the following day you notice ads start popping up related to that same topic. Its unsettling. How do these ads know what you were talking about? Your smartphone may be the culprit. Every smartphone has its built-in microphone constantly turned on in order for the virtual assistant to hear your voice commands. So, could it be that these devices are also secretly eavesdropping on your conversations in order to serve you ads? Heres everything you need to know, plus a simple test to find out. How to find out if your phone is listening to you To test if your phone is listening to your conversations, start by openly discussing a unique topic that youve never searched for or discussed previously while your phone is turned on next to you. Its crucial that this be something that isnt related to your usual interests or search queries. Spend a day or two discussing this topic out loud with your phone next to you the whole time. Make sure that you dont search about this topic on any of your devicesnot just your phone. You can also try talking about specific things related to this topic. For example, if youre discussing traveling to Spain, you can discuss learning Spanish or what the best restaurant is for paella in Madrid. During this time, pay close attention to the ads youre served while onlineads on social media feeds, websites you visit, apps you use, and those on your smart TV if you have one. Then, if you begin seeing ads about the topic you chose to discuss, chances are youve confirmed the eavesdropping and caught your phone red-handed. What to do if you think your phone is eavesdropping Before you go taping over the microphone and camera on your phone or throwing it in a lake, there are a few less drastic things you can do to curb the potential eavesdropping. The first is to carefully review the app permissions on your device. Its likely that you downloaded an app and allowed it to access your microphone without ever realizing it. Comb through the permissions for each app on your phone and limit apps that dont need access to your microphone, camera, or location settings. Under the respective settings menus, you can turn off Google Assistant on Android phones or Siri on iOS devices to make sure they arent eavesdropping. Sam Singleton Next, clear the voice history and disable your phones digital assistant. Google, Siri, and Alexa are all very convenient, but might be actively (and passively) recording everything you say without you knowing. Just last year, 404 Media reported that a third-party company named Cox Media Group (CMG), which offers Active Listening technology, was working with companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. While these companies have since denied using this technology to spy on phone users, the fact is that the capabilities exist and itd be foolish to assume that companies wouldnt take advantage of ways to more effectively advertise to consumersafter all, ads drive most of their revenue. Finally, while companies are the most likely source of eavesdropping, there is always the potential for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities on your device and take control of the microphone or camera as well. The best way to combat this is to make sure you always have the latest updates for both your phones OS and all of the installed apps. All of these steps will help cut off unwanted access to your phones microphone, but if youre still unsure, theres a simple solution. Just turn off your phone or leave it behind when you want to discuss private matters. Its the best way to ensure your phone cant hear you. If your phone isnt listening, then hows it getting your data? While the prospect of your phone constantly eavesdropping on your every conversation may be disconcerting, there are myriad ways that you could be divulging this same info without ever saying it out loud. Each smartphone is a veritable treasure trove of personal data for any and all apps to pull from. They are essentially mini-computers packed with sensors: gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and just about any other -meter you can think of. The data collected from these sensors can provide a shocking amount of info about our routines, habits, and personalities. Everywhere you visit, other people you talk to or spend time with, lifestyle choices, and personal health data are just some of the metadata and telemetryphone sensor datacollected by your phone. Not to mention all of the vast amounts of data youve already provided over the years to your apps and via Google searches. Your phone and the installed apps hoover up all of this data and send it off to third parties such as data brokers to be analyzed, sold, and regurgitated back to you in the form of personalized ads. So, even though you may not have talked about or searched that trip to Spain, your phone may have intuited what you were thinking and come to the conclusion on its own based on the data it collected. Maybe your friends were searching for Spanish AirBnBs while next to you, or maybe you downloaded Duolingo and started learning Spanish recently, or maybe your shopping trends show a recent uptick in the amount of saffron and jamon youve been buying. Any and all of this metadata could be the reasoning for the eerily relevant ads youre seeing. And while your phone could truly be listening in, it might just be the unspoken data youre sharing in other ways that gives you away. Damn! Damn, damn, damn. Just a few weeks ago, I lost my resolve and finally picked up an OLED gaming monitorso I missed out on this deal, which would have gotten me a much bigger one at a similar price. If you mosey over to eBay, you can find a massive Samsung ultrawide OLED for $879.99, almost a thousand bucks off its original price. To be sure, $880 aint chicken feed, especially when you can find 49-inch super-wide screens for about half that if you dont want an OLED panel. But for an OLED screen that can do 51201440 resolutionthats two 1440p panels in oneand still handle 240Hz of refresh for super-speedy games, its a downright deal. Assuming your gaming PC can actually handle pushing nearly 1.8 billion pixels that quickly, of course. This gigantic 49-inch display is impressive, but not perfect. Its designed for desktops, as its USB-C ports are unfortunately incapable of video. And youre paying for a lot of extras you might not use, like Samsungs smart TV interface for streaming apps and games over Wi-Fi, and the 5-watt speakers you should ignore. For more details on the ups and downs of this screen, check out the full PCWorld review. Or see our roundup of the best monitors for comparison. BuyDig is selling this monitor on eBay newnot refurbished!so you should get the full warranty along with it. The listing shows a price of $1099.99, but you can use coupon code OUTLET20 at checkout to get 20 percent off, bringing the final price down to $879.99. That promo ends on April 14th, so get an order in quickly if youre ready for it. Get this 49-inch Samsung ultrawide OLED monitor for 51% off After being confined inside two planes on a Montgomery tarmac overnight on Thursday, nearly 300 passengers flying out of Mexico were able to reach their intended Atlanta destination early Friday morning. Bostons Lauren Forbes was bound for a layover in Atlanta when their plane was diverted to Montgomery because of inclement weather, she told WCVB. And because the Montgomery Regional Airport doesnt have customs, passengers on the two diverted flights, Delta Flights 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and 599 from Mexico City, were forced to remain inside the planes overnight. State College Area High School says it will have an increased police presence and security measures on Monday out of caution following the Friday arrest of a man who allegedly planned a shooting at the school. District Superintendent Curtis Johnson sent an emailed update to families on Sunday, according to the Centre Daily Times. It said that schools remain safe and that law enforcement has found no active threat against any schools. We understand that many of you are seeking more information about what occurred, and your feelings and questions are valid, Johnson wrote in his update. At the same time, we are limited in what we can say. Because the police investigation is ongoing, we must prioritize and support it by respecting confidentiality and only sharing appropriate details. Metal detectors will be placed at the entrances of the State High and Delta buildings, Johnson wrote, adding that counselors will also be available for students. Braeden Phillips, 20, who lives in Milroy and previously lived in State College, was arrested Friday on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and for carrying a handgun without a license, the Centre Daily Times reported. According to the criminal complaint, Phillips planned to undertake a school shooting around 8:40 a.m. on Monday, April 21, a day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings that killed 15. It was to take place near the high schools main staircase, and bombs were to be placed inside the school bathrooms, according to the criminal complaint. Police also were told that a hit list a term used to identify individuals to be attacked or killed was made, according to the story. President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Washington. (Pool via AP) Pool via AP Steve Bannon was a guest on Real Time this week with Bill Maher, and he doubled-down on his claim that President Donald Trump will run for a third term. Its a chilling declaration for fans of the Constitution because a third term is strictly prohibited there. For folks willing to toss the Constitution away, somehow, in favor of an allegiance to Trump, its music to their ears. Bannon told Maher that Trump was going to run for a third term. That is when Maher read the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution to Bannon. Amendment 22, Maher said. No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice. And yet you keep talking about Trumps maybe you should have this, Maher said handing Bannon the Constitution. President Trump is going to run for a third term, and President Trump is going to be elected again on the afternoon of January 20th of 2029, Bannon said. Hes going to be President of the United States. OK, but the thing I just read in there, Maher said pointing to the Constitution. It seemed like there was no wiggle room there. It seemed like it was just, you know, eight or 10 words that said only two times. Bannon told Maher that there was a team of people working on finding a way around that amendment. How can a team do something about that? Maher asked. I dont care if the team is twelve trillion people, the words are still the words. Bannon then said, The interpretation of this (U.S. Constitution) is open for interpretation. Maher then took the time to go through each word of the amendment with Bannon. I dont see what the team is finding, Maher said. Bannon has been trumpeting that Trump will run for a third term for some time now. Im a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028, so Ive already endorsed President Trump, Bannon said during an interview with NewsNations Chris Cuomo recently. A man like this comes along once every century if were a little lucky. Weve got him now. Hes on fire, and Im a huge supporter. I wanna see him again in 2028. Cuomo, of course, also pointed out that Trump was term-limited and asked how Trump could get another term. We are working on it, Bannon said. I think well have a couple of alternatives. Lets say that. Well see what the definition of term-limit is. Because I dont want people to listen to our interview and say, Bannon is cooking up an insurrection, Cuomo said. You know what I mean? I want people to get a straight take on where you head is. Bannon said he has had greater longshots. We supported President Trump after the election, Bannon said. I realize you dont think the election of 2020 was stolen. We do. We fervently believe that. When President Trump went back to Mar-a-Lago on January 20, 2021, he was the longest of longshots to return to the White House. We said that day on our podcast, having President Trumps back that he was coming back not just to win the primary but to win the White House. Bannon has also continued down that road recently by imagining what he believes will happen if Republicans lose the presidency in 2028. We are kidding ourselves if we dont think Democrats are pulling all stops out to stop President Trump, to take the House through any means necessary, to impeach Trump, start the impeachment process in the first weeks of 2027 and God forbid we dont win in 2028, Bannon said on his War Room podcast. President Trump is going to prison just like Bolsonaro in Brazil. People are sitting around still with the glow of November 4 and all the inauguration and all the balls, were at war, Bannon continued. And the things that happened over the past 72 hours if you dont understand were in political warfare youre sure not awake. CHICAGO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday and had "very positive and constructive" discussions, said the White House. "Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President (Donald) Trump to resolve our two nations' differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible," it said in a statement. "These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," it said, adding that the two sides plan to meet again next Saturday. Earlier Saturday, Iranian media also described the talks as "constructive" and revealed plans for more discussions next week. The meeting marked the first time the United States and Iran engaged directly since Trump returned to the White House. Trump has repeatedly said Iran needs to rapidly reach a deal that makes sure it can't obtain a nuclear weapon or will face the prospect of military strikes. The Royal Dublin Society tournament floor was packed to the rafters today as 558 entrants took to the felt in Day 1c of the 1,150 Luxon Mystery Bounty here at the Irish Poker Open. Today's flight eclipsed the total entries of the first two flights by 158 players. Only one could come out at the top of the table, and that was Nikolaos Angelou who bagged 900,000 after another 14 levels of play today in Ireland's capital. There will be 158 players total from this flight returning for Day 2 tomorrow at 12 p.m. local time. Angelou went under the radar amongst the masses who took to the felt today. The Greek national has amassed $635,231 in total career tournament earnings. He has cashed three times in Dublin, twice last year and once in 2023 in events all under the 400 buy in level. Angelou will be looking to make a deep run and record his largest ever cash in the Irish capital. Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Nikolaos Angelou Greece 900,500 300 2 Archibald Seaton United Kingdom 782,000 261 3 Jason Barton United Kingdom 605,000 202 4 Ben Miller United Kingdom 560,500 187 5 Vikrum Mehta United Kingdom 559,000 186 6 Patrick Clarke Ireland 525,000 175 7 Michael Khan Canada 437,000 146 8 Lee Rogers United Kingdom 421,500 141 9 Mateusz Moolhuizen Netherlands 416,000 139 10 Barry Furlong Ireland 403,000 134 Padraic Cusack Archibald Seaton sits in second place with 782,000. Seaton started strong, stacking David Hu (who rebought and will return for Day 2 with 130,000) having made a flush. Seaton has earned $615,819 in tournament earnings and has two cashes in Dublin, both of which came last year. Jason Barton rounds off the final podium spot with 605,000. Like his fellow podium place holders, he also holds cashes in Dublin, but they were from 2011 and 2014's installment of the UKIPT Dublin. Other notables returning for tomorrow's Day 2 include but are not limited to: Alessandro Pichierri (293,000), Juha Helppi (275,000), Andrew Hulme (128,000), Jon Kyte (101,000) and Leo Worthington-Leese (97,000). PokerStars Ambassadors Sebastian Huber and Sam Grafton tried their luck and failed to bag a stack in this flight for the start of play tomorrow. Play resumes at 12 p.m. local time with blinds at 2,000/4,000 with a 4,000 big blind ante. Tomorrow will see the clock extended to one hour long levels and eight will be played. Stay tuned to PokerNews for what promises to be a Sunday packed full of action in the mystery bounty and the first day of the Irish Open Main Event. The2025 Irish Open's kickoff has been a roaring success. The 1,150 Luxon Mystery Bounty, the first main attraction of the festival, attracted 1,222 entries to the halls of the Royal Dublin Society across four starting flights, making it the largest-ever mystery bounty event on Irish soil. The ambitious 1,000,000 guarantee was smashed, creating a total prize pool of 1,191,450, split evenly between regular and mystery bounty prizes. Today, 385 players will return for Day 2, which kicks off at noon local time. Triple Crown Winner Niall Farrell ended the relatively quiet Day 1a atop the leaderboard, with his stack of 392,000 rewarding him with 98 big blinds and a 17th place overall. Farrell makes regular poker trips to Ireland, but an Irish Open trophy still eludes the accomplished Scotsman. Meanwhil,e Greek player Nikolaos Angelou captured the overall chip lead on Day 1c, obtaining 900,500 chips. The top three is completed by Archibald Seaton and Jason Barton, both from the Unted Kindom. Meanwhile, former Irish Open Main Event champion Patrick Clarke was the best-performing Irishman, sitting in seventh with 525,000. Start of Day 2 Top 10 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Nikolaos Angelou Greece 900,500 225 2 Archibald Seaton United Kingdom 782,000 196 3 Jason Barton United Kingdom 605,000 151 4 Ben Miller United Kingdom 560,500 140 5 Vikrum Mehta United Kingdom 559,000 140 6 Patrick Clarke Ireland 525,000 131 7 Mark Finnane Ireland 448,500 112 8 Michael Khan Canada 437,000 109 9 Lee Rogers United Kingdom 421,500 105 10 Leonel Guerra Garza Mexico 416,500 104 Patrick Clarke The action will restart in Level 15: 2,000/4,000 with a 4,000 big blind ante. All levels will be 60 minutes in length, and eight of them are scheduled to be played today, seeing the day end around 9 p.m. local time. A break of 20 minutes will be had after every two levels. The exact payout structure has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be announced before play gets underway. The bubble of the 1,150 Luxon Mystery Bounty is set to burst today, so stay tuned to PokerNews to not miss any of the thrilling action from the Irish capital. It was another smaller field that showed up for Day 1d of the $770 Main Event being held by the SiGMA Poker Tour at the Monte Carlo Poker Club in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of 50 entries were recorded on this flight with just seven players moving on to Day 2 tomorrow. It was Erik Marasco who emerged at the top of the leaderboard when the dust settled, mostly thanks to the bubble pressure that was applied late in the evening. Marasco built one of the biggest stacks earlier on and then maneuvered his way through the short stacks that were hanging on as the bubble approached. On the last hand of the night, Danielle Antunes shoved her short stack into the middle and Marasco woke up with pocket jacks in the big blind to bring an end to Day 1d. Final Chip Counts for Day 1d Rank Player Country Chip Count 1 Erik Marasco Brazil 532,000 2 Fernando Macedo Brazil 315,000 3 Hygor Outor Brazil 203,000 4 Marcelo Mesqueu Brazil 155,000 5 Marcelo Lopes Brazil 115,000 6 Vagner Outor Brazil 106,000 7 Yuri Rodrigues Brazil 103,000 Final Chip Counts for Day 1e Rank Player Country Chip Count 1 Romulo Dorea Brazil 658,000 2 Deddi Orpaz Israel 267,000 3 Leonardo Batista Brazil 91,000 4 Andre Ribeiro Brazil 77,000 5 Thales Moreli Brazil 77,000 Final Chip Counts for Day 1f Rank Player Country Chip Count 1 Edson Onofre Brazil 344,000\ 2 Matheus Araujo Brazil 338,000 3 Fabio Murakami Brazil 263,000 4 Daniele Leao Brazil 151,000 5 Carlos Torquato Brazil 76,000 Day 1d Action It was an early morning for poker players in Brazil with the cards going in the air just minutes after 11 a.m. local time and only a few players taking their seats from the start of the day. Among them was SiGMA Poker Tour ambassador John Arne Riise who was hoping to finally find a bag for Day 2. However, his luck ran out early on when he turned trip tens but his opponent had a full house. Riise was unable to improve on the river and was eliminated before the first break of the day. A total of 50 entries were recorded for this flight, 42 unique entries and eight reentries, which meant that only seven players would advance to Day 2 and lock up a piece of the guaranteed prizepool. It appears that there will be a significant overlay to the $250,000 that was guaranteed as a total of 208 entries have been tallied throughout the first four flights. Currently, there is a turbo flight running and the staff have also added a hyper-turbo flight that will begin at 1 a.m. local time. As of right now, there will be at least 26 players returning to the felt for Day 2 which will get underway at 2 p.m. local time. There will be a few more names added to the list when everything is completed later tonight. The blinds will be increased to 40 minutes in length tomorrow and will be rolled back to the 2,000/5,000 level (which is where Day 1c ended). Play will continue until the final table of nine players is reached. The PokerNews live reporting team will be on-site to bring you all of the updates throughout the day until the final table is reached. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Watching the tropics. Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 76F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Watching the tropics. Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 76F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Columbia, SC (29201) Today Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Editor and Publisher Brandon Roberts is Publisher and Managing Editor of Summerville Communications Inc., which prints The Summerville Journal Scene and The Berkeley Independent. He has worked as an editor for more than two decades in his native Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina before coming to Summerville. PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-13 13:03:13 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 13, 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: 2025-04-13 16:02:48 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 13, 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=142747&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 ADEN, Yemen, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni government forces launched a security operation on Sunday targeting an al-Qaeda hideout in the southeastern oil-rich province of Shabwa, a military official told Xinhua. The raid, carried out jointly by pro-government counter-terrorism units and the Shabwa Defense Forces, targeted a suspected militant site near Ataq, the provincial capital, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The operation resulted in the arrest of a mid-level al-Qaeda commander and the death of another militant, the official said. Six soldiers were wounded during the raid and ensuing clashes. "The captured commander was on a wanted list, and the operation was based on precise intelligence," the official added. Shabwa and neighboring Abyan have become focal points of counter-terrorism operations since late 2022, with forces from the Southern Transitional Council and government troops jointly seeking to dismantle al-Qaeda's presence. Despite ongoing operations, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula continues to maintain a foothold in remote areas of southern Yemen, frequently targeting security forces with improvised explosive devices, according to officials. Yemen's protracted civil war, which began in 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa, has created a security vacuum that al-Qaeda has exploited. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands and driven millions to the brink of famine, according to United Nations estimates. Nigerias capital market watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Global Investment Advisory (GIA)a cohort of investment expertshave announced plans to deepen digital asset adoption in Nigeria, where the government in March approved trading in virtual assets for the first time. The two are partnering to draw the countrys younger generation and Nigerians resident overseas to viable opportunities to invest naira in cryptocurrency and, in so doing, grow their portfolios. The strategy includes training of aggregators, young Nigerians who will identify, educate and convert Nigerian prospects for the digital asset market, Nicky Okoye, GIAs advisor and convener said at a seminar in Lagos on Friday. It will also lure Nigerians in the diaspora to invest $25,000 in the Nigerian digital asset markets, he went further to say. Crucial to the grand plan is a proposed trip for selected members of GIA to New York, Singapore, Geneva and other locations to attend roadshows, enabling them to gain working knowledge of cryptocurrency and digital asset exchanges. Until last month, digital currency transactions were illegal in Nigeria, a stance that turned extremely fierce after authorities took aim at crypto exchanges like Binance and targeted trading platforms, with a bad name for illicit and unregulated activities, for sanction. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later That led, in some cases, to outright arrest of some of their executives, forcing the American government to mediate. Nigeria integrated the operating framework of virtual assets including blockchain, crypto and investment contracts into its Investment Act 2025, signed into law last month, which incorporates reforms aimed at market transparency and strong regulatory oversight to enhance investor confidence. SEC is also keeping tabs on the market to ensure that every legitimate transaction is appropriately taxed as part of measures to help the government shore up revenue. Nigeria is positioned to lead digital transformation but needs legislation and policies that guides the industry, said Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, represented by his commissioner for finance, Abayomi Oluyomi. The collaboration with asset managers, advisers and regulators will provide insights into the market and guide investors on how to leverage the immense opportunities. Meristem Group, VFD Group, Anabel Capital, Cardinal Stone and Constant Capital are among the members of the institutional investors community making up GIA. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Book title: Digital Youth and Social Movements Author: Nwachukwu Egbunike Reviewer: Oko Owoicho Digital Youth and Social Movements: Perspective from Nigeria is caught within academic writing and mainstream discourse. In Nigeria, there is this demarcation that those in the academic world only speak to themselves their writings are repetitive, sluggish, and more often than not, a rehashed jamboree of ideas. The mainstream discourse, however, yields itself to everybody and aims for linguistic freshness, no matter the subject it discusses. Of course, the first channel of difference between the academic and mainstream is that one follows a strict academic writing formula, while the other is open to exploration and freedom. It is this latter definition that I base my categorisation of Nwachukwu Egbunikes book on. Although it is an academic project, the fluidity of language and audacity to discuss issues in a way that shows his objectivity, without missing the historical truth that permeates the Nigerian socio-political space, is the first success of this book. The book is a historicisation of the rise and development of the social media movement in Nigeria; a trajectory that has altered the idea of protests as we know it. The book is divided into five parts: Social Movements and Digital Media, #OccupyNigeria Protests, #EndSARS Protests, #Obidient Movement, and Digital Youth and Paradigm Shift in Nigerian Movements. The first part offers a history of the paradoxical power relationship between social movements and the mass media. While social movement and mass media both have claims to democracy and human freedom, the politics of mass media leans towards the establishment, due to the medias bias for juicy headline news, which is in constant supply from the political class. There is a neglect of the message of protesters and activists in most cases. Egbunike makes us understand that the media will always aim for what sells, and Besides, the mass media stand in the middle of the power triad: media, politicians and movements. With the emergence of social media, there is a change hinged on the fact that social movements sought alternative media. This might explain the euphoria that the digital media created for movements. Since movements find it difficult to get into the news, then they make use of medium that is democratic and lacks gate-keepers. What is more interesting, for me, as a Nigerian reader, is that after the conceptualisation of what limits and fosters both traditional media and digital, the author offers a brief history of social movement in Nigeria; moving from the confrontation with the colonialists to post-independence struggles against military dictators, until the more recent struggles by Nigerian youth to reclaim the soul of their country. Parts two, three, and four offer insight into the different movements in recent Nigerian history, from the 2012 #OccupyNigeria protests against the government of Goodluck Jonathan over fuel subsidy removal. Egbunike notes that the Nigerian protest took its name from the 2011 Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protests, in New York Citys Wall Street financial district [and] by the 2011 Arab Spring revolution From here he moves to offer perspective on what differentiates the Nigerian protest from the ones above. His analysis proffers a proper cultural specificity that defines the Nigerian political terrain and the different factors motivating those differences. The part goes on to show, in tabular form as if to certify the academic status of the book how the Occupy Nigeria protest was framed in newspapers and on social media. 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 beauty of Digital Youth and Social Movement is that the author does not only offer numbers and tables, he asserts his voice in the vision and hope of the people, and how the new media promotes that aspiration. Although he is analysing data gathered from research, he tells us: The samples above from new media reveal a basic commonality inherent in all calls to arms the division between us and them. The division between the oppressed and the oppressor might explain why the stress on ethnic/religious unity frames in fighting a government which had inflicted undue suffering on Nigerians resonated across new media platforms. In essence, the call to arms is on the community that the new media creates. It is easy to find frames of commonality by a group that shares the same aspiration of being oppressed, and this is not a community voice that mass media could have provided. While Egbunike praises the impact of the digital media and its power to create a voice not caged by the gate-keepers, he shows his objectivity when he notes that there is also the crisis of digital utopianism on movements with the supremacy of I over the we. In other words, it looks like many new media users competed to show that my crowd is bigger than yours. Hence, while we celebrate the emergence of digital media and what it has achieved in giving voice to a new generation, it is crucial to look at Egbunikes data, which show that the new media had higher percentages in foreign influence, generational transfer and ethnic/religious unity. This means the new media tended towards digital utopianism while the old media exhibited digital cynicism. This is better understood when one understands his simple breakdown of digital utopianism an ideology which holds that technological advancement will necessitate democratic praxis and overthrow totalitarianism. Digital cynicism, on the other hand, believes that technology is only a tool in the users hands. Perhaps it is the #EndSARS protest and its metamorphosing into the Obidient movement that shows Egbunikes depth of socio-political analysis. He clearly shows how one is the extension of the other and the role digital media plays in this development. More so, his evaluation of The Hoodlums Rhetoric shows that we need to study Digital Youth and Social Movements not solely as a subject of media studies. This part shows the authors understanding of the politics happening in the country, and I will encourage Nigerians, especially the youth, to read this book. It is a testament to their strength and an evaluation of the cultural-cum-political modification happening in our lives due to technology. This confirms my earlier assertion that the book is academically structured, but it does not yield to the academese lethargy that permeates most of Nigerian academic research. Oko Owoicho is a critic and award-winning poet. He is the founder of Benue Poetry Troupe and Team Lead for Afrika-Writes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has ordered top US law enforcement agencies to release confidential information generated on President Bola Tinubu during a purported federal investigation in the 1990s. The judge, Beryl Howell, made the order on Tuesday, saying that protecting the information from public disclosure is neither logical nor plausible. An American, Aaron Greenspan, had filed a suit in June 2023 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the Executive Office for US Attorneys, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In his complaint, Mr Greenspan accused the law enforcement agencies of violating the FOIA by failing to release within the statutory time documents relating to purported federal investigations into President Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele. Between 2022 and 2023, Mr Greenspan filed 12 FOIA requests with six different US government agencies and components seeking information about a joint investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS, DEA, and the US Attorneys Offices for the Northern District of Indiana and Northern District of Illinois. According to Mr Greenspan, the records being requested involved charging decisions on the activities, including money laundering, of a Chicago heroin ring that operated in the early 1990s. 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 each FOIA request, the American sought criminal investigative records about four named individuals allegedly associated with the drug ring: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele. After the requests, all five US agencies issued Glomar responses, refusing to confirm or deny whether the requested records exist. Mr Greenspan contested those responses at the Department of Justices Office of Information Policy (OIP). The OIP, however, affirmed the agencies refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the requested records. The American then filed a lawsuit on 12 June 2023, naming the FBI, DEA, IRS, EOUSA, and Department of State as defendants and challenging each agencys response to the separate FOIA requests. Court documents show that the CIA was later added as a defendant in the First Amended Complaint, along with a challenge to that agencys glomar response to the plaintiffs FOIA request. On 20 October 2023, Mr Greenspan filed an emergency motion seeking a hearing to compel the US agencies to immediately produce records responsive to his FOIA requests. He cited the Nigerian Supreme Courts plan to begin hearing arguments in three days time in a litigation contesting Mr Tinubus 2023 election as the President of Nigeria. Three days later, on 23 October 2023, Mr Greenspans emergency motion was denied for failing to satisfy any of the requirements for emergency injunctive relief. Also on that same day, President Tinubu moved to intervene in the case, citing his privacy interests in his confidential tax records and documents from federal law enforcement agencies that fall within the Privacy Act or exceptions to FOIA and should not be disclosed. In 1993, Mr Tinubu was said to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking. The issue of Mr Tinubus forfeiture of the funds featured prominently at the Presidential Election Petition Court when his opponents, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, challenged the presidents eligibility to contest Nigerias presidency. But the election court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the suits, affirming Mr Tinubus election. However, on Tuesday, Judge Howell ruled partly in favour of Mr Greenspan in the US case. The judge noted that the Glomar responses asserted by the FBI and DEA are improper and must be lifted. He said the FBI and DEA failed to show that they properly invoked FOIA. Mr Howell said since it was acknowledged that Mr Tinubu was a subject of an investigation involving both the FBI and DEA, the claim that the Glomar responses were necessary to protect this information from public disclosure is at this point neither logical nor plausible. Why the FOIA request should be granted Explaining his judgement further, Mr Howell establish that a FOIA requester may challenge the propriety of an agencys Glomar response in two ways: first, by challeng[ing] the agencys assertion that confirming or denying the existence of any records would result in a cognisable harm under a FOIA exemption, and, second, showing that the agency has officially acknowledged otherwise exempt information through prior disclosure, meaning that the agency has waived its right to claim an exemption with respect to that information. In this case, the judge said Mr Greenspan asserts both types of challenges to defendants Glomar responses: The plaintiffs argument that (1) DEA has officially confirmed investigations of Agbeles involvement in the drug trafficking ring, (2) the FBI and DEA have both officially confirmed investigations of Tinubu relating to the drug trafficking ring, (3) any privacy interests implicated by the FOIA requests to the FBI and DEA for records about Tinubu are overcome by the public interest in release of such information, and (4) the CIA has officially acknowledged records responsive to plaintiffs FOIA request about Tinubu. Meanwhile, the CIA has the judgement entitled in its favour in this case. The judge ruled that Mr Greenspan has failed to show that the CIA has ever officially acknowledged the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to his FOIA request. therefore, the CIAs Glomar response must be sustained. Tinubu and Agbeles records cleared for release Five of Mr Greenspans FOIA requests are still at issue in the parties pending cross-motions for summary judgement. During the hearing, the plaintiff agreed to narrow the issues for summary judgement briefing to defendants Glomar responses, redactions, and withholdings as to Mr Tinubu and Mr Agbele only. This is why in its judgement, the judge ordered that the remaining parties, apart from CIA, to file jointly, by 2 May, a report on the status of any outstanding issues in this case, as described in the accompanying order. How drug ring members were busted and linked to Mr Tinubus funds Part of the documents submitted by Mr Greenspan to court to back his FOIA case was a verified complaint and accompanying affidavit, filed in the Northern District of Illinois by the DOJ on 26 July 1993. The documents sought the civil forfeiture of Mr Tinubus funds held by First Heritage Bank allegedly connected to the drug trafficking investigation. The affidavit by Department of Treasurys Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Special Agent Kevin Moss, who was involved in the investigation, detailed the drug trafficking activities of Mr Agbele which provided the ground for seeking the forfeiture of Mr Tinubus funds. It also shared insights into how Mr Agbele was arrested while selling white heroin to a person not known to him to be an undercover agent. It stated that upon arrival in the United States, Agbele identified Akande (who has also been linked to Mr Tinubu) as his uncle and stated that Akande provided him (Agbele) an apartment in Hammond, Indiana, citing investigating agents of DEA as the source of this information. Furthermore, he said according to DEA investigators, Mr Agbele sold white heroin to another individual on numerous occasions. With the assistance of Source A, DEA called Mr Agbele to purchase a small amount of white heroin, which resulted in a transaction where Agbele sold one ounce of white heroin to a law enforcement officer working in an undercover capacity. READ ALSO: US Embassy issues new requirements for Nigerian visa applicants Subsequent to this sale, Agbele was arrested and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. The affidavit also states that further investigation by DEA disclosed a lease application completed by Mr Agbele. Mr Mosss affidavit confirmed that both the FBI and DEA investigated Mr Tinubu in the wider probe into the drug trafficking activities of Mr Agbele and other members of his ring. It confirmed that there is probable cause to believe that funds in certain bank accounts controlled by Bola Tinubu were involved in financial transactions in violation of US laws and represent proceeds of drug trafficking. It stated that seeking to target Mr Tinubus funds arose from investigation of money laundering of the proceeds of a heroin distribution organisation in the Chicago area. The clues relied on were said to include information provided by Special Agents of the IRS, DEA, (and) FBI. Although Mr Tinubu forfeited the suspect funds, he has consistently denied wrongdoings. He has also never been criminally indicted or charged in the case. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias presidency, on Sunday, dismissed a recent United State (US) court ruling instructing American law enforcement agencies to release confidential information gathered from investigating President Bola Tinubu for drug-related case in the 1990s. In a statement on Sunday, the presidency said there is nothing new to be revealed and the said report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the reports did not in any way indict the Nigerian leader. But he said the presidents lawyers are examining the ruling. PREMIUM TIMES reported Sunday that a US court has ordered the American Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release information on investigation involving Mr Tinubu The judge, Beryl Howell, said protecting the information from public disclosure is neither logical nor plausible. 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 An American, Aaron Greenspan, had filed a suit in June 2023 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the Executive Office for US Attorneys, Department of State, Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Mr Greenspan accused the law enforcement agencies of violating the FOIA by failing to release within the statutory time documents relating to purported federal investigations into President Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele. In his FOIA request, the American sought criminal investigative records about four named individuals allegedly associated with the drug ring: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele. After the requests, the US agencies issued Glomar responses, refusing to confirm or deny whether the requested records exist. Mr Greenspan contested those responses at the Department of Justices Office of Information Policy (OIP). The OIP affirmed the agencies refusal to confirm or deny the existence of the requested records. The American then filed a lawsuit on 12 June 2023, naming the FBI, DEA, IRS, EOUSA, CIA and Department of State as defendants and challenging each agencys response to the separate FOIA requests. On Tuesday, the judge noted that since it was acknowledged that Mr Tinubu was a subject of an investigation involving both the FBI and DEA, the claim that the Glomar responses were necessary to protect this information from public disclosure is at this point neither logical nor plausible. The judge said the Glomar responses asserted by the FBI and DEA are improper and must be lifted. He struck down the exemptions previously used to redact the files, and ordered the FBI and DEA to remove the redactions and release the files again. The judge ordered the FBI and DEA to file jointly, by 2 May, a report on the status of any outstanding issues in this case, as described in the accompanying order. How drug ring members were busted and linked to Mr Tinubus funds Part of the documents submitted by Mr Greenspan to court to back his FOIA case were a verified complaint and accompanying affidavit, filed in the Northern District of Illinois by the DOJ on 26 July 1993. The documents sought the civil forfeiture of Mr Tinubus funds held by First Heritage Bank allegedly connected to the drug trafficking investigation. The affidavit by Department of Treasurys Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Special Agent Kevin Moss, who was involved in the investigation, detailed the drug trafficking activities of Mr Agbele which provided the ground for seeking the forfeiture of Mr Tinubus funds. It also shared insights into how Mr Agbele was arrested while selling white heroin to person not known to him to be an undercover agent. It stated that upon arrival in the United States, Agbele identified Akande (who has also been linked to Mr Tinubu) as his uncle and stated that Akande provided him (Agbele) an apartment in Hammond, Indiana, citing investigating agents of DEA as the source of this information. Subsequently, Mr Agbele was arrested and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. The affidavit also stated that further investigation by DEA disclosed a lease application completed by Mr Agbele. Mr Mosss affidavit confirmed that both the FBI and DEA investigated Mr Tinubu in the wider probe into the drug trafficking activities of Mr Agbele and other members of his ring. It confirmed that there is probable cause to believe that funds in certain bank accounts controlled by Bola Tinubu were involved in financial transactions in violation of US laws and represent proceeds of drug trafficking. It stated that seeking to target Mr Tinubus funds arose from investigation of money laundering of the proceeds of a heroin distribution organisation in the Chicago area. The clues relied on were said to include information provided by Special Agents of the IRS, DEA, (and) FBI. Although Mr Tinubu forfeited the suspected funds, he has consistently denied wrongdoings. He has also never been charged with any criminal offence in the case. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United States Embassy has issued new visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants. The directive requires that individuals attending visa interviews in Abuja and Lagos are now required to present a DS-160 application form containing a confirmation barcode that starts with AA00. The code, according to the US mission, must match the one used to schedule their appointment online. The mission stated that those without a match code would not be allowed to attend visa interviews. In a statement issued on Friday, the US mission disclosed that the new requirement will take effect on Tuesday, 22 April. All visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160. 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 mission also disclosed that previously used DS-160 forms cannot be reused and added that in the case of a mismatch, the affected applicant must file for correction within 10 days. You cannot reuse a DS-160 from a previous application. If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number, the statement read in part. Nigerian applicants were also urged to confirm this alignment at least two weeks before their scheduled interview. According to the mission, applicants are to schedule their appointments at the same post they selected when completing their DS160. At least two weeks before your interview, please double-check that the barcode number on your DS-160 form matches the one you used to schedule your appointment. If you are turned away from your appointment because your barcode numbers do not match, once you correct the problem, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application. You may book a new appointment by logging into your AVITS account at If your visa fee has expired, you may have to pay a new fee before booking, it added. Earlier in the year, the mission also issued a new directive mandating visa applicants to visit the consulate as part of their application process. It noted that these updates are intended to streamline the visa processing experience. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately withdraw the repressive bill for an act to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which seeks to regulate the activities of bloggers operating within the territorial boundaries of Nigeria. SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to ensure that any amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act promotes and protects the rights of bloggers and other journalists and does not undermine the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to end the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the rights of Nigerians online and Internet-based content. There is currently a bill titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters (the bill). The bill among others seeks to regulate bloggers including by requiring all bloggers to register local offices and join recognised national association for bloggers. The bill has passed its first and second reading in the Senate. In the letter dated 12 April 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: This bill is a blatant attempt to bring back and fast-track the obnoxious and widely rejected social media bill by the back-door. 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 SERAP said, If passed, the bill would also be used to ban major social media platformsincluding Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers if they continuously fail to establish/register and maintain physical offices in Nigeria for a period of 30 days. The letter read in part: Lawmakers should not become arbiters of truth in the public and political domain. Regulating the activities of bloggers and forcing them to associate would have a significant chilling effect on freedom of expression and lead to censorship or restraint. The bill may also be used to block access of Nigerians to social media platforms. Blocking access to social media platforms is a flagrant violation of fundamental rights. In addition to infringing on Nigerians right to access to information and digital technology, the proposed bill would also severely hamper business operations in the country, as many are reliant on foreign tools, services and technologies for their operations, as well as other sectors that rely on online information. The bill would force international tech companies out of the Nigerian information landscape by requiring them to establish/register and maintain physical offices in the country. It would violate the requirement that the right to freedom of expression applies regardless of frontiers. Should the National Assembly and its leadership fail to withdraw the bill to regulate the activities of bloggers, and should any such bill be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to challenge the legality of any such law and ensure it is never implemented in the public interest. The regulation of bloggers may be used to muzzle any dissenting voice and to silence any form of criticism or negative opinion on the policies and practices of the ruling party or the Government. Authorities may also use the proposed regulation as a pretext to punish bloggers solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. The bill seems to be directed at bloggers living in Nigeria and elsewhere, with severe adverse effects on the freedom of expression of a very wide range of individuals. The proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 fails to meet the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights treaties to which the country is a state party. The amendment, if passed would adversely affect unregistered bloggers operating within the territorial boundaries of Nigeria. The proposed amendment may also be used to violate the rights to privacy, freedom of peaceful assembly and of association as protected by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights standards. The proposed amendment is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerias obligations to respect and ensure the effective realisation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The amendment would disproportionality suppress a wide range of expressive conduct essential to a democratic society. The bill would pose major barriers and threats to any individuals, especially journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations who may be critical of the government, as well as stifle democracy and media freedom. Mandatory regulation of journalism is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression. There is no legitimate reason why bloggers or in fact members of the general public should be subject to mandatory regulation or licensing to express themselves. Blogging plays an invaluable role in the free flow of information. Bloggers should never be required to register with the government or other official agencies to blog. The bill may also be used as a pretext to force bloggers to disclose their sources. The right to protect sources is a cornerstone of freedom of the press, without which sources may be deterred from assisting the press in informing the public on matters of public interest. The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties which the country has ratified protect everyones right [including bloggers] to maintain an opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media. Nigerian authorities including the National Assembly have legal obligations to ensure an environment in which a diverse range of opinions and ideas can be freely and openly expressed and debated. The requirement of necessity implies an assessment of the proportionality of restrictions, with the aim of ensuring that restrictions target a specific objective and do not unduly intrude upon the rights of targeted persons. As noted in the 2005 Joint Declaration of the special rapporteurs on freedom of expression, [n]o one should be required to register with or obtain permission from any public body to operate an Internet service provider, website, blog or other online information dissemination system, including Internet broadcasting. In their 2011 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet, the four special mandates for the protection of freedom of expression highlighted that regulatory approaches in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors cannot simply be transferred to the Internet. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A terrorist attack that affected about 30 persons in Borno state is a major headline on the cage pages of some Nigerian newspapers today. Bomb blast kills 8, injures 21 in fresh Borno attack, Daily Monitor reported. The Matrix reported the news under the headline, Night Of Terror As Terrorists Wreak Havoc In Benue, Borno. Meanwhile, Tribune reported that ISWAP plans to establish bases in Plateau, Bauchi. 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 Hope said, Afenifere deplores worsening insecurity, calls for restructuring. However, The Nation also reported, Economy: Fitch Rating upgrades Nigeria, backs Tinubus reforms. Punch reported, 2027: APC, anti-Tinubu coalition battle for Buharis support. The Sun reported, 2027: Your coalition cant unseat Tinubu, Ganduje tells Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai. Experts express concern over poor infrastructure despite huge foreign debt, according to the Independent newspaper. Leadership reported, How Banks, Coys Defy Economic Headwinds To Post Huge Profits, Dividends. Transform Fully Into Online Institution, Tinubu urges NOUN, the Daily Times reported. Genocide in Plateau: Inside story of plotto grab land, Wipe out natives, Vanguard reported. We thank Abiola Ayankunbi, a media management expert, for providing screenshots of the newspapers front pages. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Nigerian returning from Malaysia with methamphetamine concealed in loudspeakers, the agency said in a statement. The statement by the spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, was shared on the agencys X timeline on Sunday. Mr Babafemi said that the Malreturnee, Ndubuisi Udatu, also known as Richard, was intercepted at a checkpoint in Namtari, along the Ngurore-Yola Road in Adamawa State, North-west Nigeria. In his statement, he claimed he (Mr Udatu) returned to Nigeria to continue his illicit drug trade after serving out his jail term in Malaysia where he had been arrested, convicted and sent to prison for drug trafficking offences, the statement stated. The agency said that the 41-year-old former convict was arrested on 7 April with two large music speakers containing four parcels of methamphetamine weighing 2.7 kilogrammes. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said that the substance was meant for distribution in Yola, Mubi, and across the border into Cameroon, adding that the sum of N22,300 was also recovered from the suspect. The agency said its operatives also intercepted multiple drug consignments and arrested other suspects involved in trafficking narcotics and a trans-border trafficker caught with over 8,000 ampoules of powerful opioids. Methamphetamine trafficking has become a significant concern in Nigeria. The substance is often produced locally in clandestine laboratories, particularly in regions like Enugu and Asaba. These labs are sometimes set up with assistance from international drug cartels, including those from Latin America. Precursor chemicals like ephedrine, which are theoretically controlled substances, are widely accessible and smuggled into Nigeria from neighboring West African countries. The substance is trafficked to various parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Other arrests Similarly, the law enforcement agency said that its operatives along with the Customs personnel, arrested 35-year-old Odoh Ikechukwu in a separate operation. According to Mr Babafemi, this arrest was made at the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Mfum, Cross River State, adding that Mr Ikechukwu was caught in possession of 8,740 ampoules of assorted opioids weighing a total of 395 kilograms. The consignment included 1,080 ampoules of fentanyl injection, 2,160 of morphine sulphate, 3,010 of phenobarbital sulphate, 2,160 of pethidine, and 330 ampoules of midazolam. In Kano, the NDLEA nabbed a 27-year-old Aliyu Ibrahim on Friday in the Bachirawa area of the state. Mr Ibrahim was found with 20 ATM cards and 25,600 pills of tramadol (225mg and 250mg). In a follow-up operation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Gambo Lawan, 48, was apprehended at Wazobia Motor Park. His arrest led to the seizure of 8,960 pills of tramadol on 7 April along the Gwagwalada Expressway. Meanwhile, about 124 kilogrammes of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in the boot of a Lexus vehicle with registration number KTU 54 CU was discovered in Niger State. The NDLEA spokesperson stated that the driver, Ademiluyi Collins, 58, was taken into custody along the Mokwa-Jebba road of the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu received a State Department representative from President Donald Trumps administration, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, on Thursday in Paris. The meeting focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability. The US State Department rep conveyed Mr Trumps strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of US relations with Africa. The US wanted to work closely with President Tinubu to expand American investment in Nigeria and Africa, support energy and infrastructure development, and align trade and job creation efforts. Both sides discussed actionable support and shared their perspectives on regional peace, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and across the Sahel. Mr Trumps advisor recognised Nigerias regional and continental leadership and supported Mr Tinubus interventions to stabilise key African regions. Mr Tinubu reiterated Nigerias readiness to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect and outcomes that strengthen Africas place in the global economy. 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 Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy) April 13, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will, on Monday (tomorrow), meet with the heads of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to decide the National minimum tolerable UTME score (NTMUS), also known as cut-off points for the 2025 Admission exercise. The JAMB Admission Policy meeting is held annually with heads of all university polytechnics and colleges of education both public and private to decide the cut-off point for admissions from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The UTME, also held annually, is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), a prerequisite for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The maximum obtainable score in the UTME is 400 100 for each of the four subjects for which candidates sit. Cut-Off points Each institution has different cut-off points. While some universities set as high as 200 UTME points, others set as low as 100 or 120 UTME points. However, all the institutions agree on a national minimum score a candidate is expected to get before being considered for admission by any tertiary institution. Last year, the NTMUS for universities was pegged at 140 and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later How cut-off points are set All the tertiary institutions have their individually preferred cut-off points, which they have communicated to JAMB. At the meeting, they will all agree to a national minimum which no institution is allowed to go below. The decision on which points to go with is usually subject to voting by the heads of institutions present. Any institution with a cut-off point set below the agreed point would have to raise its cut-off point. Last year, at the meeting, the then Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, a professor, directed institutions not to admit candidates under 18. He rescinded the decision after protests by the heads of institutions present. He then asked that 16 be used for the 2024 admissions and 18 in subsequent years. However, after Mr Mamman was removed as minister in October, the new education minister, Tunji Alausa, asked that the minimum age for admission be placed at 16. Concerns The current method of admissions, which JAMB mostly controls through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), has been criticised by some Nigerians, who argue that each institution should be allowed to conduct its own entrance examination and set its own guidelines. But JAMB said it doesnt interfere with the admission process, noting that the institutions decide who they admit. JAMB had explained that each institution has admin access to the CAPS which ranks applicants based on their Olevel results, UTME scores, and Post-UTME scores and other conditions listed by the respective institutions they applied to. During last years policy meeting, JAMB registrar Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, explained that CAPS ensures that institutions offer admissions first to highly qualified applicants before others to eradicate favouritism in the admission process. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. side should completely cancel the wrong practice of "reciprocal tariffs" and return to the right path of resolving differences through mutual respect and equal dialogue, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday. The U.S. side has released a memorandum exempting certain products such as computers, smartphones, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and integrated circuits from "reciprocal tariffs." China is assessing the related impact of this move, a spokesperson with the ministry said. It should be noted that this is a small step for the U.S. side to correct its wrong practice of unilateral "reciprocal tariffs," which hasn't solved the United States' problems but seriously undermined the international economic and trade order, disrupted the normal production and operation of enterprises, and affected people's daily consumption, the spokesperson said. China's position on China-U.S. economic and trade relations is consistent, the spokesperson said, adding that there is no winner in a trade war and no way out for protectionism. China urges the U.S. side to take seriously the rational voices of the international community and domestic parties, and take a big step forward in correcting wrongdoings, the spokesperson said. There was an outrage in Anambra State when a 49-year-old man allegedly killed his mother in the state. The suspect, Nnamdi Anyaji, attempted to commit suicide after allegedly killing the 68-year-old mother, Dorathy Anyaji. The incident occurred in Amudo Village, Ekwulobia, a community in Aguata Local Government Area of the South-eastern state. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspect was arrested at about 1:40 p.m. on Friday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, did not mention when the incident happened. The spokesperson said police operatives attached to the Ekwulobia Divisional Police Station arrested the suspect and also recovered one Axe at the scene of the killing. 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 Preliminary information reveals that the squabble started when the suspect accused the deceased of being dishonest about the money realised from a cassava business, he said. Mr Ikenga said the suspect was currently under close monitoring to prevent him from committing suicide at the detaining facility. He said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation. Arrest of suspected illegal drug dealers Mr Ikenga said that in a separate operation on Friday, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugu-Ukwu arrested 12 male suspected illegal drug dealers in Anambra State. He said the suspects aged between 20 and 29 were arrested when the operatives raided their camp at Umuokpala Village in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state. The police spokesperson said the raid was in response to a tip-off about the suspects criminal operations in the area. He identified the arrested suspects as Ifeanyi Bernard, Emmanuel Ugwu, Thankgod Kelechi, Umeh Chidera, Aguiyi Onyeka, Onyeka Martin, and Festus Ihezie. Others are Chibundu Nicholas, Solomon Obiefule, Chibundu Daniel, Neke Shedrack and Nwazufu Kingsley. They have been handed over to operatives of Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for necessary action, Mr Ikenga said of the suspects. Some sizable quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, illicit drugs and other implicating items were recovered from the suspects, according to the police. Meanwhile, this is not the first time a mother would be killed by her son in Anambra State. A 47-year-old man had, in September 2020, killed his two children and his 85-year-old mother in Anambra State. Prohibited in Nigeria Murder is outlawed in section 315 (6) of the Nigeria Criminal Code Act. Offenders, on conviction, face a death sentence, section 319 (1). Several persons have been sentenced to death for murder across the country. An Aiyetoro High Court in Ogun State, for instance, sentenced a man, Adelake Bara, to death by hanging in June 2022 for shooting and killing one Olaleye Oke. A high court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in January 2022, also sentenced a man, Muritala Dare, to death by hanging for stabbing his colleague to death with a broken bottle. Similarly, illegal dealing and possession of hard drugs are outlawed in various laws in Nigeria, including the NDLEA Act (2004), the Dangerous Act (2004) and the Indian Hemp Act (2004). Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, for instance, prescribes punishment for drug-related READ ALSO: Police commissioner redeploys DPO over alleged extortion Offences range from 15 to 25 years imprisonment, depending on the type of drugs involved. Some Nigerians have been convicted for drug-related offences. In 2013, for instance, the Federal High Court 2 in Jos sentenced a 23-year-old mechanic, Bashir Atiku, to three months imprisonment over illegal possession of Indian hemp. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has told his supporters to stop their 2027 campaigns for him until the electoral commission, INEC, announces the commencement of campaigns. Mr Tinubu, in a statement by his office, was reacting to billboards and other campaign materials that have sprung up in Abuja, Kano and other parts of the country, urging support for a second term for the Nigerian leader. PREMIUM TIMES reports that some of the billboards in the Nigerian capital have signatures that show that they were sponsored by support groups loyal to the president. However, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in his statement, said the current campaigns were not authorised and should be stopped. The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr Onanuga wrote. Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channelbe it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television. 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 Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately, Mr Onanuga wrote. Mr Tinubu is eligible for reelection in 2027 and is expected to seek a second term in office. However, campaigns are yet to start and only INEC has the power to declare campaigns open. Read the full statement by Mr Onanuga below. PRESIDENCY DISCLAIMS 2027 CAMPAIGN BILLBOARDS NATIONWIDE The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Worth noting is that some of these billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular. While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land. The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process. Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channelbe it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television. Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately. President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security. When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy) April 13, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print God is not a coincidental God. In 1997, I rented a building in Victoria Island, Lagos for two years for N1.5 million. When I did, God told me He had given the building to me, even though I was only a tenant. I believed Him because I have a mind of Christ. He says to me, Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear. (Matthew 13:16). The mind of Christ hears the voice of Jesus and believes the word of God. Jesus says, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27). Jesus sheep do not lean on their own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5). It did not make sense to presume I would own an expensive house in an exclusive part of Lagos when I was just the tenant. Nevertheless, at Your word (Jesus). (Luke 5:5). So, I spent N6 million renovating a building not my own, but promised to me. After two years, when my tenancy expired, the landladys lawyer approached me. She said the landlady would like to sell the building and would like to sell it to me. I never even asked to buy it. She told me the landladys father willed the building to her. She had never even seen it before. She lived in Chicago with her American husband. She wants to sell the building in Lagos so she can buy a building in Chicago. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later So, in 2000, I bought a building in Victoria Island, Lagos, at the ridiculous price of only N26 million. I did not even have the money to pay for it. I paid in instalments over four years, and God miraculously provided the final N10 million. Fast forward 25 years, and I now understand that the building is worth N3 billion. That is now the cost of the land. That is what Jesus does. It is He who gives (us) power to get wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18). Nouveau Schools In 2010, I established a school in the building. It grew to comprise 104 children. But then I lost most of my international children during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, God gave me a dream in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. I saw a classroom in the school full of children. Next door, I saw my assistant. I knew even if heaven and earth passed away, this dream would not pass away. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3). So we started looking for additional space to accommodate the increased number of children God promised to bring. We found a suitable building just two doors away from us. This building seemed purpose-built for us. It had about 24 rooms, and it was vacant. I went to inspect the building with two delegations. The first time, with people from the school. The second time, with my wife and family. We all agreed the building was ideal. But when we asked how much it would cost to rent it, we were told N25 million naira a year. That immediately put paid to our plans. The money was just too much. There was no way we could afford it. In any case, the additional children had yet to arrive. A few years later, we went back to enquire about the place. We were told the landlord was tired of waiting for us but had rented it to someone else. That someone else has spent a lot of money renovating it. It is now an exceptionally beautiful building two doors away, with colourful flower decorations. Blunder Upon Blunder The Bible says about the church in the wilderness. Again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 78:41). I have now discovered that that is precisely what happened to us. We limited Jesus, the Holy One of Israel. That was why we thought we could not afford the N25 million rent. A few weeks ago, a colleague, Simon Ezeh, alerted me about some people who could help us develop our own property into a high-rise building. They said they would give me N300 million to relocate, while the new building was being constructed. I then realised that I had made a big blunder in 2021. Why did I think God could not provide me with the N25 million rent? I did not think so because I limited the Holy One of Israel. I forgot that with God, nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:37). I did not think it was possible because I reverted to the mind of a man instead of the mind of Christ. Jesus says, Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20). Unanswered Questions Why did God give me the dream at the time he did? Why was the perfect house vacant at that particular time when I could not afford the rent? Why did the agent tell us the landlord was tired of waiting for us? Do coincidences exist? Certainly not! God is not a coincidental God. He works all things according to the counsel of His will. (Ephesians 1:11). The mind of Christ recognises that everything he needs is at hand. He automatically meets everyone God has appointed to help him. He is led to everyone that God has appointed for him to help. The psalmist says, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. (Psalm 37:23). When I am broke, God tells someone to register their child in my school. Or He tells my wife to buy me lunch. Or He tells my niece to send me some money. The Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:10). The God who speaks to fishes surely speaks to men. Indeed, He speaks to so many people without speaking to them and they do what he wants them to do. They think they are the ones doing it, but no, it is the Lord. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8). The person who has the mind of Christ recognises that God is the determinant of everything. He proclaims: I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure, Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:9-11). TO BE CONTINUED. [email protected]; www.femiaribisala.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print One can only sincerely hope that Egbetokun keeps up with a steady hand and a firm resolve to achieve these desperately needed reforms that he has initiated and which would revolutionise the police force into a vastly more efficient service if implemented and achieved. Then, respect for human and peoples rights will become cardinal aspects of the operations of a Nigerian Police not fundamentally sutured to force! A Colonial Legacy Following the assumption of office of Mr Kayode Egbetokun as the acting inspector general of Police (IGP) of Nigeria on 21 June, 2023, upon his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his subsequent confirmation as the substantive IGP, he has been noted as undertaking a number of significant programmes aimed at reforming the Nigeria Police Force, enhancing national security, in addition to addressing internal and external challenges. As much as progress has been made in tackling insecurity through efforts including the creation of a Special Intervention Squad, which comprises a standby unit of at least 1,000 officers per state, to tackle rising threats such as banditry and kidnapping, civil policing is one of the critical areas that continue to deserve attention, and which is rightly a vital subject of the IGPs reform focus. Nigeria certainly has a vibrant culture of protests from the minor to more major ones through which the public expresses its discontent with the policies, politics and activities of government whether in response to the colonial authorities or even the native administrations that functioned at its behest, down to the different iterations of military rule and then civilian governments. We had such early 20th Century eruptions as the Aba Womens Riot of 1929 and the Abeokuta Womens Revolt of 1947, to pushbacks to authoritarian rule as the Ali Must Go protest of 1978, Anti-SAP riots of 1989, followed by other major effusions like the June 12 protests of 1993, Occupy Nigeria in 2012, then the #EndSARS in 2020, and #EndBadGovernance protests in 2024. 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 different interventions of the Nigerian Police to neutralise or contain many of these protests or instances of civil rights advocacy, drew diverse forms of criticism from human rights groups, activists and the general public. It was accussed of the excessive use of force (including the massive deployment of tear gas, live ammunition, water cannons and overwhelming physicality), arbitrary arrests and detentions (involving the holding of arrested protesters beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit before charging them), violent methods of crowd dispersal, intimidation through collaboration with other forces such as the military, alongside the unfair targeting of vulnerable groups such as women, youths and journalists, etc. Much of the different elements comprising the approach of the Nigerian Police to neutralising various acts of civil or public expression of discontent with government or governance as alluded to above have been traced to the manner it was set up, with roots in the 19th to 20th Century colonial administrations, which created it as a force or mechanism of brutal control/repression of natives who questioned the provenance of their authority. Hence the adversarial instinct and attitude of the Police to matters relating to the public, and particularly within its perception of how to execute its mandate of maintaining law and order, alongside the preservation of public safety, which is essentially an ethos of wielding the baton and stick, club and rifle. This approach essentially regards protests as threats to state authority, rather than legitimate expressions of civic rights. Reforming into an Institution of Service As part of the efforts at reforms, while the Police has been accused of a traditional, and subsisting, approach centred around violent crackdowns during periods of issues-based protests or other forms of civil rights advocacy, this approach is on the front-burner of crucial reformation by the Egbetokun leadership of the Police. As such, a newer approach being emplaced is one that necessarily seeks a comprehensive rule of law and human-rights focused reorientation, towards enhancing the capacity of the institution to protect citizens and improve public trust. This is through a more human-centred policing that equally signals the move from force as the first line of response, to one fundamentally anchored on public service. Importantly, addressing the inadequacies of the protest management approach of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) requires structural changes in the organisation, on the levels of accountability, funding, and leadership. As such, the Egbetokun reform effort must tackle the root causes of the deficiencies of the Nigerian Police, such as its colonial legacy, resource scarcity, and paucity of oversight, within the framework of Nigerias security needs and democratic aspirations. On the basis of global best practices, the human rights reorientation of the Nigerian Police involves extensive re-training and massive capacity-building on human rights and civil policing protocols. The re-training would include deep-diving into modules such as: Understanding Human Rights Frameworks, which would include newer interpretations of international human rights standards like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and the Nigerian constitution (particularly Chapter IV on Fundamental Rights). Officers will thus be primed to better understand the legal obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill rights like the freedoms of expression, assembly, and protection from torture. Also, the training would emphasise the principles of necessity and proportionality, in line with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, to deal with and re-engage issues including the use of excessive force and firearms in neutralising protests. In addition, de-escalation techniques, intergrating non-lethal alternatives, and strict protocols of firearms use. More so, the consideration of arrest and detention procedures would require officers to be trained on the processes of lawful arrest, the rights of suspects (e.g. to silence, legal representation, and prompt presentation before a court), and the prohibition of arbitrary detention. These will equally address issues such as prolonged pre-trial detention and extortion, which have been widely condemned. The foregoing training would address the necessity of banning torture as a means of obtaining evidence under international and Nigerian laws, and include practical guidance on humane treatment during interrogations and custody. Other aspects will include crowd control and public order management, in tandem with respecting the right to peaceful protest; sensitivity to gender and vulnerable groups (including the protection of children and the diabled, etc.); trauma informed policing; community policing and trust-building, etc. Adopting Structural Reforms Importantly, addressing the inadequacies of the protest management approach of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) requires structural changes in the organisation, on the levels of accountability, funding, and leadership. As such, the Egbetokun reform effort must tackle the root causes of the deficiencies of the Nigerian Police, such as its colonial legacy, resource scarcity, and paucity of oversight, within the framework of Nigerias security needs and democratic aspirations. On the level of accountability, documented abuses from major protests, such as #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance, stems from sparse oversight and internal protections. Hence, some of the structural changes that should be made in this endeavour could include the drive at creating an independent oversight body in alignment with the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government such as a Police Accountability Commission (PAC), which is separate from the Police Service Commission (PSC), and with the powers to investigate, prosecute, and recommend disciplinary actions for officers involved in misconduct. This body should include civilians, legal experts, and human rights advocates, while it is funded directly from the federal budget. There would also be the need to deploy accountability tools like mandatory body cameras to be worn by Police officers involved in operations, as part of a process of transparency in civil policing, with the footage from these cameras uploaded automatically in a centralised database that can be accessed by the proposed PAC, courts, and other relevant organs. Equally, patrol units should be monitored through real-time GPS tracking. The foregoing and more are some of the very critical reforms that IGP Egbetokun has been noted as trying to pull through, despite structural obstacles and age-long embedded attitudes within both the police and political bureaucracies that appear to be cynical to bold efforts at change, or which consider these with other intentions in mind, when it is not being oushed as a half-hearted effort at public appeasement in moments of criticisms. Moreover, there is the need to establish a decentralised complaint system through a state-level civilian complaint boards, which is linked to the PAC, and which can take the complaints of citizens about abuses anonymously, whether through mobile apps, in local offices, or other designated points. In addition, the Police Act 2020 should be amended as part of reforms to enable annual external audits of NPF operations annually, with the results being debated in the National Assembly and released publicly. Very saliently, the elephant in the room in all this has been the chronic underfunding of the Police, evident in the operative 1:650 ratio of police officers to citizens (below the UN standard of 1:450), the deteriorated infrastructure of the NPF, and with serious consequences for the issue of efficiency and corruption in the Force. The lack of adequate men on ground impacts the proper management of protests with implications for human rights sensitivity, as there would always be the overarching recourse to the use of force and firearms to contain protests, in the absence of a critical mass of Police officers trained in the techniques of de-escalating situations that could easily deteriorate into violence. To resolve this, a vital consideration would be the expansion of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) through an increase to 1 per cent of the federal revenue, from the present 0.5 per cent. This could then bump up funding to close to the required sum of N1.25 trillion that IGP Egbetokun had earlier sought for effective national policing for 2025. Still, this should be taken on alongside other models of funding including international partnerships towards enhancing policing operations, in a manner thats more reflective and cognisant of human and peoples rights. The foregoing and more are some of the very critical reforms that IGP Egbetokun has been noted as trying to pull through, despite structural obstacles and age-long embedded attitudes within both the police and political bureaucracies that appear to be cynical to bold efforts at change, or which consider these with other intentions in mind, when it is not being oushed as a half-hearted effort at public appeasement in moments of criticisms. One can only sincerely hope that Egbetokun keeps up with a steady hand and a firm resolve to achieve these desperately needed reforms that he has initiated and which would revolutionise the police force into a vastly more efficient service if implemented and achieved. Then, respect for human and peoples rights will become cardinal aspects of the operations of a Nigerian Police not fundamentally sutured to force! Fidelis Nwagwu writes from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Three weeks after the demise of the mother of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, Safarau Umaru Barebari, dignitaries have continued to visit and console the governor. Mrs Safarau Umaru died on 23 March after a brief illness, aged 93. Among the latest batch of mourners who visited Mr Radda in Katsina and Abuja are the immediate past Nigerian First Lady, Aisha Buhari; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and businessman, Arthur Eze. Others include a delegation from the Sultanate of Damagaram in Niger Republic; the immediate past Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau; wife of former Kebbi State governor, Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu; Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisationand Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Bello Shehu; and the Chairman/CEO of Genesis Energy Limited, Akinwole Omoboriowo among others. Mrs Buhari, whose delegation included his son, Yusuf Buhari and daughters, was received by Governor Radda and his wife, Fatima Dikko at Katsina House, Asokoro, Abuja. The former first lady prayed for peaceful repose of the late matriarch and asked for Gods comfort over the governor, the family and Katsina State at large. Speaking during his own visit at Government House, Katsina, Mr Ribadu expressed the collective grief of the national security community, On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Security Council, I extend our deepest condolences over the passing of your revered mother, Hajiya Safarau. 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 National Security Adviser described the loss of a mother as one of lifes most profound trials adding that Hajiya Safarau was not only your pillar but a matriarch whose wisdom and grace undoubtedly shaped the leader you are today. In this moment of grief, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of unity in compassion. Mr Ganduje, who led a delegation from the national headquartersof APC, said they were in Katsina to register the partys condolence over the death of Mrs Safarau. He said they had earlier performed special prayers for the repose of her soul at the Holy Land in Saudi-Arabia, but deemed it necessary to further come down to Katsina to commiserate with the governor,his immediate family and the people of Katsina state over the great loss. On his part, business mogul, Mr Eze, while condoling the governor prayed fervently for the repose of Mrs Safarau and for Gods comfort for the family. The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Bello Shehu, who led a delegation on the visit expressed heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the Commission, stating, We stand before you today with solemn hearts to express our deepest sympathies over the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safarau. Mr Shehu praised the virtues of the late matriarch, saying, Hajiya Safarau lived a life of profound pietya devoted servant of Allah, a nurturing mother, and a pillar of strength whose values shaped the exceptional leader you are today. Her dedication to faith, family, and community leaves a legacy that transcends time. Addressing Governor Radda during his own condolence visit at Katsina House in Abuja, Mr Omoboriowo expressed his sympathies on behalf of Genesis Energy Limited, stating, In this moment of profound loss, we are reminded of the divine truth: It is God who gives, and it is God who takes. While we cannot fathom the depth of your grief, we pray the Almighty grants you and your family the strength to endure this trial. Mr. Omoboriowo praised the Governors leadership qualities as a reflection of his mothers nurturing, Your Excellency, in you we see the fruits of her nurturinghumility that grounds leadership, kindness that uplifts communities, and selflessness that prioritizes service over self. These virtues, instilled by your mother and parents, are a testament to the values that guide your stewardship of Katsina State. Former Senate President, Mr Lawan, who represents Yobe North, prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and give the family the courage to bear the loss. In a separate development, Governor Radda also welcomed a high-powered delegation from the Sultanate of Damagaram in Niger Republic, led by Magayakin Damagaram, Alhaji Ali Usman. The delegation included the wife and family members of Sultan Abubakar Sanda Umaru of Damagaram, as well as his son, Umaru Abubakar. Speaking on behalf of the Sultan, Mr Ali Usman said, We are at Government House on behalf of the Sultan to commiserate with the state governor over the demise of his mother, Hajiya Safarau. He explained that the Sultan had earlier planned to lead the delegation but could not make it as he was on a special engagement. Mr Usman offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive the late Hajia Safarau and give her family the courage to bear the irreparable loss. The Magayakin Damagaram also acknowledged Governor Raddas contributions to the Sultanate, stating that the Sultanate is proud of the governors support toward the Jumaat mosque project in Damagaram. He added that the sultanate special prayers organised in Damagaram is gradually yielding the desired result in the restoration of peace in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print If the coronation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, was a historic milestone for the Oyo Kingdom, then Goldbergs royal after-party was the ultimate jewel in the crownan extraordinary celebration seamlessly blending tradition and contemporary flair into a golden festivity worthy of its royal heritage. As part of the Goldberg Big Weekend, held immediately following the coronation, Goldberg rolled out the royal carpet to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience, truly befitting of the throne. With timeless performances by Fuji maestro Saheed Osupa and Apala legend Haruna Ishola, the evening stood as a proud tribute to Yoruba heritage while showcasing Goldberg as the Gold Standard of Enjoyment. The celebration drew trailblazing custodians of culture, including filmmaking icon Tunde Kelani, whose presence amplified the significance of the night. As a proud son of Oyo soil, his attendance emphasized just how deeply rooted this event was in the heart of Yoruba heritage. Guests arrived in magnificent traditional attires, ranging from commanding Agbadas to sophisticated geles, making Labamba Hotel, Oyo a kaleidoscope of Oyos vibrant pride. An unforgettable highlight of the evening was the Oriki (praise poetry) segment, where attendees celebrated the kingdoms illustrious lineage and strength. The crowd responded with thunderous applause, a heartfelt reminder of the enduring legacy of Yoruba traditions. Goldberg elevated the night with thrilling giveaways, rewarding loyal consumers with remarkable prizes ranging from fridges and TVs to exclusive Goldberg merchandise. Coupled with the steady flow of ice-cold Goldberg beer, the excitement knew no bounds. 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 From the royal coronation to the cultural celebration that followed, Goldbergs presence was nothing short of a golden chapter in Yoruba historypowered by the lager that embodies tradition, culture, and enjoyment. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has honoured the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal with its prestigious leadership and community service award. On Saturday, the chamber celebrated its 65th anniversary, inaugurated its 20th president, and honoured deserving Americans and Nigerians with awards at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos State. The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce is a trade organisation that operates on a membership basis and is Nigerias first bilateral chamber of commerce. A statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to the Zamfara governor revealed that Governor Lawal was recognised by the chamber alongside the governors of Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Lagos states. Yesterday in Lagos, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) held its 65th anniversary with the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of the chamber. The event with the theme The Power of Cooperation: 65 Years of Optimising Nigerian-American Economic Relations was attended by high-level American and Nigerian officials and the business community. 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 chamber acknowledged Governor Lawals support for commerce in Zamfara State, particularly in agriculture. The award presented to the governor is in recognition of his outstanding leadership skills, academic credentials, and strong commitment to tackling insecurity. The chamber also commended Governor Dauda Lawal for making the lives of the Zamfara people better by prioritising healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and empowerment initiatives. While accepting the award, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his commitment to enhancing the lives of the people of Zamfara State through improved service delivery. I want to thank the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce leadership for finding me worthy of this recognition. It will encourage me to do more. This is for all the people of Zamfara State, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Africas Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has unveiled its vastly improved Point of Sale (POS) terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to redefine the digital payment landscape and empowering small and medium scale enterprises across Africa. The upgraded platforms form part of the banks ongoing campaign with the theme: Innovation for Progress: Empowering SMEs, Connecting Communities, Simplifying Banking. The newly improved PoS, which provides customers efficiency and ease in transacting their businesses, boasts of exciting features designed to boost efficiency, transparency, and trust for merchants; including instant settlement, real-time monitoring, pay-by-link functionality, and a 100% transaction success rate. With the new service, customers can enjoy flexibility, as the terminals have been equipped to serve businesses of all sizes, providing the speed, reliability and fast-paced services demanded by todays merchants. The UBA MONI App which is designed to further strengthen UBAs agency banking network has also been modified with new features including instant settlement, pay-by-transfer options, secret question security, an enhanced inbox, and a redesigned homepage offering agents and customers an even more intuitive and secure experience. This is in addition to its core features of instant account opening with BVN/NIN, real-time transfers, cash deposits and withdrawals, airtime/data payments with agent discounts, and instant POS deployment remain at the heart of the app. Speaking on the modified features of both platforms, UBAs Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, said, that as a forward-thinking financial institution, UBA is always on the look-out for modern ways to improve their services and offerings, to give customers top-notch experiences while conducting their daily businesses. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He said, At UBA, we are constantly innovating to provide seamless and secure payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. The new UBA PoS and MONI App is designed to empower merchants and agency banking with instant settlements, real-time transaction tracking, and unmatched reliability ensuring they can focus on growing their businesses with a trusted partner. Continuing, he said This next-generation PoS is not just a payment device; its a powerful tool that helps businesses stay competitive in a fast-paced economy. With UBAs extensive reach and robust infrastructure, we are bringing convenience and confidence to every transaction. With the upgraded MONI App, we are equally equipping our agents, many of whom serve smaller communities, with faster tools, greater transparency, and an enhanced user experience that will help them grow their businesses while serving millions of underserved customers. Mr Fashola explained that the banks continued investment in digital infrastructure aligns with its broader commitment to supporting African businesses through technology-driven banking solutions that deliver value, scalability, and trust. UBAs Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, emphasised the banks unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. We understand that speed, transparency, and reliability are critical for business growth, and thats exactly what the new UBA POS and Moni App delivers. At UBA, we are not just providing a payment device, we are offering a promise of efficiency, trust, and support to the thousands of businesses that rely on us daily. This solution is a testament to our dedication to helping our customers thrive in todays digital economy, she noted. Ms Ladipo called on Merchants, Agent Banking partners and business owners to experience the myriad of offerings available by visiting any UBA branch nationwide or through the banks website at www.ubagroup.com. United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least eight people were killed on Saturday when an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists went off in Borno State. Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road Saturday afternoon. The explosion affected a commuter bus transporting passengers to Maiduguri. The busy highway links the Maiduguri and Damboa local government areas with the southern part of the state. Apart from the eight people killed, 21 others were injured in the explosion. Fourteen of the injured victims sustained severe injuries, while seven others were taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri where they were treated for minor wounds. The Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, later visited survivors of the explosion at the hospital. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Zulum Speaks Mr Zulum, who visited the victims, described the incident as regrettable, especially as Borno had not experienced an IED attack in over a year. It is unfortunate this is happening now. We havent witnessed an IED attack for over a year, he said, noting that the road had been closed for a month. He expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and other security agencies in the battle against terrorists. I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance along the highway to prevent further attacks. I assure the people of Borno that, Insha Allah, under my leadership, we will not allow the security situation to worsen, he said. He also pledged to enhance local security systems, including supporting the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers involved in counter-insurgency operations. Last week, Mr Zulum raised an alarm on the resurgence of the Boko Haram activities in Borno, saying the state was losing ground to the terrorist group. On Saturday, he expressed satisfaction with the results of a recent meeting with military chiefs in Abuja, where concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities were raised. Our discussions during the security council were positive. We highlighted the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and stressed the need for cooperation. We met with the service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances from them that they would do everything possible to manage the situation, he added. Also, a former senator, Shehu Sani, commiserated with the victims of the explosion. The bomb blast in Borno is tragic, unfortunate and condemnable. My condolences to the families of the deceased, Mr Sani wrote on Facebook. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Shamsu Bala, the eldest son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of working against his fathers reelection in 2023 and said it is time for revenge. In a social media post on Saturday, Mr Bala said Atiku is unwilling to reconcile with his father ahead of the 2027 election. He said it would be difficult for Atiku to get the governors support because it is time for settling scores. He (Atiku) didnt work for us in the 2023 election; he worked for Air Marshal (the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Abubakar Sadiq). He deployed elites in Bauchi to fight us, and we narrowly won the election. Now he is taking us for granted, he doesnt value us as humans, he is showing us that we are too small to call for reconciliation, the governors son said in a tweet in Hausa. He, however, did not mention the names of the Bauchi elites who teamed up against his father. 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 Possible references Governor Mohammed, in the build-up to the 2023 election, in January 2023, directed the Bauchi emirate council to strip an elder statesman, Bello Kirfi, of his traditional title of Wazirin Bauchi for alleged disloyalty and disrespect to him. Mr Kirfi served as Minister of State Foreign Affairs under President Shehu Shagari and also Minister of Special Duties during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is a political ally of Atiku and is probably among the elites the governors son said worked against his fathers reelection. Also, another Bauchi chieftain of the PDP at that time and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, worked for Atiku in the presidential election but worked against Mr Mohammed in the governorship election. Atiku won in Bauchi Despite the frosty nature between Atiku and Mr Mohammed, the PDP candidate won in Bauchi with over 100,000 votes more than his closest challenger, APCs Bola Tinubu. Atiku defeated Mr Tinubu with a vote margin of 109,913. He polled a total of 426, 607 votes while Mr Tinubu got 316,694 votes in the North-eastern state. Mr Balas comments on Twitter followed Atikus visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, which political observers said was part of Atikus effort to build a coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election. A PDP social media influencer, Abdulaziz Naibi-Abubakar, appeared worried over the governors sons comment. We hope that Atiku and Governor Bala Muhammed reconcile their differences to keep the PDP on track, Mr Naibi-Abubakar replied to the governors son. Governor Mohammed challenged Atiku and others in the PDP presidential primaries in 2022 before returning home to take part in the partys rerun governorship primaries, which allowed him to run for a second term in 2023. The governor is speculated to retain his presidential ambition and could challenge Atiku again for the partys 2027 presidential ticket. As the chairman of the PDPs governors forum, he is one of the major power brokers in the party. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ISLAMABAD, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Three terrorists were killed during an operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the police said on Sunday. The operation was conducted late Saturday night in the Lakki Marwat district on the reported presence of terrorists in the area, the KP Police said in a statement. The police said security forces, assisted by local peace committees and the Counter Terrorism Department, effectively engaged the militants' hideout and, after an intense exchange of fire, killed the three terrorists. The province has witnessed sporadic incidents of militant violence in recent months, and authorities have intensified operations to prevent terrorist activities. The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed sympathy for the victims of a bomb blast suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents along the MaiduguriDamboa highway. The blast, believed to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists, killed eight people and injured 21 others on Saturday. The targeted civilian vehicles were travelling along the highway. Fourteen of the injured victims sustained severe injuries, while seven others were treated for minor wounds at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri. Mr Zulum, who visited the victims, described the incident as regrettable, especially as Borno had not experienced an IED attack in over a year. It is unfortunate this is happening now. We havent witnessed an IED attack for over a year, Mr Zulum said, noting that the road had been closed for a month. Mr Zulum expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and other security agencies. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance along the highway to prevent further attacks, he said. The governor emphasised that Borno would continue working closely with the Nigerian military and federal government to tackle insurgency. I assure the people of Borno that, Insha Allah, under my leadership, we will not allow the security situation to worsen, he added. He also pledged to enhance local security systems, including supporting the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers involved in counter-insurgency operations. Mr Zulum also expressed satisfaction with the results of a recent meeting with military chiefs in Abuja, where concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities were raised. Our discussions during the security council were positive. We highlighted the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and stressed the need for cooperation. We met with the service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances from them that they would do everything possible to manage the situation, he added. The state government has called for greater cooperation between local intelligence networks and security agencies to improve early warning systems and prevent future attacks. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Bayelsa Senator Seriake Dickson has commended suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for remaining calm and peaceful amidst the political development in the state. President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State last month and suspended all elected officials, including Mr Fubara. The president cited oil pipeline attack and the prolonged political crisis in the state triggered by a political feud between Mr Fubara and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, as the reason for the declaration of emergency rule. He appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator for the state. In his visit to Mr Fubara at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Friday, Mr Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, said they both discussed extreme political development in the state. I appreciated his calmness and peaceful disposition amidst unprecedented turbulence, Mr Dickson said in a post on Facebook. He also shared pictures and a short clip of the visit on his Facebook page. Ijaw people not at war with Tinubu As the face-off between Governor Fubara and the pro-Wike lawmakers intensified, some Ijaw groups threatened to attack oil pipelines if Governor Fubara was removed. Mr Fubara hails from Opobo Nkoro Local Government Area, which consists of a large population of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. 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 trans-Niger oil pipeline, which transports crude oil from Bayelsa and Rivers to the international terminal, eventually came under attack, an action Mr Tinubu cited as part of the reason for declaring emergency rule in the oil-rich state. After the president transmitted the emergency rule proclamation to the National Assembly for ratification, Mr Dickson staged a walk-out, saying he and a few other senators resisted the proclamation but were not allowed to openly debate the issue during plenary. During the visit to Fubara, Mr Dickson, in the Facebook post, commended the people of Rivers State for maintaining peace amidst extreme and rare political development but noted that it may very well be the peace of a graveyard which, any little trigger can alter the balance of peace in the state and across the Niger Delta region. He urged the Ijaw people to remain peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence. They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalisation of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which tends to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment, slow down the pace of economic development and activities in the region, and create fiscal challenges for government at all levels in the country, especially at this time when the global economy is experiencing unprecedented instability with consequences for all nations. The Ijaw Nation is not at war with the president or the APC-led federal government. On the contrary, the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation have always stood for a restructured and truly federal Nigeria where power is properly devolved, accelerated infrastructure and human capital development, environmental justice and fairness for all, and an inclusive Nigeria. On all these issues, we are encouraged to see the President as a partner from his antecedence and not a foe irrespective of party differences as some may portray, Mr Dickson said. Dicksons message to River administrator Mr Dickson advised Rivers administrator, Mr Ibas, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid in quick and amicable crisis resolution. Mr Ibas has been criticised lately for certain actions in the state. Shortly after assuming office, the administrator dissolved some state government agencies. On Tuesday, he reconstituted some agencies, including the Civil Service Commission and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, drawing criticism from the public. A former governor of the state, Ada George, described Mr Ibas appointment of sole administrator of the 23 local government areas in the state as illegal and vowed to seek legal action. The founder of the Albinism Foundation, Jake Epelle, has also criticised the sole administrator for appointing administrators for local government, saying that Mr Ibass action suggests that Mr Fubara may have been removed, not suspended. The Nigerian Bar Association has also moved its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu in Enugu State in protest, saying Mr Ibas was governing Rivers State as though the state is under military rule. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Senate has finally broken its silence on the disbarment of Neda Imasuen from practising law in the US. Mr Imasuen, who represents Edo South District in the upper legislative chamber, is a Nigeria-trained lawyer. He is the chairperson of the Senate ethics committee. Disbarment PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Imasuen was disbarred from practising law in the US in 2010 following a petition from an American, Daphne Slyfield, who accused him of failing to represent him in a court case after he hired and paid him for it. According to the document, Mr Slyfield had petitioned the Supreme Court of New York on the matter. The Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts of the Court handled the matter. 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 petitioner accused Mr Imasuen of professional misconduct. As a special referee, George Friedman was referred to hear and report on the issues raised. After being served with the petition in July 2009, Mr Imasuen was asked to file a response within 20 days. The committee had informed him that failure to file his response would compel it to deem the charges against him, as outlined in the petition established. The document said Mr Imasuen failed to respond to the petition within the permitted time or apply for an extension of time. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Imasuen returned to Nigeria in 2010, the same year he was disbarred. He later worked as a consultant for the European Unions State Reforming Institutional Programme, serving as the Jigawa State coordinator. However, in 2023, Mr Imasuen, an indigene of Edo State, emerged as a senator representing Edo South District at Nigerias upper legislative chambers. The senator is a member of the Labour Party, one of Nigerias opposition political parties. The All Progressives Congress is the countrys ruling political party. According to our findings, an attorney suspended or disbarred or whose name was stricken from the Roll of Attorneys and Counselors-at-Law upon conviction of a felony may apply to be reinstated to practise. Such an application for reinstatement after disbarment or removal may not be made until the expiration of seven years from the entry of the order of disbarment. It is unclear if Mr Imasuen applied for reinstatement after his disbarment. If he did not, his disbarment remains active. Mr Imasuen has yet to respond to enquiries from media outlets in Nigeria, including PREMIUM TIMES, since the story of his disbarment began to trend in the country in March 2025. Report of Imasuen disbarment not before us Senate speaks Yemi Adaramodu, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate, told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday that the upper chamber had not debated on Mr Imasuens disbarment because such a report was not yet before it. So, we cannot be debating on something thats not before us. Again, there has not been any local, national or international report against the senator before us, Mr Adaramodu, also a senator, said. You can ask for my personal opinion on that. But the opinion of the Senate is that something thats not before us, we cannot just go to plenary and start debating or talking about it. When reminded that the disbarment had been widely published in many Nigerian media, he responded: Are we going to pick allegations from the media? The spokesperson, who represents Ekiti South District, suggested that the disbarment was immaterial given that Mr Imasuen is a Nigerian senator, not an American senator. Mr Adaramodu stressed that Mr Imasuen was unlikely to be punished over the disbarment because the senator was duly elected after he was cleared by the INEC, the Labour Party and Nigerian security agencies. After contesting (and being declared p winner), are we going to set another bar for him? We are not going to set another bar for him. But if theres anybody who has anything genuine against anybody for which a senator is not supposed to be where he is, the person can bring it up, he stated. PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Adaramodu if he believes that the Senate is not duty-bound to confront Mr Imasuen over the disbarment issue, which has been trending in the media. So we will now ask him about something based on hearsay? Was the senator accused on the floor of the Senate? No! Did his constituents file any complaints to us? No. Did the Nigerian government complain to us that something has happened to a senator before us and that we have to look into it? No, he responded. The spokesperson said if there were any formal petition or complaint against Mr Imasuen regarding the disbarment, the Senate would have determined whether or not the issue was in violation of any Nigerian law before taking action. Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension Mr Imasuen, the chairperson of the Senate ethics committee, was involved in the recent suspension of the Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. After receiving a report from Senator Imasuen-led committee, the Senate, presided by Mr Akpabio, suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chambers sitting arrangement during the plenary on 20 February. Mr Akpabio referred the senators sexual harassment petition to the Senate ethics committee. The chairperson of the committee, Mr Imasuen, ruled that the petition was dead on arrival and would not be entertained by the Senate. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Igbara-Oke Division, Ganiyu Dauda, accused of extortion. Olushola Ayanlade, the commands spokesperson, in a statement on Sunday in Akure, said the DPO was redeployed over allegations of extortion levelled against him by residents of the community. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of Igbara-Oke community in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state had on Friday protested against alleged extortion by the DPO. The protesters who were carrying leaves, blocked the main road leading to the community to show their grievances. Mr Ayanlade explained that the DPO was redeployed following a viral video circulating on social media where he was publicly accused of extortion by the aggrieved protesters during a heated altercation. In response to the video and the serious nature of the allegations, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident. 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 investigation is to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and to uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident stemmed from a disagreement between the DPO and certain members of the local community. READ ALSO: NANS warns SSANU against disrupting academic activities at FUOYE The matter has since been amicably resolved following the timely intervention of the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, who facilitated dialogue and de-escalation between the parties involved. In line with internal protocols and to ensure impartiality in the ongoing investigation, the DPO has been redeployed from Igbara-Oke Division pending the outcome of the inquiry, he said. Mr Ayanlade, while reiterating the commands commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust, urged members of the public to remain calm and allow for due process in handling the matter. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ABA's Legal Opportunity Fund Excludes White Applicants AUSTIN, Texas, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a federal lawsuit against the American Bar Association (ABA) for operating a racially discriminatory scholarship program that unlawfully excludes white students. The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Illinois, challenges the ABA's Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund under 42 U.S.C. 1981, a federal statute that guarantees all individuals the right to make and enforce contracts regardless of race. The complaint is attached. The Legal Opportunity Scholarship, which has operated for more than two decades, awards $15,000 to selected incoming law students. The ABA's stated eligibility requirements make clear that applicants must be members of specified racial or ethnic minority groupsincluding African-American, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian. White students are categorically ineligible to apply, regardless of financial need, academic achievement, or any other factor. As noted in the complaint, every year, the ABA requires scholarship applicants to sign agreements and submit extensive documentationpersonal statements, tax records, release formsin exchange for a chance at financial support. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, including a court order barring the ABA from considering race in the selection of scholarship recipients. It also requests nominal damages and an order reopening the application process using race-neutral criteria. The complaint also details how the ABA's use of race in the scholarship is part of a broader pattern of polarizing race-conscious policies and programs, including accreditation standards, continuing legal education, judicial clerkship placements, and public statements opposing "race-blind" initiatives. Even after the Supreme Court's landmark 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard outlawing race-based admissions in higher education, the ABA continues to promote race-based policies and programs. Edward Blum, president of the American Alliance for Equal Rights, said, "The ABA's racially exclusive scholarship is illegal. The fact that America's largest lawyer membership organization is flagrantly discriminating against certain individuals because of their race is flabbergasting." Blum continued, "The leadership of the ABA must certainly have been aware of the many lawsuits that have been filed successfully challenging race-exclusive law firm internship and fellowships programs. That the ABA hasn't ended their minority-only scholarship should distress the entire membership." Blum added, "The goal of this lawsuit is not to eliminate ABA's scholarships but to ensure they are based on legitimate criteria, such as financial need or merit, rather than race. There are many deserving students from all races and ethnicities who need help affording law school. Excluding some of them because of their race is unfair and unconstitutional." The American Alliance for Equal Rights is a nonprofit membership organization committed to defending civil rights and ensuring equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. American Alliance for Equal Rights 3571 Far West Blvd. Ste.17 Austin, Texas 78731 AmericanAllianceForEqualRights.org 703-505-1922 [email protected] Contact: Edward Blum President, AAER 703-505-1922 SOURCE American Alliance for Equal Rights OSAKA, Japan, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 13, 2025, the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan officially opened, along with the China Pavilion held its opening ceremony. Representatives from the political and business communities of China and Japan, together with members of the construction committee of the Pavilion, gathered to witness its formal launch. The China Pavilion Opened at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan On the opening day, a dance drama Crested Ibis, commemorating the China-Japan friendship, and a traditional lion dance performance were presented at the Pavilion. These performances carried China's sincere hope for peace and friendship in cultural exchanges. The China Pavilion covers an area of approximately 3,509 square meters, one of the largest self-built pavilions by a foreign country at the Expo 2025 Osaka. The architectural design of the pavilion is inspired by China's ancient cultural carrier of bamboo slips, ingeniously blending cultural symbols rich in meaning, such as bamboo, Chinese characters, and scrolls. The exhibition at the China Pavilion revolves around the theme "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature - Future Society of Green Development." It is structured around three main segments: "Harmony between Humanity and Nature," "Green Mountains and Clear Waters," and "Endless Life." The segments serve as the narrative backbone, showcasing the traditional ecological wisdom nurtured by 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, while also highlighting the concepts and achievements of green development in the new era. The exhibition looks forward to a bright future where China works together with other countries in the world to build a harmonious community between humanity and nature. At the same time, the China Pavilion will organize a series of rich, diverse, and exciting activities featuring over 30 local regions and institutions from China. These activities aim to promote friendly exchanges between China and other countries. At the opening ceremony, distinguished guests remarked that the China Pavilion fully showcases both the profound heritage of China's 5,000-year civilization and the remarkable achievements of its high-quality development in the new era. They expressed particular anticipation for the pavilion's national treasure-level cultural relics, lunar soil samples and other exhibits, while voicing hopes that Expo 2025 Osaka would strengthen mutual learning and exchange among all participants to achieve mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/_enozYbK2Uc?si=XdurgnWhAWg4AeXa SOURCE The China Pavilion of the Expo 2025 Osaka 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 A new comedy competition forum that connects emerging talent with investors debuted Friday at the Macao International Comedy Festival. A photo captures a scene from the stage play "Parenting 404: Son Not Found" at a comedy pitch event during the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age] "The New Talents: Comedy Venture Capital Forum" is China's first platform where comedy screenwriters can pitch their work to potential investors through stage performances. Held in Hengqin, Guangdong province adjacent to Macao, the event featured directors Feng Xiaogang and Xu Zheng and comedy stars Shen Teng and Ma Li as judges. The forum aims to help emerging comedians secure funding, gain access to industry resources and find creative collaborators, helping transform their script ideas into marketable productions. The competition drew more than 300 original stage play submissions across genres from urban comedy to absurdist theater and dark humor. After selection and development, six finalists presented their scripts through immersive performances. The program also included an artificial intelligence component, with organizers saying AI helped screenwriters find inspiration and explore new approaches to comedy. A photo captures a scene from the stage play "Bullets, Booze & Blessed Bastard" at a comedy pitch event during the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age] After performances filled with laughter and the judges' heated deliberations, playwright Ji Yun's stage play "Parenting 404: Son Not Found" emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, claiming the grand prize for best story along with its 500,000 yuan ($69,000) award. The production also won the best incubation award, selected by industry guests and investors attending the event who were not part of the official judging panel. Other honorees also received recognition at the event. Leong U Pou's "Genie Mischief" received the jury's special award. Sang Kezhou's "Bullets, Booze & Blessed Bastard" earned the most promising production award with a 200,000 yuan prize from sponsor Sands China Ltd. Guan Xin and Qu Mufei's "Sky Trap" rounded out the accolades, receiving the best creativity award with a 300,000 yuan prize. "Comedy should mirror everyday experiences," Ji said during his acceptance. "By articulating what audiences feel but can't express, we find boundless creativity. Our art must both originate from and return to the people." Director Xu Zheng, one of the four judges, shared his vision at the awards ceremony: "I want to see greater diversity in comedy. May more comedic works flourish across all cultures and contexts." Filmmakers Feng Xiaogang, Xu Zheng and comedy stars Shen Teng and Ma Li serve as judges at a comedy pitch event during the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age] The second Macao International Comedy Festival runs through Sunday across Hengqin and Macao, featuring comedians, film screenings, performances, forums and an evening gala. KIEV, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Saturday said his country seeks peace and wants to end the conflict with Russia this year, The Kyiv Independent media outlet reported. "We want to end this war this year. But it is important not to manipulate," he said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. He emphasized that achieving lasting peace is crucial as the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will shape the future security architecture of Europe. He also underscored the importance of keeping Ukraine's potential membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the international agenda, noting that Ukraine, which has 110 combat-ready brigades, could contribute to transatlantic security. Sanaa, April 13 : The US military carried out 10 airstrikes across northern Yemen, targeting multiple locations. The strikes reportedly hit Al-Salem district in northern Saada province, Al-Munira district in western Hodeidah province, and the Vocational Institute in Al-Sawma'ah district of central Al-Bayda province on late Saturday night, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. No casualties have been reported so far. On Friday, the US Central Command said on X that its operations against Houthis are continuing. The United States resumed its air campaign against Houthi forces on March 15, stating that the strikes were aimed at deterring the group from launching attacks against Israeli and US naval assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, said they would halt their operations if Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and permits the delivery of critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Earlier on Thursday the death toll from US airstrikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah has risen to 14, with 15 others wounded, Houthi-controlled health authorities reported. The majority of the victims were women and children, they said, adding that the death toll increased after the badly injured died in the hospital. The tragedy occurred when US military warplanes struck homes in the Amin Muqbil residential neighbourhood, according to health authorities and local residents, who also shared video footage on social media following the airstrikes. Tehran, April 13 : Iran and the US will hold the second round of negotiations on April 19 after the two sides concluded their "indirect" talks on Saturday in the Omani capital of Muscat in a "constructive" atmosphere, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The two-and-a-half-hour talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff centered on Tehran's nuclear issue and sanctions relief, said the ministry in a statement. It added that the two sides agreed to continue the talks next week, noting that when leaving the negotiations venue, the heads of the two countries' delegations spoke for a few minutes in the presence of the Omani foreign minister. In an address to reporters in Muscat following the talks, Araghchi said the first round of the talks was "constructive and held in a calm and very respectful atmosphere," Xinhua news agency reported. "No inappropriate language was used and the two sides demonstrated their commitment to advancing the talks until the achievement of a mutually favorable agreement from an equal position," he added. The minister revealed that the second round of the talks "are scheduled to be held at the same level next Saturday, but the venue will probably not be here (Muscat)." The two sides had decided to enter a general framework needed for an agreement in the next round, Araghchi said, noting that both sides favored an agreement that would be reached as soon as possible. He added that in the next round of the talks, "we will try to enter the negotiations' agenda, which will of course have a timetable alongside it," expressing hope that in the upcoming negotiations, the two sides would be able to finalise a basis for starting "real talks." The talks in Muscat came after US President Donald Trump stated in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders -- via the United Arab Emirates -- proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and left the door open for indirect engagement. Gaza, April 13 : Hamas said that it is positive about any Gaza ceasefire proposal that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Hamas said on Saturday that such a proposal must also ensure an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and include a serious prisoner exchange deal, Xinhua news agency reported. A Hamas delegation headed to Cairo on Saturday at the invitation of Egypt. While in Cairo, they are expected to meet with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as part of ongoing efforts to reach an agreement and halt Israeli attacks in Gaza, it added. At least 1,563 Palestinians have been killed and 4,004 others injured since Israel resumed intensive strikes across the Gaza Strip on March 18, Gaza-based health authorities said on Saturday. Hamas also mentioned in a press statement that the release of Israeli hostages is conditional upon a cessation of the Israeli "hostilities" in the Gaza Strip. "The equation is clear: the release of hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. The world accepts it, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects it," Hamas said, adding Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict and the suffering of both "Israeli captives and Palestinian civilians." Two informed Egyptian sources said Friday that Israeli and Egyptian authorities had exchanged draft proposals concerning a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. According to the sources, both sides were working to reconcile the differences between Egypt's proposal and a separate plan put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, to reach a unified framework for agreement. Egypt had proposed releasing between five and eight living hostages and several bodies in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, along with the opening of the Rafah border crossing, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the sources said. The number of released hostages and detainees was a controversial issue in the discussion with the Israeli side, the sources said, adding that Egyptian and Qatari mediators had forwarded the Egyptian proposal to Hamas, which responded with approval. Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel will soon expand its operations to most of the Gaza Strip territory, adding, "This is the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war." Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement that it had fully encircled southern Gaza's Rafah city by completing the establishment of the "Morag Corridor," a route in the south of the strip intended to separate Rafah and Khan Younis. Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. It then ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the enclave. Mogadishu, April 13 : The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Saturday pledged to work closely with the Somali government to strengthen stabilisation efforts. Acting Head of AUSSOM Sivuyile Bam, who extended congratulations to the Somali National Army (SNA) on the 65th anniversary of its founding, urged the international partners to support Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his ongoing efforts to build a strong army capable of securing Somalia, Xinhua news agency reported. "We must continue to strengthen SNA by providing the necessary equipment and resources needed to sustain operations against illegal forces," Bam said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Bam reaffirmed AUSSOM's commitment to working closely with the Somali government and the SNA to protect civilians, safeguard major supply routes, and liberate areas under the control of al-Shabab militants. "As Somali Security Forces assume responsibility for the nation's security, AUSSOM is confident of SNA's ability to protect its citizens and contribute to national development," Bam said. Mohamud, in a statement, lauded the army's achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism and the liberation of territories from extremist groups, emphasising the firm dedication and sacrifice of the troops in defending the nation and ensuring a safer future for the next generation. Jerusalem, April 13 : Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will soon expand its operations to most of the Gaza Strip territory. He told Gaza residents in a message that they have to evacuate due to the expected operations, Xinhua news agency reported. "For those who are interested, voluntary crossing to several countries will also be possible" under Washington's plan, which Israel is "working to implement," Katz said, referring to US President Donald Trump's controversial relocation proposal for Gaza residents. "This is the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war," Katz remarked. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that it had fully encircled southern Gaza's Rafah city by completing the establishment of the "Morag Corridor," a route in the south of the strip intended to separate Rafah and Khan Younis. The IDF noted that it will extend operational control over the corridor and carry out "counter-terrorism" operations in the area. The Israeli military, through the seizure of the key route, turned the area between the "Morag Corridor" and the "Philadelphi Corridor" near the border with Egypt into part of its security zone. Later on Saturday, the IDF said its Air Force intercepted three rockets fired from Gaza towards southern Israel. The rocket launches triggered sirens in open spaces bordering Gaza, with no casualties reported, it added. Following the rocket launches, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israel "will attack with great force any area from which rockets are fired," and ordered residents of the Khan Younis area to move westward to the "designated" humanitarian zones in the Al-Mawasi area. Residents are also being evacuated in northern Gaza, and territory is being taken there, along with the expansion of the military buffer zone on the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, Adraee added. Also on Saturday, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said Israel has used water as "a weapon of war" to commit "a crime of slow mass killing" against Gaza residents. It accused Israel of destroying over 90 per cent of the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza, preventing technical crews from reaching the strip to repair damaged facilities, targeting workers who were carrying out their humanitarian missions, and blocking the supply of electricity and fuel needed to operate wells and desalination plants, among others. Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. It then ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the enclave. On Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued an urgent warning over rapidly depleting essential supplies in Gaza. The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,563 Palestinians and injured 4,004 others, Gaza health authorities said Saturday, adding the death toll in the enclave since the war began in October 2023 has risen to 50,933, with 116,045 injured. Gaza, April 13 : Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released a video of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. In the video, released on Saturday, Alexander appeared physically and mentally distressed. "Why am I here and not at home with my family and friends?" he asked. Alexander, who turned 21 while in captivity, was born in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and grew up in the US state of New Jersey. After graduating from high school in 2022, he returned to Israel to enlist in the army. On October 7, 2023, he was abducted by Palestinian militants during their surprise attack on southern Israel, Xinhua news agency reported. In the video, Alexander shared his struggles and expressed concern about his safety amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. He also blamed the Israeli government for failing to secure his release. Following the video's release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that he had spoken with Alexander's family and assured them that intensive efforts were ongoing to secure the release of all hostages. The first six-week phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas expired on March 1, and negotiations on the second phase remain stalled. Of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, 59 remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Israel believes that 24 of them are still alive. On March 14, Hamas said it had given mediators its agreement to release Alexander and the bodies of four other hostages. Israeli forces have resumed airstrikes in Gaza since March 18. The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,563 Palestinians and injured 4,004 others, Gaza's health authorities said Saturday. Cairo, April 13 : Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Cairo, discussing developments in the Gaza Strip and elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. Sisi briefed Prabowo on Egypt's efforts to mediate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid to its residents, Xinhua news agency reported. "Both sides emphasised the need to begin the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip without displacing its people, leading to a comprehensive and permanent solution based on the principles of international legitimacy," according to the Egyptian presidency. They hoped such a solution would guarantee the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Sisi and Prabowo also talked about bilateral ties. "The two presidents signed a declaration to elevate bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership, and discussed ways to strengthen ties to meet the aspirations of their peoples," the statement said. According to Egypt's Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), trade between Egypt and Indonesia reached $1.7 billion in 2024, up from $1.6 billion in 2023. Egyptian exports to Indonesia totalled $151 million, an increase from $137 million in 2023, while imports from Indonesia rose to $1.6 billion from $1.5 billion the previous year. The talks also covered enhancing defence cooperation through training, capacity-building, and exchanging expertise, particularly in light of regional and global challenges that require closer coordination between friendly nations. They also discussed ways to "enhance defence cooperation" in light of the mounting regional and international challenges. BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday exchanged congratulations with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto over the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In a congratulatory message, Xi said that as close neighbors across the sea and good partners sharing a common future, China and Indonesia have stood together through thick and thin and engaged in sincere cooperation over the past 75 years, achieving remarkable progress in bilateral relations and fostering deep-rooted friendship between the two peoples. The Chinese president recalled his two meetings with Prabowo last year, during which the two sides agreed to firmly support each other's development visions, jointly advance their respective paths to modernization and build a China-Indonesia community with a shared future with regional and global influence so as to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Both as major developing countries and important members of the Global South, the cooperation between China and Indonesia carries strategic significance and global influence, he said. Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Indonesia relations, voicing readiness to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to work together with President Prabowo to further deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation, strengthen multilateral strategic coordination, keep enriching the dimensions of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future with the features of the new era, and set an example of solidarity and mutual trust between major developing countries, a model of common development and a vanguard of South-South cooperation, so as to make joint contributions to the cause of human progress. For his part, Prabowo, on behalf of the Indonesian government and people, extended sincere congratulations to Xi and the Chinese people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties. Indonesia and China enjoy a time-honored friendship and a strong and dynamic partnership, and have made rapid progress in bilateral cooperation in the "five pillars" of politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchange, maritime affairs and security, he said. Prabowo expressed the hope that both sides will continue to deepen cooperation and cement the friendship between the two peoples so as to make positive contributions to world peace and stability. Chandigarh, April 13 : Crowds of devotees on Sunday thronged gurdwaras across Punjab and Haryana to celebrate Baisakhi, one of the biggest festivals that marks the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh order) by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It also marks the start of harvest season. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of Sikhism's holiest shrines, was tastefully decorated, and a huge number of devotees came to offer prayers. Many consider taking the holy dip in the Golden Temple sarovar as significant to mark the day. Some devotees even stayed overnight on the Golden Temple premises to take the dip in the early hours. Day-long langars (community kitchens) have been organised to mark the day. Besides the Golden Temple, people took a holy dip in scores of historic gurdwaras across Punjab. A sea of devotees was also witnessed at the Takht Kesgarh Sahib in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa Panth was founded in 1699. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended greetings on Baisakhi and Sajna Diwas of Khalsa Panth. In a message, Governor Kataria said Baisakhi has a multi-faceted importance. "It marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest, a time of great joy for the farmers to reap the fruits of their hard labour." The Governor further said this day also marked a watershed in India's freedom movement in 1919 as many known and unsung martyrs sacrificed their lives on this day, in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, at the altar of freedom. "This massacre gave a great impetus to the independence movement," he added. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya also extended greetings to the people of the state, Punjab and the global Punjabi diaspora. In his message, Governor Dattatraya said, "Festivals like Baishakhi reflect the vibrant cultural heritage and unity of our people." He expressed confidence that the festival would strengthen the bonds of harmony, peace, and brotherhood among all communities. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Mumbai, April 13 : In a heartfelt gesture to combat the summer heat, actress Taapsee Pannu extended a helping hand to families living in slum areas by distributing fans and water coolers. Touched by the experience, she described the initiative as something that "moved her deeply," highlighting her commitment to giving back to the community. As temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius, Taapsee joined a special sewa initiative aimed at providing relief to families in low-income and slum areascommunities where even basic comforts like cooling appliances are often out of reach. Speaking about her involvement, the actress shared, "We often take basic comforts like a fan or a cooler for granted, but for so many people, especially in this unbearable heat, even a small breeze can feel like a blessing. Being part of this initiative moved me deeply. It's not just about givingit's about standing with people, understanding their pain, and doing what little we can to ease it." Hemkunt Foundation's Director Harteerath Singh added, "When temperatures cross 40 degrees, it becomes almost impossible to stay in slum areas where there's barely any ventilation or shade. People suffer in silence without a fan or cooler to help them get through the day. That's what moved us to start this initiativeto bring some comfort, some relief, and a message that they are not alone. It's about restoring dignity and humanity in the smallest ways." On the professional front, Taapsee has completed filming for her upcoming movie "Gandhari" and shared that she poured her heart and soul into the project. She posted behind-the-scenes moments from the sets alongside an image featuring co-actors Ishwak Singh, writer Kanika Dhillon, and director Devashish Makhija. For the caption, she wrote, "If there is a NOS mode for human body I experienced it in this film. If there is something called running on fuel of grit and determination, I saw it in this film If there is something called unified goal of "make it happen" I felt it in this film (sic)." "Gandhari" marks the sixth collaboration between Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu. The duo has previously delivered a string of hits together, including "Manmarziyaan," "Haseen Dilruba," and "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dilruba," among others. Seoul, April 13 : The first criminal trial for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled for this week, 10 days after he was removed from office over his short-lived martial law declaration in December, according to court officials Sunday. The Seoul Central District Court is set to open the hearing on Yoon's insurrection charges at 10 a.m. Monday. As the defendant, Yoon must attend the trial, Yonhap news agency reported. Yoon will be the fifth former president to stand criminal trial. He will be allowed to enter the court via an underground parking lot, with the court having set up security-related measures against potential rallies near the court building. Media will not be allowed to take photographs inside the courtroom before the start of the proceedings. As part of the formal process, Yoon must state his name, birthday, occupation and place of residence at the start. The prosecution will then lay out charges against Yoon, who is expected to deny them. The former president may also ask the judge for an opportunity to state his case. If convicted on charges of leading an insurrection, Yoon could face a life sentence or the death penalty. Cho Sung-hyun, commander of the First Security Group of the Capital Defence Command, and Kim Hyung-ki, head of the First Special Forces Battalion of the Special Warfare Command, will take the witness stand Monday. During Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, Cho had testified that he was ordered by then Capital Defence Commander Lee Jin-woo to send troops to "drag out" lawmakers from the National Assembly after Yoon had declared martial law December 3. Kim is believed to have received a similar order from his superior the same night. Mumbai, April 13 : Television actor-host Jay Soni has opened up about the challenges of being typecast in the industry. Soni revealed that while he's grateful for the roles he's played, he often finds himself boxed into similar characters. Determined to break free from that mold, he shared that he's actively working on reinventing himself and exploring diverse roles to showcase his range as an actor. Expressing the same, Jay told IANS, "Yes, sometimes I do feel typecast. That's why I'm constantly trying to reinvent myselftake on different roles, try new formats, break out of that mold." The 'Sasural Genda Phool' actor also opened up about his smooth transition from television to web series, and now, into the world of digital radio. Having appeared in projects like Twisted 3, Soni emphasized that for him, acting is at the heart of everythingregardless of the medium. "I consider myself an actor, first and foremost. Whether it's TV, film, or webit's all acting. The medium doesn't matter to me. What matters is the project and the people I work with. And now, being a Digital Jockey with Big FM, I'm just as excited. Especially since India is going digitalit feels like the right time to be part of something innovative." Meanwhile, Jay Soni also expressed his excitement about becoming Gujarat's first digital jockey, calling it a meaningful addition to his journey. He stated, "It's more like an addition to my journey. I've done acting, hosting, dancingand now, I'm stepping into the world of digital jockeying. So, it's not a shift, just another exciting chapter in my career. I'm thrilled to be associated with Big FM, especially starting from Gujarat. Being a Gujarati myself, I feel proud to share stories and insights about Gujarat that many people might not know." While exploring the vibrant state of Gujarat, actor Jay Soni has found himself reconnecting with his roots and rediscovering the hidden treasures the region has to offer. In a candid conversation, Soni spoke about the lesser-known places and rich culture that have captured his attention. "There's so much! From heritage properties to lesser-known cities. For example, Saputara, which is near the Gir foresthome to the highest number of lions. I used to visit Saputara as a kid, and I only knew back then that it was called Saputara because the roads there resemble snake-like curves. Now, I'm discovering so much moreabout the food, the culture, and the local businesses. It's all so fascinating, and I can't wait to share it with everyone," Jay shared. New Delhi, April 13 : Thousands of devotees across India celebrated Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, with religious devotion, vibrant cultural traditions, and community spirit on Sunday. Marking the first day of the month of Baisakh, the festival is widely observed on April 13 and occasionally on April 14. In Punjab and other northern states, it symbolises the spring harvest and serves as an occasion of gratitude for both agricultural abundance and spiritual legacy. In Amritsar, a massive gathering of devotees thronged the sacred precincts of Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), offering prayers and taking holy dips in the Sarovar. The city resonated with hymns and spiritual chants, while community kitchens (langars) served thousands of visitors. Speaking to the reporters, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Bhai Manjit Singh said, "The tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, established the Khalsa Panth on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, showing the path of living with dignity. This chapter of Sikh history holds great significance in the religious history of the world." One of the devotees told IANS, "Today is the sacred day of Baisakhi, and after taking a holy dip at Shri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, I felt immense peace. It's a beautiful feeling on this holy occasion, which also marks the harvest season." Gurudwaras across the country held early morning prayers and recitations from sacred texts, followed by langars serving special dishes such as kada prasad, phirini, and saffron rice, further enriching the festive atmosphere. Fairs, processions, and traditional folk performances like Bhangra and Gidda showcased the cultural richness of Punjab. The streets came alive with colours, music, and a spirit of community celebration. In Haridwar, lakhs of devotees took holy dips in the River Ganga amid heightened security. The city was divided into multiple zones and sectors to ensure smooth management and safety during the occasion. From sacred rituals to cultural displays, Baisakhi is being celebrated with deep reverence and vibrant enthusiasm across the country. New Delhi: Doing things efficiently is not to be treated as a burden of 'compliance'-if effortlessly built into one's day-to-day business, efficiency would improve the quality of life and open up a new source of self-satisfaction or a kind of happiness that can only be felt from within, not seen by the world outside. New Delhi: Doing things efficiently is not to be treated as a burden of acomplianceaa"if effortlessly built into oneas day-to-day business, efficiency would improve the quality of life and open up a new source of self-satisfaction or a kind of happiness that can only be felt from within, not seen by the world outside. Being efficient is not a acompulsiona. However, one should be aware that it could be the aperceived grounda for oneas performance evaluation by aoutsidersa who were used to applying certain prescribed parameters for that purpose. Efficiency is also not something that requires the sacrifice of oneas leisure time. It is more a matter of developing an attitude and a practice for oneas moral or even spiritual well-being. Any amateriala benefit that it brought in as its natural consequence, was to be looked at as a bonus. Does aefficiencya have a definition and can it be incorporated into a higher purpose of life and made a means of self-improvement? In Hindu philosophy- so precisely defined by Gita- akarmaa or duty performed with adevotiona, is termed the highest expression of lifeas spiritual objective particularly if carried out without being weighed down by the thought of the possible material outcome of the same. Any adutya is fulfilled best when it is performed on a note of efficiency for it is only then that it produces an optimal advantage for the beneficiary. Duty is an act of agivinga not atakinga that requires a spend of your energy and aresourcea and the return on it lay in the realm of morality and agood deedsa measured by a deeper sense of pleasure touching the heart and soul. On a mundane note, aefficiencya can be defined as a measure of output per unit of resource used- money, material and manpower with atimea having been added as the new resource- in a situation of global competitiveness. In fact, in todayas world, efficiency is judged by how much an employee produces in a given time and that is the reason why in a developed economy a person is paid aper houra of work. Two things govern the output of the worker- one is his or her askilla development and the other is the degree of aconcentrationa of mind with which the work was handled. In a successful organisation, importance is attached to orientation programmes designed to help the employee understand the essence of the work and at the same time the leadership tries to ensure that people work in a stress-free environment was often polluted by organisational infirmities. In a good organisation there was no confusion about credit-sharing and work ethics defined the boss-subordinate relationship, interaction among colleagues and business meetings with clients and other aoutsidersa. The CEO of the enterprise has to understand human relations and sensitivities and realise that aall business is human activitya. He should know how to constitute best-performing teams- and should be able to appreciate the importance of diversity as a source of strength and fix the mandate of a team leader. The leader of a team ought to have emotional intelligence in the right measure as he or she should be able to understand and share the concerns of an employee if any, in the areas outside the workplace, especially on the family front. An efficient way of working should be inculcated by everybody in their personal life as well. If engaged in dealing with a task, no distractions should be allowed to creep in there is a time to work and a time to relax. A mix-up would ordinarily have to be avoided- however personalised the engagement was. A disciplined lifestyle is an efficient way of living as it allows for a fuller use of time, strikes a balance between mental and physical health and adds to self-confidence. It enables the person to identify an urgency or a spell of difficulty requiring a conscious redistribution of time and resources and visualise the time frame of return to normalcy. This gives a better sense of control in a situation of emergency in personal life which could come to anybody. In business some ups and downs and leaders could ride a crisis instead of getting overwhelmed by it- knew what acourse correctiona was needed. Practitioners of a disciplined lifestyle would also know more easily, what reorganisation of routine should be put in place to tide throughout disruption. There is a beginning of life and there is a destined closure- one should have this ultimate awareness at the back of the mind- and logically therefore, the best life lived is where no time is wasted in aemptinessa. Efficiency, discipline, value of time, purposefulness in life and fulfilment of pursuits are all synonymous with a successful life. A sense of enrichment in material and spiritual terms is what defines a life well-lived and this satisfaction is an individualas own experience not a copy of someone elseas life. This is what makes everybodyas life a unique story that belonged to him or her alone. aEfficiencya converts life into an achievement for it maximises the utility of time, fulfilment of adutya and contribution to the larger cause of humanity. a Vasudhaiva Kutumbakama is a fine gift of Indian Thought- it elevates everybodyas life as a contributor to the supreme cause of human collectivity. Valuing life as oneas unique experience minimises the tendency to vie with someone else and blame others for the non-fulfilment of oneas desires. An objective assessment of oneas strengths and weaknesses, identifying oneas areas of interest and willingness to put in hard work is the recipe for success for any endeavours attempted in life- without the fear of failure putting you down unnecessarily. Optimism free of false notions, can be developed in thought and practice by sticking to a value system and belief in the honesty of oneas effort. Madame Curie, the Nobel Laureate famously said after a lab amishapa that anothing in life is to be feared, it has only to be understooda. A certain level of understanding about life as a finite existence helps to preserve the sanity that was so essential for making a sound decision. Life is a phenomenon of ongoing decision-making, big or small and it should be understood that well-informed decisions are the best guarantee of success. In any situation one is either acting as a leader or merely carrying out what someone else had decided-this holds good for both organisational and family settings. One should be a good leader and a good implementor. Leadership requires decisiveness, initiative and knowledge-based decision-making in place of reliance on any false notions of acharismaa, trustworthiness and transparency. A leader creates an environment within the enterprise that induces every employee to produce his or her best in implementing the organisationas policies. Toyota gained market supremacy in its time by ensuring that the workers on the assembly line conscientiously reported on what was not working perfectly- this was setting a benchmark for those aimplementinga a decision. The worker here was observant, doing the job with full concentration and totally involved in the acollective gooda for the organisation, to be able to provide useful afeedbacka. The leadership of a successful organisation handles the workforce in a manner that information of relevance about the external and internal situation of the enterprise flows in all the time. It believes in the dictum that a nobody knows everything but everybody knows somethinga. Those who carry out orders constitute the bulk of the organisational pyramid and they give off their best if they have an assurance of fair play in credit sharing, believed in organisational ethics and sensed a humane, nurtural and principled response from those at the top. Work-life balance is often a critical factor in determining the quality of life of an individual- one should consciously work for it by linking it to oneas adutya on all fronts and developing a sense of equitability towards those multifarious obligations. (The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau) New Delhi, April 13 : After protests against the Waqf Act in West Bengal turned violent, Hindus are reportedly fleeing from Murshidabad. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, in a post on his X handle, said that more than 400 Hindus have been forced to flee from Dhulian, Murshidabad, cross a river and take shelter in school. He also posted pictures and videos of fleeing Hindus. "More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda," said the BJP leader. Adhikari said in the post that "religious persecution in Bengal is real". "Appeasement politics of TMC has emboldened radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land! Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order,: he further wrote in the post. He urged the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the district, the State Police and the district administration to ensure the safe return of these displaced Hindus and protect their lives from "this jihadist terror". "Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough," he concluded in the post. On Saturday, a special division bench of Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployment in the district Murshidabad while saying that the measures taken by the West Bengal government to control communal unrest in the district during the last few days over protests against the newly promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act were not adequate. The division bench also observed that had the CAPF deployment been done earlier, the situation would not have been so "grave" and "volatile". "The deployment of Central Armed Forces earlier could have de-escalated the situation, as it appears that adequate measures have not been taken in time," the court said. Stressing that the situation is "grave" and "volatile", the division bench also stressed that there is an urgent need to take action against the culprits to arrest the atrocities committed on innocent citizens on a war footing. "Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are in danger," read the order copy. The Court issued the order after a petition was filed by Suvendu Adhikari. He had said that he had requested for urgent intervention of the state government by requisition of the Central Paramilitary Forces, but the same had not been acceded to by the state, forcing him to approach the court. Commenting on the security situation in the state, Amit Malviya, in-charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department, said the morale of the West Bengal Police is at an all-time low. He said this was low, "following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's repeated capitulation to rampaging Islamist mobs". In a post on his X handle, he said, "In fact, they even refused to enter the riot-affected areas of Murshidabad until the BSF arrived. The Director General of Police had to be physically present to coax his own force into action. A similar situation occurred during the Sandeshkhali unrest, where the state's top cop had to intervene personallythough the reasons were different then." "During the RG Kar protests, it was police officers who held press conferences and planted stories to shape the narrative. Every time Mamata Banerjee finds herself cornered, she uses the police as a political shield, as if no other TMC leader is willingor perhaps even allowedto defend her. The rest appear to be nothing more than clerks in Mamata Banerjee's criminal empire. A truly pathetic state of affairs," Malviya said. New Delhi, April 13 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly mocking Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram and "insulting" the Dalit community. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to the social media platform X and shared a video of Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of disparaging Kanshi Ram to elevate SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's legacy. "Akhilesh Yadav first insulted the Kshatriya community by supporting the statement of an SP MP who called Rana Sanga a traitor. Now he is mocking the Dalit community's guide, Kanshi Ram, only to make him look smaller than Mulayam Singh," Malviya wrote. "Now it seems that you have started smelling foul smell from every section of Hindu society. There is no cure for this disease called 'secularism,'" he added. Kanshi Ram, who founded the BSP in 1984, dedicated his life to the upliftment of Dalits and marginalised communities. His political journey was marked by challenges in the early years before gaining wider recognition. The controversy arose after Akhilesh Yadav, while speaking at a recent event, said, "While this is history, it is also true that if anyone had got the founder of Bahujan Samaj Party to the Lok Sabha, then it was the voters of this place who had helped him get to the Lok Sabha. He was unable to win from anywhere." "It is recorded in history that at that time, if anyone had helped the founder of the party, Kanshi Ram, to win, then it was Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and the socialist people who had helped him get to the Lok Sabha," he added. Kanshi Ram was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1991 from Etawah under the SP-BSP alliance, which strategically benefited from the Samajwadi Party not fielding a candidate in Jaswantnagar. The alliance marked a major turning point in Uttar Pradesh politics, uniting backward castes and Dalits against the rising tide of the BJP. However, the alliance collapsed after the infamous 1995 guest house incident, where SP workers allegedly attacked Mayawati. Despite the fallout, Kanshi Ram's Lok Sabha win in 1991 cemented his political legacy and established BSP as a national political force. Mumbai, April 13 : Vishal Gawli, the man accused of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kalyan, Maharashtra, was found dead by suicide in Taloja jail early Sunday morning. Gawli, who had been imprisoned for approximately three and a half months, allegedly hanged himself with a towel in the toilet around 3:30 am. His body has been sent to JJ Hospital for a post-mortem examination, according to the preliminary reports. Kharghar police have confirmed the incident, stating that the accused took his own life inside the jail premises, leaving the police team "shocked." The case against Gawli originated in December 2024, when the young girl went missing from Kalyan. Following a complaint filed by her family, an initial case of kidnapping under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered. Tragically, the girl's body was later discovered, leading to the addition of Section 302 (murder) of the IPC to the charges. During the subsequent investigation, police apprehended Gawli, the primary suspect, from Buldhana. He was held in police custody until January 2, 2025. Authorities also interrogated ten individuals, including relatives and acquaintances of the accused, as part of their inquiry. The investigation revealed that Vishal Gawli had allegedly lured the minor girl to his residence within the Kolsewadi police station jurisdiction in Kalyan, where he sexually assaulted and then brutally murdered her. He is then alleged to have concealed her body in a bag. Gawli, described as having "goon tendencies" and having created "terror in the area where he lived," was a rickshaw puller with a reported history of five previous molestation cases registered against him, according to the sources. Further investigation uncovered the alleged involvement of Gawli's wife, Sakshi, in the disposal of the victim's body. Reports indicate that after informing Sakshi, who works in a private bank, about the crime, the couple decided to dispose of the body together. Gawli allegedly transported the body in a bag in a friend's rickshaw to Bapgaon and discarded it there before fleeing to Buldhana, where he was eventually apprehended by the police. Hyderabad, April 13 : Six-kilometre-long traffic jam was reported on the Srisailam highway in Telangana's Nagakurnool district on Sunday, as a sea of devotees headed for the Saleshwaram Jatara. According to officials, the traffic jam was mainly due to the delay in paying toll tax at Mannanur checkpost in Amrabad mandal. The Forest Department collects the toll from vehicles proceeding to Saleshwaram. The delay led to a six-kilometre-long traffic jam on Srisailam Ghat Road from the checkpost to Siddapur Cross, which caused severe hardships to devotees, including women and children. Volunteers and Forest Department staff were trying to control the traffic. Every year, a jatra is held at the Saleshwaram Lingamayya Swamy temple on the occasion of Chaitra Purnima, the first full moon of the Hindu lunar year. Devotees from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh attend the three-day Saleshwaram jatara, known as Telangana's Amranath yatra. With Sunday being the last day of the jatra, a large number of devotees queued up at the temple. The long traffic jam is also attributed to hundreds of devotees heading to the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple or the Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh. The crowd at Jatara and the Srisaialm temple swelled due to Hanuman Jayanti and a series of holidays. According to officials, many devotees were also trekking to the Saleshwaram Lingamayya Swamy temple, located in the forest and surrounded by hillocks. They were having darshan and making offerings. There are three walkways to the temple, which is believed to have been built in the sixth or seventh century. The temple authorities already urged devotees to cooperate during the yatra. They were warned against carrying plastic covers, water bottles, and other plastic items into the forest. Devotees were advised not to travel alone in the forest. The authorities also imposed a complete ban on alcohol consumption and warned that action would be taken against violators. Since there is a possibility of forest fires in view of the summer, devotees were directed not to carry matchboxes or other items to light the fire. SYDNEY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Australia's prime minister has led tributes to the victims of a stabbing spree at a Sydney shopping center one year on from the tragedy. Sunday marked one year since Joel Cauchi stabbed 16 people at the Bondi Junction shopping center in Sydney's eastern suburbs, killing six and injuring 10. Leaders from government and law enforcement, as well as families and friends of the victims, gathered at the shopping center on Sunday to unveil a memorial and pay their respects. PM Anthony Albanese said in a statement that Australians would "stop" to "remember those whose lives were stolen." "This should not be an anniversary. They should still be here, with their families, friends and communities, with all their hopes, dreams and joys that are the very essence of life," he said. Albanese said that it was a day that "cruelty was met with courage," paying tribute to emergency services personnel and members of the public who rushed to the aid of others. Cauchi was fatally shot by New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott. Following the incident, Albanese granted permanent Australian residency to two men from France and Pakistan who confronted Cauchi during the stabbing spree. Scott was among the attendees at Sunday's ceremony. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement that the attack was "one of the most horrific events in Australian history". "Our hearts are with their families who continue to endure unimaginable grief and do their best to carry on," she said. Chris Minns, the premier of NSW, told Nine Network television that the anniversary is a "harrowing" day for Sydney. The state government of NSW has established a coronial inquest into the attack, which is set to begin on April 28 and run through May 30. It will explore Cauchi's background, movements, whether he had an identifiable motive and the emergency response to the attack. New Delhi, April 13 : Indian drugmakers Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Zydus are recalling several medicines from the US market due to manufacturing-related problems, according to a latest report by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Mumbai-based Glenmark is recalling over 25 products from the US due to deviations from current good manufacturing practices (CGMP). Its US arm, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in New Jersey, is pulling back several medicines, including Propafenone Hydrochloride extended-release capsules and Solifenacin Succinate Tablets. Other recalled medicines include Voriconazole Tablets, Lacosamide Tablets, Frovatriptan Succinate Tablets, and Rufinamide Tablets. The company began this Class II recall on March 13 this year. According to the USFDA, a Class II recall is issued when using the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues. However, the chances of serious health problems are low. Another Indian pharma company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, is also recalling a product in the US. Its US-based unit, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc., has recalled around 13,700 bottles of Gabapentin capsules. These capsules are used to treat and prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. The recall was initiated due to concerns of across-contamination.a This Class III recall started on March 4, 2025. A Class III recall is considered the least serious and is made when the use of a product is not likely to cause harm. Meanwhile, Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Zydus, is recalling 3,144 bottles of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Tablets. These tablets are used for treating mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The USFDA said the recall was due to the presence of an impurity, N-Nitroso-Desmethyl Chlorpromazine, found above the acceptable limit. The company began this Class II recall on April 3. The USFDA regularly monitors the safety and quality of medicines sold in the US and ensures that drugmakers follow strict manufacturing standards. New Delhi, April 13 : India and Nepal have decided to strengthen measures to check cross-border smuggling of gold, narcotics, fake currency notes and other goods such as e-cigarettes, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Sunday. The issue was discussed at the 21st Director-General level talks on Customs Cooperation held between the two countries in Kathmandu on April 10-11. The Indian delegation was led by Abhai Kumar Srivastav, Director-General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, while the Nepali delegation was led by Mahesh Bhattarai, Director-General, Department of Customs, Nepal. It was acknowledged that smuggling of goods has been a common challenge, and both sides looked forward towards cooperation in preventing smuggling across the borders with active engagement and exchange of intelligence. Both nations agreed to take necessary measures to control the unauthorised trade and work in tandem. Nepal is a priority partner of India under its aNeighbourhood Firsta Policy. India accounts for two-thirds of Nepalas exports and is the largest trade partner of Nepal. The bilateral talks on Customs cooperation are an important mechanism to facilitate genuine trade as well as to prevent illicit trade along the border in an interconnected world. The meeting also reviewed progress on MoU on Pre-arrival Exchange of Customs Data and Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES); finalisation of Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA); facilitation of movement of transit cargo under Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS); automation and digitisation of transit processes; upgradation of border infrastructure; knowledge sharing program and support for capacity development, among others. Both sides emphasised on collaborating in areas that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of trade and customs operations across the border that deliver significant economic benefits to both countries. It was mutually agreed to consider new technologies for facilitating trade and preventing smuggling of goods. The meeting concluded on an optimistic note. The Nepali side expressed their gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), for knowledge sharing and capacity enhancement programmes for Nepal Customs officials at different levels, the statement added. New Delhi, April 13 : INS Sunayna, designated as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, has entered the Port of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, as part of India's commitment to further facilitate global maritime cooperation and security. The ship departed from Karwar, Goa, on April 5, carrying 44 naval personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa and entered the Port of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off INS Sunayna from Karwar on April 5 as IOS SAGAR, with 44 personnel from nine friendly foreign navies embarked onboard. The deployment marks a new chapter in maritime cooperation and underscores Indiaas commitment to a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean Region, fostering strong naval partnerships and regional stability. Upon arrival, INS Sunayna received a warm welcome from Rear Admiral A.R. Hassan, Chief of the Tanzanian Navy, Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and International Relations), and Commodore Agyapal Singh, Defence Attache for Tanzania, along with dignitaries from the Indian High Commission and the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF). During this port call, the ship is participating in the harbour phase of Exercise AIKEYME, a significant naval exercise inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Sunday. The exercise focuses on enhancing operational coordination, refining joint strategies, and improving interoperability in maritime operations. Two other Indian Navy ships, INS Chennai (Destroyer) and INS Kesari (Landing Ship Tank - Large), are also participating in the exercise alongside INS Sunayna. The participation of personnel from FFNs aboard INS Sunayna underscores the significance of this initiative in promoting global maritime cooperation. Through such exercises and engagements, the Indian Navy remains committed to advancing collective maritime security, fostering goodwill, and ensuring the free and safe movement of shipping lanes in the region. The ship is scheduled to depart Dar-es-Salaam on April 15, 2025, for its next port of call at Nacala, Mozambique, to continue with the IOS SAGAR mission. Mumbai, April 13 : Karan Singh Tyagi, who is all set to make his big-screen debut with 'Kesari: Chapter 2,' recalled being shocked and angered after watching a documentary in which General Dyer's great-granddaughter defended the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling the peaceful gathering "looters." Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Karan Singh Tyagi, who is all set to make his big-screen debut with 'Kesari: Chapter 2,' recalled being shocked and angered after watching a documentary in which General Dyer's great-granddaughter defended the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling the peaceful gathering "looters." Reacting strongly, Karan stated, "That interview really angered me. She labelled the people who came to Jallianwala as looters. The film is important because you'll be shocked to know that the empire went into overdrive after the massacre. They went to extreme lengths in order to laud General Dyer as a hero." Karan Johar, too, had slammed General Dyer's great-granddaughter, Caroline Dyer's, insensitive comment on victims of the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Addressing the media at a promotional event for the film, the filmmaker said, "Not just as an Indian, not just as a humanitarian, but just like anyone who has even an aorta of empathy, and aorta of humanity within yourself- it will anger you. I don't want to mince my words, I don't want to be diplomatic in my answer, and certainly don't want to beat around the bush when I say- how ridiculous was she to say that and how dare she? She was calling those thousands of people looters? They were innocent people who conglomerated right there for what was meant to be the auspicious day of Baisakhi." Just days ago, Caroline Dyerthe great-granddaughter of General Reginald Dyersparked outrage with her controversial remarks about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Speaking in a documentary, she referred to the unarmed civilians who were killed in the brutal 1919 incident as "looters," stating bluntly that "history is history, and we've got to accept that." Meanwhile, April 13, 2025, will marked the 106th year of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Karan Singh Tyagi believes the story is more relevant than ever. He shared, "The event speaks to the present times that we live in. It's a post-truth world where fake news is rampant. I was fascinated that when people read about the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, the next day, the truth was suppressed." He also highlights how the British went to great lengths to suppress any dissent, attempting to silence every voice that dared to speak out against the massacre. "There were regional newspapers that wanted to report the truth, which got burned down. There's this famous poem written by a survivor called Khooni Baisakhithe British Empire went to great lengths to ban that poem. The Empire started spreading a fake narrative... where the victims were labelled as terrorists... I think it's a fascinating story to bring to the people in 2025." Tyagi also praised Akshay Kumar's performance in the film saying, "He's been incredible in his support for me. I just want the audience to watch the film because I feel this is one of his best performances. He's heard stories from his grandfather, from his father. So he feels a personal connection to the tragedy." "Kesari Chapter 2" is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire, written by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, Nair's great-grandson and his wife. Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, the film is set to release in theatres on April 18. Seoul, April 13 : South Korea and Australia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on key minerals and energy sectors as part of broader efforts to navigate deepening global economic uncertainties, Seoul's finance ministry said Sunday. The consensus was reached during a virtual meeting held Friday between South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. During the meeting, the two ministers shared the view that increasing uncertainty in the global trade environment could negatively impact their trade-dependent economies, Yonhap news agency reported. To address such challenges, they emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation to ensure stable supply chains, particularly in the energy and critical minerals sectors, and agreed to pursue joint efforts through the Group of 20 (G20) and other multilateral cooperative frameworks. "As long-standing close partners, South Korea and Australia have agreed to work together to overcome current challenges. South Korea will continue to maintain close communication with Australia and other key partner nations," the ministry said in a release. Australia is rich in lithium, cobalt, liquefied natural gas and various other kinds of natural resources, and it has great potential in producing clean hydrogen and ammonia based on favorable weather conditions, the ministry said. South Korea seeks to explore new suppliers of major minerals to reduce its heavy reliance on China. New Delhi, April 13 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday urged the construction industry to adopt best practices in sustainability, focus on clean and green construction, and work towards earthquake-resistant and modular infrastructure. Addressing the CAPEXIL's Vibrant Buildcon 2025 event here, he said, "We must aim for audacious goals, ensure our labour force receives fair wages, and innovate continuously. Let there be no doubt - India will lead the world in growth, innovation, and inclusive development." He said that Vibrant Buildcon exemplifies the country's ability to support rapid urbanisation, housing for all, and logistics transformation. "This platform showcases our manufacturing and infrastructure strength, which is crucial to attract global investments and reduce logistics cost," the Union Minister added. He highlighted India's growing strength in the construction ecosystem - from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to domestic manufacturing under 'Make in India'. He underlined the importance of key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, commercial real estate, railways, airports, highways, and energy. "Every element, from cement and electrical equipment to security systems and automation, plays a part in this ecosystem," the minister remarked. He further stated that rapid infrastructure development has taken place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the conceptualisation of world-class convention centres like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, both of which were built during the pandemic. "These state-of-the-art venues have hosted global events such as the G20 Summit, BharatTex, Bharat Mobility and Startup Mahakumbh," he pointed out. The Minister listed several major government initiatives, including 20 new smart industrial cities, improved tourism infrastructure across 50 destinations, and 100 new industrial plug-and-play hubs. "If we are to move from a $4 trillion economy today to a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047, every citizen must contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047," he said. He noted that today India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. "Vibrant Buildcon is only the beginning of the transformation of our construction ecosystem under one umbrella," Union Minister Goyal said. Greeting the gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi, the Union Minister talked about the role of farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that despite global disruptions, India ensured uninterrupted food distribution, month after month. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, even during the peak of the pandemic, India continued its mission of feeding the poor and bringing millions out of deprivation," he added. New Delhi, April 13 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of being habitual exploiters of Dalits and other marginalised communities, during a key address at the 'Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samman Abhiyan' workshop held in Lucknow. "These parties which preach social justice are the same ones that, in practice, deprive Dalits of their basic rights," said CM Yogi. "Whenever there's an illegal encroachment on Dalit huts or land, you'll find their people behind it. It is these very parties that occupy land meant for the poor. But today, under our government, strict action is being taken to protect the marginalised." Referring to a disturbing incident in West Bengal's Murshidabad, the Chief Minister added, "Three Hindu individuals were brutally killed and their homes demolished, yet those raising slogans of equality and justice stay silent when the truth doesn't suit their narrative." He highlighted how the opposition consistently disrespected icons of Indian history and unity. "They glorify Aurangzeb in Maharashtra and insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. They choose to honour Jinnah while we celebrate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with 'Run for Unity'," he said, alleging that the SP had once celebrated Jinnah on Patel's birth anniversary. He further accused these parties of using the Constitution as a political tool. "Before elections, they walk around with printed copies of the Constitution, pretending to protect it, yet these are the same people who conspired to defeat Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1952 and 1954," said Yogi, recalling how Ambedkar, who faced political sabotage, was denied a parliamentary seat. "In 1952, they ensured Babasaheb lost by 78,000 votes. Again in 1954, Nehru himself campaigned against him. That's the legacy of these parties," he asserted. As the 10-day state-wide awareness campaign progresses, the Chief Minister positioned it as a movement to "expose the DNA of those who historically insulted great leaders from Shivaji to Ambedkar, from Patel to Maharana Pratap." Kolkata, April 13 : Two BJP Lok Sabha members from West Bengal, on Sunday, wrote separate letters to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking intervention in the prevailing tension in Murshidabad district which has been on the boil for the last few days after protests against the recently promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent and targetted Hindus. The two MPs who wrote letters to HM Shah are Jagannath Sarkar from the Ranaghat Lok Sabha constituency in the Nadia district and Jyotirmay Singh Mahato from the Purulia constituency. In his letter to the Union Home Minister, Sarkar accused the state administration in West Bengal of remaining silent when the tension broke out. Sarkar's points in the letter were echoes of the observations made by a special division bench of Calcutta High Court on Saturday evening that measures taken by the West Bengal government to control communal unrest in the Murshidabad district during the last few days were not adequate. While ordering the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in Murshidabad, the special division bench also observed that had the CAPF deployment been earlier, the situation would not have been so "grave" and "volatile". In his letter, Sarkar also requested HM Shah to deploy a high-level "investigating and monitoring" team from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to assess the ground realities in Murshidabad and other troubled pockets in the state. Jyotirmay Singh Mahato, in his letter to HM Shah, claimed that the fear, isolation, and targeted violence that Bengali Hindus in these districts are facing currently "echoes the Kashmiri Pandit exodus" in the 1990s. "The tragic silence of the administration, deliberate targeting of a religious community, propaganda-driven unrest are all too familiar," Mahato said in the letter. He also urged the Union Home Minister to consider declaring the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain districts in West Bengal which are having International Borders with Bangladesh, namely Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas, under Section 3 of the AFSPA Act, 1958. Jammu, April 13 : The joint security forces have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the three terrorists killed during the three-day anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. Officials said, "The joint forces recovered 1 M4 Rifle, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 11 Magazines, 65 Bullets M4 and 56 bullets AK 47 along with caps, medicines, first aid material and socks. This is the arms and ammunition that was recovered from three terrorists killed by the Army in the Chattroo Naidgam Kishtwar encounter on Saturday." The security forces had started an intelligence-backed operation in the Chatroo area of the Kishtwar district. On the second day of the operation, one terrorist was killed, while on the third day, two more terrorists were killed, including the top commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, Saifullah. It must be recalled that on March 23, five terrorists were spotted in the Sanyal village of the Kathua district. The village is only 4 km away from the International Border. It was believed that these five terrorists had infiltrated into the Indian side of the border. A police team immediately reached Sanyal village, from where the terrorists escaped to Safiyan Jakhole village, where an encounter occurred between the police team and the terrorists. Two terrorists were killed in that encounter, while four policemen were martyred. Deputy SP (Border) was among the three injured policemen in that encounter. Immediately after the incident, joint forces started a 'seek and destroy' operation in the area. The anti-terrorist operation was extended to higher reaches of the Kathua and Rajouri districts. The forces started two more operations in the Udhampur and Kishtwar districts. While the Udhampur operation is still going on, three terrorists were killed in the Kishtwar operation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar on April 8. The meeting was attended by J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director Intelligence Bureau, Chief of Army, GoCs of all the corps in J&K, chiefs of paramilitary forces, state DGP and heads of local intelligence agencies. HM Amit Shah gave orders at the security review meeting to eradicate terrorism completely from the union territory and ensure zero tolerance for terrorism with a special focus on the Jammu division. New Delhi, April 13 : Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has gifted his bat to pace-bowling woman all-rounder Kashvee Gautam ahead of her potential India debut. Pandya met Kashvee during the Women's Premier League (WPL) match against Mumbai Indians and promised to send a bat for her after he came to know that the Gujarat Giants player idolizes him. She had even written HP33 on her bat. Kashvee made her WPL debut in the 2025 season with Gujarat Giants and played nine matches. She claimed 11 wickets and also scored 43 runs. The 21-year-old was the leading wicket-taker for her franchise in the tournament. Her performance bagged her maiden India call-up for the tri-nation One-day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka and South Africa starting at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on April 27. India will take on Sri Lanka women in the opening match on April 27. Kashvee's second meeting with Pandya happened at the Arun Jaitely Stadium here ahead of the Mumbai Indians' Sunday match against the Delhi Capitals. The MI captain congratulated Kashvee for her maiden call-up and wished her luck for the future. For Pandya, the ongoing IPL season has been in turmoil so far with MI managing only one win in four matches. The side is currently placed at the penultimate spot in the points table with two points. Mumbai Indians suffered a 12-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium earlier this week. They will look to turn around their fortunes in the clash against Delhi Capitals on Sunday evening. On the other hand, the Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals have been on a roll with four successive wins in as many games. The only unbeaten team in the league so far, they are placed at the top of the table with eight points, ahead of Gujarat Titans, thanks to a dominating 1.278 net run rate. In their last match, KL Rahul's unbeaten 93 powered Delhi Capitals to an emphatic six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text URUMQI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Chen Wenqing has urged full and sound implementation of the Party's policies for the governance of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the new era. Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour in Xinjiang between Thursday and Sunday. During the tour, Chen learned about local efforts to counter and prevent terrorism and maintain stability, among others. He stressed the importance of advancing such efforts on a regular basis to ensure zero violent terrorist crime cases in the region and rooting out the breeding ground for religious extremism in accordance with the law. He also urged efforts to guarantee sound employment for relevant groups, strengthen border management and control, and guide people from various ethnic groups to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, among other efforts. New Delhi, April 13 : CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah on Sunday came down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging a total breakdown of law and order in the state in the wake of the recent Murshidabad violence and the police crackdown on protesting teachers. Referring to the clashes during protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad, Mollah told IANS, "Protests are being held at different places in the country regarding the new amendment bill of this Waqf Board, but the protests have become violent there. It is the responsibility of the Mamata Banerjee government to stop this violence." "There is nothing in the name of law and order in Mamata government; bloodshed is happening, women are being raped, police is lathi-charging people," he said. Highlighting that three people have died and several policemen were injured in the Murshidabad violence, Mollah called the incident "very condemnable," which he claimed could have been prevented by the state government but was not. "Maybe that is why now the court has ordered that paramilitary forces be deployed to normalise the situation," he said, criticising the government's response. "West Bengal has witnessed a continuous deterioration of law and order during Mamata Banerjee's tenure. There is bloodshed and riots every day," he alleged. Turning his attention to the recent case of police action against protesting school staff, Mollah denounced the use of force. He said the police had allegedly lathi-charged teachers and non-teaching staff whose jobs were recently terminated following a Supreme Court division bench order. The protest, which turned violent on Wednesday, saw several participants injured after being hit by police batons. A police official, Das, was even captured on camera allegedly kicking a protester. "The police are kicking the teachers, insulting them. So, the way it should have been handled there is clear to him. It is Mamata Banerjee's responsibility to handle it properly. We want the protest to be peaceful. If it becomes violent, the government gets an opportunity to attack it," Mollah said. "The protests should be peaceful, but Mamata Banerjee is trying to cover up her weakness and failure," he added. Bengaluru, April 13 : The All-India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha's Karnataka state president, Shankar Bidari, on Sunday said the controversial caste census report, presented by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka, was unacceptable. Speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, Bidari said the report does not provide accurate information regarding the population of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. According to the report, the population of the community is shown as 66 lakh. However, he claimed that the actual population, when all sub-castes are considered, is around three crore in the state. "We will not accept this report under any circumstances. We will appeal to the government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to conduct a fresh caste census in the state," Bidari said. The organisation is one of the most influential community groups in Karnataka, as the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of elections in nearly 150 Assembly out of the total 224 constituencies. Commenting on the issue on Sunday, Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil said the population of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community is not around 70 lakh, as stated in the report, but is actually more than one crore. "I have obtained a copy of the caste census report. I will need to go through it thoroughly before making any comments. Once I have studied the report, I will share my views at the special cabinet meeting scheduled for April 17," Patil said. "We need to clarify the doubts and discuss the matter in the cabinet. To avail of reservation benefits, many sub-castes do not officially record themselves as belonging to the Lingayat community. Such facts must be taken into account. The matter will be discussed, and there will be no conflict," he added. The census report lists the Lingayat community population at 66.35 lakh, comprising 11.09 per cent -- lower than the Muslim population. Currently, the Lingayat community is considered the largest in the state, with 17 per cent of the population. The controversial caste census report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka has pegged the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 per cent and recommends 8 per cent reservation for the community, sources confirmed on Sunday. The Muslims are currently getting four per cent reservation in the state. The caste census report was submitted to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and the state government is convening a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to decide on the report's recommendations. However, no official statement has been issued to the media regarding the report's contents. Nonetheless, details presented in the cabinet meeting have surfaced in the public domain. In 2014, Siddaramaiah (during his first tenure as the Chief Minister) ordered the Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Census. A committee headed by the then Backward Classes Commission Chairman, H. Kantharaju, did the survey at a cost of around Rs 169 crore. The report was ready by 2016; it was, however, put in cold storage by subsequent governments. Chennai, April 13 : Newly elected BJP Tamil Nadu President Nainar Nagendran has said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would unseat the ruling DMK in the 2026 state Assembly elections. In a post on X on Sunday, Nagendran responded to critics who described the BJP-AIADMK alliance as "incompatible", stating, "This alliance is indeed incompatible but only for the DMK. It is this alliance that will bring an end to the exploitative regime of @mkstalin, which has burdened the people of Tamil Nadu. This alliance will uproot a government that has appointed those who disrespected the dignity of Tamil Nadu's women as ministers." He added, "Don't panic, Mr. Stalin. You still have one year left in office. But no one can change the verdict the people are going to deliver." Nagendran's remarks came a day after his formal election as the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit president on Saturday. The announcement was made during a party meeting in Chennai, where Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh declared him duly elected. Outgoing president K. Annamalai, in his address, stated that the party's goal was clear - to "dislodge the evil shakti" of the DMK and return good governance to the state. Referring to the BJP's renewed alliance with the AIADMK, Annamalai said, "The path is now clear, and the choice of Nagendran was unanimous." Nagendran's elevation comes at a politically significant juncture as the BJP and AIADMK draw closer ahead of the 2026 polls. A seasoned political figure, the 64-year-old leader began his career with the AIADMK and was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Tirunelveli in 2001. He served as Minister for Transport, Industries, and Electricity in the Jayalalithaa-led government between 2001 and 2006. Though re-elected in 2011, he was not inducted into the Cabinet and narrowly lost the Tirunelveli seat in both 2006 and 2016. Following the demise of Jayalalithaa in 2016, Nagendran joined the BJP. He reclaimed the Tirunelveli seat in the 2021 Assembly elections and was appointed the BJP Legislature Party Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also contested the Lok Sabha elections from Ramanathapuram in 2019 and Tirunelveli in 2024 but lost on both occasions. Kolkata, April 13 : West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has sent a communique to the Ministry of Home Affairs giving updates on the current situation in Murshidabad, which has been on the boil for the last few days after protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. In the communique, the Governor provided the details of what happened in Murshidabad during the last few days, and also how tension flared up in certain pockets of the district, according to sources in Raj Bhavan. The sources said that the communique was based on information collected by the Governor's core team and details passed down to his office from the state secretariat. It is learnt that the communique also contains the details of the confidential communication between the Governor and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the prevailing situation. Meanwhile, the state government has decided to depute 23 police officers currently posted in different districts of West Bengal, with special skills and proven track records in handling law and order situations in such cases, to Murshidabad. The team will be operating from Murshidabad till the situation becomes normal. Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar has already reached Murshidabad district, coordinating with the district administration and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel over the prevailing situation. Inspector General (South Bengal Frontier) of Border Security Force K. S. Shekhawat also reached Murshidabad on Sunday. The CAPF personnel also conducted route marches at different troubled pockets in the state on Sunday morning. The CAPF personnel have been deployed in Murshidabad with special concentration on nine especially sensitive pockets following an order of a special division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Saturday evening. The total number of arrests till Sunday afternoon is 150. The death toll because of the violence has reportedly increased to four. Chennai, April 13 : A pastor from Coimbatore, who had been absconding after being accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls, was arrested by a special team of the Tamil Nadu Police and remanded to judicial custody till April 25. The accused, John Jebaraj (37), a pastor of Kings Generation Church located on Cross Cut Road in Coimbatore, was apprehended from Munnar in Kerala, where he had been hiding to evade arrest. Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar tracked him down and brought him back to Coimbatore on Sunday. He was booked by the All Women Police Station, Coimbatore Central, under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following allegations of sexual assault on two girls aged 17 and 14. The incident allegedly took place on May 21, 2024, during a function at Jebaraj's residence in GN Mills. One of the victims, adopted by the pastor's father-in-law, reportedly confided in a relative about the trauma she underwent, leading to the filing of the complaint. The second victim, aged 14, is said to be the pastor's neighbour. Jebaraj, known for his Christian devotional concerts and significant youth following on social media, was associated with Levi Ministries, a prominent Christian organisation. As the pastor remained untraceable after the case was registered, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar constituted three special teams under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police T. H. Ganesh to track him. A lookout notice was also issued to prevent him from fleeing the country. Following his arrest, Jebaraj was taken to the Gandhipuram Central Women's Police Station for interrogation. Later, he was produced before a judicial magistrate and remanded to custody until April 25. New Delhi, April 13 : Tahawwur Rana is currently being interrogated by the NIA, and the entire nation -- even Pakistan -- is waiting to hear what he reveals or confesses. His links to Pakistan and the involvement of its state actors are well-known, but the 26/11 conspiracy is not just about that country. It is equally important to uncover who within India enabled these acts. Who were the traitors? Even if it comes 16 years later, those who aided this horrific attack must be identified and exposed. Rana's interrogation is expected to add crucial details to the investigation and potentially identify the names and agencies behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This could significantly strengthen India's case against Pakistan. However, what is most eagerly awaited is information about the support Rana and his team may have received within India. It is difficult to accept the theory -- as claimed by the state and central governments in 2008 -- that the attackers had no local assistance. Is it possible for individuals who have never been to a country to execute such precise and coordinated attacks without any local help? Investigations so far suggest that Rana and his associate, Daood Gilani, alias David Coleman Headley, conducted reconnaissance and prepared detailed plans, which were followed meticulously by the ten Pakistani attackers. These terrorists hijacked the fishing boat, 'Kuber,' killed four of its crew members, and forced its captain, Amar Singh Solanki, to steer the vessel carrying ten Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives to the shores of Mumbai. After reaching the coast, Solanki was killed, and the terrorists entered Mumbai, launching an unprecedented assault on India's financial capital. On the night of November 26, 2008, ten heavily armed Pakistani terrorists struck simultaneously at five key locations in Mumbai, killing around 140 Indians and 25 foreign nationals. Their targets included two luxury hotels, a Jewish cultural centre, a popular cafe frequented by Western tourists, and Mumbai's main railway station -- CST -- where the highest number of casualties occurred. Is it possible to carry out such an attack without any local support? This question was raised even back then, but clear answers are still lacking. Mumbai Police had maintained that the role of local elements in the attack was limited to two alleged Indian Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives -- Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. However, both were acquitted by a special court on May 3, 2010, and the Bombay High Court upheld their acquittal on February 21, 2011. If they were not the local collaborators, then who were? Why did the Mumbai Police fail to uncover them? In February 2009, BJP leader L.K. Advani, while speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President's address, criticised the investigation as incomplete. He called it "shameful" that the Mumbai Police gave a clean chit regarding any local involvement and demanded a judicial probe into the attacks. The then Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, also criticised the UPA government, accusing it of making a half-hearted attempt to uncover the full conspiracy behind the Mumbai terror attacks. Modi argued that Pakistan could not have executed the attacks without local support, but the government failed to identify these collaborators. In response, the Centre dismissed calls for a judicial commission to probe the local angle. Then Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram even mocked Modi's remarks, suggesting sarcastically that since both Pakistan and Modi were raising the same point about local involvement, someone should check if they were in touch with each other. Such a response was seen by many as an attempt to deflect a serious question -- one that continues to perplex the nation. Why the then-government did not thoroughly investigate the local angle remains baffling and raises several questions. It is difficult to believe that such a meticulously planned attack could have been executed without any support from within India. Moreover, there were intelligence inputs about a possible attack via the sea route -- a fact that was raised in Parliament by the Opposition in 2009. Interestingly, in testimony before the US House Homeland Security Committee on June 12, 2013, RAND Corporation, a leading US think-tank, stated that the 26/11 attackers "relied upon crucial domestic assistance" despite being of Pakistani origin. The international community is well aware of the key Pakistani perpetrators -- Hafiz Saeed, founder of LeT; Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, LeT's operational commander; Sajid Majid; Illyas Kashmiri; Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed (aka Major Abdur Rehman or Pasha); Major Iqbal (alias Major Ali); and Major Sameer Ali (alias Major Samir) -- all believed to have been involved in planning, funding, and executing the attack. And then, there are the names of Tahawwur Rana and David Headley. Rana's interrogation may lead to more revelations -- possibly names from Pakistan, Canada, or the US -- but the 26/11 conspiracy is beyond Pakistan. The conspiracy is also about the traitors in India who helped the perpetrators unleash terror and kill innocent people. It is time that those faces be unmasked and brought to justice. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Chennai, April 13 : Former Kerala government pleader, P.G. Manu, who was facing multiple charges of rape, died by suicide on Sunday. He was found hanging at his rented residence in Anandavalleeswaram, Kollam, just days after a video of him apologising to a woman went viral on social media. Manu had been released on bail in a case where he was accused of repeatedly raping a female client. While out on bail, another woman came forward alleging that Manu had sexually assaulted her as well. A video that recently surfaced showed Manu visiting the home of the first complainant along with his family, where he was seen apologising to her. According to the initial complaint, the first rape survivor had approached Manu in 2018 for legal assistance. She alleged that on October 9, 2023, he raped her at his office under the pretext of discussing her case. She also claimed that he sexually assaulted her again on October 24 and 29, and that he took explicit photographs and videos of her without consent. Based on her allegations, Manu was charged under Sections 376 (rape), 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Following the registration of the case, Manu resigned from his post as government pleader. His attempts to obtain anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful. He was arrested in January 2023 after evading the police for 60 days and subsequently spent 50 days in judicial custody. He was granted bail in March 2023, with strict conditions -- including a prohibition on engaging in any further criminal activity. However, last week, another video emerged in which a man confronted Manu, accusing him of raping his wife, who had also sought legal advice from the former pleader. The video showed the man berating Manu, and reports suggested that a formal police complaint was imminent. A new case would have likely led to his re-arrest, as it would have violated the conditions of his bail. Manu's death brings a tragic end to a case that had already sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity in Kerala. Dhaka, April 13 : Bangladesh court on Sunday issued arrest warrants against 51 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and her sister Sheikh Rehana, in three separate cases filed over irregularities in plot allocation in the Purbachal New Town project. The local media reported that the court also issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Rehana's children, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, Azmina Siddiq, and UK Member of Parliament Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, in separate cases in the plot allocation case. The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge of Dhaka, Zakir Hossain Galib, passed the order after taking into cognisance the charge sheets submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The local media report said that the court has directed the submission of a progress report on the execution of the arrest by April 27. Earlier this week, the same Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant against 18 people, including Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, in a case filed on allegations of corruption in a plot allotment under the same project. The former Prime Minister has been accused in a total of six cases on allegations of irregularities in plot allocation under the Purbachal New Town project. Meanwhile, a tribunal of Bangladesh has also issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina and four others, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, on alleged mass killing at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka in 2013. In January, a special tribunal in Dhaka issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 other people over incidents of enforced disappearances. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had to flee the country in an ignominious manner and seek refuge in India on August 5. While addressing the Awami League supporters online from India in February, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh accused the Yunus-led interim government of turning the nation into an alleged hub of "terrorism" and "lawlessness". President Donald Trump's trade diplomacy will overhaul globalization and trade for the first time since the second world war. No one has been spared, friends, allies, enemies and competitors have all felt the brunt in varying degrees as a huge reset looms globally. The White House has initiated only a handful of serious negotiations so far with Vietnam, India, South Korea and Japan prioritizing existing trade partners that are strategic to countering China. Europe is undergoing its own trial by fire with a war at its doorstep, a volatile White House and serious doubts about the future of NATO. In this scenario, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni prepares to visit the US on the 17th of April. Meloni, known as the "Trump whisperer", will be widely expected to try and negotiate a mutually acceptable plan for Europe and Italy. Meloni remains convinced that it is in Italy's and Europe's best interests to maintain and strengthen the transatlantic partnership which has been a bulwark of Europe's post-World War II foreign policy. While most European leaders, even those that do not back Meloni, hope that she will return with an acceptable deal, some like Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have preferred to visit China in order to try and pacify Xi Jinping only to be asked to join it to counter "tariff bullying". Curiously, the only country not affected by President Trump's tariffs is Russia, which is already heavily sanctioned and with whom Trump is hoping to finalise a deal which will stop Russia's war on Ukraine as well as receive Russia's support to broker a deal in the Middle East. While engaging in tariff warfare, Trump has opened indirect negotiations with Iran in Oman and there is a strong diplomatic exchange with Russia to negotiate on a cessation of hostilities. While Meloni prepares to visit the White House, her first visit after her presence at Trump's inauguration, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani visited Delhi on 11-12th April. Tajani will visit Japan for the inauguration of Italy's Pavilion at Expo Osaka. As his Prime Minister works on the transatlantic alliance, Tajani consolidates relations with India and Japan, two important allies which form a part of Italy's Indo-Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific strategic depth. In 2021, Italy-India-Japan launched a trilateral to encourage Indo-Pacific security and economic stability. Italy and Japan have a longstanding strategic alliance. Tajani's bilateral visit to Delhi was immensely successful. He also called on President Droupadi Murmu. This is an honor usually reserved for heads of government. This shows how much importance, the Indian side placed on the India-Italy ties and Tajani's visit. The bilateral visit included the India-Italy Business, Science and Technology Forum where over 400 companies gathered under the leadership of Ministers Tajani, S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal and Anna Maria Bernini to underline cooperation in Industry 4.0, Innovation, Cleantech and Infrastructure. Italy also announced the start of an innovation hub at its consulate in Bangalore as well as a space attache who would join the Embassy in Delhi. Tajani was accompanied by Anna Maria Bernini, Italy's Minister of Education, underlining a new chapter in cooperation in education and research, initiating mutual recognition of educational credentials and giving impetus to joint research projects. Apart from trade and innovation, Italy's new Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli, also focused on people to people, cultural and sport diplomacy. Ministers Tajani and Jaishankar also visited the painting of Caravaggio, the 17th century Italian artist at the Italian Cultural Centre and an exhibition of Roman mosaics and Italian textiles was inaugurated during the visit. The ancient links between Rome and India are not just being spoken about but also being demonstrated as with India held in early March in Delhi, exhibiting Italy's ancient wine culture. While Tajani announced a reciprocal Trade summit in Brescia, the most important announcement was probably an India-Middle East-Europe Economic corridor (IMEC) summit in Trieste in the second half of 2025. Italy was one of the founding signatories of IMEC at the G20 summit in New Delhi but has lagged behind since. With the recent appointment of veteran diplomat Francesco Maria Talo as its special Envoy, this summit will bring together ministers of all IMEC countries (US, India, Israel, Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany and EU) in Trieste which is a natural choice for IMEC to reach the industrial heart of Europe. Ambassador Talo was the diplomatic advisor to Prime Minister Meloni during her trip to India for G20, another demonstration of the importance Italy places on IMEC. IMEC is also key for Europe now as India's role as a connector with ASEAN countries gains further importance. The recent Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit shows immense potential that India will become a hub for trade between Europe-Middle East-Bay of Bengal-ASEAN. IMEC towards the west and new trade routes towards the east under the umbrella of BIMSTEC, create stability, provide protection and shortening trade routes for like-minded partners. Tajani's visit has underlined that the Meloni government supports India's rise as a pillar of the confluence of seas both in the Indo-Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific as a hub for trade and leadership of the global south. Italy considers India a true ally and the "Melodi" partnership is here to stay. True to its ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Bharat, that is India, should drop duties and tariffs on select goods which will be a goodwill gesture to Italy and Europe in a truly volatile chapter in geopolitics. In an age where "the only certainty is uncertainty", India could be that certainty, that lighthouse which guides its allies to safety. (The writer is the Chief Representative for Italy of the Indian Chamber of Commerce. He is an Italian entrepreneur and journalist of Indian origin and the founder of the Indo-Mediterranean Initiative (cnky.in). (The Opinion expressed in the above article are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect the IANS' views) Gurugram, April 13 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Sunday that Guru Gobind Singh instilled the spirit of living with courage and sacrifice in people by establishing the Khalsa Panth on April 13, 1699. He gave a new direction to the society by combining bravery and heroic spirit with spiritual thinking. The Chief Minister was speaking at Gurdwara Sadh Sangat, South City-I, Gurugram, on the occasion of Baisakhi. On this occasion, Chief Minister Saini paid obeisance at the gurdwara and congratulated everyone on this auspicious day. He said that Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth in 1699 on the day of Baisakhi to fight injustice and oppression. At that time, the country was ruled by the Mughals. They were inflicting severe atrocities on the people and they were being forced to convert. The society was divided on the basis of caste and religion. At that time, Guru Gobind Singh performed such a miracle which no ordinary man could do. He inspired people to make every kind of sacrifice to protect their religion and honour. He said that while laying the foundation of Khalsa Panth, Guru Gobind Singh had included 'Panj Pyaras' from five different castes and five different regions of the country and then he ended the discrimination by giving Amrit to all of them from the same vessel. He never accepted the discrimination between humans on the basis of language, caste and religion. The Chief Minister said state-level events were organised to commemorate the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019 and the 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh in 2017. The 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Teg Bahadur was celebrated in 2022 wherein a state-level function was organised on the historical land of Panipat. "The Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, constructed the Kartarpur Corridor so that the Sikh community can visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan where Guru Nanak Dev spent a large part of his life," CM Saini said. "Haryana government also transferred land of an educational institute located adjacent to Gurdwara Chilla Sahib in Sirsa to the gurdwara management committee, fulfilling its long-standing demand. Guru Nanak Dev ji had meditated there for 40 days and stayed in Sirsa," he added. He said the Gurugram gurdwara started in 2000 on a small piece of land but with the blessings of Gurus, it has become big today and it will become even more grand in the future. He added that whatever demands have been put forward by the gurdwara management before him, these will be fulfilled soon, including the demand for additional land. The Chief Minister also announced a Rs 21 lakh grant for the gurdwara. He said noble service was being done by the gurdwara at the wellness centre being run by it as a large number of poor patients visit its OPD daily and get treatment. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is being continuously developed and that's why visiting gurdwaras like Hemkunt Sahib has become a lot easier today. Prime Minister will be coming to Haryana on April 14 to inaugurate Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar and lay the foundation stone of the third unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar," he added. HANOI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam should uphold their traditional friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood" and join hands to tackle global challenges, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei has said. Such a bond is the most vivid reflection of the traditional friendship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and between the two countries, the ambassador told Xinhua in an interview ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday. Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Vietnam should follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and strengthen the foundation of their bilateral relations with high-level political mutual trust, high-quality practical cooperation and in-depth people-to-people exchanges, so as to inject more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability and development, he said. The ambassador said the two countries' traditional friendship has laid a solid foundation for their struggles for national independence and liberation, and has also injected strong momentum into consolidating and deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation, assuring the stability for both countries in responding to a complex and volatile international landscape. He noted that the top leaders of the two parties have in recent years maintained frequent interactions, charting the course for China-Vietnam relations. This has played a strategic role in advancing the relations between the two parties and the two countries, he added. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, paid a historic visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, marking a new stage in their bilateral relations. To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, visited China in his first overseas trip after taking office, further strengthening bilateral ties. The Chinese ambassador noted that China and Vietnam, as partners treading the path of reform and of modernization, view each other's development as a significant opportunity. With both countries jointly embarking on the new journey to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, their practical cooperation has also entered a fast track focusing on quality improvement and upgrading, He said. He pointed out that China was Vietnam's largest trading partner in over 20 consecutive years, and for years Vietnam has been China's largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Take agricultural products. The ambassador said that high-quality Vietnamese products such as coffee and fresh coconuts are highly popular among Chinese consumers, and over 90 percent of Vietnam's durian exports go to China. Last year, China led in the number of newly registered investment projects in Vietnam, He said, noting that the Chinese-built Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line, Vietnam's first urban light rail line, has provided convenience for local commuters, and the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant processes 60 percent of Hanoi's daily household waste. Emphasizing the people-to-people bond and strong cultural links between the two countries, He said leaders of the two parties agreed on making this year the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, reflecting their deep commitment and high expectations for reinforcing the foundation of public support in both countries. Through a series of activities, the bond between the two peoples will become even closer, and the public support for bilateral relations will become increasingly robust, said the ambassador. As the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and is entering a new period of turbulence, the United States, in particular, has recently dealt a heavy blow to global and regional economic order by weaponizing tariffs to exert maximum pressure, He said. In the face of these challenges, the ambassador said China and Vietnam should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation and inject more certainty and stability into the region. This is not only an essential aspect of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance but also a necessary step to promote regional cooperation and development, He said. Bhopal, April 13 : Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, has called upon the Madhya Pradesh government to breathe new life into the dormant cooperative systems neglected under the previous Congress regime. Speaking in Bhopal on Sunday, he asserted the need to ensure that at least 50 per cent of villages in the state establish functioning milk cooperatives. With fervent admiration, Union Minister Shah lauded the state's partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), forged on Sunday to elevate milk cooperative networks and revolutionise the dairy industry. Addressing the gathering, HM Shah lamented the fact that while Madhya Pradesh boasts a daily milk production of 3.3 crore litres, only 17 per cent of villages have access to cooperative milk collection facilities. He observed, with concern, that a mere 2.5 per cent of this milk reaches cooperatives. The newly minted agreement between Madhya Pradesh and NDDB has opened promising avenues for expanding cooperative coverage to 83 per cent of villages, thereby unlocking untapped potential. Despite the urban milk demand of 1.20 crore litres daily, farmers have yet to reap equitable profits -- a predicament the agreement seeks to remedy within the next five years by targeting the establishment of cooperatives in half of the state's villages. The Union Home Minister underscored the importance of increasing the number of the existing 7,000 rural milk cooperatives, which demand substantial enhancement to broaden their reach and efficacy. He assured unwavering support from the Central Government to aid Madhya Pradesh in this transformative journey. Moreover, HM Shah termed this moment as a golden opportunity to rejuvenate defunct cooperatives from past regimes, setting ambitious targets to bolster milk production, particularly through processed milk products such as cheese and paneer. He also criticised previous Congress governments, which saw stagnation in cooperative movements marred by administrative neglect and defunct systems. "For decades, legal reforms were neglected, leaving the cooperative sector languishing without proper institutional support. It was only under the stewardship of the Modi government that the Ministry of Cooperation was established, seventy-five years after Independence, paving the way for landmark reforms such as model bylaws. The nationwide adoption of these bylaws has infused new vitality into primary cooperative societies. Today, these societies -- once limited to providing short-term agricultural loans -- have diversified their operations, including managing medical services, petrol pumps, railway ticketing, and electricity bill payments," the Home Minister said. Madhya Pradesh leads the nation in computerising Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), linking them to NABARD and other institutions, fostering inclusive growth across linguistic and cultural divides. As the state embarks on this ambitious journey on Sunday by inking the deal with NDDB, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the state's determination to double milk processing capacity within five years, thereby empowering dairy producers and strengthening their cooperatives. The Chief Minister noted that the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has already approved the agreement, which will span an initial period of five years, with an option for extension based on mutual consent. This collaboration with NDDB, armed with a budget allocation of Rs 1,447 crore, marks a new dawn for the dairy sector-- a mission poised to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and usher in an era of prosperity. Hubballi : , April 13 (IANS) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, on Sunday, alleged that "fake Gandhis" conspired to prevent the centenary celebrations of B.R. Ambedkar's visit to Nippani town in Karnataka. Speaking at the BJP-organised 'Bheem Hejje Centenary Celebrations', an awareness programme event in Hubballi, Union Minister Joshi accused the Congress high command of instructing the state government to halt events meant to honour Ambedkar. The Union Minister demanded that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge apologise to the Dalit community for the Congress-led state government's failure to celebrate the Bheem Hejje centenary. He said, "This lapse may have been due to some pressure. For that, they must seek forgiveness from the nation and assure that going forward, they will organise programmes to honour Ambedkar without any shortcomings." The Union Minister urged Mallikarjun Kharge to apologise on behalf of the nation for failing to respect the Constitution authored by Ambedkar and his unparalleled contributions and sacrifices. He advised that the Congress President should issue directions to all Congress-led governments to ensure Ambedkar-related events are celebrated with due respect. Taking a jab at the state government, Union Minister Joshi said that even though Mallikarjun Kharge is the Congress President, his word holds no weight in the Congress dominated by "fake Gandhis". He added that the same situation prevails in the state government as well. Union Minister Joshi reiterated that the state must first apologise to the community for not celebrating the centenary of Bheem Hejje. He asserted that it was the NDA government that developed Deeksha Bhoomi, where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism -- not the Congress, which, he said, is filled with fake Gandhis. He criticised Minister Priyank Kharge, saying he was unaware of historical facts. He also slammed the Congress, saying that former PMs, late Indira Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru, declared themselves Bharat Ratna recipients, but never gave the honour to Ambedkar. "They didn't even allocate land for an Ambedkar memorial in Delhi. Don't the Congress leaders feel ashamed?" he asked. He noted that the Congress-led state government celebrated Mahatma Gandhi's centenary visit to Belagavi. "It seemed more like a Congress party gathering funded by public money. Still, it was good that they remembered Gandhi's visit." "But the same Belagavi district, where Ambedkar had visited Nippani a hundred years ago, saw no such commemoration -- thanks to the influence of fake Gandhian narratives," Union Minister Joshi said, expressing disappointment with the Congress government. New Delhi, April 13 : Given that Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator of 26/11, was reluctant to stand trial in India, his interrogators in NIA suspect that the mention of Parkinson's and 32 other diseases in his medical history could be a deliberate attempt to justify his fading memory to block direct answers related to the 17-year-old deadly terror attack. Rana may appear or pretend to be sick and tired, but mentally, he is very alert and sharp, said an official, adding that he is being questioned on sleeper cells and funding of his operations and, visit to India before the Mumbai attack. While NIA sleuths continue to question Rana for about three hours daily, he is also subjected to medical checks every 48 hours, said an official. Rana's stays in Delhi, Hapur and Agra in 2008 are being seen with suspicion by the NIA, whose sleuths want to extract information from him about his Indian aide, identified as "B", and Indian relatives of his wife, Samraz Rana Akhtar, who accompanied him during his visit. Rana had also visited Mumbai with his wife and stayed at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which became a target of the attack that killed 166 people. The couple also visited Kochi and Ahmedabad. Investigators are now questioning him on whether these trips were part of a reconnaissance mission to carry out a Mumbai-like attack, aimed at attracting optimal international attention. Sources said Rana's high situational awareness and elaborate groundwork before landing in India can be gauged from his demand related to the appointment of defence lawyers, request to the judge for medical assistance and discussion with defence lawyers to raise the issue of his rights as an accused. "He sought non-famous lawyers and asked the court to restrict them from talking to the media," said a person privy to the court proceedings. After the court deputed lawyers Piyush Sachdeva and Lakhshya Dheer, both from Legal Services Authority, he asked them to mention in court his rights, as an accused, under the US Constitution's Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees several rights related to criminal procedures and property rights. It includes the right to a grand jury indictment for serious crimes, protection against double jeopardy, the privilege against self-incrimination, and the guarantee of due process before property can be taken for public use. While opposing Rana's extradition to India, his lawyers in the US had tried to raise the issue of his poor health and also questioned the logic behind making him stand trial for the second time (now in India), after he got acquitted of similar charges in the US. His lawyer John D. Cline opposed his extradition, claiming, "Extraditing Rana to face the death penalty in India would set a shocking precedent that would call into question the finality of what has until now been sacrosanct: acquittal by a jury of ordinary American citizens following a full and fair trial. NIA investigators may also try and take Rana to other cities, after taking permission of the court, indicated an official. The 64-year-old Pakistani-Canadian and his 26/11 co-conspirator David Coleman Headley joined hands with Pakistan-based terrorist groups and ISI, executed the Mumbai attack that started on November 26, 2008 and lasted till November 29, leaving 166, including six US nationals, dead. The terrorists who sailed into a fishermen's colony in Mumbai on a boat fanned out in the city and conducted shooting and bombing at 12 different locations. They were carrying layout plans and blueprints of their four main targets Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Oberoi Trident and Nariman House. New Delhi, April 13 : India's pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector has seen a FDI inflow to the tune of Rs 11,888 crore from April to December in the financial year ended on March 31, 2025, apart from which 13 FDI proposals worth Rs 7,246.40 crore for brownfield projects during 2024-25 have been approved, taking the total FDI to Rs 19,134.4 crore, according to figures compiled by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The governmentas Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, has turned out to be a transformative initiative for boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting investments, reducing reliance on imports and increasing exports, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. One of the significant achievements under the PLI scheme has been the surpassing of targeted investments. While the initial commitment was Rs 3,938.57 crore, the actual realised investment has already reached Rs 4,253.92 crore (as of December 2024), the statement said. Under the PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs, a total of 48 projects have been selected under the scheme, of which 34 projects have been commissioned for 25 bulk drugs as of December 2024. Notable Projects Under the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs include the Penicillin G Project (Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh), with a Rs 1,910 crore investment and expected import substitution of Rs 2,700 crore per annum. Clavulanic Acid Project at Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh is also being implemented under the scheme with an investment of Rs 450 crore and is expected to result in an import substitution of Rs 600 crore per annum. The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 24, 2021, with a financial outlay of Rs 15,000 crore and the production tenure from FY 2022-2023 to FY 2027-28, and provides financial incentive to 55 selected applicants for manufacturing of identified products under three categories for a period of six years. Under this scheme, high-value pharmaceutical products such as patented/off-patented drugs, biopharmaceuticals, complex generics, anti-cancer drugs, and auto-immune drugs, among others, are manufactured. For pharmaceuticals, the initiative aims to reduce import dependence on Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), strengthening Indiaas manufacturing base. By promoting production and innovation, it boosts domestic capabilities and global competitiveness. The PLI Scheme for Medical Devices was launched to support domestic manufacturing of high-end medical equipment and reduce reliance on imports. The scheme provides financial incentives to manufacturers in key segments such as radiology, imaging, cancer care, and implants. The period of the scheme is from financial year 2020-21 to financial year 2027-28 with total financial outlay of Rs. 3,420 crore. Under the scheme, financial incentive is given to selected companies, at the rate of 5 per cent of the incremental sales of medical devices manufactured in India and covered under the target segments of the scheme, for a period of five years. The Indian pharmaceutical industry continues to play a crucial role in manufacturing high-quality, cost-effective medicines for both domestic and global markets, marked by its dominance in branded generic medicines, competitive pricing, and a robust network of indigenous brands, the statement added. Talwandi Sabo : , April 13 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Sunday said party workers had decided to bring the party back to power in 2027 and made it clear that once this was done, no gangster or drug smuggler would remain the state, besides assuring government jobs for Punjabis only. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Baisakhi here, the SAD President said, "I am committed to making Punjab the number one state in the country. I am also committed to augmenting the social welfare schemes and giving relief to the weaker sections. I am also committed to safeguarding the interests of Punjabis." "Accordingly, SAD will reintroduce the 'aata daal' scheme, besides doubling the old-age pension and 'shagun' schemes and bringing in a law banning outsiders from purchasing agricultural land in Punjab," he stated. Badal also made an appeal for unity in the Panth. He said all Akalis should come back in the party fold in the interest of Punjab, Punjabiat and the Khalsa Panth. "The time has come to save Punjab from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has always looted it, and repose faith in SAD that has always delivered on its promises," Badal said. The SAD President also spoke about conspiracies which were being hatched to damage the party and erode the credibility of Sikh institutions. He said the management boards of both Sri Hazur Sahib and Patna Sahib had been expanded to bring them under government control. Asserting that all this was initiated once SAD left the NDA, he said recently the conspiracy had been enlarged to woo the Jathedars of Takhts by giving them security and other allurements. Mentioning Giani Harpreet Singh, he said the former and others tried to destroy the prestige of the Panth instead of strengthening it. "I thank the Shiromani Committee, which has successfully taken back the control of the Takht from the Central government, which had forced the Jathedars to take a stand against the Sikh community." Asserting that the Akali Dal is the true inheritor of Punjab, Sukhbir Badal said the party was responsible for speedy development of the state by establishing thermal plants, roads and airports, augmenting irrigation facilities, bringing in the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat and paddy and introducing social welfare schemes like 'aata daal', old-age pension and Shagun scheme. Guwahati, April 13 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with Adani Group Director Jeet Adani on Sunday to move ahead with the conglomerate's Rs 50,000 crore investment plan proposed for the state during the business summit held in Guwahati in February. Guwahati, April 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with Adani Group Director Jeet Adani on Sunday to move ahead with the conglomerateas Rs 50,000 crore investment plan proposed for the state during the business summit held in Guwahati in February. The Chief Minister said the state government was expecting that the proposals given by the Adani Group for investment in various sectors would become a reality soon. "During #AdvantageAssam2, the Adani Group made a Rs 50,000 crore investment commitment. Today along with my senior officers we had an in depth meeting with Mr Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Group, and his team to operationalise this commitment," Sarma said in a post on X. "We expect the MoUs which we signed related to significant investments in developing an aero-city, hotels, cement plant and key infrastructure projects, will take off soon," he added. Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani had announced that the conglomerate will invest Rs 50,000 crore across various sectors in the state, during his address at the inaugural function of the Advantage Assam 2.0 business summit in in February. The Chairman also highlighted the crucial role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in promoting investment-driven growth across India. Drawing comparisons to Gujaratas economic transformation through the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, he emphasised the role of such initiatives in inspiring states like Assam to embark on similar paths of development. "It is this vision of progress that we are eager to be part of. Therefore, it is with great pride that I announce today the Adani Group's commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crore in Assam," he had stated. Praising the stateas natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, particularly the sacred Kamakhya Temple and the majestic Brahmaputra River, Gautam Adani remarked: "Just as the mighty river Brahmaputra reshaped the landscape of this state to carve its own path, the vision of our Honorable Prime Minister has reshaped the landscape of possibilities for us all." The investment is expected to accelerate Assamas economic growth, create job opportunities, and establish the state as a strong part of Indiaas economic landscape. Bengaluru, April 13 : The Karnataka BJP on Sunday questioned the caste census report findings, wondering how the Muslim population can increase in such a manner. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, BJP leader R. Ashoka said, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called former Backward Classes Commission Chairman H. Kantharaju to his residence, dictated the caste census report, and got it done. This has now become an open secret." Questioning the methodology of the census, he said, "The report was prepared without visiting lakhs and crores of households. How can a census be conducted without door-to-door visits?" Accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indulging in appeasement politics, he said: "The caste census report focuses only on Muslims. What message are you trying to convey? This report is intended to divide castes and religions. Through this caste census report, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has betrayed the Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Dalit communities." "We are not opposed to a caste census. But people must understand the state government's mindset. The Congress has inherited the British-era divide-and-rule policy. This report aims to provoke conflict between the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities," he said. "They claim more than Rs 150 crore has been spent on this caste census. This is bogus. The money has been looted. Who has pocketed it? The report is confusing and lacks credibility," he said. He also accused the Congress of using the caste census to divert public attention from ongoing controversies, including the honey trap case, a Rs 500 crore kickback in a mining renewal "scam", and corruption allegations by contractors. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not a strategist; he is a conspirator. He divided the JD(S) party and was thrown out. It remains to be seen when he will be expelled from Congress," Ashoka said. Commenting on the report's recommendation for increased reservations for Vokkaligas, Ashoka said, "This is not legally possible. The government is lying outright. Let them release an official order in this regard. States do not have the power to increase reservation quotas." The controversial caste census report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka has pegged the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 per cent and recommends 8 per cent reservation for the community, sources confirmed on Sunday. The caste census report was submitted to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and the state government is convening a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to decide on the report's recommendations. However, no official statement has been issued to the media regarding the report's contents. Nonetheless, details presented in the cabinet meeting have surfaced in the public domain. Chandigarh, April 13 : Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Sunday that amid the ongoing drive, the state police have averted a possible targeted terror attack by busting a terror module being operated by Germany-based Gurpreet Singh alias Goldy Dhillon, with the arrest of its two key operatives. The police have seized one 2.8 kg improvised explosive device (IED) containing 1.6 kg RDX along with a remote control from their possession. The operation was conducted jointly by teams of Counter Intelligence Ferozepur and State Special Operating cell of SAS Nagar. Those arrested have been identified as Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh, both resident of Fatehgarh Sahib district. They have a criminal history and were previously involved in multiple narcotics-related cases. DGP Yadav said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared Rs 10 lakh reward on accused Goldy Dhillon, who is a key operative of Goldy Brar-Lawrence Bishnoi gang. "With busting of this module, Punjab Police have foiled plans of Pakistan-based ISI to disturb peace and harmony in the region," he added. The DGP said that preliminary investigations also revealed that accused Gurpreet Singh has recently been involved in conspiring attacks and deadly attacks on influential persons in the state. At present, he is working at the behest of Pakistan's ISI. Further investigations are underway to probe links to their transnational networks and involvement in anti-national activities, he added. Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector General Gursevak Singh Brar said the police teams had received reliable inputs that the accused Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh are allegedly working on the directions of Goldy Dhillon and have recently retrieved the a consignment of explosives, which they are going to deliver to their unknown associate in their Hyundai Venue car. Acting swiftly, police teams from Ferozepur and SAS Nagar arrested both the accused from the Sirhind area in Fatehgarh Sahib and recovered IED from their vehicle, he added. Chandigarh, April 13 : A war of words erupted in Punjab between Congress and AAP on Sunday over the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Pratap Singh Bajwa's, '50 bombs have reached Punjab, of which 18 have exploded', remarks. AAP senior leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Bajwa occupies a significant constitutional position, and he should refrain from making false statements. "If Bajwa has such information, he should immediately provide full details to the police. If he fails to do so, it will be assumed that he has links with the Pakistani gangsters who are constantly trying to disrupt peace and law and order in Punjab," said Cheema. Responding to the AAP accusations, Punjab LoP said that as the Leader of Opposition, he holds a constitutional position and is privy to sensitive information. "I act responsibly and in the interest of public safety when I raise such concerns. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann chose to threaten me with strict action this very morning. Let it be known -- I will not be intimidated. I have made it clear to the police officials that while I stand by my statement, I will not disclose my sources. My duty is to the people of Punjab and to the Constitution, not to the whims of a vindictive government," the LoP said. Responding to claims, Chief Minister Mann asked the LoP and the Congress to specify the locations of these bombs. In case of failure to do so, the Chief Minister challenged police action against the LoP for disseminating false information and inciting public fear. State Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned attempts of the AAP government to silence and intimidate the Leader of Opposition for flagging the security concerns in the state. "Don't shoot the messenger, Mann sahib. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa is a responsible leader holding a constitutional position. If he has shared some information, you should use your police and intelligence to utilise it and follow it up," he said. Warring told the Chief Minister, "Instead, you are trying to intimidate him. The issue he (Bajwa) has flagged is real." He said so many grenade attacks have taken place, and the AAP government is clueless. "Height of it is that you are now launching a witch-hunt, which is not only unacceptable but highly condemnable," he said. However, Finance Minister Cheema said the police have questioned the LoP regarding his claim. "If his statement turns out to be false, strict action will be taken against him as per the law," Cheema said. He also asked the Congress to take action against the LoP and remove him from the position of Leader of the Opposition. AAP Spokesperson Neel Garg questioned the LoP, saying: "If Partap Bajwa already had this information, why did he not inform Punjab Police or central security agencies earlier? Why did he keep such sensitive information hidden for so many days?" Garg further questioned whether the LoP's access to such information raises suspicions of his links with Pakistan or if he is part of this conspiracy. He called on the Congress party's top leadership, especially Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, to provide clarification on this matter and urged them to initiate an inquiry into the LoP's statements. Earlier in the day, Punjab Police questioned the LoP over his purported remark. Mirzapur : , April 13 (IANS) Amrit Pharmacy and Integrated Public Health Laboratory -- the two ambitious medical projects -- were launched by Union Minister Anupriya Patel in the city on Sunday, paving the way for affordable and effective healthcare for the city residents at much lower cost. Union Minister Anupriya Patel launched two important projects in the Divisional Hospital. She inaugurated the Integrated Public Health Laboratory and performed Bhoomi Pujan for Amrit Pharmacy. The two projects will not only make the medical facilities cheaper for city residents but will also bring it at par with bigger towns with extensive medical facilities. More than 6,500 lifesaving medicines will be available at Amrit Pharmacy, at about 60-70 per cent lesser than the market price. Surgical equipment will also be available here. The state-of-the-art Public Health laboratory has been equipped with conducting as many as 92 tests and hence will help people in getting a wide array of pathological and diagnostic tests done at one facility. Speaking to the press, Anupriya Patel said that the government is serious about addressing the issue of shortage of doctors in hospitals and informed that new medical colleges are being opened to fill the gap. She said that the government is making efforts to solve this problem. The Central government has decided to add 75,000 new seats in medical colleges. A provision has also been made to appoint specialist doctors by paying them salaries as per their demand. Many city residents praised the initiative and spoke about how the medical projects will have a huge bearing on their lives. Lal Bahadur Singh said: aWe will save a lot of money because Amrit Pharmacy will provide generic medicines at half the rates, as compared to branded medicines. The laboratory will also be of great help as we will get the tests done at a cheaper rate." Ajit Patel, another local resident, praised the initiative, saying: "Amrit Pharmacy will come as a boon for city residents as it will provide a lot of respite from expensive medicines." ABU DHABI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed on Sunday the country's strong support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The statement came during his meeting at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi with visiting Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The UAE president welcomed al-Sharaa and wished him success in leading Syria through the next phase, expressing hope that the Syrian people would realize their aspirations for development, security, and stability. "Stability and security in Syria serve the interests of the entire region," the UAE president stated, affirming that his country will spare no effort in providing support to Syria and its people in the coming period. The two leaders emphasized the fraternal relations between the UAE and Syria and explored ways to enhance cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. They also reviewed a number of regional issues of mutual concern. Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, accompanied by Syria's foreign affairs chief Asaad Al-Shaibani and other senior officials. New Delhi, April 13 : India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation during a high-level meeting on Sunday between Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Minister-President of the German State of Bavaria, Markus Soder. A one-on-one bilateral meeting between the two leaders, was followed by high-level delegation level talks led by the two Ministers. Welcoming the German delegation, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the potential for bilateral cooperation in priority areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, Clean Energy, Electric Mobility, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Green Hydrogen. "India has embarked on mission-mode programmes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We seek economic and sustainable solutions through scientific and technological interventions, and Germany is a natural partner in this endeavour," Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said. He applauded the Indo-German 2+2 collaboration model involving joint efforts between academia and industry from both countries, calling it a landmark step toward creating future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystems. "The 2+2 collaboration is a futuristic model. It brings together universities and industries from both countries to solve global challenges through innovation, co-development, and commercialization," the minister said. Singh spotlighted India's remarkable progress in the biotech sector, boasting over 3000 startups and leading globally as the largest vaccine manufacturer. He noted the significance of the recently approved BIOe3 policy, which focuses on Energy, Economy, and Employment to drive the next wave of biotech innovation. He outlined India's emergence as a biotech powerhouse with over 3000 startups and the recent launch of the BIOe3 policy, aimed at driving Energy, Economy, and Employment through biotech innovation. The Science and Technology Minister stated that India's Space-Tech and Nuclear sectors, now open to private players, offer tremendous collaborative opportunities. He further stated that India ranks 3rd globally in startups and unicorns, making it a vibrant destination for tech partnerships. "India's academic outreach to Germany continues to deepen, with over 50,000 Indian students enrolled in German universitiesmostly in STEM disciplinesa number that has tripled in the last seven years", Jitendra Singh said. He called for a reciprocal increase in German students studying in India, particularly in the areas of Oriental Studies, Indian Culture, and Traditional Knowledge Systems. "Germany has emerged as a favoured academic destination for Indian youth. Now we hope to see more German students exploring India's intellectual heritage and scientific capabilities," he said. The German side was represented by Dr. Markus Soder, along with Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, and other senior delegates. From the Indian side, Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST); Dr. Praveen Somasundaram, Head of International Cooperation, and Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, also participated in the deliberations. Ankara, April 13 : A high-level meeting focused on Black Sea security will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Naval Forces Command headquarters in Ankara, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Sunday. The meeting aims to discuss military planning measures to preserve peace in the region, particularly in the event of a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the Ministry said in a statement. Military representatives from various countries are expected to attend, with discussions centered on the maritime dimension of maintaining stability in the Black Sea, Xinhua news agency reported. The list of participating countries was not disclosed. The meeting builds on earlier cooperation efforts, including the establishment of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group in July 2024. The initiative, led by Turkey in coordination with Romania and Bulgaria, was launched to address the threat of drifting sea mines that emerged following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and discussed a range of issues, including the Ukraine war and the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees a new regulation on maritime safety in the Black Sea ahead of the talks as a potential way to build confidence for the peace process. Erdogan highlighted Turkey's previous mediation efforts, including the Black Sea grain deal, which enabled Ukrainian agricultural exports until Russia withdrew in 2023. He reaffirmed that during his talks with Zelensky, Turkey expressed its support for Ukraine's complete territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Zelensky, who postponed a planned visit to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing US-Russia talks, reiterated that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations over its future. The Saudi talks on February 18 marked the first direct discussions between US and Russian officials since the full-scale invasion began, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Kolkata, April 13 : A 21-year-old youth, missing from Bhagalpur district of Bihar for over 15 years now, was reunited with his mother by authorities in West Bengal through the efforts of amateur radio operators. In 2019, the police rescued an injured youth from close to the toll plaza in Dhulagarh, Howrah, and got him admitted to the district hospital. While his injuries healed, doctors realised that he had lost his memory due to the trauma. The youth spent the next six years at the hospital. Doctors say that he would only smile when asked any question about his past. Finally, they got in touch with the West Bengal Radio Club (WBRC) - an organisation of amateur radio operators or HAMs - that has been using its vast network across the country to reunite such people with their families. "We collected the youth's photograph and sent it to our friends in other states. Soon, we were able to trace his home in the Deuri Maheshpur village of Bhagalpur, Bihar. His mother Jhaji Devi is the only one living there now. Her mentally challenged elder son wandered away from home over 20 years ago. Her husband was killed in a lightning strike while working in the fields. After her husband's death, Jhaji Devi would take her younger son Sagar with her when she went to work in the fields," said Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary, WBRC. One evening, nearly 15 years ago, she was returning home from work with little Sagar following. When she reached home, the boy was nowhere to be found. Nobody has any idea as to where he was for the next 10 years and how he ended up at Dhulagarh, over 600 km away from home. "The saddest part was the attitude of other villagers. They claimed that Sagar had died and the village was being tormented by his ghost. Finally, she was forced to travel to Gaya, nearly 10 years ago, and do 'Pind Daan' for the departed souls of her husband and younger son. She was overjoyed when we showed her the photograph of her son. Sagar, who doesn't even remember the name of the state where he belongs, broke down and wept like a child on seeing his mother on a video call. The headwoman of the village then intervened and helped Jhaji Devi reach Howrah to meet her son. Both of them are now back home," Nag Biswas said. Kolkata, April 13 : The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled attempts to smuggle a single-shotter country-made pistol and 22 kg of Ganja across the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in separate incidents in the North 24-Parganas and Nadia districts of West Bengal on Saturday. "Troops of the 32 Bn BSF, posted at the Tungi Border Outpost in the Nadia district spotted a group of 5-6 people moving suspiciously towards the International Border (IB) around 5.55 a.m. on Saturday. On being challenged, the group fled back towards India. "The jawans gave chase but the criminals succeeded in giving them the slip due to low visibility and waterlogging. A thorough search led to the seizure of a plastic packet containing a country-made single shotter. This was being smuggled to Bangladesh," the spokesperson for the BSF's South Bengal Frontier said. A senior BSF official said that attempts of cross-border smuggling of weapons at a time when mob violence is being reported from Bangladesh daily is a matter of concern. Such weapons, whether country-made or sophisticated, could be used by criminals across the border against innocents. "On the same day, troops of the 102 Bn BSF, posted at the Kaijuri (Kalyani) Border Outpost and personnel of the 32 Bn from the Horandipur Border Outpost in North 24-Parganas seized 22 kg of Ganja. "Again, the smugglers took advantage of the darkness and uneven terrain to escape. The seized weapon and Ganja have been handed over to the concerned enforcement agencies for further legal action," the spokesperson added. According to him, the intelligence department of BSF is working to find out who is behind the smuggling attempt of the seized weapon. He also said that stopping such types of smuggling has been possible only due to the vigilance displayed by the troopers deployed along the porous and challenging border. Chandigarh, April 13 : Punjab Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Partap Singh Bajwa, was questioned by the Punjab Police on Sunday over his purported remark that "50 hand grenades have been smuggled into the state, of which 18 have exploded." Chandigarh, April 13 (IANS) Punjab Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Partap Singh Bajwa, was questioned by the Punjab Police on Sunday over his purported remark that "50 hand grenades have been smuggled into the state, of which 18 have exploded." An official said that the counter-intelligence team of the police visited LoP's residence and questioned him about his claims. He said that after the questioning, the LoP did not disclose his sources and did not cooperate with the inquiry. Counter Intelligence official Ravjot Garewal told the media that Partap Bajwa made a statement in a media interview claiming that there are 50 hand grenades in Punjab, of which about 32 are still active. "We took note of the interview and questioned him about his sources," said Ravjot Garewal. She clarified that the purpose of their visit was to understand the basis of LoP's claim. Responding to the questioning by the police team, the LoP said: "I stand by my statement and will not reveal my sources. The police officers came to me, and I fully cooperated." Daring the AAP government to register a case against him, the LoP said, "You're fully welcome. The Chief Minister is a complete failure. It is deeply unfortunate that the Chief Minister is running the government not with the intent to serve the people of Punjab but to carry out personal vendettas. Today's events stand as clear testimony to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's misuse of power." "This morning, media persons were informed by the government to reach my residence, and soon after, two senior police officials were sent to question me. Their visit was to inquire whether I had given a statement to a news channel regarding 50 hand grenades allegedly sent from across the border into Punjab. I firmly acknowledged that I did share this information with a media channel," the LoP said. "As someone who has personally suffered the horrors of terrorism, having lost my father in a terrorist attack in 1987 and myself being targeted in 1990, I take national security with utmost seriousness. I belong to a family that has paid the price for peace, and I will never remain silent when I perceive a threat to Punjab's safety," he said. He added that as the Leader of the Opposition, he holds a constitutional position and is privy to sensitive information. "I act responsibly and in the interest of public safety when I raise such concerns. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the issue, the Chief Minister chose to threaten me with 'strict action' this very morning," he added. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed that it is well well-known fact that the Bajwa family is well connected with the Pakistani operatives, for decades, due to which he's getting such irrational and baseless information. He said that while intelligence agencies have no such inputs, Bajwa's friend sitting across the border must have told him about their plans to disrupt peace and progress in the state. Mann asked the Congress leader to substantiate his claim or face action for creating panic amongst people, adding that he has shamelessly made a false claim that 50 bombs have been smuggled in Punjab, out of which 18 had exploded and 32 more are still there. He added that this is a serious matter and such a callous attitude of the Congress leader is not acceptable as it has created panic amongst the masses. The Chief Minister said Bajwa must reveal the source of his information in this regard, as this is the moral duty of the leader. "Or, is Bajwa waiting for the bombs to explode so that he can use this opportunity for his vested political interests?" the Chief Minister said. Mann said this kind of apathetic and irresponsible attitude is unwarranted and undesirable. However, state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the attempts of the government to silence and intimidate Bajwa for flagging the security concerns in the state. "Don't shoot the messenger. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa is a responsible leader holding a constitutional position. If he has shared some information, you should use your police and intelligence to utilise it and follow it up," he told the Chief Minister. He added, "Instead, you are trying to intimidate him. The issue he (Bajwa) has flagged is real. He also pointed out, so many grenade attacks have taken place, and the AAP government is clueless. "Height of it is that you are now launching a witch-hunt, which is not only unacceptable but highly condemnable," Warring told the AAP government. Lahore, April 13 : The age-old agrarian festival of Baisakhi, marking the start of the wheat harvest, was celebrated in Pakistan's Punjab on Sunday, though the observation was a bit low-key amid changing patterns of farming, reports said. Observed annually on April 13, and sometimes on April 14, the festival remains deeply rooted in cultural fabric of rural Punjab, straddling both sides of the India-Pakistan border. For farmers, it signifies the end of months of crop-watching and the joyous beginning of the harvest season, a day when hard work yields its long-awaited reward, the News reported. Before the Partition, Baisakhi festivals were vibrant festivals steeped in folk tradition and farmers gathering to dholak beats, kick-starting the harvest, with menfolk performing the bhangra in the fields, while the women sang tapay and mahiye. Now, mechanisation has altered the customs, with combine harvesters and threshers replacing the communal harvest, and has drained the day of its vibrancy, the News said. Baisakhi also holds profound religious significance for the Sikh community, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Post-Partition, the festival became more closely associated with Sikhism, and it is now marked by a special ceremony held at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province However, this year, the central celebration is being held at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Ahead of Baisakhi, the district administration of Nankana Sahib announced school holidays that all educational institutions in the district will remain closed from April 12 to April 16 as thousands of Sikh pilgrims began arriving from India to take part in the Baisakhi celebrations, ARY News had reported. According to officials, the closure was aimed at ensuring smooth arrangements and tight security during the event. The main Baisakhi celebration is scheduled for April 14, with preparations already underway. As part of the security measures, over 2,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed and the District Police Officer issued a detailed security plan for the occasion. Sikh pilgrims had started arriving in Pakistan from last week to attend the 326th Baisakhi Mela, which begins on April 10 and will continue till April 19. The mela will host 20,000 local pilgrims, 3,000 from the diaspora and 7,000 pilgrims from India and other countries. The Punjab Home Department has made comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of thousands of Sikh pilgrims arriving from around the world for the Baisakhi Festival. Ahead of the celebrations, the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi issued more than 6,500 visas to Indian pilgrims, as per Charge daAffaires Saad Ahmad Warraich. The Indian pilgrims are visiting several revered gurdwaras across Pakistan, including Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, and Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. These visits are facilitated under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, which allows cross-border travel for religious purposes. New Delhi, April 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of life in a firecracker factory blast in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district and announced ex-gratia for the deceased. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM @narendramodi," said the Prime Minister's Office in a post on X. At least eight people, including two women, lost their lives in a tragic explosion that took place at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Kailasapatnam village, Kotavuratla Mandal of Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh. The firecrackers unit was completely gutted in the fire, triggered by an explosion. Fourteen workers were working in the unit at the time of the explosion. Eight persons died on the spot, and their bodies were found shattered at the blast site. Some of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. Six others who sustained serious injuries were being treated at the hospital. The deceased have been identified as Appikonda Tatababu (50), S. Govind (40), Devara Nirmala (38), P. Papa (40), G. Venubabu (34), D. Ramalaxmi (35), Hemanth (20), S. Baburao (55). Five of the deceased were local residents while the remaining had migrated from other villages in the district. According to preliminary reports of the Anakapalli district police, the explosion occurred around 12.45 p.m. Firefighters struggled for hours before they managed to bring the fire under control. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed anguish and grief at the loss of lives and directed the district administration to provide better medical care to the injured. Naidu also instructed the authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter and submit a detailed report. State Home Minister V. Anitha was tasked by the Chief Minister to coordinate the rescue operations and provide treatment to victims. Bhopal, April 13 : The Dhamokhar buffer zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed another harrowing tiger attack on the second consecutive day. Rita Baiga, a 38-year-old woman from Simaria village, was reportedly attacked by a tigress on Sunday morning. She had ventured into the forest to collect Mahua flowers when she was attacked by a tiger ambushed in the undergrowth. The predator pounced on her, inflicting deep claw wounds to the back of her head. Rita was rushed to the district hospital Umaria in critical condition, where doctors administered fifteen stitches to her injuries before referring her to Jabalpur for advanced treatment. "Her wounds were deep, she was referred to Jabalpur," Dr. Kailash Chandra Soni, the civil surgeon, Umaria district hospital, told IANS. This attack is the fourth human-tiger encounter within the reserve in just twenty days -- a grim statistic that has already claimed three lives: a man, a woman, and a twelve-year-old boy. The Mahua season generates additional source of income for tribal and local communities. Mahua flowers are collected during the summers. Yet, this pursuit has become fraught with danger as tiger attacks have surged in villages bordering the reserve. Over a ten-day period alone, a woman and a fourteen-year-old boy lost their lives in separate incidents. On Sunday morning, the tigress attacked the Mahua collector Rita near the reserve, she was saved as villagers promptly rushed to scare the animal back into the forest. Additional Superintendent of Police, Pratipal Singh Mahobia, explained that the park is comparatively small coupled with an increasing tiger population. It has forced these majestic predators into buffer zones. He added that tigers are particularly active in the early morning hoursthe same time villagers collect Mahua flowers. Among the most heartrending tragedies was the attack on twelve-year-old Vijay Kol from Pipariya. On April 12, he accompanied his grandfather and uncle to the forest to gather Mahua flowers. Without warning, the same tigress reportedly emerged from the bushes, seized the boy in its powerful jaws, and dragged him into the undergrowth. Villagers and Tiger Reserve staff launched an immediate search, but Vijay's lifeless body was later discovered in a nearby pool. Jammu, April 13, : On the occasion of 'Rajouri Day', Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the Indian Army's and civilian Bravehearts who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri on this day in 1948. Attending a commemoration event at Rajouri, the Lieutenant Governor, along with Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command; Lieutenant General PK Mishra, GOC, White Knight Corps; army veterans, public representatives and senior officials of Security Forces, J&K Police and civil administrations, honoured the sacrifices of all the valiant soldiers and civilians. "The supreme courage and gallantry of our soldiers will be remembered forever for their indomitable courage, dedication to duty and undying love for the motherland. Exemplary devotion to duty and self-sacrifices of soldiers have always protected us in the past, and their commitment to the nation's integrity and sovereignty will continue to do so in the future. The nation is grateful to the real heroes for the invaluable sacrifices they have made," he said. He also emphasised that the legacy of courage of Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and all those brave civilians and soldiers who stood tall against the enemy etched into the soil of Rajouri will continue to inspire the generations. "This land of Rajouri is a witness to the resolve of our Bravehearts' minds and the perfection of their action. This is also an occasion to imbibe the life values of all those heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the citizens. Today's occasion is also to inculcate in the minds of the youth of the new generation the values of those brave men who bravely faced the crisis that befell Rajouri," he said. He also highlighted that 'Rajouri Day' is a symbol of the invincible strength of the Indian Army, and it reminds us that we will never allow our unity and cultural flow to be fragmented. "Guru Gobind Singh Ji had established Khalsa Panth on this day. His immortal teachings are constantly guiding our brave soldiers. His philosophy and values shape brave soldiers of the Indian Army and inspire them to renunciation, dedication, valour and sacrifice," he said. He further called upon all the sections of society to identify and isolate the elements trying to disrupt peace and development. Emphasising the need for unifying efforts against terrorism, the L-G called upon all sections of society to identify and isolate divisive forces and join the fight against the terror ecosystem. "Today we need to be more vigilant. The enemy is continuously trying to disturb our peace by sending terrorists. Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the public, should work together to completely eliminate the terrorists and their sympathisers. Our collective strength will successfully neutralise terrorism and enemy threats and, paving the way for peace and development," he said. A special postal cover commemorating the 77 glorious years of liberation of Rajouri was released on the occasion. Motorcycle acrobatic display and cultural pageantry based on the different themes demonstrated the prowess of the Security forces and the Jammu Kashmir Police. New Delhi, April 13 : The ongoing questioning of Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator of 26/11, is likely to go beyond the 2008 attack and extend to other Lashkar-e-Taiba terror plots, including the 2004 foiled suicide attack on Narendra Modi, the then chief minister of Gujarat who is now the country's Prime Minister. NIA investigators are looking to grill Rana on the Gujarat module as he had joined LeT around the time when the suicide attack was foiled. They believe Rana might spill the beans on insiders who played a role in the plot to kill Narendra Modi in 2004. On June 15, 2004, the Gujarat Police stated that Ishrat Jahan, along with three other people, had been gunned down near Ahmedabad by a police team belonging to the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) of the Ahmedabad City Police. The four were on a mission to kill the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. There are strong reasons for NIA interrogators to believe that Rana may have got crucial information related to the Ishrat Jahan-led assassination plot from his friend and LeT associate David Coleman Headley, who was an active operative for the Pakistan-based terror group around 2004. Headley, who joined LeT a few years before Rana did, had confirmed before US law enforcers that Ishrat Jahan was a part of LeT who was tasked to assassinate Narendra Modi. While the Ishrat Jahan-led assassination bid was foiled in 2004, Headley later joined Pakistani-Canadian Rana to plot the 2008 Mumbai attack that left 166, including six US nationals, dead. Apart from questioning Rana on 26/11, NIA investigators hope to extract crucial information from him on LeT's multiple plots and sleeper cells - active in the pre-2014 era including the Ishrat Jahan module. Immediately after the Ishrat Jahan module was neutralised in Gujarat in 2004, there was an alleged attempt by the then UPA government to brand the incident as a "fake encounter" and use it as a handle to settle political scores with then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi. NEW DELHI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- At least eight workers were killed and seven others injured Sunday in an explosion that triggered a massive fire inside a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, police said. The incident took place at Kailasapatnam village in Anakapalli district, about 303 km northeast of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. The injured were removed to the nearest hospitals. Police said a preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started in the explosive storage unit and quickly spread to the entire factory, trapping several workers inside it. "The stockpile of crackers caught fire, and within minutes the entire unit was turned into rubble," a police official said. "There were 15 people working inside the factory at the time of the incident." According to D Niranjan Reddy, a senior fire official, the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire seems to be a manual error in the manufacturing process. Accidental explosions are common at Indian firecracker factories and shops as owners usually ignore safety standards. Hyderabad, April 13 : Terming the Waqf Amendment Act as 'unconstitutional', Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday said that if Congress comes to power it would fix it within an hour. "Pray that we come to power. I want to promise you when we come, we know how to fix this within an hour," he said addressing a meeting organised here to oppose the Waqf Act. Later, replying to a question from the media, he said that after coming to power democratically, the Congress would solve the problem in its own way. "I want to ask you where will you offer namaz if there are no mosques, where will you bury your dead if there are no graveyards," he asked participants at the meeting organized by the All India Milli Council Telangana and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The Lok Sabha member from Saharanpur also gave an indirect call to leaders from other parties to join Congress, saying it alone can face the 'storm in the sea'. "When there is a storm in the sea, only a big ship can withstand it and not small boats. Therefore, leave the boats and be prepared to ride the ship. This is the only way. There is no other option," he said. The Congress MP said the BJP's slogan of '400 paar remained' a slogan and though Congress had crossed 400, it never trampled on the rights of any section of people. He said the Congress never gave a sense to any citizen that this country does not belong to him. Imran Masood also stated that by voting against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 232 MPs slapped those who were spreading hatred in the country. "There are only 24 Muslim MPs but 232 MPs have voted to save Constitution," he said. On the Murshidabad violence, Imran Masood said that they were completely against violence. The MP appealed to youth to not to do anything to take law into their hands. "This is the fight to save the Constitution, and if you go out of the legal limits, the fight will become meaningless," he said. He pointed out that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has issued a nationwide call and Chairman Khalid Saifullah Rahmani has appealed to everyone to act in accordance with the law. Imran Masood, who was also a member of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf Bill, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the Waqf Act. He argued that the amendment to the Waqf Act "strikes at the heart of India's constitutional promise: that every community shall govern its faith, its institutions, and its property without fear of arbitrary state interference". Mumbai, April 13 : Actress Soha Ali Khan celebrated her Amma Sharmila Tagore in her outing "Puratawn". Treating her InstaFam with some glimpses of Sharmila Tagore from the drama, Soha wrote, "Celebrating Amma in #puratawn - her wonderful return to Bengali cinema after almost two decades #bts As someone once told me - for us Sharmila Thakur is not a person, she's an emotion !" "Puratawn" marks the veteran actress' return to the Bengali cinema after a very long time, making the film even more special. The story of the movie revolves around Ritika (Rituparna Sengupta) and her husband Rajeev (Indraneil Sengupta), who return to her ancestral home in West Bengal to celebrate her mother's (Sharmila Tagore) 80th birthday. After their return, Ritika discovers her mother is suffering from memory loss, forcing her to confront this new reality. Made under the direction of Suman Ghosh, the project was released on April 11, 2025. Soha's horror comedy "Chhorii 2," alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha also reached the audience on the same day. In the meantime, Soha recently got candid about her deepest fears during an exclusive conversation with IANS. The 'Rang De Basanti' actress revealed that the thing that she fears the most is the untimely loss of loved ones. Soha said, "My biggest fear is just unnatural, untimely death. Because I really enjoy being alive. I am having a good time. And I love so many people who are so close to me. I don't want to lose them. And I don't want them to lose me. So, I just fear the finality of death. Because after that, I don't think that you will be able to communicate with each other. The way we communicate in this life. And I have lost people who are close to me, whom I love very much. So, I know that that is a part of life. And that is something that I fear. Because it is also going to happen. I don't get scared that I will die." Moscow, April 13 : The Russian Defence Ministry on Sunday announced that its forces have shot down a US-designed F-16 fighter jet operated by Ukraine, but did not specify the location. This is the first time that the Russian military has announced it had destroyed an F-16 since some European countries began deliveries of the fourth-generation fighter aircraft to Ukraine in summer last year. "An F-16 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force was shot down by air defense means," the ministry said in its daily briefing without revealing any further details, RT reported. On Saturday, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of one of its F-16 fighters. An interdepartmental commission was then established to find out what caused the plane to go down, it added. President Vladimir Zelensky later confirmed that Ukrainian pilot Pavel Ivanov had been killed "during an F-16 combat mission" and asserted that there would be a "strong and precise" response, hinting at Russia's role in shooting it down. BBC Ukraine cited a Ukrainian source as saying that the F-16 had been shot down by the Russian military. "In total, the Russians fired three missiles at the plane. It was either a guided anti-aircraft missile from a S-400 ground-based system or an R-37 air-to-air missile," it claimed. The source also ruled out friendly fire as a reason for the loss of the jet, claiming that Ukrainian air defenses have not been active in that area. The fighter's destruction is the second confirmed loss of an F-16 by Ukraine. The first was destroyed and its pilot killed last August, but the report of the investigation into the incident was never revealed publicly. However, multiple media reports indicated that the plane was likely shot down by Ukrainian anti-aircraft defences by mistake. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway pledged to supply Kiev with up to 80 F-16s after receiving permission to do so from then US President Joe Biden's administration, though most of them will take years to arrive. In 2024, Ukraine received about 18 aircraft. Imphal, April 13 : Hundreds of men and women belonging to the Kuki-Zo community have started protesting on Sunday in and around the foothills of Thangjing hill range against the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to the top of the hill in Manipur, which they consider a sacred site. The protest began after the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) announced plans to carry out rituals atop the Thangjing hill in Churachandpur district, a Kuki-Zo-Hmar inhabited area. The Indigenous Tribals' Leaders Forum (ITLF), one of the leading tribal organisations, led the protest at Pholjang village, located at the foothill, with Kuki women, children, and civil society organisations, including Kuki Students Organisation (KSO). Earlier, the Kuki community issued warnings that no one should enter their areas without a solid political solution. The Meitei community views the Thangjing or Thangting Hills pilgrimage as an essential part of their cultural and religious heritage. The northsouth-running mountain range forms part of the western border of the Imphal Valley. However, the Kuki community sees the annual pilgrimage of the valley people as a potential threat and has been adamant that it will not be allowed to proceed without a political solution. The situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The Kuki tribal organisations in a joint statement said that the Meitei community people intend to cross the buffer zone for Ching Kaba at Thangting or Thangjing Hills. "Unless a political settlement is reached by the government of India for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community under the Constitution of India, no such friendly approach to the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo-Hmar land would be allowed for the Meitei community," they said. The organisations said that to avoid further escalation, each community must maintain the status quo and respect the buffer zone. "Any intention to cross the buffer zone would be opposed tooth and nail by the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community people," the statement said and urged the government to take measures to safeguard the interests of the two communities. --IANS sc/dan London, April 13 : Chelsea were forced to settle for a point at Stamford Bridge after fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ipswich Town in an entertaining Premier League clash. Enzo Marescaas side made a strong start and dominated the opening exchanges, with early chances falling to Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Noni Madueke. But despite their bright play, it was Ipswich who struck first. Against the run of play, Julio Enciso turned home a low cross from Ben Johnson in the 19th minute to give the visitors a surprise lead. Chelsea continued to push forward, but were hit by a second sucker punch on 32 minutes. This time, Johnson got on the scoresheet himself, heading home at the back post after another assist from Enciso to double Ipswichas advantage. A reaction was needed after the break, and it came immediately. Just 18 seconds into the second half, pressure from Marc Cucurella forced Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe into an own goal to make it 2-1. The goal lifted the Stamford Bridge crowd and sparked a wave of Chelsea pressure. Jadon Sancho was introduced midway through the half and made a crucial impact. In the 79th minute, the winger received a short corner, shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled a stunning shot into the top corner to bring the Blues level. Chelsea pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Cole Palmer and Fernandez both saw efforts well saved by Ipswich keeper Alex Palmer, while Trevoh Chalobah came close from a late free-kick. Despite their efforts, Chelsea couldnat find a third goal and had to settle for a point. The result sees Marescaas side drop valuable ground in the race for the Champions League qualification spots after Manchester City won their fixture against Crystal Palace. They are currently tied on points with Newcastle United who are facing Manchester United in their respective fixture at St James Park. --IANS aaa/ Seoul, April 13 : Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will travel to Vietnam this week for an international meeting on sustainable development, officials said on Sunday. The foreign ministry said Cho will be in Hanoi from Tuesday to Thursday for the P4G Summit, reports Yonhap news agency. P4G stands for Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030, a multilateral initiative to promote efforts to build sustainable economies. At the fourth edition of the P4G meeting, Cho will emphasise the importance of the global alliance to respond to climate change and also highlight South Korea's efforts to combat climate change. During his visit, Cho will also meet with his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, for the second round of the bilateral dialogue between the two countries' top diplomats. South Korea hosted the first such meeting in May 2024. The foreign ministerial talks were created following the South Korea-Vietnam summit in Hanoi in June 2023. Meanwhile, Volatility in South Korea's foreign exchange market surged to its highest level last week since the country extended trading hours for the wona"U.S. dollar market, data showed on Sunday. The weekly fluctuation in the wona"dollar exchange rate reached 67.6 won during the second week of April, which marked the highest level since July 2024, when Seoul expanded FX trading hours from a 3:30 p.m. close to 9 a.m.a"2 a.m. the following day. When compared to records prior to the extended trading hours, last week's fluctuation was the largest since the second week of November 2022, when the weekly fluctuation reached 101 won. The Korean won was quoted at 1,421 against the U.S. dollar in after-hours trading Friday, up 40 won from a week earlier. It marked the strongest level since December 5. a"IANS na/ Agartala, April 13 : Tripura Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Jitendra Chaudhury on Sunday urged Chief Minister Manik Saha to re-establish the statue of the leading communist leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Baidyanath Majumder at its original place in Kailashahar after replacing an idol of Lord Ram. Request of the LoP, also CPI-M's Tripura state Secretary, to the Chief Minister comes two-day after unidentified persons installed the idol of Lord Ram at the same cement structure where the statue of the prominent CPI-M's leader Baidyanath Majumder was situated in Unakoti district town Kailashahar before it was bulldozed in March 2018 after the BJP came to power in the state. In his letter to the Chief Minister, the LoP, a CPI-M politburo member, said that the idol of Lord Ram was installed at the same spot where the statue of former Deputy Chief Minister Baidyanath Majumder was situated before it was dismantled and thrown into the Manu River after the 2018 Assembly elections. "Former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had also condemned the heinous act and assured of reinstalling the statue, but he did not maintain his commitment," the LoP said. He added: "Like the people of all sections of the state, you also might be saddened by the installation of an idol of Lord Ram in place of the communist leader's statue. This action is against the spirit of Tripura's tradition and culture." The LoP requested the Chief Minister to relocate the Lord Ram idol to a suitable place or temple and reinstall the Left leader's statue with full honour. "Baidyanath Majumder, one of the most prominent communist leaders, had dedicated his entire life to the cause of the people and went to jail under the British regime," the LoP said. Meanwhile, BJP's Unakoti district President Bimal Kar, while talking to the media, strongly denied the involvement of any party workers or leaders in the installation of the idol of Lord Ram at the spot where the statue of the distinguished communist leader was situated before being dismantled. The installation of the idol of Lord Ram came amid the CPI-M's plan to rebuild a new statue of Majumder to honour his legacy. The statue of the former Deputy Chief Minister was first installed at the same spot in Kailashahar in 2012. New Delhi, April 13 : The US is planning to go in for a tariff hike on pharmaceutical products, especially those being imported from China, in the next month or two, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview with a media outlet on Sunday. "We can't be relying on China for fundamental things that we need such as our medicines and our semiconductors which need to be built in America," Howard Lutnick said. "We can't be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need," he said. The statement comes close on the heels of President Donald Trump's declaration at the National Republican Congressional Committee that the U.S. would soon impose a "major" tariff on imported drugs. "So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption. He's just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries. These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America," Lutnick said. Pharmaceuticals have until now been kept out of the USA's broader tariff rates as the country is dependent on cheap generic drugs available from countries like China and India to run their healthcare system. This is a great help as US multinationals sell the same medicines at very high prices that are often out of reach for common consumers. Since China is locked in a trade war with the USA, drug exports from the communist country are clearly the first target. This would only increase the dependence on Indian generic drugs for the short term, according to industry sources. More than 45 per cent of the generic drugs used in the US are made in India. India pharma giants such as Dr Reddy's, Aurobindo Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma and Gland Pharma earn up to half of their revenues from American consumers. India's pharmaceutical industry is closely linked to the United States. In FY24, the U.S. accounted for $8.7 billion of India's total $27.9 billion pharma exports, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India. The US relies heavily dependent on low-cost Indian generics and hiking duties would push up prices and trigger shortages of essential drugs, especially antibiotics and common treatments. Besides, India is engaged in talks with the US for a bilateral trade agreement. It is expected that the fact that essential generic medicines are available at cheap prices for American consumers will be kept in mind during the negotiations. Guwahati, April 13 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday expressed gratitude while he returned the mobile charger of a man he borrowed while travelling recently to Dubai from Delhi in an Emirates aircraft. Taking to X, CM Sarma wrote, "Today, I returned the mobile charger I had borrowed from Deepak Kapoor, my fellow passenger on the Delhia"Dubai flight in his Noida Residence and offered his family an Assamese Gamocha as a token of gratitude. It brought me immense satisfaction." "Deepak had given me the mobile charger without knowing anything about me. His selfless act touched me deeply, and I felt compelled to honour that rare kindness. I wanted to ensure that his spirit of helping a stranger lives on -- a small tribute to a truly generous soul," he added. In the previous week, while boarding the flight of Dubai from Delhi, CM Sarma noted that he was travelling without a phone charger. A young man sitting beside him noticed and, without hesitation, offered his international plug and charging cable. It was a small but significant act of kindness, the kind that connects strangers in fleeting yet meaningful ways. With a smile and a nod of appreciation, CM Sarma accepted the help and plugged in his device. The journey continued smoothly, and as exhaustion set in, CM Sarma drifted off to sleep. Hours later, the Chief Minister woke up to find that the plane had landed in Dubai, and the fellow passenger in his flight had exited the plane. In the rush of disembarkation, amid the movement of passengers, baggage, and airport announcements, one crucial detail had slipped past him: he still had the charger and cable in his possession. The man had left without reclaiming them, unaware that his small gesture of kindness would lead to an unexpected twist in the journey. In Amsterdam, CM Sarma found himself filled with regret. "Today morning I travelled on an Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, where a kind young gentleman lent me his international plug and charging cable. Unfortunately, he disembarked in Dubai while I was asleep, and I couldn't return them. I've just now arrived in Amsterdam and feel deeply apologetic for not returning his belongings. If this message reaches him, please send me a direct message so I can arrange to return your charger and cable promptly. Thank you for your kindness, and I regret any inconvenience caused @emirates," the Chief Minister wrote on X. CM Sarma also enlisted the help of the Assam Police, who immediately began working to identify the man. Bhopal, April 13 : The Damoh court in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday denied bail to Dr Narendra Yadav, accused in the case of "suspicious deaths" of seven patients at Damoh Mission Hospital, while extending his police remand by four more days. Bhopal, April 13 (IANS) The Damoh court in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday denied bail to Dr Narendra Yadav, accused in the case of "suspicious deaths" of seven patients at Damoh Mission Hospital, while extending his police remand by four more days. The accused was presented in the special court, where his lawyer argued for bail while the police sought additional interrogation time. Sachin Nayak, Dr. Yadav's lawyer, told IANS: "We filed a bail application under Section 480 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) in the court of Fifth civil judge Ria Singh. However, the court extended the remand. We will now submit a fresh plea on the 17th of this month." According to the lawyer, the police emphasised the need for further inquiry, including verification of the accused's MBBS degree and degrees purportedly obtained from Andhra Pradesh and Prayagraj, which appeared to be tampered with. While the Assistant District Prosecution Officer has revealed that Dr Yadav, also known by another alias, N John Camm, owns a house in Kanpur and has used fake identities and passports for treating patients in various states and countries. The extension followed the completion of a previous five-day remand concerning the deaths of cardiac patients allegedly treated by Dr Yadav. The ADPO pointed out that the case involves international dimensions, requiring inquiries across multiple states and nations. Consequently, the court agreed that the accused must remain in police custody to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Dr Yadav is accused of "forging medical qualifications" and performing cardiac surgeries on 15 patients, leading to the deaths of seven individuals. The police have yet to find two key answers: why has he preferred the name of Dr. N John Camm instead of Dr Narendra Yadav, and why had he performed multiple cardiac surgeries allegedly without a 'requisite' qualification. He was taken into police custody in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. On the other side, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of the district, Dr Mukesh Jain, reached the Kotwali police station in Damoh on 6 April and filed a complaint and report that the accused had no requisite qualification. Later, an FIR was lodged against him. A National Human Rights Commission team also visited Damoh on 8-9 April and met the people of the victim's family. On the basis of the facts mentioned in the report, a case has been registered and investigation has been taken up against Dr. N John Camm and others under sections 318 (4), 338, 336 (3) 340 (2), (5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) and section 24 of MP Medical Council Act 1987. CAIRO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt condemned on Sunday the Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, describing the attack as a "grave violation of international humanitarian law and all international norms." In a statement by its Foreign Ministry, Egypt called for an immediate halt to all Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip and the swift entry of humanitarian and relief aid into the besieged enclave. It also urged the international community to take concrete steps to end the hostilities, especially in light of regional and international efforts toward de-escalation and the revival of a ceasefire agreement. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said it targeted "a Hamas command and control center" located within the hospital compound. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency stated that Hamas operatives have been using the facility to coordinate attacks. A medical staff member told Xinhua anonymously that the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning shortly before the strike. The attack struck the hospital's surgical operations department and an oxygen generation unit, inflicting severe damage across multiple sections of the facility. Israel ended a January ceasefire deal with Hamas and resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18. The health authorities in Gaza reported on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 50,944, with 116,156 wounded. Hubballi : , April 14 (IANS) The Karnataka Police have shot dead the accused involved in the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder case of a minor girl reported from Hubballi city on Sunday. The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Ritesh Kumar from Patna in Bihar. However, the police claimed that the identity of the accused is yet to be ascertained. The Police Commissioner for Hubballi and Dharwad, N. Shashikumar, said: "The accused was shot at because he was facing charges of raping a five-year-old girl and the accused could not be allowed to escape. At the same time, the police had to protect themselves." "The police used minimum force, and the accused was hit by one bullet. The police officers immediately shifted him to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries." "We got a lead from the CCTV footage and local inputs, and the accused was taken into custody. During the investigation, the accused was questioned for three hours. He confessed to the crime but did not provide correct information regarding his identity," Shashikumar said. "The accused claimed to be 35-year-old Ritesh Kumar from Patna, Bihar, and said he had been away from his house for four years. He had come to Hubballi three months ago," he added. "He was taken to an abandoned house where he claimed to be residing for inspection by the police. At that time, the accused suddenly attacked the police officers. He tried to pelt stones at the police vehicle and the cops and started to run," he said. "At that juncture, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Annapurna fired a warning shot in the air and asked the accused to stop. When the accused continued pelting stones, the woman police officer opened fire on him," Shashikumar added. "One bullet hit him (the accused) in the leg, and another hit him in the back. After he collapsed, he was shifted to the hospital to save his life, but he succumbed to his injuries," he said. "PSI Annapurna, our staff Yashwant, and Veeresh are injured," he added. A shocking incident came to light here earlier on Sunday involving a youth, who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a five-year-old girl and later strangulated her to death for resisting his advances. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Ashokanagar police station in Hubballi. According to the police, the accused took the girl to a shed and attempted to assault her. When the girl screamed for help, locals rushed towards the spot. Upon noticing the approaching people, the accused allegedly strangulated the girl to death and managed to escape. N. Shashikumar earlier said that the girl's parents were from Koppal. Her father works as a painter, and her mother is employed as a maid. The details about the accused are currently unknown. He also said the mother had taken the victim with her to work. While she was working, the accused allegedly took the girl away. Later, the girl's body was discovered in a shed. It is yet to be determined if the girl was sexually assaulted, an official said, adding that a medical examination will ascertain the facts. Meanwhile, the girl's parents staged a protest in front of the Ashokanagar police station, condemning the incident and demanding strict action against the accused. Police Commissioner Shashikumar personally spoke to the protestors and assured them that stringent action would be taken. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed his grief over the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Hubballi, saying it was deeply shocking and saddening. The Minister, who visited KIMS hospital on Sunday night and obtained information from the police, consoled the child's parents and offered them courage. He also appreciated the bravery shown by the police in apprehending the accused. "The rape and murder of a five-year-old girl is an incident that makes civilised society hang its head in shame. It is unbearable to see the body of the little child. This is a heinous act and has caused immense pain," the Minister said. "While arresting the accused, he tried to escape and even attacked the police. As a result, the police had to shoot him, and the accused has also died. It is being said that the deceased accused had consumed drugs. The menace of drugs has increased significantly in recent days. Strict action must be taken to eradicate it," he added. "Drug consumption is involving the youth in criminal activities. Therefore, it must be completely eradicated from civil society. Taking this seriously, instructions have also been given to the Police Commissioner to maintain law and order," he said. Volha Hurskaya presented her research on using mobile learning applications in English language teaching at the 7th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Concepts for the Development of Society's Scientific Potential" in Prague, Czech Republic. Her work was published in the peer-reviewed Scientific Collection InterConf+ and is indexed in major academic databases. PRAGUE, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Volha Hurskaya, a respected ESL instructor, TESOL member, and winner of the United Talents Awards 2024, participated in the 7th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Concepts for the Development of Society's Scientific Potential," held on March 1920, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic. At the conference, Ms. Hurskaya presented her research article, "The Effectiveness of Mobile Learning Apps in Teaching English as a Foreign Language," which focused on evaluating the role of mobile applications in improving language acquisition among non-native English learners. Her work reflects ongoing developments in the use of digital technologies to support educational processes and is part of her broader contributions to English language teaching. The conference, organized under the auspices of the Scientific Publishing Center "InterConf," is a premier platform for interdisciplinary academic exchange. It brought together renowned researchers, university professors, and industry practitioners from over 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, Poland, Belgium, and Kazakhstan. The conference proceedings were peer-reviewed by an international editorial board comprising distinguished scholars with doctoral degrees in engineering, pedagogy, law, medicine, sociology, economics, and public administration. Esteemed institutions like the University of Economics (Czech Republic), Riga Stradins University (Latvia), Baku State University (Azerbaijan), and the University of Florida (USA) were among the participants. The publication is indexed in major international academic databases, including Index Copernicus, Google Scholar, CrossRef, Semantic Scholar, and OpenAIRE, ensuring broad visibility within the global research community. The InterConf conference series, now in its seventh successful year, has become a hallmark of excellence. It showcases groundbreaking work across various disciplines and reflects the growing global importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The full proceedings are available for open access here: InterConf Publication. Media Contact Maxim Bavarov, Lumora Space, 1 6193990809, [email protected] SOURCE Volha Hurskaya Georgias historically great defense showed a lot of impressive things in its annual spring game today. The unit, split between the Red and Black teams, showed tenacity, fire and an ability to pursue the football. Headlined by CJ Allen, KJ Bolden and Raylen Wilson, there are heavy expectations for this defense to continue its dominance. This week kicks off with a renewing and hopeful energy. The season is settling in, and so are you. Let the stars guide you through the days ahead. Foreign investors have pulled out Rs 31,575 crore from the country's equity markets so far this month, in the wake of turbulence emanating from sweeping tariffs imposed by the US on most nations, including India. This came following a net investment of Rs 30,927 crore in the six trading sessions from March 21 to March 28. This infusion helped reduce the overall outflow for March to Rs 3,973 crore, according to data from the depositories. Compared to previous months, this marks a notable improvement. In February, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) took out Rs 34,574 crore, while in January, the outflow was even higher at Rs 78,027 crore. This shift in investor sentiment highlighted the volatility and evolving dynamics in global financial markets. According to the data, FPIs pulled out Rs 31,575 crore from Indian equities between April 1 and April 11. With this, the total outflow by FPIs has reached Rs 1.48 lakh crore so far in 2025. "The turbulence in global stock markets following President Trump's reciprocal tariffs has been impacting FPI investments in India too," VK Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist, Geojit Investments, said. He believes that a clear pattern in FPI strategy will emerge only after the ongoing chaos dies down. "In the medium term FPIs are likely to turn buyers in India since both the US and China are heading for an inevitable slowdown as a result of the ongoing trade war. "Even in an unfavourable global scenario India can grow by 6 per cent in FY26. "This, along with better earnings growth expected in FY26, can attract FPI investments into India once the dust in the market settles down," he added. Vinit Bolinjkar, head of research, Ventura, said the ongoing sell-off in Indian equities is driven by macro and geopolitical risk led by tariffs slapped by the US government. However, the country's strong macro fundamentals remain intact. Robust domestic demand and ongoing trade realignment continue to position India favourably for the long term, he added. Apart from equities, FPIs took out Rs 4,077 crore from debt general limit and withdrew Rs 6,633 crore from debt voluntary retention route. A Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has resulted in the deadliest attack of the year, leaving at least 21 people dead, CNN reported, citing local authorities. IMAGE: Rescuers work near a body of a victim and damaged vehicles at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services. Ukraine's Interior Minister reported that at least 83 individuals were injured in the attack, including seven children, marking it as the most severe attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike and expressed his condolences. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life - residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street... And that's on the day when people go to church - Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this - taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene." The post further reads, "The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What's needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life." Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha said that Russia has rejected a US-backed proposal for a complete ceasefire for the second consecutive month. In a post on X, Sybiha wrote, "Just now, in the morning of Palm Sunday, when believers go to church to celebrate the Lord's entry into Jerusalem, Russia launched a horrific attack on the residential area of Sumy city. Many civilians have been killed and injured. Launching such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolute evil." "For the second month in a row, Russia has refused to accept the US proposal for a full ceasefire, which Ukraine unconditionally accepted on March 11. Instead, Russia ramps up its terror. We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defence capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow. Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to the horrific terror," the post added. MOGADISHU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- In the dusty plains of Al-Hidaya camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, mothers sit outside makeshift shelters, shielding their children from the scorching heat with scraps of cloth. Most families here fled recurrent droughts and conflict, seeking safety and basic assistance near the capital. But they were dealt another devastating blow: the sudden suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid. The U.S. government recently paused all humanitarian funding to Somalia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including a substantial 125.5 million-U.S.-dollar package. The move, attributed to concerns over alleged misuse of funds, has left many aid-dependent communities in limbo -- grappling with rising despair and growing uncertainty. The impact is already visible in Somalia, where more than 3.8 million people have been displaced internally by a combination of climate shocks and insecurity. Fadumo Omar, a 40-year-old mother of 10 who fled the Qoryoley district in the Lower Shabelle region, sat quietly outside her tent. "We used to receive food and support from USAID," Fadumo told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Now we have nothing, no food, no water, not even toilets." Fadumo is among thousands of Al-Hidaya camp residents who said they have received no aid in recent months amid the U.S. funding freeze. "We came here to survive," she said, "but things are getting worse." According to the Somali government and aid agencies, the abrupt suspension of funding threatens to derail humanitarian operations nationwide. Abdullahi Dahir Ahmed, program manager at the Somali Women Development Center, a local charity that supports displaced women and children, said that critical services have been disrupted since the U.S. aid was halted. "We are doing everything possible to find new partners," Ahmed said. "But it's not easy. Local donors do not have the capacity and many international donors are also overwhelmed by other crises around the world." Ahmed observed that even European donors are now considering cuts of up to 50 percent -- further shrinking the pool of support available to Somalia's most vulnerable citizens. "The loss of U.S. aid has already affected our ability to serve people in need," he said. "If these trends continue, the situation will become much more dire, especially for displaced families who rely on this aid to survive." Somalia remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate emergencies. A succession of failed rainy seasons has pushed millions to starvation. Internally displaced people, often living in informal settlements with little access to clean water, food, or healthcare, are particularly at risk. At Al-Hidaya camp, families report skipping meals, sending children to beg, and sharing what little they have with neighbors. Fadumo Abdulkadir, 42, who also fled from Lower Shabelle due to drought, said the reduction in aid from both the U.S. and the United Nations has had a devastating impact. "We used to get food and small cash payments," she explained. "Pregnant women and malnourished children also got nutritional supplements. Now, there's nothing. This has affected us a lot." She hopes the international community will reconsider its approach. "We are just trying to survive... We need aid agencies to resume their support before it's too late." Humanitarian organizations are scrambling to fill the gap -- some turning to private donors, others appealing to governments and multilateral institutions for emergency funds. The Somali government has urged continued engagement and pledged greater transparency in aid delivery. Despite these efforts, humanitarian workers say they can do only so much with dwindling resources. For displaced families in camps like Al-Hidaya, each day is a fight for survival. Children sit listlessly under sheets of plastic, their mothers worrying not only about where the next meal will come from but also what the future holds. "We don't have much left," Omar said. "But we still have hope." The 2003 Border Security Force operation that eliminated terrorist Gazi Baba in Jammu and Kashmir -- now the focus of an upcoming action film -- crippled the Jaish-e-Mohammed, leaving it as an "army without generals". The mission also earned the force a dozen gallantry awards, including two military honours. IMAGE: IG BSF Kashmir, Ashok Yadav pays tribute to fallen heroes on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, at the Shaheed Smarak in Srinagar, January 26, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The operation has been etched in the official history book of the 1965 raised force that is primarily tasked to guard Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh apart from rendering a variety of duties in the country's internal security domain. Ground Zero, a Hindi movie, is based on this operation and the exploits of the gallant BSF officers and troops who killed one of the most wanted terrorists of the time. The film is slated to release on April 25. Actor Emraan Hashmi, 46, plays the role of Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, the second-in-command rank officer of the BSF who led the action. Rana Tahir Nadeem, alias Gazi Baba, was a "target" chased by the BSF since the day the Jaish-e-Mohammad attacked the Indian Parliament in December 2001. Thanks to its "persistent" intelligence and surveillance efforts, the force got inputs on the elusive terrorist on August 29, 2003, according to the 319-page book. It was released by the force on its 50th anniversary in 2015. During the period the operation was effected, the BSF was deployed in the Kashmir Valley for counter-terrorist operations and its vital and famed 'G branch' (intelligence wing) was known to produce "marvellous" results and "top of the class" snoop inputs, a senior BSF officer said. The book, accessed by PTI, recounts how a source confirmed to Dhar that Gazi Baba, the chief operational commander of JeM and the "most dreaded" militant leader and the "mastermind" of the Parliament attack, was holed up in a house in Srinagar's Noorbagh area. It was "imperative" for the BSF to conduct its operation the same night due to Gazi Baba's penchant for frequently changing his hideouts and his ability to evade capture, it said. The operation was planned by Dubey, then the officiating commandant of the 61st BSF battalion, and assisted by personnel drawn from its 193rd battalion. The BSF team entered a locked up building on the morning of August 30, 2003 by breaking its door open but "as soon as this happened", the power supply was switched off by someone. A search of the building led the BSF to five civilians, that included four women, but their responses were "incoherent and suspicious" leading the troops to believe there were militants hiding there, according to the book. "While the men searched the second floor, the placement and design of a wardrobe in one of the rooms aroused their suspicion. When the BSF men kicked open this piece of furniture, a heavy volume of fire by automatic weapons and even grenades poured into them," the book says. A grenade landed very close to the BSF team but in an act of "daredevilry" deputy commandant Binu Chandran picked it up and threw it in the direction where it came from. "This act flushed out the terrorists from their den," it said, adding one of the militants jumped out of the hideout firing his sub-machine gun "wildly". Constable Balbir Singh, while saving Dubey, took a full burst of AK 47 firing and got killed at the spot and an injured Dubey grappled with the militant who drew a pistol from his pouch and fired, "shattering" the officer's right forearm, the book says. Dubey took seven bullets in total. "A heavily bleeding Dubey along with constable Omvir chased the escaping militant and Gazi Baba got killed in the ensuing gunfight," according to the details in the book. It also describes how two injured officers, including Binu Chandran, had to jump 40 feet down on mattresses strewn on the ground, arranged by the BSF cordon, as a terrorist kept firing at the exit staircase. Soon after these officers landed on the ground, the BSF "lost no time in demolishing the building and killing the terrorist inside it in one act." This finally brought this encounter to an end, the book states. "This operation broke the back of militancy in the Valley and the secessionist elements took a long time to recover from this blow. The meticulously executed operation reduced the JeM to an army without generals," it concludes. The book says that Lal Krishna Advani, the then Union home minister, lauded the force saying "it was an exemplary achievement on the part of the BSF and the entire credit for the operation goes to the BSF". Dubey was decorated with the defence gallantry medal Kirti Chakra, Balbir Singh was awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously while Binu Chandran, second-in-command CP Trivedi, constable Rajesh Bhadoria and additional DIG K Srinivasan were awarded the President's Police Medal for Gallantry. Assistant commandant Himanshu Gaur, Head Constables Hemant Joshi, Manik Chand, Kuldeep Singh and Constables Neel Kamal and Omvir were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry. Then BSF inspector general (Kashmir Frontier) Late IPS officer Vijay Raman wrote in his 2024 book that with the killing of Gazi Baba India's Osama was gone. A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo A bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said the Governor could exercise discretion only in specific limited exceptions provided under the Constitution. "Thus, we are of the view that the Governor does not possess any discretion in the exercise of his functions under Article 200 and has to mandatorily abide by the advice tendered to him by the council of ministers," it said. The only exceptions to this rule can be traced to the second proviso to Article 200 and Article 163(1) of the Constitution, the bench said. "Thus, only in instances where the governor is by or under the Constitution required to act in his discretion, would he be justified in exercising his powers under Article 200 contrary to the advice of the council of ministers. Further, any exercise of discretion by the Governor in exercise of his powers under Article 200 is amenable to judicial review," it said. While construing the role of the Governor in the context of Article 200, the court must keep in mind that such a role has been envisaged not to supplant the opinion of the council of ministers but to infuse it with their wisdom, the top court bench said. "The role of a friend, philosopher and guide which a Governor is to play under the Constitution is played by him at various stages of administrative and legislative functioning of the state. Article 167 makes it mandatory for the chief minister to share with the governor, inter alia, the proposals of legislations that the government wishes to introduce in the state legislature," it said. It added that the advisory role of the governor was best played by engaging with the ministerial council even before the legislation's introduction in the legislature. "He is well within his rights, and in fact, it is his bounden duty to put to use his experience and wisdom by making constructive suggestions to the Cabinet regarding the legislative proposals. The council of ministers would also do good to take into consideration the advice of the governor and deliberate upon it so that the legislation and ultimately, public interest is benefitted," it said. Justice Pardiwala, in his 415-page verdict, said once the bill was passed by the state legislature and presented to the Governor for assent, they must act on the aid and advice of the ministerial council as a general rule and only in exceptional situations should they reserve it for the consideration of the president. "The framers did not expect that the Governor would, as a matter of routine, declare the withholding of assent to bills casually. The deletion of the expression 'in his discretion' from the first proviso is also an unmistakable indication of the intent of the framers in vesting no discretion in the Governor as regards the withholding of assent and returning of the bill along with suggestions for the introduction of amendments," it said in the verdict pronounced on April 8. It added that the deletion of the expression 'in his discretion' by the framers of the Constitution during the course of adapting Section 75 of the Government of India Act, 1935, into Article 200 was a clear indication of their intent to make the ordinary exercise of powers of the Governor under Article 200 subject to the aid and advice of the ministerial council. On the discretionary powers, the bench said there were only two broad circumstances under which it would be permissible for the Governor to act in their own discretion under Article 200. "Where the Governor is by or under the Constitution required to act in his discretion. The only situation in which such exercise of discretion has been explicitly laid down in the Constitution is the second proviso to Article 200, that is, where, in the opinion of the Governor, the bill, if assented to, would so derogate from the powers of the high court as to endanger the position which the high court is designed to fill by the Constitution," it said. The second circumstance is where the Governor is, by necessary implication, required to act in their own discretion, it added. "This would include: (i) Where a bill attracts such a provision of the Constitution which requires the mandatory assent of the president for securing immunity or making the law enforceable. Exercise of discretion is permissible in these cases. For instance, article(s) 31A, 31C, 254(2), 288(2), 360(4)(a)(ii) etc. (ii) Situations where the exceptional conditions are applicable ie, the state council of ministers has disabled or disentitled itself; possibility of complete breakdown of the rule of law or by reason of peril to democracy/democratic principles respectively, as a consequence of which an action may be compelled which, by its nature is not amenable to ministerial advice," it said. The bench also declared a view taken in a 2019 verdict in the B K Pavitra case as 'per incuriam' to the extent of the following two observations made therein -- first, that the Constitution conferred discretion upon the Governor in so far as the reservation of bills for the consideration of the president was concerned and, secondly, that the exercise of discretion by the Governor under Article 200 was beyond judicial scrutiny. Security forces on Sunday seized caches of 1 M4 rifle, two AK47s with some of their bullets along with medicines, after three terrorists were killed in Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir. IMAGE: Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles Brigadier JBS Rathi addresses a press conference regarding the Kishtwar encounter on Apr 09, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, April 12, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo 1 M4 rifle, 2 AK 47s, 11 magazines, 65 M4 bullets, 56 AK47 bullets have been seized. Apart from that, a cap, some medicines, and first aid materials have also been recovered. Officials have also written to the Pakistan side regarding the medicines, an official statement said. Earlier, while talking about the encounter in Kishtwar, the region's MLA Shagun Parihar termed it as a "big success" for security forces and said Jammu and Kashmir will soon become terrorism free. Speaking about the operation, Parihar said, "This is a big success for our forces, that the terrorists who were not being caught for some time have been killed and in future also all the terrorists roaming in the hilly areas will soon be eliminated and our Jammu and Kashmir will soon become terrorism free." Earlier, the Indian Army on Saturday reiterated its commitment to continue its operations across the union territory until "terrorists are eliminated." The Director General of the Kishtwar-Doda Ramban range, Shridhar Patil, said during a press conference, "Until terrorists are eliminated, the operations will go on. The people of the area have given full support to security forces. These operations show good coordination of security forces." Security forces in Kishtwar neutralised a total of three Pakistani terrorists, two on Saturday and one on Friday. Brigadier JBS Rathi, commander of 5 Sector Assam Rifles, said that security forces used UAVS and drones for real-time surveillance during the operations. "On 9 April, Indian Army, J-K police CRPF launched search operation, in the ensuing firefight three terrorists were killed. Real time surveillance of area UAV, drones were deployed," the Brigadier said during the joint press conference. "This operation also brought to the fore the seamless coordination between the Indian army and the J&K Police, especially the SOG. Rapid reinforcements were deployed in terms of the Special Forces with the help of the Indian Air Force to carry out real-time surveillance of the area," the Brigadier added. The operation and exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists had been happening for the last 4 days. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati offered "one more chance" to nephew Akash Anand to work for the party on Sunday, hours after the expelled leader issued a public apology to her. IMAGE: BSP supremo Mayawati during a party meeting, in Lucknow. Party general secretary Satish Chandra Misra, party leader Akash Anand (right) are also seen. Photograph: ANI Photo Mayawati also said that till she is healthy and will not announce any successor. Earlier, in a post on X, Anand said he considered her as his "one and only political guru and role model." He said he would not let his personal relationships, especially in-laws, interfere with his commitment to the party. Akash also apologised for a recent post on X that reportedly led to his expulsion from the Bahujan Samaj Party. "I seek forgiveness for a tweet I posted a few days ago, which led to my removal from the party by Behan ji. I assure that I will not take any political decision based on advice from relatives or external advisors," he said, and sought forgiveness. Within hours, Mayawati in a post on X announced she had chosen to give the repentant nephew another chance into the party. "In view of Akash Anand's four posts on X today, publicly admitting his mistakes and giving full respect to the seniors, and not giving in to his father-in-law's words and devoting his life to the BSP, it has been decided to give him one more chance. "By the way, I am healthy now and as long as I am healthy, like the Shri Kanshiram ji, I will continue to work for the party and the movement with full dedication and devotion. In such a situation, there is no question of announcing a successor. I am firm on my decision and will remain so," she said. "After being expelled from the party, Akash has been continuously contacting people to apologise for all his mistakes and not to commit such mistakes in future and today he has publicly admitted his mistakes and has expressed his resolve not to give in to his father-in-law's words," she added. Mayawati, however, said his Akash's father-in-law Ashok Siddharth will not be taken back into the party for his "unforgivable" acts. "... Along with extreme anti-party activities like factionalism etc, he has left no stone unturned in ruining Akash's career. Therefore, the question of forgiving him and taking him back into the party does not arise," she said. Mayawati had on March 2 removed Akash from all party posts and appointed his father Anand Kumar national coordinator in his place. A disappointed Mayawati then said she would not name a successor in her lifetime. "The party is supreme and relations can come later," Mayawati, who had sacked Akash last year only to later reinstate him and appoint him her political successor, said. On March 3, she expelled Akash from the party. Mayawati said that Akash's response to her action against him was "selfish and arrogant." At that time, Akash had said, "Some people from the rival party are thinking that my political career is over... They should understand that the Bahujan movement is not a career, but a fight for self-respect and self-esteem of crores of Dalits, exploited, deprived and poor people. Hours after being quizzed over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" claims, the Punjab police on Sunday booked Leader of Opposition in state assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on various charges including misleading information that endangers country's sovereignty and unity. IMAGE: Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi and Leader of Opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa (right) address a press conference, at the party headquarters, in New Delhi, September 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The case has been registered at Cyber Crime police station in Mohali, sources said. The FIR was filed against Bajwa under Sections 197(1)(d) (false and misleading information that endangers country's sovereignty and unity) and 353(2) (false statements intend to create enmity and hatred or ill will) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, they sources. Earlier in the day, a two-member team of Punjab police reached the residence of Bajwa and questioned him over his claims even as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asked the Congress leader to reveal the source of his information, questioning if he "had direct links with Pakistan". Bajwa said he cooperated with the police team which visited his residence in Chandigarh but refused to divulge his sources as he attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government over the "deteriorating" law and order issue in the state. Mann lashed out at Bajwa over his claims, saying neither Punjab police intelligence nor a Central intelligence agency has shared any such information. The chief minister said strict action will be taken if Bajwa's statement was meant only to "create panic". In an interview with a private television channel, Bajwa claimed, "I have come to know that 50 bombs have reached Punjab. Of this, 18 have exploded, 32 are yet to go off." Bajwa's claims came amid several grenade attacks in the state in recent months. A team of Punjab police comprising assistant inspector general of police Ravjot Kaur Grewal and Mohali superintendent of police (City) Harbir Atwal on Sunday visited the residence of Bajwa and questioned the source of his statement. AIG Grewal, speaking to reporters outside Bajwa's residence, said the police team arrived to find the source of Bajwa's information since it was a matter of national security. "Bajwa did not disclose any source or origin of this information... So far, he has not given any input useful to us," she said. Meanwhile, in a video message on Sunday, Mann said, "I want to ask Bajwa how did you get this information. Do you have a direct link with Pakistan? Did terrorists or any agency in Pakistan call you up and share the information that 50 bombs have reached, 18 have exploded and 32 are remaining?" "What is the source of your information? Neither Punjab intelligence nor any intelligence in the country has shared such information. Then how could you say that 18 bombs have exploded and 32 are yet to go off. It means somewhere you have direct links with Pakistan," alleged Mann. "It is your responsibility to share information. Are you waiting for the bombs to explode and people to die?" he asked. "If you do not have information and gave the statement only to spread panic, then it is a serious crime. Strict action will be taken," he said. Mann also sought a clarification from the Congress party in this regard. "Is Congress party hand-in-glove with anti-national forces and does it know how many bombs have reached and exploded? Congress party's national leaders and Bajwa also should give clarification," said the chief minister. "I have directed the police to ask him (Bajwa) to find where the bombs are," said Mann. The chief minister lashed out at Bajwa for his "irresponsible" statement. "Be ready for strict action." Bajwa said a police team visited his residence and questioned him for his statement. "I gave an interview to a TV channel. My sources had informed me that 50 bombs have reached here and 18 bombs have exploded at police stations in border areas and other places," he told reporters at his residence. The Qadian MLA further said one grenade blast recently took place at the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia. "These are my own sources. As I have remained MLA and MP, I have my sources in Punjab, in the intelligence department and central agencies. They gave me the information two days back, saying the situation is turning sensitive (in Punjab). They warned me that I could also be one of the targets," he said. The Congress leader said that his family was a terrorist victim, and added that he escaped a bomb attack in Batala in 1990. "My sources told me that I was the most vulnerable as neither my party is in power in the state nor at the Centre. Be very careful," said Bajwa. The legislator said he cooperated with the police team and added that he could not reveal his sources. "I told officers that I am willing to assist you but I cannot reveal my sources." When asked that Mann spoke about taking action if he failed to reveal the source of information, Bajwa said, "If they want to register a case, they are most welcome." Later, Bajwa in a statement said, "As the Leader of the Opposition, I hold a constitutional position and am privy to sensitive information. I act responsibly and in the interest of public safety when I raise such concerns. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the issue, CM Mann chose to threaten me with strict action this very morning. "...I will not be intimidated. I have made it clear to the police officials that while I stand by my statement, I will not disclose my sources. My duty is to the people of Punjab and to the Constitution,? not to the whims of a vindictive government," he said. Bajwa further said, "It is deeply unfortunate that Mann is running the government not with the intent to serve the people of Punjab but to carry out personal vendettas. Today's events stand as clear testimony to the AAP government's misuse of power." He alleged that CM Mann has been a complete failure. "I want to ask him to wake up from his 'kumbhkarni' slumber. Take Punjab seriously. You and your leadership are fully responsible for the current situation in Punjab," Bajwa said. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema slammed for his statement and said that as a constitutional officeholder, the opposition leader is duty-bound to provide any solid information he possesses to police to ensure safety and security of the people. He urged Mann to initiate a comprehensive investigation into Bajwa's statement and take strict legal action if necessary. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring slammed the AAP government for trying to "silence and intimidate" Bajwa for flagging the security concerns in the state. "Don't shoot the messenger, Mann Sahab. Bajwa is a responsible leader holding a constitutional position. If he has shared some information, you should use your police and intelligence to utilise it and follow it up," said Warring. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi's reported remarks asking students of a college to chant "Jai Shri Ram" have trigered a controversy with SPCSS-TN, a body of educationists, alleging he violated his oath of office and secular principles and urged President Droupadi Murmu to remove him from his post. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi offers prayers at Triveni Sangam during the Mahakumbh 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, February 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), said Ravi failed to abide by the Constitution, respect its ideals and institutions. "Ravi should be removed from the office of Governor of Tamil Nadu forthwith for deliberately violating Article 159 (oath by governor) of the Constitution of India," SPCSS-TN General Secretary, PB Prince Gajendra Babu, said in a statement. Ravi was invited by a government-aided college in Madurai as chief guest to distribute prizes to the winners in a literary contest. Delivering his address on April 12, he had asked the students to chant the name of a God of particular religion (Jai Shri Ram) thrice. According to the Constitution, India is a secular country, education is a secular activity and it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag and the national anthem and also to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. However, Ravi failed to preserve, defend and protect the Constitution by chanting the name of the God of a particular religion and asking the students to repeat the same thrice, Gajendra Babu alleged. Instead of obeying the Governor, had the students protested against him for violating his oath, unnecessary embarrassment would have been caused to the management and staff of the college.The students in order to "protect the name of the college," passively submitted themselves to the will of the Governor. Gajendra Babu alleged: "Ravi is illiterate as far as his knowledge of the curriculum and syllabus followed in schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu. Due to his ignorance and arrogance, he continues to propagate wrong ideas that in effect aim to disturb peace and instigate a group of people against another." The SPCSS-TN said it hence appeals to President Murmu to remove Ravi from the office of Governor of Tamil Nadu. Congress MP (Tiruvallur) Sasikanth Senthil said in a post on 'X': "After being slammed by the Supreme Court and blocked by the State Government, he's now resorting to stunts like making students chant Jai Shri Ram' just to irritate the system. Clearly frustrated, he's sending a message that Even if the courts rule against me, I will find other ways to push my agenda." It's a dangerous mix of arrogance and defiance that undermines democratic institutions and the principles of the Constitution! On April 8, 2025, the Supreme Court's bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said the 10 Bills withheld by Governor Ravi were deemed to have been given assent. The court came down heavily on Governor Ravi and said him reserving 10 Bills for the consideration of the President was against constitutional provisions. It was considered a major victory for the DMK government and a legal setback for Governor Ravi. On April 12, Tamil Nadu government duly notified the 10 Acts in the state gazette. SPCSS-TN is a body of educationists and educational activists following socialist principles. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday lashed out at the Opposition and said "violence is being instigated" following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a sword during the Baisakhi festival celebrations, in Lucknow, April 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Reacting strongly to the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the chief minister said that "three Hindus were dragged out of their homes and killed". "Who are all these? These are the same Dalits, deprived and poor who are going to get the most benefit from this land," he added. Adityanath said it is surprising that this is the "same country in which lakhs of acres of land has been occupied in the name of Waqf". "They (occupiers) have no papers, no revenue records and ever since the (Waqf) Amendment Bill was passed and action is being taken, violence is being instigated for it," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Union home secretary Govind Mohan said that the Centre was closely monitoring the violence in Murshidabad district and asked the state to keep a close watch on other sensitive areas while instituting adequate measures to ensure normalcy at the earliest. Three people, including a father-son duo, were killed in Muslim-majority Murshidabad district following clashes allegedly linked to ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The chief minister also lashed out at the Opposition for their alleged silence over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Adityanath said the Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to protect every Hindu and that is why the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was enacted. "If for some reason any Sikh, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist from Pakistan, Bangladesh comes to India after suffering from atrocities there, then he will get Indian citizenship," said Adityanath. "It was opposed by the people of Congress and SP, who work to mislead. These are the same parties, which snatch the rights of the exploited and deprived people at the ground level," he added. Accusing the Opposition of adopting propaganda, the chief minister while referring to a book written three years ago by Rajya Sabha MP and former Uttar Pradesh director general of police Brij Lal said that he discussed two great Dalit warriors in his book. Adityanath said it is mentioned in the book that Babasaheb Ambedkar had said that our beginning and end will be as an Indian. "On one side was Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and on the other side was Yogendra Nath Mandal... Yogendra Nath Mandal had supported Pakistan but he could not live there even for a year. Bangladeshi Hindus are still suffering the punishment for the actions of Yogendra Nath Mandal," said Adityanath. "All the tortured and oppressed Hindus living in Bangladesh are Dalits. Neither Congress, nor Samajwadi Party, nor Mamata Banerjee raised their voice in their favour. Only the Bharatiya Janata Party raised their voice in their favour," he added. Taking potshots at the Congress, the chief minister alleged that the grand old party denied Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, a memorial and did not allow his last rites to take place in the national capital. "First they (apparently pointing towards the Congress) made Babasaheb Ambedkar lose the elections. After his 'mahaparinirvaan', they did not allow his last rites to be performed in Delhi. The Congress also did not allow his memorial to come up," said Adityanath. "In 1976, they brought an amendment in the Constitution and inserted a word against which Babasaheb had himself given arguments," he added addressing a workshop here held under 'Bharat Ratna' Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samman Samaroh. "Until we present the correct facts before people, those who have been misleading people to serve their own political interests will continue to exploit the Dalits and the deprived by misleading them and creating chaos in the country," said Adityanath. "Such people will keep climbing the political ladder. They will keep depriving the Dalits and poor. Therefore, the BJP state workshop is being organised here with an action plan," he added. Giving details of the campaign launched to remember Dr Ambedkar on the eve of his birth anniversary, the chief minister said, "Wherever there is a statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar, wherever there is a park in his name, today the workers of the BJP, public representatives and government officials are joining the special cleanliness program there." Adityanath said the BJP governments have in the last 10 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership "worked to provide benefits of the government's scheme to every deprived, every Dalit, every poor, every woman, every farmer". "Our problem is that we are not able to repeat those things again and again, we try for some time to reach the people who have got the facility and then that effort stops," he said, adding this will be expanded in the campaign. Uttar Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, who was also present on the occasion, said Baba Saheb gave the right to vote to the deprived and backward. Temples across Maharashtra are gradually adopting dress codes for visitors, as trusts managing these places of worship have issued guidelines urging devotees to wear modest, traditional clothing. IMAGE: Devotees wait in a queue to offer prayers at Mumba Devi temple on the first day of the Chaitra Navratri festival, in Mumbai, March 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo While temple trusts have emphasised that dress codes are needed to maintain the sanctity of religious places, visitors have had mixed reactions to the development. Temples managed by the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust, including those at Morgaon and Theur in Pune district, Siddhatek in Ahilyanagar and the Morya Gosavi Sanjivan in Pimpri Chinchwad and Khar Narangi in Raigad, on Friday, issued advisories requesting visitors to wear "appropriate" attire. The trust clarified that the dress code is not mandatory but is a respectful appeal to maintain decorum in these temples. The latest advisory appears to be part of a trend gradually emerging across the state. Aditi Kane, a resident of Pune, said, "These days, people don't plan ahead to visit temples but club them with their holidays to certain destinations. I have visited temples while holidaying and observed that barring a handful of visitors, most people wear decent attires. There is nothing wrong with temple managements expressing their expectations about dress codes, but they should not enforce it." In January this year, Mumbai-based Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple Trust announced a dress code for the prominent temple that sees thousands of visitors, including celebrities. Last year, dress codes were introduced for visitors at 50 temples in Ratnagiri, with signboards at entrances urging people to be fully clothed and avoid garments that exposed body parts. The Maharashtra Temple Federation held meetings in 11 locations in Ratnagiri, and in these discussions, trustees of the temples decided to enforce a dress code of traditional Indian attires. At least 16 temples have introduced similar restrictions in Ahilyanagar district and have barred entry to visitors wearing jeans, skirts, shorts, or other "revealing" clothing. Noticeboards outside these temples display the types of clothing considered inappropriate, and a guideline written in Marathi states that "revealing or provocative" clothing was not permitted inside the premises of the temples. Right-wing organisations Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh and Hindu Janajagruti have stated that similar dress codes will be implemented across all temples in Ahilyanagar and possibly across Maharashtra. They have also appealed to the state government to apply dress codes at prominent state-run temples such as the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple and Shani Shingnapur Temple in Ahilyanagar district. A couple of years ago, a "Vastra Samhita" or dress code was put into effect at four temples in Nagpur Gopalkrishna Temple in Dhantoli, Sankatmochan Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Bellori (Saoner), Brihaspati Temple in Kanolibara, and Durgamata Temple in Hilltop. Earlier, Sunil Ghanwat, a coordinator of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangha, said, "The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Maharashtra Temple Trust Council in Jalgaon. Devotees are expected to avoid objectionable clothing while visiting temple premises." Devotees, however, have had mixed reactions to the dress codes at temples. Mumbai resident Vanita Somawanshi said, "A dress code makes sense, as people visit temples with devotion in their hearts and minds. It is better to avoid dresses that are revealing or extremely fashionable, such as ripped or torn jeans. Even t-shirts with objectionable captions should be avoided at temples. MONTPELIER In hope of making the state's education system more sustainable, the Vermont House of Representatives passed a major reform bill. H.454 "marks a major step toward building a more equitable and student-centered public education system, and a more stable, resilient financing system," states an announcement from the Office of the Speaker of the House following the vote on the bill Friday. The bill moves on to the Senate now. I voted yes because the status quo is unacceptable for our kids, teachers and communities, House Speaker Rep. Jill Krowinski, D-Chittenden-16, said in the announcement. I know change is hard, but we must lead and create stability in our public education system." Key components of the bill, according to the announcement, include moving to a foundation funding model that gives school districts money based on the cost to educate a student; launching a statewide planning process to update and consolidate school district boundaries; establishing statewide class size minimums, shared calendars, data systems and shared resources between schools; creating clearer rules for the use of public tuition dollars; planning for long-term school construction investments and projects; and strengthening the State Board of Education to ensure transparent, accountable oversight with public input. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Windham-7, chairwoman of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Brattleboro resident, said the bill "stabilizes and lowers property taxes, bends the cost curve and creates safe, consistent, quality education for all Vermont kids for a generation." We cant manage this in bits and pieces we have tried to do that before," Kornheiser said in the announcement. "This bill rips off the bandages, duct tape and bailing twine that have held our education and property tax system together over the last decade and builds a careful net to sustain our children and communities into the future." House Education Committee Chairman Peter Conlon, D-Addison-2, said the bill addresses Vermont's challenges and builds for a more stable future by moving it "toward scale, creating statewide cohesion and support for our system." He called the legislation "a positive step forward for our kids, educators and taxpayers. Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-Windham-2, said she voted in support of the bill because it's "comprehensive in nature, because it moves forward at an aggressive but accessible pace, and because it is set up in a way that anticipates and expects it will need to be adjusted." "The consistent thing with big education bills in the Legislature is that they are emotional and always have aspects that everyone doesnt like though it's not always the same thing," she said in her newsletter. "In order to get anything done, legislative leaders and the governor have to work in a careful way to maintain enough support to enact changes." The bill calls for the continuation of the Commission on the Future of Public Education's "work with a sharper focus," according to the newsletter. A new subcommittee will propose three possible maps for school district boundaries by December, with an eye toward options that correspond with Vermonts geography, culture and school capacity. Minimum class sizes are envisioned to be 12 students in kindergarten, 15 in grades 1 to 4, and 18 in grades 5 to 12. Schools falling short of these numbers for two years in a row could face review by the State Board of Education. And middle and high schools would be expected to try to have at least 450 students total on average. Also included in the bill is new support and aid for updating and modernizing school buildings, and waivers for schools unable to meet class size minimums due to geographic isolation. At the beginning of the legislative session, Gov. Phil Scott proposed consolidating the state's 119 school districts into five and changing the education funding formula. While not a supporter of the bill, he expressed appreciation for "the productive conversations we've had so far." This bill is nowhere near perfect due to the cost, timeline and more," Scott said in a statement, preferring a quicker rollout. "However, we all agree that education transformation is needed this session. In order to accomplish that, the passage of this imperfect bill by the House so it can move to the Senate is an important procedural step toward achieving that goal." House Republicans said they strongly opposed the legislation. They cited in their own announcement concerns over what they called "a lack of transparency, fiscal responsibility and a slow timeline." We remain hopeful that meaningful, bipartisan collaboration can still be achieved before the legislative session ends, House Republican Leader Pattie McCoy, R-Rutland-1, stated. Urgent action is needed to provide tax relief but the bill "fails to address the systemic reforms necessary to alleviate the financial burden on families," Republicans said. Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun, D-Windham-3, said she voted against the legislation to "preserve rural schools in my community." "I come from a rural community that will lose vital, small, wanted local schools, both public and independent, if this bill moves forward in its current form," she said on the House floor. "School districts of at least 4,000 students will not solve our problems, but will result in a loss of local control and civic engagement, especially in rural communities." Bos-Lun told the Reformer the plan for the commission is "a good idea," and described the proposed financial reforms as being "well designed and sensible." Minimal classes sizes will end up closing schools in rural communities and subjecting many children to long bus rides, she said. "H.454 is not likely to reduce costs significantly, but the cost to our communities will be significant," she said on the House floor. "Setting the stage to close small rural community schools while not addressing the main cost drivers in education spending: teacher health insurance costs and student mental health costs is prioritizing the wrong issues." The Rural School Community Alliance, which counts Windham Southeast School District among its membership, also panned the plan. The group said it "appreciates the effort lawmakers have made in recent weeks to respond to the many concerns raised by Vermonters about proposed changes to our public education system." "Unfortunately, despite some improvements, H.454 falls short of addressing the most critical issues facing our rural communities, and it remains deeply concerning in its implications for educational equity, local democracy and the well-being of our children," the alliance said in an announcement. "It moves toward centralizing decision-making into fewer school boards with reduced local representation, which would separate communities from decisions that directly impact their children and their schools." The alliance also worries the bill will "drive rural school closures statewide" due to the combination of larger districts, less representation, goals for minimum class and district size, without the protection of a vote of the town affected by closing. "Vermonters asked for tax relief not the dismantling of a public education system that generations have worked to build, centered around strong, local community schools," the alliance said. "We believe there is a path forward to address education funding in Vermont, and we urge lawmakers to focus on funding reform. Governance reform must be thoughtful, inclusive and grounded in a commitment to educational equity and community voice. Our children and communities deserve nothing less." Nuclear talks in Oman marked the first formal engagement between Iran and the United States in years, and though progress may have been slight, it was enough to signal a willingness to temper tensions through diplomacy rather than military action. Iranian and US negotiators agreed on April 12 to continue their high-level talks over Tehran's nuclear program on April 19, with the venue likely moving to Europe from the Middle East. Axios on April 13 cited sources as saying the second round would likely be in Rome, but there has been no official comment on the potential site. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on April 13, US President Donald Trump said he had met with advisers and that "we'll be making a decision on Iran very quickly," without being specific. Going into the high-stakes meeting in Oman, Washington had insisted the talks would be direct, while Tehran maintained otherwise. In the end, there was a bit of both. The talks were largely held indirectly, with Omani diplomats shuttling between rooms. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff briefly met at the conclusion of the talks. "So, both sides came out with their basic requirements met," Gregory Brew, a senior Iran analyst at the New York-based Eurasia Group, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. However, he warned against overanalyzing the outcomes of the meeting, adding, "It's still not entirely clear what was achieved beyond simply establishing a basis for further discussions." Araqchi called the brief words he had with Witkoff "diplomatic courtesy." That was enough to bring a palpable optimism to the region, already on edge with the conflict in Gaza and a regime change in Syria. Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, which was skeptical of the 2015 nuclear deal and hailed Trump for abrogating it in 2018, has welcomed the Oman talks. Bahrain and Qatar followed suit with their own statements of encouragement. Tough Calls Necessary Analysts say a deal on Iran's nuclear program is possible -- if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is willing to make difficult decisions. Despite constitutionally holding ultimate authority over all state matters, Khamenei has developed a reputation for avoiding direct accountability. "Khamenei still appears to be unwilling to take responsibility, as seen in his recent public comments in which he says he against talks and that negotiations can be held but he won't take responsibility for the outcomes," Fereshteh Pezeshk, an international relations analyst based in Washington, told Radio Farda. Iran is in a precarious position. Its network of regional proxies is at its weakest, and its economy is reeling under US sanctions, with the cost of living rising and purchasing power declining. "The domestic situation in Iran is also slightly increasing the odds of a deal," Pezeshk said. Adding to the pressure are threats of military action from Trump if no agreement is reached. While Iranian officials publicly dismiss the possibility of war, analysts say Tehran takes the threat seriously. The Road Ahead Mehrzad Boroujerdi, a professor of political science at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, described the Oman meeting as "warm-up talks" during which critical topics were left untouched. "They likely agreed on a timetable and general topics of discussion, but the important issues will come up in future talks," he told Radio Farda. Boroujerdi added that both Tehran and Washington appeared to have "pulled back from their maximalist demands", paving the way for a workable deal. The format of the next round of talks has not been disclosed, but critics of indirect negotiations argue that Washington must insist on direct engagement, citing previous failures of indirect diplomacy. "The US should be making clear: if there are no direct, substantive talks in the next round, there will be no negotiation," Jason Brodsky, policy director at the nonprofit United Against Nuclear Iran, wrote on X. "This is how Tehran stalls and strings things out." Another unresolved question is whether Trump seeks to curb Iran's nuclear program or dismantle it entirely. Tehran has firmly opposed shutting down its nuclear program but has repeatedly insisted it does not seek nuclear weapons and is willing to offer assurances. Still, there seems to be a real willingness to strike a deal, and Iran arguably needs it more than the United States. Reaching an agreement, however, depends on whether Iranian decision-makers "show wisdom and courage," Pezeshk said. For now, both sides seem prepared to keep talking, but there is only so much time left. With reporting by Golnaz Esfandiari, Reza Jamali, and Mohammad Zarghami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda Wang Zhou, a member of China's 24th medical aid team to Niger, performs a percutaneous coronary intervention on a patient at the General Referral Hospital of Niamey, Niger, March 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Si Yuan) NIAMEY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- On a March morning, five-year-old Hama Moctar stepped into the General Referral Hospital of Niamey in Niger for a follow-up appointment. Just 100 days after surgery, his legs, once shortened and fractured, now carried him steadily. Three years earlier, Moctar suffered a severe fracture in his left femur. Persistent infections followed, and his leg was left 10 centimeters shorter. While local doctors insisted amputation was the only way, Nong Jianbu, a trauma specialist from China's 24th medical aid team to Niger, proposed an alternative: the Ilizarov technique. With equipment from China and tightly coordinated efforts, Chinese and Nigerien surgeons performed the complex operation. Today, both of Moctar's legs are equal in length and he can walk freely again. Built by China in August 2016, the General Referral Hospital is one of West Africa's largest medical facilities. It symbolizes a bilateral partnership that spans over half a century. Since 1976, Chinese medical teams dispatched from China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have worked tirelessly in Niger, a nation on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, making significant contributions to the country's healthcare system. Over the years, Chinese doctors have faced countless challenges. Wang Zhou, a member of China's 24th medical aid team to the country, recalled a December night in 2024, when a Nigerien woman, stricken by acute myocardial infarction, was rushed to the hospital. Together with nurse Wen Lina, Wang acted quickly to clear her blocked coronary arteries. Under the harsh glare of surgical lights, Wang meticulously navigated tangled blood vessels and implanted a stent just in time. "Success in such chaos feels miraculous," he said. In the spinal surgery department, Li Xiaofeng once faced a similar situation: a 50-year-old woman with a cervical spinal canal tumor. Due to the lack of necessary medical equipment and technology in local hospitals, medical staff there have little confidence in completing the surgery. Li spent nights studying her scans and consulting experts in China via unstable connections. After a meticulous two-hour operation, the tumor was removed. "It was like threading a needle in a sandstorm," Li said. "But her recovery made every risk worthwhile." Since 1976, more than 750 Chinese doctors have treated nearly 1 million patients in Niger. "Every healed patient writes a new chapter in the China-Africa friendship," said Zheng Zhida, leader of the 24th medical aid team. "Our partnership with China is fruitful," said Mamane Daou, general director of the hospital, adding that the Chinese medical team has not only sent skilled doctors but also provided vital medical equipment and consumables. "Their expertise and dedication have earned our highest respect," he said. "The hospital now attracts patients even from Mali and Burkina Faso." This photo taken on March 26, 2025 shows the General Referral Hospital of Niamey in Niger. (Xinhua/Si Yuan) Officials from around the world condemned Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, as the Ukrainian city of Sumy continued to sift through the wreckage caused by Russian a missile strike that left at least 34 people dead. Ukraine's state emergency service said two children were among those killed in the April 13 attack when Ukrainians were marking Palm Sunday, while at least 117 others -- including 15 children -- were injured. The attack prompted European officials to accuse Russia of committing a war crime, while US officials from President Donald Trump to several Republican and Democratic Party lawmakers expressed horror at the death and destruction caused in the second major attack to kill civilians in 10 days. In an interview that aired late on April 13 on the US news program 60 Minutes, Zelenskyy, who was speaking before the latest attack had occurred, urged President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine to see first hand what Russia was doing to his country even as the two sides talk with Washington about a cease-fire. "But please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead," Zelenskyy said. "You will understand what Putin did." The Kremlin denied that the two attacks targeted civilian infrastructure. Russia has throughout the war consistently rejected allegations of deliberately striking civilian targets in Ukraine, even though repeated attacks on hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and residential buildings far from any military objects have been documented. Trump, who has made ending the war a top foreign policy priority since taking office less than three months ago, called the Russian strike on Sumy a "horrible thing." "I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it's a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing," he told reporters aboard Air Force One on April 13 as he traveled to Washington from Florida, although he didn't specify what he meant by "made a mistake." Russia Targeted Crowded Center of Sumy An RFE/RL correspondent who arrived in Sumy not long after the attack said it occurred "in a very crowded place -- the center of the city" at a time when many Ukrainians would have been going to church for Palm Sunday. "People walk there with their children," Alyona Yatsyna added. "There are some cafes. All the cars on the street, including public transport -- a whole bus burned to the ground. There's a lot of destruction. A lot of people were killed." The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Telegram that two Iskander-M / KN-23 ballistic missiles had been launched at Sumy from Russia's Voronezh and Kursk regions. As crews began to clean up debris the day after the attack, locals laid flowers to remember the victims. "It's a huge tragedy," said Serhiy Pask, the mayor of Mykolayivka, a village just north of Sumy. "Unfortunately, it's happening every day." Global Leaders Condemn Putin Over Sumy Strike "This is the height of [Putin's] perfidy," Germany's incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, told public broadcaster ARD on April 14. "It was a deliberate and calculated war crime." Merz, the 69-year-old leader of the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU), reiterated his consistent support for supplying long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stressing that such a move should be made in close coordination with European allies. "European partners are already supplying cruise missiles," he said. "The British are doing it, the French are doing it, and the Americans are doing it anyway. It has to be coordinated, and if it is coordinated, then Germany should be part of it," he added. He also pointed to Crimea as a potential target for Ukraine's long-range strikes. "One example would be to destroy the most important land link between Russia and Crimea," Merz added, noting its strategic importance for Russian military logistics. When questioned about the Sumy attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on April 14 said Russia's military targets only "military and military-linked targets." At the news briefing, Peskov also condemned Merz's proposal on supplies of Taurus long-range missiles, warning that such a move "will only lead to a further escalation" of the conflict. The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on April 14 in Luxembourg that "all those who want the killing to stop should put the maximum pressure" possible on Russia to agree to a peace plan. "We have to put the pressure, the maximum pressure, on Russia to really end this war, because it takes two to want peace," Kallas said as she arrived at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers. UN chief Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, was "deeply alarmed and shocked" by the attack in Sumy, his spokesman stated, saying it "continues a devastating pattern of similar assaults on Ukrainian cities and towns in recent weeks." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a "horrifying Russian missile attack," while Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said the "Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency." Trump has signaled impatience with the pace of negotiations to cement a cease-fire in Ukraine. His administration continues to engage in direct talks with Russian officials as part of a wider deal aimed at rebuilding bilateral relations. White House envoy Steve Witkoff flew to St. Petersburg, Russia, to meet with Putin for more than four hours of talks on April 12. Neither Witkoff nor the White House issued any public comment after the meeting, though the Kremlin said "aspects of a Ukrainian settlement" had been discussed. "While Ukraine has accepted President Trump's ceasefire proposal, Putin continues to show he is more interested in bloodshed than in peace. Targeting innocent civilians as they gather to worship on Palm Sunday is beyond the pale," Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said in a post on X. Russia and Ukraine separately agreed with the United States last month at talks in Saudi Arabia to halt strikes on energy infrastructure and at sea in what appeared to be an important step toward a full cease-fire. In the meantime, Russia has continued to strike civilian infrastructure. "I dont see any hope for a real cease-fire as long as Russia is not under pressure to comply with it. All the pressure has been on Ukraine. Ive seen no pressure from the U.S. administration on Russia," retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who commanded U.S. Army forces in Europe from 2014 and 2017, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. 'Russia Is Targeting Civilians' Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, claimed the missiles contained cluster munitions. "The Russians are doing this to kill as many civilians as possible," he said, according to Reuters. Zelenskyy's condemnation of the attack came after a Russian strike on the city of Kryviy Rih killed 20 people, including nine children, just over a week earlier. Maia Sandu, president of Ukraine's southwestern neighbor Moldova, was quick to offer her condolences, too. "Palm Sunday is a day of peace. This morning, as people gathered to pray, Russia bombed Sumy -- killing and injuring civilians," she said on X. "Moldova mourns with Ukraine and urges more air defense to save lives. The aggressor must be held accountable. There is no justification for such evil." There has been no comment yet from the Kremlin on the reported strike. The UN reported late last month that at least 413 civilians had been killed in the conflict since the beginning of 2025. It also said that more than 2,000 people had been injured in Ukraine due to Russian aggression in the first three months of the year, an increase of 30 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said: "For the second month in a row, Russia has refused to accept the US proposal for a full cease-fire, which Ukraine unconditionally accepted on March 11. Instead, Russia ramps up its terror." "We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow. Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to the horrific terror." Elsewhere on April 13, the Turkish Defense Ministry said it will hold a meeting on Black Sea security on April 1516, according to TASS, although Ukrainian officials said such a session had not yet been scheduled. The meeting would take place in the context of a possible cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. Military representatives from foreign countries will take part, the Russian news agency reported. ***This story has been reissued to bring the 13th paragraph up to the third paragraph. There were no other changes to the text.*** PRISTINA -- For more than two years, Kosovo war crimes prosecutors have laid out evidence, questioning scores of witnesses, building their case for why former President Hashim Thaci should be convicted for his role in the killing or detention of scores of people during and after the country's war of independence. On April 15, the trial hits a significant milestone as the prosecution rests its case, and lawyers for Thaci, and three other officials, begin arguing their defense. Thaci, who stepped down as president after he was indicted, and his codefendants have all been held in pre-trial detention in The Hague since November 2020 on charges they deny. The trial is the most consequential to date for the court, formally known as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office, which is part of an international effort to account for the infighting that gripped the country during and after its war for independence in the late 1990s. The prosecution's case has been criticized by outside observers, who say it's failed to prove Thaci shared responsibility for a "joint criminal enterprise" that targeted "collaborators" and "traitors" to "gain power" following the country's independence. "The two most serious parts of the indictment -- claiming a joint criminal enterprise and a chain of command -- in our analysis, the prosecution has failed to prove such things existed in practice," Ehat Miftaraj, director of the Kosovo Institute for Justice, told RFE/RL's Kosovo Service. The court has also faced growing pushback from the United States, which is a major financial donor of the court as well as a major supplier of legal staff. Ric Grennell, who was special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations during President Donald Trump's first administration, has slammed Thaci's detention as a "grave injustice." Movements Of Liberation Years before becoming Kosovo's first post-independence prime minister, in 2008, Thaci was one of the founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, a militia group that waged a years-long fight to break Kosovo away from Serbia and from Yugoslavia. In 1999, NATO bombed Yugoslav military units to halt a campaign of terror that Belgrade had launched against Kosovo. The province declared independence from Serbia in 2008, something not recognized by Serbia to this day. The two countries have tense relations, with local ethnic enclaves clashing over municipal rules, though both have also exchanged diplomatic representatives. In 2016, the same year Thaci was elected president, the European Union backed the creation of a hybrid court that would investigate crimes committed during and after the war, particularly by the Kosovo Liberation Army, known as the KLA. Housed at The Hague, the court staffed mainly by international judges and lawyers, but is authorized under Kosovo's constitution. In 2020, the court indicted Thaci, and three other top KLA leaders, alleging they were responsible for helping to set up a network of 40 detention centers, where over 400 people were detained. At least 102 were killed and more than 20 others are considered missing, prosecutor charged. Thaci's co-defendants are Kadri Veseli, the former head of the Democratic Party of Kosovo; Rexhep Selimi, a lawmaker now affiliated with the current Prime Minister Albin Kurti; and Jakup Krasniqi, a former speaker of Kosovo's parliament. Defense lawyers have rejected all charges, arguing that the KLA lacked an effective chain of command. 'A Grave Injustice' Though now disbanded, the KLA remains a popular organization for many Kosovars, who credit it with the fight that led to independence. Thaci also remains a popular figure, fueling criticism in Kosovo society for the court. The court's main European backers continue to support the proceedings. However, under the Trump administration, the United States, which is a major supplier of legal staffing to the court, has become a vocal critic. Americans rank second after the Netherlands in terms of personnel staffing the court, and the court's vice president and its current chief prosecutor are also both U.S. citizens. At the time Thaci was indicted, he had planned a trip to Washington, D.C., and he was forced to cancel. The prosecutor who issued the indictment was Jack Smith, who was later appointed special counsel under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, and tasked with brought two sets of criminal charges against Trump himself. Trump himself, and most of his Republican supporters, strenuously criticized the two criminal cases Smith brought against him, alleging they were politically motivated. Grennell, whom Trump re-appointed as a special envoy at the beginning of his second term in January, has repeatedly called for the court's closure. In February, on Kosovo's Independence Day, he described Thaci's continued detention as a "grave injustice." "The Europeans have failed to act against this injustice for the past 5 years," Grenell said in a now-deleted post to X. "And Kosovo's state institutions have failed to take the necessary legal actions to bring this injustice to an end -- because of politics." If the US administration were to formally call for the closure of the court, it could severely damage the process, Miftaraj said. However, he added, international backers want to see the trial completed, and he said the chances of a political decision shutting it down entirely were "small." Miftaraj said he expects the entire process to conclude, with the court handing down a verdict, by spring of 2026. After more than two years of hearings and testimony from 125 witnesses, prosecutors with a special Kosovo court in The Hague are expected wrap up their case against former Kosovar President Hashim Thaci. He and three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1998-99 Kosovo war of independence. A Ukrainian commander whose unit held off daily Russian assaults while trapped in freezing ruins for more than a month says his team held on by finding strength they never knew they had. Bohdan Kushnir had intended to make a brief inspection visit of the National Police Brigade's position on Ukraine's eastern front in Toretsk. But Kushnir and six other soldiers soon found themselves under Russian fire, with exits cut off. The Ukrainians were often close enough to their enemy to shout taunts back and forth, while comrades with surveillance drones helped out by disclosing Russian positions to the pinned-down troops. After three weeks, three of the seven Ukrainians were wounded and some fell ill amid freezing February temperatures. Nonetheless, they managed to continue firing from a home with crumbling walls and blown-out windows and doors. As Kushhir recalled in an interview with RFE/RL, "You have a gun in your hand, and you are trying to survive, using all your instincts to save your unit." The Donetsk region city has been the focus of intense fighting for months, with Russians claiming control while Ukrainian forces reject the claim. The Russian forces nearby, including those fighting for control of Pokrovsk, have been beefed up, but advances have been slow and costly. Much of Toretsk now lies in ruins, with little cover for troops engaged in intense urban combat. Such conditions test soldiers' resolve, according to Kushnir. "I don't consider myself a tough person, but sometimes you have to act like you never would in civilian life." He described the Russian units trying to take over the Ukrainian position as determined, if not effective. "It was audacious," Kushnir said. "Those weren't just some random attackers. They would start at 5 a.m., and even if they couldn't get through, they would be looking for another entry point until 5 p.m." He managed to film close-quarters shootouts in which each side is making audible shouts at each other. And while some Russians were apparently talked into surrendering, none was willing to return to a safer position. "The group in this video wouldn't retreat at all," Kushnir said. "They all just died there." In early March, the Ukrainian forces were finally evacuated in armored vehicles, cheering as they rejoined their comrades to the west. A Ukrainian commander who fended off constant Russian assaults in a freezing house says he and his comrades found strength within themselves that they didn't know they had. Bohdan Kushnir shared the harrowing account of close combat with an enemy who fought to the death while seven Ukrainian troops, some wounded, held out -- and even managed to capture a few Russians. By David Young, PA The EU must remain calm amid the chaos and confusion surrounding the blocs trading relationship with the US, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin said his government was committed to protecting jobs in Ireland. The EU has stepped back from introducing trade countermeasures against the US after President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on a swathe of new tariffs, including those targeting the European bloc. Taoiseach Micheal Martin during a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in March (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Martin reflected on the situation on Saturday evening as he delivered a speech at an event marking the 50th anniversary of his Fianna Fail partys youth wing. Addressing the Ogra Fianna Fail National Youth Conference in Co Roscommon, the Taoiseach acknowledged that many younger members of the party worked for companies that could be affected by the tariff dispute. Mr Martin said Ireland was facing turbulent times. I know that the current uncertainty around tariffs and the chaos and confusion around our and Europes relationship with the US is a source of great worry for many, he said. I know that there will be a good proportion of you here tonight who work with companies who stand to be directly impacted by this uncertainty. What I would say to you is that you are citizens of a country whose government is absolutely committed to protecting our economic model, protecting jobs and investing in the infrastructure we need to ensure the progress we have enjoyed can continue to be enjoyed by the coming generations. We are working closely with our European counterparts to ensure that we keep things calm and navigate our way through this. We will continue to engage with the US administration and with the many companies, multinational, indigenous in our country. James Cox Ireland's neutrality will be "completely unaffected" by proposed changes to the triple lock, despite criticism from opposition TDs, according to a Government minister. Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a mission being approved by the UN Security Council or General Assembly, as well as approval by the Government and the Dail. Under draft legislation being advanced by the Government, it is proposed to remove the requirement of formal UN approval and replace it with a stipulation that the deployments are in accordance with the UN Charter. The Government argues that this will prevent the five permanent members of the Security Council Russia, China, the UK, the US and France from exercising their veto against Irish peacekeeping missions. The Irish Neutrality League and a number of opposition TDs have pledged a "robust challenge" to the changes. In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Minister of State Neale Richmond said: "Irelands triple lock mechanism for deploying troops abroad is an archaic tool that is hindering our ability to be a global force for good whilst surrendering our sovereign decision making to the veto powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "Given a UN mandate can be vetoed by any of the five permanent security council members, we are effectively giving the likes of Russia and China and a veto of where and when we send our own troops." It is perverse to equate being able to participate in more peacekeeping missions as undermining our long held tradition of military neutrality. Mr Richmond added: "Irelands military neutrality is completely unaffected by any proposed changes to the triple lock, it is perverse to equate being able to participate in more peacekeeping missions as undermining our long held tradition of military neutrality. "As it stands, Ireland could not send 13 members of our defence forces to Ukraine to help train Ukrainians on land mine removal, the very same land mines that are killing and maiming so many." The Fine Gael TD also discussed how vetoes have blocked peacekeeping missions in recent years. "There has been no new UN mandated peacekeeping missions in over a decade due to wrangling on the security council, such as in the case of deployment to the Former Yougoslav Republic of Macedonia, while Irelands participation in existing peacekeeping missions has been delayed due to the failure of the Security Council to support renewal mandates such as for Operation Sophia and for policing work in Bosnia Herzegovina." He also rejected claims by opposition TDs that changes to the triple lock should be put to a national referendum. Neale Richmond said the triple lock is "archaic". "The triple lock was created in the 1950s after Ireland first joined the UN, it was created by legislation and it is not included in our Constitution therefore no referendum is required. "Those calling for a referendum are turning their back on our system of parliamentary democracy. The Governments proposal is not a new one, there were four regional consultative fora in the last parliamentary mandate while my party Fine Gael has advocated for the abolition of the triple lock for over 20 years. We published a heads of Bill in March and desire to have that put to pre legislative scrutiny and a lengthy parliamentary debate." He reiterated the importance of the Defence Forces' reputation as accomplished peacekeepers. "Our world is a scary place at the moment, Ireland aspires to be not just a voice for peace but also an active force for peace. That is why we want to enable our Defence Forces to be able to do more in the name of peace. We can and must do more." The first 200-kilogram batch of fresh coconuts imported from Indonesia arrived in Fuzhou, the capital city of east China's Fujian Province, on Saturday. The arrival of the imported coconuts is the latest highlight of the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Indonesia this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In November 2024, the General Administration of Customs announced that it would allow imports of fresh coconuts from Indonesia that meet relevant requirements. In recent years, China's coconut imports have shown an upward trend, and its import markets are becoming increasingly diversified, now including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. China's huge market demand provides broad export space for coconuts from Indonesia, which is one of the world's largest coconut producers. According to customs statistics, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Indonesia exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 138.72 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time in 2024. In January and February 2025, that volume totaled 172.57 billion yuan, up 4.7 percent year on year. DHAKA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government has handed over the third consignment of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar's authorities. Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Md Monwar Hossain handed over the third consignment of humanitarian aid to the Myanmar side at a ceremony on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of the Bangladesh Armed Forces said in a statement. Relief materials from Bangladesh included tents, food packets, dry rations, drinking water, blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials. In total, ISPR said 151 metric tonnes of relief materials have been provided to the people of Myanmar in three consignments since the earthquake struck on March 28. In addition to relief materials, a 55-member Search and Rescue (SAR) and medical team was deployed in Myanmar capital Nay pyi taw to support the rescue and recovery efforts. A donation of 800 boxes of hygiene products by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has also been handed over to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. The Sephardic Bucharest The history of Sephardic Jews in the Romanian regions starts back in mid-16th century and is related to the capital city Bucharest Ioan Bianu (1856-1935) Steliu Lambru, 13.04.2025, 14:00 Also known as the Spanish Jews, the Sephardic Jews, or Sephardim, made it to the capital of Wallachia after they had been evicted from Spain in 1492 and had to find refuge in the Ottoman Empire. In Bucharest they settled in the district today known as the Old City Center, a trade area where they started dealing in manufacture and trade. As documents of the 18th century proved, there were among them, bankers, translators and physicians. Felicia Waldman is a teacher of the History of the Jews with the University of Bucharest. Felicia Waldman: The first Jewish presence in Bucharest dates back to 1550 when we had some documents issued by the local ruler, Mircea Ciobanu, referring to some Jewish shop owners, who had their shops close to the royal palace. In the same year the rabbi of Thessaloniki, Samuel of Medina, issued a letter on the killing of an Ottoman Jew on the outskirts of the city, mentioning the name of five Jews from Bucharest. Nine years on from the event we have a second letter sent by rabbi Josef Carol of Nikopol in 1559 referring to a similar case and two of the names in Samuels letter were mentioned again. That proves those people indeed lived in that city and were a constant presence. In the following centuries, the Sephardic Jews became important presences in the economy and culture of the Wallachian capital. Here is Felicia Waldman again. Felicia Waldman: In order to get a better grip on the countrys tax and duty system, around 1694, Constantin Brancoveanu included the Jews in a guild. In 1714 we have a first mentioning, which is again very clear, that ruler Stefan Cantacuzino had destroyed the synagogue in the district of Jignita in order to avert attention from the role he played in dethroning Brancoveanu. In 1730, upon the advice of two Sephardic Jews, Daniel de Fonseca and Mendez Bali, prince Nicolae Mavrocordat recognized the Sephardic community in Bucharest, as a separate, autonomous administrative structure. From de Fonseca we have information about Mavrocordats famous library, from which he translated a series of Greek manuscripts, which he later made available to scholars in France and Italy. Through an intense correspondence he promoted the voivodes collections, which, just like in the case of Brancoveanu, included a series of manuscripts in Hebrew. So, both rulers, Brancoveanu and Mavrocordat, were collectors of manuscripts in Hebrew. The 19th century brought decisive changes in the history of the Romanian space. The Romanian state is being created and the Sephardic Jews were perfectly adjusted to the changes. Felicia Waldman: Things already started to change in the 19th century. In 1819, the congregation of the Spanish Jews built their biggest and most impressive synagogue, Cahal Grande or the Big Spanish Temple, which was to be burned down by the Iron Guard legionnaires during their rebellion in January 1941. In 1846, the congregation managed to build their second synagogue, known as Cahal Cicu or the Small Spanish Temple, which was destroyed by Ceausescu in 1987. Iuliu Barasch also mentioned the Sephardic Jews of Wallachia, when he referred to the other part of the Israeli population. Why? Because in the meantime, the Jews of German origin, known as the Ashkenazi Jews had arrived in Bucharest, and already outnumbered their Sephardic counterparts. And that prompted Barasch to refer to them as . Actually they were speaking medieval Spanish, which was no longer spoken in Spain at that time. The Sephardim proved to be a dynamic community, part of the financial elite and had integrated in the Romanian collective mental and culture. Felicia Waldman: Because the Spanish Jews had made it to the Romanian Countries mainly through the Ottoman Empire, they were better positioned financially. They were mainly traders, with connections both in the West and East, less visible and easier to integrate. Their language resembled Romanian, they didnt wear traditional clothes, nor they had special customs, and for this reason they were easier to integrate. Unlike them, the Ashkenazi Jews, who were mainly Polish, had Yiddish as language, a more distinct accent, wore particular clothes and that made them easier to identify and discriminate against. Felicia Waldman also told us about the end of the history of the Bucharest Sephardim in mid-20th century. Felicia Waldman: The end of this community came in 1948 when the communists dismantled it as it was easier to control only one community. They closed down the Sephardic community and made a selection inside the Jewish Community in Bucharest, which was also closed down in 1965. This because only a few Sephardic Jews were left; as a matter of fact, they were never too many, you know. Their number never exceeded several thousands, whereas the number of their Ashkenazi counterparts of German origin, before WWII reached 780 thousand. So, out of those 780 thousand, only a couple of thousand were Sephardim. The heritage of the Sephardic community in Bucharest is visible today in the entire historic center of the city. It represents the history of the Jews but also the history of the Romanians. April 13, 2025 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 13.04.2025, 13:55 A roundup of local and international news. CHRISTIANITY Orthodox and Catholic Christians are celebrating Palm Sunday today, marking the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, more than 2,000 years ago. The Gospels say that Christ entered Jerusalem as a humble man, riding a donkey, but was acclaimed by the crowd as a king. The people welcomed Him with palm branches because they had heard of the miracle He had performed not long before: the resurrection of Lazarus. The enthusiasm of the crowd was not shared by the religious leaders. They saw Jesus as a blasphemer and planned to punish Him. Their plan would succeed in a few days, when Jesus would be crucified. Jesus Christs entry into the city of Jerusalem opens the Passion Week, the most dramatic days of His life. On Saturday, on the eve of the holiday, Orthodox believers participated in processions organized in several localities across the country, while Catholic Christians will march in procession this afternoon. Those participating in the Mass receive willow branches blessed by priests. MESSAGE Romanias interim president, Ilie Bolojan, sent a Happy Name Day! message to those celebrating it on Palm Sunday. In a Facebook post, he says that during Passion Week, which is a time of reflection and preparation for the Resurrection, we are called to be more attentive to the needs of those around us. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also conveyed wishes of health and joy to all those celebrating their name day today. In a message also posted on Facebook, he says that the marking by all Christians in Romania, regardless of denomination, of the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is an opportunity for spiritual communion, reflection and consolidation of values such as faith, freedom, respect for human dignity and tolerance, which define us as a people. DISEASE Romanian authorities are taking additional measures to reduce the risk of foot-and-mouth disease. The disease is spreading in Europe, with four outbreaks already confirmed in neighboring Hungary. The head of the control department within the National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Florin Capatana, explained that the transport of live animals, feed, straw, compost and manure from Hungary to Romania will be prohibited. Imports of meat and meat products and untreated milk from the affected areas will also be blocked, and access control points from Hungary will be monitored by specialized personnel. Florin Capatana also warned that all batches of animals susceptible to the disease sheep, cattle, goats and pigs originating from intra-community trade will be tested. Romania has one of the 15 laboratories authorized in the European Union to diagnose foot-and-mouth disease at the highest bio-security standards. IMPORTS Romania must prepare safety net measures to protect industries that may be affected by import tariffs imposed by the United States administration, said Romanian Finance Minister Tanczos Barna. He participated in recent days in Warsaw, Poland, in an informal meeting with counterparts from other European states on the effects of trade tariffs. He said that the new financing package for the Unions defense industry was also discussed, as well as the financing of acquisitions in the field of endowment of the member states armies. The Finance Minister said that both are essential for Romania. In addition to the endowment obligations, we cannot miss this opportunity for industrial development, Barna said in an online post. INVESTMENT Foreign investments in Romania exceeded one billion euros in the first two months of the year, but decreased by 38% compared to the same period in 2024. According to the National Bank, the current account of the balance of payments, an important indicator in trade, recorded a deficit of 4.8 billion euros in January and February 2025, an increase of almost 85% compared to the same period last year. At the same time, in the first two months of 2025, the countrys total external debt increased by over 3 billion euros, to 208 billion euros. LAW The Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) has received assurances that concerns regarding legislative amendments regarding the retirement of magistrates will be taken into account in the debates in the Parliament in Bucharest. The CSM leadership had discussions with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu at the end of this week, to whom it presented the dissatisfaction and objections of magistrates regarding the adoption of the Executives proposal aimed at gradually increasing the retirement age and changing the method of calculating the service pension. The legislative initiative is in public debate until Tuesday, a deadline by which amendments can also be submitted by parliamentarians. The CSM previously criticized the lack of transparency in the development of the project that the PSD-PNL-UDMR ruling coalition wants to adopt in an emergency procedure in order to unlock the third tranche of financing under the National Recovery and Resilience Program. WAR The Ukrainian military said invading Russian forces launched 55 drones into northern, southern and central areas of the country overnight. Kyiv said it had shot down 43 of them, but it was not yet known whether any of those that were not intercepted had caused damage. Ukraine and Russia agreed last month to stop targeting each others energy infrastructure, with each side later accusing the other of violating the agreement. Ukraine said Saturday morning that Russian forces had launched dozens of drones in a nighttime attack on it, injuring four people and damaging commercial and residential buildings in Kyiv and elsewhere in the country. Drone debris also destroyed a private home and damaged several commercial buildings, sparking large fires in several areas of the Ukrainian capital. (EE) April 13, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 13.04.2025, 20:00 A roundup of local and international news. EXPO2025 The Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, was inaugurated on Sunday. Between April 13 and October 13, at the World Expo the largest international public diplomacy event 158 international participants are exploring the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, which is based on the idea of international collaboration and collective involvement to identify solutions to the current challenges of humanity. The exhibition space intended for Romania has a ground area of approximately 900 square meters and is located near the ones of Great Britain, the Netherlands and Poland. Romania aims to bring to the attention of the international community the diversity and richness of its natural resources, the quality of its human capital, as well as its cultural and technological potential. PALM SUNDAY The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bucharest organized, on Sunday afternoon, the traditional procession on the streets of the city dedicated to the celebration of Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday that marked the triumphal entry of the Son of God into Jerusalem. The procession was attended by believers and priests from the Roman Catholic communities and parishes in the Capital and its surroundings. On Saturday, on the eve of the holiday, the Orthodox believers, the majority in Romania, also participated throughout the country, in impressive numbers, in the already usual street pilgrimages occasioned by the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The Palm Sunday Pilgrimage is a prayer in procession and a moving gathering of the clergy and the faithful, a confession of faith, a blessing for the city and a joy for the pilgrims, said Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Palm Sunday celebration opens Holy Week or Passion Week, the most dramatic in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, which will culminate with His death by crucifixion on the cross, then with His Resurrection, celebrated this year by all Christians on the same date Sunday, April 20. FORUM Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu pleaded, at a diplomatic forum organized in Antalya, Turkey, for a strategic approach of the European Union in the Black Sea area. He said that this region is gaining increased strategic relevance due to the key role it plays in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security, as well as for Europes energy security and global food security. The head of Romanian diplomacy stressed the importance of regional cooperation, exemplified by the creation, in 2024, at the initiative of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, of the Operational Group for Combating Marine Mines in the Black Sea. Hurezeanu expressed his hope that this cooperation model will be extended to other areas of common interest, such as the protection of critical infrastructure and combating hybrid threats, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest said. WAR The Russian attack that killed more than 30 people and injured about 100 in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, one of the deadliest in recent months in the country, exceeds the limits of decency, the US envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said. As a former military official, I know what targeted strikes are, and this is unacceptable, he wrote on the social network X. French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also condemned the Russian attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky launched an appeal to put pressure on Moscow to stop the war in Ukraine. He accused his counterpart Vladimir Putin of ignoring the American proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Ukraine and Russia agreed last month to stop attacking each others energy infrastructure, but the two sides have since accused each other of violating the moratorium. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. DISEASE Romanian authorities are taking additional measures to reduce the risk of foot-and-mouth disease. The disease is spreading in Europe, with four outbreaks already confirmed in neighbouring Hungary. The head of the control department within the National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Florin Capatana, explained that the transport of live animals, feed, straw, compost and manure from Hungary to Romania will be prohibited. Imports of meat and meat products and untreated milk from the affected areas will also be blocked, and access control points from Hungary will be monitored by specialized personnel. Florin Capatana also warned that all batches of animals susceptible to the disease sheep, cattle, goats and pigs originating from intra-community trade will be tested. Romania has one of the 15 laboratories authorized in the European Union to diagnose foot-and-mouth disease at the highest bio-security standards. (EE) Music Time: Music festivals and their impact on the environment An interview with David Irle, independent eco-advisor and co-author of the volume "Decarboner la culture" Ana-Maria Popescu, 13.04.2025, 14:33 David Irle is a French independent consultant on the environmental transition of the cultural sector. He works with the Bureau des Acclimatations and provides training for the French Ministry of Culture and the DGCA. For over ten years, he has been involved in developing European cultural projects and integrating French operators into European networks. Currently, he focuses on implementing environmentally responsible practices in the cultural sector through artistic projects, professional models, and the redefinition of public cultural policies. He is the co-author of Decarboner la culture, published by Presses Universitaires de Grenoble in 2021. At the end of March, David Irle took part in an event organised by the French Institute in Bucharest, called Towards the Future: An ecological approach approach for cultural institutions. In this quick chat with him after the event, we discussed the main sources of music festivals carbon footprint, and the extent to which organisers are able to address them, in what seems to be an increasingly necessary paradigm shift in the live music industry. VIENTIANE, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanming visited Laos from Wednesday to Saturday. Yang met with Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, president of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) and a politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, and other senior officials. He also attended a seminar on poverty reduction and common development and delivered a speech, and met with people from all walks of life in Laos. During the visit, consensus was reached on promoting the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future, and strengthening people-to-people friendship, pragmatic cooperation and exchanges between youth. While some studies have suggested that having a mother with Alzheimer's disease may put you more at risk of developing the disease, a new study finds that having a father with the disease may be tied to a greater spread of the tau protein in the brain that is a sign of the disease, according to a study published on April 9, 2025, online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that having a father with Alzheimer's results in these brain changes; it only shows an association. The study also showed that female participants may be more at risk of a heavier buildup of tau protein than male participants. "We were surprised to see that people with a father with Alzheimer's were more vulnerable to the spread of tau in the brain, as we had hypothesized that we would see more brain changes in people with affected mothers," said study author Sylvia Villeneuve, PhD, of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The study looked at 243 people who had a family history of Alzheimer's disease but had no thinking or memory problems themselves at the average age of 68. Family history was defined as one or both parents with the disease or at least two siblings with the disease. Participants had brain scans and took tests of thinking and memory skills at the start of the study and then during the study as they were followed for an average of nearly seven years. During that time, 71 people developed mild cognitive impairment, which is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that people with a father with Alzheimer's disease as well as female participants had a greater spread of tau protein in the brain. Female participants also had a heavier buildup of tau protein in the brain. "Better understanding these vulnerabilities could help us design personalized interventions to help protect against Alzheimer's disease," Villeneuve said. A limitation of the study is that white people made up the majority of participants, so the results may not apply to other groups. The study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Quebec Research Fund -- Health, J.-Louis Levesque Foundation, Brain Canada Foundation, Alzheimer's Society Canada and Brain Canada Research. A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, has shown that Europe has adapted better to low temperatures than to high temperatures over the last two decades. The research, carried out in collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC) and published in The Lancet Planetary Health, shows that there has been a significant decrease in cold-related mortality risk in recent years compared to the first decade of the 2000s. There has also been a reduction in the risk of heat-related deaths over this period, although to a lesser extent. By analysing temperature and mortality records from over 800 regions in 35 European countries for the period 2003-2020, the researchers found that the relative risk of death in the lowest temperatures fell by 2% per year. On the other hand, the relative risk of death in the highest temperatures also decreased, but at a lower average rate of 1% per year. New approach to account for regional differences Traditionally, studies of this type have relied on fixed temperature thresholds to calculate risks, without taking into account that the vulnerability to identical temperatures is not the same in all parts of Europe. To overcome this limitation, the team developed a new concept: Extreme-Risk Temperature (ERT). By cross-referencing regional temperature and mortality data, this new approach made it possible to calculate the temperature at which the risk of death exceeds a certain threshold for each geographical area. The researchers also took into account variations in mortality to reflect adaptations to temperature over time. Using this methodology, the team observed that in the period 2003-2020 Europe experienced 2,07 less dangerously cold days (cold-ERT days) each year. On the contrary, the dangerously hot days (heat-ERT days) increased by 0,28 days per year. Interestingly, not all parts of Europe were affected the same way. For example, Southeastern European regions, despite its warmer conditions, had more dangerously heat and cold days that caused a higher risk of associated mortality. "We have become better at coping with cold temperatures over time -- a process known in science as 'adaptation'. For hot weather, people are also becoming resilient, though this improvement is less than the adaptation to cold," says Zhao-Yue Chen, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. "The vulnerability to extreme temperatures varies widely across different locations, with regions in Southern Europe being more sensitive to temperature changes than those in Northern Europe. This disparity is partially due to socioeconomic factors, including inadequate housing insulations, lower public health expenditure and limited access to social support or assistance for vulnerable populations," Zhao-Yue Chen adds. "Our results show that, while Europe has done remarkable progress in adapting to cold, the strategies to cope with heat-related mortality have been less effective. A 2024 survey revealed that only 20 out of 38 European countries have implemented temperature surveillance systems, and 17 countries still do not have heat-health action plans (HHAPs). Our study highlights the need for more progress in current heat adaptation measures and heat-health action plans," says Joan Ballester Claramunt, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study. "At the same time the observed spatial disparities underscore the need for region-specific strategies to protect vulnerable populations," he adds. Combined effects of temperature and air pollution The team also looked at how often Extreme-Risk Temperatures happened on days with pollution levels above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits. The co-occurrence of these two events, known as 'compound days', happened on 60% of heat-ERT days and 65% of cold-ERT days. Over time, these combination days have been decreasing except for the combination of dangerously hot days and high levels of ozone (O 3 ) pollution, which increased at a rate of 0.26 days per year. Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed in the atmosphere as a result of the interaction between other gases and solar radiation. "As global warming intensifies, combined heat and ozone episodes are becoming an inevitable and pressing concern for Europe. We need to consider compound days and develop specific strategies to tackle secondary pollutants such as ozone, because the health impacts of extreme temperatures and air pollution are not completely independent. There is an interaction between them that can amplify adverse health effects," says Zhao-Yue Chen. EARLY-ADAPT project The study has been carried out in the context of the EARLY-ADAPT project, funded by the European Research Council, and aimed at studying how populations are adapting to the public health challenges triggered by climate change. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist soils and becomes airborne during drought. Its spores are easily inhaled, leading to infection. Climate change is creating the perfect conditions for it in the Western United States, with increasing heavy rains followed by prolonged drought. A new study by University of California, Davis, researchers shows that dogs, who are also susceptible to the disease, can help us understand its spread. "Dogs are sentinels for human infections," said lead author Jane Sykes, professor of small animal internal medicine at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "They can help us understand not just the epidemiology of the disease but they're also models to help us understand the disease in people." Valley fever is common in animals, especially dogs that dig in dirt. The study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, examined nearly 835,000 blood antibody tests from dogs that had been tested for the infection across the country between 2012 and 2022. Nearly 40% of them tested positive. Valley fever spread Sykes, along with colleagues at UC Berkeley, also mapped positive results by location and found valley fever in dogs spread from just 2.4% of U.S. counties in 2012 to 12.4% in 2022. "We were also finding cases in states where valley fever is not considered endemic," said Sykes. "We should be closely watching those states because there could be under-recognition of the emerging fungal disease in humans." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention receives 10,000 to 20,000 reports of human cases every year, but the actual number of cases may be at least 33-fold higher. Many states do not require the reporting of human cases. The CDC considers valley fever endemic is parts of six states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The study found valley fever in dogs those states, but also in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Sykes said the sheer number of cases cannot be explained by dogs visiting other states, since dogs travel far less frequently than humans. Further, the dog cases correlated with human cases, including in known valley fever "hot spots" in Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico and Nevada. States with highest number of cases Arizona accounted for 91.5% of positive tests, followed by California (3.7%), Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas (2.6% combined), Washington, Oregon and Idaho (0.6% combined). The remaining states (1.3% combined) reported far fewer positive results. Arizona also had the highest incidence rate of any other state. Rates were 100-fold of those in California, Nevada and New Mexico. Every state with more than 0.50 tests per 10,000 households a year showed an increasing number of cases of valley fever per 10,000 households in dogs over the study period. Dogs as models for human disease Dog breeds that like to dig are more at risk of getting the disease. That includes most medium-to-large dogs as well as terriers. Dogs also exhibit some of the same signs of valley fever as humans. They can have a cough as the infection develops in their lungs. The fungus can also spread to the bones, brain and skin and require lifelong antifungal injections. Dogs can also die from the disease. Sykes suggested that dogs are an under-recognized model for understanding valley fever. By learning more about valley fever in dogs, scientists may discover new tests or treatments for the disease in humans. They may also help prevent misdiagnosis or undiagnosed disease in humans. Other authors of the study include George Thompson III of UC Davis School of Medicine and Simon Camponuri, Amanda Weaver and Justin Remais of UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. Funding for the research performed at UC Berkeley came from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health. ANKARA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- A high-level meeting focused on Black Sea security will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Naval Forces Command headquarters in Ankara, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Sunday. The meeting aims to discuss military planning measures to preserve peace in the region, particularly in the event of a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement. Military representatives from various countries are expected to attend, with discussions centered on the maritime dimension of maintaining stability in the Black Sea. The list of participating countries was not disclosed. The meeting builds on earlier cooperation efforts, including the establishment of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group in July 2024. The initiative, led by Turkiye in coordination with Romania and Bulgaria, was launched to address the threat of drifting sea mines that emerged following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and discussed a range of issues, including the Ukraine conflict and the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Nineveh, N.Y. Two Upstate New York brothers have been arrested because one had child pornography and the other sexually abused a cow, troopers said. On April 4, troopers arrested Christopher A. Banks, 37 of Nineveh (Broome County), after a search warrant was executed at his home, said Trooper Aga Tinker, a spokesperson for State Police. Troopers found images consistent with child sexual exploitation and charged him with possessing a sexual performance by a child, Tinker said. While investigating Banks, troopers made a discovery about his brother, Mark G. Banks, 38, of Nineveh, she said. It was revealed that Mark Banks sexually abused a dairy cow while employed at a farm in the town of Colesville, she said. Mark Banks was charged with sexual misconduct, she said. Both men were issued appearance tickets, Tinker said. Frank Barranca, a teacher at Curtis High School, is in the running for "Favorite Teacher" contest, sponsored by Readers Digest and fundraising platform Colossal. The contest highlights extraordinary educators across the countryand Barranca is proudly representing Staten Island. (Courtesy Frank Barranca) Courtesy Frank Barranca STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Is Curtis High Schools very own Frank Barranca Americas Favorite Teacher? A national contest is afoot to find out. Sponsored by Readers Digest and fundraising platform Colossal, the contest highlights extraordinary educators across the countryand Barranca is proudly representing Staten Island. It all started when Barranca created a personal profile on the Americas Favorite Teacher website, where voters can learn more about his journey into teaching, his proudest moments in education, and the values that guide his work. The contest invites the public to cast daily votes via Facebook, with additional votes available through charitable donations. Each dollar donated supports DTCare, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on global humanitarian efforts. * * Vote for Frank Barranca by clicking here. This competition isnt just about winning, Barranca shared. Its about spotlighting the power of education and how one teacher can make a lasting impact. Im honored to be a part of it. Frank Barranca, a teacher at Curtis High School, is in the running for "Favorite Teacher" contest, sponsored by Readers Digest and fundraising platform Colossal. The contest highlights extraordinary educators across the countryand Barranca is proudly representing Staten Island. (Courtesy Frank Barranca) Courtesy Frank Barranca The competition is designed to not only celebrate educators but also support charitable causes. Run by Colossal, a national fundraising organization, the contest raises money for DTCare, which helps communities in need around the world through education, employment training, and disaster relief initiatives. Donors receive a charitable tax receipt for each contribution, making every vote count for more than just bragging rights. The stakes are high: the teacher who earns the most votes will receive a $25,000 grand prize, be featured in an upcoming issue of Readers Digest, win a trip to Hawaii for two, and receive a once-in-a-lifetime school assembly featuring none other than Bill Nye the Science Guy. Supporters can vote for Frank Barranca once per day for free or purchase votes, with all proceeds directly benefiting DTCares global initiatives. Occasionally, bonus voting days double the value of each dollar donated. As voting continues, Barrancas students, colleagues, and local community members are rallying behind him. Hes the kind of teacher who not only teaches but truly inspires, said one colleague at Curtis. This recognition is so well deserved. ABOUT FRANK BARRANCA To learn more about Frank Barranca and cast your vote, visit his profile on the official Americas Favorite Teacher website at americasfavteacher.org. Most recently, Barranca has led a group of talented students from Curtis High Schools Curtis Night Live (CNL) comedy and improv club earn a coveted SPANK slot at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), a rare opportunity for public school groups. Barranca, the clubs director and faculty advisor. Founded by Barranca and inspired by the structure of Saturday Night Live, (SNL) CNL is a sketch comedy and improv troupe where students write, produce, and sometimes direct their own comedic sketches. With enough support, Barranca could soon bring national recognitionand Bill Nyeto Staten Island. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In August 2023, Khaeli Reynolds was dropped off at the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook by her parents. They had driven all the way from Colorado so that she could live out her dream of studying to be a neurosurgeon in New York City. It was a bittersweet farewell marking the start of her freshman year. What her parents didnt know was that this would be the last time theyd see their daughter alive. I rode with her dad and her boyfriend and we took her to move in, Reynolds mother Cassie Stout, 38, said. I remember holding onto her and hugging her and crying and kissing her and telling her, if you need anything, Im just a phone call away. I just wanted to hold her forever. Six months later, on Feb. 20, 2024, the 19-year-old was found unconscious in her dorm room. Her family ultimately discovered that Reynolds had overdosed on her prescription medication, apparently purposefully. Four days later, on Feb. 24, she took her final breath. I had no idea she was hurting so bad, her father Dennis Van Derslice said at her funeral. Khaeli was my best friend. Described by childhood friends as someone who always had everything together, the depth of Reynolds suffering had been hidden from the people who loved her the most. I feel like this was a result of mental health issues and she was just trying to hide it and stay strong, her mother said. Thats the type of person she was. Reynolds was among the thousands of college and university students who face severe mental health challenges. The crisis on campuses goes back decades; a key study by the Centers for Disease Control in 1995 raised alarm when it found 10% of college students had seriously considered suicide and nearly 7% had a specific plan. For todays students, some of the risks are even greater, with a 2024 National College Health Assessment Study conducted by the American College Health Association finding that 25% of students screened with a suicide behavior questionnaire were at risk, and 2.4% of students had made a suicide attempt in the past 12 months. Even as investments in youth mental health ramp up, including a Staten Island program that hopes to be nation-leading in its big-picture approach, experts say there is much more to be done to save the lives of college students in crisis. Theres a myth that most people who want to commit suicide want to die, said Dr. Stephen Wakschal, a senior psychologist at Northwell Health who has more than 40 years of experience in the field. They dont. They want the pain to end. They want to live but they just have a hard time connecting to that life side of them. Just your normal shy kid Growing up, Stout said that aside from what seemed like typical teenage anxiety, she does not recall Reynolds exhibiting signs of mental health issues. She was just your normal shy kid, Stout said. Reynolds was born in Texas on Nov. 9, 2004, to a 17-year-old Stout, who was no longer in a relationship with Reynolds father, Van Derslice. It was the pairs second child; their firstborn, Kaitlyn, had arrived 23 months earlier. Reynolds childhood was marked by change, with a move to Lincoln, Nebraska, with her father at age 4, followed by a custody fight between the parents over their two daughters, according to Stout. Van Derslice ultimately moved the girls to Colorado. He and Stout each went on to have more children with new partners, resulting in a big blended family with six total siblings. The two sisters would spend summers with their mother in Nebraska. When the girls were in Nebraska, they were best friends with their cousins, constantly having sleepovers... we were just doing all kinds of things to make up for lost time, Stout remembered. As a teenager, Reynolds best friends Randi Price and Avie Carter-Wilder said, Reynolds was ambitious. I was the quiet kid in middle school. When I saw her, I saw how confident she was. I was like, yeah, I have to be friends with her, Price said. Reynolds was in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school and played volleyball. She was the first in her family on her mothers side to go away for college. Khaeli always had everything together. She was always so put together. Her room is always clean, books are always organized and color coated, Price said. The trio of friends, who were inseparable since meeting at Monarch Middle School in Louisville, Colorado, were sad to part for college, but reunited when they returned home for winter break in 2023. I remember us all just being happy to see each other. We would always just hug each other for like five minutes, Carter-Wilder said. Obviously its sad because its the last time I got to see her, Price said, her voice breaking. Seizures, medication and struggles When Reynolds was 15, her father found her in the shower of their Colorado home after hearing a loud thump, Stout said. Reynolds was convulsing. That was the very first seizure she ever had, and they just kind of came spontaneously after that, Stout said. Stout said specialists were unable to diagnose the cause of the seizures, but prescribed medication to control future episodes. They had her on Lamictal, which come to find out actually increases suicidal thoughts, Stout said, acknowledging the medication did help a little bit with Reynolds seizures. Lamictal is commonly prescribed to manage seizures, especially in individuals with epilepsy. According to Cleveland Health, there are certain side effects to watch for, including allergic reactions, vision changes, fever and sensitivity to light, among a few others. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood or feelings of depression are also potential side effects. Stout said that Reynolds experienced seizures occasionally, sometimes a couple of weeks in a row, or even months in a row. She had at least three seizures while at the College of Staten Island. We thought maybe it was stress-induced, Stout said. Reynolds friends Price and Carter-Wilder said they began to notice that their confident friend, who always stuck up for what she believed in, was starting to grapple with self-doubt in college. We knew she was really struggling. It was kind of sad to see her doubting herself a lot because that was something we had never really seen, Carter-Wilder recounted. She would say, I just feel like Im not good enough for this. Her seizure disorder came up and she was really upset. I remember calling her one time and she said, if my seizures keep getting worse, can I even be a doctor? The friends showered Reynolds with text messages of support, and Carter-Wilder said Van Derslice who was worried about Reynolds facing her seizures alone on Staten Island had begun planning to move her back to Colorado. Shes always been so independent and strong. I think that really took a toll on her... that she was going to have to give up on New York and the life she wanted to have because of some disorder. She talked to us a lot about how its just not fair, Carter-Wilder recalled. Khaeli has left us to fly with the angels When Reynolds became unreachable on Feb. 20, 2024, her parents called the resident assistant for her dorm at the College of Staten Island to check on her. Initially turned back by Reynolds locked door, Van Derslice urged the resident assistant to go back, adding urgency to check immediately, Stout recalled. According to Stout, when the resident assistant accessed the room, Reynolds was on the floor, apparently having a seizure. She was rushed to the hospital and treated in the ICU. Stout took the next flight from Nebraska with Reynolds sister, Kaitlyn, and Reynolds father flew from his home in Colorado. We got out there and thats when we learned that she had been having the seizures. And thats when we learned that she had apparently overdosed on her Lamictal, Stout said. Over the course of the next four days, Reynolds was sedated, diagnosed with pneumonia and experienced seizures. She had a feeding tube inserted, and underwent a 24-hour electroencephalogram for brain activity, daily lab tests, an electrocardiogram, and a chest x-ray. On Feb. 24, 2024, when Reynolds was taken off of life support, she had a seizure shortly before she died. Our sweet, young, beautiful, full-of-life baby girl Khaeli has left us to fly with the angels today, Stout wrote on her Facebook page that day. Carter-Wilder and Price both said they struggled with shock after learning of Reynolds death, and said the questions that friends were left with are hard to fathom. It came as such a shock to everybody, Carter-Wilder said. It hit hard in not understanding why. I still struggle with that. Its just hard to think about, that she felt like she was going be a burden if she had voiced anything and it was just so not the truth, she added. It really hurts me to think about that being her mindset. In a letter issued on Feb. 26, 2024, College of Staten Island president Timothy Lynch wrote the school was deeply saddened by the death. Ms. Reynolds was a resident of Dolphin Cove and a valued member of our community. While we mourn her tragic loss, we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time, the letter stated. The school did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Resources for students in crisis Stout now thinks about what changes can prevent similar deaths in the future. I wish that people whether its staff or the (resident assistant) were more knowledgable of not just mental health, but seizures and other emergency issues or concerns because that literally could have been a matter of life or death for her, Stout said. Like, had they known and been able to offer some services, and whether that would have been services there on the Island or otherwise, just something available. On college campuses, Stout wishes for regular check-ins to be available as a mental health resource for students especially for new students, she emphasized, given that Reynolds was so new to the campus and to an area that was very unfamiliar to her. Just the check-ins would make a world of a difference. Just knowing that there is somebody there locally that cares because in our case yeah, she had people that cared, but were all hundreds of miles away, Stout said. Stout also emphasized education for students on what resources are available. I dont think she realized or knew anything that couldve been beneficial to her, she said. She didnt know a doctor, she didnt know any of the outside resources that were available to her, and specifically on Staten Island, theres already such limited resources. Khaelis impact Today, a little over a year later, Reynolds continues to serve as a reminder to her best friends to keep on going no matter what. In my day-to-day life, when I am really tired or am not feeling good enough in what I am doing, shes always that voice in the back of my head saying, you have to keep going. Carter-Wilder said. Randi and I are not allowed to give up. We owe it to each other and we owe it to Khaeli. Were in this for the rest of our lives. Price says she has come more and more out of her shell, honing in the confidence Reynolds had. Her presence actually made me more confident in who I was because I know she actually saw me for who I was. Not who I pretended to be, she said. I dyed my hair red. I got a tattoo. I did all those things after she passed away, so I feel like now that that I am doing all these things, shes proud of me. I am embracing who I want to be... just as she did. Stout said Reynolds advocated for the underdog. She was such a loving, arms-wide-open person, she said. She really wanted its so hard to say it in the past tense what every human just rightly deserves... which was truly just human rights across the board. In Nebraska, there is an annual rollerskating event at the Malone Community Center dedicated to Reynolds because she loved rollerskating, a love she got from her mother. At the event, they talk about mental health, and share about the resources available at the center, which is also what Reynolds advocated for. She has impacted a lot more people than she realizes, Stout said. Van Derslice said he is living proof that Reynolds changed peoples lives for the better. She helped me grow. She taught me how to apologize and I did that a lot with her. She didnt accept being treated any less than she deserved and she helped me grow in that respect... because of that she made me a better father and a person. I feel like I am so much better because of her, he said at her funeral. He encouraged parents to check in on their kids and spend time with them. He also advised kids to stay connected with their parents, and urged everyone to check in on their friends. Signs to watch out for Dr. Wakschal, who has developed the Conquer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training Program, agrees that loved ones should stay as connected as possible. A person who is suicidal is usually hopeless and helpless, according to Dr. Wakschal. People look for a reason on why someone would take their life, and there isnt (one). Its so multifaceted that were never able to say, its that or this is why, he said. He pointed out pillars that contribute to suicide: a sense of hopelessness that things will never improve, coupled with helplessness that nothing can be done to change the situation, even by oneself. While there is no single reason why people end their lives, as it is a complex issue, he highlighted some signs to watch for. These include impulsive or reckless behavior; a lack of interest in personal appearance; physical health complaints or worsening conditions with a stress-related component; misuse of alcohol or drugs; and anhedonia, which is loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Additional signs may include general withdrawal, irritability, expressions of past regrets, feelings of worthlessness, and any noticeable changes in behavior. If theres someone who were concerned about, and in the next day they look better and were not concerned about them... thats when our concerns should really be elevated because somebody who is suicidal doesnt get better overnight, he noted. If they look so much better the next day, its usually because theyve made a plan to end their life and for the first time, theyre not experiencing pain. In colleges, he firmly believes that resident assistants should be trained in suicide awareness and intervention so they are equipped to recognize the warning signs and know how to respond effectively. He said how on social media, when someone takes their lives, we see prayer emojis. Prayer emojis dont work... they dont save a life, he said. Just like how people go for CPR training, why not go for suicide awareness training? Its all about education... awareness training, what to look for, how to reach in rather than waiting for people to reach out, its getting back to the basics of being your brothers keeper. *** Editors note: The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in public places, involve public figures or, in some circumstances, where there is a larger impact. If you are in need of help, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States. Simply call or text 988. Description The Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Lords Entrance into Jerusalem will be celebrated on Sunday, April 13 at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The service will be conducted in English. An outdoor procession (weather permitting) and Lenten luncheon will follow the service. Services are also streamed on https://www.facebook.com/htocem. The full schedule for Orthodox Holy Week can be found on the parishs homepage at www.htocem.org. For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com. Holy Trinity parish, founded in 1924, is the first Orthodox Christian parish in the Nassau/Suffolk area and centrally located in mid-island East Meadow. Holy Trinity is a diverse community of Orthodox Christians who come from all walks of life and ethnicities, gathering in the oneness of Faith to worship God in the fullness of the Churchs liturgical life. The parish also has a strong commitment to serving others through various charities. We welcome all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values. A version of this story was originally published in October 2024. It is a saga that has played out repeatedly in New Jersey: Parents, students and alumni mourning the loss of a beloved Catholic school. The latest example is in Middlesex County, where the Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood will permanently close in June due to declining enrollment, according to the local parish. It joins a growing list of Catholic schools across the country closing their doors as enrollment declines and financial pressures mount. (See the list of New Jerseys recently-closed Catholic schools below.) This decision comes after much prayer, discernment, and exhaustive efforts to sustain our beloved school in an increasingly challenging environment, wrote Rev. John J. OKane, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, in a letter to parents and guardians announcing the decision April 4. Only 39 students had registered for the 2025-26 academic year as of last week, OKane wrote. Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood opened in 1960 and enrolls students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Declining enrollment and financial pressures are among the reasons given for the closures and mergers of more than two dozen other Catholic schools in New Jersey this decade in a broader national trend that has vexed church officials and educators for years. The all-girls Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi closed after 108 years in June 2023, three years after its most celebrated alum, Snow White actress Rachel Zegler, received her diploma. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 was especially challenging. At least 20 New Jersey Catholic schools did not reopen the first September after the start of the pandemic and three others were merged. However, some schools that closed have found ways to continue under different setups, in some cases by reopening as an independent school or becoming a charter school. In 2020, after the Diocese of Camden said it would close Wildwood Catholic High School and Cape Trinity Catholic Elementary School, supporters raised more than $1 million and both schools were merged into a single, K-12 school, Wildwood Catholic Academy. There were 5,905 U.S. Catholic schools in operation during the 2023-24 school year, down from approximately 11,000 in 1970, according to the National Catholic Education Association. Nationwide, enrollment increased in 2022 for the first time in two decades, but has since leveled off. There were 1.69 million students in Catholic schools as of 2023, down 14% from a decade ago, the group said. Enrollment at Catholic schools is usually open to students of all religions, with 21% of students not identifying as Catholic. Officials have typically sought to sell or lease school buildings that have been closed. Here is a list of Catholic schools in New Jersey that have closed since 2020, based on news reports and announcements by the schools. Did we miss any? Please let us know. 2025 Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair (closing in June) Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood (closing in June) 2024 St. Nicholas Catholic School in Jersey City Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy (now the Thrive Charter School) 2023 Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi 2022 Mater Dei Prep High School in Middletown Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville 2021 Trenton Catholic Academy in Hamilton (reopened the same year and renamed Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy) 2020 Good Shepherd Regional Elementary School in Collingswood Saint Joseph Regional Elementary School in Hammonton Saint Joseph High School in Hammonton (reopened the same year and renamed St. Joseph Academy) Academy of St. Therese of Lisieux in Cresskill St. Anne School in Fair Lawn Trinity Academy in Caldwell Good Shepherd Academy in Irvington Our Lady Help of Christians School in East Orange St. James the Apostle School in Springfield Holy Spirit School in Union St. Genevieve School in Elizabeth Cristo Rey Newark High School in Newark Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Maple Shade Pope John Paul II Regional in Willingboro Wildwood Catholic High School in Wildwood (merged into the Wildwood Catholic Academy) Cape Trinity Catholic Elementary School in Wildwood (merged into the Wildwood Catholic Academy) Transfiguration Academy in Bergenfield St. Joseph Academy in Bogota The Academy of St. Mary in Rutherford St. Francis Xavier in Newark Ironbound Catholic Academy in Newark St. Augustine School in Union City (merged with another school in West New York) Mother Seton in Union City (merged with another school in West New York) Our Lady of Guadalupe in Elizabeth (merged with another school in Roselle) Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Protestors rally outside of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis office on Victory Boulevard, asking for a town hall meeting in response to proposed budget cuts on Sunday March 16, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Mike Matteo) Mike Matteo Hi Neighbor, Maybe I should be flattered. After all, how often does a representative in the hallowed halls of Congress take my advice? We refer to a town hall held last Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church in Willowbrook. The Empty Chair Town Hall, they called it. The vacant seat was for no-show Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. Our Republican representative in Washington has decided to eschew town hall invites. When our reporter quizzed Nicoles staff for comment on Saturdays empty chair event, the spokesperson referred to an Advance/SILive.com commentary defending the congresswomans decision. I dont have much interest in watching our congressional representative . . . getting pummeled . . . really, neighbors, do any believe we will learn anything new or change the congresswomans mind as expletives fly and fists wave? Thats what I wrote a few weeks ago. I still dont have much interest. As much as it flies in the face of the belief that full transparency is the right way to do business, the congresswomans decision is the right one. Or so I think. The 300 who were in the room with the empty chair disagree. She decided to lean on your words for not holding a Town Hall, emailed Elena. Not surprised but you gave her an opening to not meet with constituents. Shameful I think. Katrina thinks there is value in pressing Malliotakis, as my representative, to engage with our community on this issue -- and I make my case that the talking points we have been hearing from her in support of the cuts should be called into question. I dont know if it is probable, but I think it is at least possible that some Republican representatives could change their positions as they feel the strain of voters discontent, she said. Thats the way its supposed to work. But in Donald J. Trumps America, thats not how it works. Republican representatives are terrified of Trumps fury raining down on them, leading to a single frightening scenario: A primary, where of course, Trump backs the opponent. On Staten Island, there are a slew of Trump acolytes in the bullpen who would jump at the chance for a seat in the House of Representatives with a Trump endorsement. And whats the value of a town hall that gets out of control a storyline I fear would play out at a Malliotakis event? With all due respect to the 300 in the empty chair room, its not unheard of plants infiltrating a meeting, their purpose to whip up the crowd. It happened at debate the Advance sponsored years ago between then-Congresswoman Susan Molinari, the Republican, and Dem challenger Bob Gigante. As we readied for the forum at PS 52, I glanced out a window and noticed dozens getting out of a bus, many carrying signs on sticks. We naively allowed the supporters with the signs into the Dongan Hills auditorium. A few cops were there to watch over the event. Before I knew it, the moderator lost control, people were swinging signs, some charging the stage. The cops called for reinforcements. By the time the room was cleared, there were two dozen cops and scores of petrified voters who came to actually hear issues debated. I have seen a homeless shelter advocates car rocked by a mob after a town hall presentation about opening a shelter on the South Shore with her in it. I have seen a neighborhood house about to open as a shelter for homeless burned to the ground. I have seen a politicians family threatened after he had the audacity to suggest a fast ferry might work out of Great Kills Harbor, and then watched him sign a petition against it at a raucous town hall. Traffic was supposedly the issue. And, of course, there was the infamous town hall where a muscled NASCAR proponent was on his way to having our state senator in a headlock as he wrestled a microphone away to extoll the virtues of a racetrack on Staten Island. These days, Donald Trump has the gift of eliciting the worst in people even good people and a town hall featuring our congresswoman, who has made no secret of her unwavering support of the president, could easily unleash their hatred. Lets face it, folks. We already know what shes going to say. And youre not changing her mind. Rep. Michael McMahon opens a town-hall meeting on health care in 2009 at the Petrides Educational Complex in Sunnyside. He was joined on stage by health-industry officials. flores A Staten Island Dem with a long memory reminded me that in the early 2000s, we urged then-Congressman Mike McMahon to do town halls when Obamacare was the hot topic. It was a different mood then. People were passionate, but there wasnt a president sitting in the White House ready to mock and destroy anyone he deemed disloyal. Two men heckle speakers during the Health Care Reform town hall meeting. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE A thousand people showed up at Mikes town hall at the Petrides school in Sunnyside. It was loud. Most demanded the congressman to vote to scuttle the health plan. Meanwhile, Mike was hearing from the other side. Joe Biden was vice president. He gave Mike a call urging a YES vote. Nancy Pelosi did the same, as did then-House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. They saved the big gun till the end. Barack himself called Mike at the end of the day. Congressman Michael McMahon looking out into a packed Petrides School auditorium for his town hall meeting on health care debate. advanc Mikes vote was NO, despite the urging of party elders. He was one of 39 Dems to vote NO, while New York Citys other 12 representatives -- all Dems voted YES. (Obama) was gracious and understanding, Mike said not long after. When I explained the circumstances of my district, his exact quote was, I see that youve thought this through, and I understand your position. Dont blame Nicole Malliotakis for the chaos emanating from Washington. Heck, dont even blame Donald Trump. Blame the 77,302,580 people who put him back in the White House. I suppose it goes to that perception versus reality thing we talk about so often. Seventy-seven million had a perception of what Trump had up his sleeve. Now theyre seeing the reality. Brian Oh by the way: Even Trump supporters will admit their guy stretches the truth a lot. Not everything he does is the biggest, the best, or the smartest in the history of our country. So how do we really know that more than 75 countries have called him in the past week or so to make a deal on tariffs, resulting in his 90-day pause? Or could it have been that the president saw the stock market plummeting, the global economy teetering, and Republicans in Congress besieged by their constituents and business leaders? In other words, could his tariff bullying have backfired? Guests attend the National Council of Negro Women Staten Island Section's 19th annual Harambee luncheon at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Rossville. (Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com) Owen Reiter STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Saturday, over 100 guests gathered at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville to celebrate the spirit of Harambee during an afternoon luncheon hosted by the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Harambee, which means pulling together in Swahili, embodies the principles of collective work and responsibility. It unites the community to honor the past, uplift the present, and shape the future. Pictured is Rev. Wolfgang Laudert in front of Christ Lutheran Church, which is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Susan Lunny Keag for The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Its a sunny Saturday morning in March with temperatures reaching an almost record-breaking high of 83 degrees and throughout Staten Island people are out mowing their lawns, sweeping their front steps and busily preparing their homes for the warm weather. At Christ Lutheran Church, its also a flurry of activity as almost a dozen volunteers are on hand doing the same thing spring cleaning. Their goal, however, is to make the Great Kills church they call home ready for a host of upcoming events to mark their 100th anniversary as a congregation. I put out the word and they all showed up, said Beth Hunt, who was busy polishing the church pews. Many hands make light work. The Huguenot resident has called Christ Lutheran Church her home since 1998. When she moved to Staten Island, she was seeking not only a church, but a Sunday school for her daughter Sara, who was 8. I put out the word and they all showed up, said Beth Hunt, who was busy polishing the church pews. Many hands make light work. Susan Lunny Keag for the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com Hunt is now one of many members helping spread the word to current and former parishioners who may have moved away about other events that are being organized as part of the centennial, which will culminate in a celebratory worship service at the church and a gala luncheon at Old Bermuda Inn on Oct. 26. As part of the centennial celebration, the church is also launching a 100 for 100 campaign the goal of which is to raise $100,00 as an endowment and ministry support fund. Other activities include a June 8 picnic at Nansen Lodge and a service on Aug. 10 at the Staten Island Council of the Knights of Columbus, formerly the Volunteer Firehouse on Hillside Terrace, to commemorate when worship services were first held as a chartered congregation in 1925. The Rev. Wolfgang Laudert is enjoying looking back at the history of the church that he says has often been referred to as the church with the red doors. I want to rediscover why we built this church 100 years ago, said Rev. Laudert, as he spends time reviewing the churchs well-preserved archives. Their story begins with a group of German American Lutherans who met in a store on Amboy Road and planned to organize a Lutheran congregation in Great Kills back in 1924. With the support of Rev. Dr. Frederick Sutter and synodical officials, the first service was celebrated in the Great Kills Theater, now the Village Maria. It was led by the Rev. Carl F. Knoll as pastor. A year later, the congregation was formally organized and chartered as Christ Lutheran Church. Pictured is Rev. Wolfgang Laudert (left) and Church Council President Peter Dodenhoff of Christ Lutheran Church, which is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Susan Lunny Keag for The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com As the congregation expanded, the property at 121 Cleveland Avenue was purchased and the cornerstone for the present church was laid in 1952. A year later, in May 1953, the church was dedicated. By 1955, the parsonage was completed and the parish hall was built in 1962. Much of the work was completed with the help of its volunteers. As Rev. Laudert looks through the archives, he finds records ranging from the pastors official calls to 1938 meeting notes which proudly proclaim: More young people are attending our church services. While the pastoral leadership may have changed (Rev. Laudert is the tenth pastor in the churchs history), many things have remained the same, including the importance of young voices in the congregation. Church Council President Peter Dodenhoff pointed out that in 2023, Member Daniel Spreen served briefly in the leadership role -- at the time, the only teenage president in the Metro New York Synod. Members of Christ Lutheran Church process through the streets of Great Kills in a photo from approximately 1953. Courtesy of Christ Lutheran Church Youth are not the future of the church; they are the church, added Rev. Laudert. He said that young people need to know that church is a place where they can be themselves and ask the tough questions. Like most congregations, COVID-19 affected the congregation; however, they continued throughout to have services outdoors. And while numbers of those in attendance may have decreased since the pandemic, Rev. Laudert feels inspired by the words Christ spoke to St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day, Oct. 4, marks the day he was called as Pastor of the Church by the congregation. He said, Rebuild my Church. And thats always been my motto, said Rev. Laudert, who marks his 10th anniversary with Christ Lutheran Church this year as well. After Covid, that really took on new meaning. A picture of the church's sanctuary in the congregations former home on Hillside Terrace above the Great Kills Volunteer Firehouse before the church on Cleveland Avenue was built. Courtesy of Christ Lutheran Church Rev. Laudert believes rebuilding is linked with forging relationships within the community, including local organizations like Project Hospitality, political leaders, and surrounding churches. In fact, the pastor has developed close ties with neighboring Roman Catholic church St. Clare, which is also marking its centennial anniversary this year. Rev. Laudert noted, Ive always seen this relationship between St. Clares and our church. He points out that St. Clare and St. Francis were best friends, a coincidence that is not lost on him. Coincidences are Gods way of remaining anonymous, Rev. Laudert said, with a smile. The congregation also shares a special connection with the former Eltingville Lutheran Church, which was demolished to make way for 20 two-family homes back in 2023. In fact, Benjamin Mick, with the help of his dad and about 50 Boy Scouts, rescued, relocated and refurbished a 550-pound historic bell from Eltingville Lutheran Church to Christ Lutheran. Mick, an Eagle Scout, is now an active member at Christ Lutheran and recently served as Church Council Youth Representative. Volunteers working on the new church at 121 Cleveland Ave. Courtesy of Christ Lutheran Church Ive preached at all the churches, said Rev. Robert Rodriguez, who was pastor of Eltingville Lutheran from 1993 to 2010. Christ Lutheran Church is the most accepting, unique, loving church. Pastors like Wolfgang Laudert are unique. Making everyone feel welcome is important to Rev. Laudert. Christ Lutheran Church is home to several 12-step recovery groups, as well as Scouting groups and other community organizations. Sunday morning is paramount, but its not the only thing here, said Dodenhoff. Rev. Laudert, who spends his Saturday morning talking to members and volunteers, says that gone are the days of saying, If we build it, they will come. We want to be more diverse and relevant. For more information about Christ Lutheran Church and its 100th anniversary celebration, contact the church office at (718) 984-6595, or visit online at https://www.mnys.org/christ-lutheran-staten-isl . A black-legged tick is shown being examined by entomologists in this undated photo provided to the Advance/SILive.com. (Courtesy of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University) (Courtesy of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. They tiptoe across your body, then insert an anesthetic into your skin to prevent you from knowing theyre about to feast on your blood for a few days. Grossed out yet? You should be. Tick season has arrived in New York City. In fact, scientists say it never really ended in the citys greenest borough Staten Island. Ticks are arachnids closely related to mites and spiders, according to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and they feed on blood from deer, small rodents, pets and people for energy to grow and later reproduce. Being bitten by an infected black-legged tick, the kind that live to hitch rides upon the growing Staten Island deer population, can give you Lyme disease and a host of other illnesses if youre not proactive, according to medical experts. And while residents have been hopeful that the frigid temperatures this past winter would minimize the deer tick population, entomologists (insect experts) tell us otherwise. In fact, this spring and summer look to be pretty bad, as far as tick risk is concerned, they said. Jody L. Gangloff-Kaufmann, an entomologist at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Geneva, New York, said black-legged ticks can handle winter weather and never really disappear. Theyre very, very well-adapted to the cold, she said, adding that we should never stop using precautions to prevent being bitten. On any day with a temperature above 37 degrees, the black-legged tick will be active, she said. In fact, its the only one that remains active during winter months. During the winter, the black-legged tick is treating its deer host like The Love Boat, she mused. Theyre looking for their biggest host, which is deer, she said. Theyre looking for a host, and theyre looking for a mate. So the black-legged ticks are already being carried around parks, trails and backyards Islandwide, said Gangloff-Kaufmann, of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell. A black-legged tick finds a human host in this photo provided to the Advance/SILive.com. Scientists say tick season has already begun in New York City. (Courtesy of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University) (Courtesy of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University) And this year, Staten Island should be more heavily infested with ticks than in the past, said Joellen Lampman, an Integrated Pest Management support specialist at Cornell, who urged vigilance to avoid possible illness. We are certainly seeing tick activity across the state, from Long Island to Buffalo, all of it, she said, explaining that the black-legged ticks that are active now are leftovers" from the fall, still looking for hosts, like deer, pets or people. They will keep looking all through the winter for something to latch on, she said. Theyre getting a little desperate. They really want to finish their mating, and the female wants to get that huge blood meal, lay her eggs and die." As desperation kicks in, Lampman warned that we might see the virus-carrying ticks in places they dont normally prefer like sunny lawns where people and pets tend to play. And when they die off, theyll be replaced by emerging nymphs that will grow up in woodsy brush, in leaf piles and near moisture, like streams, where deer like to hang out. The issue with this life stage is that its the size of a poppy seed, she warned. People are still thinking of ticks as a summer pest. People arent looking for them. Most people will be diagnosed with Lyme disease in June or July from the ticks that bit them in the spring, she said. The fact that people are itching to get outside after the miserable, cold winter we just experienced only exacerbates the problem, the scientists said. Early reports from Staten Island hospital emergency rooms showed that patients are coming in with tick bites already, said Dr. William Caputo, associate chair of education and training in the emergency department of Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. A few patients have been seen in the past months, Caputo said, noting that: It will likely continue to get more prevalent with the better weather. Though not all ticks carry Lyme disease, it is the most common tick-borne infection in New York City and in the United States, according to the city Department of Health. The yearly number of Lyme disease cases in the city has ranged from 215 in 2000 to a high of 1,090 in 2017. In 2020, there were 704 reported cases in the city, according to data. A white-tailed deer on Staten Island is shown in this 2018 photo. These deer carry black-legged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) How to prevent tick bites According to the scientists and the New York City Department of Health, people should check for ticks on themselves, pets and their children after being outside near grassy or woodsy areas. Wearing insect repellent, or wearing clothing treated with permethrin to repel ticks, is a great strategy, Lampman said. You can spray it on clothing, and it lasts for six weeks or six washings. Or, you can buy clothing already pre-treated with it, she explained. And dont forget to inspect and protect your pets, Lampman and Gangloff-Kaufmann said. What to do if bitten Since Lyme disease is avoidable if ticks are removed, and treatable if caught early, being proactive is critical, said Dr. Johnathon LeBaron, chairman of medicine at Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. Ticks should be completely removed immediately with tweezers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Untreated Lyme disease symptoms may worsen, turning into a long-lived debilitating illness affecting the neurological, cardiac, and immune systems of patients, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, a national not-for-profit organization whose mission is to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through research and awareness. Residents should always check themselves completely for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas, LeBaron, Gangloff-Kaufmann, and Lampman all stressed. LeBaron noted that they often may be tucked away, in crevices and folds not often examined regularly on the body. If removed within 24 hours, theres nothing else to do, LeBaron said. If you think its been there more than 24 hours, see a doctor and get medication. If they give you an antibiotic, itll prevent long-term risks of Lyme disease. President Donald Trump speaks at a reception in the White House on March 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP A 17-year-old Wisconsin teen was arrested in March for allegedly killing his parents in part of a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to ABC News. Nikita Casap allegedly shot his 35-year-old mother, Tatiana Casap, and his 51-year-old stepfather Donald Mayer. The bodies were found inside their residence, where the teen allegedly lived in the home with the bodies for 12 days, ABC News reported. The authorities in Waukesha County charged the teen with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of hiding a corpse Other charges include theft of property over $10,000 and misappropriating ID to obtain money, ABC News said. The federal charges being considered consistent of conspiracy, presidential assassination and use of weapons of mass destruction. The FBI began to analyze Casaps alleged writings, federal court documents reported, which includes an appeal for a Trump assassination, photos of Adolf Hitler with captions consisting of HAIL HITLER HAIL THE WHITE RACE HAIL VICTORY, and a revolution to save the white race. In a federal affidavit, authorities said: He [Casap] was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the Unites States. And he paid for, at least in part, a drone and explosives to be used as a weapon of mass destruction to commit an attack. Other parties, with whom Casap was in contact, appear to have been aware of his plan and action and to have provided assistance to Casap in carrying them out. Casaps phone had content thats associated with a new-Nazi group called The Order of the Nine Angles, as well. Minister Robert Perkins of A Chance in Life (second to left) poses alongside members of Nonprofit Staten Island while receiving his award on April 6, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence) Shaina McLawrence STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Islands unsung heroes were recently celebrated for their tireless work in service to the borough. On April 6, during National Volunteer Appreciation and Global Service Month, Nonprofit Staten Island hosted a community service awards ceremony at the Richmond County Country Club in Dongan Hills to celebrate the unsung heroes of the boroughs nonprofit sector. The event recognized individuals who turn passion to action in serving their community. The program was kicked off by Linda Dianto and Arlene Sorkin of Nonprofit Staten Island, an organization that provides resources, support, and advocacy for the boroughs nonprofit community. You are more than just service providers, you are bridge builders, hope givers, you are the change makers, Dianto said. You are constantly transforming challenges into opportunities. You turn passion into action. Speakers Laura Delin, Jamilah Lasalle, Nicole Meyers, Amelia Winter, and Sorkin presented awards celebrating the nominees, and a raffle prize was also given out at the event. Honorees included representatives from a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including Yeni Ballesteros of Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness, Richard Benz of the Staten Island Museum, Jennifer Bollinger of Soroptimist International of Staten Island, Carla Brodsky of Staten Island Center for Independent Living, and Jessica Bruschi of Bridge Prep Charter. Other notable honorees were Sheila Buchanan of the Richmond Choral Society, Vincent Cea of A Very Special Place, Inc., Jean Council of Bait-ul Jamaat House of Community, Lindy Peter Crescitelli of Childrens Aid-Goodhue Center, Theresa Doyle of New York Center for Interpersonal Development, and Nija Howard of National Council of Negro Women Staten Island Section. Nija Howard of National Council of Negro Women Staten Island Section poses with her award at the Community Service Awards Ceremony on April, 6 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence) Shaina McLawrence I am very excited and very blessed to be able to have the support of my community because they are my roots, Howard said. The list of honorees also included Finnoula Hughes of Community Health Action of Staten Island, John Malczewski of the Grace Foundation, Laurie Nuzzi Long of Eden II, Alex Ortiz of The Pride Center of Staten Island, Minister Robert Perkins of A Chance in Life, Dr. Elaine Rodriguez of Staten Island University Hospital Northwell, and Sujatha Sivapatham of Jewish Community Center of Staten Island. Award recipients Lisa Vega of Lo'Cal-Ly United for Change DBA Three Amigas Helping Hands (left) and Minister Robert Perkins of A Chance in Life (right) pose together at the community service awards ceremony on April 6, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence) Shaina McLawrence Perkins recognized the group effort that it takes to inspire and rally the community in a positive manner. This work is everything, and it never gets old. Its not about me, its about inspiring people and doing what I do, said Perkins. Its not about people noticing in the sense that they have to celebrate me, but they see the work that needs to be done. They say let me help you with that so we can galvanize community and keep this thing going. I am grateful. Rounding out the list of honorees were Robert Sollitto of National Lighthouse Museum, Giovanella Stewart of Person Centered Care Services, Lisa Vega of LoCal-Ly United for Change DBA Three Amigas Helping Hands, David Vergara of La Colmena, and Dorothy Weems of Central Family Life Center. Lisa Vega of Lo'Cal-Ly United for Change DBA Three Amigas Helping Hands (second to left) poses with members of Nonprofit Staten Island after receiving an award for her work on the borough on April 6, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence) Shaina McLawrence Award recipient Vega said that giving back comes naturally to her. To be honest with you, it took a village to help me when I needed help. I am so happy that I can now return the gift. It is something that I do effortlessly and selflessly, said Vega. Giving back is my thing. It doesnt matter who, what, where, when, why or how. Its all about giving back. The community service awards ceremony served as a reminder of the integral role that nonprofit organizations and their dedicated staff and volunteers hold in supporting and uplifting the borough. Earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to ban cellphones in classrooms to create a distraction-free environment in public and charter schools across the state. This photo shows a phone in a student backpack. (Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com) (Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com) Editors Note: The author of this article is a St. Joseph Hill Academy student who participates in the Advance/SILive.com High School Journalism Immersion program. The initiative is designed to help young people explore the world of community journalism. Student journalists Nicholas Acquilano (Staten Island Academy), Gabriella Alvarez (Curtis High School) and Daniela Diaz (Staten Island Tech) contributed to this report. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you ask an average teenager which two factors in their life take up most of their time, the answers are likely universal: their school and their phone. But how do different schools view the use of cell phones? Are they detrimental or beneficial to students? As New York state is currently debating a cell phone ban in all public and charter schools, the Advance/SILive.com recently spoke to members of both private and public school communities about whether the devices should be kept out of classrooms. At Staten Island Academy, which is an independent private school on Todt Hill, cell phones are allowed during the school day. Yet cell phone use in the classroom is limited, at the discretion of the teacher. As a teacher who regularly asks students to conduct research on their phone, I also understand that it is a major source of distraction for some students that have not yet managed to determine when it is appropriate to use versus when it distracts from the learning environment, said Franklin Davison, a teacher at Staten Island Academy. I do not think it would be realistic to eliminate phones entirely, especially when other electronic devices have the same utility of phones. But, it should definitely be limited for students who do not demonstrate the ability to determine for themselves when it is appropriate to use. The issue is divisive, since phones could both hinder and help learning. Students may be tempted to scroll endlessly rather than pay attention to their academics, and more opportunities for cyber bullying may increase with phone usage in the classroom. Yet, phones could be used for the more visual learners and could be implemented for research purposes. The cellular devices could additionally foster communication among peers for group projects, study help and more. I think phone usage during school cannot be restricted completely, as they are used as educational tools as well, said Luke Mullins, a junior at Staten Island Academy. Students from around the world can use phones to benefit their learning experiences and global connections, but that is all dependent on the accessibility of phones to students in varying regions. As a big population of students do have access to phones and technology in schools, they would rather use them in as many situations as possible than not. More specifically, phones can create more distractions from learning and make in-person interactions less common. Earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to ban cellphones in classrooms to create a distraction-free environment in public and charter schools across the state. If the legislation is passed, by the start of the 2025-2026 school year every public school student will be required to disconnect from their device during school hours bell-to-bell. While each school districts cell phone policy would have to include a way for parents and guardians to get in touch with their child during the school day, some Staten Island students emphasized the role phones play in providing students easy access to communicating with their family. My phone is the device that I use to coordinate plans and to solve problems. I have to talk to a lot of people throughout the day. I have to text my dad to see if hes picking me up or not and a bunch of other technical things, said a sophomore at Staten Island Technical High School, who asked that her name not be used. Allowing cell phones during the school day lets students be in the loop on what is happening in their life outside school. Dismissal plans, necessary things to do after school, and other important information could be conveyed from parent or guardian to child through texts. The same student added: If I didnt have my phone, there would be no other opportunity to do that, and it would be an eight-hour-long gap in my life where I cannot plan anything. Phones could offer opportunities to calm down from stressors due to school, while they could also add more stress to an adolescents life. Its a source of comfort for me. My phone is much more convenient for me. There are certain apps I have on my phone that I dont have anywhere else, said another sophomore at Staten Island Technical High School, who also asked that her name not be used. Similarly, Randy Moran, a student at Curtis High School, said his feelings are mixed regarding the possible ban of cell phones at school. I would experience a range of emotions, he said, including anger and happiness. Being on my phone has become a habit for me, but I would also feel pleased because not having it would reduce distractions and help me focus better on my studies. 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! Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have faced a setback at the Bahrain Grand Prix, each receiving a one-place grid drop after a procedural error by their team during Saturdays qualifying. The infraction, which occurred under a red flag in Q2, saw both drivers released into the pitlane prematurely, violating Formula 1s sporting regulations. As a result, Russell lost his hard-earned front-row position to Ferraris Charles Leclerc, while Antonellis demotion from fourth handed Alpines Pierre Gasly a promotion to P4. The penalty, though light, serves as a warning to teams, with Mercedes accepting responsibility for what the FIA deemed an unintentional and genuine mistake. The incident unfolded during a chaotic Q2, halted by a crash from Haas Esteban Ocon. With the session paused, teams awaited race controls signal to resume. Mercedes, however, misread the situation, sending Russell and Antonelli out on to the pitlane before an official restart time was confirmed. The FIA stewards investigation pinned the error on a misinterpretation by the teams head of trackside engineering, Andrew Shovlin, leading to a sanction that slightly reshapes the front of the grid for Sundays race. FIA Stewards Verdict The FIA stewards issued a detailed statement outlining the breach and their reasoning for the penalty: The team representative, Mr Shovlin, in evidence stated that he gave the instruction for the cars to be released, in error, having misinterpreted the message posted on page 3 of the Timing Screen, estimated re-start time to be a message advising the actual re-start time. He argued that there was no sporting advantage gained in this case as there was sufficient time remaining (11 minutes) for other teams to perform their run plans. It was also noted that the teams Sporting Director, [Ron] Meadows, was not present at the event and that normally he would be involved in the release process. The FIA Single Seater Sporting Director stated that such a move could be a sporting advantage in that it could enable a team to perform its run plan whereas other teams may not be able to. The Stewards agree with this view particularly where there are only a few minutes remaining in the session. The stewards decision to impose a grid drop rather than a fine was deliberate, aimed at deterring similar infractions. By acknowledging Mercedes mistake as genuine, they opted for a lenient one-place penalty but cautioned that future violations could trigger harsher consequences. The FIA Sporting Director argued that there needed to be a sporting penalty rather than a team fine, otherwise in future teams would release their cars as soon as the estimated re-start time was published. The Stewards agree with this view, concluded the statement. A Costly Misstep for Mercedes The penalty stings for Mercedes, particularly for Russell, who had secured a front-row start alongside McLarens Oscar Piastri. Dropping to third, he now faces a tougher challenge to convert his qualifying pace into a podium, with Leclercs Ferrari slotting into second. Antonelli, meanwhile, slips to fifth, ceding fourth to Gasly, whose Alpine showed surprising pace. The reshuffle disrupts Mercedes strategy, leaving the team to shift its focus to mitigating the impact of a mistake that has already reshaped their Bahrain ambitions. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook Apple has managed to dodge its biggest crisis since the pandemic for the moment, at least. Donald Trumps 125 per cent tariffs on goods produced in China threatened to upend Apples supply chain as seriously as the COVID snarls did five years ago. On Friday night (Saturday AEST), the US president handed Apple a major victory, exempting many popular consumer electronics. That includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches and AirTags. Apple and other tech firms have been given a major reprieve in the US trade war with China. Credit: AP Another win: the 10 per cent tariff on goods imported from other countries has been dropped for those products. While a new, lower so-called sectoral tariff may still come on goods that have semiconductors and a 20 per cent tariff on China remains the change marks a win for Apple and a consumer electronics industry that still heavily relies on the Asian nation for manufacturing. It actually is bringing a lot of people ... together. Its united Europe. Its united many companies who say, No, were not going to stand for this. Andrew Petersen, chief executive of the Business Council of Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA), said the Trump-led crusade against climate action by and large hasnt spilled over to Australian shores. Unlike in the US, where its probably true to say that political shift is shaking the corporate resolve, Australian business is really leaning into climate commitments, he said. Youre seeing, for example, things like executive bonuses [tied] to net zero targets being put in place. The major listed companies are increasingly being judged by a global ESG benchmark and supply chain expectations ... its becoming operational rather than optional. Walking the talk For a global retailer, IKEA is unusual for its strident commitment to integrate sustainability into its operations. It has the stats to prove it: greenhouse gas emissions from products and food have fallen by 31.2 per cent since fiscal 2016, with a broader goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Nearly 97 per cent of its electricity comes from renewable sources, up from 69.7 per cent in fiscal 2016. In Australia, all of its retail operations are now powered by renewable energy, and nearly half of its customer orders were delivered in a zero emissions vehicle. It has backed local wind farm projects, reduced food waste by 37 per cent, and diverted nearly a million products from landfill. Loading As action on climate change becomes even more politicised, Pflug believes keeping sustainability on the agenda in boardrooms and in leadership meetings must be justified on the balance sheet. Banging on a stick and be[ing] too activist about it can often be the wrong approach. The numbers have to speak for themselves, she said. Speaking a CFOs language, speaking business peoples language, not bamboozling them with science and climate figures. Often they dont want to have the greater good conversation. Youve got to inspire both the senior people and the co-workers to bring them along with you, she added. You need both inspiration and the data to make better business decisions. Pflug recognises she is speaking from something of a privileged position, and acknowledges that executives in typical companies are often constrained by shareholders and focused on short-term profits. IKEAs parent company, Ingka Group, is owned by Ingka Foundation, a philanthropic organisation; in 2024, 85 per cent of the companys profits (1.3 billion, or $2.3 billion) were reinvested back into the business, while 15 per cent went to the IKEA Foundation, which has a focus on combating poverty and climate change. The Swedish manufacturers efforts can serve as a model to businesses of other sizes and sectors for whats possible, Petersen said. It reinforces the point that you can be sustainable and profitable. IKEA tracks progress on its sustainability goals in comprehensive annual reports. Its to demonstrate that voluntary reporting is not only feasible but can drive transformative change across an organisation, but responsibility for this cant be siloed to one division, Pflug said. What weve done is put reporting under the finance team, she said. In each market IKEA operates in, the country manager holds the dual role of chief executive and chief sustainability officer. Pflug at the IKEA Tempe store. Credit: Edwina Pickles When I talk to other companies, a lot [of the responsibility] is still sitting under the chief sustainability officer, and they feel all the weight of it on their shoulders. It needs to be co-owned across the business. Selling sustainability: Dont charge more for it Consumers vote with their dollar and dont want to pay more for choosing a more environmentally friendly option, Pflug says. IKEA has built sustainability into its products by switching to recyclable materials and more sustainable cotton and wood. It sells only rechargeable batteries, and its appliances are designed to reduce energy consumption (such as a nightlight with a sensor that turns off automatically). Its famous plant-based balls, priced the same or lower than real meatballs, are part of an effort to reduce the consumption of red meat, a major contributor to carbon emissions. Ganzhou, China: China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets, threatening to choke off supplies of components central to car makers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world. Shipments of the magnets, essential for assembling everything from cars and drones to robots and missiles, have been halted at many Chinese ports while the Chinese government drafts a new regulatory system. Once in place, the new system could permanently prevent supplies from reaching certain companies, including American military contractors. The heavy rare earth metals covered by the export suspension are used in magnets essential for many kinds of electric motors, including EVs. Credit: Bloomberg The official crackdown is part of Chinas retaliation for US President Donald Trumps sharp increase in tariffs that started on April 2. On April 4, the Chinese government ordered restrictions on the export of six heavy rare earth metals, which are refined entirely in China, as well as rare earth magnets, 90 per cent of which are produced in China. The metals, and special magnets made with them, can now be shipped out of China only with special export licences. Twelve months after terror unfolded at Sydneys Bondi Junction shopping centre, questions remain about one mans murderous rampage on innocent shoppers and what could have been done to prevent it. Joel Cauchi, 40, fatally stabbed six people new mother and osteopath Ashlee Good, 38; bride-to-be Dawn Singleton, 25; artist Pikria Darchia, 55; architect Jade Young, 47; economics student Yixuan Cheng, 27; and Westfield security guard Faraz Tahir, 30. The grief caused by Cauchis murderous attack on April 13, 2024, remains deep and raw. Surviving security guard Muhammad Taha sheds a tear as he lays a bouquet at the memorial on the anniversary of the attack. Credit: Edwina Pickles Amid the death and horror that Saturday emerged stories of heroism and goodwill. There was the unforgettable footage of NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who, as the first officer on the scene, ran towards danger to confront the knife-wielding attacker alone before shooting him dead when he lunged at her. Other police and paramedics fearlessly attempted to secure the area and save lives. Ordinary people showed tremendous bravery, including bollard man Damien Guerot, a French citizen who was granted permanent residency after confronting Cauchi on the escalators, armed with a bollard. City-bound metro trains pulling out of Crows Nest station on Sydneys M1 line are more than 80 per cent full on average during the morning rush hour, just seven months after the rail extension under central Sydney opened. While patronage continues to grow, boosting the frequency to one service every three minutes from every four minutes in both directions during peak periods would ease crowding but require the state government to buy an extra 14 trains. Commuters pack a CBD-bound metro train during the morning peak last week. Credit: Sam Mooy New figures show the greatest passenger loads occurring last month on weekdays between 8am and 9am were on trains departing Crows Nest station. They averaged 82 per cent of total capacity, making Crows Nest the busiest point on the M1 line between Tallawong in the north-west and Sydenham in the south. It was followed by trains pulling out of Chatswood, which averaged 77 per cent of capacity; Victoria Cross in North Sydney, at 76 per cent; and North Ryde, at 69 per cent, Sydney Metro figures show. Offenders who strangle or choke someone could face up to 14 years behind bars under a proposal put forward by the Queensland Law Reform Commission to repeal the Criminal Code. The commission, in releasing its consultation paper this week, said a number of reforms were needed, as victim-survivors continued to suffer not only at the hands of their perpetrator, but in the justice system during often years-long waits to secure a conviction. In the proposal to change section 315A of the Criminal Code, which deals with non-fatal strangulation in a domestic setting, the QLRC also raised the complexities of how sexual strangulation had been normalised especially among young people. Non-fatal strangulation cases that proceed to trial can take up to two years to finalise in the court system, prolonging the trauma for victim-survivors. Currently, the maximum penalty is seven years jail if a person chokes, suffocates or strangles another person without consent and they are either in a domestic relationship or the offence is associated with domestic violence. Major donors to the Royal Childrens Hospital have hit back at suggestions they are to blame for staff lay-offs, saying they have continued to fund programs in the hospitals dedicated cancer centre. The Age revealed on Friday that 10 full-time-equivalent roles across 13 positions at the hospitals Childrens Cancer Centre including mental health clinicians, art therapists and other support staff would be slashed. The hospitals latest change impact statement, leaked to The Age, said changes to philanthropic allocations were behind the need to cut jobs currently being supported by donor funds. Donors to the Royal Childrens Hospital say they continue to fund programs which were set to lose staff. Credit: Simon Schluter Two charities that fund the Royal Childrens Hospital Foundation, which in turn gives money to the hospital, said they wanted to keep funding the roles and were not the reason for the cuts. In 2022 Chevron tested and detected PFAS in gas plant bores after it again entered the environment via stormwater drainage. There appeared to be a leak in the liner of a holding pond, which Chevron then addressed. The Gorgon Project at Barrow Island. Credit: Photographer: Lisa Maree Williams/Bloomberg But it again in 2024 advised the department of low levels of PFAS, as well as mercury, in stormwater drains discharged to the land. Throughout these investigations it continued to use the material as fill to complete works at seven locations on the island. Testing of the soil stockpile detected PFAS compound PFOS in 15 per cent of samples. All concentrations significantly exceeded the guideline deemed to provide 99 per cent protection of water-dwelling species. A Chevron spokesman said given its historical use in firefighting foam, management of PFAS was a challenge that many organisations, companies and governments were dealing with. The Department of Water and Environment Regulation has only now amended Chevrons licence to address the situation. Its report considered the soil stockpile one likely source of the water contamination. It orders Chevron to submit a new environmental protection plan and waste management plan, and says federal controls should be reviewed given the high risk of impacts to the federally listed protected species in play. It is still assessing the site as a potential official contaminated site after beginning this process in 2022. That groundwater supports subterranean fauna of high conservation significance if PFOS leaches into the groundwater, it could cause significant habitat degradation, adversely affecting stygofauna health and potentially proving toxic, the regulator wrote, adding that the likelihood of this was probable. A flatback turtle hatchling on a WA beach. The consequence of PFAS contamination of groundwater is major due to the known leachability of the stockpiled soil, conservation significance of the subterranean fauna, Barrow Island being classed a Class A nature reserve and the persistence of PFAS within the environment. It said there were currently no barriers to prevent infiltration, stormwater runoff from the stockpile was leaching PFAS and polluting the drainage system and environment. The regulators report said the volume of material and isolated location of Barrow Island made removal impracticable. Neither the department nor Chevron answered questions about whether removal had been investigated or costed. They also considered there was a high risk that there were currently unknown and uncontrolled sources of PFAS in uninvestigated areas on the premises. It is crucial to identify all areas where potentially PFAS-containing soil has been utilised on the premises, the departments officer wrote. The new conditions require Chevron to prepare new management and control plans by May 24, to test the stockpiled soil before using it or moving it, to maintain a register to document the origin, destination and volume of all soil and fill materials to trace their movement ensuring accountability and providing an audit trail that can be referred to in the event of any future contamination concerns. Various other conditions for testing and management of water were also recommended. It acknowledged that the new conditions imposed did not decrease the current risk PFAS poses to [wildlife] but were aimed at reducing or managing the ongoing risks. Loading The Conservation Council of WA has lodged an appeal against the new conditions. It says they focus on monitoring and reporting, not prevention or clean-up action, and the stockpiled soil should not be used for activities around the island. It says there is an increasing body of research demonstrating PFAS can impact numerous aspects of wild creatures health, especially concerning given its ability to accumulate in bodies and increase in concentration as it moves up the food chain, a major route of exposure for turtles. It can be maternally transferred to eggs at levels which are detrimental to birds, policy and research manager Dr Kelly Duckworth said. There are mounting concerns about the risks of immunosuppression, developmental toxicity, and reduced hatching rates. Chevron ought to have known that use of PFAS contaminated soils elsewhere on the island would result in the spread of contamination, potentially causing serious environmental harm. CCWA says the obvious control for the risk contaminated water poses to the aquifer and its stygofauna is to stop allowing Chevron to inject it into deep wells that could fail. It wants the use of the stockpile to immediately cease, further controls to address further leachate from it, for its eventual removal from the island, for clean-up activities, and for Chevron to fund a PFAS turtle impact monitoring program. Chevron is in a privileged position to be operating its facility from this Class A Reserve, Duckworth said. A DWER spokesperson said the Office of the Appeals Convenor was investigating the appeal and would report to the minister for environment for a decision, and that it would be inappropriate to comment on it during that process. A Chevron Australia spokesperson said the company took its obligations seriously and was committed to environmental stewardship on Barrow Island. He said it had rigorous processes in place and operated under stringent environmental conditions. As part of our comprehensive environmental monitoring program, PFAS was detected at extremely low levels [testing] has consistently found PFAS levels below human health and ecological guideline values despite the very low risk, further monitoring of the stockpile is being undertaken and additional control measures that can be put in place are being explored. Independent economist Saul Eslake said the rival policies would add to pressure on housing prices, while Australian National University tax expert Bob Breunig said both sides were fuelling demand rather than increasing supply. Loading Economist Richard Holden also warned of flaws in both policies but said the Coalition proposal, in particular, made him queasy because it could encourage people to borrow more than they could afford. Both sides should be dialling back the demand-side subsidies, said Holden, the Scientia professor of economics at the UNSW Business School. We know that they just fuel prices and the solution is all about supply. Albanese and Dutton went head-to-head on housing and tax policy by holding their campaign launches on the same day, reflecting the pressure on both leaders to get their messages to voters before the Easter holiday and the start of early voting on the Tuesday after Easter. Albanese promised a simple $1000 tax deduction option for all workers, saying they would not need to itemise the deduction to receive the benefit each year. This is estimated to cost $2.4 billion over four years. The prime minister also outlined $2 billion in grants and $8 billion in equity injections to build more homes, with the combined cost stretching over eight years. Labor said this would help build 100,000 homes, equivalent to about $100,000 in federal assistance for each of the homes. Under the mortgage deposit scheme, Labor will expand a policy first put in place under the Coalition to guarantee 15 per cent of the deposit for first home buyers. This means the borrower could buy a home worth $1.5 million in Sydney and $950,000 in Melbourne with a deposit of as little as 5 per cent. Dutton unveiled his housing scheme hours after news of the Labor policy on Sunday morning, declaring he would allow thousands of Australians to cut their income tax bill to help with the cost of a mortgage. The Coalition has assumed about 30,000 buyers would use the scheme each year, saying this would cost $1.25 billion over four years in foregone tax revenue. Loading The help would only be offered for the first $650,000 of a mortgage, would expire after five years and would be restricted to newly built homes to encourage construction. It would be limited to single people earning up to $175,000 a year and couples earning $250,000. In addition to this, Dutton promised voters an income tax offset worth $1200 for all workers earning up to $144,000 a year. The full amount would go to those earning between $48,000 and $104,000 a year, with smaller offsets for others. The benefit would be paid in July 2026 and would only last one year, costing the budget $10 billion. Neither side outlined any budget savings to pay for their policies while committing a combined $24 billion in outlays. Both major parties insisted their plans would add to supply, with Housing Minister Clare ONeil pointing to incentives worth $10 billion to encourage state governments and private developers to build more properties. Loading Coalition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar said the mortgage interest tax deduction would add to the construction pipeline because it was only available for new builds. The claims are central to the long dispute about federal schemes that give homebuyers more money to bid up prices when economists have called for changes to zoning laws and cuts to construction costs in the hope that this would expand the nations capacity to build more homes. Breunig said both sides were largely offering policies that would increase demand in the property market, and was especially critical of the Coalition tax deduction. It is purely about demand and its extremely complex, at a time when the housing market is crying out for supply, he said. Grattan Institute chief Aruna Sathanapally said the Labor package offset the incentives for new buyers with the measures to add to supply, saying this should support more development. UNSW professor Hal Pawson, an expert on housing affordability, also backed the Labor policy for addressing the decline in home ownership. I think its really quite a big move, he said. But economist Steven Hamilton, an assistant professor of economics at The George Washington University in Washington, faulted both parties for not identifying savings. Both parties are putting a rocket under demand and thus house prices, he said. In the extreme, Labors policy runs the risk of stoking a sub-prime crisis. And the Coalitions policy blows a permanent hole in the income tax system and is extremely regressive. Loading Neither offers the really bold incentives needed to get state governments to pressure local governments to expand supply, which is the only silver bullet we have. Peter Tulip, a former Reserve Bank economist who is the chief economist at the Centre for Independent Studies, said the Coalitions mortgage deduction would probably drive up prices. Because the price of existing houses is competitive with new houses, the price of existing houses will rise [also]. Its a competitive market, so if you increase the price of new cars, the price of used cars will also increase. Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) shares have been southbound for the better part of three years, partly because it was unable to repeat its incredible financial performance during the early pandemic years. However, the company took another dive this year along with the broader market; President Donald Trump's trade wars are leaving few stocks completely unscathed. There is a silver lining, though, at least for investors focused on the long game. At these levels, Pfizer's shares might just be a steal. Here's why the stock is worth buying today. Pfizer can deal with the impact of tariffs The Trump administration has so far spared pharmaceuticals from its announced tariffs, but has threatened several times to impose some on the industry. Like many other drugmakers (and companies in other sectors, for that matter), Pfizer likely prefers doing much of its manufacturing abroad because it's cheaper. However, tariffs defeat that purpose, and if they're eventually levied on the pharmaceutical industry -- as some CEOs think they will be -- Pfizer might be well equipped to handle them due to its significant existing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. At a recent conference, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla pointed out that the drugmaker has the largest U.S.-based manufacturing network in the industry, with 13 sites up and running. Many of those facilities have high capacities to make blockbuster products that are in high demand. In Bourla's view, that puts Pfizer in a good position even if tariffs were to persist. For many drugmakers without significant manufacturing sites in the U.S., tariffs might lead to meaningful cost increases and margin expansions. Pfizer, though, has the flexibility to shift its manufacturing operations into the U.S. and avoid the tariffs all in one fell swoop. Manufacturing locally might be more expensive than doing it abroad, but it would be cheaper than dealing with the additional costs imposed by tariffs. That's one of the goals of tariffs: to shift jobs back into the country. So Pfizer is a drugmaker worth monitoring in the current environment, given its significant manufacturing capabilities within U.S. borders. The business is getting stronger Pfizer's financial results haven't been as impressive as in 2021 and 2022 because it no longer generates tens of billions of dollars in revenue from its coronavirus products, and they're somewhat unpredictable. The drugmaker can't count on sales from its vaccine, Comirnaty, to grow steadily from one year to the next. Thankfully, Pfizer has decreased its exposure to this product and to its coronavirus medicine, Paxlovid. Australian taxpayers have been promised they will no longer have to collect tax receipts, with up to 6 million people better off under a new $1000 instant tax deduction unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Labors federal election campaign launch. In a speech that touched on the trade wars of Donald Trump and accused Peter Dutton and the Coalition of aping the US president, Albanese told an adoring audience of 500 in Western Australia that a second-term Labor government would build on its achievements over the next three years. Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Julia Gillard before taking the stage. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Welcomed to the Perth Convention Centre by a member of the crowd calling out you bloody legend, Albanese announced a plan to ensure all first home buyers need only a 5 per cent deposit to get into the property market, and to pump $10 billion towards building 100,000 homes specifically for first-time owners. But he surprised with an idea that was originally proposed in economist Ken Henrys landmark tax reform paper of 2010. The winner of the federal election on May 3 will be responsible for guiding Australia through the most important period of change in our foreign policy outlook since World War II. For the better part of eight decades, Australias core national interests of economic prosperity, regional stability and territorial sovereignty have been well served by our close relationship with the United States, and our privileged position within the American-led international order. The Trump administration has made the decision to purposefully and decisively dismantle this order, under the belief that it no longer serves core American national interests, particularly due to the economic advantages it has delivered to China, Americas only superpower rival. Illustration by Dionne Gain Credit: The American international order is being replaced by an America First hegemony, wherein the United States deals with nations based on power and interests, not multilateralism, shared values and historical friendships. Australia must, finally, chart a more independent course wherein our relationship with the US continues to inform, but not define, our approach to achieving our own security and prosperity in a changing region. Its Saturday night in the city that never sleeps. Ive moved into a fancy doorman building on the Upper East Side of New York for a daring summer adventure inspired by Carrie Bradshaw and co. Its 2009, back when it was possible to find a great two-bedroom sublet on Craigslist, wire several thousand dollars from Sydney to a stranger on the other side of the world, and find nothing bad happened. Ordering a Cosmopolitan is a giveaway. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Eager to toast our real estate luck, two single-and-ready-to-mingle Aussie ladies get dolled up in their best outfits and head out to the local bars. The only problem is, the bars are in snooze mode, deserted except for a few guys from Jersey, who are knocking back bottles of Bud Light at an alarming pace. Where is everyone? Rookie error, No.1: Were unaware that many residents of the bougie Upper East Side head out of town to the Hamptons on steamy summer weekends, and that nightlife in the area grinds to a halt. No. 2: Ordering a round of Cosmos instantly marks us as tourists. More than a decade on, Im no longer a New York rookie. I dress down to go out, and Im more likely to drink a glass of wine or mineral water than a sugary cocktail. Ive heard it all, from the one about alligators living in the sewers (not true), to the wildest dating stories (mostly true), to the perception that the city is outrageously expensive and unliveable (definitely untrue). Weve had it good for decades, but after a golden age of visa-free entry, requirements are tightening. Countries that once allowed you to enter just by flashing your Australian passport are tightening the rules. According to the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the worlds passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, Australian passport holders have the right of visa-free entry to 186 countries. That puts us in sixth place on the table of the worlds most desirable passports, tied with the UK and one rung on the ladder below New Zealand and Swiss passport holders. Its a great number there are only 195 countries in the world according to the United Nations but many of those countries require Australians to apply and pay for a visa waiver. Among them are the countries were most likely to visit, and that number is increasing. Countries that once allowed Australian passport holders to enter without a visa now require them to apply. Credit: Getty Images Visas, visa waivers and e-visas whats the difference? A visa is an official authorisation from a foreign government allowing you to enter their country for a specific purpose and duration. Theyre issued by the countrys consulate, embassy or an immigration authority. To obtain a visa, you need to fill in an application form, pay a fee and submit it together with your passport, either electronically or in person at the countrys diplomatic mission. There was no bat signal, and London is no Gotham, but Batman and Robin still showed up on Westminster Bridge speeding through a throng of startled onlookers in the name of justice. The Batman and Robin running along the bridge on February 15 were two police officers in an undercover sting to curb illegal gambling at the popular tourist attraction, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement issued on Friday. Westminster Bridge has become a hotbed of illegal gambling, police explained, with gangs targeting tourists snapping photos along the bridge across the Thames, which gives way to stunning views of the famed Big Ben and Palace of Westminster. The gangs target tourists by engaging them in games such as the three cups challenge or shell game police said. These often-rigged tricks involve tourists guessing under which of three cups the gamemaster is rapidly moving a ball. You have to give it to Donald Trump. The man is a marvel at multitasking. In one sensational swoop, the US president was able to set the global economy reeling, shatter our alliances, shred our standing in the world, tank consumer confidence, scupper the Kennedy Centre and tart up the Oval Office, turning it into Caesars Palace on the Potomac. Its been a busy few weeks for US President Donald Trump. Credit: Bloomberg And yet, he still managed to find time to brag about winning his Jupiter golf clubs championship and sign an executive order relaxing restrictions on water pressure from shower heads I like to take a nice shower to take care of my beautiful hair, the president cooed. He also ordered an investigation of an election security official he had fired four years ago for having the temerity to acknowledge that the 2020 election was not stolen. Were living in a bizarro world where heroes are being targeted and scoundrels are in a position to target them, David Axelrod, the Democratic strategist, told me. Washington: Former defence minister turned lobbyist Christopher Pyne says the biggest threats to the AUKUS pact are naysayers and a lethargic defence establishment, but admits the $368 billion program lacks a broad social licence and has only qualified support from the Trump administration. While figures such as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have backed the agreement in principle and accepted the first of Australias cheques, they remain nervous about selling submarines at a time when US production is lagging and threats to American interests are growing. Former Australian defence minister Christopher Pyne in Washington, DC, on April 11. When he [Hegseth] speaks to journalists about AUKUS you can tell that hes uncomfortable about AUKUS if it means that the Americans in any way have to give anything up to anybody, Pyne said in an interview in Washington. He also pointed to remarks from undersecretary for defence policy Elbridge Colby, who has called himself an AUKUS sceptic but at his confirmation hearing said the US should do what it can to make the deal work. PeopleImages / iStock.com Filing your taxes can be a killer if you are an entrepreneur, especially considering every profit, loss and all the tax implications in between fall upon your shoulders. Fortunately, deductions are a great way to reduce tax liability or hopefully your overall tax bill in general. Discover More: The Best Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2024-2025 Find Out: Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 However, knowing what youre eligible for can be tricky whether you are filing your returns through tax software or working with a professional accountant. Instead of combing through endless pages of information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, its easier to lean on the knowledge of experts. Check out these four tax deductions that can save you and your business big money come tax time. Choose the Correct Entity Type for Your Business For example, in a sole proprietorship, you will pay self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on the entire net income, which can be high if the business is profitable, said John Adams, certified public accountant (CPA), firm owner, tax planning and fractional CFO expert at Bridgewater Tax and Financial Consulting in Jupiter, Florida. Self-employment tax has a combined Rate: 15.3% on net earnings up to $176,100 (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). Earnings above $176,100 are subject only to the 2.9% Medicare tax, plus the additional 0.9% Medicare tax on earnings exceeding the specified thresholds. Adams said that if a business is an S-corporation, the entrepreneur must avoid the double taxation of a C-corporation because profits are taxed at the shareholder level, not the corporate level. Also, you may benefit because you may benefit from self-employment tax savings, he continued. Shareholders can take a reasonable salary and distributions. Only the salary is subject to self-employment tax, while distributions are not. This means if reasonable compensation is $100,000 and you made $176,100, then you can realize a tax benefit on the $76,100 that would not be subject to self-employment tax. This would give you a tax benefit of $11,643 in self-employment taxes saved. Find Out: Can You Write Off Your Home Insurance on Your Taxes? Plan for Retirement Savings Using the example above, Adams said that if you save 10% of your $100,000 in a traditional 401(k), you would be in a 24% tax bracket. You would pay tax without a 401(k) of $24,000 and Tax with a 401(k) of $21,600 a tax savings of $2,400, he explained. Take Advantage of Home Office Deductions Adams said that if you take advantage of the home office deduction, you may receive deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. Musk announces Starlink license for Somalia Washington, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2025 Elon Musk announced on Sunday that his Starlink satellite internet service had been granted a license in Somalia. Starlink's network of low Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled. Roughly 30 percent of Somalia's population has access to the internet, according to the World Bank in 2022, but regular connectivity is frequently stymied by the east African country's poor infrastructure. "Starlink now in Somalia!" Musk said in a post on X, without giving any further details. "Today is another historic day for Somalia's communications and technology sectors, today we have issued here and provided Starlink, one of the major satellite telecommunications and internet services company the license to operate in Somalia," a post on state media outlet SONNA said. It added that the license had been issued after two years of discussions. The massive connectivity gap between the world's wealthier countries and those less advantaged is particularly acute on the African continent. NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty Images Apple (AAPL) shares surged Friday, leading other Magnificent Seven members higher amid a broader market rebound to cap off a wild week fueled by tariff-driven volatility. Apple shares jumped 4% to close at $198.15, posting gains for a week that included three losing sessions and the stock's best day since 1998. Still, it has yet to fully recover from the hit taken since President Trumps tariff announcement on April 2, on worries about escalating trade tensions with China, where Apple manufactures an estimated 90% of its products. The gains for Apples stock Friday came amid growing optimism the iPhone maker could win an exemption from the Trump administrations tariffs. Mizuho analyst Jordan Klein reportedly told clients in a client note Friday that 90% of investors seem to believe Apple will get a tariff exemption, pointing to the exemption Apple received in 2018 during President Trumps first term. CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino said he now puts the odds of an Apple-specific exemption at 50%, up from 20%. Read the original article on Investopedia Gaza hospital damaged in Israeli strike: civil defence Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2025 Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli airstrike destroyed parts of a hospital early Sunday after Israel seized a corridor in the war-battered Palestinian territory and said it planned to expand its military offensive. There were no reports of casualties in the strike and the Israeli military told AFP they were looking into the incident. The civil defence agency in the Hamas-run territory said Israel's air force targeted a building of the Al-Ahli hospital, also known as the Baptist or Ahli Arab hospital, in Gaza City after midnight. The airstrike came "minutes after the (Israeli) army's warning to evacuate this building of patients, the injured and their companions", the agency said in a statement. "The bombing led to the destruction of the surgery building and the oxygen generation station for the intensive care units," it added. Hospitals, protected under international humanitarian law, have repeatedly been hit by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of having tunnels under hospitals and using the medical facilities as command centres to plan and carry out attacks against the army and Israel, a charge denied by the Palestinian group. Al-Ahli hospital was heavily damaged by an explosion in its car park on October 17, 2023, leaving scores of people dead. Militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad accused Israel, which denied responsibility and blamed a misfired rocket by Islamic Jihad for that blast -- a claim backed by the United States. Hamas's press office said Sunday that Israeli forces had targeted Gaza's hospitals, including Al-Ahli, with "bombing, arson (and) destruction", or otherwise rendered them "non-operational", since the start of the war. On March 28, the World Health Organization said 22 of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially functional. The Gaza war broke out after Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Gaza's health ministry said Saturday at least 1,563 Palestinians had been killed since March 18 when a ceasefire collapsed, taking the overall death toll since the war began to 50,933. burs-sco/rjm Bulgaria receives first US F-16 fighter jet Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2025 Bulgaria on Sunday welcomed its first US-made F-16 fighter jet ordered as part of the eastern-flank NATO member's landmark efforts to modernise its air force. To replace its Soviet-era MiG-29 jets, Bulgaria has ordered 16 American F-16s for a cost of around 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion), in the largest contract to overhaul its armed forces since the fall of communism in 1989. At a ceremony marking the jet's delivery at the Graf Ignatievo military base in central Bulgaria, Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov said those in attendance were celebrating "the inexorable and irreversible modernisation of the Bulgarian army. US defence official David Baker hailed the jet's delivery as a "significant milestone". "Your investments today will improve Bulgaria's security for decades to come and enable you to further contribute to making NATO the greatest military alliance in history," Baker added. After the first delivery on Sunday, seven more F-16s are due to be delivered by the end of 2025, with the remaining eight to arrive by 2027. Bulgaria, which last year celebrated the 20th anniversary of its entry into NATO, has for a long time delayed the modernisation of its air force for political and financial reasons. But as with other eastern members of the US-led defence alliance Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced a rethink of its defence posture. The poorest member of the European Union now spends more than the NATO-baseline two percent of national output on defence -- though still well below the five percent now demanded by US President Donald Trump. As a result of its ageing fleet, the country's fighter pilots lack training, according to a 2024 government report, which also pointed to a dearth of qualified personnel. In June 2021, a Bulgarian pilot died after his MiG-29 crashed during a military drill in the Black Sea. In September 2024, two more soldiers were killed during a training flight for an air show. Powerful south Syria armed faction says to integrate into government forces Damascus, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2025 A powerful armed faction in southern Syria led by defected military officer Ahmed al-Awdeh on Sunday announced that it was dissolving itself and integrating into the government's armed forces. The Eighth Brigade, the most prominent armed faction in southern Syria announced its dissolution and placed its weapons and personnel at the disposal of the Syrian defence ministry, according to a statement read by the official spokesman on Sunday in a video recording. "We, members, soldiers and officers of what was previously known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation and handing over all its military and human capacities to the defence ministry," said Colonel Mohamed al-Hourani. "This decision stems from our commitment to national unity and enhancing security and stability and adherence to state sovereignty," said Hourani. The Eighth Brigade is part of the Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups, also led by Awdeh, from the southern province of Daraa formed on December 6 to help topple longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Assad was toppled two days later following a lightning offensive by rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led HTS, has since been named Syria's interim president and appointed a cabinet last month. The SOR was notably absent from a December 25 meeting during which other rebel factions agreed to disband and join a future army. Awdeh's forces, including the Eighth Brigade, held on to their weapons and maintained their presence on the ground. Sunday's announcement comes after two days of unrest between the forces of the Eighth Brigade and those of the new authorities. Daraa returned to Assad control in 2018, but under a deal mediated by Russia, rebels were allowed to keep their weapons and continue to ensure security in their region. Powerful south Syria armed faction says to integrate into government forces Damascus, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2025 A powerful armed faction in southern Syria led by defected military officer Ahmed al-Awdeh on Sunday announced that it was dissolving itself and integrating into the government's armed forces. The Eighth Brigade, the most prominent armed faction in southern Syria, announced its dissolution and placed its weapons and personnel at the disposal of the Syrian defence ministry, according to a statement read by the official spokesman on Sunday in a video recording. "We, members, soldiers and officers of what was previously known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation and handing over all its military and human capacities to the defence ministry," said Colonel Mohamed al-Hourani. "This decision stems from our commitment to national unity and enhancing security and stability and adherence to state sovereignty," said Hourani. The Eighth Brigade is part of the Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups, also led by Awdeh, from the southern province of Daraa formed on December 6 to help topple longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Assad was toppled two days later following a lightning offensive by rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led HTS, has since been named Syria's interim president and appointed a cabinet last month. The SOR was notably absent from a December 25 meeting during which other rebel factions agreed to disband and join a future army. Awdeh's forces, including the Eighth Brigade, held on to their weapons and maintained their presence on the ground. Sunday's announcement comes after two days of unrest between the forces of the Eighth Brigade and those of the new authorities. Daraa returned to Assad control in 2018, but under a deal mediated by Russia, rebels were allowed to keep their weapons and continue to ensure security in their region. In March, Syria's new authorities reached a deal with the autonomous Kurdish administration in the country's northeast to integrate its institutions into the national government. Negotiations are also ongoing with various representatives of the Druze minority in southern Syria, aiming to incorporate armed groups into the new military. By Maximilian Heath and Anthony Esposito BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentina sealed a $20 billion, 48-month Extended Fund Facility deal with the International Monetary Fund on Friday and, in a major policy move ahead of the deal, dismantled key parts of its years-long currency controls and loosened its grip on the peso. The IMF will disburse $12 billion by next Tuesday, while another $2 billion will become available by June. The deal is expected to help Argentina "catalyze additional official multilateral and bilateral support, and a timely re-access to international capital markets," the IMF said. "Key pillars of the program include maintaining a strong fiscal anchor, transitioning towards a more robust monetary and FX regime, with greater exchange rate flexibility," it added in a statement. Earlier, the South American nation's central bank announced it would undo a fixed currency peg from Monday, letting the peso freely fluctuate within a moving band between 1,000 and 1,400 pesos per dollar, versus 1,074 at the close on Friday. Argentina will eliminate major parts of the so-called "cepo" capital controls that have restricted access to foreign currency, the central bank said in a statement. Companies, from this year, will also be able to repatriate profits out of the country, a key demand from businesses that could unlock more investment. "As of Monday, we will be able to put an end to the foreign exchange restrictions which were imposed in 2019 and which limit the normal functioning of the economy," Economy Ministry Luis Caputo said at a press conference. Libertarian President Javier Milei addressed the nation in a televised speech on Friday night and stated that Argentina was "in a better position than ever to withstand external turbulences." However, an IMF staff report on the $20 billion deal warned that "downside risks remain elevated," as program implementation could be challenged by rising global trade tensions and, domestically, by the volatility added by the upcoming electoral cycle and fragile social conditions. 'THIS IS A DEVALUATION' The new exchange rate system could allow the peso to weaken almost a third if the currency were to hit the weaker edge of the band, although the central bank is likely to have some tools to intervene. The band will expand 1% each month, the bank said. The policy move came ahead of the final IMF nod for what is the 23rd program in a long and mottled history between the grains-producing nation and the Washington-based lender. The program is unprecedented in supporting an economic plan that has already yielded results, Milei said. The bank said it would receive the first $12 billion from the IMF Tuesday a bigger-than-expected upfront sum that gives Argentina's reserves breathing room to make the major change and reflects the fund's confidence in Milei's radical reforms . The restrictions made it almost impossible for ordinary Argentines to purchase dollars, giving rise to a black market that is technically illegal but that almost every Argentine uses to sell their depreciating pesos anyway. Their removal takes effect on Monday. Imposed by a previous administration in 2019, the restrictions clamp down on individuals and companies access to dollars, discouraging the foreign investment that Milei needs to achieve his goal of transforming heavily regulated Argentina into a free economy. The capital controls, known here as el cepo, or the clamp, are a tangle of regulations that help to stabilize the peso at an official rate and prevent capital flight from Argentina. Today we are breaking the cycle of disillusionment and disenchantment and are beginning to move forward for the first time, he said. We have eliminated the exchange rate controls on the Argentine economy for good. Against this backdrop, the authorities are embarking on a new phase of their stabilization plan, said IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, adding that Argentina has committed to doubling down on spending cuts and economic deregulation and transitioning toward a new foreign currency exchange regime. The IMFs executive board late Friday green-lit the $20 billion bailout package , which offers a lifeline to Argentinas dangerously depleting foreign currency reserves over the next four years. The fund praised President Milei's tough austerity program and zero-deficit fiscal policy, saying the program sought to consolidate impressive initial gains and address "remaining macroeconomic vulnerabilities. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) President Javier Milei on Friday announced that he would lift most of the countrys strict capital and currency controls next week, a high-stakes gamble made possible by a new loan from the International Monetary Fund. It marked a major step forward in the libertarian's program to normalize Argentina's economy after decades of unbridled spending. Story Continues The new policy also involves cutting the Argentine peso free from its peg to the dollar. But instead of a risky free float, Argentina is allowing the peso to trade within a so-called currency band that ranges from 1,000 to 1,400 pesos per dollar. The band will expand 1% each month, the bank said. This breaks from Milei's current policy of letting the peso weaken at a pace of 1% against the dollar each month. That crawling peg had drawn backlash from investors worried about the central bank burning through its reserves to prop up the peso. It was forced to spend $2.5 billion to defend the official exchange rate in just the past few weeks. When announcing the removal of exchange controls Economy Minister Luis Caputo insisted it was not a devaluation. "The truth is, we dont know where the dollar will end up, he said. Mileis team has sought to fend off a politically costly official devaluation of the peso that could push inflation much higher. Keeping a lid on rising prices a flagship campaign promise has helped the political outsider hold up approval ratings despite his brutal cuts to state spending that might otherwise trigger social unrest. But it was clear that the peso would have to depreciate to some extent, with economists guessing that it would fall to close to its black-market rate. On Friday, that rate was 1,375 pesos to the dollar, compared with the official exchange rate of 1,097 pesos. Marcelo J. Garcia, director for the Americas at New York-based geopolitical risk consultancy Horizon Engage, said he expected an initial devaluation of around 20-25%. A big question mark is inflation in the second quarter of the year. Its very likely there will be a shock, said Leonardo Piazza, chief economist at Argentine consulting firm LP Consulting. Argentina, a serial defaulter Before Milei took office in December 2023, the previous left-wing Peronist administration ran up massive budget deficits, leading to sky-high inflation and a chronically weakening peso. By scrapping subsidies and price controls, firing tens of thousands of state workers and halting the central bank's overreliance on printing pesos to pay the governments bills, Milei has delivered Argentina's first fiscal surplus in almost two decades and largely stabilized its macroeconomic imbalances, thrilling markets even as his overhaul hits the population hard. Yet for all the changes and the financial pain, there have been scant signs of a sustainable recovery. Analysts say that a long-term economic revival involves the removal of capital controls, the amassing of currency reserves and access to international capital markets. As a result, foreign investors have waited on the sidelines, wary of pouring their cash into a country infamous for defaulting on its debt. The South American nation is already the IMFs biggest debtor, owing some $43 billion. This new $20 billion loan represents the 23rd rescue package in the nations long and tumultuous history. A tsunami of money out' Milei has rejected pressure from investors over the past year to lift the capital controls, insisting that the economic conditions needed to be right. Now, he said, it was finally time. After the first $12 billion disbursement from the IMF, another $2 billion will hit Argentinas central bank in the next two months, the fund said. International organizations will also pitch in, with the Inter-American Development Bank announcing later Friday $10 billion disbursed over the next three years. With this level of reserves, we can back up all the existing pesos in our economy, providing monetary security to our citizens, Milei said. These are the foundations for sustained, long-term growth. It's a high-risk mission, as scrapping the cepo could unleash years of pent-up demand for U.S. dollars and spark a currency run as companies try to send their long-trapped profits home. It could be a tsunami of money out, said Christopher Ecclestone, a strategist with investment bank Hallgarten & Company. Its a total guessing game as to what people will do. The central bank said that while it was lifting restrictions for the public, it would retain taxes on card purchases abroad and some regulations on companies. For instance, from 2025 on, multinational firms will be able to repatriate their earnings. But to get their already trapped holdings out of the country, they'll need to exchange the debt for dollar-denominated security bonds. It's an effort to insure against capital flight, which would imperil Milei's primary accomplishment of lowering inflation ahead of midterm elections in October that are crucial for his libertarian party to expand its small congressional minority. The announcement is more audacious than expected. The government is making a bit of a leap of faith by lifting the cepo, said Garcia. It's also bold timing, analysts say, considering the local market turmoil sparked by U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs. In recent days, Argentine stocks and bonds have plunged. Meanwhile, with traders nervous about a possible peso devaluation under Argentina's IMF deal, the closely watched gap between Argentina's currency exchange rates has grown by over 20% in recent weeks. The gap is a key indicator of confidence in the government and can fuel inflation, which already accelerated in March to its fastest pace in seven months. On Friday, Argentinas National Statistics Institute reported that consumer prices ticked up 3.7% last month compared to 2.4% in February, mainly as a result of rising food prices. Mieli was unruffled. Inflation will disappear, he promised. ___ Associated Press writer Almudena Calatrava contributed to this report. Its very difficult to get someone into the separation centre because of the process you have to go through, so the intelligence really needs to be on the ball to get someone contained in the separation centre. Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon? Gary Lineker, Mary Berry and Anthony Joshua among famous faces on Centre Court on day five Who's in the Royal Box at Wimbledon Centre Court on day five? Flash Rescuers search for survivors among the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood east of Gaza City, on April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Saturday that Israel will soon expand its operations to most of the Gaza Strip territory. He told Gaza residents in a message that they have to evacuate due to the expected operations. "For those who are interested, voluntary crossing to several countries will also be possible" under Washington's plan, which Israel is "working to implement," Katz said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial relocation proposal for Gaza residents. "This is the last moment to remove Hamas, release all the Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the war," Katz remarked. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced in a statement that it had fully encircled southern Gaza's Rafah city by completing the establishment of the "Morag Corridor," a route in the south of the strip intended to separate Rafah and Khan Younis. The IDF noted that it will extend operational control over the corridor and carry out "counter-terrorism" operations in the area. The Israeli military, through the seizure of the key route, turned the area between the "Morag Corridor" and the "Philadelphi Corridor" near the border with Egypt into part of its security zone. Later on Saturday, the IDF said its Air Force intercepted three rockets fired from Gaza towards southern Israel. The rocket launches triggered sirens in open spaces bordering Gaza, with no casualties reported, it added. Following the rocket launches, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement that Israel "will attack with great force any area from which rockets are fired," and ordered residents of the Khan Younis area to move westward to the "designated" humanitarian zones in the Al-Mawasi area. Residents are also being evacuated in northern Gaza, and territory is being taken there, along with the expansion of the military buffer zone on the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, Adraee added. Also on Saturday, the Hamas-run Gaza media office said Israel has used water as "a weapon of war" to commit "a crime of slow mass killing" against Gaza residents. It accused Israel of destroying over 90 percent of the water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza, preventing technical crews from reaching the strip to repair damaged facilities, targeting workers who were carrying out their humanitarian missions, and blocking the supply of electricity and fuel needed to operate wells and desalination plants, among others. Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. It then ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18 and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on the enclave. On Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued an urgent warning over rapidly depleting essential supplies in Gaza. The renewed Israeli attacks have so far killed 1,563 Palestinians and injured 4,004 others, Gaza health authorities said Saturday, adding the death toll in the enclave since the war began in October 2023 has risen to 50,933, with 116,045 injured. We recently published a list of the 11 Cheap NYSE Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) stands against other cheap NYSE stocks. On March 26, Jack Caffrey of JPMorgan Asset Management provided an analysis of market trends in a discussion on CNBCs Squawk Box. He emphasized diversified portfolios built around different exposures during periods of volatility. Caffrey believes in the importance of time in the market over timing the market. He highlighted the difficulty in predicting when fear or euphoria will dominate, as some of the best market days follow extreme pessimism. Caffrey also discussed the October sell-offs in 2022 and 2023, where many strategists expected further market tests at levels like 3200 or 3300 on the S&P 500. However, instead of panic selling, the market experienced rebounds in 2023 and 2024. He observed that implied volatility reached the high 20s during recent corrections, but did not indicate widespread panic. Caffrey also discussed how the MAG7 drives market trends. While these stocks led growth in early 2020, their momentum eventually faded. This led to corrections instead of broadening. Investors began exploring second and third derivative trades stemming from AI developments, such as increased electricity demand and improvements in natural gas markets. He noted that mean reversion often occurs when primary trades become well-understood and widely owned. He suggested that markets would likely be led by earnings rather than valuation. Caffrey acknowledged that while some stocks within the MAG7 have posted earnings growth that makes their valuations more reasonable, traders are increasingly seeking opportunities in overlooked sectors like energy and businesses benefiting from a weaker dollar. For instance, oil prices have remained down despite energy leading the market performance this year. Stimulus measures in Europe are also shifting from monetary to fiscal policies, which creates additional opportunities for investors. Our Methodology We sifted through the Finviz stock screener to compile a list of the top NYSE-listed stocks. We then selected the 11 stocks with a forward P/E ratio under 15, as of April 8, that were also the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q4 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkeys database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers. 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. Bank of New York Mellon enjoyed a record quarter at the start of 2025 but remains watchful as the tumult over President Donald Trump's trade policies continues. In terms of profits, revenue and earnings per share, the first three months of the year marked BNY's best first quarter on record. Net income was $1.15 billion, up 21% from the same period last year. Earnings per share were $1.58, beating analysts' estimates of $1.51, according to S&P. And revenue was $4.79 billion, surpassing expectations and marking a 6% increase from the year-ago period. Even so, CEO Robin Vince struck a cautious tone in a call with journalists on Friday. "There's clearly been some signs of optimism at the beginning of the year, but we've now seen a reversal of sentiment, which has been driven by uncertainty," Vince said. "So we now have quite a few things on the minds of market participants." The CEO said a number of factors contributed to this uncertainty, first and foremost the seesawing tariff policies of the Trump administration. Vince said he sees the flux as part of a long-term negotiation strategy, which means businesses will have to wait a while for the "final picture" to come into focus. "Last week's tariff announcements were clearly part of a broader strategy to try to reset relations between the U.S. and the rest of the world," he said. "It's our expectation that these negotiations are going to take some time, and this uncertainty will likely have some length to it." Like other banks, BNY saw its stock take a hit after Trump imposed tariffs on almost all U.S. trading partners. In the two days after the announcement, BNY's stock dropped by almost 13% , though it has partially recovered since then. The combination of uncertainty and stock volatility has created challenges for BNY but also opportunities, Vince said. "At times of uncertainty in markets, we're kind of viewed as a port in a storm," he said. "And so the uncertainty actually attracts people to our platform, because they see us as this sort of rock of stability." In the first quarter, fee revenue reached $3.4 billion, a 3% increase from last year. Net interest income jumped 11% year over year to $1.16 billion. BNY's sale of a Toronto-based trust company also boosted first-quarter revenue. BNY sold the business to the Australian stock transfer company Computershare in March. In the first quarter, BNY said it gained $40 million from the sale. Overall, analysts at Truist called it a "good but not outstanding" quarter for BNY. Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu on Saturday sent a message on the occasion of Passover to the leadership of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania - The Mosaic Cult, members of the Jewish communities in Romania, as well as to all Jews around the world. "This holiday is not only about commemoration, but also about spiritual rebirth and renewal, about solidarity," the head of the Executive said. "It marks the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery and the beginning of a path to freedom and dignity. It is a moment of reflection on the past, which teaches us that freedom is built through faith and the courage to move forward even in the face of the unknown," said the prime minister. Here are this weeks local business and nonprofit awards, acquisitions and donations: ACQUISITIONS G&W Engineering acquired MidAmerica Testing Laboratory, Catawissa, Missouri. MidAmericas owner, Rick Heitmann, will join G&W at the companys state-of-the-art laboratory headquartered in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Grace Hebert Curtis Architects Orcutt Winslow, based in Phoenix, Arizona, acquired Lakeland, Florida-based Straughn Trout Architects. GHC Orcutt Winslow has an office in Westport Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri. EXPANDING Brite WorX Car Washery, part of Wallis Companies, St. Louis, Missouri, acquired three Metro East Sparkle Express Car Washes. With the addition of locations in Swansea, Collinsville and OFallon, Illinois, BriteWorX now operates 10 washeries across the St. Louis metro area. MILESTONE Plastic bag manufacturer Checker Bag, St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated 150 years in business. Theyve been in their current location at 10655 Midwest Industrial Blvd. since 1967. MORE BIZ The Community Value Alliance added four St. Louis, Missouri-based non-profit partners: Insperity, PlanCorp, Thrivent and Russos Catering. CVA partners share resources and receive advisory services through CVAs network of providers. RECOGNITION Great Place to Work and Fortune Media placed World Wide Technology at number 10 of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2025. This year marks the 14th consecutive year the global technologies solutions provider was named to the list. In 2024 the company placed 19th. ST. CHARLES COUNTY Amy Gryder didnt pay much attention to her local school board until about four years ago. Thats when things started to feel a little weird, she said. In the summer of 2021, the Francis Howell Board of Education approved two elective courses for Black History and Black Literature. That decision, which incensed conservative parents and activists who believed the courses were laced with progressive ideology, poured gasoline on a fire that began with highly charged debates about masks during the pandemic. In the next two general elections, candidates running on conservative platforms secured a majority on the seven-member board, winning five seats. Led by the new majority, Francis Howell would go on to make national headlines. In 2023, the board voted to rescind an anti-racism resolution created in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. It followed that in 2024 by removing social justice standards from the two Black studies electives. Gender, and which restrooms transgender students should use, became a frequent topic at board meetings. The focus seemed to be shifting from what I would consider to be day-to-day public education to national political narratives, Gryder said. This year, Gryder, a district alumna and mother of three, decided to take matters into her own hands. She ran for one of two school board seats. On Tuesday, she won. So did Sarah Oelke, a district parent who teaches English in the Parkway School District. The last two elections in St. Charles County have marked a dramatic shift in school board races since 2021, when candidates started winning school board seats on conservative platforms. Candidates who vowed tolerance for learning materials, equity and trust in teachers beat out conservative candidates supported by the same groups that successfully lifted candidates during the height of culture wars. What changed? The winning candidates and their supporters both in Francis Howell and neighboring Wentzville School District say this years election was less about liberal versus conservative ideology or Democrats versus Republicans. Rather, a majority of voters sought normalcy and a shift away from politics and division. People just want good schools that support teachers and partner with families, said Erin Shetler, a Francis Howell parent and supporter of Gryder and Oelke. They dont want any more nonsense. Backers of conservative candidates, however, say thats an overly simplistic take. They point to low voter turnout and apathy common during April municipal elections as factors that are hard to overcome. Hold the school board election in November, they say, and the results would be far different. Democrats are fired up to vote after losing so badly in November (2024), and that likely played a role in the turnout for this election, organizers with Francis Howell Family, the conservative political action committee, said in a statement. What worked, what didnt In Francis Howell, Gryder and Oelke trumped incumbent Randy Cook and newcomer Ashley Sturm. Wentzville voters opted for incumbent Julie Scott and Jeremy Way, an administrator in the Wright City School District, defeating Danielle Looney and Christina Macormic. On the surface, all of the Francis Howell and Wentzville candidates had similar goals. They said they wanted their districts to be the best they could academically. They wanted good curriculum, fiscal responsibility, high transparency and good teachers. But messaging surrounding the different candidate slates varied widely. In Francis Howell, supporters of the conservative candidates relied heavily on appealing to the political leanings of St. Charles Countys red majority. Mailers went around describing Sturm and Cooks opponents as activists who hated conservatives and supported diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI a political bogeyman for the right. One newsletter from Francis Howell Families compared the boards conservative majority to Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, saying the board had a track record of fiscal responsibility long before the famous DOGE dog set his paw in the White House! A blog post on the PACs website boasted Cook produced results and enraged the left. Gryder and Oelkes supporters, by contrast, say they stayed away from divisive rhetoric. A lot of their messaging centered around protecting public education and moving away from culture wars. People are tired of partisan politics, said Jamie Martin, a Francis Howell parent and president of the Francis Howell Forward PAC. And people were done with their schools receiving negative press, voters said. In the past year, Francis Howell was in the news for barring teachers from discussing gender with students, for its superintendent resigning, for board members, including Cook, pushing for a way to restrict which bathrooms transgender students use. Likewise, Wentzville also made headlines for its culture war battles, including banning a book last month. The district also lost its superintendent, Danielle Tormala, who left with an over $1 million buyout amid a wave of hostility in April 2024. Looney and Macormic, had they won, would have given outspoken conservatives a lock on the Wentzville board, joining Jen Olson, Renee Henke and Davis Lewis. The three incumbent board members ran on the same slate in 2023 and were some of Tormalas biggest critics. Even though its candidates lost, Francis Howell Families outraised Francis Howell Forward by about $4,000, with $29,000 in receipts this year. But the conservative group also faced another opponent St. Charles County Families for Public Schools, a political action committee that raised over $28,000 this calendar year alone and saw all of 10 of the candidates it backed win. Everything were doing is positive, everything theyre doing is fear and negativity, former Democratic state Sen. Ted House, a co-founder of St. Charles County Families, said. Anyone whos been in politics long enough knows hope will ultimately beat fear. In a statement, Francis Howell Families said their opposition ran campaigns made up of cheerful soundbites promising a return to normalcy, which seemed to work for voters. We look forward to holding the new board members accountable for the promises they made to focus on academics and take politics out of the schools, the statement reads. If they break their promises, we will be there to let the public know. Adriana Kuhn, a Francis Howell parent and one of two Francis Howell Families candidates who lost in 2024, said parents will have less oversight over the childs education without Cook and Sturm. The loss of Cook from the board and the inability to elect Sturm is a huge blow to parental rights in FHSD that could cause significant infringement on our parental rights and freedoms, she said in a text. Voter turnout Voter turnout on Tuesday, as for most municipal elections, was low, and thats prompted backers of losing candidates to question whether the last two elections indicated a true shift. The election saw a 14.48% turnout countywide, slightly higher than the 13.9% average turnout for April elections, said Kurt Bahr, director of elections for St. Charles County. It was just 12.9% for precincts in the Francis Howell district, and 12.8% in the Wentzville district. Jane Puszkar, treasurer of the Francis Howell school board, said shes hesitant to decide what future elections may hold because of the low turnout. Statistically, it would be nearly impossible to project trends with that small sample to draw from and make an accurate depiction of what is really happening with voters attitudes and minds, Puszkar said in a statement. This is why the municipal elections for school boards, alderman, etc., need to be moved to November where a much larger contingent is guaranteed to voice their opinion with a vote. Marc Cox, a conservative talk show host who endorses school board candidates, described the turnout as pathetic and said April elections must be moved to November. Low turnout favors NEA-backed candidates with a built-in voter base of union members, said Cox, referring to the National Education Association, the politically powerful teachers union. A Post-Dispatch analysis of results by precinct showed Francis Howell candidates Oelke and Gryder performed better in denser, more urbanized areas of the district. The same happened in Wentzville, where conservative-backed candidates drew more support from rural or exurb areas. Voter turnouts in those parts of the county were significantly lower compared to the urban areas. House, the St. Charles County Families co-founder, said the winning coalition was simply bigger than the other side. They connected with voters by appealing to the love of their schools, House said, and were able to convince voters the culture wars were fiscally irresponsible. All they had to do was get voters to the polls. It was a giant grassroots effort from numerous groups. Candidates and volunteers canvassed thousands of homes. There were trivia nights, house meetings where people invited their neighbors and church friends to meet candidates. I think the takeaway is that were getting so much more organized, Oelke said. Were learning more and were listening to people. It was a fight Chris Campbell can remember exactly where he was when the anti-teacher culture wars in Francis Howell started. He was at Central Elementary in Francis Howell. He taught third grade there. As he taught a class over Zoom (about 20% of students opted for virtual learning at the time), Campbell wore masks of different characters to keep students engaged. There was Batman, Hulk, Ironman. Campbell said he looked out the window at one point. He saw people forming a line to enter the next school board meeting. At the time, in the spring of 2021, Campbell said the perception of teachers had started to shift. No longer were they pandemic heroes. Instead they were being called groomers by some. There were allegations they indoctrinated kids with leftist principles. Somehow a rumor spread that students were using kitty litter boxes at school. After nearly 10 years at the district, Campbell decided to leave months later. He currently teaches in Clayton. As an African American teacher, I saw the writing on the wall, Campbell said. But Campbell kept up with Francis Howell news. He still lives in the district. His nieces and nephews attend Francis Howell schools. On Tuesday, Campbell said he felt joy. It was a fight that took a long time, he said. It did take a long time. It took as long to flip Francis Howells majority as it did to establish it. Next is to rebuild trust, Gryder said. I think people are really hungry for kindness again and respect and dignity for everyone, she said. Josh Renaud of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. JEFFERSON CITY State legislators brought Missouri to the forefront of business innovation last year or so they thought. Republicans pushed through legislation, championed by conservative and libertarian groups, that is designed to reduce the regulatory burden on companies hoping to bring cutting-edge services and products to market. Dubbed the regulatory sandbox, the law sets up a process for any company to ask a new state agency, the Regulatory Relief Office, for permission to set aside for two years a regulation that stands in the way of what could become the next Uber, DoorDash or Airbnb. But in the eight months since then-Gov. Mike Parson signed the law, there have been no takers, records obtained by the Post-Dispatch show. Budgetary constraints may be whats holding the program back. The Department of Economic Development is currently operating the sandbox with existing personnel. In its budget request, DED asked lawmakers to fund four new employees to help administer and promote the program, but those positions were not granted in the Missouri House version of the budget. The Senate could still add those employees in as they work through the appropriations process. Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, said he hasnt had any conversations with DED about the sandbox but is open to doing so. Amy Berendzen, director of communications for DED, said she didnt want to speculate about when the sandbox may get some requests for assistance. Despite the House not including it, the DED is still working on getting money for staff to promote the sandbox in the budget process, Berendzen said. Rees Empey, senior director of state government affairs at the Libertas Institute, said similar programs have taken about a year or more to get going in other states. The Libertas Institute is a Utah-based libertarian think tank that advocates for sandbox programs nationwide. Empey said that a marketing period to notify businesses of the sandbox is key for it to have success. So far, the state hasnt kicked off an outreach program like that. Still, Empey said he was impressed that the state has already created a portal where businesses can seek regulatory relief even if there isnt an outreach campaign yet. North Carolina passed a sandbox bill in 2021 and is just launching it with outreach now. Homie, a Utah-based real estate company, has had success using its states sandbox program. The company offers a flat $5,500 brokerage fee for home sales under $1 million instead of the typical 3% most real estate agents charge. Meanwhile, while Missouris sandbox sits on the playground unused, lawmakers are considering other programs intended to help launch innovative businesses. Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, is sponsoring legislation that would give a tax credit those who invest in approved innovative Missouri businesses. Investors would get a tax credit of 40% of their investment in a business with a cap of $300,000 per year. Investments in rural businesses would get a 50% tax credit. The entire program is capped at $6 million a year. As opposed to the regulatory sandbox, which just decreases red tape, Gregorys proposal is designed to reduce the risk of investing in new businesses. Eligible businesses would be determined by the Missouri Technology Corporation. The corporation was created by the General Assembly to help grow high-tech startups in Missouri. There would be created a list of businesses that the Department of Economic Development and MTC have deemed as great businesses that have the potential to get past that valley of death where theyre not eligible quite for those traditional financing mechanisms, but still need some money to ramp up their business operations, Sarah Schlemeier, representing Greater St. Louis Inc. said at a recent committee hearing. The legislation includes language allowing MTC to remove businesses from the program. It also has clawback provisions that allow investors and the state to potentially recoup their investment if businesses dont hold up their end of the bargain. The legislation allowing for more tech investment is Senate Bill 461. Four years ago, a sixth grader in Rigby, Idaho, shot and injured two peers and a custodian at a middle school. The tragedy prompted school officials to reimagine what threat prevention looks like in the district. Now, student-run Hope Squads uplift peers with homemade cards and assemblies. Volunteer fathers patrol hallways through Dads on Duty. A team of counselors, social workers and probation officers gathers to discuss and support struggling students. Thanks to a new cellphone ban, students are talking to each other more. The positive results of these combined efforts have been measurable. Weve helped change lives, said Brianna Vasquez, a Rigby High senior and Hope Squad member. Ive had friends who have been pulled out of the hole of depression and suicidal thoughts because of (the Hope Squad). Americas educators are working to prevent harm like Rigby's shooting. Many U.S. districts have turned to technology especially digital surveillance as the antidote. Not everyone is sold on that approach, as there can be issues, including with privacy and security. Without broad agreement on which strategies work best, some districts are trying a combination of technology, on-the-ground threat assessment teams and mental health supports. Jennifer DePaoli, a senior researcher at the Learning Policy Institute who has studied school safety, said a multi-pronged approach is very sensible. In Rigby, educators lean toward human interaction. Artificial intelligence and digital surveillance systems are perhaps less likely to identify who's eating alone at lunch or withdrawing from friends. Its all about culture, said Chad Martin, superintendent of Jefferson County School District in Rigby. It starts with that just having a friend, having a group of friends, having a connection somewhere. Rigby school leaders use technology to detect threats, including an app, STOPit, which allows students to anonymously report safety concerns, and surveillance software that monitors students keystrokes for troubling terms. Martin said those are helpful but must be used in concert with human-led initiatives. The districts version of a threat assessment team has been one of the most impactful tools, Martin said. In monthly group conversations, school staff may realize that a student whos been missing class has a parent who was recently arrested, for example. Everybody has a little piece of information, Martin said. The goal is to put those people in the same room and be able to paint a picture that can help us support kids. Although Idaho doesnt mandate the use of in-school threat assessment teams, 11 states do. In 2024, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 71% of U.S. public schools have a threat assessment team. A leading model, used by thousands of districts, is the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). These were developed by forensic clinical psychologist Dewey Cornell after he spent years studying homicides committed by children or teens, including school shootings. He said digital surveillance technology can offer schools an illusion of safety and security. With CSTAG, teams made up of school staff members use a multi-step process when threats emerge. The group might suspend or relocate a student while conducting mental health screenings, facilitating a law enforcement investigation and developing a safety plan. If implemented correctly, Cornell said, this approach is less punitive and more rooted in intervention. Cornell co-authored a recent study in Florida, where threat assessment teams are mandatory, finding low rates of school removal and very low rates of law enforcement actions. If youre a school counselor and you can work with a troubled kid and help get them on the right track, youre not just preventing a school shooting, but youre more likely to be preventing a shooting that would occur somewhere else and maybe years in the future, he said. Threat assessment teams arent immune from scrutiny. Complaints have emerged about them operating without student or parent knowledge, or without staff members to represent children with special needs, and about discrimination against Black and Hispanic students. Utahs Jordan School District uses the CSTAG model. Travis Hamblin, director of student services, credits the human connection with strengthening how the district handles threats. Earlier this school year, it received an alert through Bark, a digital monitoring tool that scans students school-issued Google suite accounts. It flagged a middle schooler who'd uploaded a hand-drawn picture of a gun. Through the CSTAG decision-making process, the threat assessment team avoided unnecessarily escalating the situation by determining the student didnt intend any harm, Hamblin said. They chalked it up to immaturity and asked the student to refrain from such drawings. The district employs someone a former administrator and counselor to field the Bark alerts and communicate with school staff. Administrators from every Jordan school have undergone threat assessment training, along with select staff members. A digital tool for us is a tool. Its not the solution, Hamblin said. We believe that people are the solution. In Rigby, one of those people is Ernie Chavez, whose height makes him stick out in a hallway streaming with middle schoolers. Hes with Dads on Duty, which brings in parents to help monitor and interact with students. Throughout the school, students reach out to Chavez for high-fives. Similarly, the districts Hope Squads, in place since 2021, have become an active presence on campus. The student-led coalitions, implemented in thousands of schools across the U.S. and Canada, aim to foster connection and reduce the risk of suicide. We refer students every year to counselors, and those students go from some of the worst moments in their life (to getting help), Vasquez said. We build the connection between adults and faculty to the student. 'Alarming' national data: Teens use cellphones for quarter of school day 'Alarming' national data: Teens use cellphones for quarter of school day Teen Phone Use in School Raises Learning and Social Concerns About 45 years have passed since a U.S. state last eliminated its income tax on wages and salaries. But with recent actions in Mississippi and Kentucky, two states now are on a path to do so, if their economies keep growing. The push to zero out the income tax is perhaps the most aggressive example of a tax-cutting trend that swept across states as they rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic with surging revenues and historic surpluses. But it comes during a time of greater uncertainty for states, as they wait to see whether President Donald Trump's cost cutting and tariffs lead to a reduction in federal funding for states and a downturn in the overall economy. Some fiscal analysts also warn the repeal of income taxes could leave states reliant on other levies, such as sales taxes, that disproportionately affect the poor. The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to levy income taxes. It was ratified by states in 1913. Since then, most states have adopted their own income taxes. Eight states currently charge no personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. A ninth state, Washington, charges no personal income tax on wages and salaries but does tax certain capital gains income over $270,000. When Alaska repealed its personal income tax in 1980, it did so because state coffers were overflowing with billions of dollars in oil money. Though income tax eliminations have been proposed elsewhere, they have not been successful. Its a lot easier to go without an individual income tax if youve never levied one," said Katherine Loughead, a senior analyst and research manager at the nonprofit Tax Foundation. "But once you become dependent on that revenue, it is a lot more difficult to phase out or eliminate that tax. Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves recently signed a law gradually reducing the state's income tax rate from 4% to 3% by 2030 and setting state revenue growth benchmarks that could trigger additional incremental cuts until the tax is eliminated. The law also reduces the sales tax on groceries and raises the gasoline tax. If cash reserves are fully funded and revenue triggers are met each year, Mississippi's income tax could be gone by 2040. Supporters of an income tax repeal hope it will attract both businesses and residents, elevating the states economy to the likes of Florida, Tennessee and Texas. Their theory is that when people pay less in income taxes, they have more money to spend, thus boosting sales tax collections. The tax repeal puts us in a rare class of elite, competitive states, Reeves said in a statement. He added, Mississippi has the potential to be a magnet for opportunity, for investment, for talent and for families looking to build a better life. Mississippi is among the most impoverished states and relies heavily on federal funding. Democratic lawmakers warned the state could face a financial crisis if cuts in federal funding come at the same time as state income tax reductions. The income tax provides a huge percentage of what the state brings in to fund things like schools and health care and services that everybody relies on, said Neva Butkus, senior analyst at the nonprofit Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. A 2022 Kentucky law reduced the state's income tax rate and set a series of revenue-based triggers that could gradually lower the tax to zero. But unlike in Mississippi, the triggers aren't automatic. Rather, the Kentucky General Assembly must approve each additional decrease in the tax rate. That has led to a series of tax-cutting measures, including two new laws this year. One implements the next tax rate reduction from 4% to 3.5% starting in 2026. The second makes it easier to continue cutting the tax rate in the future by allowing smaller incremental reductions if revenue growth isn't sufficient to trigger a 0.5 percentage point reduction. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear signed the legislation for next year's tax cut but let the other measure passed by the Republican-led legislature become law without his signature. Beshear called it a bait-and-switch bill, contending lawmakers had assured the guardrails for income tax reductions would remain in place while pushing for the 2026 tax cut, then later in the session altered the triggers for future years. New Hampshire and Tennessee already did not tax income from wages and salaries, but both states had taxed certain types of income. In 2021, Tennessee ended an income tax on interest from bonds and stock dividends that had been levied since 1929. New Hampshire halted its tax on interest and dividends at the start of this year. Some other states also are pushing to repeal income taxes. The Oklahoma House passed legislation in March that would gradually cut the personal income tax rate to zero if revenue growth benchmarks are met. That bill now is in the Senate. New Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, also wants to phase out the income tax. The House and Senate have advanced legislation that would take an incremental step by exempting capital gains income from taxes. 16 last-minute 1099 tax deductions for independent contractors 16 last-minute 1099 tax deductions for independent contractors We recently published a list of Top 9 Healthcare Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire David Einhorn. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) stands against other top healthcare stocks to buy according to Billionaire David Einhorn. Wall Street has come down crashing on President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, raising the risk of a trade war that could push the global economy into recession. Major equity indexes have recorded their worst days in years, with the S&P 500 slipping back into correction territory. Amid the bloodbath, the focus is slowly turning to defensive sectors poised to shrug off the long-term effects of the trade war. The steep sell-off in the equity markets comes on the heels of Greenlight Capitals David Einhorn reiterating early in the year that the long-running bull run had ascended to levels beyond common sense. We have reached the Fartcoin stage of the market cycle, Einhorn wrote in an investor letter obtained by CNBC. Other than trading and speculation, it serves no other obvious purpose and fulfills no need that is not served elsewhere. The sentiments came on the artificial intelligence-driven rally, propelling major indices to record highs. The gains to record highs also came with expectations that the Federal Reserve would aggressively cut interest rates on inflation levels that dropped close to the recommended 2% range. Things have changed, and the risk of inflation spiking has increased amid an aggressive trade war between the US and its trading partners. READ ALSO: Top 10 Growth Stocks in David Teppers Portfolio and Billionaire Ken Fishers Top 13 Growth Stock Picks. Greenlight Capital, a hedge fund founded by David Einhorn, has also found itself at a crossroads amid the deep sell-off in the market. Nevertheless, the hedge fund, which specializes in value-oriented strategies, boasts of significant exposure to healthcare stocks, offering some support as investors shun risky plays amid the corrective phase in the equity markets. Healthcare stocks tend to hold up well in recessions as demand for healthcare services remains strong regardless of the prevailing economic situation. Consequently, the healthcare sector has been down by about 4% for the year, compared to a 14% decline in the S&P 500. The outperformance comes on the heels of Goldman Sachs chief US equity strategist David Kostin reiterating healthcare stocks are the way to go as the overall equity market remains in a corrective phase. Given that healthcare accounts for about 17% of the US economy, companies with exposure to the multibillion sectors stand a fair chance of shrugging off the pitfalls of the ongoing trade wars. Thats because the industry boasts a defensive tilt that should attract investor interest amid rotation from high-risk plays in the equity markets. For too long in America, there hasnt been anyone to tell the emperors that they have (or had) no clothes. Recently I read the book Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. It sheds light on former President Joe Bidens mental and physical decline, and the way his inner circle hid it from the nation until he finally departed the race. Also recently, my husband and I watched a chunk of our savings evaporate before our eyes after President Donald Trump launched his Liberation Day tariffs. Meanwhile, top national security officials were being fired after conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer advised Trump that they were not loyal enough. And individuals were being picked up here in the U.S. and sent to a prison in El Salvador without due process. All combined, it left me in the throes of anger. The object of my ire was, while deserving, not directed at either president, but rather towards our political system and both two major political parties. Together, they have delivered us to this moment in our nations history. To be clear, this is not an attempt at bothsiderism. Nor am I suggesting one party acted better or worse than the other. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are responsible for their failures and for having let the American people down in different but profound ways. My hope here is that readers can think about recent events not through partisan lenses, but rather as non-tribal Americans who are able to recognize that we have a very big problem on our hands. To look forward, we must reflect on a few of the events leading up to the 2024 election. Many of the quotes that Allen and Parnes shared in their book were illuminating, but perhaps the most riveting and telling statement came from the authors themselves: In the end, Biden was, in fact, a bridge from one Trump term to the next. Fight describes the collapse of the Biden campaign last year and the handoff to then-Vice President Kamala Harris. It includes some behind-the-scenes reporting from the Trump campaign, following the fateful presidential debate of June 27. The authors wrote how donors complained, Theyre telling us not to believe our lying eyes. Tut the they could have been any of us Americans. Allen and Parnes describe how the party faithful did not want to admit that he (Biden) had deceived them perhaps deceived himself about his fitness to run. And that Biden had put ego over party and country. The Republicans are not without blemish here. The events of Jan. 6, 2021, should have disqualified Trump from ever leading the party again. But since Trump brought his party back to power in the presidency as well as both houses of Congress, that type of reflection is not likely to happen on the GOPs part. Fast forward to the events of the past few weeks, which prompted me to reread another book: Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How it Changes Us, by Brian Klaas. Klaas book attempts to answer four main questions: First, do worse people get power? Second, does power make people worse? Third (and the question that will be the focus here), why do we let people control us who clearly have no business in control? And fourth, how can we ensure that incorruptible people get into power and wield it justly? Some of the answers lie in the fact that we no longer have gatekeepers in the form of strong political parties. For at least the past few decades, we have seen a weakening of our political parties as well as an increasingly feckless Congress, which has handed over nearly all of its power to the executive branch. In the way, for example, that this Republican-controlled Congress has completely handed its trade and tariff power over to Trump. Members of Congress are so fearful of primary challenges (not to mention physical threats to their lives and to the lives of their families) that they willingly stand by instead of using the power that Article 1 of the Constitution gives them. Neither party policed its own radical flanks. And because of our perverse primary election system and flawed incentives for elected officials, this is not likely to change soon. There are very few issues that I agree on with former Chicago mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. But he was spot-on when he told Chris Cillizza on Cillizzas So What? Substack: We (Democrats) are weak, and were woke. And the American voters read us pretty well. Now I happen to think the other sides vulnerability is theyre corrupt, and they betrayed you. Our political parties have failed us as Americans. Fixing them or creating something new is a monumental task. If and until that happens, the first party that will apologize, address its weaknesses and find people to tell the emperor he has no clothes may be the one to deliver us from this mess that we are in. With Mayor-elect Cara Spencer set to take the oath of office on Tuesday, there can be an optimistic new beginning for the city of St Louis. (St. Louis new mayor picks a chief of staff, plans to replace streets director, April 10.) The most important issue is to take back the city streets from criminals. Create a more prominent police presence and zero tolerance for gun play and large groups of people gathering in and around buildings, and control traffic speeding. By doing all these, people from the county and Illinois will start coming back to the city. These people from outside the city will come back and spend money. Outside of sporting events and concerts, let everyone feel safe to come downtown to restaurants and explore Kiener Plaza, hotels, the Blues Museum, art galleries and Washington Avenue all the downtown attractions. Putting an end to all the cars still driving with no plates or expired license tags will send a message to our community that it wont be tolerated. That would go a long way toward making the city more inviting. The message will be, We want our city to be like Nashville and other major cities. Our city is vibrant. We want our family, friends and out-of-town visitors to enjoy our new revitalized St Louis. Robert Ritzer Richmond Heights Cmdr. Brett Robblee and Command Master Chief Felix Phillips. (U.S. Navy) The Navy has fired the commanding officer and command master chief of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4, the service said in a news release. Cmdr. Brett Robblee and Command Master Chief Felix Phillips were relieved of duty on Friday by Capt. Christopher Milner, commander of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, which is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. The were relieved due to a loss of confidence in their ability to perform leadership duties, the Navy said. The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague loss of confidence when removing commanders and other leaders from authority positions. Capt. Jason Labott, deputy commander for MESG 2, has assumed the duties as MSRON 4s commanding officer, and Command Master Chief Clayton Alek-Finkelman, former command master chief for MESG 2, will take over as MSRON 4s command master chief. Robblee and Phillips have been temporarily reassigned to the staff at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. Navy maritime expeditionary security forces operate ashore and at sea to provide protection to U.S. assets in and near ports, harbors and coastal waterways worldwide. MSRON 4 is based in Virginia Beach. Robblee, a native of Orange County, Calif., is a 2007 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, according to his Navy Expeditionary Command bio, which has been deleted. Among his previous assignments were deputy director readiness and transition for the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Military Manpower and Personnel), and deputy director of future operations for the 2nd Fleet. Phillips, of Greenwood, Miss., enlisted in the Navy in August 1996, according to his bio, also deleted. He has served follow-on tours on various Navy ships, and his most recent was Command master chief of Airborne Command and Control Squadron 121 in Norfolk, Va. The family of Quartermaster 1st Class Julius F. Marullo, Jr., who was lost on USS Thresher, mark the 62nd anniversary of the tragedy on April 12, 2025, in Kittery, Maine. (James Cleveland/U.S. Navy) Capt. Joe Meier spoke for everyone in attendance in Kittery, Maine, on Saturday at a ceremony marking the 62nd anniversary of the sinking of the USS Thresher: We cannot forget what happened. Meier, the commander of the Submarine Maintenance Engineering, Planning and Procurement program, was the keynote speaker at a gathering of Navy officials and Thresher families and friends. Meier shared how the memories of those who were lost have fueled the current and future success of submarine safety. On April 10, 1963, the Thresher, the lead boat of her class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, was on a deep-dive test run off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass. Just after 9 a.m., the captain of another U.S. Navy submarine, submerged nearby, heard the Threshers hull collapsing under pressure more than 1,000 feet below the ocean. All 129 people on board, crew members and shipyard personnel, were killed. The remains of Threshers hull were found two months later on the sea floor, about 8,400 feet below the surface, in five major sections. Representing the Thresher families in offering remarks was Michael Bracey, son of Steward 3rd Class George Bracey, who was among the 96 enlisted sailors on board Thresher that day. Bracey, who was 4 at the time of the tragedy, shared photos from his fathers life, offering ceremony guests a look into a life cut short. I never got to know him, Bracey said. To conclude the service, the family of lost Quartermaster 1st Class Julius Francis Marullo Jr., cast a wreath along the waters edge. The event was hosted by Thresher Base, United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI), in partnership with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, at Robert W. Traip Academy in Kittery. USS Thresher (SSN 593) at sea on July 24, 1961. (Naval History and Heritage Command) Documents released in 2021 under the Freedom of Information Act showed that the Navys policies and procedures failed to keep pace with fast-moving technological advances during the Cold War, The Associated Press reported. Retired Capt. James Bryant, who was the skipper of a Thresher-class submarine, sued for release of the documents. According to findings in the documents, the ballast system used to surface in an emergency was a legacy system that was never tested at greater depths, and proved to be inadequate, the documents show. There were known problems with the silver-brazed joints in pipes throughout the sub. And training was inadequate for a nuclear reactor shutdown at depth. The sinking of the Thresher, the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history, was a defining moment of the U.S. Navys submarine service. The tragedy led the Navy to implement extensive changes in design, procedure, operations and processes. The Thresher would become synonymous with a new approach to submarine safety through the creation of the Submarine Safety Program, known as SUBSAFE. As the commanding officer of SUBMEPP, my job is to ensure the Navys submarines remain safe and reliable via a cost-effective lifecycle maintenance plan the right maintenance at the right time. One of the keys to success in that endeavor is having a strong SUBSAFE culture, Meier said. Contributing: The Associated Press We recently published a list of the 11 Cheap NYSE Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) stands against other cheap NYSE stocks. On March 26, Jack Caffrey of JPMorgan Asset Management provided an analysis of market trends in a discussion on CNBCs Squawk Box. He emphasized diversified portfolios built around different exposures during periods of volatility. Caffrey believes in the importance of time in the market over timing the market. He highlighted the difficulty in predicting when fear or euphoria will dominate, as some of the best market days follow extreme pessimism. Caffrey also discussed the October sell-offs in 2022 and 2023, where many strategists expected further market tests at levels like 3200 or 3300 on the S&P 500. However, instead of panic selling, the market experienced rebounds in 2023 and 2024. He observed that implied volatility reached the high 20s during recent corrections, but did not indicate widespread panic. Caffrey also discussed how the MAG7 drives market trends. While these stocks led growth in early 2020, their momentum eventually faded. This led to corrections instead of broadening. Investors began exploring second and third derivative trades stemming from AI developments, such as increased electricity demand and improvements in natural gas markets. He noted that mean reversion often occurs when primary trades become well-understood and widely owned. He suggested that markets would likely be led by earnings rather than valuation. Caffrey acknowledged that while some stocks within the MAG7 have posted earnings growth that makes their valuations more reasonable, traders are increasingly seeking opportunities in overlooked sectors like energy and businesses benefiting from a weaker dollar. For instance, oil prices have remained down despite energy leading the market performance this year. Stimulus measures in Europe are also shifting from monetary to fiscal policies, which creates additional opportunities for investors. Our Methodology We sifted through the Finviz stock screener to compile a list of the top NYSE-listed stocks. We then selected the 11 stocks with a forward P/E ratio under 15, as of April 8, that were also the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q4 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkeys database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers. Diarmuid Molloy was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court A 45-year-old Dubliner has been jailed for 12 years for a spate of robberies in city shops, one where he held a knife to a customers throat. Diarmuid Molloy, with addresses at Bride Road and Lower Gardiner Street, was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where he had pleaded guilty to three robberies and the possession of a knife to intimidate a customer. These included an attempted robbery on 21st June 2022 at Tesco, College Green; a robbery at Bradys Pharmacy, Camden St, and the false imprisonment of a customer there the following day; and a robbery at Thomas Street Pharmacy and possession of a knife to intimidate a customer there on 24th June 2022. The court heard that during the robbery of Bradys Pharmacy, Molloy put his arm around a female customer and held her, threatening a number of times: Open the till or Ill hurt her. The sales assistant was a 78-year-old lady who was left shaken. When informed that she is still working there two years later, Judge Martin Nolan described her as pretty resilient. After leaving Bradys, Molloy was captured on CCTV footage changing his clothes in a doorway, with the assistance of an unidentified man, who had brought him the change of clothes. The court heard that CCTV was central to the Thomas Street Pharmacy robbery investigation. Molloy was seen waiting outside for some time and going inside after a female customer went in. Witnesses told gardai that he was behind her and asking quite rudely to speak to staff. She moved, and he moved close to her. He grabbed her shoulder, held her in a chokehold and produced a six-inch knife. He was heard telling staff to: Give me money or shes going to be stabbed, and Ill slit her throat. Once he got cash, he fled and changed his clothes, having also changed them before the robbery. During the Tesco incident, he threatened to stab the cashier if he did not give him a box of cigarettes. Defence counsel Carol Doherty BL said that her client understood that his behaviour was shameful. She said that he had a death wish at the time and was still suicidal. She said that he had suffered horrific, systemic abuse at the hands of each caregiver he had in his childhood and had turned to drugs. He had since achieved a prolonged period of sobriety, but this was ended by the death of his child, with tragedy heaped on top of tragedy in his life. He could not remember any of the robberies clearly and had carried them out for drug money. Judge Nolan said that grabbing someone by the neck and threatening to stab her was a very serious incident. He noted that he had just weeks ago imposed sentences of six years and three years on him for similar crimes. On that occasion, the court heard that he had done well when sober, including saving the life of a prison officer in 2004. However, at the time of the robberies for which he was being sentenced that day, he had hoped to be shot by armed gardai when they pulled him out of a canal. Judge Nolan noted then that he hadnt got the best start in life, but said he had gone out and committed several robberies, terrifying dozens of people. He has to suffer an extension of prison, he said today. He sentenced him to six years for the Thomas Street Pharmacy robbery, three years for the offence at Tesco and six years for the Bradys Pharmacy incident. He said that these were to run concurrently, but consecutive to the six-year sentence he imposed last month. So thats a sentence of 12 years for all of your robberies, he told Molloy. Gardai launch legal bid to jail mobster James Gately over damage to Dublin home seized by CAB Hutch mobster James Mago Gately could be facing prison time after his Coolock house suffered damage before being handed over to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Two weeks ago, officers moved in to seize the property in north Dublin but had to use ladders to access the upstairs area after the staircase had been removed. Gates and a CCTV camera system had also been removed before gardai arrived to take possession of the house. This week, permission was sought in the High Court to bring a committal order in the case. Counsel for CAB told Judge Alexander Owens, who made the original court order, that when CAB attended they found substantial damage, including the missing staircase. Judge Owens said CAB could bring an application at the next sitting of the Proceeds of Crime list in May. Gardai at Mago Gatelys house in Coolock Mago Gately and his partner Charlene Lam could be found in contempt of court if they are found to be responsible for the damage. Officers moved on the April 1 deadline set by the High Court after Ms Lam lost a last-ditch appeal to extend the time. Last June, the house at Glin Drive, Coolock, was declared the proceeds of crime after a long legal wrangle over the property. CAB launched the investigation during the lethal Hutch-Kinahan feud, when officers who raided the house saw how much had been spent on its refurbishment, including a heavy metal front door. It is estimated that 440,000 was spent on renovations and extending the house, which was bought for 125,000. Earlier this week, Judge Owens also ruled that 6,000 from any potential sale of the house be returned to Ms Lam. He found this amount reflected the contribution she made to mortgage payments from her own legitimate income. Imre Arakas (above) and Caolan Smyth (below) tried ot kill Mago Gately . Mago Gately appeared in court earlier this month where he received a year-long driving ban at Letterkenny District Court for drug driving. He was also fined 200 after he was caught using cannabis while driving on May, 7, 2024. Gately was caught driving under the influence of drugs when he was stopped at a checkpoint outside Killygordon village. In the CAB case against him, in which a car and a Rolex watch were declared the proceeds of crime, Gately was described as a senior figure in the Hutch Organised Crime Group. He cut ties with the Kinahans following the 2015 murder of his friend Gary Hutch by the cartel in Spain and helped carry his coffin at the funeral. Such was his importance, the Kinahan Cartel launched two bids to kill him within weeks of each other in 2017. The first, involving Estonian hitman Imre Arakas, was foiled by gardai. James 'Mago' Gately The second attempt saw Caolan Smyth shoot Gately four times at Clonshaugh Road in north Dublin, including once in the neck. Evidence from CAB also linked Gately to three murders, two of which were in 2010 when he was just 24-years-old. He was arrested and questioned over the killing of convicted criminal Aidan Byrne in Dublin 7, a killing for which Jonathan Yuka Douglas has been convicted and sentenced to life. Gately was also linked by CAB to the killing of infamous gangland figure Eamon The Don Dunne at a pub in Cabra in April 2010. The third murder was that of David Byrne in the attack on the Regency Hotel, which was organised by the Hutch gang. The pair, both from Lithuania, were found responsible for the import of millions of euro worth of illicit drugs Two European lorry drivers who were caught on consecutive days bringing large quantities of cocaine into Ireland through Rosslare Europort have ended up with prison sentences. The pair, both from Lithuania, were found responsible for the import of millions of euro worth of illicit drugs. Their sentencing hearings at Wexford Circuit Court were briefed by Garda Declan Mulqueen. He drew no connection between the cases, though he remarked that the circumstances were practically identical. The combined value of the cocaine was estimated to be over 4.4 million. First to appear before Judge James McCourt was Eugenijus Kavaliauskas, with an address in Panevezio, Lithuania. His lorry was inspected after landing at the Europort on October 10 last year on the ferry from Dunkirk. An inspection of the tractor unit of his articulated lorry revealed an anomaly, as the garda put it. In a space behind the registration plate, there was room for 30 kilos of cocaine, estimated to be worth 2.1 million. On arrest, Kavaliauskas (53) revealed that the bags of cocaine had been loaded into the vehicle in the Netherlands. He also said that he was due to be paid 7,000 for his part in the operation. Defending barrister David Bulbulia described his client as a good man who made a very bad decision. Judge James McCourt noted that the defendant had assisted in stowing the drugs in the hidden space. A five-year sentence was imposed, the closing six months suspended, and the tractor unit was forfeited to the State. Later in the same sitting, the court registrar called the case of DPP v Arunas Songaila (57). He too was assisted by the same barrister and the same Lithuanian interpreter. He too had landed in Rosslare after embarking on a ferry in Dunkirk. He arrived on the day after Kavaliauskas and, like his compatriot, he had cocaine concealed in a compartment behind the registration plate. In this case, a slightly higher valuation of 2.31 million was put on the hidden cargo by Garda Mulqueen. The court was told that Songaila had been in financial difficulty when he agreed to deliver a load to Ireland. He was living in his lorry when he was approached by the two men who asked him to undertake the journey. After he was arrested, he told gardai: I knew they were dodgy because they drove expensive cars. I had no choice, no money, no food, no nothing. However, he insisted that he did not know the drugs were there in the tractor unit. Over a video link to the remand prison at Cloverhill, Songaila listened as the judge sentenced him to four years in jail. The term was set to run from the date of his arrest in October. The tractor unit was forfeited and an order for destruction of the cocaine was handed down. Jonathan Leonard (48) appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Ballybrack Medical Hall A man accused of robbing a south Dublin pharmacy at knifepoint has been refused bail after a judge heard that gardai believe he poses a risk of interfering with evidence. Jonathan Leonard (48), of no fixed address but residing at a hostel on Camden Place, Dublin, appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Ballybrack Medical Hall on Tuesaday, April 8. Detective Garda Andrew Diamond told the court that gardai were objecting to bail under the "OCallaghan" legal principles. He said it will be alleged that the accused entered the pharmacy at around 5:30pm, shortly before closing time. He was allegedly wearing dark clothing, a black snood, gloves, and a black puffer jacket. There were no customers present, and five female staff members were on duty. It is alleged he approached the counter, produced a 'flick knife' and demanded money, telling staff: Open the till. Give me the f***ing money. Dont do anything stupid. I have a knife. Dont press any panic buttons. Det Gda Diamond said the incident caused extreme fear to staff. CCTV footage allegedly shows the suspect walking away from the pharmacy along Church Road, through Ballybrack village and into Daleview Park, where he was allegedly seen removing the snood. Gardai say they later observed him leaving and returning to a nearby hostel that evening. A black puffer jacket believed to have been worn during the robbery was recovered within minutes nearby. However, the gloves, snood, and flick knife remain outstanding. Detective Garda Diamond told the court that 420 in cash - mostly in small denominations of 5, 10, and 20 notes, along with several 2 coins - was found in the accused's possession. Staff estimated that around 200 was taken during the robbery, but the court heard this has yet to be confirmed. A search also uncovered three suspected bags of crack cocaine and a suspected crack pipe on Mr Leonards person, as well as additional cash allegedly linked to the robbery. Mr Leonard is charged under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice Act (robbery) and Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Det Gda Diamond said bail was strongly opposed on grounds that the accused may abscond, reoffend, or interfere with the investigation - particularly by disposing of key evidence. Defence solicitor Michael OBrien said his client was entitled to the presumption of innocence and argued that strict bail conditions could be imposed to address Garda concerns. However, Judge John Brennan refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the CCTV and identification evidence, and the risk of interference with outstanding evidence, including the flick knife and clothing. The court heard that Gardai are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Leonard was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on April 15 at 10:00am. Funded by Court reporting Scheme Barry Dawson (60) was shot through a downstairs window in his terraced house in Stanley on April 5 Barry Dawson, who was shot dead in his home in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday A man arrested in Northern Ireland is to appear in court in England tomorrow after the murder of a grandfather who was shot in his home in Co Durham, police said. Barry Dawson (60) was shot through a downstairs window in his terraced house in Stanley on April 5. Sean Reay (29) was arrested by the PSNI on Friday and transported back to Durham on Saturday, where he was charged with murder. He remains in custody and is due to appear at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on Monday. In a statement on Facebook, Durham Constabulary said: A fifth man has been charged with murder following his arrest in Northern Ireland on Friday. A warrant was issued for Sean Reay, of Stanley, following the death of Barry Dawson last weekend. Mr Reay was arrested by our Police Service of Northern Ireland colleagues and transported back to Durham yesterday (April 12). A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Dawson died of a single gunshot wound. Doorbell footage, posted by The Sun newspaper which said it had been shared online, shows two figures outside a house in the terraced street. One breaks a downstairs window while the other, who has a hood up, fires a shot through the blinds and they run away. A voice can then be heard to shout: "They've killed me dad." Police also arrested and charged 37-year-old Kelvin Craig Lawson on Friday. Lawson appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Saturday where no pleas were entered and he was remanded into custody. He will appear at Teesside Crown Court tomorrow. Keith Dorward was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and charged on Saturday with the offence. The 47-year-old will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court tomorrow. Two other men had previously been charged with Mr Dawson's murder. Thomas Lee Sterling (21) was arrested on Wednesday and appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court last week. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Teesside Crown Court tomorrow. Kevin Dorward (38) was also charged with murder and appeared at Teesside Crown Court by video link on Friday. A plea hearing will be held on May 9 and a provisional trial date has been set for September 22, estimated to last five weeks. His partner Michaela Hetherington (35) is charged with perverting the course of justice and she appeared by a prison link for a bail hearing, though judge Francis Laird KC declined her bail. The charge relates to an allegation she falsely reported to police that Dorward's car was missing. Durham Constabulary Superintendent Neil Fuller said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with Mr Dawson's death and want to thank the community for their continued support while our extensive inquiries were carried out. "We appreciate the patience and support residents have given us as officers have worked around the clock on our investigation." In a tribute on Wednesday, Mr Dawson's family described him as "a much-loved father, granddad and partner who will be greatly missed". They added: "We are truly devastated and his loss will leave an enormous gap in our lives." Dundalk man Aiden Hulme was up for sentence after being convicted by a jury of endangerment and three counts of dangerous driving Aidan Hulme, pictured at the time of his arrest for the UK bombings A 48-year-old man was out of control following his release from a lengthy prison sentence when he drove at gardai operating a checkpoint in Dundalk and led them on a cross-border chase, the circuit court has heard. Aiden Hulme, Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was up for sentence after being convicted by a jury of endangerment and three counts of dangerous driving following the incident which occurred in 2017. In 2003 following a trial at the Old Bailey in London he was convicted of conspiring to cause explosions likely to endanger life and possessing explosives and sentenced to 20 years. The trial in 2003 heard he was a member of the Real IRA. Mr Hulme had been serving time in different UK jails before being repatriated to the Midlands Prison. He was among six prisoners released from the Portlaoise jail in 2015 after successfully challenging their continued detention. His counsel said this was quite sudden and done without preparation for his release into society. The defendant began drinking and taking drugs and by his own admission was a little out of control. Regarding the matter before Dundalk Circuit Court, a jury heard that shortly after midnight on October 8, 2017, two gardai were conducting a mandatory intoxicant checkpoint at Racecourse Road when a black Hyundai coupe approached. This car was driving slowly and swerving. The driver was leaning towards the steering wheel and staring. He was signalled to stop but suddenly sped up and drove directly at the officer in front, forcing him to jump out of the way. His colleague who was standing behind was able to smash a window of the car with a torch. The guards got into a patrol car and went after Mr Hulme and as he travelled northwards through Ballymascanlon Roundabout and Faughart they witnessed numerous instances of driving on the wrong side of the road at high speed, turning lights on and off, and indicating in one direction and proceeding in another. This driver was slamming on the brakes and swerving to prevent overtaking. He lost control several times, ultimately ending up in a ditch, the car on its side. Gardai were unknowingly in South Armagh, Northern Ireland, at this stage, Det Sgt Keith Hargadon continued. After momentarily losing control of their vehicle while braking to avoid a collision, they got out. Aidan Hulme, pictured at the time of his arrest for the UK bombings. Mr Hulme was still in the Hyundai. The officers went to his aid and pulled him out through the sunroof. He declined help. The guards radioed for assistance. The PSNI was contacted and took over. The two gardai returned to Dundalk. The court heard that the defendant also had previous convictions for possession of drugs, having a mobile phone in custody, criminal damage, assault and offences under the Road Traffic Act. Judge Dara Hayes was told that Aiden Hulme was the eldest of seven children. He had worked with his father as a panel beater and then went to England. He had a severe motorbike accident before his arrest in Co. Fermanagh on the conspiracy charge. He never received proper treatment as he was taken to England shortly afterwards and moved from prison to prison. He lost the lower half of a leg because of the accident. After being sentenced he served five years in Belmarsh and time in other prisons before being repatriated to Portlaoise. The defendant was in a seven-year relationship and stepfather to his partners children. This had been very good for him. His partner had her own health difficulties. He was on disability and had become addicted to Fentanyl. He was on a very high dosage for nerve pain. Judge Hayes said that Mr Hulme drove his car at two gardai in the execution of their duty. They were placed in serious danger. The officers were going about a mandatory intoxicant checkpoint, protecting society, and this happened. Sentence was adjourned to July 10 to clarify health issues and allow the defendant to make alternative arrangements. Helge Lund has already announced that 2025 will be his last year in charge - Dylan Martinez/Reuters City giant Legal & General (L&G) is demanding the scalp of BPs chairman over the oil giants retreat from net zero. The FTSE 100 fund manager is refusing to support the re-election of chairman Helge Lund at the companys looming annual meeting and will vote against keeping him on for another year, which Lund has already announced will be his last year in charge. The move follows BPs recent reversal of its 2020 commitment to green energy, which had included a tenfold increase in low-carbon investment and a 40pc reduction in fossil fuel production by 2030. Over the five years since then BP had seen its shares plummeting, leaving it increasingly exposed to foreign takeovers. Lund originally supported that policy, however, a few weeks ago at BPs capital markets day, he and chief executive Murray Auchincloss reversed it. BP had gone too far and too fast, they said as both abandoned most of its green pledges and committed to indefinite annual increases in fossil fuel production. However, L&G said it strongly opposed that decision which represents a financially material and systemic long-term risk to our clients portfolios. It added: We are deeply concerned by the recent substantive revisions made to the companys strategy, coupled with the decision not to allow a shareholder vote on the newly amended climate transition strategy at the 2025 AGM. L&G said it was pleased Mr Lund had decided to step down, but should not delay his departure till 2026. We view the recent announcement of Helge Lunds intention to step down as chair positively; however, we expect the succession process to follow a clearer and swifter timeframe than that currently posited by the company, to ensure an orderly and meaningful transition. There are predictions that Murray Auchincloss, chief executive, could also be forced out - Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg The move coincides with BPs announcement on Friday that it has lowered its outlook for gas production in the first quarter of 2025 while its debts are set to jump. The gas marketing and trading result is expected to be weak, BP told investors, primarily because of the sales of businesses in Egypt and Trinidad that the company completed at the end of the year. Both announcements come amid a campaign by activist US hedge fund Elliott for more change at the company with predictions Mr Auchincloss could also be forced out. Elliott has taken a 5pc stake in BP. Ashley Kelty, of investment bank Panmure Liberum, said Mr Lunds long goodbye tour would leave BPs board facing extra scrutiny with calls for a change in chief executive. Lund is to step down but since no successor has been identified hes hanging around until next year. Activist Elliott appears to be pushing for further change, and we think CEO Murray Auchinclosss position is becoming increasingly untenable, he said. Aaron Babbington (31) was jailed after he had apologised to the family of his victim. A young man was jailed for eight years for the attempted murder of a person he had been drinking with after he slashed his throat with a broken bottle in an unprovoked attack. Aaron Babbington (31) had been having good humoured banter and was drinking vodka with Jason Butler when he suddenly attacked him after apparently becoming jealous of the attention his girlfriend was paying to Mr Butler. Before Mr Butler could flee, Babbington slashed him in the throat with a broken bottle and Mr Butler died two days later despite desperate efforts by doctors to save him. Babbington was jailed after he had apologised to the family of his victim. Aaron Babbington apologises to Jason Butlers family, while that will be little solace to them, defence counsel Tom Creed SC said. Babbington had been charged with murder and was due to go on trial before the Central Criminal Court earlier this year. The accused, of no fixed abode and formerly of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield in Cork, pleaded guilty last December to the attempted murder of Jason Butler on June 14, 2023, at Grand Parade in Cork. Ray Boland SC, for the State, said that the trial date for murder could be set aside in light of the plea. Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford told the Central Criminal Court it was a tragic case. She offered her condolences to the family of the late Jason Butler while noting that the entirety of the incident had been captured on CCTV. Ms Justice Lankford said that the DPP had accepted a plea of attempted murder in the case arising out of difficulties with the case. "It has been difficult for the prosecution to establish the sole or main cause of Mr Butlers death." Jason Butler The judge said the plea to attempted murder was of real benefit to the prosecution. She said that Mr Butler died of hypoxic ischemic brain injury with an-out-of-hospital cardiac arrest following sharp force injury whilst intoxicated. Ms Justice Lankford commended a passerby who intervened very bravely and very expeditiously when he saw the attack occur. She said that the victim impact statement submitted by the Butler family was very moving and very impressive. It is clear Jason Butler was a much loved brother who had family support and family love. She said that the attack on Butler by Babbington was entirely unprovoked. The judge added it was an aggravating factor that the accused had tried a total of nine times to shatter the vodka bottle before he was able to use the jagged glass to attack the deceased. Babbington was jailed for ten years with the last two years suspended. Det Sgt Colin Greenway said that Babbington met Mr Butler by chance on the Grand Parade in Cork on June 14, 2023. Babbington was accompanied by his girlfriend. An eye witness working in a nearby shop said all were in good spirits and swapping banter with each other. The three of them were sharing a one litre bottle of vodka. All three sat down together on a concrete bench at Daunt Square and continued to drink, appearing to be in good form. Aaron Babbington. Photo: RTE However, in the following 40 minutes Babbington became frustrated and angry at the attention his girlfriend was paying to Jason Butler attention that was not reciprocated in any way." An eyewitness passing by heard Babbington say he was going to stab him and making the comment either, you are going to die or you are dead. After these threats he hit his girlfriend twice in the face and kicked Jason Butler in the head." He picked up the bottle of vodka, drank its remaining contents, held it by the neck and attempted to smash it against the Argos building. He made nine unsuccessful attempts. His girlfriend and Jason Butler got up to try to escape. Unfortunately, Mr Butler fell to the ground and was unable to regain his feet and was helpless on the ground when (Babbington) returned and smashed the bottle off the concrete bench." He then turned to Jason Butler and with the sharp broken bottle he bent over him, wrapped his arm around his neck and pressed the bottle into his neck, the detective said. A victim impact statement was handed in from the Butler family but was not read out in open court. Mr Creed said his client had a dysfunctional childhood and Babbington later ended up homeless. Mr Creed said his client was eager to address his addiction issues. He realises now that his attempt to take the life of another human being has had a serious effect on him," he said. "While an unstable environment cannot excuse his behaviour on the day it is something the court can look at." Mr Butler was originally from Castleredmond in Midleton, Co Cork. He was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings. Mr Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk in Cork at the time of his death. This is a support service which assists people as they attempt to move on from homelessness. Convicted killer and God squad member Anthony Bracken is jailed after court is told of brutal attack on a former partner A convicted killer turned street preacher has been jailed for a horrific attack on his former partner during which he headbutted, punched and kicked her and wrapped a cable around her neck. Anthony Bracken, who describes himself as part of the God squad, left the woman with extensive injuries all over her body and with bald patches on her head from tearing out clumps of her hair. Bracken (52) from Riverwell Close, Dundalk, Co. Louth, who was deemed to be at high risk of reoffending, was sentenced at Dundalk Circuit Court to two-and-a-half years with 15 months suspended for assault causing harm. While he pleaded not guilty, Brackens barrister told the court his week he now accepts the verdict of the jury. In an emotional victim impact statement, his former partner told how she was unable to leave her home for six months due to her fear of Bracken and is plagued by nightmares of the attack to this day. However, she added: I thank God every day for getting out when I did. Bracken, who was convicted of manslaughter in 1990 and is well-known to gardai, claims to have found God in recent years and has been a regular feature on the streets of Dundalk preaching to people around the town. However, his God-fearing image is at odds with the unholy violence he inflicted on his victim at his home on November 29, 2018. Sgt John Brady told Dundalk Circuit Court this week that the woman had been in a relationship with Bracken and had been living at his house in Riverwell Close at the time of the attack. Dundalk man Anthony Bracken has found God There had been a family funeral in the days before the assault and Bracken had been drinking and shouted at the woman back in the house. Bracken left the home but later returned and attacked the woman when she opened the door. Mr Bracken arrived home. She [partner] opened the door to be met with a headbutt, the prosecution said. The court heard the couple ended up in a tussle and Bracken tied a cable around the womans neck and tried to choke her. He was grabbing by her hair and by her ears around the house. She also lost some hair in the incident. She was later hospitalised with injuries that included serious bruising all over her body. In a victim impact statement, Brackens former partner said her day-to-day life has utterly changed since the attack. I struggle to sleep and when I do sleep I am plagued with nightmares. Im constantly tired and worn out. I am hyper-vigilant to sounds and noises around my home. She told how she became isolated from family and friends during her relationship with Bracken and she has lived in fear since the attack. Following the assault I did not go out of my home for over six months through fear and have now developed a severe vitamin D deficiency from hiding away indoors. I have also developed several stress-related illnesses which I fear will stop me from ever returning to work. I find this very difficult to accept as I have always worked. She said even six years on, the attack is still impacting her daily life. I lost out in every sense of the word from my relationship with this man mentally, physically and financially but I thank God every day for getting out when I did. Bracken has a criminal history dating back decades and the court heard he was convicted of manslaughter as a teenager in 1990. Sgt Brady said he knew Bracken for over 20 years. He listed his various previous convictions including his manslaughter conviction from 1990, when he was given a two-year suspended sentence after he and a pal beat a man to death after drinking the Greek spirit Ouzo. He also has convictions for larceny, trespassing, refusing to give a breath sample and various driving offences. Bracken was also charged with assault causing harm following a gun attack on a Dundalk man in 2008. He was present when former INLA man Thomas Murray shot Patrick Costello in the leg at his home in Fatima Court in July that year. A court heard how Bracken, Murray and third man called to Mr Costellos home and had a couple of drinks before the tone changed and Bracken became slightly aggressive before Murray said Will I go out and get the gun? Mr Costello said Murray came back with the weapon and said Do you want it in the head or in the leg before shooting him in the leg. Bracken avoided a conviction over the incident but Murray was later sentenced to five years. Bracken was back before the court in 2010 after being charged with assaulting a man by breaking his jaw in two places, but once again avoided conviction after the charges were struck out. Last week Brackens defence barrister suggested he was a changed man since the attack and has now found God, becoming involved in evangelical Christian churches. However, the court heard that a probation report put Bracken at high risk of reoffending particularly in relation to domestic violence. Judge Hayes sentenced Bracken to two and a half years, with 15 months suspended, and ordered he take part in a Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (Move) course. We approached Mary Higgins outside her home in leafy Castleknock for comment on Friday but she declined to do so saying: Ive been advised not to comment. This is the former bursar at one of Dublins most prestigious all-girls secondary schools who has pleaded guilty to stealing around 500,000 from the school in a five-year period. We approached Mary Higgins outside her home in leafy Castleknock for comment on Friday but she declined to do so saying: Ive been advised not to comment. Higgins (62) stood accused of stealing approximately 500,000, the property of Eileen Higgins C/O Mount Sackville Secondary School, Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. The charge is contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 Eileen Higgins is the principal of Mount Sackville, a private, fee-paying girls school, with over 600 students. Mary Higgins pleaded guilty to theft of half a million euro Annual fees at the school per student stood at 4,900 in 2024. Mary Higgins thefts took place at the school on dates unknown between January 1, 2012 and March 23, 2017. On her LinkedIn, she described herself as the schools bursar. A bursar is a person who manages the financial affairs of a school or college. When Mary Higgins originally appeared on the charge before Blanchardstown District Court last March, the state solicitor said the book of evidence had been served on the accused and the matter was sent forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. On that occasion, Judge Fiona Brennan gave Higgins the formal alibi caution. Mary Higgins was also assigned a defence solicitor Donough Molloy and one junior counsel on free legal aid. The judge ordered that a video copy of an interview that gardai conducted with the accused be furnished to her legal team. Mary Higgins did not indicate a plea to the charge on that particular occasion. However, when the matter was called before the Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday of last week, she confirmed to the court that she was entering a guilty plea to the charge. Under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, a person guilty of theft is liable on indictment to a term not exceeding 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing has been set down to take place on May 26 this year. In the principals welcome on the Mount Sackville website, the school is described as an all-girls fee charging school. Principal Eileen Higgins writes: The school, founded in 1864 is a living memory to the founding sisters of St Joseph of Cluny. As the school has grown and evolved their spirit of care and compassion continues and is at the heart of our schools ethos A strong pastoral and student support system provides an environment where students feel happy, safe and have a sense of belonging. Our students wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. As a Catholic school we recognise the unique worth of every student in our care. By providing an education focused on the values of faith, hope and love we aim to develop the whole person and support the students to become competent, conscientious and caring young women confident to take on the challenges of life. Eileen Higgins notes that the schools examination results are outstanding, and they enable Mount Sackville graduates to go on to the universities and colleges of their choice. Our students are encouraged to aim for excellence in everything they do, whatever that might be: academic excellence, creative and performing arts, sporting and physical activity, service to others or student leadership. Family say they are distraught at latest findings into fathers death Leitrim man Liam Farrell, who was found dead at his home in Rooskey in 2020 Gardai are planning to consult an expert to examine whether a pet Labrador could have removed the shoes, socks and other clothes of an elderly man who died in suspicious circumstances. The family of Leitrim farmer Liam Farrell, who died five years ago, say they have been left flabbergasted and distraught after meeting gardai to discuss the findings of an internal review of the original investigation. In particular, they said they were stunned when gardai told them they would be consulting an expert on Labrador behaviour to assess whether Mr Farrells dog could have removed items of clothing from his body. The severely bruised and bloodied body of the 87-year-old was found at the back of his home on January 11, 2020. When the father and grandfather was discovered by his daughter, Anne, he was facing up and his head was wedged in the corner of the wall. He was covered in blood and there were extensive bruises, abrasions and lacerations to his face and body. Blood was spattered around the walls and door of the house. Blood was also found on a mop and in a mop bucket. The inquest jury could not be satisfied as to the actual circumstances surrounding the death Mystery remains as to how and why his shoes and socks, blazer and overcoat had been removed. The blood-soaked knotted tie he had been wearing had also been removed. The keys of his home were found at the front gate to the property. It appeared he had only made it to the back door, which was found locked. An inquest held last September returned an open verdict, which meant the jury could not be satisfied as to the actual circumstances surrounding the death. Following media coverage of the case, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris ordered a superintendent to conduct a peer review of the original investigation. Mr Farrells sons Brendan and Peter met investigating gardai in Carrick-on-Shannon yesterday to discuss the findings of the review and recommendations that have been made to progress the inquiry. Liam Farrell's home in Rooskey, Co Leitrim, where he was found dead. Photo: Frank McGrath The brothers said they were left stunned when gardai revealed that one of the recommendations involves consulting an expert on Labrador behaviour to assess whether the dead mans dog, Marley, could have removed items of clothing from his body including his socks and shoes. When we were told about the dog, I honestly thought I misheard what we were hearing, Peter Farrell said. Theyre going to bring in an expert to see if Marley, our dads Labrador, could have removed our dads clothing and his shoes and socks. Its hard to comprehend. Gardai told the family that while no new investigation will be launched into the death of their father, fresh lines of inquiry will be pursued and detectives will be speaking to people who had not been interviewed as part of the original investigation. Detectives also said they will be consulting independent forensic experts from outside Ireland, and also requested that the family give them details of the findings of a forensic pathologist retained by them. We were told theyre going to re-interview some people and speak to individuals who were never interviewed in the first place, and that there will be a re-examination of the physical evidence including our dads clothing, Peter Farrell said. While the review of the case was seen as progress, the family said several key issues around their fathers suspicious death remain unaddressed. One of the questions they said remains unanswered is why their fathers remains were not examined by a forensic pathologist. We still have serious concerns about how this case was handled from day one, said Brendan Farrell. This was our dad. We found him in horrific circumstances, injured from head to toe Had this happened in Dublin, we believe it would have been treated very differently. This was our dad. We found him in horrific circumstances, injured from head to toe. We expected more today some kind of public appeal, maybe a reconstruction. That was promised, and yet today we were told its not included. Were very disappointed. We have been left distraught and flabbergasted by what they said. A post-mortem examination showed that the widower, who lived alone near Rooskey, died as a result of a heart attack caused by severe coronary heart disease. During the inquest, it emerged that the consultant pathologist at Sligo University Hospital who performed the post-mortem was not told the body was found in suspicious circumstances. He believed he was dealing with a case of death by natural causes. He told the coroner he would have referred the autopsy to a forensic pathologist had he known gardai were treating the case as suspicious. Mr Farrells children are convinced that his death was precipitated by an assault. They believe their fathers attacker may be living in the local community, but is afraid to come forward. Their suspicions were supported by Dr Jack Crane, the former state pathologist for Northern Ireland, who was retained by the Farrell family. He told the inquest that in his opinion, Mr Farrell had been assaulted. Last September 21, private forensic specialists hired by the family found traces of blood on a rope in a shed beside Mr Farrells home. Gardai were alerted to the find, and crime-scene investigators carried out a separate forensic examination at the property. Liam Farrell's sons, Willie, Brendan and Peter, at his grave in Bornacoola cemetery near Rooskey. Photo: Frank McGrath Gardai later revealed that the tests on the blood samples were inconclusive and did not advance an investigation any further. Mr Farrell was last seen alive after having a few pints in each of his two local pubs, Reynolds Bar, and then the Weir Lodge, on Saturday evening, January 11, which was his weekly routine. After chatting to his neighbours he was seen walking in the direction of his home, about 300 metres up the old Sligo to Dublin road. Witnesses said he was steady on his feet and was not drunk. Daughter Anne found her fathers body when she called in on him around 3.30pm the next day. He was not breathing and was unresponsive. The mystery of what happened to Mr Farrell took on more sinister connotations after his funeral when a neighbour contacted Peter Farrell before he returned to Texas where he lives. Look, I didnt like the look of this man from when I set eyes on him Peter said the neighbour told him: There is something you need to know before returning to America your father did not die where he was found, he was dragged there. To say I was shocked would be putting it mildly, Peter Farrell said. A local woman, Anne Vaughan, told the inquest that she and her daughter saw Liam Farrell talking to a man in Reynolds Bar that night. She had never seen the man before and described him as being in his 60s, having whitish hair and wearing a black hat. In an interview with the Irish Independent, Ms Vaughan said: Look, I didnt like the look of this man from when I set eyes on him. The Farrell family now intend to relay their concerns to Commissioner Harris, who has agreed to meet them. They also intend to seek the intervention of Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan. Well be asking why promised actions like a reconstruction and a public appeal were not part of the recommendations, Peter Farrell said. Veteran smugglers plot was exposed after Encrochat phone network hacked This is the handwritten map handed to UK cops by Thomas Bomber Kavanagh in his botched attempt to get a shorter prison sentence. The map, which was given to the National Crime Agency (NCA) in 2021, is accompanied by a set of detailed directions to the location of a cache of firearms buried along the Border. Cocaine kingpin Kavanagh had cooked-up the bizarre plan to get a reduced sentence by promising to lead officers to a weapons dump near Newry, Co Down. The veteran crime boss had earlier arranged for his gang members to import the guns from across the continent for the sole purpose of using them as a bargaining chip with police. However, the scheme backfired spectacularly when the plot was uncovered after European cops hacked into the encrypted phone network, Encrochat. Despite spending his criminal career threatening any underling he thought was talking to law enforcement, the hacked messages showed how Kavanagh took a different approach when his own freedom was at stake. Thomas Bomber Kavanagh being arrested by British cops In a bid to be as helpful to police as possible, the handwritten note shows how Bomber described to officers how they would have to climb over a fence and look out for a tree stump. It reads: Climb gate and take 20 paces and on left there [is a] little area with load trees cut up. As you look into that area on right at top there is tree stump about half way in. That work. The weapons were ultimately discovered by the PSNI and included seven machine guns, three automatic hand guns, an assault rifle and ammunition. Kavanagh had cooked up the plan to get a reduced sentence as he faced into a lengthy jail term for drug trafficking offences. Bombers notes and map (below), which he gave to UK cops . The new BBC four-part documentary series, Kinahan: The True Story of Irelands Mafia, which is available on Monday on BBC NI, describes how the NCA had put an operation into place to take down Kavanagh following the eruption of the Hutch-Kinahan feud. In the series, NCA officers describe how gardai had spoken to their counterparts about Kavanagh as the gangland war erupted on Dublins streets. One leading officer tells filmmakers: The backdrop to us taking this on was what was going on in Ireland. At the point in which we pick this up [Bomber], we know we are taking on a significant individual who has links to a set of circumstances that were unprecedented in Ireland. The stake were high. Bombers plan backfired when police broke into the Endrochat phone network In the series, the NCA detail how they got a break in the case when an UK invoice was discovered during the seizure of a massive stash of Kinahan weapons in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin in 2017. A total of nine revolvers, four semi-automatic pistols, a sub-machine gun, an assault rifle and 1,355 rounds of ammunition were found in the industrial estate. The NCA officers says: During the Greenogue seizure an invoice was found that was for a transport company in the Midlands, a completely legitimate company. We put in place with the legitimate transport company that we needed notification the next time they were bringing a load in. An NCA video shows the guns being seized In the beginning of October we had notification that Thomas Kavanagh was bringing in a load landing in Dover. At Dover we stopped a load and examined what turned out to be tarmac rolling machines big pieces of equipment with spikes on the outside. When the machinery was searched a total of 200 kilos of cannabis and 15kgs of cocaine were found marking the beginning of the end of Bombers freedom. On January 12, 2019, Kavanagh was arrested at Birmingham Airport as he returned from a luxurious holiday in Mexico. Nearly 18 months later, Kavanagh, along with gang members Gary Vickery and Daniel Canning would plead guilty to drugs and money-laundering offences. As he languished in jail awaiting sentencing, Kavanagh hatched a plot to shave a few years off his inevitable jail term. He believed that by leading the NCA to a buried stash of 11 fearsome weapons, he could influence his sentencing in a multimillion-pound drug-smuggling case. From his prison cell, Kavanagh roped in key members of his crime gang to carry out the plot, including his brother-in-law, Liam Byrne, Peadar Keating, Liverpool criminal Shaun Kent as well as his own son Jack. Bomber Kavanagh cajoled and bullied the crew to source a cache of guns in April 2020, despite some reluctance on their behalf to get involved. Hacked messages show, gangster Keating who is serving a sentence for his role in a hit attempt on James Mago Gatley describing the situation as a f**king joke. A series of messages between Keating and his co-conspirators Liam Byrne, Jack Kavanagh and Liverpool criminal Shaun Kent showed he wasnt happy. Peadar Keating is arrested The secret texts had been intercepted from the encrypted Encrochat system from April to June 2020 but the plot continued until the following year. In one message in April 2020, Keating expresses doubt that Jack Kavanagh will be able to deliver on his fathers plan. He said Kavanagh Jr is not a criminal, hes only 19, a trainee accountant, hes only passing messages to us from his father. Keating added that he felt sorry for Jack, who he described as a soft kid wrapped in cotton wool. Now hes pushing them to be criminals, f**king joke, Keating added. The Encrochat messages confirmed Kavanagh had his son knocking on doors to get tools brought over as soon as possible. Jack Kavanagh had been sent to visit Keating in person to persuade him to speak to his dad on a prison phone. Keating messaged Liam Byrne saying he should talk to Big Head because he has junior knocking on my door then trying to put me on iPhones registered to junior to talk to him who is ringing off a prison cell landline to talk about tools etc. It reached a peak as a date approached in June 2020 for a pre-trial hearing for Kavanagh Snr on the drugs charges. Jack Kavanagh told Keating in one message: I know pressure in there is at another level, 23 hours a day and cant even get on the basher, then waiting on this court date and waiting on these other yokes, madness. In May 2021, Thomas Kavanagh provided information to the NCA which led them to a field in Newry, Northern Ireland, where two holdalls were unearthed. But the plan backfired spectacularly, and lead to Bomber and his associates being charged with firearms offences. In October 2024 he was sentenced to six years in prison for the plot while Liam Byrne was given a five-year sentence. Shaun Kent was handed a six-year sentence while Jack Kavanagh was sentenced to time served. Following their convictions, NCA Branch Commander Ty Surgeon said: At the instruction of their leader Thomas Kavanagh, Shaun Kent and Liam Byrne orchestrated a cynical and dangerous plot to plant a cache of weapons so Kavanagh could direct the NCA to them and reduce his time in prison. New Crime World series is aiming to unearth new information on the whereabouts of John Griffin Looking into the ashes of the burned-out mobile home in Co. Clare where her baby sister had been violently killed days earlier, Pam OLoughlin remembers picking up a piece of molten aluminium. Ive still got it to this day from where her body was actually found, she says on the new Crime World series, Evil Eye. It is aiming to unearth new information on the whereabouts of John Griffin, the on-the-run chief suspect in the unsolved murder of 23-year-old Emer OLoughlin whose remains were found in his scorched home. Twenty years later, her older sister is still looking for answers as to what happened to the bright young art student on the morning of April 8, 2005, when she went over to charge her phone in the neighbouring mobile home of Griffin, on a patch of land on the edge of the Burren. Reflecting on how Emers death shattered the lives of her family in the series, she says they all coped differently. My reaction is to fight back and do everything I can to try and get her some justice; my dads done his best in that regard as well. Everybody acts differently and reacts differently, she says. Looking back, she felt protective of her baby sister ever since proudly pushing her in a pram around the streets of Ennistymon in Co. Clare in her teenage years. It was the 90s, and people used to stare a bit at a strawberry birthmark over her left eye. But mainly, she remembers Emer being so bright and happy. John Griffin I mean, she could sing a verse before she could talk, knew traditional songs even as a very, very young baby. She was a typical happy little kid, her whole life ahead of her, says Pam. After leaving Co. Clare to train as a nurse in London in the 90s, she recalls Emer visiting at the age of around 10, and taking her around the iconic landmarks of Buckingham Palace and Traitors Gate and Trafalgar Square. Its where her favourite photograph of the two of them chatting away together was taken. On the day her younger sibling was murdered two decades ago, Pam was minding dogs in kennels for a friend who was holidaying abroad. Her brother, John, flew over to England, driving up to Norfolk to tell her the news face-to-face, that her adored baby sister was missing and presumed to have died in a fire in a mobile home in Ballybornagh, Tubber in Co. Clare. After landing back in Shannon Airport in the following days, Pamela went straight to the scene of the fire. I was trying to take it all in. Initially, the details were very sketchy. Crimestoppers poster She heard on the morning of the murder, Emer had been preparing to travel to college but couldnt charge her phone due to an electrical problem in the mobile home where she lived with her boyfriend, Shane, on his familys land. In the ensuing days, she heard Griffin was well known to the guards with regards to violence and drug dealing. Her antenna went up the more she heard about Griffin. Im being told what Griffin was like and his personality and how dangerous he was, and then next thing Im being told Emer went over to charge her mobile. Im going, something isnt adding up here. In the days after the murder, an agitated Griffin was tracked down to Dun Aonghasa fort on Inis Mor, where he pelted stones at gardai. After a stand-off, he was overpowered and subsequently placed in psychiatric care but checked himself out days later, the same night Pam had arrived home and decided to stay in Emers bed in her mobile home, where mourning friends had gathered. Eye of Horus There was palpable fear that he had been allowed to walk out of there without being challenged by the guards or brought in by the guards for questioning. On April 18 ten days after the murder a pile of his clothes were found on the edge of a cliff on the island. Pam remembers exploding in anger at being told by a garda, who clearly believed Griffin had taken his life, that it was a bit of closure. I said, you bring me his cold dead body and then this is done, she says on the podcast. She remembers there was this sense it was awful sad, hes jumped off, case closed. But instead, she is convinced he had an awful lot of help in faking his death. Somebody with local knowledge could have easily got him off the island, she says. Grief-stricken and angry, she returned to England in the aftermath of his disappearance but rang the local gardai year after year. The responses would often break her heart. The superintendents in Gort would change very, very regularly. And Id ring up almost once a year to rattle cages to find the superintendent didnt have a clue who Emer was, never heard of an Emer OLoughlin. And then two years later it would be a new one and no, never heard of an Emer OLoughlin, and that used to absolutely kill me. Im like, she is your biggest unsolved murder on your patch, and you dont know who she is That was a real punch in the gut when you get a few years into it. In the first five years after her killing, the case remained in a kind of criminal limbo as an inquest was never opened, her death was deemed suspicious, and the main suspect was suspected to have staged his own suicide in Inis Mor. In the new Crime World podcast series, Evil Eye which is named after the Eye of Horus tattoo on Griffins neck Pam told how she pushed for the exhumation of her sisters body when the case was taken by the Serious Crime Review Team in 2010, headed by Christy Mangan. Mangan, who travelled to Clare to speak to Pam in the podcast series, says she was instrumental in the ordering of the exhumation. Over the years, Pam began to believe her sisters killing wasnt given the same high-profile attention as other female murders because derogatory assumptions were made about her bohemian appearance and residence in a mobile home. But Mangan says on the podcast, he believes gardai couldnt act initially as the death was only ruled as suspicious as it is thought the heat of the fire concealed the injuries to her sister in the first autopsy. In the second post-mortem, which he ordered, he believes a closer, more detailed examination by the same pathologist uncovered the attack on Emer with a knife or a sword on her vertebrae before she died in the fire in Griffins caravan. As a nurse, Pam said she has witnessed injuries from fire, but she says: As the sibling of Emer, I wouldve wanted the world turned inside out and upside down to find out how she died. Mangan, one of the countrys most renowned cold case investigators, praised Pams instincts and her relentless banging the table which he said was instrumental in his cold case unit reopening the investigation and ordering the exhumation. He said: I think what she did was kept her memory alive. Only for the exhumation, it wouldnt have been upgraded to a murder. Over the years, Pam has followed every lead in various Facebook pages she has set up in memory of her sister, one which led to Crime World team to the other side of the continent in pursuit of Griffin. She believes his tattoo is key, although he may have had it lasered or altered. I contacted, I think, every single tattooist this side of the equator to say have you covered up, or lasered off that tattoo?. After 20 years, she has no intention of giving up on her quest for justice for her sister. Theres lots of fight left in me. I know its not going to bring her back but people should pay for what theyve done and they should answer for what theyve done. Meaney plays fictional gang boss Kieran Walsh in the new international TV series Safe Harbour Charlie Murphy is among the cast in the series Ozark creator Mark Williams has revealed hes thrilled to hear that one of the main characters in his new crime drama draws comparisons with mob boss John Gilligan. Colm Meaney plays fictional gang boss Kieran Walsh in the new international TV series Safe Harbour, which centres around an Irish family operation smuggling drugs through the port of Rotterdam. In the series, Walsh is portrayed as the owner of a huge equestrian centre where he shows he has a love of horses. Colm Meaney and Charlie Murphy star in Safe Harbor In real life, convicted drug trafficker Gilligan whose gang was responsible for the murder of crime journalist Veronica Guerin owned the Jessbrook equestrian centre in Co. Kildare, which was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau. I do know the Irish have a long history with horses, and felt it was important to layer Colms character with multiple interests, making him more dynamic, American film director and producer Williams tells the Sunday World. Its news to me [about Gilligan], but its good to hear its not far-fetched. Williams had reasons to centre the TV series which has already been screened in the Netherlands and kicks off on Virgin Media tonight on an Irish crime gang. The Irish are always entertaining, and Irish actors are outstanding, he points out. The fact Ireland is a part of Europe is a key element of the story, as our Irish crime family wants to expand their empire into continental Europe. Charlie Murphy is among the cast in the series He confirms he is aware of the Kinahan crime gang and admits he drew inspiration from several real-life characters. I did learn about some of the more famous Irish crime families, which was great inspirational fodder for the characters, especially the father of our Irish family, played so well by the lovely Colm Meaney, he admits. I have been to Ireland and enjoyed it very much. Also, I have previously worked with some well-known Irish actors which coloured my knowledge of the Irish people, who I find intriguing, wise and funny. Not to mention, theyre not far off from my Welsh roots. Williams co-created one of the biggest hits on Netflix in recent years, Ozark, and there are hopes Safe Harbor will bring him new success, with plans to also screen it in America in the near future. As well as Meaney, the new series stars Jack Gleeson, Charlie Murphy and Pauline McLynn, as well as English actor Alfie Allen and Dutch star Martijn Lakemeier. The drama is based around an Irish mob looking to make the most of Rotterdams drug-trafficking-friendly port. Gifted hacker Tobias (Allen) and his ambitious friend Marco (Lakemeier) are intent on cracking the tech billionaires club. . They are plucked from quiet obscurity and plunged head-first into the chaos of organised crime when they cross paths with the Irish mob. Leading the familys operations in Holland are Sloane (Charlie Murphy) and her brother Farrell (Jack Gleeson), who enlist their services to hack into the security system of Rotterdam harbour Europes largest shipping port to secure the undetected deliveries of drug shipments. The opening scenes state the story is inspired by real life events. My producing partner on the series, Femke Wolting, introduced me to the story which was inspired by real events that took place in the 20-teens, explains Williams. A couple of computer hackers actually tapped into a port control system, leading them on a dangerous adventure. It was wonderful inspiration that unleashed the concept of what happens when tech guys get caught in the middle of a drug war. Gleeson looks unrecognisable, sporting long hair and a moustache. The Wicklow man also puts on a strong Dublin accent, which Williams says some viewers may find difficult to understand. There were certainly conversations about Jacks accent, he says. Some people couldnt understand everything he was saying, but we chose to stick with him being authentic, and I believe it adds a fun character element. Subtitles will help those who cant quite make out everything hes saying, although the intent should be loud and clear regardless. Wexford actress Charlie Murphy found fame here playing Siobhan Delaney in Love/Hate. I have seen some of it [Love/Hate], Williams says. Charlie is so talented and entertaining to watch. She was amazing to work with.. Thirty-two-year-old Nebojsa Pap, of Beechville in Athlone, Westmeath appeared via video link at a sitting of Athlone District Court The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is facing a race against time to ready its case against a Croatian man accused of murdering his mother in her midlands home almost four months ago. Thirty-two-year-old Nebojsa Pap, of Beechville in Athlone, Westmeath appeared via video link at a sitting of Athlone District Court this week charged with murdering his mother, 58-year-old Mirjana Pap at her home on December 28, 2024. Paps latest appearance was the fifth time he had come before the courts since being initially remanded in custody at a special sitting of Mullingar District Court on January 3. An extensive garda file containing close to 190 statements had previously been sent to the DPPs office in Dublin in February for consideration. A psychiatric report was also carried out and furnished to the court, documentation that ultimately led to the case being adjourned for a further four weeks. When proceedings returned before Judge Bernadette Owens on Wednesday Sgt Paul McNally said despite ongoing consultations between the DPP and Westmeaths State Solicitor offices, directions had yet to be finalised. He said the State would be requiring one final adjournment while noting the likelihood of the case being marked peremptory against the State. Mirjana Pap That prompted defence solicitor Mark Cooney to take to his feet to directly address Pap who was sitting in front of a television monitor flanked by prison officers from Cloverhill Prison. The local solicitor told his client about the pressures that were coming on the State to clarify its position over the murder charge before the court and asked Pap if he was acceptive of a fifth remand for a further four weeks in custody. With a gentle nod of the head and meek sounding: Yeah, Pap agreed as Mr Cooney advised him of the certain action or striking out of the case the State was facing should directions remain outstanding for much longer. Judge Owens consequently remanded Pap in custody by consent to a sitting of Athlone District Court on May 7, 2025. Paps latest court appearance comes some three and a half months after Ms Paps body was found on bogland at Curraghaleen, Co Roscommon on December 30, two days after she had been reported missing. The Croatian national, who was a widow, lived and worked in Athlone for several years and previously worked at the Athlone accommodation centre. 3 Rochford Manor, Leighlin Road, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, was put on the market with an asking price of 365,000 The exceptional four-bedroomed Carlow home formerly owned by financial adviser and ex-Irish hockey international, Catriona Carey has sold for a little bit less than expected, at 340,000. Last November, the property, at 3 Rochford Manor, Leighlin Road, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, was put on the market with an asking price of 365,000. Now, a new entry on the Residential Property Price Register confirms the sale was completed on April 3 with a sale price of 340,000. Selling agent for the property, Harry Sothern of REA Sothern confirmed what it sold for. The sales blurb attached to the property did acknowledge that although this property would benefit from some cosmetic upgrading... the potential is evident from the moment you walk through the door. Mr Sothern said the property wasnt in very good condition. There was mould on the ceiling and a few holes from leaks that had to be repaired. The auctioneer said the home is located in a very good area and if it was in good condition it would have sold for around 400,000. Mr Sothern said potential buyers may have found off-putting the history associated with the property. Last year, Everyday Finance DAC took control of charges on the Carey home and the land surrounding it. Catriona Carey at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin. Photo: IrishPhotoDesk.ie Ms Carey bought the property in Rochford Manor in June 2006, but she failed to make any repayments on the mortgage loan account for several years, eventually racking up arrears of more than 370,000. Mr Sothern confirmed that he put the property up for sale on the instructions of a receiver. He said there was no bidding war for the property and the home has been purchased by an individual working in the construction industry. The online sales brochure, which described the property as exceptional, stated that this stunning property boasts spacious, light-filled interiors that offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ms Carey and two former business associates are currently before Dublin Circuit Court accused of multiple offences in connection with UK-based company, Careysfort Asset Estates. Ms Carey (46), formerly of Rochford Manor, faces three counts under section seven of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. The offences are alleged to have been committed from 2019 to 2021. It is alleged that over each 12-month period Ms Carey engaged in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing and using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct. The case was recently returned to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Retail giants such as Temu and Shein may step up their activity in New Zealand as the United States hits China with punitive tariffs. President Donald Trump has raised the tariff on Chinese imports into the US to 145 percent. Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said there could be a lot of Chinese-based companies left with excess stock they would struggle to sell into the US - "because of the effective doubling in price faced by American consumers". He said that could result in discounted products being sold elsewhere, including via Temu, to reduce inventory levels and keep up activity in factories in the face of weaker US demand. "A similar, but less marked phenomenon might be observed across products from other countries as well, although the pause on any tariffs above 10 percent for the next three months means that we're unlikely to see those effects just yet." Marketing expert Bodo Lang, at Massey University, said China would pursue trade with its non-US trading partners more than ever. "Although the Chinese government is not directly in charge of pricing goods at large e-commerce firms such as Temu, it can use other tools - such as diplomacy and negotiating favourable deals in other areas - to increase trade with non-US trading partners." He said companies such as AliExpress, Temu and Shein were likely to be very motivated to increase their sales across the board. "There are likely to be two categories: sales promotions to stimulate sales into the US, and sales promotions to stimulate sales with all other trading partners. "Sales promotions into the US are more likely to be price-based, aimed at lessening the impact of US tariffs - think discounts, rebates, flash sales, and coupons. Promotions targeting the rest of the world, including NZ, are more likely to focus on adding value to products - think free gifts with purchase, bonus packs, loyalty programmes, exclusive access, and bundling. "This is likely to succeed because most consumers are well aware of the uncertainty created by US tariffs. If Temu and other Chinese companies make attractive offers to New Zealand consumers, it is likely we will see an increase in sales of Chinese products in New Zealand - not least because the New Zealand public's view of the US and its products has suffered a hammer blow." He pointed to a report from Chinese newspaper The People's Daily which said local governments could help exporters find new sources of demand in non-American markets. Chris Wilkinson, from consultancy First Retail Group, said channels such as Temu would "double down" on territories like New Zealand. "They are adept, agile and aggressive in their marketing - demonstrated by their growth in this and other markets. It does seem that they've reached a saturation point now, with sales stabilising at an albeit high rate, so the question is 'what more could they hope to achieve from a market at this stage?'. However, we'll likely see continued incarnations of these direct-selling models - in what form or proposition we don't quite know yet." A report by Tearfund suggested that a million New Zealanders had bought something from Temu and 14 percent had purchased from Shein. Lang said the extent to which Chinese retailers would look to New Zealand would be tempered by the size of our market. "There are around 16 countries with populations over 100 million, and 31 countries with populations exceeding 50 million. So, China is unlikely to make a major effort to increase trade with New Zealand in the short term. Larger markets will likely be the first priority." Recent market turmoil sees value-based investments in dividend-yielding equities becoming a compelling alternative to growth stocks investing among institutional players. Multiple strategists covered by CNBC noted portfolio managers pulling their investments from speculative names and diverting into more fundamentally grounded positions to overcome the unpredictable policy actions and inflation volatility. In this regard, safe dividend stocks provide income without compromising their defensiveness qualities that are becoming harder to ignore in todays time. Investments in dividend stocks are not just about cushioning against losses but also about long-term compounding and shareholder rewards. Investors prioritize dividends for the sake of sustainable yield that builds wealth gradually. Companies with strong dividend track records have historically stood against worse market conditions more effectively than their non-dividend counterparts. These stocks have safely harbored elevated capital inflow at times of increased volatility, indicating their trust in the broader market. President Trump made a recent announcement, an update to the new tariff policies, whereby a whopping 145% rate is slapped on Chinese imports while maintaining a 10% baseline for other countries for 90 days. Negotiations are expected between the U.S. and other countries during this period, which, if they do not go well, will bring back the reciprocal tariffs originally announced on April 2, 2025. The announcement sent ripples once again across the global trade. All the major indices are struggling to find equilibrium in the middle of the uncertainty. The situation further raises the importance of stabilized equities that could remain immune to the market whiplash up to some level. With fresh trade tensions arising from unprecedented policy revisions from Washington, price appreciation alone may not be a dependable strategy for investors. Income-focused portfolios are becoming more than just a hedge. They are a necessity. The stock market has become increasingly volatile, constantly causing investors to look for stability. But few instruments offer stability as much as dividend-paying stocks. Today, in this article, we will be looking at the 10 safest dividend stocks you might be interested in adding to your portfolio. We recently published a list of 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) stands against other safest dividend stocks to buy now. Story Continues But which dividend stocks to pick? Investors are facing not only economic cycles in todays market environment but also political cycles. Trade, taxation, and regulation are politicized so that the markets are exposed to a profoundly impactful risk that cannot be quantified. It calls for a revisal of a portfolio that includes equities rooted in strong fundamentals and offers high yields. With this in mind, our article will explore the 10 safest stocks investors could buy now to add resilience to their portfolios. Our curated selection is designed to offer consistent payouts and protect capital from the tremors induced by policies today. You might want to safeguard your capital, generate passive income, or just sleep better at night. Our picks in this article offer you all these in a market that is anything but predictable. Our Methodology When assembling our list, we followed a few criteria to optimize our picks for the investors. Primarily, we included those stocks with a minimum market cap of $2 billion to ensure the financial soundness of the companies. We also aimed for those stocks that have outperformed the benchmark, so we excluded those below the 52-week market performance of 3%. Since we want our article to benefit income-seeking investors, we placed a dividend yield limit of a minimum of 2%. Above all, we included only those stocks with a beta of 0.5 or less. A higher beta suggests higher volatility in market events, which increases the potential risks. All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yield. We have also looked into the hedge fund backing the stock to estimate the institutional interests. 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 newsletters 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). Is CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) the Safest Dividend Stock to Buy Now? An aerial view of a large power substation, standing tall in a residential neighbourhood. CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) Beta: 0.42 Dividend Yield: 2.92% No. of Hedge Funds: 33 CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) offers electric and natural gas services to close to 7 million customers in Michigan, where it is headquartered. The company primarily operates through its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, focusing on clean energy and infrastructure reliability. Competing against strong contenders like DTE Energy and Xcel Energy, CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) generates market share through a balanced approach to energy generation. This approach, which includes renewables and natural gas, supports regulatory compliance in an ever-changing utility environment. The 52-week gain of 24.09% far surpasses the broader market, and CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) also announced an adjusted EPS of $3.34 in Q4 2024, which was at the high end of its guidance range. The new five-year $20 billion utility customer investment plan, which is almost an 18% increase from the previous plan, is expected to deliver an 8.5% rate base growth by the end of 2029. Additionally, the data centers and manufacturing sector are expected to increase annual load growth by 3% in Michigan, thus receiving a positive outlook for the 2025 performance. The beta of just 0.42 makes CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) a favorite for low-risk portfolios. The 2.92% dividend yield represents the conservative risk profile. Insider Monkey database noted 33 hedge funds holding positions at the end of Q4 2024, earning a solid place among the safest stocks to buy. Overall, CMS ranks 7th on our list of safest dividend stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of CMS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than CMS but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend 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. Emergency services are responding to a vegetation fire at Matata in the eastern Bay of Plenty. Fire crews from Edgecumbe, Eastern Bay and Matata are attending, according to a FIre and Emergency northern shift manager. "We also have one helicopter working there at the moment." The size of the vegetation fire is unknown at this stage. The fire was reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11.49am. At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz Brandon Waddell pitched five scoreless innings for Syracuse in game two of a doubleheader on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Photo Kylie Richelle | Syracuse Mets). Kylie Richelle | Syracuse Mets Allentown, Pennsylvania After shaking off a game-one 2-0 loss, the Syracuse Mets turned around to beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 7-0, in game two of a Sunday afternoon doubleheader at Coca-Cola Park. Syracuse starting pitcher Brandon Waddell delivered five shutout innings to get the win in the second game. In the first game, the IronPigs scored their first run in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI single from Buddy Kennedy. Then, in the fifth, the IronPigs added a sacrifice fly from Kennedy that put the IronPigs ahead, 2-0. Lehigh Valleys starter, Nabil Crismatt, allowed just one hit and struck out nine in six innings, and Brett de Geus allowed one hit in the seventh to pick up the save. Although the bats couldnt get going, the Syracuse pitching staff was very solid. Jose Urena made his Mets debut, pitching three and one-third innings, allowing just one run. After Urena, Austin Warren got five outs, giving up one run. To end it, Rico Garcia threw one scoreless inning. In game two, Syracuse jumped out to an early lead. In the top of the first inning, Jose Azocar was hit by a pitch, Joey Meneses singled, and Luke Ritter drove in Azocar with an RBI double to jump ahead, 1-0. Soon after, Donovan Walton brought Meneses in to score on a groundout. Syracuse added to its lead in the second, when Jakson Reetz walked, Diego Castillo doubled, and Azocar hit a grounder to first that was bobbled by Kennedy, allowing Reetz to score and make it 3-0. In the fifth, the Mets added insurance with a Meneses RBI single that scored Azocar. The seventh inning is when the floodgates opened for the Syracuse offense, with the first four Mets batters all getting hits. It started with singles from Luis De Los Santos and Azocar and continued with an RBI double from Jon Singleton and an RBI single from Meneses that extended the lead to 6-0. A wild pitch later brought home Syracuses final run. The first four hitters in the Syracuse order Azocar, Singleton, Meneses, and Ritter combined to go 8-for-15 at the plate, scoring five runs and driving in four. On the mound, Waddell was spectacular. The left-hander threw five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four. Anthony Gose and Tyler Zuber each threw a scoreless inning to complete the shutout. Syracuse is now 5-9, while Lehigh Valley is 11-4. After an off day on Monday, Syracuse and Buffalo open a six-game series on Tuesday afternoon at NBT Bank Stadium. Right-hander Blade Tidwell is set to start for the Mets in game one, with first pitch expected at 1:05 p.m. Utica, N.Y. An Oneida County Sheriffs Office deputy has been put on leave after he was found near a house fire that had been set at his intimate partners home, deputies said. Deputy Aaron M. Alshaman, 29, is believed to be the person that started the fire, deputies said in an Extreme Risk Protection order application filed by the sheriffs office on Friday. Utica police are investigating the arson and no arrests have been made, said Lt. Michael Curley, a spokesperson for the Utica Police. Alshaman was on duty at the time of the fire, deputies said On 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police and the Utica Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of Kellogg Avenue for a house fire, Curley said. The fire was found in the rear of the home and was extensive, he said. The two-family, two-story house is still intact and livable but it is damaged. After investigation, the fire was deemed to be arson and intentionally set, he said. One of the residents inside the home was in an intimate relationship with Alshaman, deputies said in court documents. It was believed Alshaman started the fire based on strong physical evidence, deputies said in court documents. Alshaman has been put on administrative leave, according to the sheriffs office. It is launching its own internal investigation. Alshamans behavior was described as uncharacteristic and called into question his mental state in the Extreme Risk Protection order application filed against him. A judge approved the application to temporarily remove the deputys firearms. Syracuse.com staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. After vowing not to change course, no matter how much pain it caused to investors or the economy, President Donald Trump last week paused stiff tariffs on imported goods for 90 days. Financial markets seesawed wildly as the president imposed tariffs and then lifted them. Members of Congress heard from worried constituents watching their retirement nest eggs shrivel. Nick Anderson leads this weeks editorial cartoon gallery with a worried Trump supporter so woke by the market turmoil that he cant sleep. The theme dominates this weeks batch of cartoons. Bill Bramhall draws Trump as the Easter Bunny smashing 401(k) nest eggs against the wall. Dana Summers sees Trump as a matador scaring off the bull market. Drew Shenemans retirees have more value in real eggs than their nest egg. And so on. Trump switched off the tariffs in response to the markets decline. But who knows if hell turn them back on? Mike Luckovich paints the president as a toddler in charge of the remote. Bramhall riffs on Adolf Northens painting, Napoleons Retreat from Russia. Michael Ramirezs golden goose, Free Trade, cant believe hes the main course. Walt Handelsman has just the thing: Trump Drama-mine, a motion sickness remedy. Other topics in this weeks editorial cartoon gallery include criticism of rough tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Democrats who covered up former President Joe Bidens age-related decline; and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s pronouncements on measles and water fluoridation. Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. We recently published a list of Billionaire Stanley Druckenmillers Top 10 Stocks Picks with Huge Upside Potential. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) stands against Billionaire Stanley Druckenmillers other top stock picks with huge upside potential. Wall Street is overflowing with data. If companies are not releasing their earnings, economic data flows almost daily. This abundance of data can be overwhelming, making it easy to miss important signals. Thats why investors monitor billionaires whove made and continue to make their fortunes on Wall Street. The list of these billionaires is long, but a few, such as Warren Buffett and Stanley Druckenmiller, stand out. Druckenmiller is a former Soros protege who, after 12 years at Soros Fund Management, opted to exit and focus fully on his own hedge fund, Duquesne Capital, in 2000. He later transitioned this outfit into a family office Duquesne Family Office in 2010. Over the past eight quarters (up to Q4 2024), the family office has consistently outperformed the S&P 500. The top 20 holdings weighted have returned 81.63% in three years (cumulatively) and 22.01% (annualized). READ ALSO: Top 10 Growth Stocks in David Teppers Portfolio and Billionaire Ken Fishers Top 13 Growth Stock Picks. This billionaire is widely respected across Wall Street for many things, but most of all, his market acumen, integrity, and agility. One should recall that he was part of the Soros Fund Management crew that shorted the British pound in the early 1990s to the point of almost breaking the Bank of England. His genius in the market has been noticed by many. Ken Langone, another billionaire, described Druckenmiller as the best investor hes ever known. Druckenmiller is also influential. The Financial Times reports that the veteran investor could significantly influence the direction of the current US government economic policies. Scott Bessent, the current Treasury secretary, and Kevin Warsh, a possible successor to Jerome Powell at the Fed, are Druckenmillers proteges. According to the FT, these three have a great relationship, which implies that Druckenmiller has a direct line to the countrys most crucial economic thinkers. Druckenmillers investing strategy is to chase value over hype. In other words, the 71-year-old billionaire focuses on investing in undervalued stocks rather than jumping on trendy ones. Simply put, he prefers solid opportunities over flashy ones. Just recently, he exited two of the most high-profile artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. This is an eye-brow-raising move, but if the billionaires genius is anything to go by, there must be value he is chasing. NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps returned to her alma mater, Corcoran High School, Dr. Epps, made headlines for her groundbreaking contributions to space exploration. Dr. engaged in a Q&A with students from Corcoran and Roberts schools. Dennis Nett | dnett@ssyracuse,com dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com Just look at the ear-to-ear smiles of the students in this photograph of NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps during a recent appearance at Corcoran High School, her alma mater. They appear delighted to be standing near someone who sat on top of a SpaceX rocket, blasted into space and lived for 235 days on the International Space Station. More than that, Epps once stood in their shoes. She grew up in a working-class family in Syracuse, lived in a tough neighborhood, went to their school and faced many of the same challenges they face. Whatever you want in life, youre going to have to work hard for it, Epps told the students. Regardless of how much money you have. Epps also dispensed some solid advice for graduating seniors: Try just about anything and make it big. Dont go small. Few things in life are bigger than blasting off into space as a NASA astronaut. Its an elite group: Only 360 people have been named to the astronaut corps. Sixty-one of them were woman. Eighteen were African Americans. Five were African American women. You cant be what you cant see, the childrens rights activist Marian Wright Edelman said. Maybe a child in the audience at Corcoran will be inspired to become an astronaut. Maybe not. The important thing is that they know they can. They saw it with their own eyes. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com 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. Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In brief: The Defense Department, which manages an $850 billion annual budget and employs two million people, is the largest federal agency and it has long faced scrutiny over wasteful spending and dark budgets. A new reallocation plan seeks to reduce dependence on outside contractors and shift resources toward in-house operations. United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cut $5.1 billion in defense contracts for consulting and nonessential services. The move targets redundant agreements, with plans to shift much of the work to in-house personnel. The cuts include a range of consulting deals with major firms like Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Deloitte, which have been providing services to the Defense Health Agency. Hegseth noted in a video posted to X that these terminations alone will save $1.8 billion. Other notable reductions include a $500 million US Navy contract for business process consulting and a $1.4 billion cloud software reseller agreement. New @DOGE findings, this time it's $5.1 billion. pic.twitter.com/vHRnDHZSUS Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 10, 2025 Hegseth also cut a $500 million DARPA contract for IT help-desk services, calling it "completely duplicative." Additional terminations target contracts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, climate initiatives, and coronavirus response efforts areas Hegseth described as peripheral to core defense operations. In an internal Pentagon memo, Hegseth said the Defense Department's civilian workforce could take over many consulting services currently outsourced to third-party firms. For example, he identified the Air Force's contract with Accenture to resell enterprise cloud IT services as a need that existing government procurement resources could directly fulfill. In addition to terminating contracts, Hegseth directed the Pentagon's chief information officer to work with Musk's task force over the next 30 days on a plan to insource IT consulting and management services across the department. The memo also called for negotiating more favorable rates on cloud computing. The Defense Department is redirecting the funds saved from contract terminations to enhance military readiness, advance cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen national security infrastructure. Key areas receiving increased funding include missile defense systems, hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The European ETF industry celebrates its 25th anniversary today, marking a quarter-century since the first ETFs listed on Deutsche Borse on April 11, 2000. The pioneering products were the LDRS DJ STOXX 50 and LDRS DJ EUROSTOXX 50, sponsored by Merrill Lynch, followed by the iShares FTSE 100 ETF on the London Stock Exchange later that month, according to research firm ETFGI. The ETF landscape has expanded dramatically since those initial listings, with the European market now comprising 3,176 products with 13,378 listings from 124 providers across 29 exchanges in 24 countries, according to ETFGI data. Assets in the industry have reached $2.4 trillion as of March 2025. European ETFs Remain Resilient Despite recent EU-U.S. trade tensions and potential tariff impacts on various market sectors, European ETFs have demonstrated remarkable resilience, attracting record year-to-date net inflows of $99 billion and achieving 30 consecutive months of positive inflows, according to ETFGI's March 2025 European ETFs industry landscape insights report. During March, equity ETFs gathered net inflows of $23.6 billion, with fixed-income ETFs adding $93.1 million and commodities ETFs contributing $1.2 billion, ETFGI data show. The iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (CSSPX SW) led individual products with the largest net inflow of $1.43 billion for the month. Among the top-performing ETF categories, gold ETPs showed strong demand with the iShares Physical Gold ETC (SGLN LN) gathering $474.1 million in March, according to ETFGI data. European ETF Growth Boosts ETF Trading Deutsche Borse, which introduced ETF trading to Europe, announced measures to enhance the ETF marketplace, including a reduction in settlement fees for centrally cleared ETF transactions effective May 1, according to a Friday Deutsche Borse press release. The exchange also recently launched services for retail investors, including automatic price improvements and reduced transaction fees, the announcement stated. The German exchange's ETF segment began the anniversary year strongly with its best quarter on record, with average monthly trading volume in the first quarter of 2025 coming in 61.3% higher than the monthly average in 2024, according to Deutsche Borse. "ETFs have developed into one of the most important investment products and are increasingly establishing themselves as a component of private retirement planning and long-term wealth accumulation," Stephan Kraus, head of the ETF and ETP segment at Deutsche Borse, said in the release. "With our new set of measures, we are making a further contribution to increasing the efficiency and transparency of ETF trading on Xetra." In early January, FuboTV's (NYSE: FUBO) story dramatically changed when it agreed to merge its business with Hulu. FuboTV's stock rose sharply as investors applauded the deal it made with media giant Disney (NYSE: DIS). Should you buy, sell, or hold FuboTV stock in 2025 before the transaction is completed? Buy FuboTV The reason to buy FuboTV is because you believe the hype around the business combination that has been proposed. There are a lot of benefits that will come along with the deal. For example, FuboTV's subscriber base will jump from around 1.7 million subscribers at the end of 2024 to as many as 6.2 million once it has taken on the much larger Hulu business. Image source: Disney. But that's just one of the benefits. In addition to that, FuboTV will receive a cash infusion from Disney and other Hulu partners to the tune of $220 million. That will help with the integration of the two businesses and allow FuboTV to buy content. Then, there are the synergies that could arise, including FuboTV's ability to provide more diverse content offerings to subscribers. Effectively, it will jump into the big leagues of the streaming industry. If you believe that this business combination will set the company up for future success, you might want to buy it in 2025 before the deal is finalized. Hold FuboTV The reason to hold FuboTV is basically the same reason you might want to buy it. In fact, it seems like it would be an odd decision to sell it now if you owned it in the belief that it would, someday, become a material competitor in the streaming space. Indeed, that day could be here, assuming the deal is consummate as expected. That said, if the deal doesn't get consummated, the stock will probably fall. But FuboTV won't walk away empty-handed. There is a $130 million termination fee payable to FuboTV built into the transaction. So, FuboTV would be the same company it is today if the Hulu deal falls apart, only with the addition of an extra $130 million. You would basically own a better-positioned company in what many would consider a worst-case scenario for this transaction. Sell FuboTV There are a lot of reasons to like the FuboTV/Hulu tie-up. But there are some reasons to be worried, though they are a bit nuanced. After the transaction is complete, Disney will control 70% of FuboTV's shares and have effective control of the board of directors, which will be majority-appointed by Disney. There is a very real risk that FuboTV is run for the benefit of Disney, its largest shareholder, and not for all of the other investors that are just tagging along for the ride. 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 Nobody is more synonymous with sex than Casanova. With connotations of virility, lust, and sexual prowess, its a name many of us might forget actually refers to a real person, someone who has inadvertently helped set a centuries-old precedent around sex, power dynamics, and gender stereotypes. This month marks 300 years since the birth of Giacomo Casanova and the beginning of a reputation so prolific that his name would go on to be defined in the Cambridge Dictionary as a man who has had a lot of sexual relationships. Born in 1725, the Venetian alchemist, church cleric, and scam artist was known for harbouring several vices throughout his life, namely gambling and women. One landed him in prison cue an infamous jailbreak story while the other earned him a reputation for being one of the most notorious seducers of all time. Having apparently bedded more than 150 women, Casanova had affairs with everyone, from married women and nuns to socialites and sisters. He did many other things over the course of his 73-year-long life, including publishing a translation of the Iliad and working as a librarian in Bohemia, but to this day he is best known for his philandering with women (and some men), much of which he documented in his autobiography, The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova, published in 1825. So established is his promiscuous reputation that very rarely is it ever questioned. This is despite the fact that in recent years, there have been calls to stop referring to people as Casanovas in light of several allegations of rape against him and concerns over the number of underage women he slept with; he was said to have a penchant for pubescent girls. Yes, 10 mightve been the legal age of consent back then but that hardly makes it any better if the man was actually sleeping with children. He also refused to wear condoms, or envelop [himself] in a dead skin, as he put it. Theres also the not insignificant claim that he impregnated his own daughter when she was 17 years old. According to Leo Damrosch, author of Adventurer: The Life and Times of Giacomo Casanova, he once wrote: I have never been able to conceive how a father can tenderly love his charming daughter without at least once having slept with her. And yet, say his name today to someone and chances are all theyll think of is a man who had a lot of sex. Either that or Heath Ledger, who played Casanova in the 2005 film of the same name, opposite co-star Sienna Miller. Such is the strength of the narrative that male hypersexuality equates to some sort of societal elevation. Its a validation of their masculinity; a sign that theyre doing manhood right. A lexical slap on the back, if you will: well done, old sport. Keep calm and shag on. As a result, I suspect youd struggle to find a man who wont take being called Casanova as a compliment. Attribute the same label to a woman, though, and youll hit a linguistic wall, one built by a millennium of sexual shame. There is no female equivalent of Casanova. Sure, there have been some in literature and pop culture. Before Sex and the Citys Samantha Jones there was the Wife of Bath. But while Samantha has been upheld as a totem of sexual liberalism and empowerment, shes not real. And Id guarantee that the narrative around her would be vastly different if she was, just as it is for women in the public eye who have the audacity to talk about their sex lives, let alone how active they may or may not be. Consider Taylor Swift, one of societys most prime targets for slut-shaming. open image in gallery A portrait of Casanova by the Spanish painter Raffaello Menges ( Getty ) Throughout her career, the 35-year-old musician has been ruthlessly attacked for her love life, with lists of people shes rumoured to have dated regularly going viral online. The noise around it has been so loud that Swift herself went so far as to address it directly as part of her re-release of 1989, which originally came out in 2014. The new version contained a song titled, Slut. The voices that had begun to shame me in new ways for dating like a normal young woman? I wanted to silence them, Swift wrote in the albums prologue before explaining how, in the years prior to 1989 being released, she had become the target of slut-shaming. The jokes about my amount of boyfriends, she wrote. The trivialisation of my songwriting as if it were a predatory act of a boy-crazy psychopath. The media co-signing of this narrative. I had to make it stop because it was starting to really hurt. The irony, of course, is that Swift was, as she said, literally just dating: an experience that generally involves different partners at a given time. The reaction was entirely outsized and rooted in a fear of female sexuality that persists today. Sure, people might not get away with the degree of slut-shaming Swift faced if Swift were a person they knew in real life. But we still see it everywhere, embedded within the crevices of society. Women like Rebecca Loos, Monica Lewinsky, and Amanda Knox are proof of that: for many, their names will be perpetually associated with their sex lives. They are pariahs who have been forced to spend their lives defending and explaining themselves see Loos string of recent interviews, Lewinskys podcast, or Knoxs new memoir, Waiting to be Heard. Compare this to the playful manner with which we refer to Casanova: a man who was not so much a serial seducer as he mightve been a paedophilic rapist with a penchant for incest. A man can do all of these things and still be upheld as a hero. A woman has sex and shes instantly cast as a villain who has to justify her life choices. Its a galling contrast but one that might change soon. Conversations around slut-shaming are happening around the world, largely thanks to the likes of Lewinsky and co and celebrities like Swift who continue to rally against it. If this continues, the narrative could shift. Lets just hope it doesnt take 300 years. 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 Melinda French Gates has responded to her billionaire ex-husbands recent admission that their split was the biggest regret of his life, saying that their divorce was necessary. In January, the Microsoft CEO said in an interview that their 2021 divorce after 27 years together ranked the greatest failure of his life, saying it was at the top of the list. Melinda has addressed those comments, arguing that the split was something that was necessary. If you cant live your values out inside your most intimate relationship, it was necessary, she told The Times. She continued: I dont even quite know what to make of that statement, so Im not going to comment on what he says. Hes got his own life. I have my life now. I am very happy. Melinda added that she started to experience panic attacks during their divorce, adding: When youre leaving a marriage, its very, very hard. And the negotiations were tough. She revealed that she began seeing a therapist in 2014 when she had her first panic attack while having lunch with Gates when they were still together. Id heard of people having panic attacks and I didnt know if it was a real thing. open image in gallery Melinda and Bill Gates pictured together in 2020 ( Getty Images for Global Citizen ) She added that she initially thought that therapy was for other people, but then when she got into the process, she realised: No, it doesnt mean Im damaged. It means Ive been through some difficult things that I need to figure out. The pair, who married in 1994, share three children who are now adults: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22, as well as two grandchildren. Bill has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of the former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, since 2022, but Melinda is single and told the publication she is enjoying dating. I have had so many friends introduce me to people and its been lovely. open image in gallery Melinda Gates pictured in 2024 ( Getty Images ) Asked whether men are intimidated by her wealth and status when she meets them, she replied: Im sure some are and some arent. But Im not really looking for somebody who would be intimidated by my status. That kind of rules them out, right? Bill has never spoken about what caused their divorce, though he admitted in 2021 that he had an affair with an employee during their marriage. Before he and Melinda split, Bill also met a number of times with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019. Gates said the men talked about global health initiatives, but Melinda later told Gayle King on CBS Mornings in 2022 that her husbands relationship with Epstein played a role in their divorce. She said she met with Epstein exactly one time in 2013 at his Manhattan home, and it unsettled her. However, Melinda acknowledged their divorce wasnt down to one specific thing. There just came a point in time where there was enough there that I realised it wasnt healthy and I couldnt trust what we had, she explained. Bill addressed those comments at the time, telling CBS News he will always be sorry for the pain that I caused Melinda and our family. 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 Texas funeral home is under investigation after a stabbing at the facility led police to discover ten improperly kept bodies. The discovery was made after police were called to Houstons Richardson Mortuary Friday morning with reports that an employee had begun stabbing a customer who was filming bodies, local outlet ABC13 reports. A group of siblings went to the funeral home because they were worried about their mother and uncles bodies and what they discovered confirmed their worst fears. "I opened up the casket, and she had gnats in her face," Tamara McGruder, one of the siblings present who filmed videos of the bodies, told ABC13. McGruder and her siblings discovered ten bodies laying out exposed without air conditioning in the building. "It's bodies in caskets, boxes, plastic bags. Its no A/C, its gnats. It smells like rotten blood," she added. open image in gallery The investigation began after a Richardson Mortuary employee allegedly stabbed one of the customers who discovered they were improperly keeping bodies ( Google Maps ) As McGruder was filming, an employee confronted them and asked them to leave. When they refused, the employee allegedly stabbed her brother in the stomach, ABC13 reports. McGruders brother had only minor injuries, and drove himself to the hospital. Once McGruder shared her video online, other people whose loved ones were at the funeral home rushed over. Murita Brown told local outlet KPRC2 her grandmothers body was one of those shown in the video. She was a loving person. She fed everybody. Shell give you the clothes off her back. And she was a fighter. She was in a wheelchair. She was paralyzed, Brown said. To see her arm kind of like draped off that stretcher, its just, its heartbreaking. Brown told ABC13 her grandmother shouldve already been cremated at that point. "She was supposed to be cremated already and we been waiting on her ashes and nothing having been happening," she said. Demtrious Riley-Sylvester told Fox 26 she similarly believed her brothers body had been cremated by the funeral home, but that wasnt true. "Its like some trash or a dog. Just throw him away like hes trash and she had me believing. We were just waiting on them to bring the ashes," she said. A Harris County law enforcement official spoke with the funeral home owner, who said he had called vans to bring the bodies to an air-conditioned facility, KPRC 2 reports. The owner added he was in the hospital after suffering a heart attack. Police say the owner could face criminal charges. "You could look at abuse of corpse, things of that nature, but we'll know more as we go through it," Houston Police Department Captain Jim Dale said. The Independent has contacted the funeral home 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 When Detreck Foster vanished from a small Kansas town in the Spring of 2020, his case barely made headlines. Police then deemed his mysterious disappearance a suspected homicide. But with sparse updates in the case, it has seemingly fallen off the radar. But the mother of his children refuses to give up and hopes to finally get some answers. For five years, Jordan Foster has been fighting to keep Detrecks story alive and to find out what happened to him, despite what she describes as silence from authorities and indifference from the small community where they grew up together and built their life. Nobody cares about another missing Black man, she told The Independent. But I do. His daughters do. open image in gallery Detreck Fosters daughters were just 12 and 4 when he vanished in April 2020 ( Provided by Jordan Foster ) Foster has known Detreck since they were teenagers living in Parsons, Kansas. They were married and have two daughters together. Even though they were separated, and lived in separate cities at the time of his disappearance, he always stayed in touch with his girls. So when days and weeks passed without a word from him, his loved ones grew increasingly worried. Around that same time, the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Detreck was between jobs. But shortly before he vanished, he had landed a new role at FedEx. Foster told The Independent that he would never just disappear, especially not from his family and not from his daughters. They were his whole world. His missed birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. But it was when he failed to call his mother on May 10 Mothers Day Foster felt certain about her feeling of dread that something horrible had happened to him. He always calls his mother, his sister and myself on Mothers Day, Foster said. He was close to his mother he always called her. So when even she didnt hear from him, we knew something was wrong. Detreck was reported missing on May 12, 2020. open image in gallery Detrecks case is being investigated as a suspected homicide but police have not said what they found that has led to this determination ( Provided by Jordan Foster ) Next month, his oldest, now 18, will graduate from high school. They had this incredible bond, Foster said, adding that she believed their daughter knew something was wrong when he disappeared. Their youngest has taken on his love of music. Every time she hears anything by Anthony Hamilton, his daughter quips, thats what daddy liked, Foster said. April 12, 2020 was the last time anyone ever saw or spoke to Detreck, according to the Independence Police Department and the Kansas State Bureau of Investigation. But instead of getting answers, Foster said she gets rumors and theories from the people in the small community where he lived. I believe someone in Independence knows something, but no one is speaking up, she said. Maybe its because of fear, I dont know, but we need someone to come forward. Foster said that in the early days of his disappearance, she would post fliers around town, but many were torn down. open image in gallery Jordan Foster, the mother of Detrecks children, is fighting to find out what happened to him ( Provided by Jordan Foster ) The Independence Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations are investigating the case and have deemed it a suspected homicide. But investigators have not shared details of what led them to believe that he was possibly murdered. This week, as April 12 marked five years since he was last seen or heard from, the authorities announced a renewed call for help for answers. Despite exhaustive investigative efforts, including extensive searches and numerous interviews, Mr. Fosters whereabouts remain unknown, according to the press release. The department said detectives from the Independence Police Department, in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), are continuing to follow up on all leads. open image in gallery Detrecks family believe he is gone, but are hoping to find answers soon ( Provided by Jordan Foster ) We are committed to uncovering the truth and bringing Detreck Julian Foster home, Derek Bryant, Assistant Chief of the Independence Police Department said in the release. We urge anyone who may have seen somethingno matter how insignificant it may seemto come forward. In the meantime, Foster continues to post updates and calls for tips on his Facebook page. Its been a hard five years, Foster said. We just want answers. You cant properly grieve your loved one if you dont know where theyre at. Anyone with information related to Detreck Fosters case is urged to call the Independence Police Department at (620) 332-1700, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Submit an anonymous tip at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/MissingPersons/Tip/SubmitTip. There is a $5,000 reward. Compensation for General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra spiked about 6% last year to $29.5 million due to the company reaching several performance targets and achieving record profits, the company said in its annual executive compensation report. In the Friday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, GM also noted that most other corporate officers reported modest gains, excluding incoming or outgoing employees. Compensation for Barra, 63, is broken down into these categories: $2.1 million in salary, the same since 2017, with $19.5 million in stock awards from record financial gains in the year, $6.6 million in incentive plan compensation, and the balance of $1.2 million in other payments for items such as benefits, savings plans and insurance, medical or company vehicles. General Motors CEO Mary Barra, center, next to her husband Anthony Barra, shakes hands with Detroit Lions principal owner and chair Sheila Ford Hamp during the second half between Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. GM Compensation Committee Chair Wesley Bush said in a letter to shareholders included in the filing that he believed the company's payment program played a significant role in GM's record financial performance. Disciplined execution in our core internal combustion engine business while demonstrating that the strategic investments we made in electric vehicles and our software capabilities are paying off, Bush wrote. Investors have taken notice of our recent performance, driving our stock price up 50% in 2024, outperforming our peers. Don't mistake progress for winning Barra's targets and her compensation improved from a year ago, putting her back in the top slot in executive compensation among the Detroit Three. In case you missed it: GM reports 2025 pretax profit of $14.9 billion; takes $4 billion charge on China struggles Improvements in retail market share across the company's powertrain vehicles allowed Barra's stock options to rise nearly $5 million, a main driver of her compensation improvement for 2024. Total 2023 compensation fell for Barra to $27.8 million, a 4% dip compared with the year prior after GM failed to meet shareholder value targets to which part of her compensation is tied. General Motors CEO Mary Barra speaks to reporters while she waits for the arrival of President Joe Biden at media day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, September 14, 2022. Yet Bush warned shareholders that positive growth does not mean employees should rest on their laurels. While weve had a great year at General Motors, wed like to echo something our chair and CEO, Mary Barra, often reminds her team: Dont mistake progress for winning, Bush wrote. Your Compensation Committee recognizes there is more work to do and believes that our shareholders will benefit greatly from that work. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's tariff threats could still meaningfully harm company profits, and, necessarily, profit-sharing. Several auto industry analysts note that a decline is likely unavoidable in annual profit-sharing checks to UAW-represented workers and bonuses that salaried people earn. Six years after it closed and turned into an eyesore, Baton Rouge school is on track to be converted into a place for esports and athletic events for elementary school children. New Orleans is famous for its French and Spanish influences, but one less-publicized community has quietly shaped the citys culture as well: the Basques. One Times-Picayune reader, intrigued by tales of werewolves and soldiers, asked Curious Louisiana to explore the history of the Basque presence in the city. Mark Dispenza, a writer-director, sent Curious Louisiana a question about the Basque community in New Orleans after working on a shoot. Dispenza was researching his short horror film, a rougarou story set in 1949 Acadiana, when he read Werewolf Stories, by Nick Redfern and Brad Steiger. It contained legends of werewolves and shapeshifters from around the world, Dispenza said. One of the stories concerned a Basque community in eastern New Orleans that apparently terrorized a unit of British troops leading up to the Battle of New Orleans. They were angry with the Brits for disrupting their livelihoods with all of that conflict and went all loup garou on them. West Australian business heavyweight Peter Coleman could return to the helm of embattled hydrogen hopeful Infinite Green Energy under an 11th-hour plan to drag it out of administration. WAtoday understands shareholders of the Perth-based firm are mulling a proposal which would see Coleman assume the role of chair and prominent executive Tim Lester rejoin the company as part of a leadership overhaul. Former Woodside chief Peter Coleman. Credit: AFR. A source with knowledge of the proposal said the plan presented to shareholders did not feature IGE chief executive Stephen Gauld. It comes amid revelations IGE made a $13,750 donation to Labors fundraising vehicle Perth Trades Hall just eight months ago. Hunter said because maths was sequential, gaps acquired in primary school were compounded over a students school life. She said primary schools were the best place to begin turning things around, with schools such as Bentleigh West Primary School already working with a winning formula. The school in Melbournes south-east was one of two Victorian schools examined in the report. It has some of the strongest NAPLAN results in the state, teacher confidence is high, and students learn a year ahead of their level. The schools maths extension program is also run by a grade 2 teacher. But success took time. Principal Sarah Asome said the school adopted an explicit, systematic teaching approach in 2014. Before this, there was resistance to maths, and it was often the first subject dropped from the timetable to accommodate activities such as swimming. She said once the school adopted explicit teaching, prioritised maths and ensured teachers had professional development opportunities, teacher confidence soared, as did student performance. Grade 1 teacher Lidia Cummins said the schools explicit teaching method instilled confidence in teachers and students. Because we have such a sequential way of teaching maths, you have the confidence to know that its not a fluke if a student doesnt know something, because you know they have had a lot of exposure to concepts and a lot of repetition, Cummins said. Staff meet weekly to review the content and assess whether students were retrieving concepts taught in class, a routine allowing for close monitoring and, if needed, intervention. At high-achieving Ballarat Clarendon College, primary students have been taught by specialist maths teachers for a decade. Teachers use explicit teaching and lesson plans that have been honed over several years. Head of prep to grade 5 maths, Chris Calleja, said teachers were comfortable to move around and teach different year levels. We should be doing at least as well as England. Lead author Dr Jordana Hunter It helps their professional learning, and theyre also able to see the sequence of the curriculum, he said. Student results are discussed at weekly staff meetings, allowing for effective catch-up support. We dont buy into [the thinking] that struggling kids need a different formula than the kids who are more capable. I would say the secret to our success is consistency. For Australian schools to emulate such success stories, the Grattan report recommends a 10-year strategy to lift teacher confidence and student performance. Principal Jen Bourke with students at Ballarat Clarendon College, which recorded impressive results in last years NAPLAN tests. Credit: Tara Moore Governments and schools, it says, should commit to achieving a 90 per cent proficiency in numeracy, as measured by NAPLAN. To get there, primary maths master teacher roles and maths hubs should be created so that the best primary schools could work with those that need help. Hunter said the cost of the reforms would equate to $67 per primary student per year over a decade. Loading Victoria has undertaken to lift the proportion of students performing at strong and exceeding levels in literacy and numeracy by 10 per cent by 2030, as part of a $2.5 billion school funding deal signed with the federal government in January. Last year, the states NAPLAN results showed that 55 per cent of Victorian grade 3 students were performing at strong levels in numeracy and 12.5 per cent at exceeding levels. Grade 5 students performed better, with 56.8 per cent performing at strong levels and 14.3 per cent at exceeding levels. However, almost a third of grade 3 students and just over a quarter of grade 5 students were categorised as needing additional support or developing in numeracy. A state government spokesperson said the agreement with the federal government would ensure every school would receive the funding needed to help students thrive. The spokesperson said Victorias NAPLAN results were among the best in the nation at all year levels, adding that the government was working with all schools to implement best practice teaching methods. Opposition education spokeswoman Jess Wilson said the report showed evidence-based solutions helped students achieve their best. Its clear Victoria needs a new approach to learning to ensure every child has access to the world-class education they deserve, she said. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in providing justice to consumers is commendable Staff Reporter RAIPUR Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao hailed the works of State and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions in providing justice to consumers in the state. He was addressing the one-day Consumer Awareness Convention at New Circuit House Raipur on Saturday. The event was organised by Chhattisgarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CGSCDRC). Bi-annual report of the GSCDRC was also released in the convention. Deputy Chief Minister Sao said that the CGSCDRC and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are doing a commendable job in providing justice to the consumers, protecting them from fraud and cheating and making them aware. Innovations are being implemented across the world. Complaints are being received through e-Jagriti portal. E-hearing will be started in District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions of the state. For it, all essential facilities are being arranged. The Chhattisgarh government will extend its full support to the Commission for starting e-hearing of cases, he added. An extensive consumer awareness programme will be started across the state. People in tribal areas of the state will be made aware about their rights, said Sao. President of the CGSCDRC Gautam Chouradia said that Chhattisgarh would become the first state of the country as e-hearing would be started in 17 District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions of the state. E-hearing will be started in the district consumer forums in the state within three months. One additional bench will be constituted in District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Raipur in a bid to reduce pendency, he said. When I joined as the President of the CGSCDRC in October, 2022; there were around 10,600 pending cases in the state. At present, there are only 6,500 pending cases in the state, said the President. Additional Chief Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department Richa Sharma and Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department Anbalgan P also spoke. Member of the Raipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Nirupama Pradhan conducted the proceedings. Account of Commission Madhulika Yadav proposed the vote of thanks. Pramukh Lokayukta of Chhattisgarh Lok Ayog Justice Inder Singh Uboweja, Principal District and Sessions Judge Raipur Balram Prasad Verma, Joint Registrar of the Commission Mona Chauhan, President of District Bar Association Raipur Hitendra Tiwari, judicial officials, lawyers and law students were present. 2 more terrorists killed in J&K JAMMU TWO terrorists were killed in an ongoing operation in a snow-bound area of Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, senior security officials said on Saturday, reaffirming their resolve to completely root out terrorism from the region. The killings raised the number of terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operations in the Chhatru belt of the hilly district in the past two days to three. One terrorist was eliminated by the security forces on Friday morning. Official sources said the slain terrorists were affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit and included a top commander, Saifullah, who was active in the Chenab valley region for the past one year. Assam Rifles 5-Sector Commander Brigadier J B S Rathi and Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shridhar Patil said the operations, started on April 9, continues. The aim is to maintain peace and stability in the region, he said. A total of three terrorists was eliminated in the operations while the troops displayed great tactical acumen and swiftness, and ensured zero casualties on our side. Despite the weather and the night-time challenges, the troops displayed great professionalism and also gave the topmost priority to the security of the local population, Brigadier Rathi told reporters in Kishtwar. He said the operations also brought to the fore the seamless coordination between India Army and police, especially its Special Operations Group (SOG). After the first contact on April 9, rapid reinforcements were deployed in terms of special forces with the help of the Indian Air Force, and also to carry out real-time surveillance of the area the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, drones and the night visions were employed basically to ensure that terrorists do not escape from the area, the army officer said. Certain security measures have been instituted in terms of the rapid force response capabilities, technological integration and inter agency seamless coordination to maintain peace and stability in the region. We are thankful to White Knight Corps and the General Officer Commanding of Delta Force for their guidance and support, he said. The DIG said the operation is in its final stages after it was first launched following interception of the terrorists. The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, attended by leading world figures, diplomats, and heads of state, became notable for tackling a wide range of critical global issues. Among the highlights was the highly anticipated debate between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, which drew considerable international attention. At the heart of the discussion was the long-delayed peace agreement between the two South Caucasus nations. For Azerbaijan, finalizing a sustainable peace deal remains a top national priority. Interestingly, although Armenia claims to view the peace agreement as crucial for normalizing bilateral relations, its stance remains muddled by unanswered questions and legal contradictions. During the debate, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan struggled to defend his countrys constitution, which presents a direct challenge to the peace process. While Mirzoyan attempted to manipulate the narrative, his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, offered a firm and clear rebuttal, pointing to contradictions in Armenia's position. Mirzoyan alleged that Azerbaijans constitution contains references to the 1918 Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, claiming that it implicitly lays claim to Armenian territory. However, these allegations were unsupported by evidence and were widely seen as speculative. In response, Bayramov firmly dismissed the claim as baseless, noting that if such territorial assertions genuinely existed in Azerbaijans constitution, Armenia would not be willing to even approach a peace agreement. He labeled Armenias argument as insincere and evasive. Bayramov also emphasized that the principles governing the territorial integrity of nations, including those of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Armenia, are grounded in universally recognized international law and almost the same legal system, which remain consistent and binding. Flash Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (C, front) cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the National Road 71C in Tbong Khmum province, Cambodia, April 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] Cambodia on Saturday inaugurated the China-funded National Road 71C, connecting the eastern Tbong Khmum province with the southeastern Kampong Cham province, for economic boom in the country. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the 114.9-km road is crucial to facilitating travel and goods transportation and will play an important role in helping boost the local economy and tourism development. "The National Road 71C is expected to help boost the efficiency of the exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products, particularly rubber," he said. "It will also help attract more tourists and investors to areas along the road." Hun Manet said China is an "indispensable friend" of Cambodia for socio-economic development. "China is recognized as No. 1 partner, who has been providing a great amount of concessional loans and grants for the development of infrastructure, including roads and bridges in Cambodia," he said. He said that alignment between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy has provided "win-win results". Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin said to date, China has helped construct national roads in a total length of over 4,000 km and more than 10 large-scale bridges. "Roads and bridges across the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers have not only facilitated the daily travel of the Cambodian people, but also injected vigorous energy into the development of Cambodia," he said. "This is a vivid example of alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy," he added. Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the road was built by the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) in 42 months. "The road will facilitate travel, trade, and tourism in both countries and nearby provinces," he said. "It will also facilitate the transportation of crop seeds and agricultural and agro-industrial products, reducing costs and travel time." Taing Sim, a 52-year-old resident in Kampong Cham province, said that when the road had not been constructed, travel was quite difficult and it took a long time because of mud and bumpy conditions. "Now, the road is nice, which will facilitate the fast transportation of goods such as tapioca, cashew nuts, and rubber latex," she told Xinhua while attending the inauguration ceremony. "I would like to thank China for helping develop Cambodia, and the Cambodian people are pleased to see good roads and bridges," she added. Cambodia has a proverb saying, "Where there is a road, there is hope," Sim said, adding that China has built roads for Cambodia, which means that China has built hope for the Cambodian people. Heng Sivleng, a 53-year-old resident in Kampong Cham province, said in the past, traveling on road from Tbong Khmum to Kampong Cham by motorcycle, it took up to three hours because of bad-conditioned road during the rainy season. "Now, the road is good and convenient to travel, reducing costs on fuel and shortening travel time," she told Xinhua. An aerial drone photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows the National Road 71C in Tbong Khmum province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua] General Motors is laying off 200 employees effective Monday at its Factory Zero in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan to ensure production will align with market dynamics, GM said Thursday. The move is not tariff-related, the company confirmed. A person familiar with production plans said that the bulk of the reductions will be in the battery pack manufacturing area, and that the company has no current plans for those jobs to return. The person insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. GM to lay off 200 Factory Zero employees starting April 14. In case you missed it: GM car buyers most loyal in 2024; Ford wins pickup and SUV categories Impacted employees will be placed on a temporary layoff and may be eligible for subpay and benefits in accordance with the GM-UAW national contract, the company statement said. The jobs are not being eliminated, but the workers will have no definite return date. Factory Zero produces the all-electric Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV SUV and pickup, and all-electric Escalade IQ. It employs roughly 4,500 workers, according to the companys site. The news comes days after GM announced it plans to ax its three-row Cadillac XT6 SUV at its Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee and to expand production of the smaller XT5 model through 2026. Planned downtime for Spring Hill will start the week of May 12, the company told employees in a memo obtained by the Free Press. Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: General Motors to lay off 200 workers in move unrelated to tariffs 8Great Spiritual Riddles Of Vedanta 8Great Spiritual Riddles Of Vedanta By RAJU S CHIDAMBARAM Vedanta is nothing if not revolutionary in the way it upends many of our commonly held notions. That is the reason why we cannot readily comprehend some statements made by Vedantins such as Sw Chinmayanandajis assertion that Not to do what one feels like doing is true freedom. Scientists, who insist on searching for truth based only on what they see, will not easily embrace the view that Truth is not in the ever-changing seen, but in the changeless seer. The 8 riddles listed below are few examples. World cannot be improved. We must work to improve the world. Evil must be avoided. Evil is necessary. We have choices. The choice is not ours. With Love for everything. In love with nothing. I have nothing to do. I do everything well. There were problems, there will be problems. There is never a problem. We have nothing to complain about, except that which complains about everything. I am a saint. I commit sins day and night. Let us consider these riddles... World cannot be improved. We must work to improve the world: The world is notoriously resistant to attempts to make lasting improvements to it. Like an old home, it is in a perennial state of disrepair. We succeed in fixing something only to find some other things breakdown. Any gain we make is at best temporary. In saying sambhavami yuge yuge, even the Lord seems to concede that what He accomplishes in one avatar does not fix the problems in His creation forever! Ultimately, as science and many religions believe, the universe itself is bound for destruction or dissolution making all our efforts to improve the world seemingly meaningless. Yet there is a sound basis to the advice we get from the wise that we must do what we can to serve the world and make it a better place for everyone. The karma yoga taught in the Gita urges us to serve without any selfish desire or without expecting to realise the fruits of our action hoped for. Moral: We must serve the world, not necessarily to improve it but to improve ourselves. Evil must be avoided. Evil is necessary: The world has always had evil and always will. It is a necessary part of Gods divine play whose theme is the victory of good over evil. Goodness shines best when it confronts evil. We must certainly avoid evil but must also actively oppose evil when needed. This world, by the design of the Creator, provides enough opportunities for evil to rear its ugly head and for us to show how good our goodness is. The tragedy is not that there is evil in the world, but that the good people do not show their goodness in actively opposing evil. Moral: There is evil in the world so that goodness may manifest and assert itself in all its glory. We have choices. The choice is not ours: Vedanta does not accept that everything is fated but recognises that there are choices available to us to do, not to do, or to do otherwise with respect to our actions. These choices are made by us freely. Even when there are societal laws prescribing what can or cannot be done, we sometimes use that freewill to transgress those laws. Thus there is undoubtedly freewill. The question is whether that freewill really belong to us. Here science and logic, Vedantic scriptures and Masters inform us clearly that the freewill does not belong to the jiva. Rather it belongs to God whose will is the one and only determinant of all happenings in the world, including choices and actions of all jivas. Moral: There is freewill, but it belongs to Isvara and not the jiva. With love for everything. In love with nothing: Vedanta gives us what appear to be two conflicting pieces of advice to follow. On the one hand it asks us to cultivate detachment or dispassion (vairagya) from all things worldly. At the same time it upholds universal, unconditional love for all beings as the highest ideal. On examination, however, the two are not actually contradictory but complementary. The spiritually evolved jiva practices both simultaneously. To be in love with something makes our own happiness dependent on it. This is not love but attachment. We are rightly cautioned against developing attachment to anything. In contrast, when we have unconditional love for another being, we bring happiness and comfort to that being, without making our own happiness dependent on it. Isvara embodies this principle Himself. Moral: To be in love with something is attachment that results in suffering. Unconditional love for all beings is experienced as pure joy and is apex of spiritual perfection. I have nothing to do. I do everything well: Contrast this statement with our usual condition in todays hyperactive (rajasic) way of life. We have a long to-do-list but only a limited amount of time and often limited skills and resources to get it all done right. The result is we constantly fret and panic; in the end we do not do many things right. This is not a happy situation. Vedanta teaches us that we are not really the doers of anything, everything being done by Prakrti (nature) through our body-mindintellect complex. It advises us to drop the doer-ship mentality (kartrtva bhava) even when engaged in work. In Gita, Lord tells Arjuna that there is nothing in three worlds for me to do or to achieve; yet I am engaged in action always. The Yogi, having realised the blissful Self, also has nothing more to do but cheerfully and unselfishly applies to any situation requiring action. Moral: For one established in Self, there is no other goals left in life and hence no other work. But whatever is to be done for the welfare of the world the yogi does with skill and success. There is nothing in the world to complain about except that which complains about everything: No thing or no being of this world deserves our complaint when in reality they only act as per the laws of Prakrti and the Will of Isvara. Our complaint should be really about our mind which has the annoying habit of constantly grudging about the perceived deficiencies in the world around. The remedy is to get rid of the impurities in mind and make it less dependent on the world for its own peace and comfort. The world is not improved by expressing our displeasure about it; it only makes us miserable without helping anything or anyone else. Moral: The only thing in this world we should complain about is our own constant complaining mind. I am a Saint; I commit sins incessantly: Vedanta says that in reality we are the pure, blemish-less, saintly Self. Ignorant of that Self we live in sin of mistakenly identifying with the body-mind-intellect and their demands. The worldly pains and pleasures we endure is the punishment by the sin for that sin. Many of us lead a totally worldly life without even being aware of this condition. But someone with spiritual wisdom is ever sensitive to the occasions when the mind yields to the demands of the body. By developing such sensitivity, a seeker strengthen himself mentally against worldly desires and progress on the path. Moral: The real sin is the ignorance because of which we forget our true Self and live identified with the Non-Self, namely our body. There always were problems, there always will be problems, but there never is a problem: This speaks to a strange affliction affecting human beings today: Constant worries amidst a materially comfortable and even luxurious life. At any given moment we are either worried thinking about possible difficulties looming in some unnamed future or regretting past mistakes and losses. Such thoughts overpower our mind and make us overlook the present living moment where we have no problems whatsoever, physical, or mental. If only we could shut our minds and focus on the present we would usually find there is only peace and calm. Moral: Past and future are fictions of the mind. A mind focused on the reality of the present is the witnessing consciousness; it is pure, immaculate, devoid of all dualities, and full of peace. (The author has been in the Chinmaya Mission and has authored four books and several papers; he is developing a mathematical theory of spirituality based on Vedanta. Interested readers can visit mathematicsofspirituality.com) Amazing Stories Behind GI - Tagged Sweets You Must Try By KRYSTELLE DSOUZA The mithaiwala at the curb on my street is viewed as nothing less than God by his patrons who are regulars at his 100-square-foot shop. While the space behind the glass boasts a certain few sweets pedhas, barfis and milk cakes he seems to magic the rest out of thin air when a customer demands. So be it rasmalai, basundi or pootharekulu (an Andhra Pradesh delicacy wrapped in wafer-thin rice), Shamshed ji will never say no. In fact what sets him apart aside from his almost divine abilities to prepare sweets are the stories he tells his customers. This feeling is echoed by mithaiwalas across India, especially in the regions where these sweets are born. The GI tag has made this possible. This intellectual property mark when granted to a sweet, goes a long way in boosting its popularity and subsequent sales. Lets take a look at some Indian sweets that have made it to the coveted GI tag list over the years. Silao Khaja In December 2018, the Nalanda district of Bihar celebrated as their beloved silao khaja was awarded the GI tag. The golden crunchy piece of heaven glistens with sugar syrup, appearing a lot like the Turkish baklava (a layered pastry). Wheat and sugar come together to create this gastronomic delight that dates back to 320 BCE. According to a report, the applicant society was Silao Khaja Audyogik Swavalambi Sahakari Samiti Ltd. Mihidana Often described as the cousin of the boondi, the mihidana found a place in the GI list of sweets in 2017. The sweet was born in the Bardhawan region of West Bengal, a bustling capital during British rule. History credits the Nag family of sweetmakers who resided in the Bardhawan with creating this delight. In 2021, reports of batches of the sweet being exported from Bardhawan to the Kingdom of Bahrain did the rounds, lending to the popularity of the mithai. Dharwad Peda Barfis and pedhas have often been touted as inventions by people in North India. And few know that the Dharwad peda originally made by the Thakur family in Karnataka, also has a North Indian connection! The family moved cities and homes during 19th century when the plague struck Uttar Pradesh. Ram Ratan Singh Thakur would milk the Dharwadi buffaloes to prepare the sweet, which is still sold by the family across Karnataka. It earned its GI tag in 2007. Bebinca The year 2023 saw two popular Goan loves the mancurad mango and bebinca get the GI tag, a feat that was celebrated across the bakeries of the town. There is an art to making bebinca, noted one of the members of the All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association. They added that in recent years the frequency of non-Goans attempting to prepare the sweet was increasing. Now, however, the GI tag would enable Goans to monetise their hard work, while also enabling them to quote a higher price while exporting the layered sweet. Srivilliputtur Palkova The origin stories of this sweet date back to 1921 when Rajputs set up stalls near temples in Tamil Nadu and started making the sweet as prasadam to be served at the temple. The century-old love affair that the city has had with this sweet was finally awarded the GI tag in 2019. The full cream milk that goes into its preparation is the secret behind its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Goan Khaje Another Goan fascination, the Goan khaje with its crisp exterior and sweet centre has found a fan following around the world and is commonly known as kadyo bodyo in the local dialect. The ginger-infused jaggery delight got its GI tag in 2020. As the official notification read, Khaje is Goas traditional festive sweet treat at temple zatras and church feasts. In Goa, there are numerous festivals celebrated by temples and chapels in almost every village, all year round. After the religious ceremony, devotees go through the fair perusing the stalls set up in the vicinity. One of the most common and popular snacks stacked up like pyramids is the Goan khaje. Odisha Rasagola It starkly differs from its counterpart, the Bengali rasagola, in its chewiness quotient. While the Bengali rosogola is chewy, the one from Odisha isnt. The sweet which received its GI tag in 2019 is prepared by the caramelisation of sugar. The people of Odisha claim that sweet dates back to 12th century. Legend says that Lord Jagannath would offer the sweet to his disgruntled consort Goddess Laxmi to make up for his absence after his nine-day-long Rath Yatra. Joynagar Moa A perfect marriage of date palm jaggery and kanakchur khoi (an aromatic puffed rice cultivated in West Bengal) results in this delicacy sold only during the winter months. This owes to the fact that nolen gur famous for its caramel texture and a vital ingredient in the recipe is only available in the last few months of the year as the temperatures drop. Ashok Kumar Kayal who runs the Joynagar Moa Nirmankari Society which was also responsible for GI tag in 2015 empowers over 400 moa makers. Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai In 2020, this groundnut sweet achieved its GI tag status for its unique preparation methods in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. The mithai is prepared using the veragu aduppu (firewood) technique through which groundnuts native to the black-soiled areas of Kovilpatti are roasted. What started with one peanut candy manufacturer in the 1940s is now a community of over 150 manufacturers. Bogus Shalarth ID Scam Dy Director Education, School Principal held Staff Reporter Sadar Police arrested Ulhas Narad, Deputy Director of Education, from Gadchiroli and a Principal of a school late Friday night. Narad is accused of approving a fake Shalarth ID (a teacher identification number) based on forged documents and enable an ineligible person to draw Government salary and secure promotion. The accused were produced in the court and were remanded to the police custody till April 14. The accused have been identified as Ulhas Kawaduji Narad (54), a resident of Flat No. 101 Kamdhenu Apartment, Manewada Road, behind Apulki Hospital, Hudkeshwar, and Parag Nanaji Pudke (33), a resident at Jevatala village, Lakhni, district Bhandara. Accused Parag Pudke allegedly created fake service records and claimed prior teaching experience at a private school in Nagpur. Using these documents, he was appointed as the Headmaster of Nanaji Pudke Vidyalaya in Jevatala village. According to police, Deputy Director Ulhas Narad approved the Shalarth ID and the promotion despite the absence of genuine teaching experience or employment history. With the help of these forged documents, Pudke was appointed as Principal and received a Government salary. Narad was brought to Nagpur in the midnight and is currently in police custody. In connection with the same case, Principal Pudke has also been arrested. The scandal came to light following a complaint at the Sadar Police Station. Investigations revealed that several ineligible persons may have been issued fake Shalarth IDs to receive Government salary since 2019. Officials estimate that salaries for around 580 teachers and non-teaching staff were paid illegally through this scam. Just two days ago, the Government suspended Nilesh Waghmare, Primary Pay Team Superintendent, after preliminary findings indicated his involvement in the misuse of Shalarth IDs. Waghmares suspension and now, the arrest of Narad, have triggered a stir within the Education Department. Police are also investigating the role of other officials from the Zilla Parishads Education Department to scan a larger network of corruption. The case was registered under Sections 420, 465, 468, 471, 472, 409, 120 (b), 34 of the IPC. The case is being investigated by Senior Police Inspector Manish Thakre and his team. By Amlan Sinha Raipur Medical aspirants in Chhattisgarh may soon have more opportunities for admission as the state is expected to see an increase of 200 to 250 MBBS seats starting from the academic session 202526. This development follows the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfares recent announcement of increasing over 40,000 MBBS seats nationwide. The expansion could also include the establishment of a new medical college in the state. In the 202425 academic session, Chhattisgarh saw the launch of two new medical colleges: Abhishek I Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research Centre in Bhilai Nagar and Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Raipur. According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), as of March 2025, the state has a total of 16 medical colleges offering 2,255 MBBS seats. Of these institutions, one is a centrally-run institute (AIIMS), ten are state government-run, three operate under societies, and one each is managed by a trust and a private organization. EVMs are safe, tamper-proof: CEC RAMGARH CHIEF Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday said the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are safe and tamper-proof. He said that EVMs used in India cannot be connected to internet, bluetooth or infrared and it is not possible anyway to tamper with it. In India, EVMs are used for polling exercise. Legal scrutiny has been done on EVMs. The EVMs used in India can neither be connected to internet nor bluetooth nor infrared. The EVMs cannot be connected to anything in any way. Therefore, it is not possible to tamper with it. So, Indias EVMs are tamper-proof, Kumar said addressing media persons in Jharkhands Ramgarh district. He said over five crore VVPAT (voter-variable paper audit trail) slips have been counted and no discrepancies have been reported so far. Kumar arrived in Ranchi on Friday evening on a three-day visit to Jharkhand. The CECon Saturday interacted with election officials in Ramgarh. I interacted with returning officers and volunteers here. After meeting them, I felt that there is a strong foundation of democracy in Jharkhand, he said. He said every citizen of India, who has completed 18 years of age, must become an elector. Kumar added no appeal (related to EPIC cards) is pending either with district election officer or Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), which means the voter list in Jharkhand is close to 100 per cent satisfactory for voters and others. J&K LG, Army chief pay tributes to martyred JCO JAMMU/ HAMIRPUR JAMMU and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday paid tributes to a Junior Commissioned Officer who died in an encounter with terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu. A wreath-laying ceremony for Subedar Kuldeep Chand was held at military garrison Tanda in Jammus Akhnoor in the afternoon and his mortal remains were despatched to his family in Himachal Pradesh for last rites, officials said. Chand is survived by his son, daughter, wife and elderly parents. His body would be cremated at his native village on Sunday. They said Senior Army, Police and civil officers led by General Officer Commanding of 10th Infantry Division Major General Sameer Shrivastava and Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, Joginder Singh laid wreaths at the body and saluted the sacrifice of the Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). Subedar Chand lost his life in a gunfight with terrorists attempting to infiltrate into India from the Pakistan side in the Keri-Bhattal area of the Akhnoor sector late on Friday night. In a condolence message, Lt Governor Sinha said, I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand who laid down his life in the line of duty. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief. Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army, in a post on X, said the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army salute the supreme sacrifice of the braveheart. The Indian Army offers deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief, it said. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the death of Kuldeep Chand and said, The news of Kuldeep Kumar ji, a resident of Kohlvi village of my assembly constituency Naudan, being martyred is very sad. Rana grilled on plotter he met in Dubai NEW DELHI EXTRADITED 26/11 terrorist Tahawwur Ranas questioning by the NIA has revolved around extracting information from him about a key plotter from Dubai and a person who hosted and helped co-conspirator David Coleman Headley in Mumbai ahead of the 2008 attack, sources said on Saturday. Investigators are also trying to question the 64-year-old Pakistani-Canadian terrorist to rule the possibility of involvement of fugitive terrorist Dawood Ibrahim or his D-Companys Dubai network in the 26/11 conspiracy, said sources. The mystery man from Dubai, apparently, was aware of the attack in advance, said investigators who have constantly kept a watch on Rana in his NIA cell to prevent him from attempting suicide. Ranas fresh voice sample has also been sent for forensic test and matched with recorded phone conversations he held with co-conspirators soon after the attack, said sources. Rana, a former Pakistan Army Medical Corps worker who is facing NIA grilling for giving logistical support to his childhood friend Headley, has been citing before investigators his inability to recall the chain of events but has confirmed his presence in Mumbai at least one week before the attack. The Dubai plotter of 26/11 had met Rana at the behest of Headley and the entire conspiracy had been planned over three years starting 2005, suspect NIA investigators. Headley alias Daood Gilani was earlier questioned by an NIA team in the US in 2010. He was convicted in the US for his role in the attack. Sources said as part of its groundwork, the NIA had kept ready Headleys Mumbai host for confronting the two and confirming their activities that involved recce of the area near Taj Mahal Palace hotel and Chabad House or Nariman House in Colaba - a significant location for the Jewish community. The Mumbai-based local aide of Headley had helped him open an office, and the latter spent at least 11 months scouting targets. While identifying the 26/11 targets, Headley had allegedly used Satellite geotagging, also known as remote sensing geotagging, that involves using satellite imagery and other remote sensing data to assign geographical coordinates to media, like photos or videos. This data, which typically included latitude and longitude, allowed the 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists to locate their targets based on their geographical location. The terrorists who sailed into a fishermens colony in Mumbai on a boat used these vital inputs to fan out in the city and conduct shooting and bombing at 12 different locations. They were carrying layout plans and blueprints of their four main targets Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Oberoi Trident and Nariman House. The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman would also be questioned on his suspected links with the officials of Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and his association with terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which had orchestrated the attacks. The Mumbai attack started on November 26 and lasted till November 29, leaving 166, including six US nationals, dead. Ranas 18-day questioning by the NIA is also likely to shed light on the possible role of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman in 26/11. He may also be questioned on the role of key plotter Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sajid Majeed Mir. Apart from briefing NIA investigators about his family background rooted in Pakistan, Rana has also shed light on how he studied medicine before joining the Army and how he and his wife, also a doctor, became Canadian citizens in 2001. A few years later, Rana launched an immigration and travel agency in Chicago. Sikhs in Nagpur: A proud history of rise to prominence By Anoop Singh The history of the arrival of the Sikh community in Nagpur does not start in 1947/48 but dates back to 1898 to 1911. Just as the first Sikhs entered Kenya in 1890 when British Railways employed them for laying the railway, the earliest Sikhs arrived in Nagpur when the erstwhile Bengal Nagpur Railways (BNR) wanted men skilled at carpentry. These handful of Sikhs were great craftsmen, with excellent wood work skills with limited manual tools like chisel, hammer, drill, and saw. Motorised tools were not available then. The Ramgarhia clan of Sikhs comprised the skilled workers excelling in carpentry and good at iron work also. These few Sikhs would worship in a tent then. On his visit, a Sikh priest from Nanded suggested to railway contractor Karam Singh Contractor to donate a piece of land for Gurudwara. Karam Singh had land adjacent to the railway colony near Motibagh railway workshop. The workers stayed in tenements called Karam Singh Chawl. He donated a piece of land near the chawl and the Gurudwaras foundation stone was laid on November 9, 1927. As one enters the Gurudwara, one sees the rosewood palki with the holy book. Contd from page 1 The railings are of teakwood and vintage ceiling fans (still working) hanging from the height of 15 feet depict the old world charm. The original structure was brick red but was re-plastered for maintenance and painted white, with the saffron flag -- the Nishan Saheb -- atop. The railway colony near Motibagh workshop is known as Punjabi Line Railway Colony. The young generation may not be aware that the first Gurudwara situated in Punjabi Line will be celebrating 100 years in 2027. Several Sikhs came to Nagpur and rose to prominence with sheer hard work. Sher Singh came in 1898 and worked for the BNR. With grit and determination he started his own enterprise called J Sher Singh and Co with a lathe machine. Kirpa Singh, another prominent Sikh, started his truck body building firm. He owned a twin seat airplane, and his son Makhan Singh was a qualified commercial pilot. Sajjan Singh came in 1927 and started a furniture shop. The Sikhs having a good knowledge of seasoned teakwood and workmanship gained appreciation from the elite of Nagpur city. Sajjan Singh and Co became a brand and its furniture still adorns many Parsi households, and many Maharashtrian and Christian bungalows. As the community grew in numbers, the Gurudwara on Kamptee road was constructed. Sajjan Singh of Sajjan Singh and Co became the first President of the Gurudwara. Pritam Singh Renu landed in the city in 1935 and started a saw mill. Bhagat Singh Rehal stepped in Nagpur in 1935, worked with a construction firm, and later started his own enterprise Bhagat Singh Rehal and Co. The second batch of Sikhs to arrive in Nagpur were those displaced due to the Partition. In 1947/48 came the Khatri clan of the Sikhs who were businessmen, mostly traders having shops dealing in a variety of articles. The handful of Sikhs used to have celebrations like marriages and other parties. Neither catering services nor event management were the norms then. Hazarilal, a cook, came from Peshawar. Tall, with a pointed nose, wearing a kurta and a printed lungi, he was known as Hazari Halwai and was sought after by everyone during Punjabi weddings. Kapoor Singh Tuli came from Sheikhupura (Pakistan) to Karnal in Haryana (India). Later, fate brought him to Nagpur, which became the familys permanent abode giving it all it needed and it never looked back. The first Sikh to become a ward member in Nagpur Municipal Corporation was Amar Singh Dhillon. A road near Kadbi Chowk is named after him. Atal Bahadur Singh rose to become the Mayor of the city. Although the early settlers were not highly qualified, they had foresight. They sent their children to missionary schools. Constructed in 1927-28, St Johns School in Mohan Nagar became convenient for the children of the community to study in. The other schools for them were St Francis De Sales and St Josephs Convent. The present-day generations of the early Sikhs in Nagpur are either running the business enterprise set by their grandfathers or are professionals in varied fields. Prominent among them being late Prof G C Singh who was Principal of a college. Dr T S Rawal and J S Oberoi are Chartered Accountants. Today, the third and fourth generations of these early birds are doing excellent jobs in varied fields. They have diversified and have become manufacturers. They are employing local talent and contributing to the society. (The author is a contributor to The Hitavada.) By VIJAY PHANSHIKAR : The core value of RSS is to promote nationalism beyond politics and beyond social fault-lines. To achieve this, it has created a structure and style of organisational management that has survived through vagaries of time... So, finally Prime Minister Narendra Modi will surrender before the RSS leadership at Nagpur. The RSS is unhappy with the BJP and Narendra Modi must now placate the RSS antagonism. For the past ten years, he did not care to visit the RSS Headquarters. But now, the situation calls for his surrender. - The gist of media and political speculation doing the rounds in the country MARCH 30, 2025 -- Gudhi Padwa (Hindu New Year Day and birth anniversary of founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar) -- will get written in the Sangh history as a very important day and date. For, on that day, as the RSS completed its 100 years since inception, Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi made a trip to Nagpur to visit the memorials of Dr Hedgewar and second Sarsanghachalak Shri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar Guruji. The Prime Minister also shared a public platform with RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and asserted that the RSS was the banyan tree -- Akshay Vat -- of Indian culture (from which the larger society draws its sustenance). Mr Narendra Modi became the second Prime Minister to visit the RSS headquarters, the first being Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat and others at RSS Smruti Mandir, in Nagpur. The visit took place under intense public glare as rumours were doing the rounds about possible differences between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Intense political loose talk in the media and political circles also surrounded the visit -- paving the way for further speculations about the manner and method of the functioning of the RSS. The Prime Ministers visit to Nagpur also marked the centenary of the RSS -- though the organisation chose not to make a celebratory splash on the occasion. In the evening of March 30, there was a massive gathering of the Swayamsevaks at Nagpur, addressed by a couple of RSS luminaries, all right. But that was taken as a routine event -- though attended by more than 10,000 Swayamsevaks who were digitally registered for accurate data-gathering. On the sidelines of that eventful day, senior RSS functionaries and Swayamsevaks insisted that it was it was only unfortunate to connect politics to any development within the Sangh Parivar. As a person who has watched the RSS seriously without any political intention, this scribe can assert that it is only foolhardy to consider the RSS as a political organisation. It is true that the RSS has never shied away from its national responsibility when things came to crunch even in politics. Yet, its core value is nation-building through man-moulding -- manushya-nirman se rashtra-nirman. Despite this, the RSS has always remained shrouded in political gossip -- which reflected itself when Mr Narendra Modi visited the Smruti Mandir in Nagpur on Gudhi Padwa. There should be no doubt that the RSS and the BJP often engage themselves in intense deliberations on national situation from time to time. When two of the countrys central organisations stand on a common foundation, then there is likely to be some scope to have different opinions and approaches on issues. But the beauty of the Sangh Parivar is that it is a community of institutions set up to serve different purposes that ultimately serve the larger India vision that prompted the foundation of the RSS a hundred years ago. No matter the political speculations, the RSS has its own way to handle such situations. As a political observer said long ago, the RSS leadership enjoys keeping the political community confused about what the organisation is all about. The trouble, actually, is that those in politics and public affairs and the media have not made sincere attempts to understand what the RSS is all about. That is mainly so because they have never tried to understand the alignment of its original purpose and age-old practice. For, they have missed the intent expressed by RSS founder Dr Hedgewar and his subsequent successors without any deviation. It is pertinent to understand what Dr Hedgewar told Mahatma Gandhi in the winter of 1934 in Wardha, nine years after the inception of the organisation. The RSS had organised its training camp at Wardha (Maharashtra). Mahatma Gandhi also was visiting his Sevagram Ashram at the same time. Through his personal secretary Mahadevbhai Desai, Gandhi Ji communicated to the RSS office-bearers at Wardha his inclination to visit the training camp. The RSS officers agreed and Gandhi Ji visited the training camp on December 25, 1934 at 6 in the morning. The Mahatma found about 15,00 Swayamsevaks in uniform -- and appreciated the sense of discipline, cleanliness and alertness etc. To Mr. Appaji Joshi, a close aide of Dr. Hedgewar, the Mahatma said, I am very happy. I have not seen a more alluring scene than this. The next day, on December 26, 1934, Mahatama Gandhi also met Dr. Hedgewar and asked him what the definition of a Swayamsevak was. Dr. Hedgewar said (as quoted by senior RSS functionary Mr. Sunil Ambekar in his book The RSS Roadmaps for the 21st Century -- Rupa Publications 2019), One who would happily, of his own free will and with goodwill towards all, succeed in submitting everything for the national cause, I would consider his a swayamsevak leader. My target is to raise such swamyamsevaks. In this organisation, there is no difference between a leader and a swayamsevak. We are all swayamsevaks. Bearing equality towards all, we make no distinctions and have no place for hierarchies. O F COURSE, an organisation must have its hierarchy, all right, the RSS is no exception. Yet, over time, it has perfected a system of command and control that has helped the organisation for the last hundred years -- with some appropriate changes in the systems as needed by changing times. But those who keep making wild guesses and loose talk about the RSS and its (so-called) political activity often go terribly off-mark because they have not tried to understand the core thought of the organisation, its original purpose of being, and its management systems. If they do that, they will be able to decipher the RSS thought and action more accurately. One of the most intriguing aspects of the RSS is its philosophy of its own existence. Around early 1970s when the then Sarsanghachalak Golwalkar Guruji was recuperating from a critical surgery, this scribe picked up courage to ask him a naive question, in effect, if he was concerned about his years left and worried that the work would be left unfinished. Guruji smiled and said, in effect, The work the RSS does is in line with historic task of nation building that has been going on for centuries and being carried on by great men and women. To think that such a work would remain unfinished if one lifetime is over, is totally wrong. This sense of continuity with history, such sense of nationalism has been at the core of the RSS and its thought and action. At times, the RSS may find itself engaged in some political thought -- NOT activity. But its core value is to promote nationalism beyond politics and beyond social fault-lines. To achieve this, it has created a structure and style of organisational management that has survived through vagaries of time. This is best explained through an age-old slogan the RSS often put forward -- Sangh Samaj Banega -- means Sangh (RSS) would become society. In other words, it works towards an ideal situation when RSS and the society become one singularity. This is not poetry. Those who have watched the RSS seriously know that a serious effort is being made for the past one hundred years to make this Sangh Samaj Banega singularity practically possible. This may appear to be a lofty ideal, all right. But every elevation of larger human society to the next level has come only through pursuit of lofty ideals. As the RSS steps into the next century, its challenges are going to be far more complex than ever. Yet, those who have studied the organisation also realise that the RSS is engaged in a serious preparation to meet those challenges that India and the world would face. There is every reason to believe that it -- the RSS - - would continue to be one of the drivers of the idea of New India and its position as the world leader -- Vishwa Guru -- in a true sense . Three drug peddlers held with 4.738 kg ganja Staff Reporter In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trade, a joint team of Crime Branch and Panagar Police apprehended three individuals involved in trafficking of narcotic substances. The team seized 4.738 kilograms of ganja, valued Rs 95,000, along with a Swift car used for transportation. The arrested have been identified as Sujit Rai (37), a resident of near Gwarighat, Suraj Ben (27) of Ben Mohalla, Rampur in Gorakhpur and Mohammad Sajjad alias Rehan Khan (24) from Bari Omti near Nalki, Ghantaghar in Omti. According to Panagar police, late night on Friday, during routine patrolling near Ratna Dham in Nirandpur, the joint team spotted a white Swift car approaching from Nirandpur. On noticing the police, the car attempted to flee towards Baghoda. Police team chased the vehicle intercepted it near Trident Warehouse on Gangajali Main Road, Baghoda. Swift car (MP-20CF-4480) had three occupants. In the questioning, the driver identified himself as Sujit Rai front passenger was Suraj Ben and back seat occupant identified himself as Mohammad Sajjad alias Rehan Khan. Poilce found a white plastic sack in the cars trunk containing illegal cannabis. The seized contraband weighed 4.738 kilograms, and its market value is estimated at Rs 95,000. Panagar police have registered a case under Section 8/20 of NDPS Act and seized both the narcotics and the vehicle while further investigation is underway. Drug peddlers were apprehended with active working of police team led by SHO, Crime Branch Shailesh Mishra comprised of ASI, Kailash Mishra, Head Constables Mohan Singh and Hitendra Rawat, Constables Pradeep, Ritesh Shukla, Pankaj Singh, Pramod Soni from the Crime Branch, and SI, Brijesh Mishra, Ravi Singh Parihar, Head Constable Ram Milan, Constable Deshpal Singh and Woman Constable Monika from Panagar Police Station. The past few months have been extremely volatile in the stock market. Tariffs and other concerns have caused a lot of uncertainty about what's ahead. There's growing angst that the U.S. could be heading toward a recession. In times like these, it's best to focus on making safer investments that can deliver more reliable returns, like high-quality dividend stocks. Two top options to buy right now are Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) and NNN REIT (NYSE: NNN). They've both delivered more than a quarter century of dividend growth, which is impressive considering there's been a couple of severe economic downturns during that period. Their durable business models make them great stocks to buy for those with some cash to invest right now. A prodigious passive income stream Enterprise Products Partners is one of the country's largest energy midstream companies, with a vast network of pipelines, processing plants, storage facilities, and export terminals. Those assets generate very stable cash flow for the master limited partnership (MLP) via long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures. The company pays out a significant chunk of that steady cash flow to investors via a distribution that yields nearly 7.5%. At that rate, it would turn a $250 investment into almost $19 of annual passive income. That hefty payout is very safe. Enterprise Products Partners produced enough cash to cover its distribution by a comfy 1.7 times last year. Meanwhile, it has one of the strongest balance sheets in the energy midstream sector, with A-rated credit and a low leverage ratio. Enterprise Products Partners uses the cash it retains and its balance sheet flexibility to continue expanding its energy midstream network. The MLP currently has $7.6 billion of major growth capital projects under construction that should come online and contribute to its stable cash flows through the end of next year. The growth from organic capital projects and accretive acquisitions (it bought Pinon Midstream for $950 million last year) should give Enterprise the fuel to continue increasing its distribution. The MLP has raised its payout for 26 years in a row. Enterprise's high yield and steady growth make it a great passive income option for those comfortable with investing in MLPs, which send a Schedule K-1 Federal Tax Form each year. Hitting another milestone NNN REIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning single-tenant retail properties like automotive service locations, convenience stores, and restaurants. It signs long-term, triple net leases (NNN) with tenants that provide it with very stable rental income because tenants cover real estate taxes, routine maintenance, and building insurance. The landlord uses that stable cash flow to pay its more than 6%-yielding dividend. It would turn a $250 investment into over $15 of annual dividend income at that rate. Woman doc found murdered at home in Ladikar Layout Staff Reporter A 50-year-old woman doctor was found murdered at her home in Ladikar Layout under the jurisdiction of Hudkeshwar Police Station, on Saturday night. The brutal murder of a respected doctor has shocked the locality and medical fraternity. The deceased has been identified as Dr Archana Anil Rahule. She was working as an Assistant Professor in the Physiotherapy Department at the Government Medical College and Hospital. According to police, Archana had been living alone at her residence. Her husband, Dr Anil Rahule, works in Raipur and their son is a third-year MBBS student in Karve Nagar, Pune. The murder was discovered around 9.30 pm on Saturday when Dr Anil Rahule returned home after several days. Upon reaching the house, he noticed a foul smell coming from inside and found the main door open. When he entered, he was shocked to find Archana lying motionless on the bed. He immediately cried for help and nearby residents rushed in. A team from Hudkeshwar Police Station, led by Senior Police Inspector Dnyaneshwar Bhedodkar, arrived at the scene. After inspecting the body and the surroundings, they found a serious injury on Archanas head, indicating she had been attacked. Initial investigations suggest that the murder might have taken place about three days ago, as the body had started decomposing and was swollen. Police officials sent the body for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and time of death. Hudkeshwar Police have registered a case of murder and started a detailed investigation. A police official said, It is too early to draw any conclusions. We are checking if anything is missing from the house to explore the possibility of robbery. At the same time, we are analysing her mobile phone records to find any other clues that may help in solving the case. A case of murder was registered by Hudkeshwar police. Recent market turmoil sees value-based investments in dividend-yielding equities becoming a compelling alternative to growth stocks investing among institutional players. Multiple strategists covered by CNBC noted portfolio managers pulling their investments from speculative names and diverting into more fundamentally grounded positions to overcome the unpredictable policy actions and inflation volatility. In this regard, safe dividend stocks provide income without compromising their defensiveness qualities that are becoming harder to ignore in todays time. Investments in dividend stocks are not just about cushioning against losses but also about long-term compounding and shareholder rewards. Investors prioritize dividends for the sake of sustainable yield that builds wealth gradually. Companies with strong dividend track records have historically stood against worse market conditions more effectively than their non-dividend counterparts. These stocks have safely harbored elevated capital inflow at times of increased volatility, indicating their trust in the broader market. President Trump made a recent announcement, an update to the new tariff policies, whereby a whopping 145% rate is slapped on Chinese imports while maintaining a 10% baseline for other countries for 90 days. Negotiations are expected between the U.S. and other countries during this period, which, if they do not go well, will bring back the reciprocal tariffs originally announced on April 2, 2025. The announcement sent ripples once again across the global trade. All the major indices are struggling to find equilibrium in the middle of the uncertainty. The situation further raises the importance of stabilized equities that could remain immune to the market whiplash up to some level. With fresh trade tensions arising from unprecedented policy revisions from Washington, price appreciation alone may not be a dependable strategy for investors. Income-focused portfolios are becoming more than just a hedge. They are a necessity. The stock market has become increasingly volatile, constantly causing investors to look for stability. But few instruments offer stability as much as dividend-paying stocks. Today, in this article, we will be looking at the 10 safest dividend stocks you might be interested in adding to your portfolio. We recently published a list of 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) stands against other safest dividend stocks to buy now. Story Continues But which dividend stocks to pick? Investors are facing not only economic cycles in todays market environment but also political cycles. Trade, taxation, and regulation are politicized so that the markets are exposed to a profoundly impactful risk that cannot be quantified. It calls for a revisal of a portfolio that includes equities rooted in strong fundamentals and offers high yields. With this in mind, our article will explore the 10 safest stocks investors could buy now to add resilience to their portfolios. Our curated selection is designed to offer consistent payouts and protect capital from the tremors induced by policies today. You might want to safeguard your capital, generate passive income, or just sleep better at night. Our picks in this article offer you all these in a market that is anything but predictable. Our Methodology When assembling our list, we followed a few criteria to optimize our picks for the investors. Primarily, we included those stocks with a minimum market cap of $2 billion to ensure the financial soundness of the companies. We also aimed for those stocks that have outperformed the benchmark, so we excluded those below the 52-week market performance of 3%. Since we want our article to benefit income-seeking investors, we placed a dividend yield limit of a minimum of 2%. Above all, we included only those stocks with a beta of 0.5 or less. A higher beta suggests higher volatility in market events, which increases the potential risks. All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yield. We have also looked into the hedge fund backing the stock to estimate the institutional interests. 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 newsletters 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). Is H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) the Safest Dividend Stock to Buy Now? An experienced tax accountant reviewing paper work on their desk. Beta: 0.29 Dividend Yield: 2.53% No. of Hedge Funds: 27 Missouri-based company H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) is a leading provider of tax preparation services, financial advisory products, and small business solutions. The company operates across digital platforms and retail locations, annually serving millions of individuals and SMEs. H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) puts up tough competition in the market with a nationwide presence that supports its hybrid service delivery. The company ensures its preferences among customers in the evolving tax and personal finance sectors through affordability and accuracy. The 23.37% 52-week surge suggests far more than just tax season momentum. Despite the growth, H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE:HRB) has missed the analyst expectations for its Q4 adjusted EPS by 8.6%, reaching -$1.73. For 2025, the company has announced an EBITDA guidance of $975 million to $1.02 billion. The company also expects the effective tax rate to be around 13%, leading to a one-time benefit to EPS of approximately 50 cents. Additionally, the company has been consistently increasing its dividend since 2016, having returned $4.4 billion to shareholders in the form of share repurchases in addition to dividends, hence holding a positive outlook from investors. With a beta of 0.29 and a 2.53% dividend yield, the stock maintains stability without losing its growth, thus earning its position among the safest stocks to buy. Twenty-seven hedge funds held stakes in the companys stock, as per Insider Monkeys Q4 2024 database, suggesting moderate institutional interest. Overall, HRB ranks 8th on our list of safest dividend stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of HRB as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than HRB but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend 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. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results By Nelson Bocanegra BOGOTA (Reuters) - Lower oil prices could reduce Colombian state-run oil firm Ecopetrol's profits by up to 12 trillion pesos ($2.76 billion) this year, the company's president warned on Friday. Ecopetrol may also have to scrap production at some fields and focus on those with lower costs, president Ricardo Roa told journalists on the sidelines of an industry event. Crude oil prices were headed for their second-consecutive weekly loss on Friday, with Brent futures at $63.45 a barrel, on concerns of an intensifying trade war between the United States and China. "We already have a first list of fields that have a break-even point close to that price, so we'll have to eliminate them and focus on those with lower costs," Roa said. Roa added that around 20 to 30 fields could be at risk of closure. Ecopetrol operates 158 fields, although the executive cautioned that the fields on the chopping block were not major producers. It was unclear how much of a production hit their closure could represent. "As the price of oil drops, the company will need to monitor that number and make decisions regarding eventual closures of other fields that might not be profitable," Roa said. Beyond the hit to production, the lower crude prices translate into a huge hit for Ecopetrol's profits, he added. Each dollar difference on the international market means a 900-billion-peso hit to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and a 700-billion-peso hit to net profit, Roa added. "If we were considering (oil prices at) $73 a barrel and now they're at $63, then we have a difference of 12 trillion pesos in price." Ecopetrol's profits are key to Colombia's economy, which is facing increasing fiscal pressure as tax revenues slip, forcing the government to boost its debt and cut spending. NATURAL GAS BOOST Separately on Friday, Ecopetrol announced it would launch two new natural gas sale processes this year. Starting in June, the state-run firm will sell additional natural gas produced locally, while in July it will start sales on gas imported through the Buenaventura port. Natural gas from an offshore block jointly operated with Brazilian state-run producer Petrobras should come on the market at the end of this year, with the potential to meet around 14% of Colombia's current demand for the energy source. (Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra and Carlos Vargas; Writing by Rafael Escalera Montoto; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Cheiraoba greetings | IMPHAL, Apr 13 : Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satyabrata have conveyed their greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Cheiraoba. The Governor, in his message, said that Cheiraoba is a time of renewal and celebration as the festival symbolises fresh beginnings. As families come together to prepare special meals and offer prayer, the festival fosters unity and a sense of gratitude, he said. Appealing to the people to reaffirm their commitment to peace, prosperity and harmony, the Governor prayed for happiness, success and wellbeing to every household in Manipur. Speaker Th Satyabrata, while greeting the people, prayed for the coming year to bring harmony, growth and tranquillity to Manipur. "May this day herald joy, good health and prosperity for everyone," he prayed. Three persons have been killed on Saturday following the violence over protests by a section of people from a particular religious community against the newly promulgated Waqf Amendment Act that has gripped several parts in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal for the last few days. Of the three killed, two are father and son namely Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, the residents of Dhulian at Samserganj in Murshidabad. Advertisement It is alleged both of them were hacked to death by a section of the protesters. Advertisement Amit Malviya, BJPs Information Technology Cell Chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal, uploaded the bodies of the killed father and the son on his official X account and said it was because of the reluctance of the state administration acting against those resorting to such violence in the name of protests. The third death is of an unidentified minor who was shot at Suti, also in Murshidabad, after getting trapped amid the violence. The youth and his friend reportedly got trapped amid the violence at the Sajur Crossing at Suti on Friday and were shot. Both the minors were rushed to a local hospital and finally one of them died at the hospital on Saturday. On Saturday, the Additional Director General of Police of West Bengal, Javed Shamim, informed media persons that a total of 118 persons have been arrested so far in connection with the violence at Murshidabad. He cautioned people of attempts to instigate violence through spreading rumours. Meanwhile, Malviya has accused the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Cabinet colleagues like State Library Services Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury of taking the first initiative to stoke widespread discontent over the Waqf Amendment Act, even when the Joint Parliamentary Committee and the Parliament were still discussing provisions to curb misuse and add safeguards to the new law. She has actively instigated and sponsored violence, particularly after Friday prayers. West Bengals state Library Minister, Siddiqullah Choudhury, who also heads the state unit of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind publicly said that a call came from the Chief Ministers office, saying that she was very happy to see such a gathering, the BJP leader had claimed. Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Minister had issued a statement where she for the first time proclaimed officially, directly and clearly that the Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in the state. In the statement, the Chief Minister also argued that since the new Act would not be implemented in West Bengal there was no need for protests against the act getting violent and turning into a riot-like situation in the state. Reacting to this statement, Malviya claimed that the Chief Ministers proclamation was utter falsehood. The truth is that no state government has the authority to block a law passed by the Indian Parliament. Mamata Banerjee has no choice but to comply. She bears full responsibility for the communal violence and the tragic loss of life that has followed, Malviya claimed in a statement issued on Saturday. Calcutta High Court today in a ruling asked the state government to deploy central forces in violent-hit Murshidabad with immediate effect. A special division Bench of justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury of Calcutta High Court, which was formed after the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, moved the division Bench of chief justice TS Sivagnanam while drawing his attention on deteriorating law and order situation in Murshidabad vis-a-vis a series of violence there, where three people had died so far. Advertisement The division Bench has also said that state police too would cooperate in maintaining law and order in its ruling. Advertisement Earlier, during the hearing today on Mr Adhikaris prayer for deployment of central forces in Murshidabad, the division Bench had given the state a 45 minutes time frame to let know its opinion. The state in its submission said that it was not necessary to deploy central forces in Murshidabad right now and that the state DGP Rajeev Kumar has already gone there to take stock of the situation. But the court in its ruling said: The court cant keep quiet should such a complaint like violence come to notice. It is the time to take punitive action by identifying the real culprits. To restore peace and harmony in Murshidabad is the main goal right now. This is why the deployment of central forces is needed. The deployment is likely to be extended in other areas too if complaints of violence come to our notice. However, seven companies of Border Security force ( BSF) has already been deployed by the state in trouble-torn Murshidabad before Mr Adhikari had moved the high court. Counsel of Mr Adhikari told the court that DM Murshidabdad was not letting the BSF to act. To this, the court wanted to know what they want? To which the counsel of Mr Adhuikari said in court they were for deployment of CRPF personnel there. Meanwhile, state DGP Rajeev Kumar today, at a press conference, said no violence would be tolerated. To save peoples lives is our duty. He said, To save peoples lives is our duty. The police are taking steps according to the requirements. But dont take our patience as our weakness. The police will act if necessary. On the alleged rumour mongering, the DGP said: Spreading rumours would have to stop. Peoples cooperation is needed. The ADG, law and order, Javed Shamim, too came down heavily on the rumour mongering. In a message, he said: Rumour mills are active round the clock to spread misinformation campaigns. People should be alert on this. Mr Shamin also said that till now, 118 people had been arrested in connection with the violence. A fast track court in Asansol has sentenced a person to life imprisonment in a murder case of his neighbour in presence of his mother about three years ago. On 18 January 2022, one Fajal Imam of Charbi Mohalla in Rahamat Nagar, under Hirapur police station was murdered. His neighbour Mohamed Ali alias Sonu stabbed him repeatedly with a knife in his abdomen in front of his mother due to an old rivalry. To ensure his death he also slit his throat with the knife and later snatched a scooty from a passerby from the lane in broad daylight and fled away. Advertisement He was taken to nearby hospital in profusely bleeding condition and was pronounced dead by the doctor. On the same evening, his mother had lodged an FIR against Mohammed Ali at Hirapur police station. Advertisement Hirapur PS arrested him and trial started at the Fast Track Court in Asansol, in which 22 witnesses were produced before the court including the attending doctor of the hospital. Binayananda Chatterjee, the government pleader said that all the witnesses had recorded secret statements before the judge and within three years the order had been padded in this murder case. The Trinamul Congress in its X-handle wrote: @WBPolice has made it unequivocally clear that no miscreant will be spared. The State Police is committed to taking the strongest possible action against anyone indulging in violence. Those attempting to exploit the situation to create unrest in the state have been duly warned. Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, speaking on the oppositions role in the violence, said: We are saying this repeatedly that a probe will investigate if BJPs agencies are using source money to aggravate the matter. Advertisement At the same time, information is being gathered to see if a section of CPI-M and Congress are handing over political ammo to the BJP by provoking some people. Advertisement Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad launched an indigenously developed resource adequacy model, STELLAR, in Delhi with a vital tool for discoms and load dispatchers. The tool is specifically designed to assist the states in carrying out a comprehensive resource adequacy plan in line with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June 2023. The CEA plans to distribute this software model to all the states and discoms free of cost. Advertisement The model explicitly considers chronological operation of the power system, commitment constraints of all units, endogenous demand response, and ancillary services among others. The benefits of the tool include ensuring adequate resource adequacy in the electricity grid, optimization of the cost of power system, energy ancillary services, size and location of the storage, generation expansion and system operation while considering the benefit of demand response. Advertisement The software has been developed with the active guidance of the CEA, ensuring complete transparency. Moreover, the entity will update and upgrade this tool based on further suggestions from the users of the software. The launch event highlighted the collaboration between the CEA, The Lantau Group (TLG), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the technical assistance program. Lucid Group, Inc. announced that it reached an agreement to acquire select facilities and assets in Arizona previously owned by heavy-duty commercial electric vehicle maker Nikola Corporation. Lucid also plans to offer employment to more than 300 former Nikola employees in roles across Lucid's Arizona sites. The transaction does not include the acquisition of Nikola's business, customer base or technology related to its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. The deal is subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Most Read on Manufacturing.net: The job offers cover various technical salaried and hourly positions, including manufacturing engineering, software, assembly, vehicle testing and warehouse support. Per the agreement, Lucid will take over Nikola's former Coolidge manufacturing facility and the Phoenix facility previously used as Nikola's headquarters and product development center. These buildings collectively add more than 884,000 square feet to Lucid's Arizona footprint. The majority of the space features manufacturing and warehousing buildings and includes development equipment with extensive battery and environmental testing chambers, a full-size chassis dynamometer and machining equipment. "As we continue our production ramp of Lucid Gravity and prepare for our upcoming mid-size platform vehicles, acquiring these assets is an opportunity to strategically expand our manufacturing, warehousing, testing and development facilities while supporting our local Arizona community," Lucid Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said. The agreement follows Nikola's bankruptcy auction, which concluded on April 10. The company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after predicting it would run out of money this year. The bankruptcy filing followed controversy surrounding Nikola founder Trevor Milton. In 2022, a jury convicted Milton of fraud for deceiving investors about the company's zero-emission 18-wheel truck technology. A judge sentenced Milton to four years in prison in 2023. Last month, Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky requested that a court order Milton to pay approximately $676 million in restitution to his defrauded victims. However, Milton received a pardon from President Donald Trump two weeks later. In April so far, the foreign investors have pulled out Rs 31,575 crore from equity markets in the wake of turbulence from tariffs imposed by the US. According to the data with depositories, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulled out Rs 31,575 crore from Indian equities between April 1 and April 11. With this, the total outflow by FPIs has reached Rs 1.48 lakh crore so far in 2025. Advertisement Apart from equities, FPIs took out Rs 4,077 crore from debt general limit and withdrew Rs 6,633 crore from debt voluntary retention route. Advertisement This came following a net investment of Rs 30,927 crore in the six trading sessions from March 21 to March 28. This infusion helped reduce the overall outflow for March to Rs 3,973 crore, according to data from the depositories. In February, FPIs took out Rs 34,574 crore, while in January, the outflow was even higher at Rs 78,027 crore. This shift in investor sentiment highlighted the volatility and evolving dynamics in global financial markets. The turbulence in global stock markets following President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs has been impacting FPI investments. In the medium term, FPIs are likely to turn buyers in India since both the US and China are heading for an inevitable slowdown as a result of the ongoing trade war. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday applauded the business ecosystem in the country, highlighting that India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. Addressing the CAPEXILs Vibrant Buildcon 2025, the minister asked industry stakeholders to adopt best practices in sustainability, reduce import dependency, focus on clean and green construction, and work towards earthquake-resistant and modular infrastructure. Advertisement Goyal highlighted Indias growing strength in the construction ecosystemfrom Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to domestic manufacturing under Make in India. Advertisement He underlined the importance of key sectors such as housing, infrastructure, commercial real estate, railways, airports, highways, and energy. Every element, from cement and electricals to security systems and automation, plays a part in this ecosystem, he said. Minister Goyal further said the rapid infrastructure development has happened under the leadership of the Prime Minister. PM Modi conceptualised world-class convention centres like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, both of which were built during the pandemic. These state-of-the-art venues have hosted global events such as the G20 Summit, BharatTex, Bharat Mobility and Startup Mahakumbh, he pointed out. The Minister listed several major government initiatives, including 20 new smart industrial cities, improved tourism infrastructure across 50 destinations, and 100 new industrial plug-and-play hubs. If we are to move from a USD 4 trillion economy today to a USD 30-35 trillion economy by 2047, every citizen must contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047, he said. He noted that today India is breaking silos, fostering collaboration, and reimagining the future with a convergence of minds. Vibrant Buildcon is only the beginning of the transformation of our construction ecosystem under one umbrella, the minister said. Drawing a connection between Indias food security and infrastructure growth, Mr Goyal said that Vibrant Buildcon exemplifies the countrys ability to support rapid urbanisation, housing for all, and logistics transformation. This platform showcases our manufacturing and infrastructure strength, which is crucial to attract global investments and reduce logistics cost, he added. As part of a crackdown on narcotic trade, a team of the Delhi Police busted a drug syndicate involved in supplying illegal drugs with the arrest of four drug peddlers, including a woman, from Rohini in North West Delhi, it said on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Goel said they received secret information about the movement of drug peddlers in the Rohini area. Acting upon the information, a team was dispatched to inquire into the matter. Advertisement Accordingly, on March 24, the team laid a trap in the suspected area to nab the accused. Later, the team got hold of one of the drug peddlers, identified as Gori Shankar (35), a resident of Raghubir Nagar, who had 44.55 grams of heroin in his possession, the DCP said. Advertisement During the probe conducted on March 26, the police arrested Akram (46), a resident of Vivek Vihar, who, on questioning, disclosed the identity and the hideout of one of his associates, Kamal Yadav. He was later arrested by the team of police and 35 grams of heroin were recovered from his possession. Furthermore, the kingpin of the gang, a 29-year-old woman, was arrested by the cops. Upon sustained interrogation, she confessed that she used to give illegal drugs to the previously arrested individuals who would supply them in different parts of Rohini. Further investigation into this matter is going on, the DCP stated. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday asserted that Delhi would soon become a health tourism hub as her government is committed to providing affordable healthcare facilities with schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Speaking at the 70th foundation day of Ganga Ram Hospital, Gupta said, Our government has allocated a budget of Rs 12,893 crore to improve health services, of which an amount of Rs 2,144 crore has been allocated for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Advertisement The government is planning to build 24 new hospitals in the national capital and add 16,000 new beds, she added. Advertisement Additionally, 400 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will be established to provide every citizen in Delhi with world-class health services, the CM said. Addressing the doctors and health workers present at the ceremony, Gupta said, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is a mere structure of bricks and mortar but a living embodiment of service, dedication, and excellence in healthcare. This ideology, which started in Lahore in 1921, took a new flight in Delhi in 1954, and today this institution has received respect not only at the national but also international level. Commending the hospitals role during the COVID-19 crisis, she called it unfortunate that the previous government failed to prioritize the health sector. During the pandemic, many lost their lives due to lack of timely treatment. While the previous government remained inactive, doctors at this hospital stood as a beacon of hope and served the people with unmatched dedication. Healthy Delhi is the foundation of a self-reliant India, and they are working in this direction. The institutions that treat healthcare as a mission, not just a service, are crucial. The government is committed to providing all possible support to such institutions at the level of policy, resources, and structure, she assured. Emphasizing the need to promote health tourism in Delhi, she said, We aim to make Delhi a global destination for medical treatment. Promoting health tourism will not only enhance medical services but will also strengthen the economic ecosystem. The Delhi government is continuously working to reform and expand the healthcare sector. The CM said that her government is not limited to only paper plans but understand the ground reality and work to bring solutions on the ground. Five members of an extended family were killed when their car rammed into a speeding truck near Jamwa Ramgarh in Jaipur district on Sunday morning. The victims were en route to Reengus in Sikar district to pay obeisance at the Khatu Shyam pilgrimage dham when their car collided with the truck at Nekawala Toll Plaza on Dausa-Manoharpur Highway. Advertisement Senior police and district officials, including the SDM of Jamwa Ramgarh, reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Advertisement Rescuers faced difficulties in retrieving the injured truck driver and the bodies of the victims trapped in the wreckage of the damaged vehicles. The deceased included a woman and a 12-month-old child, according to the police. The injured truck driver was admitted to NIMS Medical College Hospital. A police spokesperson added that a three-member medical board has been constituted to conduct the postmortem examinations. Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Sunday said that the CPI has taken a different stand from that of the CPI-M in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) case against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan because it is apprehensive of being isolated before the public. Speaking to media persons in Alappuzha on Sunday, Satheesan said CPI-M leaders are coming out in support of the Chief Ministers daughter out of fear of Pinarayi Vijayan. This, he added, was not the stand the CPI-M took when the Central agencies filed cases against Kodiyeri Balakrishnans son Bineesh Kodiyeri. Advertisement He said CPI state secretary Binoy Vishwa had initially supported the Chief Ministers daughter but changed his stance after a party meeting, driven by apprehension of being isolated in front of the public. It is not known how long Binoy Vishwam will stick to this position, he added. Advertisement CPI leaders do not have a vision, but a weekly stance. They change their position every week. It is not known how long Binoy Vishwas present stance will last, Satheesan said. On Friday, CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam said that his party would support the Chief Minister, not his daughter. While acknowledging Veena Vijayans right to run a private company, Viswam subtly distanced the CPI from the unfolding legal case. The CPI stands with Pinarayi Vijayan as the Chief Minister, but not with any individual controversies involving his family, he said. Binoy Viswams remarks didnt go down well with CPI-M leaders. State Education Minister V Sivankutty rebuked Binoy Viswam on Saturday, stating that the CPI leader should have raised his concerns at the LDF forum instead of going public. He said that the CPI state secretary need not be worried about Veenas case as she is fully capable of dealing with it. Terming the case against Veena as politically motivated, Sivankutty said the LDF and CPI-M fully support the CM in the matter. Coming out strongly in support of Chief Minister Vijayan, CPI-M state Secretary MV Govindan alleged that the case against Veena Vijayan is part of a larger conspiracy. Theres a witch-hunt against the Chief Minister by central agencies, sections of the media, and rival political parties. This is no different from the gold smuggling case that fizzled out, Govindan said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday said that the States long-standing battle against Naxal insurgency is now in its final phase. His assertion came during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony held at the Jharkhand Jaguar Headquarters in Ranchi, where the mortal remains of Constable Sunil Dhan were honoured. Advertisement Mr. Soren and Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar jointly paid floral tributes to the fallen jawan, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an IED blast in the West Singhbhum district a day earlier. Advertisement Constable Dhan, a member of the States elite anti-insurgency unit, Jharkhand Jaguar, and CRPFs COBRA battalion jawan Vishnu Saini were critically injured during an anti-Naxal search operation in the Jaraikela forest region. Both personnel were airlifted to Ranchi for urgent medical care. While Mr. Dhan died during treatment, Mr. Saini remains in a critical condition, according to a police statement. Speaking to the media following the ceremony, Chief Minister Soren said that the loss of jawans in the line of duty is a deep wound to the States collective conscience, but such sacrifices have brought Jharkhand closer to a decisive end to Naxalism. He remarked that what remains of the extremist movement is limited and desperate. Their attempts to destabilise the region through violence will not succeed. Our forces are in control, and the operation is nearing its final destination, he stated. Governor Gangwar expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that the government remains steadfast in its support for the families of those who have laid down their lives in service to the nation. He added that efforts are being continuously made to prevent such tragedies and ensure the welfare of the bereaved. Constable Sunil Dhan hailed from Kanti Podha Toli village in Karra block of Khunti district. He is survived by his mother Faguni Urain, wife Gandri Dhan, and two young sons, Priyansh and Aniket, aged six and four respectively. Later in the day, the Chief Minister visited the grieving family and offered his condolences. In his interaction with the family, he assured them that their sons martyrdom would be honoured by the State and that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time. Mr. Soren and Governor Gangwar also visited Raj Hospital to enquire about the health of injured jawan Vishnu Saini. Medical staff briefed them about his condition and assured that all necessary treatment was being provided. The Chief Minister directed that no effort be spared in his care. Senior officials including Director General of Police Anurag Gupta and Home Secretary Vandana Dadel attended the tribute ceremony, along with other senior members of the administration and police. Their presence underscored the States unified commitment to combating insurgency. With the growing confidence among security personnel and continued operations in sensitive zones, the government believes the State is on the verge of a lasting resolution to one of its most persistent internal security challenges. In the wake of three people being killed in the violence over Waqf Act protests in Muslim-dominated Murshidabad in West Bengal, BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato on Sunday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that select border districts of the state be declared disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Mahato alleged that repeated communal attacks on Hindus were the reason behind his demand to impose AFSPA in the bordering districts of Bengal. Advertisement Expressing deep anguish over the situation in certain districts of West Bengal, particularly Murshidabad, Mahato accused the ruling TMC of facilitating targeted violence against Hindus. Advertisement What we are witnessing on the ground is not merely sporadic lawlessnessit is sustained, targeted violence against the Hindu community, facilitated by political appeasement and administrative inaction under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime, he wrote. Bengal Burning. Hindus Bleeding. Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, South 24 ParganasHindus attacked, homes looted, lives lost. TMCs appeasement has failed law & order. Like Kashmiri Pandits once, Bengali Hindus are being hunted. I urge @AmitShah ji to impose AFSPA under Sec 3 pic.twitter.com/7OCyOl3G4O Jyotirmay Singh Mahato (Modi Ka Parivar) (@JyotirmayBJP) April 13, 2025 Narrating the alleged incidents of violence against Hindus, the BJP MP informed the Home Minister that In Murshidabad district alone, recent weeks have seen the looting and destruction of over 86 Hindu shops and homes, murder of innocent civilians like Hargobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, and targeted economic sabotage such as the burning of betel leaf plantations in Jhaubona village. These incidents are not isolated. Similar unrest has unfolded in Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas, where repeated communal riots, often aligned with TMCs appeasement politics, have left the Hindu population vulnerable and voiceless. He further stated that despite public outcry, even senior BJP leaders including the Leader of Opposition were barred from visiting affected areas, thus raising grave questions about transparency and the rule of law in the state. The violence following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill further exposed the collapse of law and order. Armed mobs attacked Hindu households, government properties, and even police forces. The Calcutta High Court had to intervene and order the deployment of central forces, a rare step that reflects the states administrative failure, said Mahato. He equated the condition of Bengali Hindus in some parts of the state to the Kashmir Pandit exodus of 1990. The fear, isolation, and targeted violence that Bengali Hindus in these districts are facing today echoes the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1990. The tragic silence of the administration, deliberate targeting of a religious community, and propaganda-driven unrest are all too familiar, he alleged. In view of the above-mentioned situation, the BJP leader urged Shah to consider declaring AFSPA in the bordering districts of West Bengalespecially Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, and South 24 Parganasunder Section 3 of the AFSPA Act, 1958. He argued this will restore order in the state and deter future communal targeting of Hindus. The move, he added, will also send a message among the Hindu community that they are not alone or abandoned. Former government pleader PG Manu was found dead at his rented residence in Anandavalleswaram, Kollam, on Sunday morning. He was found hanging inside his bedroom, where he had been living for the past few months. He had been living alone. Advertisement PG Manu was an accused in a 2024 case involving the alleged sexual assault of a young woman who had approached him for legal assistance. He was accused of raping the young woman multiple times. Following the registration of a case, Manu went into hiding. A lookout notice was subsequently issued by the police. Advertisement He later approached the Supreme Court seeking anticipatory bail, which was denied, with the court directing him to surrender within ten days. Following this, Manu resigned from his post as senior government pleader and surrendered before the police. The High Court later granted him bail, citing his poor health condition. At the time of his death, Manu was out on bail in the sexual assault case. Recently, a video surfaced online in which he was confronted by a family accusing him of multiple instances of sexual assault, including rape. In the video, the man behind the camera accused Manu of raping a woman by threatening her. Those close to him said the renewed attention on the case deeply affected him emotionally and may have led him to take the extreme step. Kollam West police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Accusing the Congress of killing the Cooperatives movement and destroying the Cooperative societies during its long rule in the country, Union Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing the first Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, 74 years after independence, and asserted that this is the golden time to revive the cooperative sector across the country. Shah was addressing the State-Level Cooperatives Convention organised under the ongoing International Cooperatives Year 2025 at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Over the years, the cooperative movement in the country was reeling at most places and it was almost taking its last breaths in some states, Shah lamented. He pointed out that the main reason behind this sorry state of affairs was that there was no entity at the Centre to take steps for the progress of the cooperative sector, and also because the old cooperative laws had not been changed according to the changing needs of time. Advertisement It was after 75 years of independence that PM Narendra Modi took the initiative and set up the countrys first Cooperation Ministry, Shah noted. The first step we took was to draft model by-laws for all the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the country, Shah informed. Since our intentions were honest and our efforts genuine, all the states in the country readily accepted and adopted the new model by-laws, he acknowledged. We also set up three new Cooperatives, including the Export Cooperative, the Organic Cooperative and the Seed Cooperative at the national level, the minister informed. I can guarantee that the Export Cooperative and the Organic Cooperative will surpass even Amul in the next 20 years, he claimed. He said farmers would benefit greatly from these cooperatives, as they would open the doors to international markets. The minister said that the union government has also set up a Cooperatives University. Lauding Madhya Pradesh, Shah informed that the state is number one in the country in the computerisation of the PACS. Madhya Pradesh has a lot of promise in the fields of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, the minister noted. Expressing happiness at the agreement signed on the occasion between the Madhya Pradesh Government and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for the promotion of the states Sanchi brand of milk and milk products, Mr Shah said this would go a long way in benefitting and profiting the dairy farmers of MP and further enhancing the milk production and milk-products related cooperatives in the state. Presently, MP produces 5.5 crore litres milk, but only one per cent of it goes to cooperative dairies, he pointed out. He said there is a need to improve the situation and the target must be to have cooperative milk production and milk processing units in at least 50 per cent of the states villages in the first five years of this agreement. He also asserted that it must be ensured that farmers get weekly payments and the quality inspection of milk and related products is done regularly and stringently. I assure you that the union government is ready to help financially and in all possible ways to achieve that aim, the minister stated. During his speech, Amit Shah quipped at one point, I was also surprised (on being made the union cooperation minister), just like Mohan ji said earlier. MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, who addressed the gathering before Minister Shah, had remarked in his speech that he was in a little doubt about how Amit Shah would revive the cooperatives movement, when Shah was declared as the first union minister for cooperation. Dr Yadav went on to say further, Amit Shahs performance has always been sterling in all the Ministries he has got, and he has done just the same in the Cooperation Ministry too. Trumps Liberation Day may be the first step in Americas exit from its role as the worlds economic anchor and trusted trade ally. Thats according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who didnt hold back in a press conference shortly after reciprocal tariffs on U.S. autos were announced. The system of global trade anchored on the United States is over, Carney said during the recent announcement. The 80-year period when the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership is over. While this is a tragedy, it is also the new reality.'' Don't miss As the former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, and an Oxford-Harvard trained economist, Carney certainly has the experience needed to help Canada navigate this new reality. But his stern warning is rippling far beyond Canadian borders. According to the BBC, world leaders, including EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, say the ongoing trade war will have dire consequences for millions of people across the world and undermine the global trading system. Heres why the chorus of concern continues to expand and how you can prepare for whats to come. The worlds largest buyer The U.S. isnt just the largest economy in the world, its also the largest consumer of goods and services. In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported goods worth $3.17 trillion in aggregate, according to Visual Capitalists coverage of World Trade Organization data. China, the second-largest economy in the world, is a net exporter, according to the Financial Times. As a result, the global economy heavily relies on American consumption, and any trade barriers, such as tariffs or embargoes, could have severe consequences for nearly every country. This is why Carney is warning that the Trump tariff policy could rupture the global economy. There are plenty of signals validating this thesis. Global stock markets have shed $9.5 trillion in total value since early April, according to The Street, while JPMorgans probability forecast for a U.S. recession this year sits at 60%. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has underlined the need to revise school curricula and suggested the introduction of general knowledge as a subject. He said the state would soon adopt an education policy that ensures holistic development of students. Sukhu stated this on the sidelines of flagging off a delegation of 70 teachers from across Himachal Pradesh for an educational visit to Singaporeon Sunday. The group comprises teachers from all categories across the state. The Chief Minister said that the state government has taken historic steps to strengthen and modernize the education sector, with the initiative of providing global exposure to teachers. He said that travel broadens knowledge and enhances experience. In a significant development, the state government has signed an agreement with the renowned Principals Academy in Singapore to provide world-class training to teachers. This initiative is expected to greatly improve their knowledge, skills and teaching methodologies, thereby directly benefiting students and transforming the education system into a more inclusive, effective, and modern framework, he said. The present state government was committed to bring continuous and positive changes in the education sector, he said, adding that by the year 2032, Himachal Pradesh would become the best state in the country in providing quality education. He further said that the transformational initiatives introduced by the government in the past two years have begun to yield positive results. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released in January 2025, children in Himachal Pradesh demonstrated the highest reading proficiency in the country. On several parameters, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a top-performing state in school education. This progress is also reflected in state-level sample surveys, which have shown significant improvement in student learning levels, he said. Apart from these administrative reforms, innovative efforts were being made to enhance the quality of education, including improvements in the transfer process. He praised the competence of teachers serving in government schools and said a study would be conducted to understand the reasons behind the declining enrolment in these institutions. Sukhu said that the present state government has initiated several key schemes for strengthening education sector and providing quality education to the children. He said that schemes like Mukhyamantri Sukhashraya Yojana, Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools, and centres of excellence have been started and these schemes would strengthen the education system of the state. He expressed confidence that this educational visit would serve as a source of inspiration for the teachers, who would return with enriched experiences to share with their students. On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented educational kits to the teachers departing for Singapore. Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that so far, 267 teachers have been sent to Singapore under this initiative and the programme would continue in the future. He said that this was not ordinary trip, but a visionary step aimed at transforming education system of the state. He said that quality-based training would bring about fundamental changes in the teaching-learning process. The Education Minister said that apart from teachers, students of government school have also been sent on international educational tours to expand their learning horizons. He said that these visionary decisions of the state government were bringing impactful changes in the education sector of the state. Advertisement Keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, every political party is competing with each other to woo the Dalit vote bank in the state. The Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party held separate programmes in Patna on Sunday and paid tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on the eve of his birth anniversary. Advertisement While the BJP organised a padyatra to mark the occasion, the JD (U) organised Bhim Samvad to give a big message to the Dalit community. Advertisement Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid tribute to the Dalit icon at the Bhim Samvad programme. He said that Ambedkar led a number of social movements to secure human rights to the oppressed and depressed sections of the society. He urged everyone to take inspiration from the Dalit icon and to imbibe his ideals. Nitish Kumar said: There has always been a sense of reverence towards him who played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of India, embedding principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity. On this occasion, the Chief Minister recalled how the state government has been working for the development of every section of the society since it came to power in 2005. He said, We have been working for upliftment of every section of society, whether they are Dalits, backward classes, or extremely backward classes. We have also worked for people belonging to the upper caste. We have done a lot of work for Muslims as well. No one has been neglected. Those who were given a chance by the people of Bihar before 2005 did not do any work. The Chief Minister released the book Dr Ambedkar Ki Viraasat aur Drishti written by Bihar Rural Works Minister Ashok Kumar Chaudhary based on the life of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. He also asked Ashok Chaudhary to publicise across the state about the efforts being made by his government specially for the upliftment of Dalit community in the state. Earlier, BJP leaders joined a padyatra from Gandhi Maidan to Bhimrao Ambedkars statue near Patna High Court to mark the occasion. The padyatra was led by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP State President Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha. A large number of youth from various communities also participated in this yatra. Dr Dilip Jaiswal asked youth to follow Dr Ambedkars footsteps and establish democracy in the real sense in the country. He also called upon BJP workers to spread Dr Ambedkars ideals to the people. The two-day Tourism Roadshow organized by the Jharkhand governments Tourism Department in Kolkata successfully created a platform for investors and industry representatives. The event not only highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Jharkhand and Bengal but also opened new avenues for partnerships and tourism potential. Advertisement Chief Guest Mr. Sudivya Kumar, Jharkhands Tourism Minister, in his inaugural speech, shared the rationale behind selecting Kolkata for the event. Advertisement Jharkhand and Bengal are not just neighbours; we are two pages of a shared legacy. From the travels of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the British Bengal Presidency, our traditions, flavors, and values are deeply intertwined, he said. The minister further elaborated that a majority of tourists visiting Jharkhand are from West Bengal, which was another reason Kolkata was chosen as the venue for the roadshow. He added, When tourists from Bengal visit the villages of Jharkhand, they are referred to as Changers, a term that symbolizes the cultural bond we share. Mr. Kumar also pointed out that the tourist experience in Jharkhand is unique, saying, Come to Jharkhand, where waterfalls dont just flow with water, but with music; where mountains are not just heights but hold stories within; and where every journey is an experience in itself. High-level B2G (Business to Government) meetings were held with prominent industry groups such as Ambuja Neotia, Polo Towers, Peerless Hotels, Hotel Sonar Bangla, and others. These discussions focused on tourism investments, infrastructure development, and potential partnerships. The minister emphasized that the government is dedicated to boosting investments in this sector and establishing Jharkhand as the next major tourist destination. During the event, Tourism Secretary Mr. Manoj Kumar presented a detailed overview of tourism development prospects in Jharkhand, highlighting the governments incentives and the opportunities available for investment in the tourism sector. The presentation was aimed at providing a new direction to Jharkhands tourism industry. In conclusion, the minister remarked, The Jharkhand government is alert and dedicated. We are ready to make our state your next destination. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Hemant Soren, we are committed to giving new dimensions to tourism in Jharkhand. The two-day roadshow not only attracted investors but also gave Jharkhands cultural and natural heritage a fresh identity. The event reinforced the fact that Jharkhands tourism potential is now on the path to reaching new heights. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called upon all sections of society to identify and isolate divisive forces and join the fight against the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. The LG was speaking on the occasion of Rajouri Day. He paid tributes to the Indian Army and civilian Bravehearts who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri on this day in 1948. Advertisement Attending a commemoration event at Rajouri, the Lieutenant Governor, along with Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command; Lieutenant General PK Mishra, GOC, White Knight Corps; Army veterans, public representatives and senior officials of security forces, J&K Police and Civil administrations, honoured the sacrifices of all the valiant soldiers and civilians. Advertisement The supreme courage and gallantry of our soldiers will be remembered forever for their indomitable courage, dedication to duty, and undying love for the motherland. The exemplary devotion to duty and self-sacrifices of soldiers have always protected us in the past, and their commitment to the nations integrity and sovereignty will continue to do so in the future. The nation is grateful to the real heroes for the invaluable sacrifices they have made, the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the legacy of courage of Lieutenant Ram Raghoba Rane, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and all those brave civilians and soldiers who stood tall against the enemy etched into the soil of Rajouri will continue to inspire the generations. This land of Rajouri is a witness to the resolve of our Bravehearts mind and the perfection of their action. This is also an occasion to imbibe the life values of all those heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the citizens. Todays occasion is also to inculcate in the minds of the youth of the new generation the values of those brave men who bravely faced the crisis that befell Rajouri, he said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that Rajouri Day symbolises the invincible strength of the Indian Army and serves as a reminder that we will never allow our unity and cultural flow to be fragmented. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had established Khalsa Panth on this day. His immortal teachings are constantly guiding our brave soldiers. His philosophy and values shape brave soldiers of the Indian Army and inspire them to renunciation, dedication, valour, and sacrifice, the Lieutenant Governor observed. Emphasising the need for unifying efforts against terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor called upon all sections of society to identify and isolate divisive forces and join the fight against the terror ecosystem. Today, we need to be more vigilant. The enemy is continuously trying to disturb our peace by sending terrorists. The Indian Army, the Central Armed Police Forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the public, should work together to completely eliminate the terrorists and their sympathisers. Our collective strength will successfully neutralise terrorism and enemy threats and pave the way for peace and development, the Lieutenant Governor said. A special postal cover commemorating the 77 glorious years of the liberation of Rajouri was released on the occasion. The Impressive Motorcycle Acrobatic display and cultural pageantry based on the different themes demonstrated the prowess of the security forces and the Jammu Kashmir Police. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, condoled the loss of lives in a factory mishap in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Advertisement In a post on X, the prime minister wrote, Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Advertisement An ex gratia of Rs two lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, he said. The prime minister said the local administration is assisting those affected. Eight workers died and several others injured in an explosion in a firecracker-making unit in Anakapalli district on Sunday. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh on the 106th anniversary of the tragic incident, asseting that the country will always remain indebted to them. Paying her rich tributes to the martyrs in an X post on Sunday, the President wrote, I pay my respectful tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Mother India in Jallianwala Bagh. Their sacrifice made the flow of our freedom struggle stronger. India will always remain indebted to them. Advertisement She expressed the confidence that taking inspiration from those immortal martyrs, all the countrymen would continue to contribute to the progress of India. Advertisement The Vice-President, paying homage to the valiant souls martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, said their unmatched sacrifice in the face of oppression remains etched in the annals of Indias freedom struggle. Bharat shall forever remain indebted to their courage, he wrote on X. Paying homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh, the Prime Minister Modi remarked that the coming generations would always remember their indomitable spirit. We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nations history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in Indias freedom struggle, Modi wrote on X. Calling the Jallianwala Bagh a dark chapter of Indias freedom struggle that shook the entire country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote in a post on X, The anger that arose among the countrymen due to the cruelty of the British rule, which had reached the pinnacle of inhumanity, turned the freedom movement into a struggle of the people. I pay my tribute to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The country will always cherish the immortal martyrs in its memories, Shah said. Union Health Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda in a post on X wrote, I pay my heartfelt tribute to all the immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Mother India. This brutal massacre is a living symbol of the inhumanity, cruelty and barbarity of British rule. He said the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice at Jallianwala Bagh would remain in the memories of the countrymen. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid rich tributes to the martyrs. The grateful nation will never forget the patriotism, courage, dedication, renunciation and selfless sacrifice of these freedom fighters. Their martyrdom will remain an unforgettable contribution in the freedom struggle, Kharge wrote on X. Gandhi in a post on X wrote, I pay my humble tribute to the brave martyrs who were martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This massacre is a symbol of the cruelty of a dictatorial regime, which this country can never forget. The sacrifice of our brave martyrs will continue to inspire future generations to fight against injustice. Suddenly China, slapped with over 100 per cent tariffs by the United States, is sidling up to our side. What should we make of this behaviour of the red dragon that at one time spews venom against us and when backed into a corner starts making conciliatory noises? China provides financial assistance and military aid to Pakistan. In effect, China and Pakistan have caught us in a pincer grip. Combined, the armies of China and Pakistan are much larger than Indias. India faces an uphill battle to beat these two in a two-front war. China has responded to Donald Trump the only way it knows how by imposing tit-for-tat retaliatory tariffs. Trump has also levied stiff tariffs on India, but India has not responded with action of its own. Advertisement Instead, India is counting on Modis rapport with Trump to establish a fair trade deal with the United States. The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in India, Yu Jing, claims to share facts. As if facts ever come out of the Peoples Republic of China. Covid-19 has waned for three years, yet we are still clueless about its origins. Did it come out of a Chinese lab or a Chinese wet market? The world needs to know to prevent another pandemic, but the Chinese wont tell. Advertisement In any case, Yu Jing says in a recent tweet on X: China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complimentarity (sic) and mutual benefit. Facing the U.S. abuse of tariffs, which deprives countries, especially Global South countries, of their right to development, the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties. Really? India claims leadership of the Global South, which China also does. When India holds a summit of the Global South, it doesnt invite China. When China holds a summit of the Global South, it never fails to disinvite India. What is the Global South anyway but a ragtag bunch of Third World countries (except China and India and one or two more)? The Global North is happy that the Global South is where it is, frankly in the dungeon. Both India and China aspire to be a part of the Global North. The minute they achieve that status, they will dump the Global South and all its leadership. India has many issues with China. First, there is the border dispute. Rahul Gandhi and Subramaniam Swamy claim that the Chinese have grabbed 4,000 square kilometers of our Ladakhi land. China also lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh. China mistreats a godlike person like the Dalai Lama by calling him a splittist. Why should we trust China now that Trump has boxed it into a corner? Let China fight its own battles with Trump. The European Union wants to flirt with China, but white nations will never band together with the yellow devil that they consider China to be. In the end, the Global North will resolve their own differences. China looks down upon us because we are brown-skinned. This is the truth, the naked truth. Why doesnt China give up its support for Pakistan? If it does, almost all of the problems in South Asia will get resolved. Our defence budget will come to less than half. We will progress much faster. Instead, China surrounds us with a string of pearls, trying to strangulate us. If we have a problem with say Maldives, China makes sure to rub salt in our wounds. Modi has established a fine friendship with Trump. The time to encash those chips are now. We shouldnt care about how Trump is treating other countries. We trade with China and we trade with the US. But our bonds the people to people contacts are much stronger with the US than with China. Indian people aspire to go to the US. Even Chinese people aspire to go to the US. The US is a much more foreigner-friendly country than China is. Trump is isolating the US today, but we must not isolate the US. The US gave us the nuclear deal. China firmly opposed it. The US pays lip service for us to join the UN Security Council as a permanent veto-wielding member, as well as the nuclear suppliers group. It may be lip service, but at least it is lip service. China is deathly opposed to our membership of both bodies. At every stage, China blocks our way. Then when it finds itself in a time of trouble, it reaches out its hand to us. But if we shake hands with it, we should be careful in counting our fingers afterward. Modi has expended an enormous amount of time and energy to befriend China, only to be spurned time and again. If we want to be a part of the Global North, we must make friends with the leader of the Global North. And the leader of the Global North, whether one likes it or not, is the United States. We must do what is in the best interest of India, and our best interests lie with the United States and not with China. We have been backstabbed by China once. Not any more. (The writer is an expert on energy and contributes regularly to publications in India and overseas.) China recently approved the construction of the worlds largest hydropower dam, across the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. When fully up and running, it will be the worlds largest power plant by some distance. Yet many are worried the dam will displace local people and cause huge environmental disruption. This is particularly the case in the downstream nations of India and Bangladesh, where that same river is known as the Brahmaputra. The proposed dam highlights some of the geopolitical issues raised by rivers that cross international borders. Who owns the river itself, and who has the right to use its water? Do countries have obligations not to pollute shared rivers, or to keep their shipping lanes open? And when a drop of rain falls on a mountain, do farmers in a different country thousands of miles downstream have a claim to use it? Ultimately, we still dont know enough about these questions of river rights and ownership to settle disputes easily. Advertisement The Yarlung Tsangpo begins on the Tibetan Plateau, in a region sometimes referred to as the worlds third pole as its glaciers contain the largest stores of ice outside of the Arctic and Antarctica. A series of huge rivers tumble down from the plateau and spread across south and south-east Asia. Well over a billion people depend on them, from Pakistan to Vietnam. Yet the region is already under immense stress as global warming melts glaciers and changes rainfall patterns. Reduced water flow in the dry season, coupled with sudden releases of water during monsoons, could intensify both water scarcity and flooding, endangering millions in India and Bangladesh. The construction of large dams in the Himalayas has historically disrupted river flows, displaced people, destroyed fragile ecosystems and increased risks of floods. Advertisement The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Dam will likely be no exception. The dam will sit along the tectonic boundary where the Indian and Eurasian plates converge to form the Himalayas. This makes the region particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, and sudden floods when natural dams burst. Downstream, the Brahmaputra is one of south Asias mightiest rivers and has been integral to human civilisation for thousands of years. Its one of the worlds most sediment-rich rivers, which helps form a huge and fertile delta. Yet a dam of this scale would trap massive amounts of sediment upstream, disrupting its flow downstream. This could make farming less productive, threatening food security in one of the worlds most densely populated regions. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, a Unesco World Heritage Site that stretches across most of coastal Bangladesh and a portion of India, is particularly vulnerable. Any disruption to the balance of sediment could accelerate coastal erosion and make the already low lying area more vulnerable to sea-level rise. Unfortunately, despite the trans-boundary nature of the Brahmaputra, there is no comprehensive treaty governing it. This lack of formal agreements complicates efforts to ensure China, India and Bangladesh share the water equitably and work together to prepare for disasters. These sorts of agreements are perfectly possible: 14 countries plus the European Union are parties to a convention on protecting the Danube, for instance. But the Brahmaputra is not alone. Many trans-boundary rivers in the global south face similar neglect and inadequate research. In our recent study, colleagues and I analysed 4,713 case studies across 286 trans-boundary river basins. We wanted to assess how much academic research there was on each, what themes it focused on, and how that varied depending on the type of river. We found that, while large rivers in the global north receive considerable academic attention, many equally important rivers in the global south remain overlooked. What research there is in the global south is predominantly led by institutions from the global north. This dynamic influences research themes and locations, often side-lining the most pressing local issues. We found that research in the global north tends to focus on technical aspects of river management and governance, whereas studies in the global south primarily examine conflicts and resource competition. In Asia, research is concentrated on large, geopolitically significant basins like the Mekong and Indus. Smaller rivers where water crises are most acute are often neglected. Something similar is happening in Africa, where studies focus on climate change and water sharing disputes, yet a lack of infrastructure limits broader research efforts. Small and medium-sized river basins, critical to millions of people in the global south, are among the most neglected in research. This oversight has serious real-world consequences. We still dont know enough about water scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts in these regions, which makes it harder to develop effective governance and threatens the livelihoods of everyone who depends on these rivers. A more inclusive approach to research will ensure the sustainable management of transboundary rivers, safeguarding these vital resources for future generations. (The writer is Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Geography, University of Manchester. This article was published on www.theconversation.com) Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi had a strange relationship with the Raj. His ritualistic act of seeking prior permission from the British India government prior to each movement and assuring that his intention would cause least harm to the authority, cast serious doubt on his anti-imperialist credentials. He demonstrated time and again his unshakable loyalty to the British. It is time we should examine dispassionately his attitude towards the Raj. Gandhi wrote in his letter to Sir Reginald Maxwell, Home Member of Viceroys Executive Council on 2nd December 1940, My desire is to cause the least embarrassment to the Govt. consistently with the prosecution of my mission Later in 1947, he wrote to his private secretary Pyarelal, you have referred to my attitude in regard to the British Empire. Let me tell you I derive no little strength from my implicit loyalty to the British Empire in thought, word and deed. This implicit loyalty to the British Empire he harboured even when he was in the thick of Satyagraha movements in South Africa. Advertisement To cite an example, in 1907, reacting to the Lala Lajpat Rai led anti-British agitations in Punjab he wrote, we stand to lose by ending British rule and that, if we wanted to, India is not in a position to end it. He then clarified his stand by stating further, Let us aspire to be as able and spirited as the colonists are, and demand and secure the rights we want. [Collected Works of Gandhi Vol.7pp6-7] Advertisement At the close of this piece he made a more shocking statement: The fault, in fact, lies with us. If we remove the fault, British rule, which is a cause of misery today, can become a source of happiness His subservience to the British Empire was so great that he unabashedly said in his Satyagraha in South Africa that if in South Africa he had faith in the British Empire and cherished the hope of achieving freedom under its aegis, he would like to advance the same arguments, in similar circumstances in India. Such an attitude prompted him to go for recruitment of Indians in the British Army in the First World War. He proudly mentioned his recruitment campaign in his autobiography. On 21 June 1918 he addres sed a public meeting at Nadiad inaugurating the programme for recruitment. One of the arguments he put forward to justify such a campaign was that if people wanted the Arms Act to be repealed they should render voluntary help to the government in the hour of its trial so that a bond of trust between them and the government would be built. The ban on possessing arms, then, would be withdrawn. Fortunately, there was hardly any taker for his recruitment proposal. In the meetings organized for his recruitment campaign, he was asked, You are a votary of Ahimsa, how can you ask us to take up arms? and What good has the Government done for India to deserve our cooperation? [Source: Gandhis Autobiography]. The logic of building trust between the colonial ruler and the people for empowerment of the people was too weak to be found convincing. One year after, in 1919, Gandhis announcement and recall of civil disobedience would clearly expose his surrender to the brow-beating of the Raj. On 24 June, he sent a cable to the Secretary of State for India that he would re sume civil disobedience in July unless the Rowlatt legislation was withdrawn. On July 5, the Secretary of State cabled the Governor of Bombay advising an interview with Gandhi to dissuade him from resuming the Satyagraha. On July 21, Gandhi issued a letter to the Press announcing postponement of civil disobedience in deference to the warning of the Viceroy. [Source: Mahatma Gandhi: a chronology: Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India] Behind all the fanfare of Gandhis non-violent protest movements, unmistakably there was a hidden purpose of facilitating the British administrative process in India. He broke rules, but with the permission of the ruler, and the ruler let him launch his movement and after a certain point honourably arrested him. People could not see through this game of non-adversarial opposition and remained overawed by his sacrifice when he was arrested. The man remained in absolute control of peoples emotions. No wonder, he would write to an English correspondent, Esther Faering, in April 1918, I am the one man who can today preserve the peace in India as no other man can. The British capitalized on this to channelize the anti-colonial spirit in the non-revolutionary path. Before the Dandi March, in January 1930, he made an interesting comment In Young India, I know that the non-violent revolutionary like me impedes the progress of the violent revolutionary. I wish the latter should realise that he impedes my progress more than I do his and that I, being a Mahatma, if left unhampered by him, am likely to make greater progress than he can [Collected Works of Gandhi, Vol.42]. By presenting himself as a Mahatma he thought he would be able to persuade all revolutionaries to support his non-violent movements. It sounds quite intriguing. The man was so enamoured of the Raj that he was willing to retain the Union Jack in our national flag after transfer of power. On 19 July 1947, in his prayer speech he referred to a letter in which the author said that he would tear apart the national flag if he would find the Union Jack in it. Gandhi said that he saw no harm whatsoever in the Union Jack occupying a corner in their national flag so long as India remained a dominion. [Mahatma: by D.G. Tendulkar Vol.8] But, why did he go for an all-out battle against the Raj launching the Quit India movement? Apparently, this does not go with his great faith in the benevolence of the British Empire. So, the factors leading to his Quit India movement will have to be examined carefully. (The writer is former Head of the Department of Political Science, Presidency College, Kolkata) The United Kingdoms latest step in civil service reform is striking both in scale and symbolism. The decision to cut 2,100 civil service jobs ~ almost a third of the Cabinet Office workforce ~ sends a strong message: the government is serious about reshaping the civil service and reining in administrative costs. But while this reform effort is being championed as a rational move toward efficiency, it also invites important questions about execution, impact, and long-term vision. On the surface, the rationale appears sound. The Cabinet Office, which has swelled significantly since 2016, reflects a civil service that has grown to meet the demands of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a series of governance challenges. Downsizing, in theory, could eliminate duplication, streamline operations, and reallocate resources to front-line services such as education, healthcare, and policing. In an era of tight public finances, such goals are politically appealing and fiscally prudent. Advertisement Yet, beyond the numbers lies a more complex reality. Civil servants are not just bureaucrats ~ they are the machinery that makes governance work. Cutting nearly a third of a central coordinating body, especially one tasked with ensuring coherence across departments, risks undermining the very efficiency the reforms claim to promote. The promise of doing more with less is often easier said than done, especially when the work being trimmed includes essential policy coordination, crisis response, and administrative support. Efficiency is vital, but it must be nuanced. Reform without a clear understanding of ripple effects risks unintended damage to the states long-term capability. Advertisement Furthermore, while the plan includes transferring 900 roles to other departments to avoid redundancies, 1,200 jobs will still be lost outright. These are not just statistics; they represent continuity and capacity that could be difficult to replace or replicate. A leaner civil service must also be a smarter one, which demands investment in training, technology, and leadership ~ not simply job cuts. The introduction of performance-based pay and tougher standards for senior officials adds another layer to the reform. In principle, accountability and meritocracy are cornerstones of a healthy public sector. But the question remains: will these measures foster innovation and improvement, or will they breed risk aversion and bureaucratic defensiveness? Civil service reform should aim to empower, not intimidate. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend not just on how much money it saves, but on how well the government maintains ~ or ideally enhances ~ its ability to serve citizens. Structural reform is necessary, especially after years of expansion driven by extraordinary circumstances. But reform must be guided by strategy, not symbolism. If the cuts weaken institutional capability or morale, the long-term cost could far outweigh the short-term savings. In pursuing a leaner state, the UK government is walking a tight-rope. The intention to modernise is commendable. The challenge will lie in ensuring that in trimming the fat, it doesnt cut into the muscle. The stock market has been volatile since President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs. Many equities plunged upon the news but recently have recovered a bit amid Trumps decision to pause tariffs on every country except China for 90 days. Be Aware: Trump Isnt Ruling Out a Recession This Year What Could That Mean for Your Wallet? Check Out: Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 Nvidia (NVDA) is one of those stocks. The artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker has produced generational returns over the past five years but is down for the year. Experts revealed the pros and cons to consider before buying Nvidia stock. Also see the two stocks that had higher returns than Nvidia in 2024. Nvidia Is Losing Pricing Power While tariffs are a looming concern, Stephen Callahan, a trading behavior analyst at Firstrade Securities, warned that Nvidia is losing pricing power, which can limit further gains. Most sell-side analysts are bullish on Nvidia and say if you have a time horizon of longer than 12 months, you should buy shares. However, besides the tariffs, one con to buying Nvidia right now is that its losing its strong pricing power, he said. It hasnt been able to increase average selling prices. If pricing power declines going forward, that would put a ceiling on earnings upside momentum. Over the past three quarters, Nvidias quarterly earnings have beat analysts expectations by smaller amounts. Read Next: Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Bought Over $73 Million in Shares of This Tech Company Heres Why A Healthy Correction for Long-Term Buyers David Capablanca, a short selling and trading expert who hosts The Friendly Bear podcast, said he keeps Nvidias long-term gains in mind when describing the recent price movement. 2024 was a monster year for the stock it went from around $50 to $150 so its natural to see a pullback, especially with the added pressure from tariffs. In many ways, the tariffs are helping to correct the stock to more reasonable levels, he said. If youre already a long-term holder, it may be tougher to manage through the volatility. But for new investors or those with cash on the sidelines, this pullback could present an opportunity to start building a position. He also cautioned about timing the market and attempting to find the bottom, even if Nvidia stock continues to decline in the short term. Nvidia has come down to around $100 and could go as low as $75. But trying to time the bottom is a dangerous game the key is averaging [into the stock] over time if you believe in the company long term, Capablanca said. The arrival of Tahawwur Rana on Indian soil marks a turning point in the protracted quest for justice following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. For a country still scarred by the traumatic events of 26/11, his extradition from the United States is not just a legal formality ~ it is a moment charged with symbolic and strategic significance. It rekindles hope that Indias pursuit of accountability for one of the most brutal terrorist assaults in its modern history has not been in vain. Ranas background adds layers of complexity to his case. A Pakistani-born Canadian citizen and former military doctor turned businessman, he may not fit the stereotypical image of a terrorist conspirator. Yet his connection to David Coleman Headley, the Pakistani-American who scouted the attack sites under the guise of business operations, places Rana in the orbit of those responsible for enabling the carnage that killed 166 people in Mumbai. Advertisement While a US court did not convict him for direct involvement in the attacks, his conviction for supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba ~ a designated terrorist organisation ~ speaks volumes. The extradition also signals a strong precedent for international cooperation in terrorism cases. When legal systems across borders align in the face of shared threats, justice becomes not only possible but inevitable. This case could inspire greater collaboration globally, making it harder for perpetrators to hide behind national boundaries or legal loopholes. For India, the significance of this extradition lies not only in prosecuting a long-sought individual, but also in what the process represents. Advertisement It underscores Indias growing diplomatic weight and its ability to pursue complex, protracted legal battles in foreign jurisdictions. More importantly, Ranas trial in India could shed further light on the broader network of individuals and institutions complicit in the attacks. Former prosecutors and officials have repeatedly pointed to the involvement of Pakistans state and intelligence machinery ~ an allegation that Pakistan has consistently denied. Ranas testimony and trial could provide new clarity, or at least reinforce existing suspicions with greater credibility. India must now ensure that his prosecution is conducted transparently, with due process and adherence to the highest legal standards. Given Ranas assertions regarding the risk of torture and mistreatment, the Indian legal system has an opportunity ~ and a responsibility ~ to demonstrate its maturity and commitment to justice. Fair treatment of an accused, even in a case as emotionally charged as this, strengthens the legitimacy of our democratic institutions. Ultimately, Ranas extradition is not the end but a renewed beginning. It brings the focus back to the victims of 26/11 ~ their families, their stories, and the unfinished pursuit of closure. The world watched in horror as Mumbai burned in 2008. Today, it watches again, this time to see whether justice can finally be served ~ not just through retribution, but through the slow, steadfast machinery of the rule of law. This is Indias moment to reaffirm that justice and accountability matter ~ even if they take decades to realise. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a prominent regional organization with increasing geopolitical and economic clout in the Indo-Pacific. The 2025 BIMSTEC Summit, recently held in Bangkok, Thailand, signaled potential shifts in regional cooperation strategies. Here, we argue that a paradigm shift is essential for BIMSTEC to evolve into a more effective regional body. Using a theoretical framework based on Regional Integration Theory and Constructivism, we can explore key dimensions to demonstrate the urgency and direction of this much-needed transformation. The geopolitical landscape of South and Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving, necessitating a rethink on regional cooperation mechanisms. BIMSTEC, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, was initially established to promote economic and technical cooperation. Advertisement However, persistent institutional weaknesses and inconsistent political will have limited its potential. The 2025 BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok took place at a crucial time when member states were grappling with post-pandemic recovery, environmental crises, and significant geopolitical realignments. These include internal turmoil in Bangladesh and Myanmar on one hand, and on the other, the shadow of war between Russia and Ukraine, the unresolved Palestinian issue, and the resurgence of Donald Trumps tariff-centric policies affecting global trade, all adding to a growing sense of a looming conflict narrative. Advertisement Against this backdrop, the 2025 summit provides a strategic opportunity to rethink and refra me BIMSTECs vision and functions. The need for a paradigm shift, therefore, is not merely notionally wishful but pragmatic and imperative, necessitated by the demands of a changing world. For any discussion to be meaningful, we link it to two theoretical perspectives: Regional Integration Theory and constructivism. RIT derived from the works of Ernst Haas and others, posits that economic interdependence leads to political cooperation, eventually fostering supranational institutions. BIMSTECs evolution mirrors this trajectory as it gravitates increasingly from technical cooperation to broader political coordination. Constructivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of identities and shared values in international relations. The rise of cultural diplomacy and people-to people contact within BIMSTEC exemplifies this approach of shared history and prosperity. These theories thus help us understand BIMSTECs transformation. In 2025, BIMSTEC has assumed newfound significance due to several interrelated factors. As SAARC remains paralyzed by Indo-Pak recrimination, BIMSTEC emerges as a promising alternative free from such bilateral impasse. Strategically located around the Bay of Bengal, the organization is poised to become a hub for regional trade and connectivity. The Bangkok Vision 2030, adopted during the 2025 Summit, articulated a shared roadmap that emphasized resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability, reaffirming the commitment to deeper integration. Natural disasters like the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake prompted calls for better-coordinated efforts towards disaster management. In response, India has proposed and subsequently established the BIMSTEC centre of excellence for disaster management. Besides, under Prime Minister Modis stewardship, India has also proposed i) the establishment of a sustainable maritime transport centre, ii) a maritime agreement was also concluded to ensure a free, open, safe Indian Ocean, iii) upskilling of the youth through BODHI initiative, and, iv) establishment of a BIMSTEC chamber of commerce. Through this flurry of initiatives, India wants to transform BIMSTEC as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, thereby making it a linchpin in the Indo-Pacific regional order. Indias proactive role and Thai lands centrality have made the group strategically relevant, especially as the global community increasingly views the IndoPacific as vital to global stability. The identification of priority areas like financial inclusion demonstrates a growing seriousness in institutional capacity-building. The summit also signified a paradigm shift in how BIMSTEC seeks to upgrade and recalibrate regional cooperation. Departing from earlier declarations, the organization has embraced time-bound, actionable strategies across diverse areas such as maritime security, climate resilience, digital connectivity, and traditional medicine. Importantly, the inclusion of non-state actors ~ civil society, think tanks, private sector ~ reflects a move toward inclusive and participatory governance. The organization is gradually transitioning from a realist, state centric model to a constructivist framework grounded in shared norms and collaborative policy-making. The issue of Chinas absence from BIMSTEC remains central to debates on the organizations future. While some view Chinas exclusion as a missed opportunity for financial investment and connectivity, others argue that it provides BIMSTEC a unique chance to chart its own course, independent of hegemonic pressures. By forging partnerships with Japan, the EU, and Gulf nations, BIMSTEC can maintain strategic autonomy while attracting alternative sources of investment. However, the re-emergence of President Trumps protectionist economic policies introduces uncertainties. For BIMSTEC nations, many of which are export-dependent and rely on a stable global economic order, such policies could pose challenges. However, these constraints also offer a silver lining in terms of a renewed quest to strengthen intra-regional trade, reduce overdependence on western markets, and cultivate self-reliance. To strengthen collaboration and coordination among BIMSTEC business communities, PM Modi has called for an annual BIMSTEC business summit. A critical theme at the 2025 summit was environmental sustainability. Rapid urbanization in cities like New Delhi, Dhaka, and Colombo has led to increased pollution and infrastructural stress. The Green City initiative can be a panacea insofar as sustainable urban planning is concerned. The dual challenges are to decide the modus operandi to integrate renewable energy and eco-friendly architecture while promoting cultural connectivity as a soft power tool, reinforcing bonds through shared traditions, language, and heritage. These socio-cultural linkages, if institutionalized, can serve as the bedrock for regional solidarity. Economic rejuvenation remains a pressing priority. The pandemic and natural calamities have left economies fragile and fragmented. BIMSTEC should take up appr opriate action plans to revitalize growth by revamping its long-pending free trade area and investing in regional infrastructure. Streamlined trade procedures and integration of MSMEs into value chains can accelerate economic recovery. In this regard, special attention must be given to financial mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives to support smaller economies. Developmental disparities among member states continue to hinder progress. Landlocked and resource-constrained countries like Nepal and Bhutan require targeted support. A dedicated BIMSTEC development fund could offer financial backing for critical projects, while educational exchanges and vocational training programs could help bridge skill gaps. Emphasizing asymmetrical responsibility would ensure equitable contributions based on capacity. Lastly, the simmering tension between Bangladesh and Myanmar, largely due to the unresolved Rohingya crisis, threatens to derail collective efforts. Without addressing this humanitarian concern, trust and transparency within the organization will remain fragile. Similarly, the controversial presence of Myanmars military leader underscored the delicate balance between pragmatism and diplomacy. The leadership handover from Thailand to Bangladesh also highlighted the importance of equitable representation in the organizations leadership structure. With structured dialogue and active civil society engagement, BIMSTEC has to fulfill its mission and affirm its credibility. The 2025 summit marks a critical turning point in the evolution of the organization. It illuminated both the latent potential and persistent limitations of regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. While the Bangkok Vision 2030 and new areas of collaboration signaled a renewed commitment, the implementation gap remains a core concern. Drawing upon regional integration theory and constructivism, we can say that the progress of BIMSTEC is fair, although it must transition from a state-centric, declaration-oriented approach to a more inclusive, norm-driven, and action based framework. Such a transformation requires greater involvement of academia and private stakeholders, as well as the institutionalization of mechanisms for conflict resolution, equitable development, and environmental sustainability. To move forward, BIMSTEC must not only navigate the complex geopolitical environment marked by great power competition, economic uncertainty, and regional tensions but also build internal cohesion based on shared values, mutual respect, trust, transparency, and strategic interdependence. Only through this multidimensional paradigm shift can BIMSTEC emerge as a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready regional architecture capable of addressing 21st-century challenges. The writers are, respectively, Head, Department of Political Science, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, and Assistant Professor, Dept. of History, City College, Kolkata Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Saturday highlighted the leadership of the USSR and Russia in space exploration on the occasion of the Cosmonautics Day, citing the significant role it played in the development of the Indian space programme. Alipov took part in the opening of a memorial plaque at the Russian House in New Delhi dedicated to the founders of the Russian cosmonautics theoretical scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, rocket engineer and spacecraft designer Sergei Korolev and first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Advertisement In his address, Alipov underscored that the achievements of Soviet and Russian scientists and cosmonauts not only ensured the leadership of the USSR and Russia in space exploration but also played a significant role in the development of the Indian space programme. The Ambassador specifically mentioned the flight of the first Indian cosmonaut, Rakesh Sharma, aboard the Soviet spacecraft in 1984, as well as noted the scale of joint projects of the two countries in space research. Advertisement Among other speakers at the event were Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India Elena Remizova, cosmonaut, Hero of the Russian Federation Denis Matveev, and Rajeev Kumar Jaiswal, Officer on Special Duty, Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation. The programme also included a screening of the Russian feature film Challenge the first movie in history shot in space, as well as an interactive session between guests and Matveev, who told the audience about the work of ISS expedition participants in zero-gravity conditions and the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. April 12 is the International Day of Human Space Flight, established by a resolution of the United Nations. On this day in 1961, the Vostok spacecraft was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome with cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin on board the first person to conquer outer space and open a new page in the space era of mankind. In 2025, Russia celebrates the anniversaries of two major events in the history of space exploration. 60 years ago, on March 18, 1965, cosmonaut Alexei Arkhipovich Leonov became the first person on earth to walk in outer space. On June 2, Russia, Kazakhstan and the entire world will celebrate 70 years since the founding of the main space harbour the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a grandiose achievement of the Soviet Union, which to this day is a symbol of not only science and technological power, but also friendship and cooperation. Thousands of protestors gathered in Bangladeshs capital Dhaka on Saturday under the banner of March for Gaza, expressing solidarity with Palestine and slamming the United States for backing Israel. They chanted slogans like Free Palestine, Stop Israeli aggression, Boycott Israeli products, Boycott US and Donald Trump, and so on, local media reported. Advertisement Several media reports also suggested that the protestors beat the images of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Leading political parties of Bangladesh Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Hefazet-e-Islam Bangladesh and Amar Bangladesh Party and several Islamic speakers came out in support of the event. The protestors called on leaders of the Muslim world to cancel all existing agreements and diplomatic relations with Israel. They also demanded reinstatement of the except Israel clause in Bangladeshi passports. The countrys leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that people started marching toward Suhrawardy Udyan from various places of Dhaka from the morning to join the mass gathering, halting traffic in Shabagh and adjacent areas. On Thursday Khaleda Zias BNP also brought out a rally in Dhaka expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and Rafah in Palestine. Earlier this week, similar pro-Palestine protests erupted in the country, leading to violence in several parts of the region. The mob targetted Israeli-linked businesses and also several outlets of foreign companies. Security was beefed up in Dhakas diplomatic enclave, particularly around the US embassy, following the protests in the area. Personnel from Border Guard Bangladesh, Armed Police Battalion, Special Branch, Criminal Investigation Department, intelligence agencies and Bangladesh army were deployed to monitor security in the highly-sensitive zone. In addition, security measures were increased at other embassies in the Gulshan area. Saturdays protests once again exposed the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh even though the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has said that people responsible for violence and destruction during the earlier pro-Palestine protests will be apprehended. The South Koreas Democratic Party (DP) has decided to select its presidential candidate through an even split between votes by dues-paying members and a public poll, its election preparation committee said on Saturday. Party members aged 16-18 will also be allowed to vote for the first time, following a 2022 revision to the Political Parties Act that lowered the minimum age for party membership from 18 to 16. Advertisement Primaries will be held across for regions Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, Jeolla and the greater Seoul area with dates yet to be announced. Advertisement The public poll will survey 1 million people through two survey companies, Yonhap news agency reported. The committee will finalise the decision after a full party vote Monday and an online vote by its central committee Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said that he will not be running in the June 3 presidential election as he apologised over the failure of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols government. Oh made the announcement at the conservative People Power Partys headquarters in western Seoul against expectations he would run for the upcoming election, triggered by Yoons ouster over his failed martial law bid in December. To restore the abnormal back to normal, I will be the priming water, like a soldier without a rank, he said. I feel indescribable despair and infinite responsibility for the impeachment of the president our party produced. I humbly apologise for the halt to state affairs and bringing big disappointment to the people, he said. No one in our party is free from responsibility for the failure of the Yoon Suk Yeol government. He called on his party and presidential hopefuls to focus on growth and helping the underprivileged, vowing to support efforts to create a new government with those who share his goals, Yonhap news agency reported. Multiple conservative politicians have announced their bids for the upcoming election, including former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon. Meanwhile, the South Korean government designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency. The government also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday. The National Election Commission began early candidate registration shortly after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday. Recent market turmoil sees value-based investments in dividend-yielding equities becoming a compelling alternative to growth stocks investing among institutional players. Multiple strategists covered by CNBC noted portfolio managers pulling their investments from speculative names and diverting into more fundamentally grounded positions to overcome the unpredictable policy actions and inflation volatility. In this regard, safe dividend stocks provide income without compromising their defensiveness qualities that are becoming harder to ignore in todays time. Investments in dividend stocks are not just about cushioning against losses but also about long-term compounding and shareholder rewards. Investors prioritize dividends for the sake of sustainable yield that builds wealth gradually. Companies with strong dividend track records have historically stood against worse market conditions more effectively than their non-dividend counterparts. These stocks have safely harbored elevated capital inflow at times of increased volatility, indicating their trust in the broader market. President Trump made a recent announcement, an update to the new tariff policies, whereby a whopping 145% rate is slapped on Chinese imports while maintaining a 10% baseline for other countries for 90 days. Negotiations are expected between the U.S. and other countries during this period, which, if they do not go well, will bring back the reciprocal tariffs originally announced on April 2, 2025. The announcement sent ripples once again across the global trade. All the major indices are struggling to find equilibrium in the middle of the uncertainty. The situation further raises the importance of stabilized equities that could remain immune to the market whiplash up to some level. With fresh trade tensions arising from unprecedented policy revisions from Washington, price appreciation alone may not be a dependable strategy for investors. Income-focused portfolios are becoming more than just a hedge. They are a necessity. The stock market has become increasingly volatile, constantly causing investors to look for stability. But few instruments offer stability as much as dividend-paying stocks. Today, in this article, we will be looking at the 10 safest dividend stocks you might be interested in adding to your portfolio. We recently published a list of 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) stands against other safest dividend stocks to buy now. Story Continues But which dividend stocks to pick? Investors are facing not only economic cycles in todays market environment but also political cycles. Trade, taxation, and regulation are politicized so that the markets are exposed to a profoundly impactful risk that cannot be quantified. It calls for a revisal of a portfolio that includes equities rooted in strong fundamentals and offers high yields. With this in mind, our article will explore the 10 safest stocks investors could buy now to add resilience to their portfolios. Our curated selection is designed to offer consistent payouts and protect capital from the tremors induced by policies today. You might want to safeguard your capital, generate passive income, or just sleep better at night. Our picks in this article offer you all these in a market that is anything but predictable. Our Methodology When assembling our list, we followed a few criteria to optimize our picks for the investors. Primarily, we included those stocks with a minimum market cap of $2 billion to ensure the financial soundness of the companies. We also aimed for those stocks that have outperformed the benchmark, so we excluded those below the 52-week market performance of 3%. Since we want our article to benefit income-seeking investors, we placed a dividend yield limit of a minimum of 2%. Above all, we included only those stocks with a beta of 0.5 or less. A higher beta suggests higher volatility in market events, which increases the potential risks. All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yield. We have also looked into the hedge fund backing the stock to estimate the institutional interests. 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 newsletters 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). Is Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW) the Safest Dividend Stock to Buy Now? Aerial view of well-maintained overhead power lines stretching along a rural landscape. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) Beta: 0.47 Dividend Yield: 2.94% No. of Hedge Funds: 38 Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) is the parent company of Arizona Public Service (APS), which delivers electricity to more than a million customers. Their generation portfolio includes nuclear, solar, and natural gas. Operating from its Arizona headquarters, the company prioritizes grid reliability and sustainability. Compared to other utility companies like El Paso Electric and NV Energy, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) survives in the market through its focus on energy innovation in desert environments. The company leverages solar capacity expansion to support Arizonas growth. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) has quietly delivered a high growth of 24.97% in the past 52 weeks, eclipsing the broader market. The full-year EPS of the company in 2024 reached $5.24, an increase of $0.83 from 2023. In the Q4 quarter results, the company has also announced a 2.1% growth in customer rate, which is above their midpoint guidance range for 2024. For 14 consecutive years, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) has been increasing its dividend per share at an average rate of 1.73%, demonstrating its commitment to increasing shareholder value. The company has also set the long-term EPS growth guidance between 5% and 7%. The companys low beta of 0.47 and a 2.94% dividend yield make it preferable for conservative investors seeking relatively less risky dividend stock. Institutional confidence in the stock stands high, with 38 hedge funds backing the company, as per Insider Monkeys Q4 2024 database. Overall, PNW ranks 6th on our list of safest dividend stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of PNW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than PNW but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend 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. When posted to Moscow as young diplomats in the early 1980s, we were warned, by gruff men in dark glasses, against the famed KGB honeytrap: we waited in vain for the femme fatale to appear. Meanwhile we shivered in sub-zero temperatures and foraged for the next meal in a market plagued by shortages. One of my lifelines was a bread shop across the sweeping Kutuzovsky Prospekt; it was a place of great whimsy: often, its bare shelves stared back stonily but, on some days, a fresh loaf of black rye would make the revolution seem worth it. Four decades later, the same bread shopand not some long-legged ballerinais my improbable, tenuous link to the murky world of Cold War espionage. It was there, in July 1985, that the KGBs Oleg Gordievsky, arguably the most significant double agent of the Cold War, flew the signal to his MI6 handlers that he needed to be rescued from the Soviet Union. As previously agreed, he held in his hand a Safeway bag, with its distinctive red logo; in acknowledgement, a British intelligence officer walked past him holding a green Harrods bag and eating a Mars bar, thereby activating Operation Pimlico, one of the most daring escapes engineered during the Cold War. Imaging: Deni Lal Gordievskys alternative to a chancy escape was certain execution. Once a KGB rising star, he had lost faith in the Soviet system, disillusioned by the building of the Berlin Wall and the crushing of the 1968 Prague Spring. An admirer of western democracy and freedom, he was a ready recruit for MI6, an ideological convert not unlike Kim Philby, only in the opposite direction. For 13 years, he lived dangerously as a double agent in an operational landscape of handlers, safe houses, dead drops and brush contacts. And even as he supplied MI6 with invaluable intelligence, he rose to become the KGBs top man in the UK. But in 1985, a KGB mole in the CIA brought Gordievsky under suspicion. He was recalled to Moscow, drugged and interrogated. But he refused to confess. Instead, standing outside that bread shop, he activated the escape plan and was miraculously smuggled into Finland in the boot of a British intelligence officers car, leaving behind his wife and two daughters. Gordievsky impacted the Cold War at a crucial time when Reaganite rhetoric, Soviet paranoia and the downing of a Korean airliner in September 1983 had ratcheted tensions to a dangerous high. NATOs war game Able Archer set off alarm bells in Moscow as a possible prelude to a nuclear strike. Gordievskys reports, conveyed to Thatcher and Reagan, provided new insights into Kremlins fears and sobered up western rhetoric, avoiding a possible nuclear confrontation. When Gorbachev, still a rising star, visited London in 1984, Gordievsky provided critical inputs for his meeting with Thatcher, and did the same for Thatcher through MI6. Not surprisingly, the meeting was a success and Thatcher famously concluded that Gorbachev was a man one could do business with. Oleg Gordievsky died last month, having lived for 40 years under a false name in a safe house in suburban England. An intelligence celebrity, he gave interviews, wrote books, was received by Thatcher and Reagan and honoured by the Queen. But it must have been lonely: though reunited with his family, his marriage did not survive the stress it underwent and he never saw his mother or sister again. Ben Macintyre, the author of the marvellous The Spy and the Traitor, best sums it up: The pantheon of world-changing spies is tiny but Gordievsky is in it, somewhere near the top: the most solitary man I have ever met, and the bravest. The writer is former ambassador to the US. HOW CAN ONE NOT WEEP after reading Souri Rajus statement? The fifth-generation gravedigger and state secretary of the graveyard workers association in Karnataka told Senior Special Correspondent Prathima Nandakumar, We grew up eating rice sprinkled on cemeteries and have come to realise that we carry nothing with us when we leave this world. In that statement, he unintentionally points a finger at policy makers, and you and me, dear reader. He did credit providence and the goodwill of grief-stricken families, but his crediting God and charity in a democracy also says a lot about our system, does it not? Stories like Rajus abound in this weeks cover story put together by Prathima, Senior Special Correspondents Lakshmi Subramanian and Puja Awasthi, and Special Correspondent Rahul Devulapalli. Once you read the articles, you cannot remain unmoved, dear reader. On the political front, Senior Correspondent Nirmal Jovial writes from Madurai, against the backdrop of the recently concluded party congress of the CPI(M)its 24th. With former Kerala education minister M.A. Baby being elected the partys general secretary and with the party being in power only in Kerala, there is a feeling that the state units shadow will loom large on the national party. Polit Bureau member Mohammed Salim told THE WEEK that the Kerala CPI(M) rolling out the red carpet for private investors had to be seen as creative application of left alternatives and M.V. Govindan, the partys Kerala secretary, said that the party does not see the Kerala government as a Marxist alternative, but as a democratic alternative. As always, journalists will have a tough time interpreting the Lefts statements, but these are interesting times for Left watchers. We have also taken note of the All India Congress Committee session in Ahmedabad, the first in Gujarat since the 1961 Bhavnagar session. Correspondent Badar Bashir explains the significance of the meeting in the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. There is a detailed report by Senior Special Correspondent Kanu Sarda on the BJPs push for legal uniformity in the light of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. It is bolstered with interviews with Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, MP. Chief of Bureau, Delhi, Namrata Biji Ahuja interviewed both. And then Special Correspondent Anjuly Mathai takes you on a trip into the world of celebs and their hobbies. For example, Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee spoke to her about foodthe cooking, the eating, the memories and the economics of it. Be her guest, take a bite of the story and stay back with us to enjoy the meal. In closing, let me go back to the cover and share a story from my fathers library of experiences. He grew up in verdant Kuttanad, where the lands natural beauty hid many sins. In the absence of formal facilities, our family supported the lone teacher at the local school, where students sat on the floor of the classroom. When my father joined school, the teacher provided him with a bench. He did it unasked and, perhaps, out of a misplaced sense of gratitude. As a child, my father did not realise that the bench represented a privilege which far outstripped the simple furniture. Through the grapevine, my grandmother came to know about this concession and stormed into the classroom. She pulled my father off the bench and tossed it out into the schoolyard. Quite certainly, my father would have been thunderstruck by what happened that afternoon and he would have been sad, too. No one asked him before putting him on the bench; no one asked him before pulling him off, either. The incident finds a mention in his autobiography, and the admiration for his mothers action shines through. Sometimes, I feel we do not deserve our wise and saintly mothers, dear reader. How much did they teach us without teaching us? Theres an apocryphal story about a Chinese commander having boasted in 1962 that if he were to launch a southward push after breakfast, he could eat his lunch at Siliguri and dinner in Calcutta. The story put the fear of the dragon in Indian generals minds; they fortified the Siliguri corridor forthwith, and the whole of north Bengal afterwards, rendering the commissar-commanders noodle dinner dreams pretty stale. Nine years later, India helped create a Bangladesh, which we could count on to be with us in rain, shine, war, trade and cyclone. The Siliguri Corridor, 17km wide at its narrowest and bounded by Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, is known as eastern Indias choke point or chickens neck. If a Chinese general advances 130km from Chumbi valley and breaks into the corridor, he can cut off Indias northeast from the mainland. Now Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh is giving salivating meal ideas to Chinese strategists. In Beijing late last month, he told his hosts that the Banglas are the only guardians of the ocean for all this region, and all this region could be an extension of the Chinese economy. The geostrategic import of the words were grave enough to make Narendra Modi agree to a meeting with the banker-turned Bangla ruler in Bangkok, and tell him to choose his words carefully. Imaging: Deni Lal But whats the big deal? Wasnt Yunus telling a few truisms in geography? More. He was also giving them lessons in geopolitics. Tactically put, he was telling the Chinese that if they could manage their lunch at Siliguri, he could host them to tea at Banglabandha and dinner at Chittagong. Banglabandha, if you dont know, is the northernmost town of Bangladesh, just about 19km by road from Siliguri, and less as the drone flies. Indeed, nothing has changed on the tactical ground. Our defences remain impregnable; the passage from Chumbi is so narrow that the Chinese will have to advance single file, and our boys can cut them down easily; we man the mountain heights, so a Chinese assault would need eight to 20 times more strength. Our guns are in position, our satellites are on the lookout, our radars are scanning the skies; our Rafales and Jaguars in Hasimara and Bagdogra are ready to scramble, our S-400 batteries are on the alert; our BrahMos commanders are peering at targets 300km into Tibet; and our boys are on constant mountain vigil. But a lot has changed in the strategic ground. How? Will explain. Armies require room for manoeuvre, and choke points dont yield an inch of it. Indian commanders had been resting assured with the thought that when the chips are down, and if the Chinese came down the hills, the friendly Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh would yield them the room for manoeuvre. Ever since he launched his economic belt-and-road, and India stayed away, Xi Jinping has been seeking to deny the strategic buffers that India had maintained on its frontiers, and the tactical room for manoeuvre that Indian Army had counted on. Remember Xis bid to build a road into Doklam in Bhutan and how violently India reacted in 2017? We launched Op Juniper, sending 270 armed troops with bulldozers to block the Chinese. The Chinese went back, and we ensured that our room for manoeuvre in Bhutan remained ours. Bhutan was our ally, and still is; so our bluff prevailed. With Yunus, its different. One, he isnt our ally. Two, he is saying: room for manoeuvre? Sorry gentlemen, count me out; any room for manoeuvre in the Bangla land is being leased out to my Chinese friends to trade and prosper. prasannan@theweek.in Zero-for-zero tariffs may be possible between the US and the EU, but not between India and the US, official sources told agencies. A zero-for-zero tariff strategy, which means both sides cut all tariffs, is highly unlikely under the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the US, according to official sources, as the two nations are at different economic development levels. The official doubled down that the India-US agreement would be more of a package deal. Trade agreements do not work in a way where if Trump slashes tariffs on electronics to zero, India would do the same, too, they said. The latest statements to agencies came amid both countries negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) since March. The first phase of the BTA is expected to conclude by October this year, which aims to lift bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The BTA also looks to cut customs duties on a significant number of goods traded between India and the US, along with easing norms to promote further trade in services. For India, this means duty concessions on textiles, gems, leather, plastics, chemicals, and horticulture products. The US, on the other hand, will look at India cutting tariffs on EVs, industrial goods, liquor, and petrochemical products. The US, Indias largest trading partner in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024, accounts for about 18 per cent of the countrys total goods exports. In fiscal 2024, India posted a $35.32 billion trade surplus in good with the US in bilateral trade. Indias exports include drug formulations and biologicals (now at more than $8 billion annually), telecom instruments, precious and semi-precious stones, petroleum products, jewellery, garments and textiles (especially cotton). India imports more than $4 billion of crude oil and $3.5 billion worth of petroleum products from the US. On Sunday, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said that the export of smartphones (especially iPhones), tablets, and laptops from India to the US would be cheaper by 20 per cent compared to those shipped from China following the recent tariff changes. The Trump government on Saturday exempted smartphones, tablets, laptops, and some other electronic devices from new tariffs. "China still has 20 per cent of iPhones, laptops, tablets, and watches, ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo told agencies, India has zero tariffs on iPhones and all smartphones, laptops and tablets exported to the US. Industry experts and market analysts are of the opinion that the recent tariff rejig is a great opportunity for India to plan for a long-term strategy for stability in business and investments between the country and the US. Police in three different parts of India reported cases of fraud and corruption on Saturday. In Thane, law enforcement slapped a Mumbai man in a case for allegedly cheating an IT professional of 1.96 crore and attempting to murder them by poisoning them. In another disconnected incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau filed a chargesheet against 22 persons for allegedly fraudulently withdrawing payments after tampering with revenue records in Budgam district. In Gurugram, an IndusInd Bank employee was apprehended by police for allegedly defrauding an investor of 35 lakh fraud, according to the authorities. The alleged perpetrator of the Thane crime befriended the 43-year-old victim and convinced him to invest in land at Chiplun, Ratnagiri. The accused reportedly took 92.7 lakh from the victim and emotionally manipulated, blackmailed, and threatened him to hand over property documents, according to officials, along with gold coins worth 1.03 crore. The complaint cited that the accused forced the victim to prepare a will in his name, and made him consume liquor laced with a suspicious white powder. According to reports, forensic analysis said that tricyclic antidepressants and barbituratespotent sedatives and toxinswere given to the victim in high doses. An FIR was registered against the Sion-resident accused, under sections 109 (attempt to murder), 123 (causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offence, 318(4) (cheating), and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to police. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) accused 22 including two collectors of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), four retired public servants and 16 beneficiaries, as per the chargesheet. The anti-graft body filed a case after a joint surprise check (JSC) into allegations of abuse of official positions of the Rukhs and Farms department in Kashmir. According to the authorities, some Revenue and Agriculture department officers conspired with certain beneficiaries to fraudulently inflate land records. This led to them claiming excess compensation, leading to losses worth 38.20 lakh. The ACB slapped a case under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006. Closer to Delhi, Gurugram police said they arrested an employee of the IndusInd Bank in connection with 35 lakh investment fraud. The arrest, according to police, was based on a complaint by the victim who alleged the Faridabad resident duped him of 35.69 lakh using fraudulent investments in the share market. The accused allegedly opened a bank account in a fake company name and transferred 1.21 lakh from the proceeds of the fraud to it, further investigation revealed. Financial cyber crimes have also been on the rise recently. On Saturday, 13 persons were arrested from Ghorpara forest in Jharkhands Deoghar district for allegedly deceiving people and siphoning off money from their accounts by posing as bank officials and customer care representatives, according to police. Thirteen mobile phones and several SIM cards were also recovered from the possession of the accused, according to Deoghar district police. A little over a month after he was expelled from the Bahujan Samaj Party, Akash Anand, a nephew of party supremo Mayawati, took to social media on Sunday and apologised for his recent post on X, which had led to the action against him. "I seek forgiveness for a tweet I posted a few days ago, which led to my removal from the party by Behan ji. I assure that I will not take any political decision based on advice from relatives or external advisors," he said. Mayawati expelled Akash from the party on March 3, a day after he was removed from all party posts. The BSP chief had said Akash's social media verbosity was an indication of his political immaturity. Mayawatis stated reason for Anands removal was that he was too influenced by his father-in-law who she had earlier expelled from the BSP for allegedly trying to split the party. Anand wrote on X that he considered Mayawati his only political guru and that he would always give due respect to the seniors in the party and learn from their experiences. The timing of his apology is also symbolicApril 14 is the birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. But could this pave the way for his return to the party, given that Mayawati had earlier said that she would not appoint a successor during her lifetime? Anand has pleaded for a return to the party. He has asked for forgiveness for his mistakes and asked for another opportunity to work for the party. He has also promised that he will never do anything that will harm the self-respect of his aunt. He has also promised that the only person he will seek guidance from is his aunt. Reactions to Anands posts were quick. Some social media users suggested that he should forget about the BSPwhich has not been doing well electorallyand join the Samajwadi Party. Others have applauded him for making the first move to apologise. Some have cautioned him to be wary as Mayawati, even if she takes him back, might eject him from the party yet again. Ritesh Kumar (35), a migrant worker from Patna in Bihar, who is accused of rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Hubbali, was killed in a police encounter on Sunday evening. The Ashok Nagar police in Hubballi formed five teams to track down the accused after the girl's parents informed them that their daughter was missing. After a thorough search, her body was recovered from a dilapidated toilet in the neighbourhood on Sunday morning. Karnataka: In Hubballi, a 35-year-old man named Ritesh Kumar from Bihar, accused of abducting, raping and murdering a 5-year-old girl, was killed in a police encounter after attempting to escape. Three police officers were injured during the incident pic.twitter.com/S3Vx73zump IANS (@ians_india) April 13, 2025 It was suspected that the child had been abducted by an unidentified man probably when the mother, a house help, was at work. The accused had lured the girl when she was playing inside the compound of the house where her mother was working. She was taken to an abandoned toilet, where she was sexually assaulted and killed by strangulation. The girl's body was shifted to the Karnataka Medical College and Research Centre Hospital. Hubballi-Dharward police commissioner N. Shashi Kumar stated that the incident took place around 10.40 am on Sunday in a shed near Vijayanagar. "We also filed a POCSO case as the CCTV footage that recorded the kidnap showed inappropriate behaviour by the man. We tracked down the accused following leads given to us by the locals. He told us he was away from home for the past few years and was doing odd jobs for a living and had come to Hubballi three months back, said the commissioner. However, the accused did not divulge his identity during interrogation. So, we took him to his house, an abandoned house near the Tarihal underpass to ascertain his identity. But once the police reached the spot, he started throwing stones at our personnel and the vehicle. At least three policemen were injured. In self-defence, our PSI Annapurna opened fire in the air to warn him. But he tried to escape and the PSI shot at him. He was hit near the chest and though we rushed him to the hospital, he was declared dead," informed the commissioner. Earlier, the locals had staged a massive protest in front of the police station demanding the immediate arrest and death penalty for the suspect. They also demanded that the migrant labourers be thrown out of the twin cities as they were indulging in serious crimes like rape and dacoity. A day after the states chief secretary listed why privatisation of the power sector was a must, agitating employees have labelled him a liar. On Saturday the states chief secretary, Manoj Kumar Singh, had said that privatisation would improve service delivery, enhance agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and facilitate industrial development. ALSO READ | UP: Electricity workers threaten indefinite strike against privatisation Now the Vidyut Karamchari Samyukta Sangharsh Samiti, a union of employees has said that privatisation has failed in Odisha, Delhi and Chandigarh. The union has dubbed it a loot of public property. A loot that the agitating employees say they will not allow in Uttar Pradesh. Office bearers of the union said that in Odisha, 17 years after privatisation, the states Electricity Regulatory Commission cancelled the licenses of all three Reliance Power companies in 2015 due to inefficiency and massive corruption. In Chandigarh, the electricity department was making profits and the annual profit was about Rs 200 crore. The assets of Chandigarh Electricity Department worth Rs 22,000 crore were sold for just Rs 871 crores. Annual transmission losses were at eight per cent. The privatisation story was only of a government department being sold to a private company for a pittance. In Delhi, 1970 employees who were compulsorily retired after Tata Power took over are yet to receive their dues, 19 years after they lost their jobs. The company was spending Rs 137 crores every year to fight cases against 300 employees but was not willing to pay them their dues. The Sangharsh Samiti said that the electricity workers from these states would soon come to Lucknow to tell the story of their woes before the media. The statement of the chief secretary that in most advanced states, electricity is in private hands is misleading and unfair. From April 16, across the state, power department employees will start a massive public outreach programme. They have threatened to boycott work till the privatisation decision is withdrawn. The Maharashtra police have registered a case against a young IPS officer for allegedly raping a woman doctor promising to marry her. A case has been registered in Nagpur and a police probe is underway, officials said. Nagpur police have registered a case against the IPS officer based on the complaint of a 28-year-old woman doctor. According to police, the victim approached the Imamwada police station and filed a complaint against the IPS officer. According to the victim, the victim got in touch with the accused officer through social media platforms while he was preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. The victim was pursuing MBBS course then. They got close soon and the acquaintance soon developed into a relationship, police said. The accused promised to marry the woman and got into a physical relationship with her, police told PTI. However, the accused allegedly started avoiding the victim after he got selected for IPS. The accused started avoiding the woman and refused to marry her. The mans family also allegedly started avoiding the victim, police said. The victim charged the IPS officer abused her physically and mentally after he got selected for IPS and used casteist slurs against her. The victim had reportedly visited the officer in Hyderabad, during his training and pressed him for marriage, but he allegedly dismissed her. Based on the victims complaint, a case on charges of rape was registered against the IPS officer. Police are investigating. Recent market turmoil sees value-based investments in dividend-yielding equities becoming a compelling alternative to growth stocks investing among institutional players. Multiple strategists covered by CNBC noted portfolio managers pulling their investments from speculative names and diverting into more fundamentally grounded positions to overcome the unpredictable policy actions and inflation volatility. In this regard, safe dividend stocks provide income without compromising their defensiveness qualities that are becoming harder to ignore in todays time. Investments in dividend stocks are not just about cushioning against losses but also about long-term compounding and shareholder rewards. Investors prioritize dividends for the sake of sustainable yield that builds wealth gradually. Companies with strong dividend track records have historically stood against worse market conditions more effectively than their non-dividend counterparts. These stocks have safely harbored elevated capital inflow at times of increased volatility, indicating their trust in the broader market. President Trump made a recent announcement, an update to the new tariff policies, whereby a whopping 145% rate is slapped on Chinese imports while maintaining a 10% baseline for other countries for 90 days. Negotiations are expected between the U.S. and other countries during this period, which, if they do not go well, will bring back the reciprocal tariffs originally announced on April 2, 2025. The announcement sent ripples once again across the global trade. All the major indices are struggling to find equilibrium in the middle of the uncertainty. The situation further raises the importance of stabilized equities that could remain immune to the market whiplash up to some level. With fresh trade tensions arising from unprecedented policy revisions from Washington, price appreciation alone may not be a dependable strategy for investors. Income-focused portfolios are becoming more than just a hedge. They are a necessity. The stock market has become increasingly volatile, constantly causing investors to look for stability. But few instruments offer stability as much as dividend-paying stocks. Today, in this article, we will be looking at the 10 safest dividend stocks you might be interested in adding to your portfolio. We recently published a list of 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) stands against other safest dividend stocks to buy now. Story Continues But which dividend stocks to pick? Investors are facing not only economic cycles in todays market environment but also political cycles. Trade, taxation, and regulation are politicized so that the markets are exposed to a profoundly impactful risk that cannot be quantified. It calls for a revisal of a portfolio that includes equities rooted in strong fundamentals and offers high yields. With this in mind, our article will explore the 10 safest stocks investors could buy now to add resilience to their portfolios. Our curated selection is designed to offer consistent payouts and protect capital from the tremors induced by policies today. You might want to safeguard your capital, generate passive income, or just sleep better at night. Our picks in this article offer you all these in a market that is anything but predictable. Our Methodology When assembling our list, we followed a few criteria to optimize our picks for the investors. Primarily, we included those stocks with a minimum market cap of $2 billion to ensure the financial soundness of the companies. We also aimed for those stocks that have outperformed the benchmark, so we excluded those below the 52-week market performance of 3%. Since we want our article to benefit income-seeking investors, we placed a dividend yield limit of a minimum of 2%. Above all, we included only those stocks with a beta of 0.5 or less. A higher beta suggests higher volatility in market events, which increases the potential risks. All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yield. We have also looked into the hedge fund backing the stock to estimate the institutional interests. 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 newsletters 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). Is Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG) the Safest Dividend Stock to Buy Now? A view of a transmission tower carrying electric wires over the horizon. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) Beta: 0.49 Dividend Yield: 2.99% No. of Hedge Funds: 42 Based in New Jersey, the diversified energy company Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) is primarily engaged in regulated electric and gas utility operations through its subsidiary, PSE&G. The company serves customers across New Jersey with a heavy investment focused on energy efficiency, grid modernization, and renewable integration. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) distinguishes itself from its competitors with its nuclear generation capacity and commitment to decarbonization. Additionally, its strong infrastructure and regulatory stability pave the way for the companys long-term energy transition leadership. The 23.32% return over 52 weeks, when the large caps have achieved less than 3%, demonstrates Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG)s growth stability during challenging market conditions. Having reached a net income of $3.54 per share in 2024, the company achieved the high end of its non-GAAP operating earnings guidance range of $3.68 per share. For the 14th consecutive year, the Board of Directors has announced an increase of $0.12 per share of the annual common dividend. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) also gained approval to invest $2.9 billion in its Clean Energy Future Energy Efficiency 2 program. The program is expected to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, leading to the companys value growth in 2025. The restrained beta of 0.49 reflects Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG)s strong market insulation. A dividend yield of 2.99% ensures income continuity, while the strong institutional interest, represented by 42 hedge funds, indicates the underappreciated potential of the company as one of the safest stocks to buy. Overall, PEG ranks 5th on our list of safest dividend stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of PEG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than PEG but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend 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. The ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party engaged in a war of words in West Bengal on Sunday even as hundreds of people started fleeing the violence-hit areas of Murshidabad district. At least three persons have lost their lives since the violence broke out during the anti-Waqf law protests in the district on Friday. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose accused the BJP of spreading fake videos and photos of violence and arson on social media. On X, Ghose shared a screenshot of a post of the state BJP containing photographs which the saffron party claimed were that of the violence during Hindu festivals in West Bengal. None of these incidents happened in the state, Ghose said as she listed the specific locations. "The violence in Murshidabad has been deeply unfortunate. The Bengal government is clear no one will be allowed to take law into their hands and violence will be met with strict punishment, irrespective of community or religious identity of the perpetrators. However, the BJP, at the moment, is engaging in the politics of religious polarisation and incitement, she said. Shocking & alarming. @BJP4Bengal is brazenly spreading FAKE NEWS. Photos of violence from OTHER STATES, ( most from BJP ruled states) are being used as photos from Bengal. These are clear examples of hate mongering & conspiracy. @KolkataPolice & @WBPolice, must take IMMEDIATE & pic.twitter.com/XCXWxqGDV0 Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) April 13, 2025 TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the photos shared by the BJP were that of the violence which had taken place in various other places including Assam, Lucknow, Jalandhar and Karnataka. Political parties that cannot win democratically are indulging in such plots to disturb peace, he said. The BJP, meanwhile, alleged that religious persecution in West Bengal is real. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river and take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said in a post on X. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda. Religious persecution in Bengal is real. Appeasement politics of pic.twitter.com/gZFuanOT4N Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) April 13, 2025 He alleged that the appeasement politics of the Trinamool Congress had emboldened the radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land! Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law and order, he said. Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough, he further said. The Calcutta High Court on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad district to assist in restoring normalcy. Violence continued in the area even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an appeal for peace, saying the controversial law would not be implemented in the state. Several vehicles were set on fire, shops and houses were vandalised and stones were pelted at security forces clashes rocked the district on Friday. Over 150 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. Hindus are forced to flee and temples are being deliberately targeted in the name of quest for justice in Murshidabad, charged Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of inaction against violence under the pretext of waqf protests. BJP charged the violence was a calculated effort to alter the demography of the region. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda. Religious persecution in Bengal is real. Appeasement politics of pic.twitter.com/gZFuanOT4N Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) April 13, 2025 BJP chief and Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari charged appeasement politics of Trinamool Congress has emboldened radical elements in West Bengal. More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda. Religious persecution in Bengal is real, Adhikari tweeted. The situation in Murshidabad is so dire, it scarcely resembles West Bengalthe ancestral homeland of Bengali Hindus. Hindu familiesespecially women and girlsare fleeing Dhulian in Shamsherganj by boat, seeking refuge in Parlalpur village of Baishnabnagar. What was once a pic.twitter.com/frcZqF7Pqi BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 13, 2025 Adhikari charged Hindus are being hunted in the state and they are running for their lives. Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order. I urge the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the District, the State Police and the district administration to ensure the safe return of these displaced Hindus & protect their lives from this jihadist terror. Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough, he said. The party charged temples were deliberately targeted in Murshidabad under the guise of Waqf protests. The Calcutta High Court came down heavily on the West Bengal government on Saturday and ordered the deployment of central paramilitary forces to control violence. We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in few districts of the State of West Bengal," the court said. At least three people were killed in the clashes and over 138 have been arrested in connection with the violence. Pattali Makkal Katchi leader and former Union minister Anbumani Ramadoss said he would continue as party president, refusing to step down though his father and party founder Ramadoss recently overthrew the former and declared himself as party president. Ramadoss made Anbumani working president and party leader G.K. Mani honorary president. In a letter addressed to party workers, Anbumani said he is writing the letter to end confusions regarding the party presidents role. Anbumani said he was elected as PMK president as per party guidelines and will continue to function in the role. I was elected as the president of the party at the general council meeting held in Chennai on May 28, 2022, with the blessings of Doctor Ayya (Ramadoss) and with your support. This has also been recognized by the Election Commission of India. Having been duly elected as the president of the party by the general council members and with the approval of the Election Commission, I will continue to serve as the president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, Anbumani stated in the letter. The PMK leader said he would work towards strengthening the party. Recently, PMK founder Ramadoss declared himself as party president in a press conference and claimed the decision was taken to prepare the party for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. In view of the 2026 assembly elections in the state, I take charge as the president of the party and appoint Anbumani Ramadoss as the working president of the party, Ramadoss had said on Thursday. The clash between the father-son duo came out in public after they engaged in a verbal fight during the partys general council meeting last year. Ramadoss appointed his grandson P.Mukundan as secretary of the partys youth wing secretary, a decision Anbumani vehemently opposed. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, who has been at loggerheads with the M.K. Stalin government, sparked yet another controversy after he allegedly asked students to chant Jai Shri Ram at an event in Madurai. Ravi was the chief guest of the event held at a private engineering college on Saturday. After his address, the governor asked students to chant after him the slogan, reported ANI. His remarks stirred up a political storm with Congress MLA J.M.H. Hassan Maulaana accusing him of being a propaganda master of the RSS. Maulaana, who represents Velachery constituency, said Ravis remarks did not behove the constitutional post held by him. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi asks students to chant 'Jai Shree Ram' during a function in a college at Thiruparankundram yesterday. Congress MLA from Tamil Nadu, JMH Aassan Maulana, says, "He is in one of the highest posts in this country, and he is speaking like a pic.twitter.com/viPRZl1rq5 ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025 "The governor is occupying one of the highest posts in the country but he is speaking like a religious leader. He has become a propaganda master of the RSS and the BJP. See, this is not the way the governor can act, he told the news agency. "What the TN Governor is doing is highly condemnable, he is acting like an RSS face in Tamil Nadu and spreading its ideology. The position he holds is a constitutional post, so he has to remain neutral," Maulaana further said. State Platform for Common School System - Tamil Nadu, a non-profit academic body, sought Ravi's removal from the post, saying the governor has violated the Constitution. "Mr RN Ravi violated his oath of office. He failed to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions. Mr RN Ravi should be removed from the Office of Governor of Tamil Nadu forthwith for deliberately violating Article 159 of the Constitution of India, it said in a statement. Ravi, who has a penchant for controversy, recently faced a setback from the Supreme Court which came down heavily on the governor for sitting over the bills passed by the state legislature. The top court cleared 10 bills that were stalled and reserved by the governor for the President's consideration. It also set a timeline for all governors to act on bills passed by state assemblies. The National Investigation Agency is questioning Tahawwur Rana for the third consecutive day and sleuths are trying to unravel the role Rana played and the persons he met ahead of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The central agency has been granted Ranas custody for 18 days. A 12-member multi-agency team including officers from NIA and Intelligence Bureau are interrogating Rana. Lodged in a special cell inside the NIAs headquarters in Delhi, the 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman is being probed about his connections in India, his relationship with terror attacks mastermind David Coleman Headley and his trips to various parts of the country ahead of the attacks. According to reports, investigators are trying to unravel specific details regarding Ranas role in the attacks and his communications with Headley ahead of the attacks. Investigators are also questioning Rana about the testimony he gave to the FBI. The Department of Justice in the United States in a statement said, after the attacks, Rana told Headley that Indians deserved it. He also allegedly said the nine terrorists involved in the attacks must be given Pakistans highest gallantry award for fallen soldiers. Reportedly, investigators are probing about persons Rana met days before the attack. Rana is also being asked about people he met in the lead-up to the attacks, especially a key contact in Dubai who, according to officials, may have been aware of the plan to target Mumbai, Hindustan Times reported quoting officials. Meanwhile, security has been heightened at the agencys headquarters and security personnel are keeping a close watch so that Rana doesnt hurt himself in the cell. He has been provided with the Quran at his request and pen and paper. He requested for a copy of Quran which we provided. He is seen offering Namaz five times in his cell, an official told the publication. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to have another sunny day, according to a weather forecast for Sunday by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). Coastal and internal regions of the country alike are going to feel the heat, reports said, as the temperature is expected to rise as the day progresses. Here are five things the weather department has predicted for April 13, Sunday: 1. The weather is expected to be fair in general across the country with intermittent cloud distribution and clear skies. 2. UAE's coastal areas are likely to experience high humidity levels on Sunday, the Khaleej Times said in a report. Citizens preparing to step out in the afternoon should prepare for the worst since humidity should be highest during these hours, reports said. 3. The coastal belt is likely to witness day temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celcius as the day progresses. According to media reports, the internal regions may witness varying temperatures which are not likely to fall below 41 degrees Celcius. 4. "Light to moderate winds" are expected to blow from the southeast to northeast of the country, which may record speeds between 10 and 25 km/h at times, Arab media reports said. The wind speed is likely to touch the 35 km/h mark at times in some places, it added. 5. Meanwhile, the lowest temperature for the day was recorded in Mezaira (Al Dhafra Region) at 04:15 am UAE Local time -- 21.1 degrees Celcius. Some cloud formation is likely in the eastern parts of the country, UAE Official Weather Instagram page said. France President Emmanuel Macron's stance for a Palestine state has angered Israel but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son Yair Netanyahu took it to a whole new level by openly posting a crude remark in response to Macron's social media statement about the French policy. Macron had said that France could recognise a Palestinian state in June, stating that his country supported the legitimate right of Palestinians to a state and to peace. He reiterated French stance on Saturday, stating that "peace requires the release of all hostages, a lasting ceasefire, the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, and the pursuit of a political two-state solution." "I support the legitimate right of Palestinians to a state and to peace, just as I support the right of Israelis to live in peace and security, both recognized by their neighbors. The upcoming conference on the two-state solution this June must be a turning point. I am doing everything I can with our partners to reach this goal of peace. We truly need it." To this, Yair lashed out at Macron."Screw you! Yes to independence of New Caledonia! Yes to independence to French Polynesia! Yes to independence of Corsica! Yes to independence of the Basque Country! Yes to independence of French Guinea! Stop the neo imperialism of France in west Africa!" Yair replied. Screw you! Yes to independence of New Caledonia! Yes to independence to French Polynesia! Yes to independence of Corsica! Yes to independence of the Basque Country! Yes to independence of French Guinea! Stop the neo imperialism of France in west Africa! Yair Netanyahu (@YairNetanyahu) April 12, 2025 Many Israelis supported Yair, further slamming Macron telling him to "stop lecturing anyone about "peace" and "two-state solutions" while France still plays 19th century empire in West Africa". Israel had slammed France for its stance, calling the plan to recognise Palestinian state as a 'prize for terror'. Israel has long opposed outside countries recognizing Palestine. Yair Netanyahu, who lives in the US, has always been a controversial figure in Israel. Recently, a an Israeli opposition lawmaker had alleged that Yair was "exiled" to the US after hitting his father. Democrats MK Naama Lazimi made the remark in a session of the Knesset Finance Committee in which she alleged that Miami-based son Yair's security details costs around NIS 2.5 million (US$701,000) per year. Netanyahu's Likud Party rejected the statement as a "lie" and threatened legal action against Naama Lazimi. There were also reports that a recording of a conversation between Yair Netanyahu and the son of gas magnate led to a US investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a possible bribery deal. A 5.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Myanmar on Sunday morning. The epicentre was recorded in Wundwin township near Meiktila in central Myanmar. The quake comes more than two weeks after a massive 7.7 magnitude quake rocked Mandalay, killing several thousands. Why is Myanmar prone to earthquakes? Myanmar is located on the plate boundary between the India Plate and Eurasia Plate, which makes it among the most seismically active countries. Since the Indian plate keeps moving towards the Eurasian plate, the Sagaing Fault running through the central region of Myanmar witnesses massive quakes. Wundwin, the epicentre of the latest quake, is located between Mandalay and Myanmar's capital Naypitaw. The depth was estimated at a depth of 20 kilometre, according to Myanmar's Meteorological Department. No casualties were reported in Sunday's temblor. In the March 28 quake, at least 3,649 people were killed and 5,018 people were injured. Reports said that people rushed out of their homes during the quake. Witnesses also reported damge to ceilings of buildings in the tremor. Following the deadly earthquake in March, India was among the first nations to send aid to Myanmar. Initially, an aircraft loaded with 15 tonne of relief material was sent to Yangon. Later, two more aircraft transported NDRF personnel and the Indian Army's Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders to the quake-hit country. The medical team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, provided advanced medical and surgical care as well as casualty treatment. They also set up a medical treatment centre with 60 beds to treat the injured. India had also sent two naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying humanitarian relief material weighing 40 tonne. These included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps and generator sets. Ukraine has said an F-16 fighter jet was downed during a combat mission on Saturday. It also confirmed the death of the 26-year-old pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, in the mission, according to reports. The Ukrainian Air Force attributed the loss of the US-made jet to the Russian attack, stating "On April 12, 2025, while performing a combat mission on an F-16 aircraft, 26-year-old Pavel Ivanov died (...) he died in combat." However, what grabbed the eyeballs was how Kyiv did not mention the circumstances leading to the incident and the death of Ivanov Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelenskyy too confirmed Pavlov's death, adding that Kyiv "needs reports from the military on this combat situation." "We are investigating all the circumstances," the President added. He also vowed a "strong and precise" response, implying Russia was to blame. While both Russian and military bloggers claimed the F-16 was brought down by a surface-to-air missile, speculations that it was Ukrainians themselves who brought down the F-16 in friendly fire have gained strength, especially in the wake of Zelenskyy's statement that Kyiv needed reports from the military in this regard. The first videos of piloting of F-16 fighters by Ukrainian pilots in Romania. Ukraine will probably receive the F-16 this winter. Ukrainian pilots learn very quickly - ex-CIA director Petraeus pic.twitter.com/dYV5zn8TlM Ukraine Front Line (@EuromaidanPR) November 13, 2023 The UAF statement has also fuelled these rumours as the carefully worded statement mentioned how "F-16 pilots carry out combat missions in various directions in incredibly difficult conditions, carrying out destructive cover for airstrike groups and striking enemy objects". Pro-Russian media have also questioned why the Ukrainian Air Force sought an enquiry into the incident if the downing of the jet was a combat loss. " A clear combat loss would hardly merit such a probe," RT News said. It suggested that Kyiv could be suspecting friendly fire. Interestingly, this marks the second confirmed loss of an F-16 in Ukraine. The first loss was reportedly on August 2-24 when an F-16 and its pilot Oleksii Mes died while the "aircraft was responding to a Russian missile attack". Though Ukraine had announced a probe into it, the results were never announced. However, a report in the Wall Street Journal suggested that it was an incident of friendly fire or a mechanical failure. Recently, the Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat stoked a controversy after he complained about how the older variants of the F-16 gifted to Ukraine by its allies could not fully compete with Russias Su-35 in aerial combat. Though the F-16 was considered a leap from Soviet-era jets like the MiG-29 and Su-27, it fades out in comparison to Russia's Su-35 as it lacked the latter's thrust-vectoring manoeuvrability. Ukraine's Western allies, including the Netherlands and Denmark, had then called the F-16 game-changers, but the claims were tempered by the reality. United States President Donald Trumps administration has issued a warning to foreign nationals staying for more than 30 days without registration in the country to either leave or face a jail term. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday said that foreign nationals present in the US longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. "Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment," it said. Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025 The social media post by the DHS was titled 'Message to Illegal Aliens'. The DHS asked those without valid documents to self-deport. Who will be affected by the recent warning? Though the decision will not directly impact those in the US on H-1B visas or student permits, it will affect those without proper documentation. The aim is to tighten immigration enforcement. H-1B visa holders, who lost their jobs and stayed in the country past their grace period would be impacted. Foreign students in the US are also at risk if they do not have proper documents. Those failing to register with the government after 30 days will face a fine of $998 per day after receiving a final order of removal. Also, individuals who declare they will leave but then fail to self-deport will face fines ranging from $1,000-$5,000. Lifetime bans from future legal immigration to the US and possible jail time also await those not complying with the rules. Meanwhile, self-deportation has its benefits including increased chances of legal migration in the future and also helps in avoiding a criminal record. Attorneys for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Binance asked a federal judge on Friday to continue a pause in the regulator's case against the crypto exchange for another two months, citing "productive discussions." The SEC sued Binance in 2023, alleging the exchange alongside its U.S. affiliate and executives such as former CEO Changpeng Zhao violated federal securities laws by operating as an unlicensed clearing agency, broker and exchange. The SEC also alleged commingling and that Binance.US's trading volume was manipulated. In February, after U.S. President Donald Trump retook office and appointed Commissioner Mark Uyeda as acting agency chair, the regulator asked for a 60-day pause in the case, which was set to expire on Monday. The SEC pointed to a newly created crypto task force aiming to draft clearer guidance around how securities law might apply to digital assets as part of its explanation for the requested pause. In Friday's filing, the attorneys involved said the discussions included "how the efforts of the crypto task force may impact the SEC's claims," and requested another 60 days' pause. "In light of these continued discussions and the time required for the staff to seek authorization from the Commission as necessary to approve any resolution or changes to the scope of this litigation, the SEC requested that the Defendants agree to continue the current stay for an additional 60 days, and the Defendants agreed that continuing the stay is appropriate and in the interest of judicial economy," the filing said. The Donald Trump administration has asked Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hand over a critical natural gas pipeline to the US. The pipeline is a key infrastructure transporting Russian gas supplies to Europe. It runs from western Russia's Sudzha to Ukraine's Uzhorod near the Slovakian border. Since January 1, the pipeline stopped operating after a five-year contract between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine came to an end. The expiry of the deal has also suspended transit fees for the natural gas that was shared by Ukraine and Russia. Now, a US proposal draft demands that the control of the pipeline should be given to a US federal agency called International Development Finance Corporation, reported Reuters. This move would give the US access to Ukrainian mineral deposits, including rare earth elements. If Zelenskyy inks the agreement, Ukraine will be required to deposit all revenues generated from these resources in a joint investment fund. However, this deal does not provide any US security guarantees for Ukraine against external actors like Russia. Trump is seeking the control of pipeline as well as rare earth minerals as "payback" for the military and financial aid supplied by the Joe Biden administration. It is not clear whether Zelenskyy will agree to a "50:50" split of revenue as demanded by Trump's team. Last week, the Ukrainian president said the deal should be beneficial for both the US and Ukraine. Following the Oval Office showdown between Zelenskyy and Trump in February, the US paused military aid for Ukraine. During the disastrous meeting at the White House, Trump cancelled the signing ceremony and called off a joint press conference with Zelenskyy. The US president also turned down the Ukrainian leader's request for a one-on-one meeting. Zelenskyy and his team was later asked to exit the White House. SIVAGANGA Manamadurai is known for two thingsthe popular snack murukku and pottery made of clay from the River Vaigai. Recently, though, the town in Tamil Nadus Sivaganga district has found itself in the news for a dubious reason. On February 13, three youths from the dominant Thevar community hacked the wrist of 20-year-old Ayyasamy, a dalit, for allegedly riding a Bullet. Ayyasamy had first dreamt of a bike when he joined college. It was in Sivaganga, 40km from his house in Melapidavoor village, and he had to walk 2km every day to the bus stop. The buses rarely kept time, and he asked his elder brother Muniyasamy to buy him a bike. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 came home in 2023, and the brothers would ride it around the village with its signature thumping sound. This, said Muniyasamy, riled the dominant castes in the village, predominantly the Agamudayar sub-caste of the Thevar community. Melapidavoor has around 300 families from communities such as the Thevars, Nadars and dalits. The dalit houses are on the outskirts. Apparently, the brothers were close to some dominant caste boys from the village, particularly Vinod Kumar (21), Aatheeswaran (22) and Vallarasu (21), the three arrested for attacking Ayyasamy. The villagers say Ayyasamy used to roam the village with the trio and their usual meeting spot was at the village entrance. They used to drink and make fun of everyone in the village, said one of Ayyasamys neighbours who did not want to be named. On the day of the incident, say the villagers, the boys were drunk and Ayyasamy teased the others because they could not even pay for their drinks. This led to an argument and they attacked Ayyasamy with a sickle-like weapon. According to the Sivaganga police, Ayyasamy was also under the influence of alcohol. Ayyasamy teased and called Vinod Kumar by his nickname Alert, which he took as an insult. The motive of the incident, said Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat, was a wordy quarrel in a drunken state, and the accused did not attack Ayyasamy for riding a Bullet. The attack affected both his armshis left wrist was mutilated and the skin near his right elbow had peeled off. The fingers were hanging out. He came running, shouting for help, bleeding profusely, said his mother, Chellamma. It was around 8.30pm. Almost everyone in the village had gone to bed, but the brawl woke them up. As Ayyasamy came running from the highway, villagers could see him bleed. No one came to help. Chellamma, who was busy with chores, ran to get an old sari and tied it around his hand. He was first taken to the Sivaganga government hospital, and later to the Madurai Rajaji government hospital, where they stitched back his fingers. He was in the hospital for three weeks. The stitches have healed outside, but it is chronic pain inside, said Ayyasamy. My mom helps me with my daily routine. Chellamma lodged a complaint under the SC/ST Act. The Sivaganga police said in a statement: The case will be investigated on the correct lines and the charge-sheet will be filed at the earliest. The Tamil Nadu SC/ST commission has given the family Rs63,000 for Ayyasamys treatment. We have spent more than Rs2 lakh, said Bhoominathan, Ayyasamys uncle. His family demands a dignified life and money to treat him. Considering the injuries, the government should explore options to increase the compensation amount, said S. Ravivarman, director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Muniyasamy and Bhoominathan said the entire village was jealous of them for having a posh house and a Bullet. They used to throw caste slurs at us and asked, How come you have become so well-to-do? We thought these were casual remarks, but it has led to violence now, said Muniyasamy, who earns Rs35,000 a month from his job in a manufacturing company. Chellamma gets work under NREGA, and also a monthly cash dole of Rs1,000 from the state government. Almost two months since the incident, Melapidavoor is still in the grip of fear. When asked, the only reply is that they dont know what happened, and that the young men were drunk. Ayyasamy comes out every day to sit on his Bullet for hours. I cant ride it now, he said. I cant even move it. On March 12, members of the dalit community in Gidhagram, West Bengal, entered the Gidheshwar Shiv temple, breaking a longstanding caste barrier. These dalit families, traditionally cobblers and weavers, were denied entry to the temple during the Maha Shivratri celebrations, exposing the illusion of a modern and egalitarian state. They were finally able to visit the temple, but only under police protection. This incident is far from isolated. Caste discrimination and the practice of untouchability continue to plague India. Although 75 years have passed since untouchability was abolished under Article 17 of the Constitution, dalits, also known as scheduled castes (SC), continue to be excluded from public spaces, including crematoriums. While local authorities in Gidhagram intervened to protect the constitutional rights of the marginalised, the persistence of such practices highlighted the failure of systemic reform. In September 2024, a 30-metre untouchability wall constructed by caste Hindus in Vishwanatham village in Tamil Nadus Virudhunagar district, to conceal the cremation ground used by dalits, was demolished by panchayat authorities. In Karnatakas Yadgir district, the midday meal programme at a government school was disrupted after the cook and his assistant refused to wash the plates used by dalit children. In another incident, a government school headmistress, Nirmala Dange, in the same district received death threats after inviting a dalit as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations. Right to pray: Dalit women of Gidhagram village in West Bengals Burdwan district come out from a Shiv temple; they had been denied entry to this temple during Maha Shivratri, but they finally entered on March 12 under police protection | Salil Bera Elsewhere, a dalit groom was targeted by upper caste Thakurs in Madhya Pradeshs Damoh district for using a horse-drawn carriage during his wedding procession. Three people who helped pull the carriageRahul Rajak, Krishna Rajak and Jagdish Ahirwarwere beaten up. In Rajasthans Dev Doongri village in Rajsamand district, upper caste Rawats disrupted the funeral of a dalit man from the Salvi community, claiming the government-allocated burial ground was too close to their land. The funeral proceeded under police supervision. Dalits in Kadanur village in Bengaluru Rural district were denied haircuts at a barber shop, while in Mysurus Hallare village, another barber, Mallikarjun Shetty, faced a social boycott for offering his services to a dalit man. In Tamil Nadus deep south, especially Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts, there is a practice of students wearing coloured wristbands or threads to signify their caste. Thevars don red and yellow, Nadars wear blue and yellow and Yadavs sport saffron. Although they come under the Most Backward Community category, these communities are socially and politically powerful in south Tamil Nadu. Dalit Pallars, meanwhile, wear green and red threads and Arundhathiyars, the most oppressed, use green, black and white threads. Rings and bindis are also used for this purpose. Justice K. Chandru, who was appointed by the Tamil Nadu government as a one-person commission to suggest how caste discrimination could be prevented in schools, said in his report that the threads worn by students were coded markers of caste identity and called for a ban. The report revealed that between May 2021 and April 2022, as many as 117 cases relating to disputes involving students were registered in Tamil Nadu. Of these, 24 cases were either due to caste identification or altercation due to intercaste love affairs. Caste differences prevail in schools in other districts in southern and western Tamil Nadu as well. In some of the schools, attendance registers have caste columns and teachers call their students by caste names. The school is only an extension of what is happening in society. Parents say they wont send their children to school and take midday meal if the teachers are dalits, Justice Chandru told THE WEEK. His recommendations are yet to be implemented. An untouchability-free India is enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution. Yet, caste discrimination persists, not as a remnant, but as an institutionalised feature of the so-called modern state. The nature of caste discrimination has evolved from overt to subtle, cloaked in hypocrisy and denial. According to dalit activists, untouchability has spread from villages to cities, infiltrating educational institutions, temples, barber shops, courtrooms, police stations, factories, government offices, corporate boardrooms and even political party offices. Sanjay Ahlawat We often understand caste discrimination through brutal cases of caste atrocities, which represent overt discrimination. If you examine where dalits working in cities live and how they live, you will realise nothing has changed. Most dalits are still employed in cleaning or low-tier jobs. They continue to reside in ghettos lacking basic amenities, said Rahul Sonpimple, president of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association, a grassroots organisation uniting dalit leaders and movements. The untouchable castes within the SC communities continue to perform menial tasks such as manual scavenging, grave digging, cremation and sweeping. They are ostracised, denied equal opportunities and forced into inhumane practices like bonded labour and the devadasi system (sex slavery). Untouchability is prevalent in rural India. Upper caste landholding communities prevent dalit families from migrating to cities, as this would deprive them of cheap labour and menial cleaning work, said Bengaluru-based dalit activist Ruth Manorama. In urban areas, dalit women are impoverished and live under the constant threat of eviction, owning neither homes nor land. Working in the unorganised sector with low-paying jobs, they cannot afford to send their children to school. Most are burdened by debt. The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was intended to end caste-based violence and discrimination. However, statistics paint a different picture. In 2022, the number of cases registered under the law for SCs were 57,582, and 10,064 for STs. While states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh lead the list, progressive states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka fare no better. The conviction rate dropped to 32.4 per cent in 2022 from 39.2 per cent in 2020. Bezwada Wilson, national convener, Safai Karmachari Andolan Only five statesBihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Madhya Pradeshhave established special police stations (Karnataka recently approved the creation of 33 special police stations and the recruitment of 450 personnel to handle emergency caste atrocity cases). Just 194 of 498 districts across 14 states have set up special courts to expedite trials. Advocate Hariram A., a dalit activist associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party, said, Courts and police often cite misuse of the Atrocities Act. The conviction rate is a mere 34 per cent. Most cases result in acquittals due to lack of evidence, as prejudiced or corrupt police fail to present it in court. Worse still, victims are pressured to compromise and withdraw cases. A casteist judge or police officer is the most dangerous, ensuring justice is never served. Some officers even encourage the accused to file counter-complaints against victims. Anyone employing a person for manual scavenging work could be jailed for up to a year or fined Rs50,000, or both. But there has not been a single conviction- Bezwada Wilson Y. Mariswamy of the Samajik Parivartan Janandolan said convictions were low because police failed to gather and present evidence against perpetrators of caste-based violence, instead advising victims to settle out of court. A dalit boy in love with a girl from a backward-class community was stripped and beaten by the girls parents in Bengaluru. Yet, the police neither arrested the culprits nor included serious charges, said Mariswamy. The Right to Education Act has failed its purpose, as no private school adheres to the requirement of reserving 25 per cent of seats for children from marginalised communities. The private lobby and politician-owned educational institutions are to blame for the Acts failure. Sadly, government schools catering to SC, ST, and poor OBC children are neglected, lacking teachers. Shivam Sonkar, a dalit student, was denied admission by Banaras Hindu University to its PhD programme despite securing second place in the entrance exam in the general quota. Of seven available seats at the Malviya Centre for Peace Research, only four were filled. The university claimed that reserved seats remained vacant due to a lack of suitable applicants and that Sonkar, having qualified in the general category, could not be admitted under reserved criteria. Ajay Rai, president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, said it was shameful, particularly as it happened in Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency. Ashutosh Sinha, a Samajwadi Party MLC, has written to Modi, highlighting the incident as an obstacle to higher education for dalit students. Hariram asserted that dalits needed political power, social capital and representation in high positions. Dalit intellectuals have started looking more at political empowerment. Sonpimple said the dalit question had historically remained just a caste issue. If Gandhis caste reform was through social and spiritual means, Ambedkars idea of addressing caste discrimination was through political power. The dalit rights movement has passed through several phases. During the colonial era, dalit mobilisation in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Punjab challenged the state, introducing a new concept of rights. Ambedkars Kalaram Temple Satyagraha (1930) in Nashik demanded equal access for dalits, pushing Hindu society to reflect on exclusion. Babasaheb identified education as a tool for liberation, while political power and economic upliftment were essential, said Sonpimple. He advocated for a separate electorate for dalits but had to compromise under the Poona Pact of 1932, signed between caste Hindus and the depressed classes, which fixed reserved seats at 147 in the provincial legislatures. Today, 84 of 543 Lok Sabha seats are reserved for dalits, but they rarely exceed one-third of the voters. Consequently, dalit MPs must appeal to upper caste voters to win and cannot focus exclusively on their community. While dalits have reserved seats, their political representation lacks power due to upper caste dominance, said Hariram. Elected dalits prioritise parties over community, even amid crimes against them. Unsurprisingly, in 78 years of independence, there has been no dalit prime minister, only three presidents and seven chief ministers. Of 71 ministers in the Modi 3.0 cabinet, there are only 10 dalits. The populism of successive governments has most affected the marginalised communities, said Hariram. Budgetary allocations exist only on paper; they are never spent and are returned to the treasury. Topper with no seat: Shivam Sonkar, a dalit student, outside the Banaras Hindu University. Despite securing second place in the entrance exam in the general quota, BHU denied him admission to its PhD programme| X@ambedkariteIND He also pointed out that our executive and judiciary were dominated by upper caste officers. Appointments and promotions hinge on nepotism. Even if a dalit reaches these positions through merit and hard work, they cannot escape casteist slurs or discrimination through denied promotions, said Hariram. IAS or IPS officers, too, are unable to escape discrimination, said Manorama. In urban areas, untouchability manifests subtly. Dalits are often refused rental housing. Though landlords may not directly ask about caste, they probe thoroughly to uncover it. Displaying Dr Ambedkars portrait risks eviction or discrimination from neighbours, said Mariswamy. Consequently, dalits are forced into ghettos lacking civic amenities. A stark example of modern untouchability can be found in the Anandapura slum in central Bengaluru, where dalit homes are denied piped water. On March 14, Selvi, a widow and mother of four, was electrocuted while attempting to switch on a water pump. Residents have installed 30 pumps to illegally draw water from a pipeline supplying a local temple. Our families have lived here for four decades without a water connection. Each pump serves four houses, confided Rani (name changed), a resident, noting that Selvi was the fourth casualty. A majority of us are educated today, but it does not ensure equality. Our locality is neglected by authorities. We are poor yet educated, working in garment factories, schools and offices, but we feel invisible, she said. Rahul Sonpimple, president, All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association Ranis disillusionment echoes Dr Ambedkars, who converted to Buddhism in 1956 after feeling disenchanted with Hindu reform movements. He urged dalits to follow suit to escape caste oppression. He called for dismantling the rigid and exploitative caste system, which enforced inequality and subjugation. Criticising Hindu scriptures and practices for legitimising caste, he argued that no reform was possible while the system endured. He viewed untouchability as a direct consequence of the caste system, dehumanising millions of dalits by denying them basic rights, dignity and opportunity. While Article 15 prohibits discrimination, Article 14 guarantees equality and Article 21 ensures the right to life and dignity by banning untouchability, the invisible peoplemanual scavengers, grave diggers, cremators and safai karmacharis engaged in sweeping and cleaningbear the brunt. I was born into a caste where everyone did manual scavenging. As a child, seeing someone pick up human excreta shocked me. I wondered how it was possible, said Bezwada Wilson, national convener of Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA). But a casteist mind normalises it, wired to think that a dalit is born to clean, needing only to wash their hands or wear gloves. These gloves mask the inhumanity and hypocrisy of civil society. Nothing has changed. Most dalits [working in cities] are still employed in cleaning or low-tier jobs. They continue to reside in ghettos lacking basic amenities. Two years ago, women sanitation workers from 10 states, including Delhi, gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, burning bamboo baskets used to collect excreta from dry latrines in a symbolic protest. Outraged by the governments white lies about sewer-septic tank deaths, they demanded action. While the government reported nine deaths in 202223, the SKA recorded 339 based on news reports, FIRs and postmortem examinations. Despite constitutional safeguards, systemic neglect, bureaucratic apathy and dangerous denial persist. A manual scavenger is defined as someone employed to clean, carry, dispose of or handle human excreta from an insanitary latrine, open drain, pit, railway tracks or other premises. Banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act (PEMSRA), the practice continues, disguised as hazardous cleaning due to loopholes in the amended 2013 law. The Act defines hazardous cleaning as manually cleaning a sewer or septic tank without employer-provided gear and excludes workers using protective gear (any one of the 44 types notified by the government) from being classified as manual scavengers. As per the Act, anyone employing a person for manual scavenging work, whether directly or indirectly, could be jailed for up to a year or fined Rs50,000, or both. For repeat offences, imprisonment could extend to two years or a fine of up to Rs1 lakh, or both. But there has not been a single conviction, said Wilson. The Centre claims that manual scavenging is not a caste-based occupation. However, a profile report by the ministry of social justice, as part of its National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) programme, stated that nearly 92 per cent of sewer and septic tank workers belong to SC, ST and OBC (Other Backward Class) communities. Toxic work: Safai Karmachari Andolan workers during their Stop Killing Us campaign at Jantar Mantar in August 2023 | Getty Images How can the government make such a claim? Our groundwork clearly shows that the majority of manual scavenging workers are dalits and it is a caste-based occupation, said Wilson. There is no reconciliation, only denial, that caste discrimination exists. This is dangerous and unchecked within the system, including among IAS officers, the judiciary, and politicians. The prime minister turned cleaning into a spiritual experience. You see nothing wrong when you watch it from a place of privilege. Is sweeping the same as cleaning human excreta? On October 2, 2014, Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission, a national campaign to promote cleanliness and eradicate open defecation. It created more chaos. More manual scavengers and sewage workers will be employed without new technology. There will be more manhole deaths, but they will not be registered. Sanitation workers, who deserve dignity and mechanisation of their work, will be garlanded and hailed as soldiers and martyrs. Political leaders prefer photo-ops over structural reform, said Wilson, adding that allocations for rehabilitation loans were nearing zero. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Ramdas Athawale told Parliament last year that of 766 districts, 249 declared themselves manual scavenging-free and uploaded certification on the designated portal. The rehabilitation package includes a one-time cash assistance of Rs40,000 and a back-end capital subsidy of up to Rs3.25 lakh. Dependents of manual scavengers are also eligible for self-employment projects worth up to Rs10 lakh (Rs15 lakh for sanitation projects) and skill development training for up to two years, with a monthly stipend of RRs3,000. In our modern cities, we still believe in a sanitation model that involves human labour. It is a design flaw. It is time to detach caste from the design of the sanitation model, said Wilson. The devadasi system is another exploitative practice harming dalit communities. When Seetavva Dundappa Jodatti was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2018, it drew national attention to the controversial system, which was legally abolished in Karnataka in 1982, followed by similar bans in other states. In Karnataka, young girls from the Maadiga (dalit) community are dedicated to a deity in the belief that it would cure illness or bring good fortune to the family. Often, it leads to sexual exploitation by upper caste men. Seetavva, the youngest of six daughters, was herself dedicated as a devadasi. She later escaped the system and founded MASS, an NGO dedicated to the rehabilitation of devadasis, through which she has rescued over 4,000 women. A 2018 study by Karnataka State Womens University estimated that the state still has around 80,000 devadasis. Despite legal prohibitions, girls from marginalised communities continue to be forced into sex work under the guise of tradition. This led the National Human Rights Commission to demand a report from the Centre on the continuing menace of the devadasi system in six statesKarnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. I have been working for the last 27 years for the rehabilitation of former devadasis in Belagavi, and there are no more cases here. But I notice young women being forced into this in other districts. The government must curb the practice through stricter implementation of the law. Unless these women achieve economic independence, they will continue to be exploited, said Seetavva. She has urged the Karnataka government to enhance pensions to Rs5,000 a month and grant two acres to each beneficiary. Grave digging, too, is a caste-based and hereditary occupation in many parts of the country. The irony is stark in villages, where dalits, being landless, must endure humiliation even in death. They must scout for burial land, as upper caste communities deem it inauspicious to witness a dalit funeral and often respond with social ostracism or violent attacks. Souri Raju, a fifth-generation grave digger who lives with his wife and six children inside the Kalpalli crematorium premises in Bengaluru, said it was a long battle to secure even minimum wages. Bengaluru has 50 burial grounds and 12 electric crematoriums. Workers here are paid Rs13,000 a month. Our members employed by city corporations might get wages, but those in rural areas survive on the charity of grieving families, said Raju, state secretary of the graveyard workers association in Karnataka. We trust only God and peoples goodwill and continue doing what we do. We grew up eating rice sprinkled on cemeteries and have come to realise that we carry nothing with us when we leave this world. With Lakshmi Subramanian and Puja Awasthi Blocked toilet By Puja Awasthi Pushpa Gautam, an administrative officer at Bundelkhand University, has long been fighting a battle against authorities for the most basic human rightsclean drinking water and access to a toilet. Gautams female peers have been given office chambers with toilets and official residence as per their seniority. When the 45-year-old complained on the universitys WhatsApp group, she was accused of maligning its image. Things came to a head in 2018, when at a meeting of the universitys employees union and the administration, Gautam was slapped and had a chair thrown at her. She was being accused of harassing her peon (an OBC), who had refused to get her water or tea on one pretext or the other. She was also told that she was misusing her status as a woman, as a dalit and as a disabled person (she had polio as a child) to garner sympathy. An undeterred Gautam filed a police case against six people who had attacked her and, though an administrative inquiry led to the removal of the six, her case is still pending in court. Kuldeep Kumar Baudh, the lawyer representing Gautam in court, said that it was not enough that justice be done, but that it be dispensed in a manner that ensured the dignity of the most vulnerable. Manholes and loopholes By Prathima Nandakumar Manual scavenging is banned, but exists in practice. On March 16, Panth Lal Chander, 43, climbed down a clogged manhole in Delhi to help his brother Ramkishan and another relative Shiv Das, who had fallen unconscious. He inhaled toxic gas and fainted. His 10-year-old son, who was watching the trio, screamed for help and a fire department team rushed to the spot to pull out the migrant workers from Chhattisgarh. While Panth died of asphyxiation, the other two survived. None of them was wearing protective gear. The police registered a case under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 7 and 9 of the Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. The Delhi Jal Board said these were not department staff nor were they contract workers. All three workers, part of the SC community, had been hired by a private contractor. As these men are among the lakhs of invisible workers in the informal sector, and are not documented as workers, their families are left in the lurch. Panth leaves behind a wife, four daughters and a son. In a reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Modi government said there were 294 sewer-related deaths in the past five years across the country and 249 victims were compensated. Honour and horror By Rahul Devulapalli On March 10, the Telangana High Court gave its verdict in a sensational 2018 case. Pranay, a dalit, married Amrutha, from a dominant caste, against her familys wishes. They got married in Arya Samaj in Hyderabad and sought police protection. Months later, Pranay was leaving hospital with his pregnant wife when an unknown man hacked him to death with a machete. The court sentenced the contract killerhired by Amruthas fatherto death. Her father died by suicide in 2020. Initially, the public sympathised with the couple. But, after the suicide, some people started seeing him as a father who simply loved his daughter, said A.V. Ranganath, the IPS officer who investigated the case. Even the police uniform doesnt guarantee escape from such violence. K. Nagamani, a woman constable attached to the Hayathnagar police station in Hyderabad, was riding her two-wheeler to work last December when a car hit her from behind. Her brother, Parmesh, got out of the car and stabbed her to death. Her only mistakeshe married a dalit. Parmesh, who is from the backward class community, surrendered and confessed that he was enraged that Nagamani divorced her first husband to marry B. Srikanth. He warned us beforehand that he will kill us and he did it without any fear, said Srikanth. He is now out on bail. How can couples planning inter-caste marriages feel safe if such people are not punished immediately? Price of pride By Lakshmi Subramanian Last month, S. Yuvaraj, convicted in the high-profile murder of Dalit youth V. Gokulraj, was released on parole to attend a family function. He received a grand welcome in his home town Namakkal, with social media pages linked to the Gounder communitya dominant intermediate caste in western Tamil Naducelebrating him as their pride. Yuvaraj, founder of the caste outfit Theeran Chinnamalai Gounder Peravai, had evaded arrest for over 100 days in 2015 after police began investigating Gokulrajs murder. According to the police, Gokulraj, a 21-year-old engineering graduate, was abducted by Yuvaraj and his associates for speaking with his classmate Swathi, who belonged to the Gounder community. A day later, his decapitated body was found on railway tracks near Erode. Yuvaraj was eventually arrested and convicted of the murder. In 2023, the Madras High Court upheld his conviction. Gokulrajs family had spent nearly a decade seeking justice. We have lived in fear for 10 years, said his brother S. Kalaiselvan. Yuvarajs welcome sends a disturbing messagethat caste groups will continue to support people like him. It makes us feel even more unsafe. Wedding crashers By Prathima Nandakumar Mukesh Parecha took no chances. The 33-year-old lawyer wanted to reach his wedding location on a horse, but because the dominant castes in his village did not take kindly to a dalit man doing so, he requested police protection. On February 6, a team of 145 policemen arrived in Gadalvada village of Gujarats Banaskantha district to escort the groom. The wedding was incident free; the local police inspector and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani accompanied the procession in a car. Parechas fears were not unfounded. A groom riding a horse is a symbol of pride and domination in several north Indian states. A dalit man doing so is seen as a challenge to established caste hierarchy. There have been numerous cases of dalit grooms being attacked for their arrogance. Last May, four men beat up and forcibly pulled down Naresh Jatav from the horse carriage at Rithodan village in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The accused are said to have objected to the procession passing by their house and allegedly threw water and casteist slurs at the grooms relatives. They also fired gunshots in the air before beating the wedding party with sticks and breaking the DJ equipment and the canopy of the carriage. An FIR was filed at the Karahiya police station against four members of the Rawat family. A counter-complaint was lodged by the women of the Rawat family, alleging misbehaviour by the grooms relatives. Parecha, being a lawyer, anticipated the violence and potentially dodged a bullet. Most others dont. Power failure Even powerful dalit politicians remain vulnerable to caste discrimination. Political power and legal protections often fail to dismantle centuries-old prejudices, leaving even prominent figures grappling with discrimination. On April 7, senior BJP leader and former three-time MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja from Rajasthan allegedly sprinkled Ganga water in a temple in Alwar district, a day after the visit of Tika Ram Jully, Rajasthans first dalit leader of opposition. The opposition Congress alleged that Ahuja was trying to cleanse the temple following Jullys presence during its consecration on Ram Navami on April 6. After facing significant criticism and being labelled an anti-dalit party, the BJP swiftly suspended Ahuja from its primary membership. Earlier this year, CPI(ML) legislator Gopal Ravidas from Bihar filed a complaint claiming that local people barred him from inaugurating a government school building because he was a dalit. The incident occurred on Republic Day, within the Parsa Bazar police station area in Patna district. Following his complaint, police registered an FIR, applying sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Ravidas alleged that villagers even stopped him from attending the flag-hoisting event on Republic Day. Nadodikkattu (1987) For a Malayali, this isn't just a film: it is an experience, ingrained into popular culture because of the timeless duo of Dasan and Vijayan, an eclectic cast, writing from the heart, and immortal comedy. Full nationalisation of British Steel is now the 'most likely option', the Business Secretary said today. Jonathan Reynolds admitted that while his 'preference' is to find a commercial partner to run the industry, the state could well have to take responsibility. Touring broadcast studios, he also delivered a stark message that Chinese businesses will face a 'high trust bar' to get involved in the UK economy in future - suggesting core sectors will be protected. Mr Reynolds said that 'as a country we've got it wrong in the past' on relations with Beijing, swiping that the David Cameron and George Osborne era had been 'far too naive'. The comments came after the government used a rare Saturday sitting of Parliament yesterday to push through emergency legislation effectively taking control of British Steel. Mr Reynolds has ordered Chinese owners Jingye to keep the Scunthorpe plant going after talks broke down. But Tories have argued that Ed Miliband's Net Zero policies are to blame for the collapse, requiring fuel to be shipped in from abroad rather than produced in the UK. There were also widespread calls during the debates in Parliament for a much tougher line on Chinese control over industries. Mr Reynolds acknowledged that the government will lose money running British Steel, but argued that allowing it to collapse would have cost 1billion. Jonathan Reynolds admitted that while his 'preference' is to find a commercial partner to run the industry, the state could well have to take responsibility Just hours before the legislation passed, executives from Chinese owners Jingye apparently attempted to enter the plant but were blocked by British Steel workers until police arrived and forced them to leave Mr Reynolds has now ordered Chinese owners Jingye to keep the Scunthorpe plant (file picture) going after talks broke down He told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: 'The losses, the annual losses, net losses, in the last set of accounts were 233 million. Actually, that can be improved upon, but I am accepting your point that we would expect to lose money on this. 'I would ask the public to compare that to the option of spending a lot more money to reach a deal that would have seen a lot of job losses and Jingye remain as a partner. 'Or the cost of the complete collapse of British Steel, easily over 1 billion in terms of the need to respond from Government, to remediate the land, to look after the workforce.' Mr Reynolds insisted that, as money had already been set aside for the steel industry at the budget, the Government would not need to borrow more as a result of the takeover. He added: 'To be absolutely frank, I think supporting British Steel at this time, in that way, is better than spending a greater deal of money on the complete loss of the business or in a transition deal.' Asked whether the Government could trust Chinese firms after Jingye's handling of British Steel, Mr Reynolds said it would depend on the sector. He said: 'I think we have got to be clear about what is the sort of sector where, actually, we can promote and co-operate, and ones frankly where we can't. I wouldn't personally bring a Chinese company into our steel sector.' He added: 'I think steel is a very sensitive area. I don't know when the Boris Johnson government did this, what the situation was, but it's a sensitive area.' Mr Reynolds declined to comment on other sectors, such as nuclear power, where he would be unwilling to see Chinese investment. But asked whether there was a 'high trust bar' for dealing with firms from the country, he said: 'Yes, we have got to recognise that.' Mr Reynolds said the company had rejected an offer in the region of 500million and effectively asked for double that amount. He also suggested that the firm's ultimate plan had been to close the blast furnaces and import steel from China to supply British Steel's more profitable steel mills. But he denied that the Chinese Communist Party had been directing Jingye's decisions. Keir Starmer and steel workers on a visit to Scunthorpe yesterday He said: 'To run a major Chinese industrial company, there are always direct links to the Chinese Communist Party. You wouldn't be allowed to run a company in China without that kind of thing. 'I'm not accusing the Chinese state of being directly behind this. I actually think they will understand why we could not accept the proposition that was put to us, in terms of losing that essential national capacity. So I'm not alleging some sort of foreign influence.' Mr Reynolds rejected criticism that the government had doomed the steel industry by blocking a coal mine in Cumbria. He insisted that would not have produced 'material that we could have used at British Steel' without a wider coking process. Mr Reynolds added: 'We will never pursue our ambitions on climate in a way that increases emissions around the world.' Nigel Farage made a high profile visit to Scunthorpe last week demanding full nationalisation, and this morning claimed that the Chinese Communist Party had bought British Steel to shut it down. The Reform leader did not provide any evidence when pressed in a BBC interview, merely insisting it was based on his 'intuition'. MPs scrambled back from their Easter breaks into a packed Commons chamber yesterday. The extraordinary Saturday sitting to save British Steel's Scunthorpe plant from closing required the new law to clear both houses unopposed and receive royal approval before nightfall. It was the first Saturday sitting since the Afghanistan crisis in 2021. It came amid dramatic scenes as, just hours before the legislation passed, executives from Chinese owners Jingye attempted to enter the plant but were blocked by British Steel workers until police arrived and forced them to leave. These are two solid companies trading at attractive valuations that are poised to benefit from the continued demand for natural gas stemming from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). They also trade at attractive valuations. Energy Transfer trades at an enterprise value (EV)-to-earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) multiple of 8.1 times, while Enterprise trades at 9.8, using the same financial metric. This is well below the average 13.7 times EV/EBITDA multiple that midstream MLPs traded at between 2011 to 2016 when they had worse balance sheets and narrower distribution coverage ratios. That said, tariffs will impact the companies. Both have moved into growth mode, given the opportunities in front of them. Tariffs on products like steel will increase project costs. This could hurt project returns if they are unable to pass through the costs to customers. Both companies also export natural gas liquids (NGLs), which could be impacted by any retaliatory tariffs. Both companies are benefiting from increasing natural gas demand and have a largely fee-based business (over 80%), often with minimum volume commitments or take-or-pay provisions (the company who wants to ship its product has to pay for their reserved space in a pipeline even if it doesn't use it). This helps protect their cash flow during periods of energy or economic weakness. Both also have solid balance sheets, and their distributions are well covered by their distributable cash flow. Enterprise, meanwhile, has a long history of navigating various energy and economic environments, increasing its distribution 26 straight years. Two of the largest midstream master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the U.S., Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) and Enterprise Products Partners , (NYSE: EPD) both pay robust distributions that are well covered by their distributable cash flow, which is operating cash flow minus maintenance capital expenditures (capex). Energy Transfer carries an 8.3% forward yield, while Enterprise's yield is 7.4%. With the market being whipsawed, now is a good time to look at some stocks with attractive dividends that could be a ballast in the rough seas. Tariffs remain front and center, and are likely to be the main near-term and medium-term driver of stocks. Story Continues The company has very minimal exposure to tariffs. Its traditional cigarettes and IQOS heated tobacco units (HTUs) are sold and manufactured outside of the U.S., while its Zyn nicotine pouches are sold and manufactured within the U.S. It also has minimal exposure to China where it licenses its Marlboro brand to the China National Tobacco Company (CNTC), which manufactures it along with its own Chinese domestic brands. Its growth is being driven by its smokeless portfolio led by Zyn and IQOS. Zyn has been red hot, with nicotine pouch volumes climbing 46% last quarter to 183.8 million cans, while Philip Morris forecasts Zyn volumes to increase 34% to 41% this year, or 780 million to 820 million cans. IQOS volumes, excluding distributor and wholesaler inventory movements, rose 13% last quarter. The company is looking to bring IQOS to the U.S. after buying back the rights from Altria, so this could be a nice future growth driver. The cherry on top, though, is that both Zyn and IQOS have much better unit economics than the company's combustible cigarettes. According to Philip Morris, Zyn has six times the "product contribution level" as cigarettes, while IQOS has between 2 to 2.5 times. At the same time, the stock is attractively valued, trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just over 21 times this year's analyst consensus, with a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of under 0.4. Stocks with PEGs below 1 are typically considered undervalued. Verizon If there is one thing people are unlikely to give up if a recession hits, it's their cellphone service and broadband connections. This is why Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and its 6.4% yield are attractive in this current market. The telecom company has seen modest overall revenue growth due to churn from its legacy consumer and business wireline businesses, as well as the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helped subsidize wireless internet services for lower-income households. However, it has seen strong subscriber growth for both its wireless and broadband businesses. Verizon is also looking to leverage its nework to serve the artificial intelligence (AI) market with its AI Connect solution, where it will use its existing fiber and 5G assets to help deliver AI workloads. The company notes that Alphabet and Meta Platforms are using Verizon's AI Connect solution to add capacity to support their AI workloads. The company is also in the process of buying Frontier Communications, which will expand its fiber network and support its "intelligent edge network" strategy for AI and the Internet of Things (IOT). In addition, Verizon recently said that using AI assists from Alphabet was reducing customer service call times, giving representatives more time to sell additional products, which is leading to more sales. More than anything, though, Verizon is a cash-flow machine. It generated $19.8 billion in free cash flow last year, well above the $11.2 billion in dividends it paid out. This gives the company the opportunity to continue to raise its dividend, buy back stock, pay down debt, or invest in its business. At a forward P/E of 9 times, the stock is trading well below rival AT&T's valuation with similar revenue growth, making it a strong stock to own in this market. Should you invest $1,000 in Energy Transfer right now? Before you buy stock in Energy Transfer, 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 Energy Transfer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $495,226!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $679,900!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 796% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 155% for the S&P 500. 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 5, 2025 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Geoffrey Seiler has positions in Alphabet, Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products Partners, and Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners, Philip Morris International, and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Stock Market Crash: The 4 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool The Government is set to delay minimum wage increases and the roll out of auto-enrolment pensions as part of plans to bolster Irish businesses amid international economic uncertainty, Jack Chambers has signalled. The Public Expenditure minister insisted the September timeline for introducing auto-enrolment pensions would only be pushed back by a short number of months. The Government is currently committed to replacing the national minimum wage with a national living wage from 2026, with the living wage set at 60% of the median wage in any given year. The minimum wage is due to remain in place until the living wage is fully phased in. Mr Chambers said the nature and scale of wage increases may now be extended over a slightly longer period. His comments come as the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke prepares to present a memo to cabinet this coming week on a 15 point action plan to enhance competitiveness in the Irish economy. The blueprint represents the Governments short-term response to the turbulence created by the US administrations stance on trade and tariffs. In an interview with RTE Radio Ones This Week programme on Sunday, Mr Chambers also made clear the Governments opposition to the prospect of the EU introducing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the bloc fails to secure a negotiated agreement with President Donald Trump on tariffs. He said if it got to the stage of a digital services tax being imposed it would mean enormous damage for the Irish economy. The EU last week stepped back from introducing trade countermeasures against the US after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on a swathe of new trade levies, including a 20% tariff targeting the European bloc. A baseline 10% tariff is still being applied by the US on the EU during the three-month pause period amid efforts by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic to strike a deal with the US administration. Were still in a very damaging sphere of disruption and uncertainty, and all of the predictability of the last number of decades when it comes to international trade is still very much undermined by the announcements of recent weeks, Mr Chambers told RTE. And despite the pause being a welcome space to allow for negotiations, theyre still all downside risks for the Irish economy and indeed the European economy. He added: Any eventual outcome which undermines the current trading relationship represents downside risk, and thats why the fact that were coming at this from a position of strength shows that we need to take further actions as an Irish economy to control whats within our own sphere, to strengthen our own competitiveness. Mr Chambers insisted the Government was still absolutely committed to the auto-enrolment pension scheme but said the already-delayed initiative would be pushed back further. Its likely to be pushed beyond September, but its likely to still occur in the short number of months after September, he said. On the moves on the national minimum wage, Mr Chambers said: Were considering, I suppose, the overall cumulative impact on costs for businesses and the competitiveness within the Irish economy. The number one focus for government is to protect jobs, to drive competitiveness, and thats why, separately, well be establishing a cost of business advisory forum on how to sustainably manage the overall cost for business. Within that, the Government is considering how we sequence the overall timing of the implementation for the minimum wage, and thats something that will be brought forward to Government shortly. He added: It means that the work of the Low Pay Commission will continue, but it means the nature and scale of the increases may be extended over a slightly longer period, but there would still, I expect, be increases, but it would be managed in a more sustainable way that reflects the need within the Irish economy to preserve jobs, to ensure we manage the overall cost base. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has floated the potential of the EU imposing a digital services tax on US tech companies if the dispute on tariffs is not resolved during the 90-day pause period. Many of those tech companies have established major operations in Ireland. Mr Chambers stressed the Governments opposition to such an EU countermeasure. Weve been absolutely clear about this from an Irish perspective, we did not support it in the past, and we do not support it now, he said. It would be hugely damaging to the Irish economy, to foreign direct investment and to future growth and investment from an Irish perspective. I think we have to be careful what we place on the table. Mr Chambers said the European Commissions response to date had been measured and considered and he insisted that all the energy and the focus of the bloc should be on achieving an agreed position with the US. If this escalates to a point of a digital services tax being discussed, were at a point of enormous damage for the Irish economy, for the European economy, much of which it would be more severe than any of the downside risks which have (already) been outlined, he said. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is knocking on Nvidias (NVDA) door. Last week, the plucky semiconductor challenger announced the completion of its $4.9 billion acquisition of ZT Systems for its expertise in systems and rack-level design. The goal is to accelerate the design and deployment of AMD-powered AI infrastructure. This market is currently dominated by NVIDIA and is expected to exceed $1 trillion within a few years. While the acquisition leverages the existing strengths of AMD and represents a tremendous growth opportunity, it comes with challenges that make me cautiously neutral on the struggling stock. Stay Ahead of the Market: Discover outperforming stocks and invest smarter with Top Smart Score Stocks. Filter, analyze, and streamline your search for investment opportunities using Tipranks' Stock Screener. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) price history over the past 3 years AMDs Evolution from Gaming to AI Nvidias GPUs have evolved from powering video games to training large AI models. Since then, Nvidia has gone from being a modest graphics chipmaker to one of the worlds most valuable companies. AMD wants to emulate NVDAs development and is ramping up its plans. Before the ZT Systems acquisition, the company saw significant success in the data center CPU market. AMDs Data Center segment revenue reached a record $3.9 billion in Q4 2024, representing 69% year-over-year growth. This was thanks, in part, to a strong start to AMDs Instinct GPU. For the full year 2024, AMD reported delivering more than $5 billion in revenue from its Instinct AI accelerators, which now represent a large portion of revenue. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) revenue, earnings and profit margin history Record Data Center Growth Amid Gaming Decline During its most recent earnings call in February, the company highlighted significant performance gains and customer interest in its current MI300 series. It accelerated the production timeline for its next-generation MI350 AI chips to mid-2025. These results contrasted with sharp declines in AMDs Gaming (-59% year-over-year) and Embedded (-13% year-over-year) segments during the same period due to headwinds like inventory adjustments, slower demand, and sell-through. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) estimated and reported earnings history How ZT Systems Strengthens AMDs AI Strategy By acquiring ZT Systems, AMD can offer end-to-end solutions combining its CPUs, GPUs, networking components, and software such as ROCm. The latter is positioned as an open-source alternative to Nvidias CUDA ecosystem. So, this could have some appeal to customers seeking flexibility and customization. Moreover, ZT Systems existing relationships with major cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure lend credibility to AMDs offerings. ZT Systems clearly had deep expertise in building systems that hyperscalers want. Critically, key personnel from ZT Systems will be joining AMD to assist in the transition. If all goes well, customers could have a serious alternative to Nvidia, primarily if AMD can compete on price and performance. Washington, D.C. On April 8, a group of senators including John Fetterman, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Bernie Sanders sent a joint letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about cuts to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The cuts are slated to fire nearly 900 employees, including mining health and safety workers in several states. In Pennsylvania alone, cuts in Pittsburgh will fire 300 workers involved in mining safety. According to reports, HHS is laying off approximately 873 employees, or two-thirds, of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the senators wrote. According to a notification provided to AFGE Local 1969, whose federal employee members are being impacted, all employees working on mining safety and health in NIOSHs Spokane, Wash. and Pittsburgh, Pa. offices are being let go. The NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division focuses on coal miner safety, and the Spokane Mining Research Division specializes in hard rock mining, and are the two main research hubs for NIOSHs Mining Research Program. Additionally, reports indicate more than 185 NIOSH employees are being laid off from its Morgantown, W.Va., office, who also work to protect miner health, among other occupational safety and health activities. The senators also mentioned that many mining communities have already been left without key health services. The letter continues: We also have heard from those who work directly with our miner constituents in these communities that the Enhanced Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program is also being decimated. This program provides direct screening services via a mobile medical unit to miners at no cost. NIOSH also supports clinic sites where screening is done, so miners can understand if they are developing black lung or another condition and be as healthy as possible for themselves and their families. The senators are demanding answers from Secretary Kennedy and questioning how mining health and safety services will continue with a deeply cut workforce. The senators requested a written response to the following queries: 1. How many HHS employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the VERA/VSIP offer since Jan. 20, 2025? Provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. For each category of employee at each agency, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. Include employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status. Please provide the latest data available. 2. How many HHS employees remain who work on mining health and safety? Please provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. 3. How many additional employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety do you intend to fire following the announcement made on March 27, 2025? 4. Provide all analyses conducted prior to the reorganization and firings of HHS employees who work in offices that focus on mining safety and health to determine the immediate and long-term impact these firings will have on programs and activities that those employees are tasked with administering. In particular, provide all analyses relating to 1) ensuring statutory obligations will be met, and 2) the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program. The full letter is available to read on Sen. Fetterman's website. This story is part of the April 13 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . Our open-water swimming adventure begins when we fly from Nadi to Fijis third-largest island, Taveuni, in a 20-seater plane. We drift over fluffy clouds, tiny lands scattered like jewels in blue seas below us. Our journey continues in a minibus, dodging potholes and sleepy dogs along a road lined with lush foliage, the ocean just beyond. Its a bumpy road to paradise. These types of trips attract groups already united by a shared a love of swimming, they also cater to solo travellers. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Weve arrived at Paradise Taveuni Resort, which is known as a dive destination. To the resorts operators, we are a curiosity, a group of keen open-water swimmers brought together by UK-based company SwimQuest, which specialises in swim holidays worldwide. Our experienced guide, Dewi, has teamed with local dive crews to plan morning and afternoon swims that will allow us to explore the islands coasts and reefs. While we swim, Dewi surveys us from his yellow kayak and Uli, one of the local dive experts, circles us like a graceful merman. The swimming is slow-paced, enabling us to explore the coral world with its multitudes of colourful fish and surprisingly fast-moving turtles. At the end of each session, towels, freshly baked cinnamon buns and tropical fruit are a deserved treat. After one swim, we go ashore to a deserted beach for a picnic lunch where, over cocktails, Dewi shows us videos of our individual efforts to encourage stroke correction. While SwimQuest is open to all, participants should be comfortable swimming at least a kilometre in open water (our swims in Fiji averaged about two kilometres). And while the trips attract groups already united by a shared a love of swimming, they also cater to solo travellers. Loading Our days are physically active yet calm, with our hosts and the resort creating an atmosphere of family and turning strangers into friends overnight. And its not just swim-eat-sleep-repeat. A trip to Bouma National Heritage Park and Fijis most renowned waterfalls sees us diving under tumbling white foam into cool, translucent green water. After, we sit on rocks in the dappled sunshine and take in the sound of the rushing waterfall. At the end of the week, I treat myself to an outdoor massage, the lapping waves providing a soundtrack. As I force myself to stay awake, my masseuse, Selina, kneads the muscles in my back that have been worked hard on the swims, leaving my whole body feeling renewed. Of course, no trip to Fiji is complete without a kava ceremony. As we gather in the late afternoon light, our Fijian host places the powder inside a cloth bag and submerges it in water, kneading it until the liquid turns a muddy, pale brown. The drink is then served to each of us in a halved coconut shell and is best described as an acquired taste. Kava is reputed to calm stress and induce good sleep just like swimming. From his decades working in schools, Barker College principal Phillip Heath knows that parents talk. From a gossip at the school gates to trading rumours at the supermarket or while volunteering at the tuckshop. My experience is that it is an act of futility to attempt to stop or control that, he says. But for the past decade, gossiping parents have found a new home the school WhatsApp group. Barker College head Phillip Heath says parent WhatsApp groups have disrupted how schools communicate. Credit: Sam Mooy I become aware of comments about a situation, or a selection of a player, or the repertoire of the orchestra, or the result of a debate, or an officials decision, Heath says, adding that it burns vigorously for a few moments and disappears. Victorias fertility clinics may be vastly underreporting the true levels of dangerous complications from IVF treatments, a government report reveals. The industry is under intense scrutiny across Australia after it was revealed this week that a Brisbane Monash IVF clinic had accidentally implanted the wrong embryo and a woman gave birth to a child that was not biologically hers. An embryologist at the Monash Medical IVF clinic at the Epworth Hospital. Credit: Craig Abraham The states 24 licensed assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics last year reported 149 adverse events, including 128 instances of clinical issues and 11 scientific issues. The most recent disclosures were a significant increase on the 93 adverse events reported by Victorias fertility clinics in 2022-23, and the 107 adverse events reported in 2021-22. Masked neo-Nazis have rallied outside senior Coalition senator James Patersons Melbourne office on Sunday chanting racist slogans and declaring both Labor and the Liberals were traitors to the white race. About 30 people dressed purely in black, with their faces obscured by hoods and stockings, stood outside Patersons office in South Melbourne as one unmasked man yelled into a microphone, claiming both parties created a third world Australia. Paterson, the Coalitions spokesman on home affairs and a strong voice against antisemitism in Australia, dismissed the protests, saying he was not remotely intimidated by cosplaying losers who hide their faces behind masks. Neo-Nazis protesting outside senator James Patersons office. Credit: X I certainly wont be lectured on patriotism from people who worship a failed foreign regime. These protesters only make me more determined to protect Australians from extremists of all stripes, he said. 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 Turn a corner in Western Australia right now and youll find some of the most fascinating political battles in the country raging ahead of the May 3 election. In Bullwinkel, on Perths eastern fringe and the nations newest seat, Liberal Matt Morans blue vinyl-wrapped van vies for voter eyeballs. Metres away, the imposing old Nissan Patrol of his supposed political ally, the Nationals Mia Davies, does the same. About 18 kilometres west, wealthy progressives and old-money Liberals are locking horns in Curtin, whose constituents include billionaires Kerry Stokes, Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest. Here, former Uber executive Tom White is throwing the kitchen sink at wresting back the seat previously held by Liberal blue blood Julie Bishop from teal independent Kate Chaney. Pre-poll parking: Former WA Nationals leader Mia Davies is taking on the Liberals former Afghanistan veteran Matt Moran in the federal seat of Bullwinkel. Credit: Colin Murty These two contrasting seats showcase the breadth of issues in Western Australia, but both are vital to the major parties hopes of governing after May 3. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Duttons decision to converge on Perth this weekend ahead of their respective campaign launches underscores the states importance. Im back here again in WA because, guess what, WA is not just still important, Albanese said in Perth on Saturday. Its more important than ever, given the changes in the economy and the opportunity that is here in WA. Dutton did not disagree. We know that our economy doesnt work without a really strong economy here in Western Australia, and Anthony Albanese is a risk, he said less than 10 kilometres away in the electorate of Tangney. Advertisement Loading Labors path to majority or minority government rests on how much of its COVID-era 10.5 per cent swing it can defend in the state. The Coalitions shot at returning to government relies on wins in Curtin, Bullwinkel and claiming Labors seats in metropolitan Perth: Pearce, Hasluck, Tangney and Swan. Both parties are running WA-centric campaigns after Labors 2022 success, in which it springboarded off then-premier Mark McGowan, who scored a record win in the 2021 state election by casting then-prime minister Scott Morrison as anti-WA. Dutton knows this, and on every trip west has been quick to point out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is no Mark McGowan. The Liberals continue to cast Albanese as anti-WA in the same fashion Labor did Morrison, highlighting controversies such as delays to Woodsides North West Shelf gas project extension approval, his Nature Positive environmental reforms the Coalition claims could curb mining and a live sheep export ban that has infuriated farmers. Labor is stylising its national campaign to WA tastes and will counter the Liberals negativity with a pro-WA pitch to voters after Albaneses national campaign launch in Perth on Sunday. One WA Labor strategist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the partys weekly and local focus-group sessions suggest the messaging in WA was about right. Advertisement Were pretty confident were just going to keep doing it, the strategist said. The WA Liberals hopes took a dent in March when the party recorded its second-worst state election loss in its history, which poll analyst William Bowe attributes to lingering brand damage from the Morrison governments abortive attempt to stop the states popular COVID border controls. Bullwinkel voter Jason Boston at Old Mates Cafe in Kalamunda on Monday. Credit: Colin Murty Its the party brands that matter and clearly the damage that the Coalition suffered in Western Australia from COVID hasnt completely gone away ... it has probably been more persistent than I would have expected, Bowe said. The Bullwinkel stand-off The quiet streets of Kalamunda belie the quaint bushy Perth Hills suburbs importance to the nations political future. It is the population centre of Bullwinkel, one of the most intriguing three-cornered contests in the country. Here, well-known former WA Nationals leader Davies is taking on local Labor councillor Trish Cook and the Liberals Matt Moran, whose CV includes Afghanistan war veteran, Liberal staffer and Walkley Award-winning journalist. Advertisement But Jason Boston, 56, is unimpressed with the well-credentialled candidates as he and many of his neighbours battle the cost-of-living crunch. My major issue? Politicians being honest. Theres no point in saying one thing and doing another, Boston said as he enjoyed the peace at Old Mates Cafe in Kalamunda. Bullwinkel is a Frankenstein-like stitching of six federal electorates across the Perth Hills and Wheatbelt region, which covers much of Davies former state seat. Based on 2022 polling booth data, Labor notionally holds the seat with a 3.3 per cent margin, which gives Cook hope of making history as the first member for the new seat. Liberal strategists believe they can build on results in the state election, when the party narrowly flipped the seat of Kalamunda the only outer suburban seat they won. But Davies and the Nationals are confident in the electorates Wheatbelt areas, where the party has good standing. Advertisement The closer to the city, the tougher Davies prospects become, but she has backed the Keep the Sheep campaign, which heavily targets metro areas where she needs to cut through. Moran has also backed the campaign. The dynamic between Davies and Morans campaigns adds another layer of intrigue. Typically, the Liberals and Nationals do not run viable candidates against each other, but that is the reality in Bullwinkel after the Nationals decided for the first time in WA to run candidates in metro seats. The dynamic between the Moran and Davies campaigns adds another layer of intrigue in Bullwinkel. Credit: Colin Murty The Coalition partners have to share campaign information, appear on the same press releases, and Davies has taken a spot behind Dutton, next to Moran, at the past two Bullwinkel-related press conferences. Davies said she was unconcerned. Competition is healthy, she said. Giving people options. If they want to change the government, theyve got two choices one is the Nationals, who are a grassroots political organisation that put people and communities and practical, common-sense solutions ahead of politics. Advertisement Truist Securities analyst Scot Ciccarelli reiterated a Hold rating on the shares of Carmax Inc (NYSE:KMX) with a price forecast of $88.00. CarMax delivered strong fourth-quarter results, with used vehicle same-store sales rising 5.1%, slightly below expectations but showing notable improvement from the prior quarter. Average selling prices remained steady year over year, and unit volume aligned with projections. Adjusted earnings per share were estimated at $0.64, slightly above the expected $0.62. The company reaffirmed its long-term targets but removed the specific timelines due to economic uncertainty. Tariffs are expected to have mixed effects on the business, said the analyst. As a result, tariffs may boost used car demand due to pricier new cars, but they could also potentially price out some consumers. Also Read: Walmart's Resilience Shines With Broad EBIT Forecast And Strong Growth Engines, Analyst Says RBC Capital analyst Steven Shemesh maintained an Outperform rating on the shares and lowered the price forecast from $103 to $80. CarMax outlined several encouraging developments. First-quarter same-store sales are trending in the high-single-digit range, with momentum building from February into March and April. The company continues to improve operating efficiency, leveraging SG&A expenses by 770 basis points year over year to roughly 91% of gross profit. Market share stabilized year over year, with gains in the second half of FY2025, particularly in the 04-year vehicle segment, said the analyst. CarMax expects its loan loss provisions to rise 40%50% in first-quarter, hitting around $68 million, due to seasonal factors and a shift back to retaining more subprime loan volume. Management views this quarter as the likely peak, with future quarters remaining at the higher end of the $70$105 million range, assuming stable lending conditions. The company also broadened its definition of "omnichannel sales," now covering more customer interactions, raising the metric to 67% of retail sales. Lastly, CarMax aims to increase CarMax Auto Finance penetration by 100150 basis points by reclaiming previously outsourced loan originations. Price Action: KMX shares closed higher by 2.87% at $68.36 at last check Friday. Read Next: Photo via Shutterstock Latest Ratings for KMX Date Firm Action From To Feb 2022 Evercore ISI Group Downgrades Outperform In-Line Jan 2022 Seaport Global Upgrades Neutral Buy Dec 2021 RBC Capital Maintains Outperform View More Analyst Ratings for KMX Tesla Semi deliveries delayed again (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) The long-awaited debut of the Tesla Semi is running late, according to Electrek, which obtained a letter from Ryder to Californias Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). The letter is part of a 28-month contract extension request with MSRC, which awarded Ryder funding to deploy Tesla Semis and Megachargers to two California facilities. According to the letter, This extension is needed due to delays in Tesla product design, vehicle production and dramatic changes to the Tesla product economics. These delays have caused us to reevaluate the current Ryder fleet in the area. Additionally, Ryder reduced its commitment from deploying 42 Tesla Semis to 18. For EV infrastructure, work will resume in Q3 2025 for site inspections, with groundbreaking targeted for Q2 2026. One of the reasons for the infrastructure delay was Teslas requirement for 600kW chargers instead of the originally engineered 750kW units. Clean Trucking reports the Tesla Semi was originally priced back in 2017 at $150,000 for the 300-mile range version and $180,000 for 500-mile range. The delay comes against the backdrop of Teslas continuing to build out its Gigafactory Nevada for the Semi expansion, slated to start production sometime in 2025. Nikola founder Trevor Milton looks to buy his bankrupt startups assets (Photo: Alan Adler/FreightWaves) Trever Milton, founder of Nikola who was recently pardoned after being convicted of securities fraud, is looking to reunite with his former company by buying some of its assets from its bankruptcy. Tech Crunch reports that according to court filings and a person familiar with the matter, Milton placed a bid but got a frosty reception. The filings, reported by the Phoenix Business Journal, showed Nikola stopped Milton from personally inspecting Nikola assets at its Coolidge, Arizona, facility earlier in the month. According to a filing on April 4, a Nevada entity known as ISSO LLC submitted a bid for Nikola assets on March 21. Tech Crunch adds, As part of the bid process, Nikola agreed to let ISSO inspect the factory. But the company refused to allow video or pictures to be taken and prohibited a specific ISSO representative from entering the factory. The name of the representative was redacted from the filing, but other documents in the past submitted by ISSO LLC in state filings had Miltons father, Lance Milton, and one of Miltons lawyers, Troy Wallin, listed. The bankruptcy auction was held on Monday but at the time of writing it is unknown if ISSO LLC was successful in securing any assets. Here on this ribbon of bog road where curlews cry and teal and mallard burst from darkening bog-holes I stand cathedralled. - Bernadette McCarrick Going to the bog to start turf-cutting at this time of year was a tradition that extended back for centuries. Few events in the calendar of rural living created as much anticipation. Cutting turf was no ordinary task, it wasnt just fuel for the fire, it was an act of faith. Far back Before we discover anything about the origins of turf-cutting, let us first journey back in time to discover the origins of the bogs themselves. In the grand scale of time, we dont have to go back all that far. Clara Bog Nature Reserve in County Offaly, managed by National Parks and Wildlife, provides us with the back story. At the end of the last Ice Age about 10,000 years ago, peat formation began in Ireland. As the ice sheet began to melt it left behind gravel ridges where the meltwater was trapped and shallow lakes were formed. Plants such as reeds grew along the edges of the lakes. As these plants died, they decomposed at a slow rate due to the wet environment. This was mainly due to the lack of the oxygen which prevented microbial breakdown. The remains of the plants built up on the lake bed as a layer of peat. Over time, the peat layer became thicker and the area of open water was much reduced. The water that is fed into a fen is groundwater and is rich in minerals. Some fens have progressed into raised bogs. This progression takes place over hundreds of years as the peat and water turn from alkaline to acidic conditions. The change in these abiotic factors attracts a different plant and animal community. Sphagnum moss, known as the bog builder, is adapted to grow in low nutrient and acidic conditions become the dominant plant. As well as the Sphagnum moss, peat also contains roots, leaves, flowers and seeds of heathers, grasses and sedges. It is not difficult to understand why bogs are often referred to as living, breathing organisms. Deep down Keeping our bog example in the one place, Clara Bog began to form between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago when a lake was filled with a layer of dead vegetation forming fen peat. This coincides with the time that raised bogs began to form in Ireland. Raised bogs have an average peat depth of 9 to 12 metres. Clara Bog is now 10 metres deep. Clara Bog Nature Reserve continues with the story of how bogs have grown geographically. Outside the Midlands, most peatlands in Ireland, especially in the West, are described as blanket bog. They form in areas where the average annual rainfall is greater than 1,200mm and where rain falls on at least 235 days each year. Blanket bogs began to form between 4,000 and 7,000 years ago and so are much younger than raised bogs. Because of tree clearance in these areas, along with the high rainfall, minerals such as iron were washed down to the lower layers of soil. The minerals accumulated to form an impermeable layer called an iron pan. This then caused waterlogged conditions that favoured peat formation. The average peat depth of a blanket bog is 1.2 to three metres. There are two main types of blanket bog: lowland blanket bog that formed below the 150-metre contour line and mountain blanket bog that formed in areas above 150 metres. The latter is mostly found in mountainous regions throughout the country and includes much of the bogland on the Ox Mountains. Whats the story? But what of turf-cutting? When did it begin and where will it end? Patrick Abbot, writing in The Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape (Cork University Press, 1997), provides some interesting information on these questions. In modern times, many blanket bogs have been modified by human action. The cutting of peat for fuel began in the 17th century and continued at an increasing rate until the mid-20th century. Starting in the 1700s, the raised bogs of Ireland were exploited as a source of cheap fuel. Most of this was cut by hand, and laid in the sun to dry before being burned. At the time of the Famine, peat was often the only source of fuel available. In 1934, the Irish Free State set up the Turf Development Board, which bought land under compulsory-purchase orders and cut turf. Half of Ireland's raised bogs were destroyed (at a rate of 800,000 tons per year) between 1814 and 1946. After World War II, the government set up Bord na Mona to cut peat by mechanical means and this simply accelerated the process. In 1969, there were just 100,000 hectares of raised bog left in Ireland, of which Bord na Mona owned 45,000 hectares. Most of this will be exhausted by the middle of the coming century. Abbots information piece concludes on a more hopeful note when he suggests that in recent years, there has been increased awareness of the importance of raised bogs to science. In the Republic of Ireland, there are plans to set aside 10,000 hectares of raised bog for conservation purposes. In Northern Ireland, which has fewer raised bogs to begin with, almost all raised bogs are being preserved as Areas of Special Scientific Interest. The bogs of Ireland have taken one hell of a beating during the past century. Picture: Pat McCarrick Kiss of life It is safe to say that the days when a poverty-stricken people saving a plot of turf to boil their bacon and bake their bread are long gone. Indeed, apart from fuelling such simple tasks, it was always considered that if you required a decent fire, you had to resort to either timber or coal. At a time when government policy is moving from brown to green, at a time when no new house has a chimney and those that have chimneys are getting rid of them, the continued use of turf as a heat source seems well outdated. So, why, in this day and age, are we still drawn to cutting turf? There are possibly just two reasons: necessity and romance. At least I hope these are the only two reasons. Firstly, for certain people in certain situations, turf might well be their only option and secondly, no one is begrudging anyone a few bags of turf for their sitting room fire so they can cozy up in front of Netflix on a cold winters night. However, if you find yourself going to the bog to cut turf solely to maintain your claim or to poke your finger in the eye of Big Brother, please think again. The bogs of Ireland have taken one hell of a beating. They have suffered death by a thousand cuts, some of these cuts, delivered in industrial proportions by agencies of the state. If turf is not essential for your heating requirements, I would respectfully suggest that there is more pleasure to be received from gifting your turf banks back to nature. While they are still living and breathing, our bogs need the kiss of life, not a final death blow. 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. Healthcare stocks tend to hold up well in recessions as demand for healthcare services remains strong regardless of the prevailing economic situation. Consequently, the healthcare sector has been down by about 4% for the year, compared to a 14% decline in the S&P 500. The outperformance comes on the heels of Goldman Sachs chief US equity strategist David Kostin reiterating healthcare stocks are the way to go as the overall equity market remains in a corrective phase. Greenlight Capital, a hedge fund founded by David Einhorn, has also found itself at a crossroads amid the deep sell-off in the market. Nevertheless, the hedge fund, which specializes in value-oriented strategies, boasts of significant exposure to healthcare stocks, offering some support as investors shun risky plays amid the corrective phase in the equity markets. The sentiments came on the artificial intelligence-driven rally, propelling major indices to record highs. The gains to record highs also came with expectations that the Federal Reserve would aggressively cut interest rates on inflation levels that dropped close to the recommended 2% range. Things have changed, and the risk of inflation spiking has increased amid an aggressive trade war between the US and its trading partners. We have reached the Fartcoin stage of the market cycle, Einhorn wrote in an investor letter obtained by CNBC. Other than trading and speculation, it serves no other obvious purpose and fulfills no need that is not served elsewhere. The steep sell-off in the equity markets comes on the heels of Greenlight Capitals David Einhorn reiterating early in the year that the long-running bull run had ascended to levels beyond common sense. Wall Street has come down crashing on President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, raising the risk of a trade war that could push the global economy into recession. Major equity indexes have recorded their worst days in years, with the S&P 500 slipping back into correction territory. Amid the bloodbath, the focus is slowly turning to defensive sectors poised to shrug off the long-term effects of the trade war. We recently published a list of Top 9 Healthcare Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire David Einhorn . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) stands against other top healthcare stocks to buy according to Billionaire David Einhorn. Story Continues Given that healthcare accounts for about 17% of the US economy, companies with exposure to the multibillion sectors stand a fair chance of shrugging off the pitfalls of the ongoing trade wars. Thats because the industry boasts a defensive tilt that should attract investor interest amid rotation from high-risk plays in the equity markets. Within the equity market, we continue to recommend that investors own the health care sector, which offers investors a defensive tilt at low valuations, Kostin added. Health Care has outperformed the S&P 500 by 7 pp. YTD, but the median stock still trades at an 18% P/E discount to the S&P 500, which is nearly the largest valuation discount in recent decades, Kostin said. Increased focus on healthcare stocks amid recession and trade war concerns comes against the backdrop of one of the most frustrating years for healthcare fund managers. Even though the fundamental aspects of the healthcare sector indicated it would surpass the overall market, it still lagged behind sectors more sensitive to economic shifts as the US economy proved to be stronger than anticipated in 2024. Additionally, the sector faced negative effects due to the US election results. Historically, healthcare has significantly outperformed over the long haul. From 1989 to October 2024, the S&P 500 Healthcare Index yielded annualized returns of 12%, comparable to the technology sector. However, performance has been cyclical, with clear phases of underperformance and outperformance, driven by overarching market trends like instances when all defensive sectors excel and industry-specific catalysts. Our Methodology We combed Greenlight Capital SEC Q4 2024 13F filings to identify the top 9 healthcare stocks in David Einhorns portfolio. We then analyzed why the stocks stand out, as solid investment plays, well poised to shrug off the uncertainty triggered by recession concerns and trade war. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on the value of Greenlight Capital equity stakes in the stocks. Additionally, we have mentioned the hedge fund sentiment around each stock, as of Q4 2024. 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 newsletters 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). Is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (TEVA) the Top Healthcare Stock to Buy According to Billionaire David Einhorn? A close-up shot of various types of medicines on a table, illustrating the specialty and generic products offered by the pharmaceutical company. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) Greenlight Capitals Equity Stakes: $10.33 Million Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 72 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) develops, manufactures, and distributes generic and other medicines and biopharmaceutical products. The company specializes in providing affordable and accessible medicines to patients worldwide. Its long-term prospects received a significant boost late last year after results from a clinical study of its candidate drug for ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, Dukakitug, met primary goals. Following the positive results, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) is poised to lead the commercialization of the product in Europe, Israel and other countries. The medication may be used for purposes other than inflammatory bowel disease. Duvakitugs successful Phase 2b research results have paved the way for more clinical trials. Despite the anticipated sharp drop in sales from its generic version of Revlimid in 2026, analysts at Piper Sandler have emphasized Duvakitugs potential to support Tevas expansion. The research firm has expressed its confidence in Tevas capacity to increase its market value due to the companys strategic efforts and the potential of its therapeutic pipeline. Amid the positive clinical trial results, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (NYSE:TEVA) delivered solid Q4 2024 results, which were helped by double-digit sales gains of its branded drugs for migraines, Huntingtons disease, and schizophrenia. Revenue in the quarter totalled $4.2 billion as earnings per share came in at 71 cents a share. Teva expects 2025 revenue to average between $16.8 billion and $17.4 billion with diluted earnings per share of between $2.35 and $2.65. Overall, TEVA ranks 5th on our list of top healthcare stocks to buy according to Billionaire David Einhorn. While we acknowledge the potential of TEVA, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TEVA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, speaks alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to the press outside of the White House on March 6 in Washington, DC. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The Trump administration recently made a decision that could have negative consequences for a large segment of homebuyers traditionally not reached by big banks. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 14 to cut funding for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Per the executive order, the multi-billion dollar program will see personnel' and function' cuts, reducing them to only what's legally necessary. Don't Miss: CDFI, which was launched 1994, provides funds to rural areas underserved by big banks. These communities are traditionally in lower-income areas of the country. Pravina Raghavan, director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, explains the fiscal 2024 impact to Financial Assistance awards was over $408 million. FA awards provide capital for CDFIs to finance affordable housing and increase homeownership among other services in low-income and distressed communities. After the executive order was issued, there was a swift response from both Democratic and Republican representatives. A letter co-authored by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Mark Warner (D-VA), among others to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed their support for the CDFI Fund, referencing its positive economic impact. Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates. Bessent said during his confirmation hearing earlier this year that he supported CDFIs. He said they played a "very important" role in their target communities. Through the inception of the fund through February, Arkansas and South Carolina, two states that have voted for Republican presidential candidates since 2000, have received $3.2 billion, and $1.7 billion, respectively. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) have been strong proponents of the fund in the past. In the letter to Bessent, the Defense Credit Union Council mentioned that a cut to the CDFI would impact 495 CFDI-backed credit unions, providing services for millions of U.S. citizens. We recently published a list of 10 Best Medical Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. In this article, we are going to take a look at where UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) stands against other best medical stocks to buy according to billionaires. Why are Healthcare Stocks Under Pressure? Some experts view medical, healthcare, and big pharma stocks as immune from trade carnage, making them a safe haven amid the uncertainty brought about by Trumps tariffs. On April 8, Mizuho Securities America healthcare sector strategist Jared Holz appeared on CNBCs Power Lunch to talk about whether the speculations around the healthcare sector being a safe haven during market turmoil are true. He also discussed why healthcare companies are failing to get increased investor respect, given that healthcare is 20% of the American economy, which translates to around 1/5th of the countrys entire national output. Holz said that the countrys major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies undoubtedly help fight its healthcare problems. However, when we look at their financial models and the way their businesses are currently set up, we have got generic patent cliffs over the next 5-7 years on the medium to long-term angle of the company, along with price concessions with the IRA and some of the things the Biden administration put into place. We have also got pricing degradation over the near term, and between those two lies competition and other setbacks. The models thus never line up well enough for investors to have a lot of confidence, as the business models do not lend themselves to long-term viability. These are the primary reasons the sector and stocks have been under pressure for so long. READ ALSO: 10 Best Mid Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy and 12 Best Diagnostics Stocks to Invest In Right Now. Is Healthcare a Safe Haven Amid the Ongoing Tariff Turmoil? Holz further opined that managed care, particularly the government-centric names, are somewhat safe as they are insulated from tariffs as US-based companies. In fact, the economic slowdown is actually beneficial for them as they want less utilization and less patience through the system, which is how they typically beat numbers. He said that managed care is having a good day, and investors might think about owning some companies in the sector. It is, however, a relative game, as there are several different variables at play, and investors are essentially playing a game of hopscotch in an attempt to jump from one area to another, whether its tariffs, drug pricing, or other public policies. He painted a similar picture for medical device stocks that are more US-centric. These two sectors thus have less risk relative to others, making them somewhat of a safe haven. Recent market turmoil sees value-based investments in dividend-yielding equities becoming a compelling alternative to growth stocks investing among institutional players. Multiple strategists covered by CNBC noted portfolio managers pulling their investments from speculative names and diverting into more fundamentally grounded positions to overcome the unpredictable policy actions and inflation volatility. In this regard, safe dividend stocks provide income without compromising their defensiveness qualities that are becoming harder to ignore in todays time. Investments in dividend stocks are not just about cushioning against losses but also about long-term compounding and shareholder rewards. Investors prioritize dividends for the sake of sustainable yield that builds wealth gradually. Companies with strong dividend track records have historically stood against worse market conditions more effectively than their non-dividend counterparts. These stocks have safely harbored elevated capital inflow at times of increased volatility, indicating their trust in the broader market. President Trump made a recent announcement, an update to the new tariff policies, whereby a whopping 145% rate is slapped on Chinese imports while maintaining a 10% baseline for other countries for 90 days. Negotiations are expected between the U.S. and other countries during this period, which, if they do not go well, will bring back the reciprocal tariffs originally announced on April 2, 2025. The announcement sent ripples once again across the global trade. All the major indices are struggling to find equilibrium in the middle of the uncertainty. The situation further raises the importance of stabilized equities that could remain immune to the market whiplash up to some level. With fresh trade tensions arising from unprecedented policy revisions from Washington, price appreciation alone may not be a dependable strategy for investors. Income-focused portfolios are becoming more than just a hedge. They are a necessity. The stock market has become increasingly volatile, constantly causing investors to look for stability. But few instruments offer stability as much as dividend-paying stocks. Today, in this article, we will be looking at the 10 safest dividend stocks you might be interested in adding to your portfolio. We recently published a list of 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) stands against other safest dividend stocks to buy now. Story Continues But which dividend stocks to pick? Investors are facing not only economic cycles in todays market environment but also political cycles. Trade, taxation, and regulation are politicized so that the markets are exposed to a profoundly impactful risk that cannot be quantified. It calls for a revisal of a portfolio that includes equities rooted in strong fundamentals and offers high yields. With this in mind, our article will explore the 10 safest stocks investors could buy now to add resilience to their portfolios. Our curated selection is designed to offer consistent payouts and protect capital from the tremors induced by policies today. You might want to safeguard your capital, generate passive income, or just sleep better at night. Our picks in this article offer you all these in a market that is anything but predictable. Our Methodology When assembling our list, we followed a few criteria to optimize our picks for the investors. Primarily, we included those stocks with a minimum market cap of $2 billion to ensure the financial soundness of the companies. We also aimed for those stocks that have outperformed the benchmark, so we excluded those below the 52-week market performance of 3%. Since we want our article to benefit income-seeking investors, we placed a dividend yield limit of a minimum of 2%. Above all, we included only those stocks with a beta of 0.5 or less. A higher beta suggests higher volatility in market events, which increases the potential risks. All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yield. We have also looked into the hedge fund backing the stock to estimate the institutional interests. 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 newsletters 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). Is Unum Group (UNM) the Safest Dividend Stock to Buy Now? Close up of a person's hand signing a life insurance policy. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) Beta: 0.42 Dividend Yield: 2.20% No. of Hedge Funds: 43 A Tennessee-based company, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) is a leading provider of disability insurance, life insurance, and employee benefits across the U.S. and the UK. The companys client base is comprised of corporate clients and individuals, and its offering includes long-term disability, critical illness, and dental coverage. Against dominating competitors like MetLife and Prudential, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) uses its actuarial expertise, digital platforms, and strong broker networks to diversify its market share. The companys 52-week market performance stands at 46.76%, the highest on our list, against the market indices 3%. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) surpassed the previous expectations and achieved an EPS growth of 10%. Subsequently, the company raised its dividend by 15%. Additionally, through a repurchase program, the company repurchased $1 billion of shares in 2024. It has translated positively among the shareholders. For 2025, the company anticipates an 8% to 12% increase in EPS and intends to return the value further to the shareholders through increased dividends. With a beta of just 0.42 and a comparatively low dividend yield of 2.20%, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) establishes a balance between capital appreciation and low but stabilized income. As per the Insider Monkey database of Q4 2024, 43 hedge funds hold positions in the stock, making it one of the attractive, safe dividend stocks. Overall, UNM ranks 10th on our list of safest dividend stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of UNM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than UNM but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend 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. Before taking on his latest role, Glen Powell got the thumbs-up from someone experienced with the material. The Golden Globe nominee, who leads Edgar Wrights upcoming adaptation of Stephen Kings Running Man, revealed his casting got a full blessing from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the 1987 Paul Michael Glaser-helmed version. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arnold gave us his blessing, he told People. [His son] Patrick Schwarzenegger is a great friend of mine and I asked Patrick if I could talk to Arnold and I hadnt seen Arnold since we shot Expendables in Bulgaria. Powell added, Arnold gave us his full blessing and we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the movie in a couple of weeks here. So Im very excited to see him. Based on Kings 1982 novel, penned under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Running Man follows government-scapegoated prisoner Ben Richards in a dystopian future as he seeks freedom by outrunning trained killers on the titular reality show. Richard Dawson and Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Running Man (1987) (TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection) Powell previously appeared at CinemaCon, where he was awarded Star of the Year, teasing the film along with Wright and co-stars Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo. Ahead of its Nov. 7 premiere, the group debuted the first footage from the remake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew we were going to be shooting a lot of practical stunts on this movie, and I definitely got in what I call bulletproof shape, just knowing I was going to have to take some hits. But I dont think I fully prepped myself for what we tackled on this one, Powell told the CinemaCon crowd. But it really, it really works for the audience, he added. Because you know when youre falling and youre hitting the ground and youre really doing it, the audience feels that. You know, when the explosions are real and youre jumping through it, its a different sort of experience. The audience invests more. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UNIONDALE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Top-ranked Cornell used a six-goal run in the first half, and never looked back defeating #4 Syracuse 17-12 in mens lacrosse action on Saturday. The Big Red have now won six straight games. CJ Kirst and Ryan Goldstein combined for 16 points. Kirst led the way with five goals. Hes now five goals away from tying the NCAA all-time goals record. Owen Hiltz paced the Orange attack with four goals, and two assists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornell has won three straight games over Syracuse. The Big Red are now 10-1 this season. Syracuse drops to 9-3. SU returns to action next Saturday down in Durham, North Carolina against Duke. It will be a 2 p.m. start at Koskinen Stadium on the ACC Network. Cornell hits the road next Saturday when they visit Harvard at noon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Two men have been arrested in connection to a Friday night homicide, according to the Greensboro Police Department. At 10:25 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1900 block of Rubywood Street and located Jayda Cromartie, 25, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene. Officers responding to the scene located the suspect vehicle in the area and arrested two men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Jamal Isley, 28, was charged with one count of first-degree murder. He was taken to the Guilford County Jail and given no bond. Top: Ryan Jamal Isley, Bottom: Kenny Bernard Isley (Guilford County Sheriffs Office) Kenny Bernard Isley, 55, was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder and another charge. He was also taken to the Guilford County Jail and given a $500,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. April 12 (UPI) -- Two days of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces militia Friday and Saturday killed more than 100 people in the Darfur region of western Sudan. United Nations officials on Saturday announced the RSF and its allied militias attacked refugee camps in Abu Shorouk and Zamzam and North Darfur's capital city of el-Fasher, CBS News reported. "This represents yet another deadly and unacceptable escalation in a series of brutal attacks on displaced people and aid workers in Sudan since the onset of this conflict nearly two years ago," Clementine Nkweta-Salami, U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, told media in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RSF militia and allies attacked Friday and resumed the attack Saturday, which Nkewta-Salami said killed nine aid workers at one of the few health posts in the area. The Sudanese military controls el-Fasher and has been engaged in a civil war with its former ally RSF for two years. More than 24,000 people have died during the civil war. The Zamzam and Abu Shouk shelters are home to more than 700,000 refugees who were forced to leave their homes in the Darfur region due to the civil war, according to the U.N. The RSF has attacked civilians living in and near el-Fasher since May 2024 and in February attacked the Zamzam camp, Laetitia Bader, Human Rights Watch director for the Horn of Africa, said Friday in an online report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bader said the Zamzam camp houses more than 500,000 refugees who have been subjected to famine during the civil war. "In recent days, hundreds of desperate civilians have arrived in Tawila, a town 60 kilometers west of Zamzam, destitute, hungry and thirsty, reporting that conditions in Zamzam have become unbearable," Bader said. She said Sudanese Armed Forces and their allies "claim to be defending the city" but "have not appeared to take all feasible measures ... to minimize harm to civilians." The Milwaukee Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 11-year-old Kaidan Hudson, who went missing for a second time after he was found Saturday. Kaidan was last seen Saturday around 11 a.m. near North Vel R. Phillips Avenue and West Locust Street. 11-year-old Kaidan Hudson Kaidan first went missing from the area of North 26th Street and West Concordia Avenue Friday night but was found, Milwaukee police said in an update around noon Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police describe Kaidan as a 11-year-old Black male, approximately 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 60 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair with a low high top fade. Kaidan was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, grey Adidas joggers and black sandals. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Milwaukee Police Department District 5 at 414-935-7252. This story has been updated to add video. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 11-year-old Kaidan Hudson critically missing a second time, police say A 15-year-old is facing murder charges after a deadly shooting in Cincinnati Saturday night, according to our media partners, WCPO-9 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The shooting happened around 9:35 p.m. in the 2900 block of Short Vine Street, which is a few blocks east of the University of Cincinnati. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Mirick, 25, was killed in this shooting, according to WCPO-9. Another person was hurt, but their current condition is unclear. Police told WCPO-9 that they had arrested the teen for murder. The 15-year-olds identity was not immediately available. This shooting remains under investigation by the Cincinnati Police Departments Homicide Unit. Anyone with information is asked to call the unit at (513) 352-3542. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A 15-year-old was arrested in connection to Saturday nights shooting near the University of Cincinnati. NBC affiliate WLWT reported the Cincinnati Police Department was dispatched March 12 around 9:35 p.m. to a reported shooting in the 2900 block of Short Vine St. in Corryville. Officials said they discovered 25-year-old Kyle Mirick, who had reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, according to WLWT. Mirick was taken to UC Medical Center, where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another individual also taken to the same hospital, but their condition was not publicly available. The person taken into custody has not been identified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Wisconsin teenager allegedly killed his parents as part of a plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, federal authorities said in newly unsealed court documents. Nikita Casap, 17, called for the assassination of the president and overthrow of the US government in written documents and text messages found by investigators, according to a federal affidavit obtained by CNN affiliate WISN. The alleged killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to attain the financial means and autonomy to carry out his plan, investigators said. Casap faces nine felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of hiding a corpse, according to the Waukesha County court docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are also pursing three federal charges: presidential assassination, conspiracy and use of weapons of mass destruction, according to the affidavit. CNN has reached out to Casaps attorneys for comment. He has not entered pleas on any of the charges yet, according to county records. His mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer, were both found dead inside their home from gunshot wounds. Authorities believe they were killed on February 11. The WaKeeney Police Department in Kansas initially arrested Casap for stealing his stepfathers SUV and possessing a firearm. The Waukesha County Sheriffs Office obtained a search warrant and found material on Casaps phone related to the The Order of Nine Angles, which is a network of individuals holding new-Nazi racially motivated extremist views, according to court documents. They also found photos and communications referencing a self-described manifesto regarding assassinating the president, making bombs and terrorist attacks, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the vehicle, the sheriffs office found an open safe, womens jewelry, electronics, about $14,000 and banking documents. A three-page document the FBI found called for Trumps assassination to create a political revolution in the US and save the white race. As to why, specifically Trump, I think its pretty obvious. By getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president, that is guaranteed to bring in some chaos, one excerpt from the document said, according to the affidavit. The document also contained images of Adolf Hitler along with the text: HAIL HITLER HAIL THE WHITE RACE HAIL VICTORY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI additionally found an image and messages on his phone with information on how to use a drone as an attack drone, according to the documents. He paid, at least in part, for a drone and explosives to commit an attack, investigators said. They had also found photos of the front and back of Mayers credit and debit cards, and the username and password of a bank account. The 17-year-olds classmate told the sheriffs office in March that Casap had told him he planned to kill his parents but did not have access to a gun, according to the affidavit. Casap later told the classmate that he would befriend someone who had a gun and steal it, according to the affidavit. The court document also said Casap told his classmate that he was in contact with someone in Russia and they were planning on overthrowing the US government and assassinating Trump. Casap is scheduled to appear for arraignment on May 7, according to the Waukesha County court docket. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Shares of JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) rallied 4% on Friday, well above the market's return. The country's largest bank released its earnings today, which beat analyst expectations. Of course, past results don't matter that much, as investors are focused on the forward outlook in light of the administration's tariffs and potential trade war. However, management increased its annual outlook for net interest income and also posted strong capital ratios. That might have provided some comfort for investors who bought the stock today after the recent market correction. JPMorgan remains a safe haven in an uncertain world In the first quarter, JPMorgan saw net managed revenue rise 8% year over year to $46.0 billion, while adjusted (non-GAAP) earnings per share, adjusted for one-time costs, was $4.91, about $0.27 higher than expected. The company also posted a very strong 21% return on tangible equity while bolstering its balance sheet with a 15.4% Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio. Furthermore, management increased the company's 2025 outlook for net interest income to $94.5 billion, up by half a billion from last quarter. The beats came despite JPMorgan increasing its provisions for loan losses to $3.3 billion, up from just $1.9 billion last year. That's perhaps unsurprising in light of the tariff-related volatility we have seen, which has increased the odds of a recession later this year to about 50% on average, according to the bank. However, recent market volatility has helped boost trading revenues, which were up a strong 21%, higher than the expected low-double-digit growth. Meanwhile, the investment banking segment saw signs of life on higher debt issuance, with investment bank (IB) fees up 12%. And despite the market sell-off, JPMorgan's wealth management segment brought in another $90 billion in assets in the first quarter. JPMorgan remains a safe blue chip bank stock with dry powder Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon made a big point of JPMorgan's rock-solid balance sheet, which could enable the company to weather economic turbulence and perhaps capitalize on opportunities this year. He noted: We continue to believe it is prudent to maintain excess capital and ample liquidity in this environment -- our CET1 ratio remained very strong at 15.4%, and we have an extraordinary amount of liquidity, with $1.5 trillion of cash and marketable securities... As always, we hope for the best but prepare the Firm for a wide range of scenarios. JPMorgan's stock still trades at around 12 times earnings, which is fairly cheap. That said, the threat of potential recession or stagflation remains due to the current tariffs and trade wars. A man and woman are dead, and two others are injured after a crash in Clark County Saturday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 10:54 p.m., Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Troopers were dispatched to reports of a crash in the 800 block of East County Line Road. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An OSHP Sergeant told News Center 7 crews on scene that two vehicles were involved in the crash. The preliminary investigation shows that the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions and collided head-on. Two people, a male and a female, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sergeant. Troopers identified the two people as 20-year-old Robert Thomas of Urbana and 26-year-old Megan Branam of Springfield. The third occupant of the vehicle was taken to Miami Valley via CareFlight with serious injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to Springfield Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash remains under investigation, and Troopers are working to determine whether speed or impaired driving were factors. East County Line Road was closed during the investigation and was reopened at 3:10 a.m., according to the OSHP. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two men living in Las Vegas, one from El Salvador, the other from Mexico, made their initial court appearances Thursday on federal charges of illegally reentering the United States after a previous deportation. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, David Cristales-Machado and Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez, both 35, face one count each of a deported alien found in the United States. The DOJ said Cristales-Machado, a Salvadoran national, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 22 following an ICE detainer issued at the Clark County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had been arrested twice for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Officials said he was deported in October 2014 and has three prior felony convictions, including two for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle and one for attempted burglary. Lopez-Mendez, a Mexican national, was taken into custody on March 28 after being arrested by Las Vegas Metro police for possession of a controlled substance. He had previously been deported to Mexico in July 2018. Officials said Lopez-Mendez has two felony convictions: one for transporting a controlled substance and another for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle. The DOJ said that if convicted, Cristales-Machado faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Lopez-Mendez faces up to two years behind bars, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. Both also face a $100 special assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for Thursday, April 24. Anyone with information about crimes or suspicious activity can contact ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or submitting a tip 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 KLAS. BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) The Bulloch County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) has announced two missing boaters were recovered by private citizens Sunday morning. BCSO shared on Facebook that on Saturday, April 12, at approximately 9:08 p.m., they received reports of two missing 19-year-olds on the Ogeechee River. Both were supposed to return to the River Retreat boat ramp that afternoon but never arrived, and all attempts to contact them by phone were unsuccessful. Private citizens searched the area between the River Retreat boat ramp and GoBar Landing. BCSO and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded with vessels, and the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit responded from Perry, Ga., to assist in the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 4:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, the two individuals were located and returned to the boat ramp safely and without injury. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nearly 300 passengers on board two international flights heading to Atlanta on Thursday were stuck for hours on an Alabama tarmac after their flights were diverted, amid severe weather, to a small airport without Customs and Border Protection staffing. Delta Air Lines flights 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and 599 from Mexico City were both on their way to Atlanta when flight crews had to divert due to inclement weather and selected Montgomery, Alabama, for their diversion point, a Delta spokesperson confirmed to CNN. Both planes landed at the Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama because Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport was not considered suitable as a diversion airport due to thunderstorms and dangerous conditions in the region, including wind shear, according to the Delta spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of severe lightning activity that went on throughout the evening, Delta flight crews ran over their permitted duty times, the Delta spokesperson said. International flights are obligated to arrive at an airport with Customs and Border Protection staffing and facilities for processing, which wasnt possible until early Friday morning when a special accommodation was reached with Montgomery airport officials and CBP, the spokesperson said. We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience, the spokesperson told CNN. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening. We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking. Lauren Forbes, from Boston, Massachusetts, was on board one of the flights with her boyfriend, CNN affiliate WCVB reported. Initially, the pair had a layover in Atlanta before resuming their journey to Bostons Logan International Airport, according to Forbes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The pilot) was really trying to make it to Birmingham, but we were going to run out of gas, Forbes told WCVB. For hours, the 147 passengers aboard Flight 599 and the 150 customers aboard Flight 1828 both which landed in Montgomery around 10:30 p.m. local time were stuck on the plane until about 5:30 a.m., according to the Delta spokesperson. Passengers were given water and cookies as they waited for updates, according to Forbes. So everyones very ravenous still, and they just kept changing (the plan), Forbes told WCVB. People would sleep, but then you were woken up by the announcements, and there was a point where people just said, you know, dont make the announcement if its going to be a lie, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had to walk out onto the tarmac, and it was freezing, and it was dark, and there were hundreds of us just standing on there, Forbes said. Delta issued Forbes and her boyfriend a flight booking from Montgomery to Atlanta, but the couple said they had to buy their flights for final leg home to Boston. We shouldnt have to be responsible for that, Forbes said. A passenger on board one of the planes posted a video to social media showing people huddled inside the airport as security officials stood nearby. These folks got us roped off, Samuel Sears said in the Facebook post. Now were under security until we can go through customs, which wont be for another three hours. Im hungry, Im sleepy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers continued to Atlanta the next morning as new flight crews were brought to Montgomery to operate the flights, according to Delta. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHICAGO A 26-year-old man was shot in the leg overnight in the Gold Coast neighborhood, according to Chicago police. Police say officers responded to a person shot in the 0-100 block of East Goethe Street around 3:30 a.m. Sunday and found the man on the ground outside with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to an area hospital, where police say hes listed in good condition. 29-year-old woman dies after being stabbed during altercation with man in Lincoln Square late Saturday, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the victim said he was shot by a man who then fled in a gray vehicle. Nobody is in custody, police say, and Area Three detectives are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Police are searching for the hit-and-run driver who left a man severely injured in L.A.s Koreatown neighborhood. The crash occurred on Dec. 22, 2024, as the victim was crossing Catalina Street near Wilshire Boulevard at around 2:35 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department. As the victim jogged across the road quickly, a white sedan traveling northbound on Catalina Street struck him and continued speeding away. Surveillance footage shows a man being struck and severely injured by a hit-and-run driver in L.A.s Koreatown neighborhood on Dec. 22, 2024. (Los Angeles Police Department) Surveillance footage shows a man being struck and severely injured by a hit-and-run driver in L.A.s Koreatown neighborhood on Dec. 22, 2024. (Los Angeles Police Department) The victim, identified only as a 29-year-old man, was transported by paramedics to the hospital in severe condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 killed, 3 hospitalized in multi-vehicle Carson crash On April 10, LAPD released surveillance footage of the hit-and-run crash. Police described the suspects vehicle as a newer-model white sedan. Motorists are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves, LAPD said. The public is also reminded that pedestrians must obey all traffic laws and cross the street when it is safe to do so. A reward of up to $50,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the drivers apprehension and conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call West Traffic Division Detective Holmes at 213-473-0238. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.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 KTLA. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Three cases of a rare, fatal brain disease have been reported by public health officials in Oregons Hood River County. The cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have been confirmed over the last eight months, and its unclear if these cases are linked at this time, according to the Hood River County Health Department on Friday. The Oregonian/OregonLive, which was the first to report on the cases, says two of the cases have resulted in deaths. Nexstars KOIN reached out to the Hood River County Health Department for confirmation but did not immediately receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California town reports third fatality related to rare virus linked to death of Gene Hackmans wife No other details about the local cases were immediately available. In a Facebook post announcing the investigation, health department officials for Hood River County described the risk to the public as extremely low. What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease? Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the result of a prion, a type of infectious protein, triggering a bodys normal proteins to misfold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no treatment or cure, and will typically lead to death within a year from when symptoms begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neurodegenerative disorder, CJD is characterized by Alzheimers-like symptoms, though they get worse much faster, the Mayo Clinic writes. Specifically, symptoms can include memory loss, coordination issues, trouble speaking, and personality changes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hood River County health officials say most cases of CJD can happen without a known reason, but sometimes it can be inherited by running in families and in very rare cases, it can be spread through certain medical exposures or by eating infected beef. The latter is often referred to as variant CJD, the CDC says. Search continues for Las Vegas veterinarian who apologized for kicking horse A report published last year suggested two hunters contracted Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease after eating venison from deer infected with chronic wasting disease, also a prion disease. The researchers behind the study noted the causation was unproven and that further investigation is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in Oregon have not yet said what may have caused the recent cases. The rate of CJD diagnoses in the U.S. is about one person per million, the CDC estimates. Nexstars Michael Bartiromo and Addy Bink 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. WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Three minors, between the ages of 12 and 14, were arrested for attempting to steal a Hyundai near Spring Street, according to police. At about 7:15 on Saturday night, officers said they received a call from an individual who observed the attempted theft. When crews responded to the area, an officer came across one of the juveniles, who police say fled on foot. Police pursued the individuals down streets and through several yards. Thanks to excellent communication between the officers, all three juveniles were apprehended shortly thereafter, West Haven Police Department shared in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said all three juveniles were processed on numerous charges at the West Haven Police 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 WTNH.com. Jensen Huang delivering the keynote address at Nvidia's annual GTC Conference Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Nvidia might be able to easily weather Trump's trade war, Morgan Stanley said. The bank said it believed the impact of tariffs on Nvidia's business could be "minimal." Demand for Nvidia's chips is strong, and the company could work its supply chain around duties, it said. Trump's escalation of his trade war has dragged down the market's highest-flying stocks but there's good reason to think that Nvidia could ultimately be relatively unscathed in a trade war. That's according to Morgan Stanley, which called Nvidia its "Top Pick" in the market on Thursday, even as Trump doubled down on his tariff threats on China and caused the historic sell-off in stocks to accelerate. Semiconductors were left out of Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs. But tariffs on chips could potentially be on the table in the future, Morgan Stanley said one thing that's clouding the outlook for mega-cap tech stocks, which have sold off heavily in the last week. Semiconductors were left out of Trump's April 2 tariff plan. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images But, even if tariffs are implemented on chips, Nvidia looks like it could face "fairly minimal" consequences from those duties, in part because demand for its chips is so strong and because the firm has some flexibility with its supply chains, analysts at the bank said. "NVIDIA remains our Top Pick with the undeniably positive GPU data points and an inference market clearly starved for GPUs across multiple hyperscalers. We think sustained AI spend and NVDA's relative supply chain flexibility will help them outperform, even in a higher tariff environment." Nvidia's chip hype CEO Jensen Huang said that demand for Nvidia's Blackwell chip was "insane." Getty Images Morgan Stanley said demand for Nvidia's chips is booming, largely due to the "tight" capacity for large language learning models to make new predictions and inferences. That's driving strong demand for Nvidia's products, even older-generation chip models like Hopper, it added. Nvidia reported record revenue of $39.2 billion over the last quarter, up 78% year-over-year. CEO Jensen Huang has also said that demand for Blackwell, Nvidia's latest chip, has been "insane." "Our industry contacts are generally unconcerned by the tariffs, because demand is strong, Blackwell is sold out, and demand is quite price insensitive," the Morgan Stanley analysts added. Supply chain alternatives Most builds for Nvidia's GB200 platform may be in North America and not subject to tariffs, Morgan Stanley said. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Most of the framework for some of Nvidia's products may already be in North America. That means important components may not face tariffs at all, given the US's recent trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Proposals by President Donald Trump to reform Social Security have been met with widespread resistance by a coalition of senior advocates, Democrats and watchdog groups. Support for the proposals have been more muted, with most defenders coming from Trumps inner circle and political allies. Read More: How Far $1.5 Million in Retirement Savings Plus Social Security Goes in Every State Find Out: Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 Much of the focus has been on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a non-official organization headed by Elon Musk. DOGE aims to drastically reduce the federal government including Social Security by downsizing operations and cutting staff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk himself has referred to Social Security as the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time and a major source of waste and fraud in entitlement spending, Time reported. Those comments didnt exactly endear the Telsla CEO to Social Security advocates. Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick another businessman whose net worth is estimated between $2 billion and $4 billion also came under fire when he said his mother-in-law wouldnt call and complain if she missed a Social Security payment. For You: Who Would Benefit the Most from Trumps Social Security Tax Plan While debates rage over the future direction of Social Security, several moves have already been made to reform the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced plans to cut about 7,000 jobs. That followed an earlier announcement that the SSA would eliminate 41 jobs and close at least 10 field offices. Other recent moves include the following: Requiring in-person visits for customer service issues that have traditionally been conducted over the phone. The SSA later walked back this requirement after a public outcry, though it might be revisited in the future. Pressuring certain immigrants and others with legal status to be in the U.S. to self-deport by effectively canceling the Social Security numbers they had lawfully obtained, The New York Times reported. Under this proposal, immigrants would be added to a database of dead people, thus rendering their Social Security numbers inoperable, according to an administration official who spoke with Reuters. Heres a look at three political figures who have pushed back against Trumps Social Security proposals: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Schumer recently told the media that fewer people will get benefits because of what the Trump administration has done, NBC News reported. This is another way of killing Social Security, plain and simple. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.): In a conversation with the Huffington Post, Neal suggested that DOGEs claims of widespread Social Security fraud could be a way to delegitimize the agency and pave the way for privatization. I think that what they say with fraud is, Well, heres the plan: If we keep suggesting that theres a lot of fraud, then, if we cut contact with the Social Security Administration, then we can prove that it doesnt work, Neal said. Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.): The House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member issued this statement after the SSA walked back its plans to cut phone services: Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been coming after Social Security to pay for new tax breaks for the wealthy, but the American people are speaking up to tell them, Hands off! We must continue to vociferously hold Trump, Musk and their DOGE accountable for all the chaos, confusion and damage they have created. Here are three political figures who have come to Trumps defense: Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.): Scott told NBC News that he believes Trump is going to do the right things with Social Security. He also said the SSA understands its responsibility to answer the phones and take care of Social Security recipients. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho): Per NBC News, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee recently said Trumps critics are engaged in scare tactics and added that the president has said very clearly that we are not going to cut Social Security benefits. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Although Cornyn has not specifically endorsed any of the Trump proposals, he did tell NBC News that the SSA is in a transition period and there will be a number of changes, plus and minus Ultimately, I dont think those kinds of personnel decisions are going to be best made by Congress. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Political Figures Pushing Against Trumps Social Security Proposals and 3 Who Are For Them MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Organizers, businesses and community members from across the Grand Strand came together at The Market Common on Saturday to help raise more than $100,000 for cancer research. It was the 31st annual Relay for Life, and participants walked nine hours to signify the journey of a cancer patient. Each group had had a member of their team walking the area at all times. More than 200 people many wearing the American Cancer Societys trademark purple color were on hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two friends, now cancer-free, were among those who took part. One of the main things that I tell people is to have a positive attitude, because theres someone up there looking out for us, Dolores Foggo said. And that will help you walk many, many avenues that you have to overcome. Kelli Philo agreed. I think the Relay for Life donates or contributes to so many different things that can help the cancer patient, including research, she said. Rights to treatments, research on new medications. So its important to me to continue to support that. Organizers told News13 the event surpassed its fundraising goal and are already planning for next years event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Popular items from this list: OKeeffes lip sleeping mask to help heal and repair dry, cracking, chapped lips Stilas liquid eyeliner with a smudge-free felt tip that makes creating the perfect cat eye simple Mielles TikTok-famous rosemary mint strengthening oil to help nourish your scalp and promote hair growth at the root O'Keeffe's lip sleeping mask to help heal and repair dry, cracking, chapped lips www.amazon.com O'Keeffe's lip sleeping mask to help heal and repair dry, cracking, chapped lips www.amazon.com O'Keeffe's lip sleeping mask to help heal and repair dry, cracking, chapped lips Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won't go anywhere without it now." Anna C. Adams Advertisement Advertisement $9.99 at Amazon Stila's liquid eyeliner with a smudge-free felt tip that makes creating the perfect cat eye simple www.instagram.com Stila's liquid eyeliner with a smudge-free felt tip that makes creating the perfect cat eye simple www.instagram.com Stila's liquid eyeliner with a smudge-free felt tip that makes creating the perfect cat eye simple It has long-lasting formula that promises not to bleed, crack or budge. It's available in 11 colors. Promising reviews: "HG eyeliner of all time! Cannot live without this eyeliner. I don't know what wizardry is involved in making this eyeliner it lasts forever and doesn't smudge. One pen will last months! I will never be without this liner!" Leeyee "This eyeliner is MAGIC. I thought that I couldn't do liquid eyeliner until I bought this, and it CHANGED MY LIFE. I wear it daily and get constant compliments on my wings, and whenever that happens, I tell them it's Stila. I recommend it to everybody I know. I've tried several other liquid liners, including Nyx and Fenty, but this one is the best. Dark, easy to control, doesn't bleed." Amazon Customer Advertisement Advertisement $24 at Amazon Mielle's TikTok-famous rosemary mint strengthening oil www.amazon.com Mielle's TikTok-famous rosemary mint strengthening oil It's formulated with biotin and moisturizing oils like jojoba which can help stimulate the scalp. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some researchers have found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair growth as Rogaine. Read more about how biotin could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Promising reviews: "Legit magic in a bottle. Wish I could order this stuff by the gallon. Took a chance on this because I was desperate, having already spent so much money on luxury and drugstore products with little results. I use this as a pre-treatment on scalp and ends before I wash hair. Scalp has improved dramatically. I feel like theres not as much breakage/fallout, and my ends are fuller. (This is after like six months, but my scalp was better immediately.)" Claire Blanchard "I hardly write reviews.. but this one deserves to be written about!! My hair was falling out a LOT, and somehow just with the FIRST application onwards, I started seeing less fall. And now, after four months, I can see hair growth as well, and my hair is already looking thicker!! And Ive been using it only once a week.. just a few drops and massaging in. Omg, how can anything be so simple and yet so effective!!! Amazing! Amazing!!! Whoever invented this.. hats off!!" Dee $9.15 at Amazon CeraVe Retinol Serum www.amazon.com CeraVe Retinol Serum If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option. And remember, like with any retinol, do not use it every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising review: "This product is magic in bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skin care routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! Ive only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Dont think twice about this product just buy it!!!" mallory brook bravo Advertisement Advertisement $14.99 at Amazon Or prescription-strength (but not prescription-priced) Differin retinoid gel www.amazon.com Or prescription-strength (but not prescription-priced) Differin retinoid gel www.amazon.com Or prescription-strength (but not prescription-priced) Differin retinoid gel It's designed to promote and "normalize" skin cell turnover, which can help clear existing breakouts, combat inflammation and prevent acne in the future. Promising reviews: "Look I dont know what kind of magical potion is in this little bottle but Ive used it approximately four times in the past week and my skin is GLOWING. My pores are suddenly nonexistent and my blackheads have shrunk. This stuff is amazing. Also its really moisturizing and not as irritating as other retinoids I have used in the past. The bottle is smaller than I was expecting but it is worth every penny. Great stuff. 11/10." Demi "This stuff actually works. I work in a spa and Ive tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acne prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as differin gel. One of my aeathetician coworkers recommended it to me and dang if she wasnt right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks and Im still amazed." Rin Wisell Advertisement Advertisement $11.49 at Amazon A bottle of Bio-Oil to help moisturize skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks Amazon A bottle of Bio-Oil to help moisturize skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks Amazon A bottle of Bio-Oil to help moisturize skin and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks Promising review: "What kind of sorcery is this? I used this for the first time last night on some recent acne scars, and I'm in utter shock. They look like they've been healing for weeks.... this stuff must be made of pixie dust or something. It's way too good to be true. From now on, I will be putting this all over my skin before bed every night! I don't even care if it means washing my sheets more often SO WORTH IT!" Julia Richardson $10.11 at Amazon Cosrxs snail mucin repairing essence for a moisture boost that'll also help with fine lines and inflammation www.amazon.com Cosrxs snail mucin repairing essence for a moisture boost that'll also help with fine lines and inflammation Advertisement Advertisement www.amazon.com Cosrxs snail mucin repairing essence for a moisture boost that'll also help with fine lines and inflammation www.amazon.com Cosrxs snail mucin repairing essence for a moisture boost that'll also help with fine lines and inflammation I love this essence for whenever I need an added boost of hydration. It absorbs into the skin beautifully! Promising review: "Game changer. I don't know what kind of sorcery this is but it has literally changed my skin!! First time I used it, my skin felt tighter and more balanced. A week later 2x a day, my skin is so much brighter. Better texture and even coloring. Pores seem tighter. Not a single pimple since. It looks so healthy. Whatever magic this is, it works better than any expensive designer skin lab crap that I've tried." Np $13 at Amazon Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a cult-favorite body cream Amazon Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a cult-favorite body cream Amazon Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a cult-favorite body cream It offers deep hydration (with cupuacu butter, coconut oil and acai oil) and temporary skin-tightening (with caffeine), plus a fragrance with notes of salted caramel and vanilla. Caffeine has a number of skincare benefits, including brightening and temporarily reducing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. You can read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising reviews: "This stuff is magic, Ive tried a lot of products and this one works the best out of everything Ive tried. I love the scent, sol de jeneiro makes a body spray of it and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it." Stephanie Hooper "Where has this been all my life? I have been using this for maybe three days now, and putting it on in the morning and evening are the best parts of my day. The description of the scent as "pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla" does not even begin to describe the incredibly decadent smell of this cream on my skin. My skin feels like velvet and I saw improvements in the texture after the first application. I will use it for the rest of my life. Do not ever discontinue this! I did not expect to be so amazed my this cream, but it is life-changing. Buy it! You won't regret it." Michelle Brown Advertisement Advertisement $22 at Amazon A set of Lilac St. false lash segments that last for up to 10 days www.amazon.com A set of Lilac St. false lash segments that last for up to 10 days Just apply the mascara-like glue to the underside of your lashes and attach the segments wherever you'd like additional length and volume. I've worn these lashes, and I'm never going back to strip lashes again! These look much more natural, are easy to apply and don't budge until removed. Promising review: "At home lash magic! Ive been wearing this brand for a year now, I dont know what I did before. They are perfection, I use their extra strength lash glue and I can easily get 10-14 days out of a set. I also use sizes 10mm-16mm for a beautiful natural look and I get so many compliments. OFTEN people think I get professional lash extensions!!! If they ever went out of business Id be so lost without them!! Just do it already treat yourself. Ps Give yourself so time to adjust to this method before deciding if you like it. Watch some videos to figure out how to put them on. Its worth it I promise." Stephanie R. $12.95 at Amazon My all-time desert island holy grail, CeraVe's skin renewing night cream BuzzFeed / Maitland Quitmeyer My all-time desert island holy grail, CeraVe's skin renewing night cream BuzzFeed / Maitland Quitmeyer My all-time desert island holy grail, CeraVe's skin renewing night cream It delivers on hydration and softness and protects your skin's natural barrier I won't use an expensive night cream again. There's a reason people can't stop talking about CeraVe on TikTok! It has new packaging in case it looks different when you order it I just make sure my order is sold by and shipped by Amazon. This is my all-time favorite, never-be-without night cream. I always make sure to keep at least one extra jar on hand because it's sometimes sold out. Like many reviewers, I use it every single night. Promising reviews: "CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is my skincare savior! I use it every night and wake up to a dewy, plump complexion that's like magic. It's my secret weapon for fighting fine lines, wrinkles, and keeping my skin hydrated and barrier-strong. As someone with sensitive skin, this dreamy overnight moisturizer is an absolute game changer!" Brooke "Ive been using the same cream for over seven years. Every other cream would break me out, not moisturize my skin enough, or just make me too oily. I got this because Ive been breaking out and Ive been trying to find something to calm my skin down. The first night I used this my skin improved!! Redness/bumps reduced, my skin was soft. I have very sensitive, oily, acne prone skin and this did not irritate my face at all. I wake up and my skin is soooo soft. My skin texture has drastically changed in just a week. My makeup applies so smooth and my pores even look better. My new go-to!" Melody Advertisement Advertisement $13.35 at Amazon Londontown's illuminating nail concealer www.amazon.com Londontown's illuminating nail concealer www.amazon.com Londontown's illuminating nail concealer It leaves nails healthy-looking and glowing with a little flush of color. You can also layer it for that glazed nail look that's so on trend. It's available in four shades. Promising review: "See the photo for proof! This is one coat, slapped on, no basecoat. And my nails are on the yellow side with a fair amount of ridges. It goes on easy, dries fast, covers imperfections, and hides ridges. Two coats looks like I went to a salon. Lasts weeks, and I am tough on polish. This is the pink, I am going to try the other colors. This polish is worth every penny and now I can go to meetings and look put together despite my habit of pulling weeds bare handed :)" CarissaKJ Advertisement Advertisement $14+ at Amazon (regularly $20) A hydrocolloid nose patch that targets your whole nose all at once www.amazon.com A hydrocolloid nose patch that targets your whole nose all at once www.amazon.com A hydrocolloid nose patch that targets your whole nose all at once It'll absorb gunk and oil from multiple pimples and pores all at once. Promising review: "Sorcery! Wow, I don't know how these things work but they are incredible. I have been fighting congested nose pores my entire life, with varying success. This is the first time everything just came out. No scrubbing, harsh chemicals and poking. I am in love!" IHateCleaning $16.55 at Amazon An automatic makeup brush cleaner with a textured silicone bowl www.amazon.com An automatic makeup brush cleaner with a textured silicone bowl Advertisement Advertisement www.amazon.com An automatic makeup brush cleaner with a textured silicone bowl Just squirt in some makeup brush shampoo and water, plug it in, press the button and away the bowl spins, scrubbing your brushes clean while you simply hold them in place. It's available in three colors. Check out the brush cleaner in action on TikTok. Promising reviews: " This is a must!!! I absolutely love it. It cleans all make up brushes pretty good. I added few drops of baby shampoo & hot water its amazing how this little magic bowl washes all the dirt away! I strongly recommend it! Get it girl!" Mariela "I used to wash my brushes by hand. It took forever because I have nearly 200 makeup brushes. This brush cleaner is a game changer. To use, put some water and a very little dish soap in it, turn it on, and put your brush in. The cleaner has nubs that scrub your brush. I quickly rinse the soap out under running water. My brushes are so much cleaner now. The task is relaxing instead of a chore." TaleSpinner $21.59+ at Amazon A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel www.amazon.com A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel Promising review: "Best product I've ever got from Amazon. This thing is really what everyone said it is: MAGIC. I cannot believe after one use the results of my callouses just years and years of pain shaved down without any surgical treatment! WOW! I seriously have no words if I can give this product 1Mil stars I would. If youre someone whos had horrible calloused feet for years PLEASE BUY THIS!" jess $14.99 at Amazon An ergonomically designed detangling brush www.amazon.com An ergonomically designed detangling brush www.amazon.com An ergonomically designed detangling brush It's available in many colors. Promising review: ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS OOOOMMMMGGG!!! I was skeptical at first, but given the reviews I figured Id give it a try. Im African American and have curly, kinky, coils... in between the realm of type 3/4 idk to be honest. All I know, is that when I went to detangle my fro after a long day, this brush easily slid through. I had to double take! I didnt have to pretangle with a wide tooth comb I just dove right in. My hair is THICK! After each stroke I kept looking at the brush like, what type of sorcery is this!? And to top it off ZERO BREAKAGE!!! Buy this brush!!!!!" Amazon customer $11.99 at Amazon A set of two satin pillowcases Amazon A set of two satin pillowcases This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too. They're available in standard, queen, king and body pillow sizes and numerous colors. Promising reviews: "I was skeptical that these wouldn't work as well as silk pillowcase because the price was so low. But, game changer, seriously. Not sure what kind of sorcery in built into this, but it stays cool all night, my hair hasnt been a wreck when I wake up. Get this!" Susie F. "I bought these cases to match a new sheet set. I previously had bought much more expensive brands to match other sheets but I love the Bedsure brand of products and wanted to try these out. Arguably, theyre softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and theyre shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure. Highly recommend!" Hannah Watkins $5.57+ at Amazon Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a fan-favorite French moisturizer Amazon Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, a fan-favorite French moisturizer You could stock up on it during your next trip to Paris...or just order it straight from Amazon. (It's a verified seller!) Promising review: "I dunno what kind of sorcery this is, but it's a godsend. I have combination skin that tends to lean towards dry, and it's incredibly moisturizing I've been using this product for nearly two years now, and as long as I use it regularly I do not have any flaking. It's also helped with some of my wrinkles and with the crinkling on my eyelids! It's non-greasy and has a pleasantly floral scent that is not perfume-y, overpowering, or lingering. I can attest that it's helped with signs of aging in combination with my use of facial serums and sunscreen. AND it does not irritate my extremely sensitive and extremely Irish skin one bit, which is honestly a miracle. It's costly, but a tiny bit goes a long way. One tube lasts me several months! MAGIC." Kay $17+ at Amazon An exfoliating mitten so you can scrub off dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin in the shower www.amazon.com An exfoliating mitten so you can scrub off dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin in the shower Just lather up and (gently) massage your skin. Several reviewers say they just throw theirs right in the washing machine to clean it! The brand also makes a smaller mit designed for the bikini area and a long, narrow back scrubber for hard-to-reach areas. Promising reviews: "BEST PURCHASE OF MY LIFE. Im SO excited about these mitts. I have KP on my arms and legs, so exfoliating is extra important for me. I also tend to need to exfoliate more often than the average person, but I never feel like any scrub or brush does enough. These are PERFECT. I followed all of the instructions and the dead skin was just rolling right off, and it felt so nice! I swear this is the cleanest Ive felt in my entire life, and after only one use my skin is more glowy and smooth than its been in years. I dont think I can live without these now." bun "MAGIC. HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS MIT! This cleared up 80% of the chicken skin I have INSTANTLY after one use. Also it took off way more dead skin than any scrub Ive ever used. I never write reviews so I had to when I got this and loved it." Cheyanne $10.99+ at Amazon An exfoliating First Aid Beauty bump eraser body scrub reviewers with KP (aka keratosis pilaris) swear by www.amazon.com An exfoliating First Aid Beauty bump eraser body scrub reviewers with KP (aka keratosis pilaris) swear by It contains 10% glycolic and lactic acids, and has tiny pumice exfoliants to buff away dead skin for smooth arms. Promising review: "The first aid beauty bump eraser is truly magic. I have had tiny, dry-skin bumps on my arms and thighs since I was a child and have never been able to get rid of them. I have tried so many scrubs and moisturizers that failed. I came across this product and its now on my subscribe and save list. There are TONS of exfoliants in the scrub so it's super effective. Skin feels so soft after using it because it gets ALL of the dry and dead skin cells completely off. I have bought this for friends as a gift and would highly recommend it to anyone." Doug Kohlenstein $28 at Amazon A tube of L'Occitane's fast-absorbing shea butter hand cream Amazon A tube of L'Occitane's fast-absorbing shea butter hand cream Amazon A tube of L'Occitane's fast-absorbing shea butter hand cream If you have dry, cracked hands or just hate the feeling of papery hands post-washing, you need this little guy in your bag. Promising review: "Magic! If I could give this hand cream 1,000 stars, I would. Winter is AWFUL on my hands. Theyre constantly dry, cracking, scaly and sometimes they bleed. I bought the LOccitane on a whim after reading about hand creams for dry skin. When I say Ive tried just about all of them I mean it. Ive tried Working Hands, Corn Huskers lotion, Aquaphor and other drugstore lotions, and none of them worked as fast or as remarkably as this one. $30 is a steep price for a hand cream, but thats about how much Ive spent on other lotions combined, so really, its a win-win situation for me. I definitely plan on keeping this on hand (pun intended) throughout the year. I will most definitely be repurchasing this when I run out and possibly getting a smaller one to keep in my purse so I dont lose the large one. If youre on the fence about buying it, buy it!" Shannan $30 at Amazon A glowy L'Oreal moisturizer you can mix with foundation, wear as a base under makeup or apply as a highlighter or bronzer Amazon A glowy L'Oreal moisturizer you can mix with foundation, wear as a base under makeup or apply as a highlighter or bronzer Amazon A glowy L'Oreal moisturizer you can mix with foundation, wear as a base under makeup or apply as a highlighter or bronzer It'll give a natural looking (and not glittery) glow. It's available in five shades. Reviewers say it's similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops. Promising reviews: "Magic! I am blown away by how good this product is. I really didnt expect much from it, to be honest. It covers like a BB cream and has a pretty dewy finish. I originally got it to put under makeup as a moisturizer/glowy finish, but I just wear it alone mostly because it looks so nice. For reference, I wore Dr Jarts BB cream before, so not a heavy foundation. I find it similar to that coverage but a fraction of the cost." Britt "Ive been using this product for seven months and Ive been complimented almost weekly about how I get my skin to look so dewy and glowy. I use this all over with a good coverage foundation and Ive never felt/looked so sunkissed. Such an amazing product for a killer price!" Natalie $13.98 at Amazon A non-greasy eye cream designed to help deflate under eye bags, hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles www.amazon.com A non-greasy eye cream designed to help deflate under eye bags, hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Promising review: "I am so in love with this eye cream! Seriously, this stuff is amazing!!! I have used it for five days and already the difference is noticeable. I got 2 hours of sleep last night and still I look well rested. That, is nothing short of magic...like created by woodland fairies. The puffiness is gone the discoloration is almost completely gone. Im okay with my laugh lines, Ive earned every one of them, and Ive grown kind of attached to them. I love who I am but I hate always looking like I still need sleep. This cream is worth the money and I will be putting this in automatic reorder as soon as I figure how long it will take to go through a bottle. You use so little that Im having trouble predicting how long it will take me to go through a bottle. Buy it and love it or dont and miss out...its your call." Cassandra $21.99 at Amazon Glow Recipe's niacinamide serum, which helps boost skin's brightness Glow Recipe Glow Recipe's niacinamide serum, which helps boost skin's brightness Use it before your makeup as a primer, alone as a serum or as a last step for a dewy finish. Promising reviews: "I never believed the hype about this, but I was looking at my face midday and was like, it looks pretty nice! ?? And then I remembered I used my sample and put this on after SPF and before a light foundation. No other changes to my routine, just this...not sure what the sorcery is but I will be buying a bottle!" PQuist "Dewy magic! I just bought this on a whim and absolutely freaked out when I tried it. Its gorgeous! The drops are now my favorite part of my makeup routine. They give my skin a fresh, glowing (yes, dewy!) look and it doesnt go on slimy or greasy. Easy to touch up when needed and smells amazing. Definitely repurchasing!" Alexlc26 $35 at Sephora The Kosas concealer Kosas The Kosas concealer This is my current favorite concealer I have major dark circles under my eyes due to allergies and need a really brightening and buildable concealer that doesn't crease or cake. This is the ticket! It's available in 38 shades. Promising review: "Never buying anything else! Magic! Creamy is the perfect word for this product. the color is just perfect. goes on so smooth and luscious. totally lightweight - doesn't look or feel like I'm wearing makeup. but also great coverage of blemishes. love... never buying anything else!" cassietheburr $30 at Sephora Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray, which is a fan-favorite for a reason Amazon Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray, which is a fan-favorite for a reason It's lightweight and buildable, so you can spray it on as you apply your makeup look. It'll help keep your makeup from budging all day and all night. Mist three to five times in an X- and then T-formation for full coverage. You can also spray on your brush or sponge before applying. Promising reviews: "Idk why I put off trying this for so long because it's made me a lifelong buyer now. I can get sweaty, I can wear a mask, I can do pretty much anything now without having to worry about my makeup losing its smoothness or having to retouch it. This shizz doesn't budge! I really like the temperature control aspect too if I get hot while curling my hair now, I don't have to worry about my makeup melting or my face getting oily looking. It's like some sort of magic!" Asmodahlia "I first learned about this product at a wedding I was coordinating. After an hour and a half outdoor ceremony in the July midwestern heat and humidity I saw one of the bridesmaids at the reception. Her makeup looked perfect. I asked her if she had redone her makeup and she said she hadn't touched it since before the wedding. What is this great sorcery? I inquired. I was introduced to this great product and ordered it right away." Sheila Mc $17+ at Amazon The E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer, which is infused with squalane to hydrate, smooth and hold onto makeup all day www.amazon.com The E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer, which is infused with squalane to hydrate, smooth and hold onto makeup all day Promising review: "This is magic cream. My face looks so fresh all day. It blurs the lines and age spots just enough so I don't look like my foundation is caked on. I usually have to powder or blot my face during the day and I haven't had to ever since I started using this a month ago. My face stays flawless all day. If only they could make eye makeup that holds up that well." Should I buy this $10 at Amazon Or if you prefer gripping-style primers, E.l.f.'s Power Grip, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help plump skin Amazon Or if you prefer gripping-style primers, E.l.f.'s Power Grip, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help plump skin Amazon Or if you prefer gripping-style primers, E.l.f.'s Power Grip, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help plump skin Promising review: "ELF primer? More like ELF-tastic primer! This stuff is pure magic my makeup stays on alllllllllllll day. It's lightweight, it's affordable, and it's my new go-to. Seriously, 10/10 would recommend for a flawless face that can take on anything!" Olivia Z. $10 at Amazon Bioderma micellar water, a perfect addition to your double cleansing routine www.instagram.com Bioderma micellar water, a perfect addition to your double cleansing routine It removes all your makeup and excess oil without harsh scrubbing or irritating sensitive skin. I use this micellar water to take off my makeup before cleansing. Everything comes off beautifully and it doesn't feel greasy at all. Promising review: "A huge goal of mine is to be more gentle with my face, especially around my eyes. I have a habit of being way too rough around my eye area, especially when I use makeup remover wipes. This product is amazing! I have very sensitive skin and it didnt bother me or my eyes at all. It's so mild and soft, but extremely effective. Alot of makeup removers leave behind makeup still. This one takes absolutely everything off, and there is no need to scrub or be rough. It's like magic honestly. It's the only thing I've tried that gets all of my mascara off. I've heard amazing things about this product and I'm so happy I finally bought it. I wish I would've bought the bigger size bottle! This is the best makeup remover I have ever used. And I've tried alot of them. I'm really into makeup, and skincare is becoming more of a top priority for me. Using this product is my very first step in my nightly face routine now. I didnt expect it to be this good! Five stars well earned!" Kristy Von $14.24 at Amazon Or Juno & Co.'s cleansing balm www.amazon.com Or Juno & Co.'s cleansing balm www.amazon.com Or Juno & Co.'s cleansing balm www.amazon.com Or Juno & Co.'s cleansing balm Just scoop out a pea-sized amount (it comes with a little spatula) and massage into your skin it'll become a luxurious oil and gently dissolve all the makeup, SPF, dirt, oil and more, leaving no residue behind and not overly stripping skin of moisture. Promising reviews: "Sorcery! This stuff is straight magic! I use false lashes and this stuff takes every kind of glue I use off with ease! Literally just rubbed the tiniest bit on and wiped it off. It takes off my black glue liner and my falscara lash bond so much more gently than anything I've tried so far without breaking the bank, and left my skin feeling soft and moisturized! WORTH IT! I won't use anything else again!" Michelle "I actually have a subscription for this product. Use it every night to cleanse the day off. I have sensitive skin and have to be careful with products. It doesn't leave skin feeling greasy." Kindle Customer $14.99 at Amazon A TikTok-famous flat-top oval brush that has tightly-packed, but super-soft fibers to seamlessly blend your products www.amazon.com A TikTok-famous flat-top oval brush that has tightly-packed, but super-soft fibers to seamlessly blend your products www.amazon.com A TikTok-famous flat-top oval brush that has tightly-packed, but super-soft fibers to seamlessly blend your products This one works with liquids, powders and creams, and is beloved by over 30,000 5-star reviewers. It's available in multiple colors. Promising review: "What kind of magic is this?! I am seriously astounded by this. I've been using different sponges for my foundation for years, bouncing it along forever to get my foundation blended. This did it SO quickly and beautifully and I didn't have to use nearly as much foundation!" blw81180 $9.99 at Amazon A nail and cuticle oil to help your nails grow and keep your cuticles nourished and soft www.amazon.com A nail and cuticle oil to help your nails grow and keep your cuticles nourished and soft Just massage in the jojoba oil and vitamin E infused formula daily. Promising review: "This stuff is magic. I am not kidding you; this is my first Amazon review ever. Just a few weeks ago, my nails were brittle and pealing, I always had my nails done and they were pretty much destroyed then I saw this on TikTok and decided to give it a try and I legitimately have never had healthier nails in my life! If youre thinking about buying this buy it!" Jocelyn Nackley $9.90+ at Amazon Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks with results that reviewers swear by www.amazon.com Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks with results that reviewers swear by The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect. Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask, and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?!Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. This Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results, in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." Dana Dane $24 at Amazon Nyx Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brow hairs in place all day long www.amazon.com Nyx Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brow hairs in place all day long www.amazon.com Nyx Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brow hairs in place all day long Promising reviews: "I have thick eyebrows to the point where i have to trim them every few weeks. They dont stay in place and blow around in the wind. This is literally magic. It works so perfectly. I recommend this so much!" Douglas Meade "Magic in a bottle. Man, I hope NYX never discontinues this product because it is LIFE. CHANGING. My makeup routine is not the same without it. It lasts forever and does the job perfectly." Daniella C $9.39 at Amazon Radha rosehip oil to not only soften skin and lock in moisture, but also help reduce redness and breakouts www.amazon.com Radha rosehip oil to not only soften skin and lock in moisture, but also help reduce redness and breakouts You can learn more about the skincare benefits of rosehip oil at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "Real life sorcery!!! Saw this on a BuzzFeed article about products people swear will change your skin. Figured I could risk $15 on a product. And holy cannoli I am so glad I did. Within 2 days (2 DAYS!!!) of using this on my face I saw a difference. I have extremely sensitive, easily irritated skin. As a result, I generally have redness on my cheeks and nose all of the time. I also have a tendency to get cystic acne bumps that take weeks to dissipate. NOT ANYMORE!! Those bad boys vanish within a couple days and are nowhere near as painful and visible. The redness is gone, my pores are smaller, there are no little bumps of uneven sin, my skin tone is even, and my face and neck are astonishingly soft. Like, watch out baby butts, there's a new standard for softness around here. And the natural glow it provides? Remarkable! I use a nickel sized amount on my face and neck at night. And 3-4 drops of my face in the morning before I put on makeup. It absorbs easily, doesn't make me feel greasy, and is quite possibly as close to a magic potion as I have found. I've even got my boyfriend using it and his eczema is the best it has been in years. If you're in doubt, don't be, BUY THIS." Emily $14.95 at Amazon Elizabeth Mott's cult favorite eyeshadow primer to keep your favorite eye makeup on lock all day www.amazon.com Elizabeth Mott's cult favorite eyeshadow primer to keep your favorite eye makeup on lock all day Promising review: "Ive struggled for years with very hooded lids and oily at that. Needless to say my mascara always smudges and by the time I look in the mirror at the end of a work day Im embarrassed at how Ive been talking to people. NOT WITH THIS! This is the end-all-be-all of eye primers for me. Works amazing and great price point! Hey I even did yard work in 86 degree weather for 3 hours sweating profusely and my eye makeup didnt budge!!!!!! What?!?! Wizardry!!" Jim $13.99 at Amazon Vanicream, a sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer free of common irritants with the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association www.amazon.com Vanicream, a sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer free of common irritants with the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association You can use it on your skin and body. The included pump dispenser is great for easy application. Promising review: "My son has eczema and sensitive skin. We had tried a lot of different moisturizer and didn't work out for him. Then our doctor suggested us to try Vanicream, it works like magic! You can actually feel the moisture for the skin, like an extra protection on his skin. And my son's eczema gets better too! We have been using this moisturizer ever since." Kylie $13.43 at Amazon The SoCozy curl conditioning spray, which was designed with kids' curls in mind, but works for reviewers of all ages www.amazon.com The SoCozy curl conditioning spray, which was designed with kids' curls in mind, but works for reviewers of all ages www.amazon.com The SoCozy curl conditioning spray, which was designed with kids' curls in mind, but works for reviewers of all ages This leave-in conditioner moisturizes and helps improve curl definition and elasticity with just a few quick spritzes, which is great for impatient kids and grownups with limited time. Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray in action. Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a4c hair) shiny, soft and bouncy. And it's free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors or dyes, propylene glycol, gluten, wheat and nuts. Promising reviews: "I feel like I have tried every product in the market for detangling curly hair on my 2-year-old daughter. This is the BEST purchase and product ever!! I spray to detangle after a bath at night and then re-spray the next morning before school after getting dressed. It reworks its magic the second time around, and she arrives home with her hair so bouncy, and the curls are so tame!!" BK "Alright, folks, gather 'round for the comedy show starring the Leave-In Hair Detangler for Curly Hair! And just to clarify, I'm not being bribed to say this this is an unpaid review So picture this: my hair, usually a nest of rebellious curls, meets this detangler, and it's like they're at a peace conference. No more morning showdowns, no more tangled drama. It's like the hair angels sprinkled magic dust on my locks. I don't know what's in this stuff, but I suspect it's a mix of wizardry and unicorn tears. I mean, it makes combing through my curly jungle a breeze a hair-raising experience in all the right ways! Now, I've tried some wild hair products in my time, but this one? It's the real deal, folks. If you've got curly chaos up top, give this detangler a spin. It'll turn your daily hair routine into a comedy show with a happy ending no bad hair days here! " SKrebs $9.99 at Amazon An E.l.f. liquid blush with great blending power and pigmentation Amazon An E.l.f. liquid blush with great blending power and pigmentation Promising review: "Imagine sweeping on a blush that feels like a little whisper of color, just enough to give your cheeks that perfect, healthy glow. That's what you get with the elf blush. The formula is silky smooth, blends like a dream, and it sits on your skin so naturally, it's like a second skin. Whether you're going for a natural daytime look or amping it up for a night out, this blush has got your back. It's like a little magic in a compact, and it won't break the bank either. Plus, it's kind to our furry friends! Honestly, it's a total game-changer in your makeup routine! " Allyana $7 at Amazon A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in minutes www.amazon.com A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in minutes www.amazon.com A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in minutes Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach and the like. Promising reviews: "What is this wizardry? So this isnt a large tube of the product but I quickly found out that you do not need as much as I thought for a mask. This also does not have a smell or if it does it is very lightly fragranced. As soon as I let my hair down in the shower after using this mask, it was like I had soaked my hair in fabric softener. It is SO SOFT! After my hair had dried it feels like silk. This is amazing. 10 out of 10 and buying again when I run out." DanglyAnkles "I have 4c hair and was looking for a protein treatment for my thin and fragile. I had recently used a product in my hair that had so much alcohol in it that wreaked havoc on my hair, leaving it pretty damaged. I was very skeptical about this product because I had never seen anyone with my hair type use it. Boy, was I wrong to doubt this product; it left my hair looking and feeling beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone natural or with curly hair." Therese-Claire $8.43 at Amazon Related... At least six people were injured after a house explosion Sunday morning in Austin, Texas, leveled one house and severely damaged another, according to the Austin Fire Department. Two of the injured were from the house, said Shannon Koesterer, spokesperson for Austin-Travis County EMS. One was in critical condition and the other in serious condition. A person in a neighboring home was injured and is in critical condition, Koesterer said. Two firefighters were hurt while working at the scene and another person was injured but not taken to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion, which happened before 11:30 a.m., left at least 24 homes with reported damage. Authorities also said there was a vehicle on fire, which has since been put out, at the address of the house explosion. Power has been restored to much of the area with the exception of the houses that were fairly damaged, Thayer Smith, assistant chief with the Austin Fire Department, said Sunday. Were going to be here for hours, Smith said Sunday afternoon. The main street will probably be opened, you know, probably within the next hour, but this street will be closed for the rest of the day. Authorities have accounted for everyone who lives in the area and the Travis County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the incident, authorities said. Smith added they dont believe there will be a criminal investigation. The garage doors of a neighboring home are seen dented after the home explosion on Sunday. - Tony Denaro Boom heard across the city The boom was so loud, it was heard in the Austin suburbs. The police department in Cedar Park, roughly 20 miles north of Austin, said it was heard and felt throughout the city; it was also heard in nearby Georgetown, said Austin Fire Department division chief Wayne Parrish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person who lives near the house, speaking with CNN affiliate KEYE, said she heard a loud boom when the explosion happened. I thought maybe a branch had fallen down on my roof, Carol Hassell said. I went out in the backyard, and the back door had been blown open, and I didnt see anything on the house. I came out to the front, and then I realized all my windows had been blown out and the front door, and theres extensive damage to some of the ceilings. Hassell said her garage doors were blown in, as well as the deadbolts on her locks. Im just glad Im OK, she said. Niki Fletcher, who also lives in the neighborhood, called the explosion scary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounded like a tree fell down on the house, Fletcher told KEYE. The house kind of shook. The cat got scared. This is a developing story and will be updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Four people were injured in a crash on Interstate 10 late Saturday night, April 12 in East El Paso, an El Paso Fire Department spokesperson said. The crash happened at about 11:20 p.m. Saturday along I-10 East near Giles, the spokesperson said. Four people were transported Code 1 (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 KTSM 9 News. BEIRUT (AP) It was an ordinary day in Beirut. In one part of Lebanon's capital, a church was inaugurated, with the leader of the Christian Phalange party there. In another, Palestinian factions held a military parade. Phalangists and Palestinians had clashed, again, that morning. What happened next on April 13, 1975, would change the course of Lebanon, plunging it into 15 years of civil war that would kill about 150,000 people, leave 17,000 missing and lead to foreign intervention. Beirut became synonymous with snipers, kidnappings and car bombs. Lebanon has never fully grappled with the war's legacy, and in many ways it has never fully recovered, 50 years later. The government on Sunday marked the anniversary with a small ceremony and minute of silence, a rare official acknowledgement of the legacy of the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massacre Unrest had been brewing. Palestinian militants had begun launching attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory. Leftist groups and many Muslims in Lebanon sympathized with the Palestinian cause. Christians and some other groups saw the Palestinian militants as a threat. At the time, Mohammad Othman was 16, a Palestinian refugee in the Tel al-Zaatar camp east of Beirut. Three buses had left camp that morning, carrying students like him as well as militants from a coalition of hardline factions that had broken away from the Palestinian Liberation Organization. They passed through the Ein Rummaneh neighborhood without incident and joined the military parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The buses were supposed to return together, but some participants were tired after marching and wanted to go back early. They hired a small bus from the street, Othman said. Thirty-three people packed in. They were unaware that earlier that day, small clashes had broken out between Palestinians and Phalange Party members guarding the church in Ein Rummaneh. A bodyguard for party leader Pierre Gemayel had been killed. Suddenly the road was blocked, and gunmen began shooting at the bus from all sides, Othman recalled. Some passengers had guns they had carried in the parade, Othman said, but they were unable to draw them quickly in the crowded bus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A camp neighbor fell dead on top of him. The mans 9-year-old son was also killed. Othman was shot in the shoulder. The shooting didnt stop for about 45 minutes until they thought everyone was dead, he said. Othman said paramedics who eventually arrived had a confrontation with armed men who tried to stop them from evacuating him. Twenty-two people were killed. Conflicting narratives Some Lebanese say the men who attacked the bus were responding to an assassination attempt against Gemayel by Palestinian militants. Others say the Phalangists had set up an ambush intended to spark a wider conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marwan Chahine, a Lebanese-French journalist who wrote a book about the events of April 13, 1975, said he believes both narratives are wrong. Chahine said he found no evidence of an attempt to kill Gemayel, who had left the church by the time his bodyguard was shot. And he said the attack on the bus appeared to be more a matter of trigger-happy young men at a checkpoint than a planned operation. There had been past confrontations, "but I think this one took this proportion because it arrived after many others and at a point when the authority of the state was very weak, Chahine said. The Lebanese army had largely ceded control to militias, and it did not respond to the events in Ein Rummaneh that day. The armed Palestinian factions had been increasingly prominent in Lebanon after the PLO was driven out of Jordan in 1970, and Lebanese Christians had also increasingly armed themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kataeb would say that the Palestinians were a state within a state, Chahine said, using the Phalange Party's Arabic name. But the reality was, you had two states in a state. Nobody was following any rules." Selim Sayegh, a member of parliament with the Kataeb Party who was 14 and living in Ein Rummaneh when the fighting started, said he believes war had been inevitable since the Lebanese army backed down from an attempt to take control of Palestinian camps two years earlier. Sayegh said men at the checkpoint that day saw a bus full of Palestinians with weapons apparent and "thought that is the second wave of the operation that started with the killing of Gemayel's bodyguard. The war unfolded quickly from there. Alliances shifted. New factions formed. Israel and Syria occupied parts of the country. The United States intervened, and the U.S. embassy and Marine barracks were targeted by bombings. Beirut was divided between Christian and Muslim sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, a Shiite militant group was formed in the early 1980s with Iranian backing: Hezbollah. It would grow to be arguably the most powerful armed non-state group in the region. Hezbollah was the only militant group allowed to keep its weapons after Lebanon's civil war, given special status as a resistance force because Israel was still in southern Lebanon. After the group was badly weakened last year in a war with Israel that ended with a ceasefire, there has been increasing pressure for it to disarm. The survivors Othman said he became a fighter after the war started because there were no longer schools or anything else to do. Later he would disarm and became a pharmacist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He remembers being bewildered when a peace accord in 1989 ushered in the end of civil war: All this war and bombing, and in the end they make some deals and its all over. Of the 10 others who survived the bus attack, he said, three were killed a year later when Christian militias attacked the Tel al-Zaatar camp. Another was killed in a 1981 bombing at the Iraqi embassy. A couple died of natural causes, one lives in Germany, and he has lost track of the others. The bus has also survived, as a reminder. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the attack, it was towed from storage on a farm to the private Nabu Museum in Heri, north of Beirut. Visitors took photos with it and peered into bullet holes in its rusted sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghida Margie Fakih, a museum spokesperson, said the bus will remain on display indefinitely as a wake-up call to remind Lebanese not to go down the path of conflict again. The bus changed the whole history in Lebanon and took us somewhere that nobody wanted to go, she said. Six people were on board a small plane that crashed into a field in upstate New York on Saturday afternoon. The plane, a twin-engine turboprop Mitsubishi MU-2B, crashed near the town of Copake around 12:15 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane was headed to Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York. Copake is located about 50 miles south of Albany, near the border with Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Columbia County Sheriff's Office has not released any details on the number of fatalities or the identity of anyone aboard the plane, according to ABC affiliate WTEN. PHOTO: Vehicles from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office are seen near the scene of a small plane crash in New York. (WTEN) MORE: Small plane crashes in Boca Raton, Florida; all 3 on board killed Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore told reporters that muddy conditions in the field where the plane crashed has made accessing the scene difficult, according to WTEN. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was launching a go-team to investigate the crash and would hold a media briefing on Sunday. 6 on board small plane that crashed in upstate New York: FAA originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Six new laws went into effect last week in Ohio. Below is a short, simplified summary of each new law. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] House Bill 531 is also known as Bradens Law. Bradens Law aims to ban sexual extortion by making it a felony. The law also requires service providers to obey warrants, or requests from parents or guardians, for electronic information within 30 days of a minors death or face a fine. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 8, which also goes by the Parents Bill of Rights, bolsters the part of the parent or guardian in deciding when their child is ready to learn about sex. This law requires public schools to notify parents on student health and sex-ed materials. It also says that school districts will collaborate with religious entities for a specific time to offer the release time course in religion. House Bill 37 works to increase punishment for OVI and aggravated vehicular homicide. This law adds oral fluid to the list of controlled substance tests and adds that the court can submit evidence on the presence of the substance, not just the concentration level. It also imposes a mandatory prison sentence for a guilty plea to aggravated homicide of 12-20 years. There is also a raise in fines for OVI related offences. House Bill 206 covers school expulsion, community school closures and increases funding for the school choice program administration. This law allows superintendents to expel students for more than 180 days if they believe that student poses an imminent danger to others. The superintendent then must develop a plan for that student to follow, including an assessment of the students danger to themselves and others by a psychiatrist, in order to be allowed back to school. It also raises the amount of money allocated to 200550, Foundation Funding - All Students from $4 million to over $8 million. House Bill 29 no longer allows drivers licenses to be suspended for failure to pay court fines or fees. Anyone that has had their license suspended in the past for these offenses are able to have it reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 58 is also called the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. The law makes it illegal for companies to track firearms purchases within the state. It also bans the requirement of liability insurance or other fees on firearms. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] We recently published a list of 10 Best Medical Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) stands against other best medical stocks to buy according to billionaires. Why are Healthcare Stocks Under Pressure? Some experts view medical, healthcare, and big pharma stocks as immune from trade carnage, making them a safe haven amid the uncertainty brought about by Trumps tariffs. On April 8, Mizuho Securities America healthcare sector strategist Jared Holz appeared on CNBCs Power Lunch to talk about whether the speculations around the healthcare sector being a safe haven during market turmoil are true. He also discussed why healthcare companies are failing to get increased investor respect, given that healthcare is 20% of the American economy, which translates to around 1/5th of the countrys entire national output. Holz said that the countrys major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies undoubtedly help fight its healthcare problems. However, when we look at their financial models and the way their businesses are currently set up, we have got generic patent cliffs over the next 5-7 years on the medium to long-term angle of the company, along with price concessions with the IRA and some of the things the Biden administration put into place. We have also got pricing degradation over the near term, and between those two lies competition and other setbacks. The models thus never line up well enough for investors to have a lot of confidence, as the business models do not lend themselves to long-term viability. These are the primary reasons the sector and stocks have been under pressure for so long. READ ALSO: 10 Best Mid Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy and 12 Best Diagnostics Stocks to Invest In Right Now. Is Healthcare a Safe Haven Amid the Ongoing Tariff Turmoil? Holz further opined that managed care, particularly the government-centric names, are somewhat safe as they are insulated from tariffs as US-based companies. In fact, the economic slowdown is actually beneficial for them as they want less utilization and less patience through the system, which is how they typically beat numbers. He said that managed care is having a good day, and investors might think about owning some companies in the sector. It is, however, a relative game, as there are several different variables at play, and investors are essentially playing a game of hopscotch in an attempt to jump from one area to another, whether its tariffs, drug pricing, or other public policies. He painted a similar picture for medical device stocks that are more US-centric. These two sectors thus have less risk relative to others, making them somewhat of a safe haven. Costco's frozen aisles extend far and wide and provide almost anything you need for a quick, at-home meal: from proteins, fruits, vegetables, and desserts to ready-to-eat meal kits and pre-cooked frozen appetizers shoppers rave over, Costco is nothing if not diverse in its frozen product options. Occasionally, however, a product will be recalled and removed from the shelves to protect consumer health and safety. Companies issue recalls on items for a variety of reasons, including bacteria contamination, foreign material contamination, improper packaging or labeling, and almost anything else that might pose a risk to human health. Fortunately, health risks are typically identified quickly in routine testing, and many recalls are issued as a precaution to ensure that consumers do not fall ill. When this happens, customers are encouraged to check their freezer for products with specific expiration dates and either throw them away or return them for a refund. From 10 million pounds of chicken recalled due to plastic shards to various waffles and pancakes removed over listeria concerns, these are eight of the biggest frozen food recalls that have impacted Costco. Read more: 7 Kirkland Signature Grocery Items You Should Always Grab At Costco And 6 To Leave On The Shelf 148,000 Pounds Of Foster Farms Frozen Chicken Patties Were Recalled Due To Plastic Shards In 2022 A bag of Foster Farms breaded chicken patties on a yellow background - FosterFarms Costco offers a variety of frozen chicken products that make for quick, easy, and inexpensive meals, including patties from Foster Farms. However, 148,000 pounds of these classic frozen chicken patties were recalled in August 2022 for the possible presence of foreign materials that could be harmful to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco customers reported finding hard pieces of clear plastic within the chicken patties to the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The FSIS announced the recall of all Foster Farms chicken patties with a best-by date of August 11, 2023. The products of concern were shipped to Costco distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Customers were urged to check their freezers and dispose of the product to avoid potential injury by sharp pieces of plastic. Fortunately, there were no reports of customer injuries. In 2023, Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries Were Recalled For Potential Hepatitis A Contamination A bag of Kirkland Signature frozen organic strawberries - Kirkland Signature Costco's store brand, Kirkland Signature, has plenty of popular products, from vodka and coffee to eggs and the fan-favorite $4.99 rotisserie chicken. However, on March 16, 2023, California Splendor Inc. recalled some organic frozen strawberries that were sold under the Kirkland Signature brand across various Costco locations. According to the FDA, the 4-pound bags of frozen organic strawberries were recalled due to rising concern about a string of hepatitis A illnesses. The outbreak involved 10 cases of illness reported across four states and experts linked them to organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. While there was no sign of hepatitis A on the product itself, the company recalled the strawberries to be cautious and prevent the spread of illness. Hepatitis A is a liver infection that causes inflammation and is most often spread through contaminated food and water. Distribution centers in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hawaii were impacted by the recall. Pescanova Shrimp Street Tacos Were Recalled Due To Foreign Material Discovery In 2023 A bag of Pescanova Shrimp Street Taco mix and the lot number highlighted - Pescanova Costco sells a wide range of frozen prepared seafood, including some from Pescanova, a seafood producer that farms and processes its own products. The company is well-known for its shrimp and ready-to-eat meals, including frozen shrimp street tacos with corn, poblano, and chipotle sauce. However, in 2023, Pescanova issued a recall of its frozen shrimp street taco mix due to the potential presence of a foreign material in the product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pescanova's quality assurance department confirmed that the foreign material in question was large pieces of plastic that measured up to 5 millimeters in size, posing a safety concern. Customers were urged to either discard the product or return it to Costco for a full refund. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the plastic in the product; however, the tacos are no longer listed on Costco's site. El Monterey Chicken Taquitos Were Part Of A Massive Recall In 2024 El Monterey chicken taquitos boxes - Costcodoesitbetter/ Instagram It's difficult to recreate authentic chicken taquitos at home, but Ruiz Foods produces a frozen version that consumers love for its excellent flavor and crispness. However, in 2024, the El Monterey chicken taquitos were part of a massive Class I recall that involved 11,765,285 pounds of meat products. This type of recall is issued when consumption or exposure to a product is likely to cause adverse health effects. During routine testing, listeria was found on BrucePac products and an investigation revealed that chicken was the source of the outbreak. Unfortunately, the chicken products in question had been shipped to various distributors nationwide, including restaurants, schools, and grocery stores -- Costco included. Ruiz Foods recalled its chicken taquitos along with a few other products that had the potentially contaminated chicken in them. Red's Southwestern Mini Frozen Burritos Pulled From Shelves Due To Potential Listeria Contamination Red's Mini Burritos - Red's The listeria recall in 2024 involving more than 10 million pounds of chicken products from the Oklahoma meat and poultry producer Brucepac impacted more than 20 major retailers and a wide variety of products. One such product was Red's southwestern mini frozen burritos. These quick-cook appetizers used grilled chicken that was produced by the company, leading it to be removed from Costco shelves over concerns of foodborne illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exposure to listeria can cause mild to severe symptoms, most commonly in the elderly, immune-compromised, and pregnant women. Out of caution, the FSIS recommended that consumers check their freezers and either dispose of or return the products to avoid any illnesses related to the listeria bacteria. Thankfully, there were no reports of illness related to the burritos, and the product was returned to the shelves, but it will go down in history as one of the food recalls that will always haunt Costco. Krusteaz Belgian Waffles Recalled Due To Listeria Contamination Krusteaz Belgian waffles - Krusteaz As far as quick and easy breakfast products go, waffles are a standout in the frozen aisle. In the fall of 2024, however, there was a recall that impacted various waffle and pancake products carried by more than 10 brands, including Krusteaz, which is known for its restaurant-style frozen waffles. The Krusteaz Belgian waffles were wiped from Costco shelves across multiple states and some parts of Canada. The manufacturer of these and many other private-label pancake and waffle brands, TreeHouse Foods Inc., issued a voluntary recall when listeria was found at the facility where the products were produced. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) worked with the company to report the recall and guide consumers on what to do with the potentially contaminated products. Thankfully, no illnesses were reported, but the company encouraged customers to review the lot code and expiration date on their product to identify if it was part of the recall. Chocolate Chunk Frozen Cookie Dough Was Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination Costco chocolate chunk cookies box - Costco Deals/ Facebook In May of 2024, the FDA assigned a Class II recall to almost 30 cases of Costco's chocolate chunk cookie dough due to potential salmonella contamination. A Class II recall is used when there is a remote possibility of illness or health effects related to the bacteria. There were 21 states around the country that were impacted by the cookie dough recall, including California, Florida, New York, and Colorado, although thankfully no illnesses were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salmonella bacteria is often spread to humans through contaminated food or water and usually develops from raw eggs, poultry, or meat. Salmonella is one of the more common types of food poisoning, with side effects such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, and stomach cramps. While symptoms typically dissipate on their own within a few days, some extreme cases or higher-risk people may be prescribed antibiotics. Nestle Drumsticks Temporarily Pulled From Shelves For Listeria Contamination Person holding a Nestle Variety Pack Drumstick box - calimedia/Shutterstock Food companies will occasionally issue voluntary recalls of products if there is bacteria contamination at the facility or on the equipment used to make food items. These recalls are issued out of caution to prevent any spread of illness related to harmful bacteria. The beloved chocolate producer, Nestle, issued a voluntary recall of its popular Drumsticks in 2016 after identifying positive listeria results on equipment in one of its facilities in Bakersfield, California. While there were no positive results of listeria on the product itself, the company recalled a few varieties of its famous ice cream cones to be safe. Costco removed the 16-count Variety Pack and 24-count Vanilla Pack of drumsticks from its shelves immediately. Nestle instructed consumers to throw away the impacted product, return it to the place of purchase, or contact the company for a replacement product. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. El PASO, Texas (KTSM) Happy Sunday, everyone. Breezy to lights winds are expected for the majority of the forecasted period, minus Thursday, where strong gusts make a return to the region. Monday will start the workweek off with calm winds coming in at 5-10 mph and mostly cloudy skies. A high near 89 is expected along with a low near 58. Winds pick up speed for Tuesday, coming in at 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph. Well see a high near 86 with a low around 58. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday is slightly calmer with the winds ranging from 10-15 mph and gusts nearing 20 mph. The high will still be above average near 88 with a low around 63. Thursdays winds will be the strongest so far, coming in from the southwest at 20-25 mph in the afternoon with gusts near 40 mph. Friday through the weekend, winds will remain but not as strong. The chances for rain showers are also on the radar, but very slight. Mostly sunny skies with highs in the low 80s are expected on Friday and Saturday with lows in the 50s. The morning of Easter Sunday will be cool, with temperatures in the lower 50s and eventually warming up to an average high around 79. Cooler winds will also be present to close out the weekend before jumping back into the 80s for the first couple days of the following workweek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNG COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) Another year another successful fundraiser for Fort Belknap as the 9th annual Crawfish and Cannons wraps up. Its the forts biggest fundraiser, and it even attracts visitors from as far away as the DFW area. While many people come for the crawfish and the music, the setting at the historic fort along the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail provides a unique backdrop and atmosphere for music lovers and history buffs alike to enjoy the day. While the music plays in the background and the cannons fire, the blend of the two is what Ray Johnson, commander of Goods Light Artillery Battery, said is the most unique part of the whole experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gets the people here, Johnson said. Once it gets it here, whether youre interested in history or not, you cant not pass up on some of the buildings, like the powder magazine, the museum, the barracks, the officers quarters and not get a feel of what was it like for those people. The event has become so popular over the years that some people, like Jake McCoy have made it a family tradition. He even proposed to his new fiancee, Sophia Castro at this years Crawfish and Cannons. Weve been coming, and we have a place nearby and we make a point to come every year, McCoy said. This is her second time, so this is a special place for me and my family, and we felt like it was an important place to do something like this. This years musical guests were country bands The Wilder Blue and Shenandoah. Before the crawfish boil started, there was a run hosted to honor the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail which started at the fort all the way back in the 1860s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Here's a new definition of chutzpah: attending the funeral of an unvaccinated child who has died of measles after you have spent years undermining trust in the vaccine that could have saved her life. But there was Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday, paying his respects to the Texas family of 8-year-old Daisy Hildebrand, the second American child to die from measles, a disease that was declared eliminated 25 years ago. I know that grief can muddle someones thinking, but I actually gasped when I read what Daisys father, Pete Hildebrand, told reporters about the measles vaccine one day after he buried his child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know its not effective because some family members ended up getting the vaccine, and they got the measles way worse than some of my kids, said Hildebrand, who has two other young children. The vaccine was not effective. Read more: Contributor: Vaccines are out, measles is in Thanks to years of vaccine skepticism and hostility sown by wellness gurus such as Kennedy, the country is experiencing a significant, entirely unnecessary, surge in measles cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 712 confirmed measles cases have been reported by 25 states, including California and Texas, where Daisy Hildebrand lived. Thats almost three times as many as last year, and we are only 3 months into 2025. Who knows what prompted Kennedy to finally admit in a tepid social media post that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did he regret that his years of anti-vaccine misinformation and lies had contributed to the resurgence of the disease, which has now claimed the lives of two children and is associated with the death of an adult as well? Doubtful. Read more: Kennedy says Health and Human Services will determine the cause of autism by September Is he finally giving up on undercutting faith in vaccines? Not really: Public health experts bemoan him continuously arguing that the government should not mandate vaccination, that the decision should be simply a personal one. This despite the crucial fact that vaccination conveys herd immunity without requiring anyone in the herd to get sick. According to the Atlantic, Kennedy raised doubts again about the MMR vaccine with Daisy Hildebrand's father. I actually asked him about it," Hildebrand told the magazine. "He said, You dont know whats in the vaccine anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Kennedy continues to peddle the possibility that vaccination is a causal link to autism, despite reams of scientific research proving otherwise. Undermining confidence in well-established vaccines that have met the high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness that have been in place for decades is detrimental to public health, and a clear danger to our nations health, safety and security, wrote Peter Marks, the head of the Food and Drug Administrations Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in his resignation letter last month. Marks, who played a critical role in the first Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed, which produced a COVID-19 vaccine in record time, said he could no longer tolerate Kennedys unprecedented assault on scientific truth that has adversely impacted public health. Read more: Op-Comic: The birth of a spoiler In her new book, Crisis Averted," infectious disease epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers calls public health medicines quieter cousin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The book is a riveting history of vaccines and of the public health cycles she describes as panic and neglect where disease outbreaks such as the devastating adenovirus that plagued military boot camps until a vaccine was developed in 1971 led to effective responses that were too soon abandoned once the crisis had passed. (After the government refused to pay $5 million to upgrade the aged Wyeth Pharmaceuticals plant that made the vaccine, supplies gave out and adenovirus returned to boot camps, killing eight soldiers before the vaccine could be reintroduced in 2011 at a cost of $100 million. Infectious diseases do not share humanitys propensity for growing weary, Rivers writes.) In positive scenarios, disease outbreaks are quickly noticed by epidemiologists working across borders and time zones, identified and mitigated. In the best of cases, illness never even gets a foothold in the population. If we do our jobs right, Rivers writes, nothing happens. Read more: Kennedy says he wants to make food safer. Trump wants to make it cheaper. Can we have both? Kennedy, meanwhile, hypocritically poses as an avatar of good health while taking testosterone supplements and appearing to surreptitiously slip a nicotine pouch into his mouth while testifying at one of his confirmation hearings. And he rails against the food industrys use of artificial coloring? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency he oversees is now actively working against the interests of public health. In fact, there is a literally sickening disconnect between what he says about improving the health of Americans and what his version of Health and Human Services is actually doing. Science journalist Deborah Blum wrote last week in the New York Times that while Kennedy has touted better regulation of food additives, Hes quietly undermining the ability to do that work. The workforce cuts he has overseen have, she wrote, decimated the staff of a laboratory dedicated to testing for bacteria and toxic substances in food, such as heavy metal contamination. Read more: Fewer California kindergarten students immunized against measles last year, new data show A less-regulated food system could lead to disaster listeria, salmonella and other forms of food contamination that wont be detected in time to save lives because there is no one to do the detecting. Many experts, writes Blum, now believe food poisoning outbreaks will spread farther and last longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is under Kennedy's control, has lost at least 20% of its workforce through the current round of layoffs and buyouts, the Associated Press reports. Entire divisions have been eliminated, including those focused on dental health, occupational safety and environmental health. The workers responsible for tracking disease outbreaks on cruise ships also have been let go. Also erased, by Elon Musks ironically named Department of Government Efficiency: the CDCs Freedom of Information Act team, staffers who watch for dangerous baby products, its Division of Violence Prevention and labs that monitor antibiotic resistance. Kennedy has said that some CDC workers were erroneously laid off by DOGE cuts and will be reinstated. "And that was always the plan," he added. How efficient. Listen, Kennedy is a hypocrite of the highest order, demanding data and denying it at the same time. And his motto Make America Healthy Again is nothing but a sick joke played on the American people. Bluesky: @rabcarian.bsky.social Threads: @rabcarian If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Pro-life marchers walk down Whitehall during an anti-abortion protest in London in September 2024. | Credit: Guy Smallman / Getty Images "Hair in a grey bob with a small gold cross around her neck, 64-year-old Livia Tossici-Bolt might seem an unlikely choice of a global cause celebre," said Nicholas Pyke in the Daily Mail. But the activist has become the face of a transatlantic row over free speech after being convicted for breaching an abortion clinic "buffer zone" in 2023. Tossici-Bolt, who stood outside the Bournemouth clinic with a sign saying, "Here to talk, if you want", has been given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay 20,000 in costs. The Trump administration called it disappointing. And they're right, said Melanie McDonagh in The Spectator. Tossici-Bolt wasn't aggressive; all she did was respectfully offer an "alternative" opinion on abortion, as anyone in a free country is allowed to do. Not here in Britain, though. I saw footage of a community support officer asking another respectful protester, outside a Birmingham clinic, whether she was praying. That was the point at which I thought: the country is "going to hell". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To listen to Tossici-Bolt's supporters, you'd think she was some "brutally censored dissident", said Catherine Bennett in The Observer. The US vice president, J.D. Vance, said such cases in the UK are proof that free speech is in "retreat" in the West. What nonsense. There's nothing to prevent Tossici-Bolt "from staging anti-abortion rallies, distributing literature, or expressing her views on abortion anywhere" except right in patients' faces, outside clinics. Before the buffer zones were implemented, said Aine Fox in London's The Standard, women entering clinics faced all sorts of coercion from pro-life demonstrators, from the violent ("spitting"; "physically blocking people") to the milder but equally distressing ("baby socks being hung on a nearby hedge"). The whole point of these zones is to protect another vital freedom: "to access medical care safely without intimidation". It's true: deciding to abort a child is painful enough without being "harassed by a stranger", said the Daily Mail. Still, weighing up such protections against free speech is a "fine balance" and it's not clear the UK has got it right. There was already a "climate of censorship" here, what with cancel culture, no-platforming and the "vigilantism" of trans-rights activists. Now we've convicted someone for holding a non-confrontational sign. Whatever one's views of abortion, shouldn't the idea of making a "polite 64-year-old woman" pay 20,000 for trying to strike up a consensual conversation "make us all feel a little queasy"? City Councilor Patty Nolan said its not customary for Cambridge officials to get involved in Harvards internal affairs. Thats not our job, she said. But Nolan said they almost have no choice but to get involved in Harvards stand-off with the Trump Administration over federal aid. This is something that could potentially affect the entire city, our economy, the broader region, she said. That something is $9 billion worth of federal contracts and grants earmarked for Harvard, but currently under review by the Trump Administration -- which is threatening to withhold the money unless Harvard takes more steps to battle supposed antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday, the Harvard faculty chapter of the American Association of University Professors filed suit to block the review and get the funds released. That same group held a rally Saturday on Cambridge Common, urging the university to stand up to White House demands. We are here today because our universities are under attack, said Kirsten Weld, an associate professor of history at Harvard. The attack is not coming for the nice brick buildings. Its coming for people. Its coming for us. We are all here to send a message, said Harvard Law Professor Nikolas Bowie. When Harvard stands up, we will stand with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also standing up at the rally -- international students rattled by recent seizures and deportations of others in college. I didnt travel 5,000 miles all the way from Pakistan just to be afraid of walking five feet out of my dorm, said one. If coming from Austria teaches you one thing, it is how aspiring dictators kill democracies from within, said another. Nolan said Harvard is uniquely positioned to balk at contingencies on federal money. The universitys endowment is the largest in the world -- at $52 billion. Harvard has not yet responded to questions from Boston 25 regarding the held-up funds -- and whether the university is satisfied with its efforts to combat antisemitism. 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 Apr. 12JUNEAU The Alaska Legislature on Friday narrowly approved a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation, the state's per-student funding formula, but many legislators say the measure is likely doomed. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has vowed to veto House Bill 69 unless policy provisions are added "to improve educational achievement." Multiple lawmakers have said they likely don't have the votes to override Dunleavy's looming veto. School administrators have called for a $1,000 per-student funding increase for a public school system in crisis. Districts report they are planning to eliminate hundreds of teacher positions; popular programs are set to be cut; and that school facilities are crumbling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Legislature debated on Friday, hundreds of students in Anchorage and Juneau participated in a walkout to advocate for a BSA increase. Anchorage Democratic Sen. Loki Tobin, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said a funding increase roughly twice that size is needed after almost a decade of virtually flat school funding. Tobin spoke in support of the $1,000 BSA boost before the Senate's final vote. "It will decrease class sizes, it will retain educators, and it will keep those loved programs in our public schools," she said. "Our schools are not failing. They are starving," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple senators noted that an increase to the BSA is received by all public school students in Alaska, including those in neighborhood schools, charter schools and in correspondence programs. The Senate approved HB 69 on an 11-9 vote. Most members of the Democrat-dominated majority supported the measure. But three majority members Democratic Sens. Donny Olson and Lyman Hoffman and Republican Sen. Bert Stedman joined the six-member Republican minority in opposing the bill. The education measure headed back to the House on Friday for lawmakers there to consider approving the Senate's changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House passed the education measure on a 21-16 vote. The governor in a statement Friday afternoon criticized the measure, calling it a "blank check to school districts," adding, "the good news is the Legislature still has time to pass meaningful education policy reforms, as well as a reasonable increase in school funding." All 21 members of the Democrat-dominated House majority approved the bill. All Republican minority members voted no. Three Republican minority members Reps. Elexie Moore, Will Stapp and Mike Prax were absent on Friday. Anchorage GOP Rep. Mia Costello, the House minority leader, said the $1,000 BSA boost was unaffordable. Costello said she would support a $680 per-student increase in the future, matching the same school funding increase approved last year on a one-time basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldotna Republican Rep. Justin Ruffridge voted to override Dunleavy's veto last year of a bipartisan education package. He said lawmakers were going to "play politics" to support a school funding measure without policy compromises. "It's a sad day for me, frankly, as a person that's done a lot of work on education," Ruffridge said, a former co-chair of the House Education Committee. Forty of 60 legislators, or two-thirds of the Legislature, would be needed to vote to override Dunleavy's potential veto of the $1,000 BSA boost. Friday's combined vote saw 32 lawmakers vote to approve the education measure. Wasilla Republican Sen. Mike Shower, the Senate minority leader, opposed the bill. He said the Republican minority acknowledged a BSA boost is needed this year. But he said policy changes are needed to improve Alaska's bottom-of-the-nation test scores, and add accountability to school district spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think a majority of Alaskans would like to see accountability, transparency, performance improvements, because this is for the children," he said. HB 69 had advanced through the legislative process with policies intended to appeal to Dunleavy, who vetoed another bipartisan education package last year. Those included limits on cellphones in schools, and plans intended to make it easier for students to attend the public school of their choice, regardless of where they live, among other policy measures. The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday stripped all the policy reforms from the measure, leaving just the $1,000 boost to the BSA. Some legislators said a compromise education agreement with Dunleavy was not possible. Anchorage Democratic Sen. Bill Wielechowski was the Legislature's lead education negotiator with Dunleavy last year a process he has described as frustrating because Dunleavy repeatedly reneged on settled agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said on the Senate floor that lawmakers went down the "compromise route" last year on education, but that effort failed. Wielechowski said schools need to hire teachers and to reduce class sizes, which could be achieved by a $1,000 BSA increase. "We do not have an accountability problem, we have a funding problem. We are not funding our schools adequately," he said. The governor's office on Friday did not immediately provide a list of education priorities that Dunleavy wants added to the measure. Last year, Dunleavy called for bonuses for teachers and plans to empower a governor-appointed board to first approve new charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $1,000 BSA boost in HB 69 would cost the state over $250 million per year. Legislators this year are facing a roughly $680 million deficit over two fiscal years based on status quo spending. Many in the Legislature say a $250 million annual school funding increase is unaffordable. Some senators supported a smaller $680 BSA boost, which would cost roughly $175 million per year. Stedman, a member of Senate majority leadership, said that an education funding increase is needed, but that he could not support a $1,000 BSA increase. "We need to make sure that we can balance our budget," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, members of the Republican Senate minority proposed adding policy provisions back to the measure. Those amendments were rejected by the Democrat-dominated majority along caucus lines. The amended version of HB 69 now advances to Dunleavy's desk for his consideration. Lawmakers said if a veto override effort fails, a smaller school funding increase would be considered. The regular legislative session must end by midnight of May 21. 'I don't want anything to go away' In Anchorage, several hundred students at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School walked out at 1 p.m. as part of a coordinated effort with high school students around the district to call for an increase in education funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At East's demonstration, students filled the corners and medians around Northern Lights Boulevard and Bragaw Street, many wearing red and carrying signs that read "Raise the BSA" and "WTF: Where's the funding?" Gwyneth Eggleston, a junior, helped organize the effort, inspired in part by projected cuts to the East choir program, in which she participates, and choirs at other schools. This week, East choir took part in the district's Large Group Choir Festival. "It was such a beautiful sound," she said. "It's not just an elective," she said of choir. "It's a family. It's a community." Junior Lyndon Savelio said he joined the walkout with his little siblings in mind. "I don't want anything to go away," he said. "I want them to come experience what we've experienced." Senior Selia Mauigoa, the student body president, said she wants people to know that funding-related cuts impact students directly. She thinks her effort to organize the event and coordinate with other schools can lead lawmakers in Juneau to take notice. "It's something that we should be changing and something that students have the ability to change," she said. "With our voices, we have powers." After the protest, Anchorage School District issued a statement: "The Anchorage School District (ASD) supports students' rights to free speech, including the right to take part in peaceful protests like today's walkouts." Anchorage staff were not allowed to participate in the walkout, the statement said, but some did monitor for purposes of student safety. Around two dozen students from Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kale rallied in front of the governor's house on Friday. "We needed to have a walk out to support the increase in a BSA," said Madeleine Bass, a ninth grade student. "Because, like I said, there are so many programs and things being cut." Last year, dozens of high school students flooded the state Capitol in support of a school funding increase. Friday's rally was much more subdued. Bass said that she and the other students would deliver a petition to the governor's office in support of an education funding boost. She said that "we see the quality of our education dwindling with every passing day, and that's not something that is acceptable." Daily News journalist Marc Lester contributed from Anchorage. By Andrew Goudsward and Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -As U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cracks down on immigration, its officials have repeatedly publicly identified detainees as gang leaders or even terrorists, without attempting to back those inflammatory claims up in court. After an FBI SWAT team on March 27 raided the home of a 24-year-old Salvadoran man living illegally in Virginia, Attorney General Pam Bondi, standing alongside FBI Director Kash Patel in a morning press conference, alleged the man was one of the top three U.S. leaders of the violent MS-13 street gang and called him a terrorist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than two weeks later, the Justice Department moved to drop the only charge it had brought against him -- illegal possession of a firearm by an alien -- and Bondi said he would face deportation instead. In another arrest two weeks earlier, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers pulled over a Salvadoran man in Maryland and handcuffed him while his 5-year-old son, who is autistic and non-verbal, sat in the backseat, according to a legal complaint. ICE called the man's wife and told her she had 10 minutes to pick up her son before they contacted child protective services, she said in a court filing. After the Trump administration erroneously deported the man - Kilmar Abrego Garcia - to El Salvador, the White House claimed he was involved in human trafficking. But the allegation has not appeared in court records related to his deportation. Abrego Garcia was deported alongside 238 Venezuelan men alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang who are now held in a high-security Salvadoran prison. A U.S. immigration official conceded in court filings that many of the deportees had no criminal record but maintained they were still dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked on Wednesday why the Trump administration would not provide details of the allegations against the Venezuelan deportees, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she trusted the U.S. government assessment and that the men should remain imprisoned for the rest of their lives. Prosecutors normally avoid making public allegations of serious criminal conduct -- like leading a gang, being a terrorist or engaging in human trafficking -- without presenting evidence in court to back up those charges, because they can jeopardize criminal cases, legal experts said. They also undermine a core plank of the U.S. legal system that people have an opportunity to contest claims brought by the government. In a court of law, when someone is accused of membership in such a violent and predatory organization, it comes in the form of an indictment, a complaint, a criminal proceeding, that then has robust process so we can assess the facts, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said during an April 4 court hearing, ordering Abrego Garcia, returned to the U.S. The U.S. Supreme Court largely upheld that ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a response to Reuters, U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed that Venezuelans deported to El Salvador without U.S. criminal records "are actually terrorists, human rights abusers, gangsters and more" but did not present evidence of the accusations. "We are putting the American people first by removing illegal aliens who pose a threat to our communities," McLaughlin said. A separate Trump administration official said the White House could not share "sensitive information about our intelligence and intelligence-gathering operations" but had confidence in government determinations. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PUSHING A NARRATIVE Trump, a Republican, took office in January promising a sweeping immigration crackdown. He frequently linked illegal immigration and crime although studies show immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans. Trump has stepped up enforcement against transnational gangs, designating Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and six Mexican cartels as terrorist groups, citing murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other crimes. "There's a narrative that the government wants to be able to convey, and it's one that helped get the president elected, which is that there are a lot of dangerous people who have come into our country illegally," said Rebecca Roiphe, a professor at New York Law School. "This is a legal strategy being used to serve a political agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts said out-of-court statements could prompt defense attorneys to seek dismissal of charges or transfer to another court on the grounds that a potential jury has been tainted. Justice Department policy normally limits public statements about pending cases to information in publicly available documents such as indictments or complaints and bars commentary about a defendants character. In the Virginia case, the Trump administrations decision to deport 24-year-old Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos could mean that U.S. authorities will never have to prove Bondis allegation that he is one of the top leaders of MS-13 in the United States. A criminal complaint filed the day of Villatoro Santos arrest made no mention of his alleged leadership in MS-13, saying only that indicia of MS-13 association had been found in his bedroom as well as four guns and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for Villatoro Santos has asked a judge to delay ruling on the request to drop the charges, referencing Bondi's comments and warning of a risk he will be sent to El Salvador without a right to contest his removal. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. AVOIDING THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION The Justice Department traditionally seeks to keep high-level criminals in its custody and prosecute them in the United States rather than trust foreign governments to deliver justice. The old DOJ stayed quiet in the court of public opinion, careful not to jeopardize its investigations or the civil liberties of the accused, said Anthony Coley, who served as the departments chief spokesperson during Democratic President Joe Biden's administration. The Trump team does the opposite actively shaping public opinion and chasing headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xinis, the judge in the Maryland deportation case, chastised the Justice Department for relying on a "vague, uncorroborated allegation" to connect Abrego Garcia to MS-13. The government in that case, a civil lawsuit, has relied on a 2019 local police report, which used information from a confidential informant to allege he was a member of MS-13. An immigration judge separately found the report credible. Abrego Garcia has denied any ties to MS-13. Federal authorities during the Trump administration have arrested people with detailed evidence of alleged links to MS-13. The FBI on April 1 arrested a fugitive and an alleged leader in a local MS-13 gang who had been charged in 2021 in a conspiracy linked to 11 murders in Nevada and California. U.S. authorities in March took into custody Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, charged in 2023 in an indictment accusing him of helping to direct MS-13s activities in the United States and internationally. Roman-Bardales has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Trump administration tried to arrest and deport some alleged gang members without presenting evidence, it also dropped a major federal case against an MS-13 leader. Federal prosecutors had accused Cesar Lopez-Larios of allegedly directing acts of violence, murder, kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking. But they moved to drop the charges on March 11, saying El Salvador would first proceed with its own case. "The United States has determined that sensitive and important foreign policy considerations outweigh the government's interest in pursuing the prosecution," a top prosecutor wrote to the judge overseeing the case. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Ted Hesson, additional reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) Hundreds of people from across West Virginia and neighboring states traveled to Lewis County on Friday and Saturday to participate in the annual Beef Expo at WVU Jacksons Mill. Organizers said this annual expo serves as an economic boost to the county with plenty of opportunities for visitors and those participating to learn more about stockmanship and stewardship through various workshops. (WBOY image) WVU Lewis County Extension Agent Bruce Loyd spoke to 12 News about how unique the event it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its different from all the other events because its really the only event in the state where all the different beef breeds come together to have a joint event, have a sale, Loyd said. We have these other youth educational activities and so on. And theres just not any other beef event like that in the state. Fairmont State University helps make the community shine with volunteer clean up event About 150 head of cattle were sold on Saturday, bringing together six different kinds of beef cattle breeds. The expo is a collaboration between the West Virginia breed organizations, West Virginia Cattlemens Association, West Virginia Cattle Women, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the WVU Extension service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is held every year on the second weekend in 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 WBOY.com. We recently published a list of 10 Best Medical Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) stands against other best medical stocks to buy according to billionaires. Why are Healthcare Stocks Under Pressure? Some experts view medical, healthcare, and big pharma stocks as immune from trade carnage, making them a safe haven amid the uncertainty brought about by Trumps tariffs. On April 8, Mizuho Securities America healthcare sector strategist Jared Holz appeared on CNBCs Power Lunch to talk about whether the speculations around the healthcare sector being a safe haven during market turmoil are true. He also discussed why healthcare companies are failing to get increased investor respect, given that healthcare is 20% of the American economy, which translates to around 1/5th of the countrys entire national output. Holz said that the countrys major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies undoubtedly help fight its healthcare problems. However, when we look at their financial models and the way their businesses are currently set up, we have got generic patent cliffs over the next 5-7 years on the medium to long-term angle of the company, along with price concessions with the IRA and some of the things the Biden administration put into place. We have also got pricing degradation over the near term, and between those two lies competition and other setbacks. The models thus never line up well enough for investors to have a lot of confidence, as the business models do not lend themselves to long-term viability. These are the primary reasons the sector and stocks have been under pressure for so long. READ ALSO: 10 Best Mid Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy and 12 Best Diagnostics Stocks to Invest In Right Now. Is Healthcare a Safe Haven Amid the Ongoing Tariff Turmoil? Holz further opined that managed care, particularly the government-centric names, are somewhat safe as they are insulated from tariffs as US-based companies. In fact, the economic slowdown is actually beneficial for them as they want less utilization and less patience through the system, which is how they typically beat numbers. He said that managed care is having a good day, and investors might think about owning some companies in the sector. It is, however, a relative game, as there are several different variables at play, and investors are essentially playing a game of hopscotch in an attempt to jump from one area to another, whether its tariffs, drug pricing, or other public policies. He painted a similar picture for medical device stocks that are more US-centric. These two sectors thus have less risk relative to others, making them somewhat of a safe haven. The U.S. has deported 10 more alleged Latin American gang members to El Salvador, where they will likely be detained in a notorious maximum-security prison accused of numerous human rights abuses. Last night, another 10 criminals from the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua Foreign Terrorist Organizations arrived in El Salvador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X on Sunday, praising the collaboration between the Trump administration and Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele as an example for security and prosperity in our hemisphere. The Independent has contact the Departments of State and Homeland Security for more information on the individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flights come as the administration faces criticism over mistakenly deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man, to El Salvador, despite an explicit court order barring his removal to that country. Federal courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, have mandated that the administration facilitate returning the man to the U.S., though the administration has only provided sparse updates that hes alive and secure in the Salvadoran prison, and has argued it doesnt have the power or obligation to secure his release. These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President [Nayib] B[ukele] and his Government, They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again! President Trump said in a Truth Social post on Saturday. Supreme Court allowed administration to continue using Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members to prison in El Salvador (via REUTERS) Bukele will meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since March, the Trump administration has sent hundreds of alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, and a smaller number of alleged members of MS-13, a Salvadoran group, to El Salvador, where they have been detained in CECOT, a sprawling prison complex rife with controversy. Attorneys say many of the men sent from the U.S. to the prison have no gang ties or criminal records, and family members described only learning the fate of the deportees when they saw media images of the men being manhandled and shaved inside the Salvadoran facility by masked guards. The U.S. invoked the centuries-old wartime Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport the alleged Venezuelan gang members, though the administration has since admitted that many Venezuelans sent to El Salvador do not have criminal histories, and media investigations suggest as many as 75 percent of the Venezuelans initially sent to the prison lacked records. Homeland Security officials have instead relied in part on tattoos to allege these mens gang ties, though gang experts say the Venezuelan group isnt known for using identifying tattoos, and artists who created the images that appeared in an immigration handbook on the alleged gang tattoos told The Independent their work had no relation to Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has also been accused of defying a court order to turn around deportation flights headed for El Salvador in the midst of a legal challenge against Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act. On Monday, a divided Supreme Court allowed the White House to keep using the emergency law, which was last invoked to carry out Japanese internment in WWII, though those being removed would now be entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal. Inside CECOT, cells have no sheets, pillows, or mattresses, and inmates are held inside them for 23.5 hours a day, with the lights turned on 24/7. Those held in the prisons solitary confinement wing reportedly sleep on concrete beds and sit in pitch black rooms, but for a small hole in the ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nayib Bukele and his officials have described the prison as something of a living execution chamber, sending inmates, many thousands of whom critics say were arbitrarily arrested, to facilities from which they have little hope of return. We dont have a death penalty, so we have to imprison them all, Bukele said last year. His security minister told CNN last year it would be stupid to ever release inmates serving in the terror prison. The administration has signaled it will expand its use of the Alien Enemies Act to alleged members of MS-13. Trump also said this week he loves idea of sending American wiseguys to prisons in El Salvador. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Aprils municipal election was a success for the city. Both Questions 1 and 2, dealing with the public safety sales tax and the Longfellow Park sale respectively passed. FOX4s most clicked stories of the week: April 7-11 The Kansas City Public Schools Bond Question passed easily too. How will the votes impact you? Park University Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Matt Harris joins us to talk about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, city council leaders are discussing whether to obligate more than $29 million in bonds to the Northland Career Center, which is supposed to move from Platte City to Kansas City, Missouris city limits, on the Platte County side of its border with Clay County. Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett joins FOX4 to talk about the funding challenges for the project. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV See each persons interview in the video 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Archaeologists working in Egypt have unearthed a previously undiscovered school in the grand mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II, dubbed the Ramesseum, on the West Bank of Luxor in the Theban Necropolis. The Per Ankh, or House of Life, was likely attended by aristocratic children of high social standing where they were taught business and governmental skills. Researchers have long speculated about the schools presence within the Ramesseum, but hard evidence has been elusive until now. During the excavation, scientists recovered ancient sketches from students as well as pieces of educational toys and tools. The discoveries indicate that the Ramesseum filled several functions besides a school. A set of buildings believed to be administrative offices was also discovered, as was a reception hall and throne room where the king likely greeted visitors. These units were likely home to officials who were charged with overseeing the school and temples day-to-day functions. Cellars, including a wine room, were found to be storage areas for things like honey and animal fat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Archaeologists Uncover 2,200-Year-Old Pyramid Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told Ancient Origins that the new discoveries are challenging what scientists thought they knew about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Based upon the artifacts found at the scene, he posits that the temple was both a place of worship and a community center which both trained and later employed a hierarchy of civil servants. The excavation, a joint work between Egyptian and French archaeologists, has been ongoing since 1991. In recent years, significant restoration work has been completed on the royal palace adjacent to the Ramesseum. Archaeologists are currently working on restoring the artifacts found during the most recent dig. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A crowd gathered Saturday at the Arkansas State Capitol to continue protests over actions taken by the Trump administration. The American Federation of Government Employees said they organized Saturdays protest on behalf of Social Security Administration employees. Protesters from New York to Alaska assail Trump and Musk in Hands Off! rallies Some said they fear the quality of services could be negatively affected by workforce cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am angry that our government is cutting benefits to people who have paid into them, veteran Donna Elkey said. I am angry that we have billionaires profiting off the back of people of this country, and Im tired of our Arkansas representatives being complicit with their silence. Saturdays protest was originally set to coincide with national protests last weekend but was postponed due to severe 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 KARK. A heavily armed man was shot multiple times by law enforcement officers Saturday outside a South Carolina home, according to the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office. After being shot twice during the confrontation, 58-year-old Blacksburg resident Gregory Scott Byers managed to grab one of the deputys handguns and a shot was fired before he was restrained, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Byers suffered what the sheriffs office called non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital. After he was treated and released from the hospital Byers was booked in to the Cherokee County Detention Center, jail records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the deputies involved were injured, but they were exposed to Byers blood during a struggle and again as they applied tourniquets near his wounds, the sheriffs office said in the release. The incident Deputies got involved at about 9:15 a.m., when they responded to Byers home in the 300 block of Bridges Road, the sheriffs office said. A man, later identified as Byers, had threatened to shoot a woman at the home and fired several rounds before the deputies arrived, according to the release. Information about why Byers made the threats was not available. At about 9:25 a.m., four deputies arrived and began approaching the home when Byers confronted them in the driveway, while holding a long gun later determined to be a shotgun, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byers ignored the deputies commands to drop the weapon, according to the release. When he pointed the long gun at the law enforcement officers one of the deputies fired several shots and hit Byers in the upper arm, the sheriffs office said. After being shot, Byers fell to the ground and dropped the shotgun, according to the release. As the law enforcement officers continued to approach Byers pulled out a hidden pistol and then was shot by another deputy, this time in the leg, the sheriffs office said. Despite being shot two times, Byers continued to struggle and resist, the sheriffs office said. While the deputies were able to get the pistol away from Byers, he then grabbed one of the deputys handguns and another shot was fired, but nobody was hit by this gunfire, according to the release. Deputies had to use a Taser to restrain Byers long enough to get him in handcuffs, as he continued struggling and fighting as he tried to get another gun from a deputy, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he finally was in handcuffs, the deputies found another pistol in Byers pocket along with an ammo pouch that held several rounds, according to the release. The aftermath Byers remains behind bars in the county detention center, jail records show. No bond has been set for Byers, who was charged with four counts of pointing and presenting firearms at a person, along with single counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime and first-degree domestic violence, according to jail records. Information about the condition of the woman involved in the initial incident was not available. Both that incident and the shooting involving the deputies are being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, according to the release. The sheriffs office said it asked SLED to lead the investigation. The sheriffs office placed three of the four deputies involved in the shooting on administrative leave, which is normal procedure, according to the release. The deputies will remain on administrative leave until an internal review is completed, the sheriffs office said. A mans body was found in his South Carolina home early Sunday morning and another man was arrested, according to Oconee County officials. The death of 24-year-old Walhalla resident Brandon AlvaradoGaspar was called a homicide, Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis said. Caleb Aguirre, a 23-year-old Walhalla resident, was charged with murder, according to the Oconee County Sheriffs Office. At about 5:30 a.m., emergency personnel responded to a report of a shooting at a home in the 200 block of Snead Road, the coroners office said. Thats near Lake Keowee in Oconee County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AlvaradoGaspar was shot and died at the scene, according to the coroners office. No other injuries were reported. As deputies gathered evidence, the sheriffs office said it learned about a possible suspect, who was later identified as Aguirre. At around 6:05 a.m., dispatch learned that Aguirre was with a family member on Thompson Road, where an investigator made contact with him and arrested Aguirre, according to the sheriffs office. An arrest warrant said that Aguirre shot Alvarado-Gaspar multiple times in the torso. Aguirre was taken to the Oconee County Detention Center where he was booked on the murder charge, jail records show. No bond has been set and Aguirre remains locked up, according to jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no word about a motive for the shooting, which continues to be investigated by the sheriffs office. Investigators said the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, according to the coroners office. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 844-712-7463 or submit a tip online. STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) State College police arrested a man they said was planning an attack on State College Area High School sometime in April. Braeden Phillips, 20 (Centre County Prison) Braeden Phillips, 20, of Milroy, was arrested and placed in Centre County Prison with bail denied and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. THE LATEST: Thwarted State College school attack meant to coincide with Columbine anniversary Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to State College Police, they were made aware of a plot to plan an attack on the high school for a later date this month. They said they investigated the accusations with the school district and determined there was a legitimate threat. A search warrant was executed at Phillips home Friday, April 11. While further details are limited at this time, police said they are continuing to investigate to determine if anyone else was involved. The State College Police Department said they were made aware of the alleged plot by a community member, highlighting the importance of see something, say something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State College Area School District said with the alleged threat thwarted, school will be in session as normal Monday. With the potential threat thwarted, we wish to express our gratitude to our school resource officer, Matt Hertlein, and the State College police for their swift response and coordination to protect our high school community, Superintendent Curtis Johnson said in a statement. School safety is imperative for us, and along with various security measures, the close relationship we have with local law enforcement enables us to maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Its times like this when we must rely on their guidance and expertise, and we are grateful for their partnership. Police are urging anyone who may have information to contact the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150. 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 US Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police and the Centre County District Attorneys Office also assisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hit-and-run accidents can be traumatic, whether you experience the collision or you find your car dented in a parking lot. Unfortunately, these crashes are not uncommon. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 2,932 fatal hit-and-run accidents in 2022, the most recent year data is available. If youre a victim in a hit-and-run, youre probably feeling shock and confusion about what to do next. This guide explains what constitutes a hit-and-run accident, how to react when youre involved in one, and how your car insurance can help. This embedded content is not available in your region. Learn more: What to do after a car accident: Your step-by-step guide What is a hit-and-run accident? Nolo, the nonprofit legal aid website, said state laws typically define a hit-and-run as a failure to: Stop at the scene of the collision Provide identification Offer assistance to any person injured as a result of the collision Every state has laws defining who is responsible for stopping during an accident. In most states, fleeing the scene after being involved in an accident, without providing contact information, can qualify as a hit-and-run. This applies regardless of fault or the severity of the incident. Learn more: How much does car insurance increase after an accident? A step-by-step guide: What to do right after a hit-and-run Here are the steps to take if someone hits your car and leaves without sharing contact information. Step 1: Stop your car and assess the situation If you are still driving, pull over away from traffic and make sure you and your passengers are safe. Call emergency services immediately to report any injuries and request help. Step 2: Don't follow the driver who flees the scene Resist the urge to follow a hit-and-run driver who takes off after a collision. Chasing the other driver may leave you liable for leaving the scene of an accident, so stay put. Write down any information you can remember, such as the other vehicles color, make, and model. Step 3: Call the police to make a report Call law enforcement immediately, even if the accident happened in a parking lot or the damage seems minor. You will want to file a police report because it can help you with a hit-and-run insurance claim. Step 4: Ask potential witnesses for information Look around the scene for potential witnesses. If there are storefronts nearby, ask employees if they saw anything or if their stores have security cameras. Eyewitness accounts and video footage could be critical in identifying the other driver. Collect the contact information of anyone who saw the accident or knows of available footage. Provide these details to the police when they arrive. Step 5: Dont leave the scene until the police tell you to Never leave the scene of an accident, especially one where the police have been called until youve spoken to an officer and theyve said you can head home. They may need additional information, photos, dashcam footage, or input from your passengers. Step 6: Call your auto insurance company ASAP to file a claim You should report an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company may also be able to help coordinate towing your car to a shop or arranging a rental car, depending on your coverage. How is fault determined for a hit-and-run insurance claim? In a typical accident, the at-fault drivers insurance usually covers the cost of medical expenses (except in no-fault states ), property damage, and vehicle repairs for everyone involved. However, fault is more difficult to determine in a hit-and-run accident. Whether the hit-and-run driver provided incorrect information, left a note, or fled the scene immediately, your insurance company and the police may need time to sort out who was at fault and how the applicable insurance policies can be applied. For instance, California has a comparative negligence law, which means that each drivers degree of responsibility for fault in an accident will be equally considered, even if one driver leaves the scene. Does car insurance cover hit and run? Circumstances and your policy limits dictate which type of coverage might apply in a hit-and-run accident. Collision coverage Even if the other driver is never found, you can make a claim if you have collision coverage . Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after a crash. If you make a collision claim youll be responsible for paying your deductible toward repairs. Uninsured motorist coverage There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage that may apply to a hit-and-run accident: If you or your passengers were injured in the hit-and-run you can likely make a claim against your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. If your vehicle was damaged, you may be able to make a claim against your uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD), if you have it, in some states. If you dont have UMPD you could instead use your collision coverage. Medical payments (Medpay) coverage Medical payments coverage pays medical bills resulting from an auto accident, regardless of fault. If the hit-and-run caused injury to you or your passengers, your Medpay coverage can help with the costs. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical and funeral expenses, lost wages, and replacement service for tasks you cant perform because of accident injuries, such as childcare. PIP is available only in some states but can be claimed regardless of accident fault. If insurance does not cover all your medical costs, you may be able to get financial assistance from your states crime victim compensation program. Consult the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards for more information. Do you have to pay your deductible for a hit-and-run insurance claim? If the coverage that applies to your hit-and-run claim has a deductible, you will have to pay it. Ezra Peterson, vice president of insurance at Way.com, explained, Deductibles for each specific coverage type function the same for a hit-and-run claim as they would for any claim filed against the insured's policy, wherein the net amount of payout for the loss is the repair/reimbursement/settlement cost, less the amount of the deductible for that coverage type. Collision insurance has a deductible. Uninsured motorist coverage may have a deductible depending on your states laws. The same is true for PIP. MedPay coverage typically has no deductible. When in doubt, ask your insurance agent or a company representative about any deductibles that apply to your hit-and-run claim. Read more: What you need to know about car insurance deductibles Will a hit-and-run claim impact your insurance? Because a hit-and-run wasnt your fault, youre unlikely to get an insurance rate increase due to a claim from the accident. Peterson said, Although the overall rate impact varies from state to state, generally speaking, these claims are treated the same as any non-at-fault accident. Yahoo Personal Finance 3 tips for filing an insurance claim after a hit-and-run accident If youve been the victim of a hit-and-run, here are three things to consider. Consider whether filing a claim is worth it Its likely not worth filing a claim if the repair costs are less than your collision insurance deductible. Document everything Filing a hit-and-run claim can require more paperwork than your average claim, so be sure youve gathered all the information that might be required. Your insurance company may ask for: Time, date, and location of the collision A police report detailing the incident A description of the other vehicle and driver Photos of damage Pictures or video footage of the incident or the hit-and-run vehicle Name and contact information of any eyewitnesses Notify your insurance company as soon as possible Because hit-and-run claims can take time to sort out, youll want to start the process as soon as possible. In most states, car insurance companies have about 30 days to investigate and resolve claims. What are the penalties for hit-and-runs? The consequences for hit-and-run drivers range in severity. The minimum outcome for a driver caught after a hit-and-run will likely be higher insurance rates, plus penalties and fines assessed by the state. A misdemeanor hit-and-run typically carries a sentence of six months jail time and a $1,000 fine. A court may also require hit-and-run drivers to file an SR-22 statement of financial responsibility. A felony charge for hit-and-run can lead to a year in jail, thousands in fees and damages, and possibly a drivers license suspension. This article was edited by Amy Danise. Catherine Brock contributed to this article. Cody Balmer, who is suspected of starting a fire on Sunday at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, was denied bail at his arraignment on Monday. Balmer -- a mechanic who had previously expressed disdain for Democrats on social media -- was arrested in connection with the fire early Sunday, sources familiar with the suspected arsonist told ABC News. PHOTO: Booking photo of arson suspect, Cody Balmer. (Dauphin County District Attorney) Shapiro and his family were in the residence at the time of the fire, which was reported at about 2 a.m. ET Sunday. They were evacuated safely and were not injured, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balmer was identified as 38-year-old residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo told reporters on Sunday. He allegedly made two Molotov cocktails from Heineken bottles he had at home and threw them inside the governors mansion after breaking a window with a hammer, according to court documents. After turning himself in, Balmer allegedly told police he would have attacked Shapiro with the hammer if he happened upon the governor inside the residence, the documents said. PHOTO: Damage is seen after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) Charges filed on Sunday against Balmer include attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Police said the suspect remained in a hospital Monday morning for a "medical event" that was not described. "Due to a medical event not connected to this incident or his arrest, Balmer was transported to an area hospital where he is currently receiving treatment," police said in a statement. Chardo released a statement Monday morning saying Balmer allegedly admitted that he committed the attack. MORE: American missionary reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint in South Africa during church service On Monday afternoon, Balmer was silent as he was brought from a Pennsylvania State Police car into a courthouse for his arraignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wearing a hospital bracelet on his right wrist, handcuffed, and shackled at the waist, Balmer stuck his tongue out at one reporter who asked why he did his alleged crime. PHOTO: Cody Balmer arrives at court, April 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (ABC News) When Judge Dale Klein asked Balmer if he understood the eight counts against him, including attempted homicide, terrorism and aggravated arson, Balmer replied, Yes maam. When Klein asked whether Balmer suffered from mental illness, he replied, Thats the rumor -- but no maam. His attorney said Balmer is indigent and asked for a reasonable monetary bail, but the judge denied it, saying that while he appreciated that Balmer turning himself in, there were no conditions that could keep him from being a danger to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the judge announced that she was denying bail, Balmer said, Thank you maam. MORE: 'Homegrowns are next': Trump doubles down on sending American 'criminals' to foreign prisons A series of photos released by the Pennsylvania State Police from inside the governor's residence showed extensive fire damage to a room next to where Shapiro said he and his family hosted guests for a Passover Seder on Saturday night. Damage captured by the images included a soot-cover chandelier dangling from the charred ceiling and singed walls, a blackened carpeted floor, melted and broken tables, a burned sofa and a heavily damaged grand piano. The suspect arrested in the firebombing allegedly carried out a domestic terrorism incident that put the governor, his family and firefighters at risk, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enterline said the governor's mansion does not have fire suppression equipment, but alarms were blaring when firefighters arrived on the scene. The fire chief described it as "surreal to see fire shooting from the governors residence. He said firefighters had to cut parts of the gates to stretch hose lines inside. It took about a half hour to get the fire under control, he said. He added that there had never been a fire drill conducted at the governors mansion. Luckily, the door from the main dining room was closed at the time of the blaze, keeping the fire from spreading into the living quarters. Had the door not been closed, Enterline said Shapiro and his family would no doubt have been at risk. Investigators said they recovered items at Balmers home matching those used in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chardo said state troopers recovered a "unique Snap-On jacket with the distinctive shoulder patches and a bag containing a gasoline container." MORE: Man charged for arson attacks at Tesla dealership, New Mexico GOP office During a meeting at the White House on Monday with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter if he had been informed of a motive in the Pennsylvania arson attack. "The attacker was not a fan of Trump I understand just from what I've read and from what I've been told," said Trump, adding that he was not informed of the motive in the incident. "The attacker basically wasn't a fan of anybody's. Probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen." PHOTO: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor's official residence discussing the alleged arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Marc Levy/AP) Sources familiar with Balmer said his public grievances with the Democratic party were primarily related to financial issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are also digging into records to determine whether Balmer may have been experiencing financial problems, the sources said. Shapiro said during the press conference that the attack was "targeted." "We do know that this attack was targeted," the governor said. "This type of violence is not OK." "And I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another," he added. Just hours before the fire, the Pennsylvania governor had posted a picture of his family's Passover Seder table on X, writing, "From the Shapiro family's Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro addressed the possible motive during the conference, saying of the suspect, "If he was trying to terrorize my family, my friends... hear me on this, we celebrated our faith proudly, no one will deter me from celebrating my faith openly and proudly." PHOTO: Damage is seen after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) Investigators have not ruled out Shapiro's Jewish faith as a possible motivating factor, sources told ABC News. They are also not ruling out the possibility the suspect had mental health issues, sources added. PHOTO: Damage is seen after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP) Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens detailed the alleged attack, saying the suspect came over a fence and actively evaded troopers while they were searching for him on the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they were searching, the suspect broke in and set the fires, according to Bivens, who said the incident played out "over a period of several minutes." The part of the fence Balmer allegedly hopped to get inside the residence was sliced off by investigators so they could test it for DNA, sources familiar told ABC News. PHOTO: Investigators are on the scene after an overnight fire at the governor's official residence on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pa. (Marc Levy/AP) Earlier Sunday, Shapiro said in a statement, "My family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police." "Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished," he added. The state police said that while the investigation is continuing, "the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson." The fire caused "a significant amount of damage" to part of the residence, according to state police. Shapiro was elected Pennsylvania governor in 2022 and was considered as a candidate for vice president for 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris before she eventually chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Shapiro served two terms as the state's attorney general before being elected governor. ABC News' Christopher Donato and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report. Arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence was 'domestic terrorism': Fire chief originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Federal authorities believe Nikita Casap, a 17-year-old Waukesha boy, killed his mother and stepfather as part of a plot to assassinate President Donald Trump. "The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carry out his plan," states a recently released FBI affidavit. Casap was bound over for trial during his preliminary hearing in early April. He faces numerous charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI affidavit says there is probable cause to believe other crimes were committed, including a presidential assassination attempt, conspiracy and use of weapons of mass destruction. The homicide counts are tied to the deaths of Casap's mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, whose bodies were discovered Feb. 28 inside their Cider Hills Drive house in the village of Waukesha after a wellness check. Both had been shot, with their bodies concealed under piles of clothing or other materials in the home where Nikita Casap also lived. Based on allegations and dates in the complaint, Casap remained in the house for as long as 12 days after his parents were shot. More: Timeline: How the Nikita Casap homicide case progressed to alleged Trump assassination plot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A criminal complaint filed in late March included statements from a witness a girl Casap knew from Waukesha West High School who told authorities Casap was exchanging messages with someone in Russia, including discussions about assassinating Trump as part of a government overthrow. The new affidavit provides more detail, including that Casap appeared to have a three-page manifesto on his phone calling for the assassination of Trump and discussions of bomb-making and terrorist attacks. Casap paid at least in part for a drone and explosives to carry out an attack, the affidavit says. The affidavit details how the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants for Donald Mayer's SUV, which Casap is accused of stealing and driving through several states. Police found a pried-open safe, electronics including an iPad from the Waukesha School District jewelry and approximately $14,000, among other items. Casap's phone also had information related to "The Order of Nine Angels," a neo-Nazi group with racially motivated extremist views, according to the FBI. His apparent manifesto expressed white supremacist views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casap remains in custody on a $1 million cash bond. He is due in court May 7 for arraignment. This story was updated to add additional information. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Drake Bentley and USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: FBI: Waukesha teen killed parents as part of Trump assassination plot Low-cost airline Avelo has signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The airline, which also operates out of 10 Florida airports, Including Palm Beach International Airport, will carry out deportation flights under a charter agreement with Homeland Security. All the deportation flights will be out of Arizona. Here's what to know. Avelo Airlines to carry out deportation flights for ICE The agreement with the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement means Avelo will carry out deportation flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flights will be operated by three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona and will begin on May 12. The airline plans to open a crew base at the airport to support the deportation operations and is hiring flight attendants and aircraft technicians to work and service the charters. 'Sensitive and complicated topic': Avelo CEO says deportation flights will provide stability We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come," Avelo's founder and CEO, Andrew Levy, said in a statement. Levy told the Associated Press the flights will be part of a long-term charter program to support ICE's deportation efforts. The company decided the move would help with expansion and protect jobs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an online job listing for the Arizona operation, Avelo said the flights will be both domestic and international trips to support DHSs deportation efforts. 'Stop ICE flights!' Petition circulating to boycott Avelo A petition was launched by the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition, and as of noon Wednesday, it has just under 7,000 signatures on change.org. "We demand that AVELO AIR halt plans to carry out deportation flights in cooperation with the Trump Administration. "We pledge to boycott the airline until they stop plans to profit off ICE flights that are tearing families and communities apart and removing some legal residents," the online petition reads. What other airlines operate deportation flights? The Associated Press reported that the deal between Avelo and DHS/ICE appears to be the only current contract for full aircraft deportation flights with a regular, scheduled commercial airline. Are any deportations done on commercial airlines with paying passengers? Sometimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ICE, some deportations are carried out on commercial flights, but large-scale deportation efforts rely more heavily on chartered aircraft that do not simultaneously fly paying passengers. Is Avelo a low-cost airline? Yes, Avelo Airlines calls itself an "ultra-low cost airline." It's headquartered in Houston, Texas, and was founded in 2021. We fly out of smaller, more convenient airports, so we also save you time and hassle, Avelos website said.. It flies to locations across the U.S., as well as the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. "Our affordable nonstop flights into smaller, convenient airports let you spend less time at the terminal and more time exploring hidden gems, national parks, and vibrant cityscapes," its website said. Lakeland International is Avelo's Central Florida base "LAL will serve as Avelos Central Florida base, operating dual operations at LAL as an extension of its existing operations at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Avelo will initially base one aircraft at LAL," the company said in July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This expansion enables Avelo to significantly expand its affordable, convenient and reliable air service in Central Florida." Avelo began operating in Daytona Beach on June 22, 2023. West Palm Beach (PBI) Daytona Beach (DAB) Destin/Fort Walton Beach (VPS) Fort Lauderdale/Miami (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) Jacksonville (JAX) Orlando/Lakeland (LAL) Orlando (MCO) Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) Tampa (TPA) See a complete list of all Avelo airports Where does Avelo fly out of Palm Beach County? Avelo Airlines now offers nonstop service from Palm Beach International Airport to New Haven, Connecticut, and Philadelphia/Wilmington, Delaware. Where does Avelo fly out of Florida? According to its website, Avelo flies from Florida airports to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where is Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona? Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona is located about 120 miles north of the Mexico border and about 80 miles north-northwest of Tucson. It's about 1,600 miles west of Tallahassee. According to the Center for Immigration Assistance, there are six ICE immigration detention and processing facilities in Arizona. What types of planes does Avelo Airlines have in its fleet? Avelo Airlines has a fleet of 20 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boeing 737-700 has 149 seats, with 44 "extra leg room seats." The 737-800 has 189 seats, with 57 "extra leg room seats." How do you pronounce Avelo? Pronounce Avelo as UH-VELL-O, like yellow or Jell-O. Contributors: Zach Wichter, USA Today Network This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Avelo which flies out of West Palm Beach to do ICE deportation flights In Scotland, a woman successfully gave birth to a baby girl after getting a womb transplant from her sister. As the BBC reports, couple Grace and Angus Davidsin welcomed baby Amy after the mother's sister, for whom she named her new child, donated her womb. Though it wasn't the first in the world that took place over a decade ago in Sweden the birth of baby Amy was the first time in the history of the United Kingdom in which such a feat has been achieved. During the ensuing ten years, doctors have successfully carried out 135 uterine transplants, and 65 babies have been born from the difficult procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born with a rare genetic disorder called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, in which people are born either with non-functioning wombs or without them entirely, 36-year-old Davidson along with her sister, Amy Purdie had been trying to assess whether the feat was feasible for years. Though the initial transplantation was set to take place in late 2019, the surgery was delayed and once the COVID-19 pandemic began, it became unclear, the BBC notes, if it would happen at all. Finally, the complex transplant process which involved more than 30 doctors and took 17 hours as they removed Purdie's uterus and implanted it inside Ferguson took place in February 2023. Though it was technically a hysterectomy, or uterine removal, Purdie told the BBC she didn't feel the same sense of loss some women feel upon getting that procedure. Despite the risks involved for both sisters, transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga of Oxford's Churchill Hospital said the procedure she led was both "life-enhancing and life-creating and you can't have better than that." Just a few weeks after the successful transplant, Davidson had her very first menstrual period. It wasn't much longer until she and her husband Angus attempted in-vitro fertilization, and got pregnant on their very first try. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On February 27, 2025 almost exactly two years to the day since her transplant Davidson gave birth to baby Amy. "I'm not often short of words, but when the baby came out, I was speechless," enthused Richard Smith, an Imperial College London gynecological surgeon who worked on Davidson and Purdie's transplant, in an interview with the BBC. "There were a lot of tears in the theatre that day. The whole thing is astonishing and incredibly moving." The Davidsons are, as they told the British broadcaster, already considering a second child as soon as Grace's medical team gives them the go-ahead. If she does have that second baby, however, it will have to be the last to whom Davidson gives birth. As Quiroga explained to the BBC, the donated womb will need to be removed after Davidson has a second child because the daily immunosuppressants she takes to make sure her body doesn't reject the foreign uterus carry the risk of developing cancer when taken for years at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, it's clear that this transplant and its "little miracle," as the Davidsons call their new baby, has had a profound impact on the couple. The first time they got to hold baby Amy, as the mother put it, it was "quite overwhelming." "We'd never really let ourselves imagine what it would be like for her to be here," she said. "It was really wonderful." More on babies: Scientist Who Gene-Hacked Human Babies Says Ethics Are "Holding Back" Scientific Progress Key Takeaways A UK-based company has engineered a banana that doesn't brown and stays fresh for longer. This is when you can expect to see the banana in grocery stores, including those in the United States. There's nothing like the disappointment of coming home with a haul of fresh fruit, only to discover half of it has browned or rotten within a couple of days. Now, thanks to science, those days of tossing out fruit preemptively may soon be a thing of the past. A Non-Browning Banana Is Coming to Stores A UK-based biotech company called Tropic has successfully engineered a banana that remains fresher for longer12 hours after it's been peeled, to be exact. How is this possible? They used a gene editing technique called CRISPR to disable the enzyme responsible for making bananas turn brown. Similar to how apples and potatoes change colors once cut, the browning we see in bananas is due to oxidation, and is not a reliable indicator of a banana's ripeness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilad Gershon, co-founder of Tropic, told AgFunderNews, "The bananas have the same taste, smell, sweetness profile, the same everything, except that the flesh doesnt go brown as quickly, which means you can add them to fruit salads and cut fruit products, opening up a huge new market. While genetically modified non-browning apples have been around for a decade, bananas present a unique challenge. Nearly all the bananas consumed in the United States belong to the Cavendish subgroup, which is seedless and can only reproduce through cloning. Yes, that means the bananas from today are essentially genetically identical to the ones from the 1960s. As a result, selecting genes for desirable traits is nearly impossible since all the bananas are virtually the same. This discovery not only opens up more possibilities for modifying bananas to improve disease resistance and extend shelf-life (which Tropic is already working on), but it may also make a huge impact in reducing food waste and lowering global greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 33% of the world's harvested agriculture goes to wasteincluding almost 60% of banana biomass after harvesting. Tropic believes its non-browning bananas "have the potential to significantly reduce food waste and CO2 emissions along the supply chain by more than 25%," which the company suggests is "a reduction in CO2 emissions equivalent to removing 2 million passenger vehicles from the road each year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new non-browning bananas have already been approved for commercial sale in the Philippines, Colombia, Honduras, the United States, and Canada, so we can expect to see them in stores before the end of the year. I know, I knowbrowned bananas are the secret workhorse of some of our favorite treats like banana bread, banana cream pie, and more. But now, we can have perfectly ripe bananas that aren't mushy and brown. This is more than a win for our kitchens, it's a win for our food systems and planet, too. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCMH) A southwest Ohio woman who fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam has been refunded most of the nearly $42,000 in stolen Bitcoin. According to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, a special unit within the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation recently returned more than $35,000 to a woman from Delhi Township, west of Cincinnati, who fell victim to an online scam. Prosecutors want Gaudreau brothers BAC levels excluded from case against drunk driver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, a 73-year-old Hamilton County woman received a pop-up message on her laptop saying the device had been hacked. The woman called a phone number she believed to be a Microsoft hotline and spoke to the scammer, who instructed her to withdraw money and convert it to Bitcoin to fix her computer. The scammer convinced the woman to send $41,750 in multiple transactions via a Bitcoin ATM. After realizing this was a scam, the woman notified the Delhi Township Police Department, which requested the assistance of BCIs Electronic Financial Investigations unit. BCI successfully traced the funds and placed a freeze on additional transfers to the scammer. Through search warrants and a court order, BCI ultimately recovered most of the stolen money, returning $35,600 to the victim this week. The Attorney Generals Office did not report any charges filed or name any suspects connected to the scam. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Beaufort man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to charges related to illegally trafficking endangered sperm whale bones and teeth. Lauren DeLoach, age 69, was charged under the Lacey Act, the countys oldest wildlife protection law, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to documents filed in the U.S. District Court, Beaufort Division. As part of a plea agreement, the local artist and fossil hunter admitted to illegally importing, possessing and selling sperm whale teeth and bones. Violations of the Lacey Act carry up to a 5-year prison term and a maximum fine of $250,000. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits importing marine mammals except for a limited number of educational and research related situations. Violating the act calls for a maximum of one year in prison, according to documents associated with the case. The sentencing date is not yet set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeLoach declined to comment following the proceeding. His lawyer Nathan Williams said DeLoach made a mistake but is looking to put the incident behind him. Sperm whales are the largest species of toothed whale and have been listed as an endangered species since 1970, according to the National Wildlife Federation. People collect the whales teeth and bones for use as decorations and as a painting or scrimshaw medium, according to documents filed in the case. A single tooth can sell for hundreds of dollars. The investigation revealed DeLoach imported sperm whale and teeth from countries including Australia, Norway, Ukraine and Latvia. Further investigation found that DeLoach then proceeded to sell the teeth and bones on eBay, according to statements made by Elle Klein, assistant United States attorney for the district of South Carolina, during the hearing. In total, the number of sperm whale teeth and bones DeLoach sold on the site totaled over $18,000. The investigation began when officials at the John F. Kennedy International Airport opened a package from Norway addressed to DeLoach. While the 10 teeth inside the package were labeled as plastic, further analysis by an official with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the teeth were in fact sperm whale teeth, according to statements Klein made during the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further investigation found that DeLoach had instructed overseas suppliers to label the packages containing the teeth and bone as plastic to avoid seizure by U.S. authorities. A search warrant executed on his residence found $20,000 worth of sperm whale parts. It is unclear when DeLoach began trafficking the sperm whale bones and teeth, but the plea agreement filed in district court states that he was engaged in the process by at least September 2021 and continued until September 2024. While the sperm whale population was once 1.1 million strong, industrial whaling practices in the 19th century decimated the population in pursuit of whale oil, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Today the population stands at around 300,000, and still face risks due to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Apr. 12Bemidji Chamber Ambassadors recently congratulated Connor's Painting LLC on its new business located at 768 Louise Lane NW. Owner Conner Vleck specializes in painting, staining, epoxy and drywall. He has about seven years of industry experience, including his time with Spangler Painting. "If we don't specialize in it, we're willing to try," Vleck said in a release. "My favorite thing to do is something different." THE LATEST Key takeaways from the Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rally in SLC SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Sen. Bernie Sanders was joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as they spoke at the University of Utah on Sunday as part of Sanders Fighting Oligarchy tour. The event, called Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here with Bernie Sanders in Salt Lake City, will take place at University of Utahs Jon M. Huntsman Center, located at 1875 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tour is centered around real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country, according to the Bernie Sanders website. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the speaking program begins at 6 p.m. Musical guests will also be performing at the event Talia Keys will play at 4:40 p.m. and I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME will go on at 5:15 p.m. There is free parking at the campus over the weekend. Additionally, there is a UTA bus stop and a TRAX stop just outside the arena. LDS Church loses lawsuit over payment of sexual abuse settlements Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADA parking is available directly outside the main entrance to the venue. Lot 14 is also reserved for ADA parking. ADA attendees will be able to cut any GA line, according to event organizers. They will have access from Doors 1, 2, and 3. Space is reportedly first-come, first-serve. Ridesharing and carpooling is encouraged when possible. For those who want access to the floor, an elevator is available, organizers said. Volunteers and staff will help direct folks. This area is first come, first serve. Additional ADA seating is available in the upper rim of the bowl. No bags, signs, or firearms are allowed at the event. If you would like to attend, you may RSVP here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Salt Lake City, the Fighting Oligarchy tour continues on with upcoming stops in Nampa, Idaho, on Monday, April 14; Bakersfield, California, on Tuesday, April 15; Folsom, California, on Tuesday, April 15; and Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday, April 16. If you would like to donate to the tour, you may do so 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 ABC4 Utah. LOS ANGELES Bernie Sanders drew a rapturous crowd in his return to California on Saturday. But for the progressive movement he inspired, the biggest state that Sanders won in 2020 today looks more like the wilderness than the promised land. Efforts by progressives in California to enact single-payer healthcare and other sweeping policy priorities have fizzled. Prominent Democrats, from Gov. Gavin Newsom to an ambitious crop of big city mayors, have tacked to the center , and on Tuesday in Oakland, the progressive icon Barbara Lee is confronting an unexpectedly tight election for mayor against a more moderate Democrat. Bernie's victory in California was huge, said Mike Bonin, a progressive former Los Angeles city council member and incoming director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at California State University Los Angeles. But it hasn't had a permanent impact on California politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sprawling crowd in Los Angeles on Saturday Sanders put the number at 36,000, which he boasted was the largest he has ever drawn delivered a potent display of the Vermont senators enduring popularity. But as he arrived here this weekend, to the site of arguably his biggest political triumph five years ago, it also laid bare the movements limitations. In the nations blue bastion of California, the influence of progressivism during the Trump era has waned. Progressive priorities are being challenged not just by conservatives, but centrists who cast the left as contributing to problems around homelessness and crime. And Democrats in California now find themselves merely trying to hold onto gains they have made amid major threats to federal funding from President Donald Trump, an escalation of deportations and aggressive rhetoric on crime. Scanning the throngs of supporters who packed Los Angeles Grand Park and spilled onto the steps of City Hall for the latest stop on Sanders Fighting Oligarchy tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Neel Sannappa, a senior organizer with the Working Families Party, urged Sanders to help to translate the outpouring of support into a more durable progressive movement in the state. Come to the Democratic Party convention, be our guests at the progressive caucus and really stir some stuff up, said Sannappa, who is running to chair the partys progressive caucus. Because we need to be doing something different. Its very obvious that we havent done enough, we havent built enough, we havent reached out to communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Sanders rise from irascible Democratic socialist and party outsider to progressive standard bearer, winning the 2020 California Democratic presidential primary was a capstone achievement both for the independent senator and his movement. It showed the party and the world that his message and his appeal, with a populist economic progressive message, can win a large, diverse state and can draw a broad, diverse coalition, said Ben Tulchin, a Democratic pollster who worked on Sanders 2016 and 2020 bids. It was hugely important. Sanders rise jolted Californias political establishment. It saw an influx of new party activism from the left, with progressives sweeping low-level party elections that were typically insider affairs. In an echo of Sanders call for Medicare for All, single-payer healthcare dominated the 2018 governors race, where then-candidate Newsom seized the progressive mantle as the lefts healthcare champion. But multiple bills to establish a statewide single-payer system fell flat, and Newsom quickly pivoted from his campaign pledge once in office. Statewide rent control, another signature issue pushed by Sanders allies, sputtered as voters rejected multiple ballot measures to enact more renter-friendly policies. And progressives came up short in elections to oust many entrenched Democrats or to punish politicians like Newsom for their moderation. Progressives failed twice to elect one of their own to the top post in the state Democratic Party. They threatened primary challenges to Democrats who blocked single-payer bills, but lost. And in the process, they alienated many voters in the state, who installed a more moderate mayor in San Francisco last year and ousted progressive district attorneys in Oakland and Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "California is much more a machine state than people realize. Bernie Sanders broke through on a presidential level with his vision and conviction, said Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, a former co-chair of Sanders campaign who is seen as one of the few national potential heirs to the Vermont senators movement. That has not translated yet on a local or state level. It's going to take more people winning at the congressional level, at the state Assembly level, at the governor level. Thats proved enormously hard for progressive Democrats in California, however. The formula we haven't figured out in California is that while our values are progressive, we have a lot of big money here, said Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, who chairs the progressive caucus in the state Democratic Party and who faulted the influence of deep-pocketed interest groups. Iqbal-Zubair, who ran twice against an incumbent Democrat for a Los Angeles-area Assembly seat and lost resoundingly, said the biggest challenge for upstarts like herself is ousting candidates who have commanding fundraising advantages. This year, with the incumbent termed out, shes running for an open seat but still sees it as an uphill battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im running as a progressive in a district with a lot of industry, oil, and police interests, she said. There have been exceptions to progressives backsliding, particularly in some local elections; in Los Angeles, a left-leaning bloc of city councilmembers, two of whom appeared on-stage with Sanders on Saturday, have grown their influence by knocking off a succession of incumbents. Rallying the crowd, Sanders joined in broadsides against Trumps billionaire adviser Elon Musk, a favorite target of the left. But many of his remarks about wealth inequality and the influence of special interests couldve been delivered at any point of his decades-long career: a consistency that has given Sanders a singular credibility among progressives. In an interview with POLITICO after his rally, Sanders insisted that the progressive movement was durable beyond his own brand I am not a modest person, but its not me. It is millions of people who are angry and attributed the movements disappointments in California and elsewhere to the powerful forces arrayed against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, the opposition to Medicare for All, to lowering the cost of prescription drugs is enormous. What can I say? These oligarchs have enormous power, he said. Our job is to grow a movement to make them an offer they cant refuse. Were going to win. Still, Jane Kim, who leads the left-leaning Working Families Party in California and was a political director for Sanders California campaign in 2020, conceded that the million dollar question for progressives is how to scale up their victories beyond the rock stars such as Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez. And in California, that effort would appear to require rehabilitating a sagging brand. Lorena Gonzalez, who leads the California Labor Federation, said progressives absolutely squandered the momentum from the early years of Sanders rise. We had a supermajority. There was so much we couldve done and so often, it felt like I was fighting over my own colleagues over trying to move forward an economically-progressive agenda, said Gonzalez, who was in the Assembly at the height of Sanders-inspired activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the liberal beacon of San Francisco, said Sal Rosselli, the Bay Area-based founder of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, the label progressive has gotten a bad rap, as a more centrist, business-friendly faction of the Democratic party has taken over the citys political establishment. They took over the Democratic party with huge dollars and made the word progressive a huge negative, pinning it to allowing crime, Rosselli lamented. Public safety and crime which had never been a central tenet in Sanders economy-focused platform has emerged as a major vulnerability for progressives in the state. The Covid-era crime spike led to the ouster of progressive prosecutors in blue hubs such as San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles, and a statewide ballot measure to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes passed overwhelmingly last year, providing one of the starkest examples of Californias rightward shift in 2024. Progressives could flex some muscle in next years gubernatorial elections. But so far, no one in the crowded field of Democratic contenders is assertively carrying the banner for Sanders movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Porter, the former Orange County representative, is perhaps the most Sanders-adjacent, with her close alliance with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her consistent message rejecting corporate influence in politics. But in her campaign launch video, Porter also pitched herself as a pragmatic consensus builder who supports working with businesses and protecting workers starkly different from Sanders more adversarial tone. Kim, of the Working Families Party, predicted that most Democrats in the race will tack eventually to the left, copying the winning formula that elevated Newsom into office. But, she cautioned, what they'll do when they're in office is very different from what they will campaign on, and that is the challenge. It's not like we're gonna suddenly see the next Bernie Sanders of the governor's race of 2026 in California, she said. I think that will take time. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated Kim's role on Sanders' presidential campaign in 2020. She was a political director for his campaign in California. Bill Maher capped off his usual jabs at President Donald Trumps administration by saying the Don is only playing the role of a crazy person, describing him as self-aware and measured following a recent White House dinner. During Fridays episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, the self-proclaimed centrist launched into a highly anticipated report of his White House visit late last month, set up by friend Kid Rock. He promised to not mince words about what transpired, but said the meeting was far different than what he expected. The guy I met is not the person who the night before the dinner tweeted a bunch of nasty crap about how he thought this dinner was a bad idea and what a deranged ahole I was, Maher said. That guy wasnt living there. A crazy person doesnt live in the White House. A person who plays a crazy person on TV a lot lives there, which I know is fed up, its just not as fed up as I thought it was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maher went on to say he started the meeting by asking Trump to sign a list of almost 60 different insulting epithets hes said about him through the years, which he did [sign], with good humor. The president then took him on a tour of the White House as they openly discussed global issues, with Trump wanting to hear his honest thoughts. After criticizing certain moves made by Trump including parts of his plans for Gaza, nixing a nuclear deal with Iran, and questioning Barack Obamas birth origins the president didnt get mad or call me a left-wing lunatic. He took it in, Maher recalled. He added there was never a problem when he hit Trump with a joke or contradicted something. At one point, Maher said Trump referenced having lost the 2020 election, which hes long claimed to have been a result of fraud. I distinctly remember saying, Wow, I never thought Id hear you say that. He didnt get mad. Hes much more self-aware than he lets on in public, Maher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything Ive ever not liked about him was absent, at least on this night, with this guy, he added. I never felt I had to walk on eggshells around him. And honestly, I voted for Clinton and Obama. But I would never feel comfortable talking to them the way I was able to talk with Donald Trump. Though Maher acknowledged it doesnt matter who [Trump] is at a private dinner with a comedian, it matters who he is on the world stage, he said he took comfort knowing this person exists. Why he isnt that [guy] in other settings, I dont know. And I cant answer, and its not my place to answer, Maher concluded, promising viewers he wasnt high during the meeting, a nod to his widely publicized love of marijuana. A body has been pulled from the River Thames in the search for a missing 11-year-old girl. Kaliyah Coa was last seen paddling in the river near Barge House Causeway, close to London City Airport, on March 31. Metropolitan Police officers were alerted to a body in the River Thames at Maritime Quay in east London on Sunday at around 9am. A spokesman said: The body is yet to be formally identified. However, the family of Kaliyah Coa have been informed of this development and are being supported by specialist officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaliyahs family ask that privacy is respected at this time. A fire boat joins the search for the missing girl - George Cracknell Wright The schoolgirl had been playing during a day off school because of teacher training. London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the RNLI and the coastguard were all involved in the search for the missing schoolgirl. The Met later said officers were leading a recovery mission along the Thames to find Kaliyah. Local residents had said they heard shouts and screams while other children who were playing had said a girl had disappeared in the water and they could not find her. Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, told the PA news agency she had taken a life ring down to the water but could not see the girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barge House Causeway is a concrete slope that goes directly into the River Thames and is used to transport boats. Residents pointed out that it appeared to be covered in moss, which made it slippery. 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. Coree Carvers business exporting mangoes from Cambodia has faced more than its fair share of challenges over the past several years: regulatory hurdles, the COVID pandemic, the closing of the border in China, the Russia invasion of Ukraine and even a car accident that caused traumatic brain injury. But the latest blow a 49% tariff on goods from Cambodia imposed by President Donald Trump could prove to be the death knell for whats been a labor of love for the Boise businesswoman. Realistically, as Im talking through this, (if the tariffs go through), the project is done, she told me by phone from Chicago, where she was attending a trade conference that was consumed by talk of Trumps tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump put a 90-day delay on his so-called Liberation Day tariffs imposed on several nations, but if Cambodia isnt able to somehow wriggle out of Trumps sights, Carvers business, Grove Fruit Growers, likely will be done for good. Buyers looking for frozen or dried mangoes will simply shift to suppliers in Mexico or Peru, where tariffs are lower, leaving Cambodian farmers without a market, Carver said. If the tariffs on Cambodia dont go through, Carver said Grove Fruit Growers can continue. A Cambodian farmer harvests mangoes for Grove Fruit Growers, a Boise, Idaho, business that is now in jeopardy of shutting down because of a 49% tariff on Cambodian goods proposed by President Donald Trump. Why Cambodian mangoes? Grove Fruit Growers isnt your typical for-profit business; its much more altruistic. Its not just about making a buck selling mangoes; its about helping lift rural farmers out of poverty. Carver started the business around 2018 after her children read a book about Cambodias devastating genocide at the hands of dictator Pol Pot, who was supported by the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family was living in Taiwan at the time, and they made a trip to Cambodia to learn more. Carver said they witnessed the most horrific poverty. Meanwhile, farmers in rural Cambodian villages were sitting on mountains of unsellable mangoes because they had no access to processors, shipping or end markets. Carver was already running a food distribution company that exported nuts, dried fruits and grains from the U.S. into Asia, so she thought she could leverage her supply chain contacts to start a business while at the same time help rural farmers in Cambodia. She purchased a 110-acre mango farm and introduced international standards and sustainable farming practices, while also providing living wages and clean drinking water to local workers. During an Asian Development Bank conference in November 2024 in China, Coree Carver, center, of Boise, Idaho, and owner of Grove Fruit Growers, served as a panelist with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Her business, which ships mangoes from Cambodia, is now in jeopardy after a 49% tariff on Cambodian good proposed by President Donald Trump. Trump tariffs announced After years of trials and tribulations in trying to find processors, transportation and buyers, Carver had finally put it all together and last year signed a contract with buyers in Washington state for more than 2 million pounds of fresh fruit (1 million pounds after processing) to be distributed in supermarkets across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its helping, like, thousands of farmers, she said. Everythings signed, we send a couple of containers, everythings going great, and then these tariffs hit. Fortunately, for now, theres a temporary reprieve with the 90-day delay, but if Cambodia cant negotiate out of it, then thats likely the end of Grove Fruit Growers. Carver said she understands the intent of Trumps tariffs but criticizes the execution. I dont hate what Trump is trying to do as far as making things more equitable, she said. But the way hes going about it is sending shock waves and causing unbearable pain for businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia, of all places, was one of the hardest-hit countries in Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, with a 49% tariff. Thats on top of the already imposed and still in place 10% blanket tariff. It appears that Trumps administration arrived at that number by taking the U.S. exports to Cambodia, subtracting Cambodian imports in the U.S., dividing by imports, and then dividing by two. It makes no sense. The U.S. goods trade deficit with Cambodia was $12.3 billion in 2024 and is not in the top 10 of trade deficits, according to CNBC. U.S. exports to Cambodia in 2024 were $321.6 million, while U.S. goods imported from Cambodia totaled $12.7 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariffs are a double whammy for the small southeast Asian country of 18 million people. Carver said she also worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which Trumps Department of Government Efficiency decimated. (The U.S.) had a 15-year project with USAID in Cambodia (that has) spent almost $75 million there over those 15 years on development, trying to help the Cambodian people, because its so poor there, she said. And then all of a sudden, Trump just eradicates USAID and then sticks it to the Cambodians. A prospective Thurston County home buyer looking for a little price relief did not find it in March, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service data released this month. Thats because the median price of a home here rose about 3% to $550,000 between March 2024 and March 2025, the data show. Why do prices continue to go up? The number of homes on the market remains historically low and there are still buyers in this market and outside it who want to live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The common refrain to this situation is to say the supply of homes needs to be increased for prices to moderate. Of course, boosting the inventory of homes in the near term is easier said than done. But could there be other solutions? Here are some ideas and legislation that might help. Rent to own Olympia City Council was recently briefed on a rent-to-own idea in which landlords might be exempted from a rental registry program if they are willing to enter into rent-to-own agreements with their tenants, The Olympian reported last month. The details of that approach still need to be worked out, but its an idea that city council member Robert Vanderpool supports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to try a bunch of different ideas, he said about addressing the state of the housing market, and until we get there, we have to keep trying. Vanderpool speaks from experience. He is a former longtime renter, a new father and a first-time homebuyer, but that purchase would not have been possible if not for the assistance of some inter-generational wealth. In other words, his mother-in-law helped with the purchase in exchange for a place to live, too, he said. Without that financial assistance, Vanderpool, an elected official and a state worker, would not have been able to buy, he said. Hes not alone. Among his peers, he knows those with law degrees or graduate school experience and other professionals who cannot afford a home. Some, he said, have chosen to live elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of all, Vanderpool wants the council to continue to pilot housing ideas that the state might learn about and run with, he said. Some other ideas he shared with The Olympian: co-op housing, the creation of a public developer and the use of land trusts to fill the housing gap. We have to try everything, he said. Ground leases, land trusts South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, the longtime nonprofit home builder for qualifying applicants, announced a partnership with the state Department of Natural Resources last year for a 28-acre site in the Lacey area. Elizabeth Walker, chief executive of SPS Habitat for Humanity, could not be reached on Thursday for an interview. But the plan, as envisioned, would be to work out a ground lease on the DNR property for a future housing development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buying 28 acres would cost the nonprofit millions of dollars, former interim Chief Executive Greg Laura previously told The Olympian, but with a ground lease its a much more affordable financial proposition. Habitat for Humanity also has weighed the possibility of putting a land trust model to work. Under that model, the organization would own the land, meaning the home appraisal would only take into account the value of the structure, not the value of land and structure, thereby keeping homeowner costs lower, The Olympian reported. Condo reform The Seattle Times recently reported about the increasing number of single-family homes in the Seattle area that have more bedrooms than people, the result of older residents aging in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some clearly want to remain in their homes, others could be financially stuck. They may want to downsize and still own their home (to avoid the impact of rising rents on a fixed income), but the inventory of small homes and condominiums is even smaller than that of typical single-family homes. A wave of new apartments have been developed across the region in response to the need for housing, including in Thurston County, but few if any are for sale. Renting an apartment is not an investment that grows over time or offers tax benefits, such as allowing you to deduct mortgage interest from the taxes. Two House Bills, 1403 and 1516, might help. They seek to address condominium liability, a reason developers say is a disincentive to building condos. The Washington Realtors support both bills and they explain why. New condominium supply in Washington state has been extremely limited due to the states condominium liability law, the website reads. This law, which is a statutory implied warranty, often leaves developers vulnerable to litigation and offers very few incentives to build condominiums in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The condo market in Thurston County is tiny compared to that for single-family residences. Nine condos sold in the county last month, compared to 237 single-family homes, the Northwest MLS data show. There also were 364 new single-family listings in March, compared to 29 condos. The legislation might help that. It would exempt small condominium buildings and accessory dwelling units converted to condominiums from the warranty and apply a warranty more commonly used for single-family home construction. This concept intends to incentivize middle housing, ADUs, and small in-fill multifamily construction for home ownership, not rentals, the Realtors say. Thurston County March housing data Single-family home sales were essentially flat, falling to 237 units last month from 239 units in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Single-family home median price rose 2.8% to $550,000 from $535,000 over the same period. Single-family home pending sales rose 5.3% to 359 units from 341 units over the same period. Condo sales fell to nine units from 16 units over the same period. Condo median price rose 4.3% to $365,000 from $349,950 over the same period. Condo pending sales fell to 12 units from 17 units. Source: Northwest MLS. Olympia council to consider more protections for renters and some homeowners. How they might help Local Habitat for Humanity finishes site in Lacey; Tumwater and Olympia projects next A new model for affordable housing? DNR, nonprofit have a plan for Lacey area Apr. 13WATERTOWN Federal border czar Thomas D. Homan says he wants to set the record straight on events that took place in Sackets Harbor, his seasonal hometown, that led to a woman and her three children being detained March 27 by immigration officials. Homan, a West Carthage native, said contrary to many reports, he did not "plan" the search at North Harbor Farms that ended with a South African citizen being charged with distributing child pornography and the detention of seven dairy farm workers on immigration violations. He said he was first notified of the situation by Assemblyman Scott A. Gray, R-Watertown, who asked if Homan was aware of what was occurring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did not know what happened in Sackets until it was already done with," Homan said Sunday at the Times's office. He said as President Donald J. Trump's border czar, he does not get involved in specific Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or arrests. "Border Patrol and ICE make thousands of arrests a day. Criminal operations take place a hundred times a week. I can't be on top of every one of them," he said. "My job right now is to provide the strategic plans on securing the border with the focus on public safety threats and national security threats." He said his job includes finding 300,000 "missing" children who were released into the country to "unvetted sponsors" during the Biden administration, many of whom are forced into labor or sexually trafficked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've got to find these kids and save them. That's my job," he said. Homan said he is hearing misinformation that law enforcement didn't have a search warrant to enter the house where the mother and three Sackets Harbor Central School District students lived. He said a federal court warrant was obtained allowing all buildings on the property to be searched as part of an internet-based investigation into child pornography. "The idea that Border Patrol and ICE were going door to door looking for illegal aliens is not true. They stuck within the frame of the contents of that warrant. This family was arrested in a house that was covered by this warrant," he said. He said there is also misinformation about how long the family has been in the U.S., with it being said the family has been in the country 15 years. He said the family entered the U.S. illegally on June 19, 2022, in Texas and were deported. They re-entered the country, again illegally according to Homan, on Aug. 15, 2023, less than two years ago. They were released with orders to follow up with immigration coordinators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are millions of people in this world who want to come to the greatest nation on earth the right way. Taking their test, doing a background investigation, doing the vetting, paying their fees. You come to the greatest nation on earth the right way. They're sending back millions of people who crossed the border, under Joe Biden, illegally, which is a crime and cheated the system," Homan said. He said the family was taken to a family residential center in Texas for follow-up investigations and interviews, with Texas being the closest such center. "A family residential center is built, its purpose is, for families. Not criminals. Families. It's not a jail. It's not a county jail, not a state prison. It was built for families," Homan said. He said the family underwent a health screening on April 1 and were offered, but declined, a mental health review on April 2. On April 4, they were interviewed by a Homeland Security Investigations case agent and forensics interview specialist to determine if they were possibly victims of a crime or a material witness to one, and then released April 6. The family is still involved in the deportation process, according to Homan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan said the decision to release the family was made independently and solely by ICE with no input from him. He said, despite published reports otherwise, the decision to release the family had no correlation to an April 5 protest in Sackets Harbor in which about 1,000 people marched past Homan's home. "The protest had no influence on me," he said. "I said from the beginning, the decision to release, and when, or if it would happen, would be based on the criminal investigation and how that played out." "Tom Homan didn't order the operation; Tom Homan wasn't aware of the operation; Tom Homan didn't order the detention; Tom Homan didn't order the release. This was done by the numbers," he said. "I got involved and got information because this is my home." "The reason I'm up here is because I love this community," he said. "You can hate me all you want, but hate me based on facts, for God's sake. There's a lot of people in this country that don't like me because of what I do, who I work for, that's fine. I'm used to that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But if you think sending a thousand people to my summer lake house that I spend three weekends a year at, because I'm just so busy, to protest at a vacant house, where I'm not even there and my family's out of the country, had any effect on that release is just simply ridiculous," he said. He said a criminal investigation has begun into people "doxxing" his home, or releasing private information about him and where he lives for the purpose of harassing him. He has a 24-hour security detail at his Virginia home and always travels with a security detail. "Here's my concern; my family, ever since I took this job, the death threats are outrageous," he said. "All the time, there are death threats from criminal cartels in Mexico, terrorist organizations and other people that just don't like me." "People don't like me, people hate me because of what I do, but I'm not running a popularity contest. Hate me all you want, it's not going to change what I do for this country or the job I have to do," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan said he believes what he claims is the spread of misinformation has unnecessarily divided the Sackets Harbor community. "When I leave here today, they can still hate me, but hate me based on the facts," he said."I hope the community heals, because I love this community. But I am not going to apologize for doing the job the American people elected Donald Trump to do." He said the Trump administration has secured the southern border, with a 95% decline in illegal immigration, a "record number" of terrorist or national security threats have been arrested and removed from the country and missing children continue to be found. "People need to understand, in the north country, that every night when they go to bed, when they're asleep in their bed, two or three o'clock in the morning, the men and women of the Border Patrol and ICE are out there on the street protecting this nation, protecting our communities and arresting a lot of bad people," he said. "Don't hate on them for doing their job. If you want to hate on someone, hate on me. I'm okay with it, because I'll defend the men and women of Border Patrol and ICE as long as they're doing what they're supposed to be doing, at my direction, or the president's direction, then I've got their backs." Brian Freeman once made headlines as a detective who busted drug dealers then got even more press when he started using the drugs he had vowed to take off the streets. His fall from grace didnt end in 2002, when he stole cocaine from the evidence room of the Stafford County Sheriffs Office. Four years later, Freeman was convicted of robbing a Wawa, and that crime, along with numerous parole violations, landed him in prison for about seven years. All of my friends were cops, everybody knew me as a cop and now I have no one, he said, recalling what it was like to be on trial and go to jail. To my family, I had been a problem-solver, not a problem-haver and everybody was so blown away, and I was so ashamed that I could not even go to the people that looked up to me and say, hey, this is what I did. After his release from prison, the Caroline County native, whose law enforcement career started in his hometown, got away from the place where everybody knew him as a cop, cocaine-user and convict. Freeman entered a recovery residence in New York and spent 15 months completing the faith-based program, now called Adult & Teen Challenge. He served eight years as a director and later oversaw 14 transitional homes in Missouri for those in recovery. He helped implement an online ministry studies program and was trained in crisis leadership. When a job opportunity came up in Virginia, his parents were facing medical issues and a death in the family, and Freeman decided it was time to come home. In 2022, he opened a furniture store and thrift shop in Caroline, then eventually found a spacious home in nearby Spotsylvania County. Its in Beaverdam, along the section of Partlow Road that switches back and forth between the two counties. Freeman wont live in the massive space, but will begin the next chapter of his life there. Hes founded the Konnect Recovery Home for Men coming out of programs and prisons. Its for anyone who needs a second chance and is not in active addiction, Freeman said. The ministrys advisory board includes a veteran and church leader, patrol officer and co-founder of the recovery program he attended. His mother, Linda Harris, a retired budget and procurement officer for state agencies, will serve as treasurer. Donya Jenkins, who spent 28 years in human resources before opening a consulting firm, is the executive vice president. Jenkins met Freeman at the thrift store. She saw him pray with others whose relatives were battling the same drug issues he had, and she volunteered to help Freeman, whose testimony now includes cop, cocaine, convict and Christ. This is somebody local who went through some things but used his tragedy to turn it into a triumph, Jenkins said. I think its very bold and brave to come back and say, Hey this is what Im gonna do and Im gonna do it right here in my hometown where all of the embarrassment and shame happened. Made a mistake Freeman, 51, has talked at church meetings, galas and with community service providers across the country. Hes described how fellow inmates always found out he was a former cop, no matter how many times he was moved. He never got a total beatdown, on the ground, face and ribs kicked in, but he had his nose broken in a fight. He holds out a massive hand the man is 6 foot, 6 inches tall and shows where knuckles are missing from having to fight back. It was a thousand moments like that, he said. During his talks, Freeman never mentioned the Caroline or Stafford departments because he didnt want to bring any embarrassment to them. As he went over events of recent decades with The Free LanceStar, which reported on his arrests as a narcotics detective and him being arrested, he said its not worth discussing the personal turmoil that led to things going south. But he realized, when he was the keynote speaker at the April 4 Second Chance Gala in Spotsylvania, sponsored by FailSafe-ERA, that he needed to state he doesnt hold anything against others who wear the uniform. My heart never left law enforcement, he said. I made a mistake, I own it, whatever got me there doesnt matter at this point. People need to know that Im not angry. Im not blaming anybody, I screwed up. FailSafe-ERA provides services to those whove been impacted by incarceration, be they prisoners or their families. Founder Juanita Shanks saw how shocked people at the gala were when they realized they knew Freemans story. His speech included his eulogy, Shanks said, with Freeman saying he planned to put to death his shame about being back in the area and among deputies. Hes such an inspiration and a beam of hope to this community that we have been missing and needing forever, she said. Hes been through the fire and hes been refined and he has come out a better person, and the entire community will gain so much from what hes doing. A fantastic thing Because the recovery residence is in a remote area with no public transportation or nearby services, Freeman plans to bring the services to the men. FailSafe is one of several agencies that will provide job training or education, regular drug testing or meetings with probation and parole officers. The year-long program will focus on Celebrate Recoverys eight principles, the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Bible. The home can accommodate up to 20 men, who will be responsible for the bunks in their rooms and the upkeep of the home. Theyll also get the chance to use Freemans equipment and start their own businesses with lawncare or power-washing. Marshall Williams, who supervises two nonprofits associated with the Virginia Department of Corrections, will work with residents at Konnect Recovery. Its a fantastic thing, really phenomenal that he wants to give them something that looks like home, Williams said, stressing how badly recovery housing is needed statewide. Freeman believes hell use all the skills he acquired through life, as the member of a devout family, a deputy and detective, a prisoner alert to the threats around him and a recovering addict. So does Williams. His mindset is, Hey look, I got a responsibility, not just to give back but to save lives, just like I did before all this happened, Williams said. Making a difference Don Wilkerson co-founded Adult & Teen Challenge, saw Freeman go through the program and knows how rough he had it, when guys from the streets and the drug culture found out he was a policeman. He had to be very careful, but he weathered it and became a leader, said Wilkerson, who worked in New York before retiring to Locust Grove, where hes continued to mentor Freeman. Hes taken on a tremendous responsibility but somehow hes got a beautiful transitional home in Beaverdam, and I have every reason to believe its going to be successful. Freeman uses proceeds from the furniture and thrift store to pay the rent of the home, which has five bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, lots of open space, high ceilings and arcade games in the living room. Hes got a five-year lease with the option to extend. Hes amazed by the connections already made, both with people he knew in his previous career and those hes meeting in his current one. As excited as he is to start accepting men into the program later this month, Freeman admits hes scared to death. Because he failed on such a public level, he wants the Konnect Recovery Home for Men to be based, not solely on him, but on the strong team around him. Listen, I hurt my community, I lost trust and what I hope is that the community accepts the fact that I take ownership and that it sees I have been in the process for the last 10 to 12 years of repairing myself, Freeman said. I hope that it doesnt matter what I did, as long as what I did is making a difference for the next man. Borderlands Mexico is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Mexico may face more Trump tariffs over Texas water dispute; $88M logistics center planned for Laredo, Texas; Unilever announces $800M factory in Monterrey, Mexico; Automotive supplier plans $4M expansion in Mexico. Mexico may face more Trump tariffs over Texas water dispute President Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with more tariffs over a long-running water dispute at the Southern border. Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation, Trump said Thursday in a social media post, referring to a water-sharing agreement between the two countries. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump warned that the U.S. would keep escalating actions against Mexico, including potential tariffs, until it honors the treaty. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday she has already sent a proposal to Trumps team. Its been three years of drought, and to the extent water is available, Mexico has been complying. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has continued its work to identify solutions favorable to both countries, Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference, according to El Universal. Im sure that, as with other issues, an agreement will be reached. Farmers in South Texas have been seeing declines in irrigation water, an ongoing issue caused by droughts and disputes with Mexico over the treaty, experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, said the crisis is so severe that its affecting the crops that grow in the Rio Grande Valley. Growers in the valley, theyre not able to plant what they want to, and theyre not able to plant when they want to, Galeazzi told FreightWaves in an interview. Theyve got to change their crop mix, because you think about valuable commodities like celery, which requires five to six waterings on a very specific schedule. If you dont have the water, you cant plant celery. Thats the same issue across a lot of different commodities: broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, your high-dollar fruits and vegetables require consistent water. Farmers in the Texas Rio Grande Valley have been seeing declines in irrigation water, an ongoing issue caused by droughts and disputes with Mexico over a 1944 water sharing treaty. The lack of water is forcing some farmers to change their crop plantings. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) The Rio Grande Valley is the epicenter of the Texas fresh produce industry. The area stretches across the southeastern tip of Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border. The region includes cities such as Donna, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission and Pharr. More than 35 types of fruits and vegetables are grown in the Rio Grande Valley, including grapefruit, oranges, avocados, cabbage, aloe vera, onions, cotton, sugarcane and watermelons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The produce industry in the valley includes cold storage warehouses, wholesalers, distributors, customs brokers and transportation companies. If more farmers in Texas are forced to grow the same crops due to lack of water, theres an oversupply of product, Galeazzi said. When you have a ton of the same thing less water-intensive crops , things like onions and cabbage you oversupply and you depress the market so you dont get the returns you were expecting. Now you arent just in a water shortage, youre in an economic problem on top of that, Galeazzi said. The water Mexico owes the U.S. under the treaty significantly impacts farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1944 Water Treaty obligates both countries to share water resources from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers. Under the treaty, Mexico is obligated to transfer to the U.S. on average 350,000 acre-feet of water per year over a five-year cycle. The disputed water resides in the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs, international reservoirs located along the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. The reservoirs are managed jointly by the U.S. and Mexico. Galeazzi said he has been urging elected state and federal officials to call on Mexico to release water it owes Texas under the treaty. The sad truth is that in the last 30 years of the [1944 Water Treaty] Mexico has only complied one time, and that was because a massive rain storm came and their infrastructure could not support any more water, Galeazzi said. So that year they just gave us the excess water, and it happened to be enough to satisfy their requirements that cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria-Elena Giner, the U.S. commissioner for the IBWC, said the agency has been working with its Mexican counterparts on the issue of delivering more water to Texas. The IBWC is a binational entity responsible for applying the boundary and water treaties between the U.S. and Mexico and settling differences that arise in their application. Its U.S. section is headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The U.S. Section of the IBWC (USIBWC) has continually made clear to Mexico they need to commit to more reliable and predictable deliveries of Rio Grande water. We are working with the Government of Mexico as well as the U.S. State Department on this matter, Giner said in an email to FreightWaves. In addition, Mexico agreed to releases of San Juan River water in the Rio Grande to help ease the shortage, although it falls far short of what is needed. We will continue to advocate for U.S. users while seeking solutions that benefit both countries, such as ways to conserve water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giner said droughts are also causing water shortages in the region. Water shortages in South Texas and parts of northern Mexico have been attributed to drought coupled with the growth in population along the U.S.-Mexico border, Giner said. $88M logistics center planned for Laredo, Texas Logistics giant DSV is planning a 905,000-square-foot, $88 million distribution center in Laredo, Texas, according to documents filed with the city. The property will be on 49 acres in Port Grande, a 1,990-acre master-planned industrial park near the U.S.-Mexico border, along Interstate 35. Construction will begin this month and is scheduled to finish by mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark-based DSV was founded in 1976. The company offers air, ocean and road freight solutions, along with contract logistic services in over 80 countries. The company has more than 2 million square feet of warehouse space in Texas, including two facilities in Lancaster and one in Pharr. Unilever announces $800M factory in Monterrey, Mexico London-based Unilever plans to build a factory near Monterrey, Mexico, where the company will produce deodorants, shampoos and other beauty products primarily for markets in the U.S. and Canada, according to El Economista. The factory represents an investment of $800 million and will create more than 850 direct jobs. The company did not provide a timeline for the facilitys completion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unilever is a British multinational consumer packaged goods manufacturer. The company has over 300 factories in 69 countries. Automotive supplier plans $4M expansion in Mexico PMP Group is expanding its operations in Monterrey, Mexico, including the construction of a new warehouse, showroom and service area. The $4 million expansion is focused on supplying parts for the automotive industry, CEO Porfirio Gonzalez Mier, told El Financiero. In addition to auto parts, Monterrey-based PMP Group manufactures industrial cranes, fans and other heavy machinery. Its clients include Caterpillar, Hyundai and Kia, as well as metal producers Metalsa and Deacero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PMP Group exports its products to the U.S., as well as countries across South America. The post Borderlands Mexico: Mexico may face more Trump tariffs over Texas water dispute appeared first on FreightWaves. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Astronomical egg prices have made Easter festivities look rather different this year. One local business, Boss Potatoes, is hosting a unique event on Sunday. The small business, from the 6888 Kitchen, will host a free Easter Potato event in the Rotunda at the Dayton Arcade. This event will be on Sunday, April 13, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 6888 Kitchen marks one year of success, helping small businesses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first 30 kids in attendance will be able to paint the potatoes and make baked potatoes after. Attendees will be encouraged to donate to the 6888 Kitchen but are not required to do so. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Researchers are warning that bottles of "holy water" from a well in Ethiopia could be laced with dangerous bacteria that could cause cholera. As detailed in a new report published in the journal Eurosurveillance and spotted by Ars Technica, three German and four British tourists developed a nasty case of cholera, a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and food, after drinking or splashing their face with holy water from plastic bottles they had brought back to Europe after visiting the Quara district of Ethiopia. The bottles of holy water were absolutely teeming with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, per the report, with an estimated 100,000 to 100 million "colony forming units," which allowed the bacteria to remain "viable at ambient temperature during the flight and in Europe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the tourists required intensive care, but all eventually recovered from the unfortunate ordeal. Per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cholera can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and in extreme cases death, if it goes untreated. Infection can be prevented by washing hands with soap, drinking treated water, and getting vaccinated against cholera. The water was taken from a "holy well" called "Bermel Giorgis," near the border between Ethiopia and Sudan. The local Orthodox church claims the well is a revered holy site that "offers an unparalleled spiritual experience where visitors often gain clarity, healing, and a deeper connection to faith," according to a travel website. But considering the nasty bacterial infection the tourists experienced, drinking the well's water appears to have some less-than-angelic side effects as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And according to a bulletin by the CDC published last month, more visitors could be at risk. "Travellers to Ethiopia intending to visit the well, as well as friends and family who may be gifted bottles of water from the well, remain at risk until the source of contamination has been addressed," the bulletin reads. Complicating matters is an ongoing armed conflict in the area, which could render "interventions to address the source of contamination currently challenging," per the CDC. Worse yet, cholera deaths are back on the rise, according to the World Health Organization. The number of reported cases increased by 13 percent and deaths by 71 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. Over 4,000 people died from the disease in 2023, despite the widespread availability of highly effective treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Trump administration's massive cuts to USAID have already made it more difficult for vulnerable people worldwide to access treatment for cholera. As Al Jazeera reported this week, eight people, including five children, died in South Sudan after walking for three hours in extreme heat to seek treatment for the disease. Their local USAID health facilities were forced to close due to the agency's budget cuts. More on cholera: Zombie Deer Disease Could Spread to Humans, Experts Warn Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has undergone further abdominal surgery after leaving a party event because of severe pain, a hospital in the capital Brasilia announced on Sunday. The DF Star Hospital said adhesions in his small intestine had been removed during the operation. Doctors had previously diagnosed the former head of state with a bowel obstruction. During the election campaign in September 2018, a man stabbed Bolsonaro in the stomach with a knife, seriously injuring him. Since then, the 70-year-old has had several operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The far-right former president is currently facing charges of planning a coup against the government of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, after his election defeat in October 2022. In March, Brazil's Supreme Court approved the charges against Bolsonaro and seven other suspects. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face several years in prison. (In this column, Opinion Editor Kevin Aldridge briefly recaps the most-read letters to the editor and guest columns on Cincinnati.com this week in case you missed them. You can read all these opinions in their entirety by clicking on the links.) Thom Brennaman's return to the local radio airwaves was cheered and jeered by Cincinnatians. Brennaman has been hired by radio station 700 WLW, nearly five years after he lost his job as the voice of the Cincinnati Reds for saying a homophobic slur on-air during a game. Brennaman has been working to rehabilitate his reputation and career as a broadcaster ever since. WLW gave him a second chance to do what he loves, hiring him to take over the station's weekday drive-time show from Mike McConnell, who retired. The station's decision was applauded by some and criticized by others. Mel Shuller of Montgomery said WLW was tone-deaf for hiring Brennaman in one of the most-read letters to the editor this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Brennaman has said that he is sorry for his homophobic slur on an open mic while doing a Reds game broadcast in 2020, I believe he is only sorry that he was caught," Shuller wrote. "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." Thom Brennaman will replace Mike McConnell as 700 WLW radio's weekday morning drive-time host. In his letter to the editor, Jeffrey DePuy of Maineville called Brennaman's hire "extremely disappointing." He said while Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman is Cincinnati royalty, his son is persona non grata. "I love listening to WLW in my truck going and coming from work on my 40-minute commute, but if Brennaman is the new morning host now, Im probably going to be switching to another station," DePuy wrote. Others welcomed Brennaman back to the Queen City with open arms. Jenny Johnson of Blanchester wrote that Brennaman "will be a great addition to the 700 WLW team." And Glenn Harmeyer of Colerain Township reminded readers of the price Brennaman has paid for his mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He lost his job immediately after making his comment that was never intended for the public airwaves. His life, and the lives of his family, changed drastically after that incident, and he has struggled to get back into the radio broadcasting business," Harmeyer wrote. "I wonder if Brennaman's critics have ever said anything that they regretted saying, lost their job because of it, or had their lives and the lives of their families changed forever?" More: Williams: Thom Brennaman's return to broadcasting on 700 WLW is a 'big deal' Jan Kuhn of Erlanger asked a simple question in her letter: "Arent we as a country known for giving individuals a second chance? "For those criticizing this hire by WLW radio, I say to you, take a look at your own life, as no one is perfect. Are you?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I, too, weighed in on the Brennaman hire, saying he should get a second chance but still has work to do to rebuild trust, especially with the LGBTQ community. Some LGBTQ persons are indeed skeptical about whether Brennaman has truly changed; it's also fair to point out that he does have some supporters in the gay community as well. Send me a letter to the editor or op-ed with your thoughts about whether Brennaman deserved a second chance. Was it a smart hire by 700 WLW, and does it make you more or less likely to listen to the station? Do Cincinnatians need to forgive and move on? I can't wait to hear from you. Should the Bengals stay or go? The Cincinnati Bengals' Paycor Stadium lease with Hamilton County is one of the biggest stories of the year. The deadline is looming as the current lease expires on June 30, 2026. The Cincinnati Bengals' Paycor Stadium lease with Hamilton County is one of the biggest stories of the year. The deadline is looming as the current lease expires on June 30, 2026. Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn recently said the team wouldn't rule out relocation if a deal can't be reached. We could, I guess, go wherever we wanted after this year if we didn't pick the up option up," Blackburn said. "So, you know, we'll see." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those comments did not sit well with Mark Zoller of White Oak, who took the Brown family to task for threatening to "hold Hamilton County and the taxpayers hostage" once again. His letter to the editor was the most-read opinion this week. "The Brown family should be eternally grateful to Cincinnati, but instead, they threaten to leave unless we pump millions of dollars more into their family business," Zoller wrote. "It is an expensive game that we cant continue to play." More: Bengals Beat Podcast: Getting ready for the 2025 Draft Michael Bruckmann of Colerain Township agreed that Hamilton County can no longer afford to keep the Bengals. Bruckmann said Hamilton County shouldn't have to foot the bill alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Bengals are a Tristate team, and the Tristate should pay to keep them," he wrote in a letter to the editor. "Ticket holders come from all the surrounding counties, and all the surrounding counties abutting Hamilton County should have a sales tax to help pay for them." What do you say about Who Dey? Can Hamilton County afford to lose the Bengals? What do you think about Blackburn's comments about relocation? Should surrounding counties help pay to keep the Bengals here? How much confidence do you have in Hamilton County officials to get a fair deal for taxpayers? Send us your thoughts in a letter or guest column. Evendale mayor apologizes for response to neo-Nazi rally A long line of cars took part in a rolling protest, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, from Lincoln Heights through Evendale to demand answers from Evendale Police. Some residents say police assisted neo-Nazis during a demonstration on Feb. 7 on the I-75 overpass between the two communities. Two months after a group of neo-Nazis held a demonstration on an I-75 overpass near Lincoln Heights, the mayor of Evendale wrote an op-ed about how he has been working to create lasting, tangible change from the ugly, hateful incident. Evendale was heavily criticized for the way its police department responded to the incident and how village officials handled the subsequent scrutiny. Mayor Richard Finan acknowledged they didn't handle things in the best way possible and offered an apology. "We recognize that the events of Feb. 7 not only caused pain but also raised questions about how we, as leaders, chose to respond when faced with such vile actions," Finan wrote. "We needed to be connected, empathetic, accountable and, when necessary, contrite. We were not... We should have first demonstrated our concern and our caring, which our community has in abundance. We apologize for this and are committed to learning from this experience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read the mayor's full commentary here. In case you missed them Lastly, in case you missed them, here's a chance to catch up on a couple more of the most-read opinions this week: Op-ed: I lost four friends and Cincinnati lost four giants Op-ed: My friends talked with JD Vance. They took a chance to speak truth to power Letter: Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase might be fast but he's slow on Cincinnati's Cajun cuisine Op-ed: Developing in Cincinnati is hard enough. Don't make Hyde Park another red flag Join the conversation As always, you can join the conversation on these and other topics by sending your thoughts to letters@enquirer.com. Letters of up to 200 words may be submitted and must include name, address, community and daytime phone number. Op-eds are submitted the same way, except they should be 500-600 words and also include a one-sentence bio and headshot. Submissions may be edited for space and clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need some tips on how to write an op-ed, click here. Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@enquirer.com. On X: @kevaldrid. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Second chance for Brennaman is overdue; Bengals too costly to keep By Isla Binnie NEW YORK (Reuters) -Ray Dalio, billionaire founder of one of the world's largest hedge funds, said on Sunday that President Donald Trump's trade war has brought the United States near to recession. He was asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" if he thought the world's largest economy could dip into recession, usually understood as a meaningful decline in output, as a result of a trade war that has roiled global markets in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bridgewater Associates founder said, "I think that right now we are at a decision-making point and very close to a recession." The tariff plan includes duties on dozens of countries but the planned start dates for many of those changed abruptly last week, with a 90-day pause for goods from many places except China. Dalio said this had been "very disruptive" and the tariffs' impact was "like throwing rocks into the production system." He also expressed worry about the potential combined impact of U.S. debt, U.S. budget deficit and global political tension. "We're having profound changes in the world order... if you take tariffs, if you take debt, if you take the rising power challenging existing power... How that's handled could produce something that is much worse than a recession." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He invoked market crises of 1971 and 2008 and said the current situation "could be more severe than those if these other matters simultaneously occur," he said. Dalio founded Connecticut-based Bridgewater roughly 50 years ago and has 175 investors, including pension funds, foundations and central banks. (Reporting by Isla Binnie; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) SACRAMENTO, California A progressive Democratic lawmaker is seeking a simple but jarring remedy of last resort for California's college students navigating the state's housing crisis: Let them sleep in their cars. While roughly half a dozen state legislative proposals this year seek to fund student or faculty housing or loosen building regulations, the benefits would come far too late for current students struggling to stay afloat. With one in four California community college students experiencing homelessness in the past year, Democrats who have a supermajority in the statehouse face increasing pressure to deliver on affordability issues. Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a Southern California Democrat who has a doctorate in social work, said lawmakers can build long-term solutions while offering an immediate stopgap for a worst case scenario. His proposal, which cleared its first committee last month, would require community colleges and the California State University system to plan for an overnight parking program for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a sanctioned, on-campus parking program, students are left with no other option but to sleep in their cars somewhere off-campus where they might not be welcome, according to Jackson. Supporters make clear the measure is not intended to be a permanent solution to the affordability crisis, but with rent in California more than 30 percent higher than the national average, the situation is dire. This just deals with the harsh realities that we find ourselves in, Jackson said during a recent hearing. Both the CSU and community college systems are opposed to Jacksons effort, citing a lack of funding and a mandate that doesnt address long-term housing solutions. Jackson, in an interview, argued the colleges arent taking a very moral position. He said theyve remained opposed even after he has offered to waive liability and delay implementation until funding is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a difference of opinion, Jackson said. I believe that we are in a housing crisis. We are in a homelessness crisis, and so every single agency needs to do their part to help with the issue. Last year, 4,000 students in the California State University system were on a housing waitlist. Most community college districts dont offer student housing, and there is often a waitlist for those that do. The state doesnt collect data on how long it takes for a student to get help after requesting housing assistance, a period when students tend to be the most vulnerable. We're trying to ensure that there is a way for our students to feel safe in these difficult moments, said Ivan Hernandez, president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, which is supporting the bill. A successful pilot Long Beach Community College, which has nearly 40,000 students, doesnt yet offer student housing. But when campus officials discovered in 2021 that more than 70 students were sleeping in their cars, they quickly got to work on a safe-parking pilot program that is believed to be the first in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Munoz, the colleges superintendent-president, said the school is closing in on a contract to provide 422 campus housing beds by 2028 but that immediate needs cant wait. Munoz said he experienced housing insecurity as a single father going through college and at times resorted to sleeping in his car. I know what that feels like, Munoz said. For us it was looking at the data in that moment and saying, Hey, we know 70 students with real names and ID numbers that are sleeping in their cars. The college spent $200,000 per year to get the program running, starting a pilot at its trade-tech site before moving to a parking structure on the main campus with a direct line-of-sight from campus police headquarters. Students in the program have access to restrooms, showers and wireless internet. Of the 34 students who used the program during the 2023-24 school year, 22 remained through last fall, half were eligible for financial aid and all but four were older than 25. Munoz said there were initial security concerns, and some campus officials had a sky is falling attitude when he first broached the idea, convinced that all these bad things are going to happen if you open up structures and let students sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of those things happened, he said. At first, the school had a separate security detail oversee the program, but it now relies on existing campus police after officials realized they weren't having incidents or concerns that rose to the level where we need on-site security, Munoz said. Munoz was unsure of how Long Beachs program would work statewide, noting that the ability to secure a space for students is different for each campus. Tough road ahead The measure cleared the Assembly Higher Education committee, its first hurdle, on a party-line vote. But similar bills in recent years have failed to reach Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk including a narrower proposal from Jackson last year that was blocked by the Senate Appropriations Committee after an estimate that it would cost in the tens of millions of dollars. Another Democratic proposal, which stalled in 2019, would have required community colleges to allow students to sleep in campus parking lots. And this bill is facing skepticism even from members of Jacksons party. Democrats during the March committee hearing questioned the feasibility of the bill and whether students would have to pay for the program. Assemblymember Darshana Patel, a San Diego Democrat, told Jackson that she had privacy concerns about the constant surveillance that would be needed to ensure the safety of students sleeping in their cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nune Garipian, policy and advocacy manager with the Community College League of California, told lawmakers the colleges already provide numerous temporary housing services such as access to the states rapid rehousing programs, hotel vouchers, rental subsidies and partnerships with local nonprofits that have a long, trusted history with the community and are already doing this really great work. Garipian said the bill could unintentionally divert funds away from those existing programs. Establishing an overnight student parking program would require significant financial and administrative resources to ensure that students have a safe, clean and secure place to sleep at night, Garipian said. Our colleges unfortunately just do not have these resources available. Hernandez, president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, said hes traveled up and down the state and talked to many students who are couch-surfing, in other short-term housing arrangements or sleeping in their cars. He said he understands concerns about liability, safety and funding but notes that the proposal is not creating the problem of student housing insecurity. Its just basically addressing the problem that is currently happening, Hernandez said. Californias last remaining nuclear energy plant is using artificial intelligence to make its processes more efficient. So far, AI is only being used for document retrieval, but lawmakers and community watchdogs are worried about increasing automation in a sector associated with massive potential fallout in the case of nuclear meltdown. The Diablo Canyon nuclear facility in San Luis Obispo on Californias central coast has been in decline for years, and is slated to begin decommissioning in 2029. But the plant is still critically important in Californias energy mix, providing nearly 9% of the states electricity and 17% of its zero-carbon energy. And last year, the nuclear power plant installed eight NVIDIA H100s, some of the most advanced graphical processors on Earth. This was the result of a deal between Pacific Gas & Electric, which runs the plant, and a local AI startup called Atomic Canyon. The idea is that the AI processors can help the plant navigate intensive documentation processes that can bog down nuclear power ventures. Federal and state regulations require utilities that operate nuclear power plants to manage billions of pages of technical documentation, which are spread across multiple systems, read a press release from PG&E announcing the venture late last year. Power plant personnel must spend both time and resources to retrieve this essential data accurately and reliably. PG&E is hoping that its cutting edge approach, which has the potential to reduce document search times from hours to minutes, will revolutionize this process and improve nuclear power plant operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maureen Zawalick, Vice President of Business and Technical Services at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, said in the press release, "As the first nuclear power plant to implement Neutron Enterprise using the NVIDIA platform, we're proud to lead the way in bringing cutting-edge innovation to our operations. Atomic Canyon's AI solutions will enable faster data retrieval, boosting collaboration and ensuring continued safe, but more efficient operations. Accessing critical information in seconds will let us focus on what truly mattersdelivering reliable clean energy safely and affordably." But lawmakers are very concerned about what the introduction of artificial intelligence into nuclear power production could mean for the future, and are pushing for more concrete guardrails. However, under the Trump administration, such parameters may not be forthcoming. Trump has already walked back a Biden-era ??executive order outlining goals for AI regulation, which the current administration sees as anti-innovation. While there is little risk in the use of AI for document retrieval, there is concern about what comes next. The idea that you could just use generative AI for one specific kind of task at the nuclear power plant and then call it a day, I dont really trust that it would stop there, Tamara Kneese, the director of tech policy nonprofit Data & Societys Climate, Technology, and Justice program, was recently quoted by Cal Matters. And trusting PG&E to safely use generative AI in a nuclear setting is something that is deserving of more scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear energy and AI have become increasingly entangled as the runaway energy demand growth of data centers has threatened domestic energy security as well as Silicon Valleys decarbonization goals. Tech bigwigs like Bill Gates and Sam Altman have increasingly touted nuclear energy as a carbon-free solution to meeting AIs fast-growing energy demand, and have even envisioned a symbiotic relationship between nuclear and AI, wherein machine learning can help plan and design more efficient and cost-effective next-gen power plants. The federal government has also pushed this angle. The U.S. Department of Energy recently identified 16 federal sites that ??are uniquely 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. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com A blog about math (mainly), computer tricks (sometimes) and jazz music. PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) The Pigeon Forge Rod Run rolls through the area twice a year, bringing big crowds and classic cars. Saturday marked the final day of the spring show, a celebration of all things automotive. 6 News went down to Pigeon Forge for the show and spoke with car lovers about their experience at this years event. Report: Tennessee moving on from quarterback Nico Iamaleava Events like Rod Run bring together car enthusiasts from nearby counties and other states. Classic car lovers had the chance to admire and show off their vintage vehicles. You get a lot of people that come in for three days bragging on the car, telling you how nice it is, how nice it looks, and it makes you feel good. Its an honor for everybody to come look and say that they like it and say its impressive. And so, I think it looks good. I think its a good car. But theres a lot of beautiful cars in here, said Mike Cloyd, owner of Finish Line Automotive in Sparta, Tennessee. Brian Joslin brought his kids, John and Annie, out to share with them his passion for cars. He also wanted to give them a hands-on lesson in automotive history. If you want a glimpse into the past and you want a glimpse into the craft of what it takes to make something at this level, this is a great place to get that. It shows you the end product. It definitely doesnt show you everything it takes to get there. This shows you why people do what they do and spend all this time and all this money, all this energy building cars. This is the end result. This is the satisfaction, explained Joslin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Lee has been bringing his business, Redemption Rods and Rides, which customizes classic cars, to the LeConte Center for Rod Run the past five years. He says traveling from Powell is worth it since he enjoys anything with an engine. Knoxville looks for new possibilities after science museum project loses funding Not everybody can do what needs to be done to create a vehicle. The ones of us that are blessed to be able to do it, its nice to be able to just connect with people, and they may be able to envision it, but not make it happen. And if I can make it happen for them, let their vision come true, then thats what its about, says Lee. The event also featured a swap meet where individuals could buy, sell, and trade car parts. For those showing off their vehicles theres various awards given out each 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. All full-time employees in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Vessel Sanitation Program were laid off this week, even as a cruise ship arrived in Miami with another norovirus outbreak among passengers and crew. The CDC employees whose jobs were cut were responsible for monitoring, tracking and assisting with gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships. The epidemiologist tasked with leading the federal agencys outbreak response on cruise ships also was included in the layoffs, CDC officials told CBS News. The cuts are problematic for Florida, where passengers disembark from cruise ships with gastrointestinal viruses and often travel through airports. The CDC documented a dozen outbreaks on ships in just the first four months of 2025, mostly from norovirus. Ten of those ships departed from, or docked in, Florida or both. The outbreaks involved as many as hundreds of passengers and crew members falling ill with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Seaborn Cruise Lines Encore arrived in Miami after a 3-week voyage. Thirty-five of the roughly 800 people on board had become ill with norovirus. The cruise line reported that it consulted with Vessel Sanitation Program officials about sanitation cleaning procedures. VSP remotely monitored the situation, including review of the ships outbreak response and sanitation procedures, the CDC website says. Employees in the Vessel Sanitation Program were cut as part of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s major layoffs in public health. A CDC spokesperson told the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Critical programs in the CDC will continue under Secretary Kennedys vision to streamline HHS to better serve Americans. The spokesperson also said that unannounced sanitation inspections, monitoring and assisting with gastrointestinal outbreaks and tracking and reporting illnesses on cruise ships has not stopped and the work will now be done by U.S. Public Health Service officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS reported that only one epidemiologist remains on the Vessel Sanitation Programs team to investigate outbreaks and that individual is still in the early stages of training. Florida and many areas of the U.S. have been battling a record surge of norovirus in recent months, driven mainly by a new strain of the gastrointestinal virus. Wastewater samples throughout Florida home to seven major cruise ports show high levels of norovirus as of April 7. Verilys wastewater program provides surveillance of norovirus and other pathogens at 11 sites in Florida, including two in Miami-Dade County and one in Jupiter. Wastewater testing at all three tracked high levels of norovirus. In all three South Florida wastewater treatment facilities in which Verily monitors pathogens, weve seen persistently high levels of Norovirus GII since November/December 2024, said Amy Lockwood, Verilys Public Health Partnerships Lead. While an uptick during this season is expected, the levels we are seeing are significantly higher than the same time period in 2024 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, high levels of norovirus were reported in three of the four Central Florida (Orange County) wastewater sites. The fourth has a medium level. The site closest to Port Canaveral, which hosts multiple Disney cruises, has a high level. These early warning signs help officials get ahead of outbreaks, and right now, the data suggests an increased transmission risk as travelers come and go, Lockwood said. Baby, shes a firework: Katy Perry is heading to space. The pop superstar is one of six celebrities scheduled to launch to the edge of space on Monday aboard a capsule and rocket developed by Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Perry will be joined by Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings; Lauren Sanchez, a former journalist and Bezos' fiancee; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist; Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist; and Kerianne Flynn, a movie producer. Katy Perry, Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez on March 2 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The all-female crew is scheduled to lift off Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET from Blue Origin's launch site in Van Horn, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joyride to space has been billed as a historic event, featuring the first female-only crew since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova of the former Soviet Union became the first woman in space when she launched into orbit on a solo mission that lasted slightly under three days. On Mondays flight, Perry and her fellow crew members will lift off atop Blue Origins New Shepard rocket, accelerating at more than three times the speed of sound. The voyage will last roughly 10 minutes, taking the six passengers just above the Karman line, an invisible boundary at an altitude of 62 miles that is widely accepted as the edge of space. At that point, the crew will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before descending under parachutes and landing in the Texas desert. The flight will be Blue Origins 11th launch with a human crew. The New Shepard system named after Alan Shepard, the first American in space is autonomous and designed to fly to and from suborbital space without a pilot on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bezos company is no stranger to high-profile space tourism. Previous flights have flown Star Trek actor William Shatner; former New York Giants great Michael Strahan; Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard; and Bezos himself. A ticket aboard New Shepard is thought to cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars, but Blue Origin did not disclose how much if anything the celebrity passengers on Monday's flight paid for the experience. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A printing block for the title page of a Little Blue Book from the Haldeman-Julius publishing company of Girard, Kansas, rests on Max McCoy's desk. The slim, pocket-sized books sold for a nickel each and were produced in the hundreds of millions of copies from 1919 until the printing plant was destroyed by fire in 1978. The image has been reversed for easier reading. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) Funny the things you hold on to. On my desk is a printing block from one of the Little Blue Books, produced in the millions by the Haldeman-Julius plant in Girard, Kansas. Its a chunk of metal and wood, and it still has black ink crusted around its reverse characters. Numbered 1020 in the series and used to print the title page of a 1926 essay by iconoclast botanist Luther Burbank, the block is a piece of history speaking from the dead but not yet distant past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a bit of permanence in an increasingly ethereal world of thought. More on that later. I picked up the printing block during my first year or so as a reporter for the Pittsburg Morning Sun, a small daily in Southeast Kansas. I dont recall exactly where the block came from, but I likely bought it at some yard sale, because in those days it wasnt uncommon to find jetsam from the old Haldeman-Julius publishing empire. Beginning in 1919, the plant began churning out the Little Blue Books for mail-order at a few cents each, a university in print. The little books were the creation of Emanuel Julius, who was just 26 when he stepped off the train at Girard. An Eastern intellectual and writer with no formal education, and the second generation of an immigrant Ukrainian Jewish family, Julius must have seemed an odd character to the towns residents. As a reporter, he had covered the New York Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, in which 146 mostly immigrant workers died. Now he had come to join the staff of The Appeal to Reason, the largest socialist newspaper in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember local historian Gene DeGruson first telling me the story of the Appeal to Reason, and of the coal mining areas rich history of socialism. The newspaper was founded by J.A. Wayland, who had relocated the weekly from Kansas City, Missouri, to cut costs. Socialism was a significant American movement from its roots in the utopian communities of the 19th century through the presidential campaigns of Eugene V. Debs, who was convicted and imprisoned for sedition late in life. During World War I, the socialist movement which had been strongly anti-military began to wane. Meanwhile, Emanuel Julius had married Marcet Haldeman, the free-thinking, wealthy and writerly daughter of a local banker. At the suggestion of Marcets aunt, the social reformer Jane Addams, the couple hyphenated their names. In 1917, the Appeal was sold to Emanual and Marcet Haldeman-Julius, and the couple reimagined the newspaper for a new progressive era. Emanuel also embarked on a publishing venture that he had thought about since he was a teenager and The Ballad of Reading Gaol had sustained him during a cold winters day. His goal was to bring classics of literature to the masses in pocket-sized editions at an affordable price. In 1919, the Haldeman-Julius plant began publishing the little books. They originally had red covers, but eventually Haldeman-Julius settled on blue covers, and Oscar Wildes long poem would become No. 2 in the series. The price? A nickel. By mail order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Little Blue Books, which preceded mass market paperbacks by a decade or two, were an unqualified success. They were carried in the pockets of hobos, working people, and aspiring writers from Saul Bellow to Louis LAmour. E. Haldeman-Julius bolstered the classic (and royalty-free) books with new material and often used suggestive or shocking titles for appeal. No. 1402, by Arkansas socialist Clay Fulks, is How I Went to the Devil. No. 907, by researcher William J. Fielding, is Sexual Obsessions of Saints and Mystics. Collectively, the little books sold in the hundreds of millions, making E. and Marcet Haldeman-Julius not only rich, but also famous. The couple collaborated on an ambitious set of literary projects, including the novel Dust. Published in 1921 by Brentanos, New York, the work was hailed as an important work of American realistic fiction. In his 2017 biography of E. Haldeman-Julius, historian R. Alton Lee argues that from 1920 to 1950, Girard was the literary and publishing Mecca of the United States, and thus the international center for Western civilization. At the height of his success, E. Haldeman-Julius knew every major author, many of the minor ones, and even if the important political figures of the day didnt speak to him directly, they read his books. His life, Lee said, was full of scandal, disappointment, and ultimately tragedy. What E. Haldeman-Julius left behind was a publishing and marketing revolution that changed us, a revolution that made available to every working man and woman the greatest thinkers of every age, including their own. The evidence is in the printing plates and the millions of books they produced, which are collected and catalogued by universities but which you can still find at yard sales across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was reminded of the value of non-volatile media the other day when I went to a used vinyl record store in Lawrence and redeemed a gift certificate from a friend. The place was not quaint, but authentic. The ancient floors creaked underfoot, and a shop cat roamed at will. One of the things I found was something I hadnt realized I needed: a 1966 LP entitled Whistle Echoes of the Ohio and Mississippi River Steamboats, Vol. 2. One of my current writing projects is about a steamboat plying rivers of the American West. The record has such treasures as the plaintive call of the KATIE STOCKDALE and the steam calliope of the DELTA QUEEN. The album features extensive notes, including this: The joy of this record is that the performers who blow the whistles, sing the songs and play the music are exuberant rivermen and shore watchers along the willow-fringed winding channels of the Mississippi River System. Yes, I am such a research nerd that this $3 LP was the cherry on top of a good day. There was pleasure holding it in my hands, of reading the copy, of not having to deal with a menu or a scroll bar to navigate its secrets. But there was something else that occurred to me on the drive home. There were no advertisements jiggling on the screen, no pop-ups to block, and no algorithm attempting to predict what I was most likely to buy or click on next. I had found the album by good old-fashioned browsing, not the kind you do on a device. I did not have to fight unseen agents attempting to steer my attention to other products, other sites, other candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It felt like freedom. The album was inviolable. Like a newspaper or a magazine or a book, the album could be crushed or shredded or burned, but short of destruction its contents could not easily be altered. As we venture further into our current dystopian landscape, I suspect this resistance to alteration will prove an advantage. In past weeks, government websites have been scrubbed to conform to political orthodoxy. The malleable nature of the web makes it easy to remove historical references that might fall under the forbidden category of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Mentions of transgender and queer people were struck, for example, from a National Park Service web page for the Stonewall monument in New York. Such straightwashing is mandated by executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For better or worse, we live in a digital age, and our perception of reality is created by what appears on our screens. It is appalling to us now that the government is scrubbing official content in this way, but I suspect we could acclimate quickly. There are, of course, archives that store past versions of web pages, but browsing is difficult. You have to know what youre looking for. Think your digital content is safe? You cant even archive your Kindle library anymore, because Amazon now prevents downloads to your computer of the books youve already bought. Your content automatically changes to reflect updates or deletions. We dont own digital content, we just rent it. If you want to keep something, youd better buy the actual book. Making a connection with a physical book is a reminder that you and it are of the world. There is comfort in the feel and smell and heft of books, new and old. They were our first mass medium and they remain vital in communicating important, world-changing ideas. Most of us can readily name the handful of books that shaped our lives. Near the top of my list is 1975s The Monkey Wrench Gang. Yes, this seems an old-fashioned idea, this longing for physical media, and just what youd expect from a writer who advocates for AM radio and old stereo receivers. But the danger posed by cultural amnesia is real, and social media has far too much influence on current politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barbara F. Walters, author of How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them, has said that since social media emerged in 2010, the number of global democracies have decreased. To help prevent civil wars, she said, social media should be regulated. Its not that people shouldnt be allowed to post whatever they want, she argues, but that tech companies shouldnt be allowed to push extreme material to wide audiences. People ask me: Whats the single easiest thing that the United States could do to reduce our risk of civil war? And my answer is always the same, she said in an interview cited by Business Insider. Regulate social media. The history of mass media has always been turbulent, right back to the invention of the printing press and the explosion of literacy that created the modern world. In many ways, the challenges we face today are similar, but with a significant difference: The Gutenberg revolution did not have unseen agents behind each page manipulating readers for attention. A thirst for knowledge was motivation enough to turn each page. We have failed to use new technologies responsibly both as creators and as consumers. Never mind the easy access to pornography, as that has been with us at the start of just about every media revolution. No, its the malleability of new media that invites authoritarians to purge or discourage improper ideology that is the real danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we cannot stem the shifting sand of new media, we will be buried by it. I dont know what E. Haldeman-Julius would make of our current situation, but Ill bet he would recruit the best writers to offer commentary. In his time, he had Will Durant and Upton Sinclair in his stable. Perhaps in a future time a scholar will sift through the digital remains of our age and note a few voices still worth listening to, even on something as old-fashioned as a Web page. The undoing of E. Haldeman-Julius began in February 1948, when a couple of small-time crooks broke into the printing plant in Girard. The thieves, Raymond Lee and his older brother, Joseph, found a tin can in which Haldeman-Julius had hidden $40,218 in currency and silver. That would be like stealing half a million in todays money. Haldeman-Julius reported the theft to the police. He was then investigated for tax fraud, because he had claimed an income of far less in preceding years. During his trial, in 1951, his defense attorney claimed his self-taught client knew little about accounting. Nobody but a writer, the Associated Press reported the attorney as saying, would keep $40,000 in a tin can safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haldeman-Julius was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to six months in prison. He and Marcet had divorced in 1933; she died eight years later, age 51. Emanuel married Susan Haney, a secretary in the publishing office. Out on bond while awaiting appeal, Haldeman-Julius was found dead in the swimming pool of his home July 31, 1951. He was 62. Unlike Gatsby, he had died of natural causes. The age of the Little Blue Books had passed, but the printing plant in Girard kept limping along until 1978, when a presumed bottle rocket burned it to the ground. The Haldeman-Julius legacy remains, an inviolable record for future generations. Scattered in university collections and the homes and minds and hearts of the curious and the bookish, it endures as a testament to where weve been. The canon is both sacred and profane, trash and treasure, a curious mix of socialism and capitalism. In other words, its like us. Who we were and who we are now, and what we hope to become is worth preserving. No matter how much others may want us to forget. Some things are worth holding on to. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. A 45-year-old man will spend years behind bars after he was convicted of child molestation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Last week, a judge sentenced Dustin Luther Wilkes, 45, of the Acworth area of Cherokee County, to prison for two counts of child molestation. Wilkes was sentenced to 40 years, with the first 20 years in prison and the remainder on probation, subject to sex offender special conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentencing comes after the 45-year-old was found guilty of the charges in February. In 2023, the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office began an investigation into Wilkes after an eight-year-old girl reported that he had been sexually assaulting her for several months. According to the Cherokee County District Attorneys Office, Wilkes knew the child and committed the acts when the victim was in the third grade. This predator manipulated his way into this family, to the point that he was often alone with an 8-year-old child and able to commit these criminal acts of molestation upon her. In the span of five months, a happy little girl became quiet and withdrawn, said Assistant District Attorney Meaghan Frankish. Everything changed the day the child attended a Shop with a Cop Christmas event. That night, she found the courage to tell her mother what this man had been doing. In that moment, this little girl took the first steps to toward justice and healing. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was interviewed and described how Wilkes climb on top of her and rub his body on her body and tell her he loved her. Wilkes also told the child not to tell anyone what he was doing. After the jury deliberated for under 30 minutes, Wilkes was found guilty on all charges. It was law enforcement that made her safe. It was that involvement in her life that made her realize that there are adults out there to protect you, to care for you, to support you, and she acted immediately upon that, Superior Court Judge Jennifer L. Davis said during the sentencing hearing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] D. Sean Rowley Cherokee Phoenix TULSA The Cherokee Nation continues to be a driving force in Oklahomas economy, generating more than $3.1 billion in annual economic impact, according to the latest assessment unveiled on April 2 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. The research, which offers assessments every other year, was again led by Dr. Russell Evans of the Economic Impact Group and professor of economics for Oklahoma City University. Officials said the CN continues to be a tremendous stimulus to the Oklahoma economy. The CN adds to good and services available, employment and labor income, according to the statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research suggests the CN directly and indirectly supports more than 23,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits each year. The CN government and its businesses make more than $536 million in purchases from local vendors and small businesses in northeast Oklahoma. Cherokee Nations economic impact is about more than dollars and data, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. Its a reflection of our deep commitment to the prosperity of the Cherokee people and the communities we call home. In addition to illustrating where our dollars go across the reservation and how those investments ripple through our communities, this report reminds us just how far each dollar reaches; creating opportunities, strengthening communities and building a better future for all. According to the reports addendum, CN funds received through the American Rescue Relief Plan Act added a further $189 million impact in the state. Such funding was issued directly to citizens for hardship assistance or provided for programs such as construction of housing and community buildings, community enhancement grants, employment and job training, first responder efforts, and support for cultural programs, including language preservation. Economic impact reports measure how deeply rooted a center of economic activity is in the broader economy, Evans said. Cherokee Nations $3.1 billion impact is a direct reflection of their roots in northeastern Oklahoma where they support local businesses through vendor purchases and local communities through grants and economic development partnerships, as well as provide local labor markets with a steady demand for workers. The Nations strategic use of one-time federal recovery funds is designed to create an additional long-term impact on the region, ensuring even deeper roots and stronger connections for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study assessed fiscal year 2023, which covers Oct. 1, 2022 Sept. 30, 2023. During that year the CN funded $17.5 million in higher education scholarships, provided vocational training and educational assistance for more than 1,300 Native Americans, and funded $7.8 million in contributions from car tag sales to public schools in northeast Oklahoma. CN also put $7.4 million into construction and expansion of its child development centers, and provided 10,000 food vouchers and 74,000 clothing vouchers for schoolchildren. Native-owned enterprises did more than $150 million in business with the CN in FY 2023, a figure Hoskin called extraordinary. That is one of the things that makes us unique as an economic powerhouse in northeast Oklahoma, he said. Were not wondering if someday maybe well pick up and move somewhere else. Were not wondering if someday well find some economic conditions that might be just a little bit better for our bottom line. Were looking at this as our forever home and were treating it that way, so every time we have a hand in creating a job or getting behind an entrepreneur thats personal to us. That means that our homes, our communities are getting stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the previous decade, Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $1.2 billion in dividends to support CN programs and services. Furthermore, the tribes gaming operations have contributed more than half a billion dollars to state coffers since the state-tribal compacts were established in 2005. CNBs mission to broaden and strengthen Cherokee Nations economy as we invest, innovate, diversify and grow has always been at the core of everything we do, and it always will be, said Chuck Garrett, CNB CEO. As our annual dividend to the tribe, gaming compact fees, investments and more continue to grow every year, it is an absolute honor to see our companys efforts creating even more of an impact throughout our communities and across Cherokee Nation. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly criticized the Israeli airstrike on the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City and called for the protection of health care facilities. The emergency room, laboratory, X-ray machines and the pharmacy have been destroyed, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X on Sunday, citing the hospital director. He said 50 patients had been moved to other hospitals, but 40 critically ill patients could not be transferred, adding that the hospital cannot accept new patients without repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of the al-Ahli Hospital said a child had died because its treatment had been disrupted, Tedros reported. The Israeli military said the airstrike targeted a Hamas command centre operating inside the hospital. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet intelligence agency, the Islamist militant group had been using the hospital to plan and launch attacks, including operations targeting Israeli civilians. The IDF stated that precautionary measures, such as advance warnings, were taken to minimize civilian harm. "Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law. Attacks on health care must stop," Tedros wrote. He also called for an end to the Israeli blockade on aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing since the beginning of March. A child was found curled up in a ditch after being missing for several hours. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On April 5, a 2-year-old from Black Township, Michigan, was last seen watching television in the living room of his home around 8:43 p.m. He was reported missing about an hour later, according to a social media post from the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blackman-Leoni K-9 unit, the Michigan State Police (MSP) K-9 unit, and an MSP helicopter were deployed as part of a search effort for the child. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies and volunteer members from the community searched the area for nearly two hours. Around 11:33 p.m., after being missing for about three hours, the child was located near I-94 curled up in a ditch. He was wearing only a diaper. According to the social media post, the child was cold but was alert and conscious. He was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for evaluation and was listed in good condition, according to the post. Great video from the Michigan State Police showing how technology and a strong working relationship with local partners can really make a difference. Posted by Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety on Monday, April 7, 2025 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Spread out across 200 acres in Northwest Louisiana, Chimp Haven is the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary. Every detail, from the moat to the meal plan, has been designed to ensure the more than 300 residents here are getting the most out of their retirement years. "A lot of the chimpanzees that are here, they spent decades in biomedical research before coming to sanctuary, but Chimp Haven provides their happy endings," said Rana Smith, the president and CEO of Chimp Haven. "Chimpanzees have been used in research for decades," Smith explained. "So, back in the 1950s and 1960s, they were part of the NASA space program, and in the '70s, kind of moved into infectious disease." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chimpanzees were instrumental in the development of everything from rocket ships to the Hepatitis B vaccine. In the 1980s, they were used in HIV research. But, precisely because of how similar they are to us, attitudes about chimp research began to change in 2000, Congress passed the CHIMP Act, establishing a sanctuary system to care for retired research chimpanzees. At the time, lawmakers introduced the Act as a "humane" piece of legislation meant to protect "a group who have no lobby." It required the National Institutes of Health to kick in 75% of the funding for retirees, which isn't peanuts. It costs around $25,000 a year to care for each chimp, with donations supplementing federal funds. The banana budget alone is impressive they go through 117,000 of them a year. Colony Director Michelle Reininger, like all staff at Chimp Haven, knows each of the chimps by name. Reininger said, for her, their personalities set these animals apart from any other species. "I like the sassy ones," she said. "I like the ones who you have to really work hard to get them to respond to you, and to trust you. When you get that trust, there's no feeling like it in the world, to have that bond with an animal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days at the sanctuary are full of head scratches and lots of lazing around. The animals also receive regular checkups from veterinarian Raven Jackson. "Chimpanzee medicine is challenging," Jackson said. "It's like working with a really strong toddler. And so, I always say, each day I start with, 'Am I smarter than a chimp?'" There are days when Jackson feels outsmarted. "I work for them and they don't work for me," she laughed. Since Jackson's patients were retired at different ages, and a few are rescues or former pets, she treats a wide variety of conditions. Some of the chimps are as young as 7, while others are in their mid-60s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We see the full gamut," Jackson said. "It keeps things very interesting. And I think it also keeps things interesting for the chimpanzees, because we're able to put them in these very dynamic social groupings where you're going to see various age ranges." Each of the 30 or so groups has its own characteristics and alpha leader. They don't always get along, but they're quick to make up. "They always want to reconcile very quickly," said Jackson. "It taught me, hey, it isn't worth holding onto anything. Like, learn from the chimps. Let it go. Reconcile, so that you can continue to move forward as a group." Moving forward a sanctuary like Chimp Haven may one day be unnecessary. Ten years ago, the NIH announced that it would no longer support any biomedical research on chimpanzees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are still some new arrivals chimps that labs had initially deemed too challenging to move eventually there will no longer be chimpanzees "retiring" from careers they never chose. Asked whether humans owe a debt to the chimpanzees, Smith replied: "Chimpanzees have given so much of their life to science. And we feel like it's our responsibility, and the government's responsibility to care for those chimps for the rest of their life." Idaho teen with autism dies after controversial police shooting Gayle King, all-female crew get ready to blast off into space Monday President Zelenskyy invites President Trump to Ukraine | Sunday on 60 Minutes When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Shutterstock In a December 2024 meeting, China privately took responsibility for cyber offensives These include attacks on US infrastructure, like communications and energy The state warned that US increasing support for Taiwan was a key factor Amid a serious escalation of hostilities between the two nations, senior Chinese officials have apparently acknowledged behind closed doors that Beijing was involved in a series of cyberattacks on US critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement These attacks saw Chinese Volt Typhoon hackers infiltrate US critical infrastructure systems for years, including compromising energy, communications, transportation, and water industries. China had previously denied any involvement in these attacks, but the Wall Street Journal now reports Beijing officials admitted involvement in an indirect and somewhat ambiguous way, interpreted by US officials as a warning to the U.S. about Taiwan. Monitor your credit score with TransUnion starting at $29.95/month TransUnion is a credit monitoring service that helps you stay on top of your financial health. With real-time alerts, credit score tracking, and identity theft protection, it ensures you never miss important changes. You'll benefit from a customizable online interface with clear insights into your credit profile. Businesses also benefit from TransUnions advanced risk assessment tools. Advertisement Advertisement Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal Escalating tensions News about increasing reciprocal tariffs between the two nations is pretty unavoidable, but the trade war is not the only stage for offensives, with US officials reportedly considering pursuing cyber strikes against China and security experts warning that China is poised to retaliate against tariffs with a Typhoon attack - referring to hacking groups Salt and Volt Typhoon. This news comes after the Trump administration has implemented mass federal layoffs, which a former NSA cybersecurity director has warned will have a devastating impact on cybersecurity. These admissions are, of course, likely to be a tactical move from China to underscore its own capabilities and willingness to use them. Advertisement Advertisement For example, the Salt Typhoon attack into telecoms networks is considered a historic counterintelligence failure, and some officials even believe the group still lurks on US networks. Previously, the US state department had opposed Taiwanese independence, but under Trump this seems to be much more uncertain, and escalating tensions between China and the US could lead to cyber offensives on both sides. Taiwan has a strong economy, and crucially, is home to manufacturers of semiconductors - computer chips which are essential to almost all modern technology, and are used in satellite systems, phones, laptops, and AI. Instead of taking prompt action, state court administrative officials allowed Shannon McShane to continue making disputed court-appointed child custody recommendations in up to 20 cases in other Colorado judicial districts for four more months before finally barring her from doing such work. BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -China has put civilian government officials in Beijing on wartime footing and ordered a diplomatic charm offensive aimed at encouraging other countries to push back against U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs, according to four people familiar with the matter. Communist Party propaganda officials have played a leading role in framing Chinas response, one of the people said, with government spokespeople posting defiant clips on social media featuring former leader Mao Zedong saying we will never yield. As part of the wartime posture, the details of which are being reported by Reuters for the first time, bureaucrats in the foreign affairs and commerce ministries have been ordered to cancel vacation plans and keep mobile phones switched on around the clock, two of the people said. Departments covering the U.S. have also been beefed up, including with officials who worked on Chinas response to Trumps first term, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The combative all-of-government approach after Trumps Liberation Day" salvo marked a hard turn for Beijing, which had tried to avoid a spiralling trade war. For months, Chinese diplomats had tried to establish a high-level channel of communication with Trumps administration to defend what Chinas cabinet has described in state media campaigns as a win-win trading relationship. Optimistic Chinese observers even held out hope for a grand bargain with Trump over trade, TikTok and perhaps even Taiwan. This account of how China shifted from seeking a deal to punching back with retaliatory tariffs and threatening all-out defiance is based on interviews with more than a dozen people, including U.S. and Chinese government officials, as well as other diplomats and scholars briefed on bilateral exchanges. Four of them also described how Beijing's diplomats have been engaging other governments targeted by Trump tariffs, including sending letters seeking cooperation to several countries. Longstanding U.S. allies in Europe, Japan and South Korea have also been contacted, two people said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the people spoke on condition of anonymity to describe confidential government deliberations. "China is a responsible major country. We stand up against hegemony, not only to safeguard our own rightful interests, but also to uphold the common interests of the international community," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a faxed statement. It added that, "This trade war was started by the U.S. and imposed on China... If the U.S. really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations, it should stop applying extreme pressure. Any dialogue should be established on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit." The South Korean and Japanese embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on talks between their countries and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the initial Chinese retaliation, Trump said: "China played it wrong, they panicked - the one thing they cannot afford to do! He has also suggested that Beijing wanted to make a deal but they just don't know how quite to go about it." U.S. officials have also blamed China for the impasse because its trillion-dollar trade surplus with the world is the result of what they see as abuses of the global commerce system that havent been successfully addressed through years of negotiations. Trump on April 2 stunned the world with massive tariffs that he said would prevent countries like China from ripping off the U.S. Chinese leader Xi Jinping ditched official caution and issued a patriotic message casting doubt on whether American voters could bear as much hardship as the Chinese. The Liberation Day levies have since been suspended for all countries except China for 90 days. With some exceptions, trade of goods between China and the U.S. is now largely frozen, and Beijing is starting to crack down on trade of services, while warning its citizens against travel to the U.S. and putting curbs on import of American films. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement POLITE START AND A QUICK STALL Even after Trump was elected on the promise of high tariffs, relations with Beijing got off to a polite start. Trump invited Xi to his inauguration, which was eventually attended by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Things started deteriorating soon after. During the first Trump administration, Beijing had several high-level channels of communication, most notably between then-ambassador Cui Tiankai and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. There isnt an equivalent channel this time around, according to a Beijing official familiar with Sino-American ties, adding that China wasnt sure who spoke for Trump on their relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Trump administration official said in response to Reuters' questions that the U.S. had "made clear to China that we want working-level contact to continue... but will not engage for the sake of engagement and in dialogues that do not advance American interests." Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng made unsuccessful attempts before the election to reach Trumps billionaire ally Elon Musk, said a U.S. scholar who recently visited China for unofficial exchanges that Beijing has historically used to communicate with Washington policymakers. Musk didnt immediately return a request for comment. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi tried to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a China hawk who is sanctioned by Beijing, during a February visit to New York to chair a United Nations session but did not secure a meeting. There has been no publicly disclosed exchange between the two sides top diplomats beyond a frosty phone call in late January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang was also unsuccessful in his efforts to meet on that trip with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, said a person familiar with the matter. Wang had held numerous talks with Waltzs predecessor, Jake Sullivan, including an exchange that led to a rare prisoner swap. In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said there have been initial discussions through intermediaries between the U.S. and China. "We all expect that the President of United States and President Xi of China will work this out," Lutnick said. China's commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lutnick's remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters this week that he would be willing to meet Xi, whom he also described as a friend. He has not detailed any specifics of a possible deal. The Trump administration official said the U.S. had repeatedly asked Chinese diplomats if Xi would request a phone call with Trump and the answer has consistently been no. International relations expert Zhao Minghao at Shanghais Fudan University said such outreach totally doesnt work in terms of the Chinese policymaking system. For the Chinese side, usually there is agreement and work on the working level and then we can arrange the summit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way countries which have tried to negotiate have been treated so far this year also certainly has not done much to encourage China to sit down at the table, said Lynn Song, Chief Economist for Greater China at ING Bank. There are some ongoing conversations between lower-level officials on both sides, according to one Chinese and three U.S. officials, though some working groups put in place by the Joe Biden administration to deal with commercial disputes, as well as treasury and military issues have been frozen. LESSONS LEARNED While many countries were hit by U.S. tariffs this month for the first time, China honed its response during previous bouts of the Sino-American trade war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing on lessons from Trumps first term, China created a retaliatory playbook that includes tariffs as well as restrictions on about 60 U.S. companies and curbs on exports of rare earths. The effort was a result of weeks of preparations by Chinese government officials who had been tasked with studying Trumps policies and suggesting countermeasures that could be gradually scaled up, according to two people familiar with the situation. Xi opted for a strong response, hitting back with across-the-board levies even before Trumps announced tariffs went into effect. The duties were announced shortly before Wall Street opened on April 4 - a public holiday in China. U.S. equities dropped sharply lower. One Chinese official briefed on the deliberations described the unusually swift response as akin to COVID pandemic-era decision making that was carried out without the customary sign offs by all relevant departments. Some Chinese opinion leaders appeared to suggest off-ramps in the trade war. Ren Yi, a political blogger with nearly 2 million followers on the Weibo microblogging platform said in an April 8 post that countermeasures do not require a broad increase in tariffs on American goods. Ren, whose grandfather was a prominent reformist leader in the 1980s, suggested targeted moves like suspension of fentanyl cooperation and further restrictions on agricultural imports and movies. Chinas finance ministry said Friday that with tariffs on U.S. goods now at 125%, it will stop matching any future hikes in duties by Washington, whose tariff strategy it branded a joke. NEVER YIELD Chinas foreign ministry has summoned many of the heads of its overseas missions back to Beijing for a special meeting held this week to coordinate the response, according to two Beijing-based diplomats. China has also sent formal letters to government officials of other countries pressured by Trump to engage in trade negotiations. The letters, which were described to Reuters by four people familiar with their contents, outlined the Chinese position as well as the need for multipolarity and for countries to stand together. The messaging also included criticism of U.S. policy that echoed China's public statements. China has approached some G20 governments with wording for a joint declaration voicing support for the multilateral trading system, an EU diplomat told Reuters. But the diplomat said that the messaging did not address concerns also held by non-U.S. governments about Chinese overcapacity, its subsidy regime and alleged unfair competition. Beijing has said those concerns are overblown and that the rise of its high-tech industries is due to its comparative advantages and benefits the world. China is also heavily focused on the domestic reaction to the tariffs, with social media users this week widely reposting an April 7 editorial in the official Peoples Daily warning against panic. China has also recently started encouraging households to spend more and has dramatically changed its language about domestic consumption. Beijing is aiming to shift the engine of growth from exports to consumers at a time when the economy remains hobbled by a crisis of failed real estate development. The real battlefield is on the domestic front, rather than bilateral negotiations, said Zhao of Fudan University. Chinese officials also published on Musks X platform a clip of Chairman Mao giving a speech in 1953 - the last time the U.S. and China were in direct military conflict during the Korean War. In the clip, Mao, whose oldest son died in the war, says peace is up to the Americans. No matter how long this war is going to last, well never yield, he said. Well fight until we completely triumph. (Reporting by the Beijing, Washington, Berlin and Hong Kong newsrooms; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski, Kevin Krolicki and Katerina Ang) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to deepen his country's strategic partnership with Indonesia in a call with President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi told Prabowo the bilateral partnership had strategic significance and impact globally, as the two exchanged congratulations over the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Xinhua said. Beijing is trying to persuade other nations to hew to a common line against U.S. import tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi will visit Indonesia's fellow Southeast Asian nations Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday, aiming to consolidate ties with some of China's closest neighbours as trade tension escalates with the United States. (Reporting by Shanghai and Beijing Newsrooms; Editing by William Mallard) If after watching countless TikTok videos of the viral "Dubai chocolate" bars you've got a hankering for the pistachio-filled dessert, we're here to help. The unique chocolate bars are on the pricey side, and not exactly easy to find in person. Here's where you can get a Dubai chocolate bar in Oklahoma City. Can I buy Dubai chocolate bar in Oklahoma City? Dubai chocolate with green kataifi and pistachio paste. Trend dessert While you can find a Dubai chocolate bar from plenty of online stores, we found several Oklahoma City-area bakeries with the bars and other treats if you're hoping to shop local. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sugar Buzz LLC: This home-based OKC bakery is selling treats like Dubai chocolate bars and Dubai strawberry cups. Sugga Shack: This Yukon dessert business is selling Dubai chocolate bars, Dubai brownie cups, Dubai strawberry cups and Dubai cheesecake. Pika Sweets: This candy maker is selling small and large Dubai chocolate bars, as well as Dubai chocolate strawberries. Mollycoddled Hash Slinger: While the candy store doesn't sell Dubai chocolate bars, you can find handcrafted Dubai chocolate fudge. Just Baked Bakery and Deli: This Yukon bakery also doesn't carry the chocolate bars, but does sell Dubai cups, Dubai tres leches, Dubai cheesecake, Dubai eclairs, Dubai tart slices, Dubai brownies & Dubai cookies What is Dubai chocolate? Dubai chocolate bar from Sugar Hi in Armonk. The Dubai chocolate bar is a milk chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and shredded filo pastry dough, which is usually found atop the traditional Arab dessert knafeh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubai chocolate bars have soared in popularity over the last year, but it all started with a bakery in Dubai called Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Sarah Hamouda, the founder of the shop, wanted to create something more than your typical chocolate bar and was inspired by her pregnancy cravings, according to CNN. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Dubai chocolate in OKC: Bakeries selling treats inspired by viral bars People living in Houston's Montrose neighborhood have been seeing a disturbing number of wild coyotes close to home. Pet owners are particularly concerned about the safety of their furry companions outside in their yards. What's happening? As KHOU11 reported, there has been an uptick in coyote sightings in the trendy Houston, Texas, neighborhood. Residents said they haven't seen coyotes in over 50 years while living there. They also fear wild animals will attack the area's kids, dogs, and cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors shared videos of coyotes roaming throughout the neighborhood and spoke to local reporters about their concerns. Why are urban coyotes problematic? The increasing number of coyotes and other wild animals in cities is concerning because of the high risk of human encounters. Animals are known to attack humans because of their natural protective behaviors and provocation by people. As our climate changes and temperatures steadily rise, coyotes are drawn to areas populated by humans for food, water, and shelter. Habitat loss causes coyotes to enter unfamiliar and dangerous settings, increasing the likelihood of incidents. When people feed coyotes or interact with them, the animals lose their natural wariness and become more vulnerable to threats like traffic. Even unintentionally feeding wildlife by leaving food out can attract coyotes and put people and pets at risk. What's being done about coyotes in cities? The increased number of coyote sightings in Houston is leading to a more informed public regarding coyote behaviors and safety protocols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Moss, owner of AAAC Wildlife Removal, confirmed that coyotes are not actually rare in Houston and often seek shelter and hunt small animals for food there. Moss advised residents to monitor their pets closely when letting them outside or to keep them on leashes. He also recommended fences to keep coyotes out and securing trash bins. "If you're going to feed them, you're inviting other animals to come and eat there also," Moss said. "So, you just got to be kind of be wary. Pick the food up, don't let them hang around." The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is also educating residents about how to handle coyotes in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shared that coyotes typically avoid people but that it's crucial never to purposefully or accidentally feed wildlife. The department recommended keeping pets indoors or on a leash. It also described how to "haze" coyotes to discourage their presence by making loud noises, waving hands, spraying water, or throwing small objects at them. If you see an aggressive urban coyote, alert the authorities immediately by calling 311 or local animal control. State wildlife departments and city authorities document aggressive coyote incidents and notify area residents so they can take precautions and stay safe. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The city of Terre Haute held their first community outreach event Saturday for their latest initiative. Its called Safe Streets Terre Haute. A safety action plan that will be focused on reducing and eliminating serious injuries and fatal crashes on city streets. The projects will be funded by a $200,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation. This morning, the city held their first community outreach event at the Vigo County Public Library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Engineer Marcus Maurer said input from the community is crucial for location areas that need improvement. Were looking for any issues where people have incidents, accidents, or close calls, Maurer said. Accident reports will show us where things have happened, but what we dont know is where people have concerns that dont show up on accident reports. This is a great opportunity for the public to get out and make some of those issues known and give us an opportunity to put them together into one big study. Now, we can look at them while we have some funds in place to do it. The city said they will continue to have community outreach events to help the Safe Streets Terre Haute initiative. Right now, they have an interactive map for residents to highlights areas they believe need improving. You can visit that map or take a survey 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 MyWabashValley.com. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has stated that only force can compel Russia to stop its war of aggression after the latest deadly Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy. Source: Nauseda on X (Twitter) on Sunday 13 April, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Lithuanian president described Russia's ballistic missile strike on Sumy as a slap in the face to everyone striving for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The civilised world must use force to stop these barbarians who are killing civilians and children," the Lithuanian president said, without elaborating on what means of force he was referring to. He added that in this difficult hour, Lithuania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until a just peace is achieved. Background: On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 31 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. Following the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a tough response from Ukraines partners, particularly the United States and Europe. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that all data on the Russian ballistic missile attack on Sumy had been passed to international partners. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This Jan. 30, 2025, image provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department shows a member of the Mexican gray wolf recovery team measuring the teeth of a wolf that was captured during an annual population survey near Alpine, Arizona. Now, let us look at some good news. Renewable energy had a great year in 2024, worldwide, and contributed 92.5% of new power capacity to the different grids. It is dominating new power generation worldwide. This is not even a competition anymore per Zachary Shahan of CleanTechnica. Some 585 gigawatts [GW] or [585,000,000,000 watts] of renewables were added and represents 15.1% annual growth. This data is courtesy of IRENA [International Renewable Energy Agency]. Lets look at the bar chart titled, Renewable share of annual power capacity expansion. The calendar year is at the bottom of the graph [from 2004 to 2024] and there are two bars for each year. The left-hand bar for each pair shows the increase in non-renewables in GW [mostly coal, oil, and gas] for that year. The right-hand bar of the pair, in darker blue, shows the increase in renewables. All units are in GW. So, for example in 2004, the non-renewable bar is about three times more [taller] than the renewable bar or about 75 GW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward to 2012 and/or 2013 and see that the additions to power generation are about equal. At the far-right side of the graph for year 2024 note that the increase in renewables dominate [about 92%] by far the power generation capacity added. Solar and wind power accounted for almost all the growth with solar power alone accounting for about 77.3% of the total. The dark red line in this same graph is the renewable share of the new power generation for each year and illustrates the slow but steady increasing share of renewables into the global grids. GOOD YEAR AHEAD According to Canary Media, a Clean Energy newsletter, 2025 looks to be another banner year for renewables. This article was written by Julian Spector on February 28, 2025, and published in Canary Media. See the circular chart titled, U.S. expected to mostly build solar and batteries this year with an estimated at 63 GW total. Starting at the top of this chart and moving clockwise is the anticipated power growth in Natural Gas [7%], Wind [12%], Battery Storage [29%], and with Solar at 52%. Keep your fingers crossed as 2026 may be different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to EHN [Environment Health News], despite political opposition, solar and battery storage are expected to dominate new grid capacity in 2025, driven by the growing power demands of AI, data centers, cryptocurrency, together with electric vehicles and air conditioners [see Getty Images.] HEATING UP OK, so now the not so good news. Even with all the renewable power coming onto the grid in 2024 it was still less than growth in new electricity consumption. As our planet warms, the need for air conditioning continues to grow. The photo of a portion of a wall of an apartment building illustrates the growth of air conditioning and is from a BBC article about India heatwave on 27 June 2024. This heatwave scorched Delhi and it is estimated that about one billion people experienced heat stress across India during that heat wave and others that followed in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then we have an analysis by Canary Media who published this map of the U.S. illustrating how green each states electric grid is. It is titled Which US states have the greenest grids? Three states stand out: Washington, South Dakota, and Vermont [in black]. The laggards are Utah, Kentucky, West Virginia [in white], with Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida not far behind. All the other states, including Alaska, are developing programs to develop more renewable power generation. The progress is slow but steady. An interesting number that has popped up recently is the number of full or partial electric vehicles [EV] purchased in 2024. According to CleanTechnica the world bought 17.2 million plugin vehicles, with 10.8 million of them pure battery-electric vehicles [BEVs]. This technological transition from fossil fuel vehicles to hybrids to full electric vehicles is happening rapidly with positive implications for reducing carbon emissions. Overall, 22% of new auto sales were plugin vehicles, more than one out of five, and 14% were BEV sales, almost one out of seven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Change, it is coming. MOVE TO EVS And then we have the latest information about the UK. See the circular chart titled, February 2025 UK Passenger Auto Registrations. It states that 33.9% of those registrations are Total EVs. Starting at the top of the circular chart and moving to the right are BEV [battery electric vehicles] at 23.5%; and continuing along are PHEV [plug-in hybrid EVs] at 8.7%; then HEV [hybrid EVs] at 12.6%, with diesel and petrol making up the rest. This transition to EVs is coming at a time when we must reduce carbon emissions. As our planet warms and land ice melts, the meltwater flows into the oceans. And guess what? The ocean levels are rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one might expect, NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] in conjunction with JPL-Caltech has a most important chart on sea level rise. See graph titled Satellite Record of Sea Level Rise. This graph shows the global mean sea level rise (in blue) since 1993 as measured by a series of five satellites. The dotted red line projects the future sea level rise. In 2024 the rise was 0.59cm [centimeters] or about inch, and about 10.1cm or about four inches over the past 3 decades. With water covering about 70% of Earths surface, that is a huge increase. Stay posted. And, so it goes. QUICK WEATHER FORECAST: Today: Spotty sprinkles, high 62 Tonight: Light rain, low 49 Monday: Afternoon t-storms, high 72 (46) Tuesday: Breezy with showers, high 51 (37) Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 53 (34) Thursday: Partly cloudy, high 65 (47) Clouds return throughout Sunday. This comes with a very isolated sprinkle chance. The majority will stay dry. Winds now coming from the south are going to help bring in some warmer air into the region with highs topping off in the upper 50s. Tonight these clouds will stick around during the overnight hours. This will also come with a few light rain showers late in the night. With a warm front scooting over the region, low temperatures will stay very mild only falling to the upper 40s. The next cold front that will impact central Ohio is arriving Monday afternoon. This system brings a decent chance for showers and thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center is already placing most of central Ohio under a slight risk for severe weather. Highs will go from the low 70s on Monday to the low 50s by Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of this upcoming week will feature below average temperatures. There will be one other modest warmup between Thursday and Friday, but this is followed with another cold front. By Easter Sunday cooler conditions make their return. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HUTCHINSON ISLAND Coast Guard crews from the Seventh Coast Guard District rescued four people Sunday from a vessel that had capsized two days earlier 29 miles off the St. Lucie Inlet, but a further five people are missing. The agency reported the rescue, and the missing people, in a post Sunday on the X social media platform. The post included a photo of the boat, which Coast Guard officials said was about 25 feet in length. The vessel departed from The Bahamas, an agency spokesman said Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A good Samaritan reported the capsizing. One of the rescued people said the boat capsized Friday, and that there were five other people aboard, the Coast Guard said. The search for the five missing people was ongoing Sunday, the agency said. "The length of Coast Guard search efforts are always a case by case basis considering a variety of factors including drift patterns, water temperature, and time since notification," Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Strasburg wrote in an email Sunday. Strasburg said further developments about the search would be posted on X. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Coast Guard rescues four, searches for five at site of capsized boat DENVER (KDVR) Two students from Ralston Valley High School in Arvada proved they have brains in bunches by inventing a device that will be presented to astronauts and NASA engineers in Houston. Samuel Iannone and Andrew Myers will travel to the Johnson Space Center, where they will showcase the medical device the two invented after being selected as finalists in the High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware program. New Rockies uniforms honor colorful Colorado Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device they created functions as an otoscope, retinoscope and nasoscope. The multi-purpose tool will allow flight surgeons on board spacecraft to study the effects of zero gravity on fluids in the ears, eyes and nose of the crew. The boys were inspired to create their invention after hearing some astronauts mention that they experienced hearing and vision loss during their time in space. The boys dedicated the next six months, during or outside of school hours, to develop their concept, which is 3D printable and can be made from materials already found at the International Space Station, using fiber optic cameras and diagnostic systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two have worked alongside career professionals, astronauts and engineers to help realize their project. More information about the program can be found on the NASA HUNCH website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Deputy William May lost his life in the line of duty on April 2, 2025. Mays funeral was held at Destiny Worship Center in Miramar Beach to honor the life and legacy of Deputy William May. Walton County deputy killed in line of duty During the service, Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Andy Watkins from the Walton County Sheriffs office, and Pastor Rob Longmire all spoke on how incredible a man and deputy may truly was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A funeral procession was held by the Walton County Sheriffs Office Saturday afternoon, beginning at Poinciana Boulevard in Miramar Beach and ending at 5th Street in Defuniak Springs. To honor the memory of Deputy May and his service to our state Governor Ron DeSantis stated in a news release, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Walton County from sunrise to sunset on April 12, 2025. Community honors fallen deputy with tributes across Walton County May leaves behind a wife and two children, he was 38 years old. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VATICAN CITY A convalescing Pope Francis greeted the crowd in St. Peters Square on Palm Sunday, wishing more than 20,000 faithful a Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week, in yet another reassuring public sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia. Many in the crowd reached out to touch Francis hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone. The 88-year-old pope was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, as he had during a similar appearance last Sunday. On his way back to St. Peters Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary, and offered candy to a boy who greeted him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 88-year-old Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds. While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis. The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday. It was his second in St. Peters Square before a crowd, following last Sundays unexpected appearance that thrilled the faithful. He also met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla this week, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peters Basilica, stopping to pray, and to thank a pair of restorers for their work on the basilicas masterpieces. On Saturday, the eve of Holy Week, Francis went to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The basilica, which he typically visits before and after his foreign trips, was also his first stop after leaving the Gemelli hospital on March 23. In the traditional Sunday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel Gods closeness, compassion and tenderness even more. For the ninth week, including his five-week hospitalization starting Feb. 14, the blessing was delivered as a text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pope offered prayers for those suffering in the conflict in Sudan, which marks its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, where civil war began 50 years ago, as well as for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar and South Sudan. In a prepared Palm Sunday homily read by a top Vatican cardinal, Francis urged the faithful to carry the cross of those who suffer around us to mark the start of the solemn Holy Week. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, led the celebrations, leading a procession of cardinals around the piazzas central obelisk carrying an ornately braided palm that recalls Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, when crowds waved palm branches to honor him. The initial welcome contrasts with the suffering that follows, leading up to his crucifixion, which Christians observe on Good Friday, followed by his resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday. The faithful emerged from St. Peters Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches to mark the occasion. CHEYENNE Affordable housing isnt likely to be studied by Wyoming lawmakers for the first time in years. Meanwhile, the topic of studying Wyomings election processes is priority No. 1 for the Legislatures Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee this interim. The Management Council recently reduced the number of days a committee can meet from six to four, in hopes of narrowing down the focus of topics studied this interim. The chairmen of the Corporations Committee requested back the extra two days, given the heavy lift of topics the committee wants to study. The interim is the Legislatures off-season, where legislators break up into 12 different joint committees to study a variety of topics and draft legislation. This time is also spent educating lawmakers on Wyoming issues, including catching new members up to speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Corporations Committee is the only group that listed workforce housing as an interim topic this year. But co-Chairman Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle last week he didnt consider this a top priority for the committee. I think a lot of housing difficulties are caused by the way communities have chosen to regulate housing, Case said, and thats an internal thing. Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander (2025) Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander The topic was added to the committees list because several members believed state government should play a role in addressing this issue. Using a ranked-choice voting system, Case listed it as the fourth priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not a heavy-handed chairman. Im a person that believes we have to talk about things and make decisions and make your point, Case said. You know, it passed the committee before it could pass again. Several affordable housing bills sponsored by various committees were filed in the recent legislative session, but all failed to pass the Legislature. Case said he wasnt impressed with any of the bills. Co-Chairman Rep. Chris Knapp, R-Gillette, said theres an apparent lack of interest in having state government address this issue. And I think thats been the case for the last six years, and continues to be the case, Knapp said. Its probably time to bring those (bills) individually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette (2025) Rep. Christopher Knapp, R-Gillette Since legislative leadership reduced the amount of days committees can meet, its likely affordable housing will not be addressed this interim, Knapp added. However, election integrity remains the top priority for the committee. Forty-five election-related bills were filed during the recent general session, making up 8% of total proposed legislation, according to WyoFile.com. Only a fraction of these bills made it to the governors desk. Case invited Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese to walk committee members through the election process in the first meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to let the committee have some discussion and education first before we dig into (election bills), Case said. However, Knapp told the WTE he didnt think an education on the election process will change anyones mind. I understand the idea of bringing (election machines) in and looking at them. I dont know that will necessarily change the mind of any committee member, Knapp said. Failed election bills, including a ban on ballot drop boxes and getting rid of voting touch screens (which are only used in Laramie County), are among those that will be reconsidered by the committee, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why election laws? Secretary of State Chuck Gray announced his top priorities to boost election integrity before the start of the general session. He told the media hed work closely with lawmakers during the session to push through legislation that reforms Wyomings election laws. There have only been four reported cases of election fraud in the Equality State since 2000, according to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. In addition, a randomized survey of 739 adults conducted by the University of Wyoming for the 2024 election year found 89% of respondents believed their countys tally of presidential votes to be somewhat or very reliable. Case said taking on the topic of revising Wyomings current election laws is a waste of time. However, amid a rise of questioning election processes across the state, he noted its important to educate the public on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of our job as policymakers is to provide a forum for people to learn and ask questions and satisfy their curiosity about this, Case said. If we spent 10 hours and we didnt do a darn thing other than teach people I dont ever look at that as being a waste. Knapp said its because of the influx that weve had of illegal immigrants. County clerks previously testified theyve caught four or five individuals who tried to illegally vote in an election, he said, and four more are being investigated. So it does happen in Wyoming, Knapp said. I think its important to safeguard our elections as much as we can. Thats part of (the) title of our committee. Other top priorities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Management Council member Sen. Barry Crago, R-Sheridan, brought up corporate fraud issues to the Corporations Committee chairmen on Tuesday. He said this is an issue thats being reported in the news, and he asked if it was discussed as a potential interim topic, since its currently not on the list. Case mentioned to the WTE last week that corporate fraud is an issue he wants to address, but hes holding off for two reasons. One, its a big lift to study and the next session is a budget session meaning non-budget bills need to pass a two-thirds introductory vote in order to be considered. Two, a new federal law, the Beneficial Ownership Information Report, recently went into effect that requires companies to list their beneficial ownership. I think we need to understand the implications of the disclosures that will occur federally, Case told the WTE. The real problem is anonymity in Wyoming, and the fact that we may have fraudulent filings. Thats going to be a lot harder to do with the federal checklist. He told the council it would be prudent to gather a report from various entities and keep that topic open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public records is another top priority for Case, which is listed in the interim topic letter for the committee. His constituents have approached him with complaints about the associated fees with these requests and their ability to access public records. To view the interim topics letter, go to tinyurl.com/wyo-leg-interim-topics or visit wyoleg.gov. (KRON) The Vallejo Police Department said a man wanted for a DUI case in Orange County was drunk while driving with a concealed and fully loaded Glock 17 during a traffic stop arrest on Saturday. Drug bust deals major blow to traffickers, San Jose Police say Patrol officers said when they pulled over a male driver in a black Chevrolet Tahoe without a front California license plate, he showed obvious signs of intoxication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the man was being removed from his vehicle by police, officers found he was wearing body armor under his clothing. Police then quickly spotted that he had a fully loaded Glock 17 with an extended magazine in a concealed holster on his hip. Photo courtesy of Vallejo Police Department. Vallejo PD said the drivers car was towed away from the scene and they collected the body armor, registered gun and loaded high-capacity magazines as case evidence. The unidentified driver was booked into Solano County Jail and faces several charges, including suspicion of DUI and possession of a firearm. VPD wrote in a social media post, A simple traffic stop prevented a potentially dangerous situation. The presence of a loaded firearm, body armor, and an impaired driver with a warrant could have ended very differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. I spoke to the Whitesville Lions Club a couple of years ago. And someone asked what story I remember most. It wasnt a hard choice. But I nearly choked up talking about it. I was doing stories in the early 80s about the Vietnam veterans who were struggling with things they had seen and done in the war. That was when I met him. He told me he died in Vietnam back in 71. But the coroners report says he died at his home near Owensboro on Christmas Eve 1991, drowned in his own vomit a victim of too much pain, too much medication and too much booze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first wrote some of these words the following Memorial day, with tears in my eyes. He was a genuine American hero in a war America came to hate. But it took the Army a dozen years to finally recognize it. By then, it was way too late. He was 20 years old that night in Vietnam when his world began to fall apart. It was a place called Quang Tri Province. It was 11:58 p.m. For him, it would always be two minutes til midnight. Mortar rounds began exploding in the night. Tracers lit up the sky. And around him, he watched his friends disintegrate into body parts as he fired into the darkness. For 20 years, he replayed those scenes in his dreams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was wounded, but he kept fighting. And one by one, 11 of the enemy died before his machine gun. One so close he could see the face he blew apart. Night after night, through the long years that followed, he killed those men again and again in his dreams. And then rushed to the bathroom to vomit until there was nothing left. When he came home, there were no parades, no cheering crowds. His wife had taken their baby and moved away, he said. So he went AWOL looking for them. The problems escalated. And the Army kicked him out. He started drinking, fighting and having problems. He was running through marriages at the rate of one a year. In a dozen years, he had racked up 27 arrests and more than 30 jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And during those years, he kept asking why the Army had never given him his Silver Star the nations third-highest award for valor. He had earned it. God, he had earned it. I was at Fort Knox the day the general finally pinned the Silver Star to his shirt, shook his hand and thanked him for his service. If life were a movie, the credits would have rolled as he stood there, saluting, tears in his eyes. But life isnt a movie. And endings are never happy. A year later, the government finally recognized that he was totally disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder. And he began putting his life back together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years before his death, I saw him at a biker rally for Vietnam POWs. He said he was finally putting Vietnam behind him. He had a new house and things were looking up. Then a few days later, I saw that he had been arrested again. A brother committed suicide. He got divorced again. And a few days before Christmas, he had a wreck. And then he died alone 10,000 miles from Vietnam. I feel like I left my soul in Vietnam, he had told me. And he talked about another dream, one where he was back over there. But this time I was 32, not 20. And I was so grateful because this time I was going to get to die with honor instead of this living death Ive had since I came home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no wall in Washington with the names of men like him. It still hurts deeply to know how our country treated men like him and so many others. They fought for their country. But for too many years, their country didnt fight for them. MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio (WJW) Several fire crews battled a fire at a Middlefield restaurant Sunday. The Burton Fire Department confirmed in a Sunday morning Facebook post that it was assisting the Middlefield Fire Department and other crews with a commercial structure fire involving a restaurant on West High St. Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis Creidt: Kim Masaitis The fire broke out at Kaballos Mexican Kitchen & Bar. Pictures from the scene showed smoke coming from the restaurant and fire damage to the roof and siding. The full extent of the damage isnt known yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigation underway after man was shot and killed during altercation at Akron bar Fox 8 News has a crew on the scene and we will update this story as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Russia's deadly Palm Sunday missile strike on the city of Sumy "crosses any line of decency," U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg said on April 13 in a post condemning the attack. Russia launched two ballistic missiles at Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy on the morning of April 13, killing at least 34 people and injuring at least 117. The attack came on Palm Sunday, as many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday in the leadup to Easter. "Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency," Kellogg wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are scores of civilian dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war." The attack comes amid Washington's attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While U.S. President Donald Trump originally tapped Kellogg to lead negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, the retired general has been relegated to a supporting role as Trump's Special Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, has emerged as a key figure in the talks. Witkoff met personally with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11, just two days before the attack. On the same day, Reuters reported that Witkoff and Kellogg were at odds in their approach to the peace process in Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, but Moscow has so far refused and has continued to launch attacks on Ukraine's civilian centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before the attack, President Donald Trump said that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine," but emphasized that a resolution must come soon. Kellogg's condemnation echoes the statements of many European leaders, who said the deliberate attack on civilians indicated that Russia was not ready for peace. While several leaders called for increased sanctions and pressure against Moscow, Kellogg's statement fell short of demanding any consequences for Russia's attack. Read also: A war crime European leaders react to Russias Palm Sunday attack on Sumy that killed dozens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The nations first-ever crypto czar got into a bitter spat with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers during an appearance on the All In podcast on Sunday. David Sacksthe red-pilled Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur whom President Donald Trump appointed to oversee White House policy on digital currencies and AIwas speaking about the historic loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China when Summers fired the first shots. The millions of Americans who lost their jobs in the heartlands because we let China into the [World Trade Organization], which is something that Larry supported, thats what started this whole thing," Sacks said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respectfully, youre talking nonsense, Summers shot back. What are you talking about, Larry? Sacks retorted. You were Treasury Secretary when we walked China into the WTO, and youre still defending it! Summers wasnt backing down, continuing to speak over Sacks before the Silicon Valley entrepreneur finally blew his top. Wait, wait, wait. Why am I the only one who gets to talk for two seconds before I get interrupted? Sacks railed. You guys get five-to-ten minute speeches! Is that the way this works? I get to speak for two seconds, then you interrupt me, [and] you speak for five or ten minutes! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given space to finish his thoughts, the crypto czar continued to use the former Treasury Secretarys support for Chinas WTO membership to lay the blame at his feet for the loss of millions of industrial jobs over the past 25 years. A libertarian and close associate of Elon Musk, Sacks has been widely recognized as one of the key figures spearheading Silicon Valleys ongoing charge to the political right under the new administration, despite his historic support for much-reviled Trump opponents like Hillary Clinton and Ron DeSantis. He was supposedly also instrumental in lobbying for Trump to pick tech-friendly fellow venture capitalist J.D. Vance as his running mate and has praised the president for moving at tech speed on regulatory issues near to his heart, such as ending the Joe Biden governments supposed war on crypto. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Dayton VA is hosting a blood drive on Monday. From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 14, a blood drive is scheduled to take place at the multipurpose room inside of VA Building 305, located at 4100 W Third St. in Dayton. Type O blood is considered a significant need, according to the Dayton VA. Save a life: Donate blood at local drives this April The drive is a part of the Armed Services Blood Program, which aims to support military medical readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees who donate blood will get a free t-shirt and snacks. To sign up, click here. If you have any questions, call 937-257-0580. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The stretch of sandy beach from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum to Edgewater Mall has historically been the focal point of Black Spring Break, a weekend-long event that has drawn large crowds to Biloxi. That could be changing, though. On Saturday, a small crowd of visitors still enjoyed the mid-70s weather and sunshine, dancing, chatting, taking photos and relaxing at the beach. But among Black Spring Break regulars there was a recurring comment: the crowd at that stretch of beach seemed lighter than previous years. Its dead this year, said Antoine Taylor who travels down to Biloxi from Brandon for the event annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor says his familys construction company owns a lot in the area behind Surf Style, which is across from the beach where spring breakers normally gather. In past years, Taylor says theyve allowed spring breakers to park on the lot for a donation. This year, though, he says, no one is parked on the land. Spring breakers walk along Biloxi Beach during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Law enforcement, dozens of whom could be seen patrolling among the beachgoers on Saturday afternoon, have noticed the change. So far, this is one of the lightest crowds that weve seen for this weekend, said Sgt. Candace Young, a public information officer with the Biloxi Police Department, as she stood outside Edgewater Mall on Saturday afternoon. According to Young, 177 total officers from different agencies are on duty for spring break. Law enforcement could be seen all along Highway 90 on Saturday, conducting traffic stops, patrolling and observing. Traffic was lighter than in previous years during the day, though it did begin to pick up by Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reported that there was a shooting in the early hours of Saturday at the Days Inn in Biloxi that left a man with life-threatening injuries. Two suspects were arrested, Keyronic Deshun Stewart, 40, and Saterius Virshon Cobb, 45. Both are from Jackson, Louisiana, and the suspects and victim are all believed to have come to the Mississippi Coast for Spring Break activities. Charges in the case were upgraded Monday when the victim died. Biloxi police officers patrol a stretch of Biloxi Beach during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. A changing landscape In past years, concerts at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and food vendors along the north side of that stretch of Highway 90 have drawn large crowds to both sides of the road. After a shooting outside Surf Style in 2023, Biloxi city leaders passed new ordinances requiring a new permitting system for special events. In 2024, Black Spring Break was denied a permit. This year, organizers did not apply for a permit. Without a permit, organizers cant bring in vendors or organize additional parking. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum did not have any concerts scheduled during Black Spring Break this year. Beachgoers dance and chat during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Visitors are free to visit the beach but there are no longer vendors or paid events, as there were in past years. Without a permit, parking is limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Young, beachgoers can park in the parking service lots off Highway 90 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but the service lot on that stretch of beach is closed off once the spots are all taken. A parking bay along Highway 90 full of cars during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. With no permit, Black Spring Break organizers seem to be focusing their attention away from the stretch of beach between the coliseum and mall. On Saturday, organizers posted on Facebook that there was parking and games at a stretch of beach near Shaggys and Sharkheads in Biloxi. Many of the events organizers have planned are in Gulfport, including an after party at 9 p.m. on Saturday at Elaines Place to Be, a Sunday brunch at that same location, and a car show at Gulfport Dragway at 1 p.m. on Sunday. More events can be found on organizers Facebook pages. Beachgoers pose for a photo during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Beachgoers film an interview blog during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Visitors take photos at Surf Style during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowds gather at Biloxi Beach during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Biloxi police say this year is the chillest Black Spring Break theyve seen. Beachgoers pose for a photo during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Spring breakers walk along Biloxi Beach during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Spring breakers along Biloxi Beach during Black Spring Break on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A New Market Town Council member is disputing the town attorneys opinion that a new measure creating term limits is not in effect because of how it was passed. Town Council Member Matthew Chance said only a judge or the Town Council can undo two amendments the council approved on March 13. Otherwise, they are on the books, Chance said. Town Attorney William Wantz and Mayor Winslow Burhans III both disagreed with Chances assessment, saying that because proper procedure was not followed in voting on the limits, they are not in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Town Council voted for the term limits in a March 13 meeting by a vote of 3-2. Chance and Town Council Members Michael Wright and Shane Rossman voted for the limits. Council Members Chris Weatherly and Dennis Kimble voted against them. Of all the current council members, only Wright is running for re-election. The limits would have instituted a maximum of four four-year terms for the mayor and six four-year terms for council members. This would have rendered Burhans ineligible for re-election in the towns election May 13. The timing of the term limits led Burhans to believe they were targeting him, as he is now running for his seventh term as mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes would have gone into effect May 2 11 days before the towns election on May 13. Wright said he did not introduce the term limits measure to get Burhans out of office, but rather to encourage more public participation. Hes not a victim here, Wright said during the meeting. Wantz gave the town his legal opinion in a March 20 letter that the term limits were defectively adopted because the Town Council did not follow state statute on charter changes when adopting the limits. The town is required to hold a public hearing on charter amendments before voting on them and give at least 21 days of public notice before doing so, according to state statute. It did not meet the 21-day requirement, Wantz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright said during the meeting he was dropping the term-limit charter changes following the town attorneys opinion. The towns Board of Supervisors of Elections, following Wantzs opinion, put Burhans name on the ballot for the upcoming election along with his opponent, Curt Walsh. Chance said the term limits were still set to take effect, however. We have it on the books now, whether its proper or not, he said. Chance said that neither the Board of Supervisors of Elections nor Wantz has the authority to declare the term limits null. [The election board doesnt] have the authority, and neither does Mr. Wantz, he said. I mean, there was a motion and they proceeded to vote and it was approved, so theres one party now that can undo it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wantz disagreed, saying the way the vote was handled automatically made it moot. I think it was appropriate to introduce the resolution, but state statute prohibits adoption of that resolution, Wantz said during the meeting. Because the Town Council never gave adequate public notice, the vote to adopt the term limits was improper, he said. Wright said during the meeting that the mayor should have stopped the Town Council from voting on the changes, as he is the towns executive. Winslow knows that that is not what can be done, but for some reason, went along with it any way, he said. Burhans said in an interview Friday that Wright was wrong. It is the councils prerogative to introduce and vote on legislation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burhans also read state statute during the meeting when the term limits were adopted, and said they were being adopted improperly. His duty, he said, would have been to follow state statute in giving public notice for a public hearing and put the proposed changes out into a newspaper of general circulation. Because the council did not follow the proper procedure, he could not do his part, he said. Its like leaving the wheels off a car, he said. You cant drive it. Chance also said it violated attorney-client privilege for the town clerk to post Wantzs legal opinion on the town website. Burhans said it was his decision to post the opinion on the website, and he said he cleared it with Wantz beforehand to make sure that was legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COUNCIL CANDIDATES The seven candidates running for New Market Town Council in the May 13 election are: * Wright * Kevin DeLany * Thomas Mills * Nicole Moravy * Michaela Mueller * Kristina Trunnell * Howard Wilson ELECTIONS BOARD The Town Council also voted 3-1 in favor of adding Dave Kramer to the Board of Supervisors of Elections, with Wright abstaining and Chance voting against. Chance cited a Facebook post Kramer made about the term limits being voted on as why he voted against him joining the election board. Kramer said he did not remember making such a Facebook post. As President Donald Trump drives the stock market down, and his approval rating along with it, by implementing massive tariffs on China and potentially the rest of the world, Democrats across the ideological spectrum have largely stuck to the same script: The tariffs are chaotic, damaging, unnecessary and ill-advised. But small deviations have revealed the latest phase over the partys seemingly never-ending ideological clash, as moderates have complained about Democratic politicians use of qualifiers when condemning tariffs, arguing it gives unnecessary credence to one of the Republican presidents most unpopular ideas. Those politicians have often, but not always, come for the partys progressive wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made a world historic, substantive and political mistake, and caveating your attack on him for this catastrophic error, it makes no sense, either substantively or politically, said Matt Bennett, the co-founder of the center-left Democratic group Third Way. Progressives, however, see a bigger issue at play, suspecting moderates are trying to enforce ideological purity and reverse influence the left gained over the partys economic agenda under former President Joe Biden. Bidens administration used tariffs more aggressively than his Democratic predecessors though at nothing close to the levels Trump is deploying them at. Progressives and unions have argued smartly-targeted tariffs can help protect critical industries like clean energy and prevent outsourcing. 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) via Associated Press The intra factional debates are all about who gets to be the ideas person for next time around, said a progressive strategist who requested anonymity to speak frankly about intra-party splits. And what wing of the party gets to beat up on the other wing. And I think thats what youre seeing from a resurgent middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett insists thats not his goal, saying the intra-party debate can wait. Weve got to focus on the ways that Donald Trump is intentionally taking steps that will hurt people, Bennett told HuffPost. We dont need to be having academic conversations about the pareto-optimized merits of various trade schemes. Its not clear all his fellow moderates agree. Progressives and unions remain fearful the partys centrists will take advantage of a moment where tariffs are as unpopular as theyve ever been to shift the party back towards a free trade regime they argue is unfair and helped create the partys trust deficit with working-class voters. The partys elected officials, for the most part, seem far less interested in the internal debate than its wonks, with most agreeing there was some place for tariffs even as they not-so-gleefully trashed Trumps proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres anyone who challenges the idea that tariffs are a tool in the tool kit, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a moderate who delivered the partys response to Trumps address to Congress earlier this year, told HuffPost. Its the absolute chaotic, on again, off again approach that is sloppy and is going to cost Michiganders money. The much more progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sounded a similar note in a floor speech where she introduced a resolution to overturn Trumps tariffs: We owe it to these communities to integrate tariffs with other economic tools to encourage domestic production and good jobs. But everyone knows that Trumps tariffs will not do that. They arent strategicthey are just plain dumb. But cracks in the coalition are still just below the surface. The clearest example of the fight came on Wednesday, the same day Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of his previously announced tariffs but instituted a sky-high 145% tariff on imports from China and kept a 10% global tariff in place. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) answers questions after speaking on the theme "Build, America, Build!" on April 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Win McNamee via Getty Images Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) delivered a speech Wednesday morning where she laid out her vision of an industrial policy to boost Americas shipbuilding and aviation industries in a way she thought would create both good manufacturing jobs and shore up the countrys defense-industrial base. Part of her plan involved tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not against tariffs outright, but it is a blunt tool, said Whitmer, who is seen as a contender for the presidency in 2028. You cant just pull out the tariff hammer to swing at every problem without a clearly defined end goal. She also repeatedly criticized Trumps tariffs in her speech and in an interview after, saying they would breed destruction, saying the big losers would be American manufacturing and the American consumer and predicting the tariffs would lead to job losses and higher costs. Gov. Jared Polis (D-Col.), another potential 2028 nominee and a long-time supporter of free trade, shot back at Whitmer on social media: The tariff hammer winds up hitting your own hand rather than the nail. Tariffs are bad outright because they lead to higher prices and destroy American manufacturing. Polis was part of an internet pile-on targeting Whitmer, with liberal and center-left pundits questioning her political wisdom. Whitmer allies, however, argued many of them were missing the point of Whitmers speech and later, a meeting she had with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Whitmer represents the people of Michigan, not liberals online, said a Democratic strategist close to Whitmer who requested anonymity because he wasnt speaking directly for the governor. Theres this expectation a lot of people seem to have that everybody in the Democratic Party needs to become a resistance hero. We need to make sure theres space for people to do the jobs they were elected to do. The tariff hammer winds up hitting your own hand rather than the nail. Tariffs are bad outright because they lead to higher prices and destroy American manufacturing. Trade is inherently good because both parties emerge better off from a consensual transaction. While sanctions https://t.co/ae1WpMbNbH Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) April 9, 2025 Polis, for his part, did not seem interested in starting a feud. Differences between Democratic governors on this issue are overblown, and one thing is definitely true: we all agree the actions of the president are reckless and, if unchecked by Republicans in Congress, is leading to a global and disastrous recession, Polis spokeswoman Ally Sullivan wrote in an email to HuffPost. For whats it worth, noting some tariffs can be useful is far from the worst message Democrats could be deploying, even if its not the ideal argument. A memo prepared by the Democratic pollster Blue Rose Research and obtained by HuffPost found arguments emphasizing responsible tariffs were in the middle of the pack in terms of messaging effectiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most effective arguments pointed out tariffs were a tax hike on the middle class, and tied them to broader trends in Trumps administration, including his threats to Social Security and Medicaid and proposed tax cuts for wealthier Americans. Less effective arguments focused too much on the stock market or on personally insulting Trump. (The two worst-testing arguments were comments put forward by two centrist figures: Never-Trump Republican David Frum and billionaire Democratic surrogate Mark Cuban.) Regardless of what Democrats are saying, the tariffs and the resulting increased risk of a recession and chaos in financial markets are taking a clear toll on Trumps approval rating, which has hit new lows this week, driven in particular by new lows in his handling of the economy. Clear majorities of the public oppose the tariffs in public surveys, and consumer confidence is dropping precipitously. [Trump] is underwater on the economy, he is underwater on trade, the progressive strategist said. Its not like a couple of Democrats going out and saying that they think tariffs are a good tool but Trump is not using them well is having much impact on that. There are also a handful of Democrats and aligned groups who are absent from the conversation entirely, or are even directly praising Trump. And those voices come from both of the partys ideological wings. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has been relatively subdued on the issue, as has moderate favorite Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, whose district could benefit from Trumps tariffs on Canadian lumber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And both Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), another moderate, and the United Auto Workers, led by the progressive Shawn Fain, have outright praised the tariffs, though Fain backed off some of his prior praise in a livestream on Thursday night. We support the use of some tariffs on automotive manufacturing and similar industries, Fain said. We do not support reckless tariffs on all countries at crazy rates. Progressive and moderate operatives alike viewed both mens support as both sincere and as a clear effort to appeal to Trump-supporting constituencies: Goldens district voted for Trump by a 7-point margin in 2024, and Fains union has a significant number of Trump supporters in its ranks. Democratic leadership, for their part, does seem to want the party to focus on the problem in front of them. In an interview with The New Republic earlier this week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the intra-party debate but said the discussion should wait until the country is able to debate policy in an enlightened way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not this moment. What we have is a president taking a wrecking ball, a sledgehammer, and a chainsaw to the economy and everything that matters, Jeffries told the magazine. And that, of course, is going to continue to require strong and principled opposition and righteous indignation. Thats advice Bennett is happy with. A campfire is good. A forest fire is bad, he said. Were not debating the merit of fire. DENVER (KDVR) Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred Saturday night, according to a post on X from the Denver Police Department. The incident occurred near West 6th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. One person was transported to a hospital with unknown injuries. Police said no suspect information has been developed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Warmer-than-average temperatures in Denver weather broke the record high for Saturday at 85 degrees. The record high temperature for April 12 in Denver was set at 85 degrees in 2023. The average temperature for this time of the year is 61 degrees. Denver weather: Possible record breaking heat Saturday On Saturday, a spokesperson for the National Weather Service told FOX31 that 86 degrees was recorded at the Denver International Airport, where official historic records are taken, around 2:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overnight temperatures are expected to drop about 40 degrees, with a low of 45. The warm weather is not expected to last for too long. A cool down is in the forecast beginning Sunday. That evening, rain showers could turn into a mix of wet snow, but not accumulation is expected. The high will be closer to normal but still above average at 67 degrees. Monday is chillier in the upper 50s before temperatures in the 70s return later this week, according to Pinpoint Weather, Colorados most accurate forecast. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Water test results of Woodcock Creek taken following the Feb. 9 fire and explosion at Parker Lord Corp.s Saegertown chemical plant are negative for potentially harmful chemicals, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said Friday. On Feb. 11, water samples were taken by DEP at three locations along Woodcock Creek on Feb. 11 to determine if any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) had migrated from the fire scene into the creek. VOCs are chemicals that both vaporize into air and dissolve in water and have been used extensively in the U.S. since the 1940s. They are common components or additives in many commercial and household products including gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum-based products, as well as carpets, paints, glues, spot removers and cleaners, adhesives, dyes, rubber products and plastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker Lords Saegertown facility makes chemical adhesives, coatings and specialty materials used by the automotive, aerospace, industrial, and oil and gas industries. Woodcock Creek flows near Parker Lord Corp.s plant and is a tributary of French Creek. Water samples were drawn from three creek sites south and east of Saegertown: near Route 86 southeast of Saegertown, off Route 198 near Blooming Valley, and off Hanks Road northeast of Guys Mills. Parker Lord is required by DEP to have a containment pond to hold both chemicals and firefighting water in the event of an event like the Feb. 9 fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pit did its job, Tom Decker, communications manager DEPs regional office in Meadville, said Friday. We had tested what was in the pit so we knew what was in there (before removal for disposal). There were no VOCs that moved through to the creek. They have a good process in place that kept things at bay. About 80,000 gallons of water used to fight the fire were contained in the facilitys on-site pollution incident prevention containment pond and temporary tanks. Heritage Environmental, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, handled the disposal of the containment pond water while 15 rolloff containers of solid waste were collected from the pit and went to Lakeview Landfill outside of Erie. An extensive review of documents involving the conduct of Wellpath, El Paso County's former jail health care provider, and jail staff revealed serious allegations of negligence resulting in death or serious injury in the jail over more than a decade during two different Wellpath contracts. There are nearly 20 unresolved lawsuits in the state of Colorado, including at least eight originating from El Paso County, that claim jail and Wellpath staff did not take inmates mental health seriously, leading to suicide attempts, that staff rushed medical screenings, and that deputies ignored inmates as they died among other allegations of neglect. Wellpath did not respond to multiple requests for comment. In a statement, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office noted that the jail had changed health care providers in January 2024, and that Sheriff Joe Roybal had made numerous improvements since taking office to enhance safety and well-being among inmates. Speaking of Wellpath, Andrew McNulty, a Denver-based attorney who represented the family of a young woman who committed suicide in the El Paso County jail in 2022, said, the way that these (for profit jail health care) companies operate is that they try to get as much money as possible and provide the least amount of care as possible. It's a whole system that's just designed to extract the most value and cause the most human suffering as possible. McNulty represented the family of Dezaree Archuleta, an 18-year-old who died by suicide in the jail. Archuletas death is perhaps the most prominent local case, prompting outcries at El Paso Board of County Commissioners meetings. While El Paso County settled her case with a $1 million payment, her family's case against Wellpath has been thrown into uncertainty, along with about 1,500 other cases nationally, because of the companys bankruptcy. On June 9, 2022, just hours after meeting with jail medical staff, Archuletta hanged herself in her cell. According to a lawsuit filed by Archuletas family, Wellpath medical and mental health staff ignored numerous complaints from Archuletta that she intended to commit suicide and numerous instances of self-harm during her 23-day stay in the jail. The complaint alleges that Archuleta made upward of 16 statements of self-harm while in jail, and at one point was found in her cell naked with approximately 30 deep, fresh, and dark red 2-inch cuts running down her right thigh and inner left thigh. Despite the clear signs of suicidal ideation, Archuleta was taken off suicide watch by staff members at the jail several times and was not put back on suicide watch at a meeting with Wellpath staff less than two hours before her suicide, where Archuleta again expressed her desire to self-harm. The vast majority of the problems related to her care were Wellpaths, McNulty said. Jamin Robertson death According to El Paso County internal affairs records into the actions of former El Paso County Sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Bonk, Jamin Robertson was found dead in his jail cell hours after returning from the hospital. The internal affairs report for Bonk details how Robertson smeared his own blood and feces in his jail cell hours before his death, but jail staff ignored his symptoms, despite his having just returned from the hospital. Hours after Robertson was first reported to have begun bleeding and defecating himself, he was found dead in his jail cell. According to Bonks internal affairs investigation, there were several checks done hastily by jail staff at 15-minute intervals, or just skipped entirely, during the hours when Robertson was dying in his cell. Robertson died of internal bleeding due to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. At the time of this report, theres no lawsuit filed against Wellpath or the county in Robertsons death, but Bonk resigned from the El Paso County Sheriffs Office before being terminated, according to the Colorado Peace Officer and Standards database. Maxwell Kirwan A lawsuit filed in El Paso County District Court alleges that Maxwell Kirwans status as a suicide risk was revoked days before he attempted suicide. The lawsuit alleges that Kirwan should have never been removed as a suicide risk because he had attempted suicide in the jail in 2014 and had a long documented history of suffering hallucinations due to schizophrenia. When Kirwan went through the intake process, a week before the attempt, he was labeled as a suicide risk, but the designation was later removed for unknown reasons. Two days before Kirwan attempted suicide for the second time in the El Paso County jail he got in an altercation with another inmate, in which the lawsuit claims he told CJC staff earnestly: I am basically Jesus reborn. The lawsuit states that this was a clear sign of Kirwans mental health deteriorating, and he should have immediately been removed from the general jail population. On Feb. 10, 2021, Kirwan was found by deputies in a pool of his own blood, suffered significant physical injuries, including, but not limited to permanent brain damage, brain bleeding, permanent hearing loss, skull and neck fractures, and a broken arm. Kirwan settled with Wellpath in 2023 for a confidential amount. The way that these (for-profit jail health care) companies operate is that they try to get as much money as possible and provide the least amount of care as possible. Savannah Poppell A lawsuit filed against Wellpath by the family of Savannah Poppell alleges the 24-year-old woman died a gruesome, painful, and entirely preventable death after being incarcerated at the El Paso County jail. Featured Local Savings The lawsuit alleges that Poppell died in her jail cell on Dec. 11, 2022, four days after being arrested, due to symptoms of substance withdrawal. The lawsuit states that Poppell desperately needed medical care as she went through withdrawal and that jail medical staff were aware she was going through withdrawal during intake but her medical needs were ignored, leading to her death. In essence, she vomited so violently and for such a long period that she tore her esophagus, causing her to bleed to death in her cell, the introduction to Poppells lawsuit states. El Paso County settled with Poppells family for $1.5 million in October. Wellpath has yet to pay any amount in settlement and the case has been put on hold due to Wellpath's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Alexandro Duran Alexandro Duran is a 31-year-old man who is paralyzed from the waist down, and in November 2021 he was arrested and placed in the El Paso County jail. He was released less than four months later on a medical furlough because of how poorly his condition was handled there. The lawsuit alleges that Duran needs a padded seat for his wheelchair and a thick mattress to avoid pressure sores on his body. These needs were ignored by jail medical staff, leading to the development of multiple pressure points on Durans body that later became infected. According to the lawsuit, the infections on Durans body became so severe he was housed in the jails medical unit in isolation for weeks, where his condition worsened. By the time Duran was medically furloughed, he had developed multiple, very deep, Stage 4 pressure sores reaching into his muscles and bones. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, states that Duran has been in and out of the hospital ever since his release from jail. This case has been stayed in its entirety until the resolution of Wellpath's Chapter 11 reorganization. Daniel Murray On July 4, 2022, Daniel Murray died in jail from untreated alcohol withdrawal, according to a lawsuit filed against Wellpath by his family in 2023. The lawsuit alleges that days after Murray was arrested, he began to suffer hallucinations and claimed to have seizures, but Murray was ignored and died. The lawsuit notes that the El Paso County jail should have been aware of Murrays condition, as records from his intake process showed he entered the jail with clear symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as tremors and sweating. Despite the signs, the lawsuit alleges Wellpath staff neglected to follow up with Murray to make sure the medication he was prescribed was working, and ignored him when his symptoms worsened and he began to hallucinate despite the medication. The Murray family settled with El Paso County last year for just over $1.8 million. Wellpath has yet to pay any amount in settlement and the case has been put on hold due to Wellpath's Chapter 11 reorganization. Marcus Ryines Marcus Ryines was jailed on June 16, 2021, and immediately upon admission began to express severe mental health issues, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. According to a lawsuit filed by Ryines, despite having a documented history of mental health problems, and even being found incompetent to proceed in his criminal case, his symptoms were described as medicine seeking and ignored. The disregard of Ryines' symptoms allegedly led to a suicide attempt after nine months in custody and after he made more than 60 complaints regarding his mental health. After his suicide attempt, Ryines' lawsuit alleges that he was not taken to the hospital, but rather left handcuffed to the floor of his jail cell, naked, for more than two hours. There's so much mental suffering that he endured, in addition to physical suffering. That was incredibly traumatic, said Helen Oh, Ryines attorney. This case has been stayed until resolution of Wellpath's Chapter 11 reorganization. Stuart McLaney In 2023, Stuart McLaney was arrested and spent over four months in the El Paso County jail. McLaney, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, alleges in a lawsuit filed earlier this year that during his four-month stay in the jail he was denied his TKI chemotherapy pill, despite informing jail medical staff numerous times that he needed it. The lawsuit alleges the inability to get his medication caused McLaney great physical pain and a significant relapse in his cancer. McLaney alleges in the lawsuit that at one point a sheriff's deputy acknowledged to him that he should receive his medicine but wasnt because there was an insurance problem. This case has been stayed until resolution of Wellpath's Chapter 11 reorganization. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) A 12 News reporter has confirmed that a crew is still at the scene of a fire in Clarksburg after it began overnight. The Harrison County 911 log shows that fire departments were alerted to the fire on North 3rd Street at 2:55 a.m. on Sunday. It states that the Clarksburg Fire Department arrived on the scene with a working fire in a commercial building, which turned out to be a house. (WBOY Image) Several animals rescued from house fire in Mon. County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 News spoke with a Clarksburg firefighter at the scene who said there were no injuries. A note on the house said that it was condemned. The Bridgeport Fire Department and West Virginia State Police Bridgeport detachment, long with the Clarksburg Police Department, Clarksburg City Administration and Harrison County EMS also responded to the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 ongoing legal and social media battle between the City of Detroit and Charles E. Brooks Jr. the owner of the unique eastside "castle" property may be coming to a close. On Saturday, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and a team of volunteers joined Brooks at his castle-like property on Lakewood Street to assist with cleanup efforts to avoid property seizure and a lawsuit brought on by the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Charles Brooks walks the compound he has lived at for more than 30 years at the corner of Chalmers Street and Waveney Street on the eastside of Detroit on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The blighted building in question is Brook's latest project an unoccupied house located at 4219 Chalmers Street behind Brooks' home on his nearly 1-acre property in the east side of the city. The Detroit Land Bank Authority filed a lawsuit against Brooks in March, citing code violations and concerns from neighbors regarding debris and blight near the Chalmers house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More unique architecture: Rare mid-century modern A-frame home in Bloomfield Township finds a buyer fast Cops guard castle: Detroit police guarding 'castle' complex whose owner sparred with city on social media Prop street signs at the compound of Charles Brooks on the eat side of Detroit on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Following the suit, Brooks and the city engaged in a social media spat, complete with Brooks calling the land bank "devilish" and the city's official social media account returning fire with perceived "diss track" social media posts. Earlier this past week, Detroit police began guarding the property after Brooks reported that he was receiving threats online and spotting trespassers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, it seems all is well at the castle, with DPD assisting in cleanup efforts Saturday that may bring the disagreement to a close. "Chief Todd Bettison was on the ground today with Mr. Charles E. Brooks, Jr., and a team of volunteers who rallied around Mr. Brooks to clean up his work-in-progress property on Chalmers behind his magnificent 'castle' on Lakewood," the City of Detroit said in a post on X. "Thanks to this great community effort, the city and Land Bank expect to bring this issue to closure in the next few days and dismiss the Land Banks legal action." Contact Liam Rappleye: LRappleye@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Castle owner assisted by Detroit police in property cleanup operations Reginald Reed Jr., known as Reggie, spent more than two decades wondering who killed his mother, Selonia Reed, when he was only 6 years old. Selonia, a bank teller, was 26 when her body was found in her car in Hammond, Louisiana. One of the last memories Reggie has of that day is his mother buying him a chocolate chip cookie at the Hammond Square Mall. He also remembers her kissing him goodbye but everything else is a blur. "48 Hours" and contributor Vladimir Duthiers investigate what happened in the decades that followed in "The Day My Mother Never Came Home." The episode is now streaming on Paramount+. Reginald It was a hot summer day in August 1987 when Selonia's body was found inside her blue Chevy Sprint in a parking area about one-and-a-half miles from the Reed home. Police said she had been bludgeoned, stabbed multiple times and stripped naked. It was clear, police said, that she was sexually assaulted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selonia's husband Reginald Reed Sr. had reported her missing an hour or so before her body was found. Reginald told police on the morning of Aug. 23, 1987, that Selonia told him she was going out with a girlfriend the night before. That girlfriend later told police the two had "no plans" to go out that night, but Reginald stuck to his story. As the investigation unfolded, police learned that Selonia had told relatives that Reginald was physically abusive and had talked about getting a divorce. He became an early suspect, but none of that suspicion reached the ears of Reggie, who was only a child. A still from videotape of Reggie, left, with his father Reginald Reed Sr., as the 6-year-old is interviewed by police following the murder of his mother Selonia Reed in 1987. / Credit: Louisiana State Police Reggie was questioned by police after they received permission from his father. The police videotaped Reggie's interview with a police detective while his father sat next to him. He vouched for his father's version of events, saying the two of them spent the evening playing video games and sleeping in the same sofa bed. In effect, Reggie became his father's alibi. Years later, Reggie viewed that interview and became emotional when he saw his 6-year-old self crying that he wanted his "mommy" and "daddy." "I just can't imagine what it's like as a 6-year-old to have to sit there," said Duthiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Looking at that, it's still hard to believe that that's me," said Reggie. "Watching that video just brings back so so many questions and and pain because I see me crying." Reggie wrote a memoir about his experiences titled, "The Day My Mother Never Came Home." Reggie had no idea that his father was the prime suspect in the case until 25 years later in 2012 when a Texas Ranger showed up at his home. By then, Reggie was 31, had graduated college and was working for a pharmaceutical company near San Antonio. "I was like, where's this coming from?" Reggie told "48 Hours." "I remember asking, is there any new evidence that was surfaced?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the next few years, the new lead investigator in the case, Lt. Barry Ward of the Louisiana State Police, was able to come up with new evidence. Eventually, it was enough that Reginald and an alleged accomplice were indicted for second-degree murder. The accomplice, a friend of Reginald named Jimmy Ray Barnes, agreed to testify against Reginald in exchange for a five-year prison sentence. In November 2022, Reginald Reed Sr. was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing Selonia Reed and was later sentenced to life in prison. Ward told Reggie that police believe Reginald likely murdered Selonia in their bedroom while Reggie slept. Detectives believe he then placed her body in her car and drove to the spot where it was found. Reginald's co-conspirator Jimmy Ray Barnes testified at trial that he met Reginald at the crime scene and saw Reginald in that car next to Selonia's body. To this day, Reggie continues to question his father's guilt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want justice, but I didn't think justice was gonna come at the price of my dad going to prison for life," Reggie told Duthiers who asked: "Do you believe that your father murdered your mother?" "I don't know another question do I think my dad had some involvement? Maybe. I don't know though. I don't know. So that's where I'm just, it's like a tug-of-war game." Reggie said he struggles to square what the state claims with the father he knew. Reggie appreciates that his father was loving to him, put him through private school and raised him to be the man he is today. "Just knowing the type of father he is," Reggie said. "I can't just turn a page and just look at my father as a complete monster." Idaho teen with autism dies after controversial police shooting Girls growing the game of hockey with pros cheering them on How Health and Human Safety Department cuts could affect your health Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, gave a passionate speech about diversity, equity and inclusion during the final night of the legislative session on the House floor on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in Charleston, W.Va. (Perry Bennett |West Virginia Legislative Photography) Through what Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, called dirty tricks in the last 30 minutes of the 2025 regular session, Republican lawmakers in the Senate passed a bill Saturday to ban nearly all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the state of West Virginia. The bill passed the House at 10:41 p.m. after nearly three hours of debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the bill advanced to the Senate, 13 amendments from Garcia appeared to be pending on the legislation. Then, confusion reigned. Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, made a motion to suspend legislative Joint Rule 3 a rule that governs how amendments to amendments and disagreements are handled between the two legislative chambers. That motion was adopted and the Senate then concurred with and passed the Houses version of the bill 31-2 without any consideration of Garcias amendments. After a short break and as several attorneys and the chambers parliamentarian gathered at Senate President Randy Smiths podium Tarr withdrew his initial motion to suspend legislative Joint Rule 3 due to a technical error. The vote would need to be done again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another member then moved the previous question to consider the Joint Rule 3 motion again and concur with and pass the Houses version of Senate Bill 474. Again, the Senate voted 31-2 approving the bill. As motion after confusing motion was considered, the microphones for both Garcia and Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell the lone no votes on the bill were muted while they attempted to call points of order on Tarrs motions as well as Smiths rulings. In an interview after the chaos, Smith, R-Preston, said he also didnt quite understand the legislative procedures that led to the passage of SB 474. His job, he said, is to preside over the body and the process, but other people tell him what is within the rules and not. This was a procedure Ive never seen in my 13 years in the House or the Senate, Smith said We have a parliamentarian who knows the rules very well, probably better than anybody in the Senate. Sen. Tarr knows the procedure very well As far as Im concerned, as the procedure and rules, everything was in order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it wasnt, Smith said, someone will need to challenge the laws legitimacy in court. But for now, it heads to Gov. Patrick Morriseys desk for approval. Garcia, in an interview after the Senate adjourned Sine Die for the session, said he believed there is a legal deficiency in the legislation. I have questions whether this bill actually did pass, Garcia said. [Republicans in the Senate] will take short cuts, break rules, whatever it takes to get their agenda passed. Senate Bill 474 bans the offering of specific services or opportunities to people based on their race, color, ethnicity, country of origin and, in some instances, sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill only applies to DEI policies and initiatives in state and local governments and schools, including institutions of higher education. Garcias attempt to hold up the bill came after his colleagues in the House mostly Democrats employed similar tactics. There, 27 amendments were filed by lawmakers. Just three of those were adopted. Those voted down included moves to include the Crown Act a policy banning discrimination based on hairstyles and textures in the bill, as well as adding nondiscrimination measures based on political beliefs and exempting parts of the bill from applying to veterans, among other measures. Democrats in the body gave fiery speeches against the overall bill, namely Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, who is one of just three Black lawmakers in the state Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton told her colleagues that DEI measures are not about giving people of color or other classes special treatment; theyre about ensuring everyone has equal ability to apply for and access the same opportunities. She shared her experiences dealing with system racism in West Virginia and, specifically, at the Legislature. Her points were echoed by her colleagues, Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Del. Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, who are also Black. Not recognizing the existence of racism or sexism, Hamilton said, will only hold West Virginia back. Diversity, equity and inclusion matters, Hamilton said. If we dont embrace these principles, we dont have a bone in the race of this Backyard Brawl. Well continue to lose every year I just pray that we can not only abolish this legislation, we can abolish the mentality and ideology that goes along with it, and the energy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 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? BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) After completing the beach cleanups earlier Saturday morning, dogs had the chance to search for treats in a truly unique Easter egg hunt. Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation hosted a dog beach Easter egg hunt at the Russell Fields City Pier. More than 50 dogs and their owners came to the beach. While on their leash, dogs searched for eggs filled with dog treats, squeaker balls, and dog toys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Art in the Park at Wild Heron: Local artists, food, and fun for kids However, the main prize is the five golden eggs. They hold tickets to gift baskets sponsored by Dog Training Elite, Paws and Paradise, Breeze Animal Hospital, Operation Spay Bay, and Bark, Baths, and Beyond. Event coordinators say the egg hunt brings together all dog lovers. Dog people are one in the same. They are very fun people. So it helps everybody come to the beach, have some Easter activities, and we very much enjoy it, PCB facility and Special event coordinator Kylie Savage-Coffey said. Panama City Parks and Recreation will host another event for dogs in October called Paws in the Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robert Keith Packer, a Virginia man in his late 50s, is among the more than 1,500 Jan. 6 criminals pardoned by President Donald J. Trump. Packers offense was not especially noteworthy: He pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and was sentenced to 75 days in jail. Opinion It was Packers attire that drew attention. On the day of the insurrection, he wore a Camp Auschwitz sweatshirt emblazoned with a human skull on the front and the word staff on the back. Underneath the sweatshirt he wore a T-shirt that said SS a reference to Adolf Hitlers elite death squad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, the white supremacism on display on Jan. 6 did not faze Donald Trump. On multiple occasions, he has referred to these criminals as hostages who were treated unfairly by the justice system. In his eyes, they are heroes. Packers behavior was antisemetic as it gets, yet Trump pardoned him. And now the same president is deporting students from college campuses that have been embroiled in pro-Palestinian protests. It simply doesnt add up. Trump: Charlottesville was a little peanut Trump has a history of overlooking antisemitism when it suits his purposes. Remember Matt Gaetz, Trumps first pick for attorney general? He invited a Holocaust denier to a State of the Union speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there was Trumps reaction to the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, march, where white supremacists shouted Jews will not replace us. As recently as last year, Trump referred to that hate incident as nothing compared to the pro-Palestinian protests that followed Israels attacks on Gaza. Charlottesville was a little peanut. ... The hate wasnt the kind of hate that you have here, he said. An ugly, very public display of antisemitism was nothing more than a little peanut. Yet when it comes to kicking students out of the country or threatening woke universities with the loss of millions of dollars in federal funding, Trump is all too willing to level accusations of antisemitism whether they are warranted or not. California students targeted More than 100 international students and former students studying in California have had their visas canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes 12 students from UC Davis and one current and two former students from Cal Poly. (Other campuses, including Sacramento State and Fresno State, were not giving out numbers.) To protect students privacy, campus officials are not releasing their names, which means there is no way to know why their visas were revoked. There are a number of reasons a student visa can be canceled: Dropping out of school or failing to take a full course load; being out of the country for an extended period; failing to file required paperwork; or committing a crime, no matter how minor. At UCLA, the Daily Bruin reported that all the students who lost their visas had been previously arrested for at least a criminal misdemeanor, ranging from simple arrests with no convictions to full-blown court cases, including speeding tickets, missed court appearances, reckless driving and marijuana possession before legalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, there have been reports that students were arrested after taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations opposing the war in Gaza, which the administration is equating with antisemitism making them a national security risk. What, exactly, is antisemitism? According to the State Department, the U.S. uses the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews, it begins, then goes on to cite examples like this one: Calling for, aiding or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion. Another is Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The definition does make an important distinction: Criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. The Trump administration has conveniently decided to overlook that. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Now the administration is going to extremes to find the lunatics by scouring social media accounts, and its getting help from groups that are using facial recognition technology to identify students who attended protests, ABC News reported. Goodbye free speech Case law clearly says noncitizens who are here legally have the right to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once an alien lawfully enters and resides in this country he becomes invested with the rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all people within our borders. Such rights include those protected by the First and Fifth Amendments and by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the court ruled in 1945. Yet the Trump administration is ignoring that as well. Take the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who played a prominent role in Columbia Universitys protests against Israel. He was arrested and threatened with deportation even though he has permanent residency in the U.S. for participating in antisemitic protests and disruptive activities. In a memo, Rubio conceded that Khalils activities would be otherwise lawful, but they nevertheless undermine U.S. policy to combat anti-Semitism around the world and in the United States, in addition to efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets think about that. If students were to protest offshore oil drilling, could they be deported for undermining the Trump administrations drill baby drill policy? What about advocating for transgender rights? Or against Teslas? No matter what our political beliefs, this should give us all pause. In this climate, our First Amendment rights are under threat. As abhorrent as it is for someone to wear a Camp Auschwitz sweatshirt, thats constitutionally protected speech. It would be far more abhorrent to sit back in silence and let a president take that away. So many of the events and policies of the past three months of Donald Trumps second presidency can be understood as downstream from one simple, Republican Party-wide organizing principle. That is, Trump aims to severely punish and brutalize his enemies, big and small, even if they didnt do anything illegal or wrong and he wants to wield the massive power of the state to do it, no matter how arbitrary or authoritarian his conduct. In the middle of last week, the president notched yet another significant escalation in his governments sprawling efforts to force this kind of American democratic backsliding. And due to the avalanche of other scandals, outrages, and international embarrassments perpetrated by his administration in recent days, that rather significant escalation was almost buried in the mainstream news cycle. It wasnt for Trumps lack of trying, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Olivia Troye was at her home working just like any other average weekday in Trumps (second) America. Troye, then a Republican aide, had worked on Trumps White House coronavirus task force during the hell days of the pandemic, but later went public during the 2020 presidential election to campaign against Trump and warn voters that his mismanagement of the Covid-19 crisis was utterly disqualifying. During the 2024 campaign, she endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, and continued to harshly criticize the fully Trumpist GOP. She tells Rolling Stone that on Wednesday, I was sitting at home working and suddenly my phone started blowing up, including from some former Trump administration officials. And someone messaged: Turn on Fox News, and I got a text from someone else saying, Oh, my God, Miles. When her husband walked in the room, Troye says he told her she looked pale as a ghost and he looked at the TV and could see why. She had reason to be worried. Its currently unknowable if the second Trump administration will retaliate in any meaningful way against Troye, but during his first presidency, his White House cared enough about her to make her a target of its Two Minutes Hate, during the 2020 election and height of Covid-19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troye had been watching Wednesdays live broadcast that the White House had convened for the media, with the president sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, during which Trump was handed new executive orders to sign. In two of these documents, Trump ordered senior government officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, to investigate Miles Taylor, a former Trump Homeland Security official who wrote the famous Trump-trashing Anonymous op-ed and book, and Chris Krebs, who had been a top cybersecurity official who infuriated Trump and other Republicans by refusing to co-sign the then-presidents democracy-subverting lies that he had won the 2020 race against Joe Biden. The Department of Justice is then required to report the results of these investigations to the Trump White House. In signing the orders on Wednesday, Trump told the cameras and the assembled press that I think hes guilty of treason, referring to Taylor and of course citing zero evidence for such an egregious statement. Before signing the Krebs order, the president falsely insisted that it had been proven that Krebs was wrong, thus wielding the powers of the executive branch to cement the lie (which got people killed on Jan. 6, 2021) that Trump had won the 2020 presidential contest into Republican Party ideology and current federal policy. The president also used the televised moment to endorse carrying out further crackdowns on expanded voting rights, and also claimed that the U.S. political press is not free, presumably because it is too mean to him. It is woefully unclear which may be the point what conceivable crimes these two men could have committed that would warrant publicly announced federal probes of them, specifically. It appears their primary offense was each pissing off Trump in the media by, particularly in Krebs case, stating demonstrably true things in the face of Trumps efforts to steal an election he had clearly lost. President Trump did not have to sign those executive orders on Wednesday. Trump who was formerly criminally charged due to his attempted coup and other matters and his White House staff could have privately directed the supposedly independent Justice Department to launch criminal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That still would be scandalous and represent a larger breakdown of the alleged independence of federal law enforcement in the United States. (To be fair, it is a breakdown that Trump explicitly promised the voters he would initiate, in a planned onslaught of political retribution, during his 2024 run.) But there is no reason that any executive order needed signing, much less a televised unveiling, for this to occur. Trump and his lieutenants saw things a little differently. Donald Trump needed to send a message, a White House official explains to Rolling Stone, adding that the public, executive-order-branded nature of it was in large part because Trump had said he wanted to deliver warning to others on his enemies list. Its true. He technically didnt need to sign an EO. Another Trump administration official adds that the presidents showmanship qualities practically necessitated, at least for this administration, a televised salvo of vengeance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In doing so, the president ordered the Justice Department which in his second administration has become little more than an incredibly powerful arm of his personal and political desires to crack down and invasively probe two of his far less powerful political foes. He and his White House didnt even bother with the patina of reasonable suspicion of any actual crime. They just blurt out terms like treason against the United States, which to President Trump can mean something as simple as: You hurt my feelings, therefore you must pay. In other, recent, and more normal times, such brazen actions by the White House shamelessly targeting, using vast federal resources, a pair of guys because they made the king mad would be considered a massive scandal. These orders would be widely denounced, across mainstream partisan lines, as a blatant abuse of presidential power, and as the actions of an autocratic despot in some other nation, somewhere else, but not here in the land of the free. But this is the new Trump era and he has the backing of an entire political party that holds trifecta control of the federal government in Washington, along with their super-majority on the U.S. Supreme Court. Krebs did not respond to Rolling Stones messages seeking comment. Taylor declined to comment, beyond what he had already posted to social media following Trumps signing of the EO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dissent isnt unlawful, Taylor posted online. It certainly isnt treasonous. America is headed down a dark path. Never has a man so inelegantly proved another mans point. The grim reality of Trumps two for-show executive orders is that even if criminal prosecutions and imprisonment dont ultimately transpire, the damage has already been inflicted. It works! Several people [I know] were saying they were worried about speaking out against Trump now even more so than they were before, Troye says. This is the stuff of a banana republic, where the government is directing investigations of outspoken critics. Its about silencing people Its really scary when you say youre going to use every lever of power of executive authority to target individuals. That is what happens in failed democracies. I wish more people would understand this, because I dont think they do. Its not about whether you agree with Miles Taylor or his politics, or if you disagree with what Chris Krebs did when he was doing his job. This is about everything we stand for as a democracy. She concludes: If you dont think it can happen to you, I hope people now realize that it can. 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. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) Detectives are investigating a double homicide after two women were found dead in their home Saturday, police say. Officers responded to a reported homicide on 108th St. North on Saturday morning and arrived at the home to find the two victims, 34-year-old Christina Donzero and 75-year-old Betti Suzanne Thevenet Donzero, with multiple stab wounds. Both women were pronounced dead on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the suspect, 41-year-old Kirk Hysell Jr., barricaded himself in the bathroom of the home. Hysell was suffering from multiple self-inflicted injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he remains until he is transferred to the Pinellas County Jail. According to detectives, Hysell told his daughter that he had killed his girlfriend and her mother, and she then called 911. Detectives say Hysell admitted to the murders and said he initially planned to kill the whole family, and that he would do it again if he were released. Hysell has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-workers of Christina Donzero said they were in shock Monday after learning about the tragedy. Marleys House sends its deepest condolences to the family of Christina. We are so, so very sorry for your loss. Christina had a very kind disposition, she was always happy. She was a pleasure to work with, her coworkers were shocked and saddened by this devastating news. She was due for work yesterday morning, and to our surprise, did not make it, and her phone seemed to be off. We learned of the tragedy today, as news approached us this a.m. to ask questions. Her children and family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We can only hope justice will be served for Christina, the owners of Marleys House Smoke Shop said in a statement. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact CASAs Office & 24-hour hotline at 727-895-4912. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the Thornton Democrat who lost her bid for a second term last year in one of the closest congressional races in the country, announced on Tuesday that she wants a rematch with Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado's 8th Congressional District. Credit: Anadolu Agency via Reuters A double Israeli missile strike struck the only fully functioning hospital in Gaza City as the IDF expanded the war across the enclave. The Israeli military on Sunday said it targeted a command and control complex inside the hospital allegedly used by Hamas. It said: The complex was used by terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against IDF forces and citizens of the State of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Gazas Hamas-run civil defence agency, the strike came minutes after the Israeli armys warning to evacuate and led to the destruction of the surgery building and the oxygen generation station for the intensive care units. The IDF said it called the hospital to give advanced warning of the strike and used precision weapons, and aerial surveillance. Hamas confirmed that hospital officials received a call and evacuated patients, who were seen being pushed down the streets on beds and in wheelchairs. Credit: @instagram/@eye.on.palestine The Israeli military accused Hamas of systematically violating international law by using civilian facilities as human shields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Israel announced on Saturday that it had completed construction of a security corridor separating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. The Israeli military also said it plans to expand operations across most of the territory, further limiting areas where Palestinians can seek refuge. Israel Katz, the defence minister, told residents: Soon, IDF operations will intensify and expand to other areas throughout most of Gaza, and you will need to evacuate the combat zones. He said the Israeli military has completed its takeover of the Morag axis, a corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area has now become part of an Israeli security zone, according to Mr Katz. He added: In northern Gaza as well in Beit Hanoun and other neighbourhoods residents are evacuating, the area is being taken over and the security zone is being expanded, including in the Netzarim corridor. People look through the rubble of the hospital - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP Israeli forces also ordered evacuations in Khan Yunis and surrounding areas after intercepting three rockets fired from southern Gaza. The Israeli military said: IDF troops are operating with significant force in the area, and will strike with intensity on any location from which rockets are launched. Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, said the ongoing assault is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing the 58 remaining hostages in Gaza.. Defenceless civilians Hamas said the offensive not only kills defenceless civilians but also makes the fate of the occupations prisoners [hostages] uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator, met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Saturday. A Hamas official said they hope for real progress towards reaching an agreement to end the war. According to the official, Hamas has not yet received any new ceasefire proposals, despite Israeli media reports suggesting that Israel and Egypt had exchanged draft documents outlining a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement. However, contacts and discussions with mediators are ongoing, the official said, accusing Israel of continuing its aggression in Gaza. Israeli media reported that Egypts proposal includes releasing eight living hostages and eight bodies in exchange for a 40-70 day truce and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump, the US president, said during a cabinet meeting this week that were getting close to getting them [the hostages] back. Serious deal taking shape Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, said a very serious deal is taking shape, its a matter of days. Mr Katz called on Palestinians to remove Hamas and release all the hostages, saying this is the only way to end the war. He added that those interested could voluntarily move to various countries around the world, in accordance with the vision of the US president. The United Nations warned on Friday that expanding Israeli evacuation orders were forcing Palestinians into increasingly confined areas, raising real concern as to the future viability of Palestinians as a group in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the March 18 collapse of a previous ceasefire, more than 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. 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. GOMA, Congo (AP) At least 50 people were killed in weekend attacks in Congos conflict-battered east, authorities said Saturday. The government traded blame with Rwanda-backed rebels over who was responsible for the violence that quickly escalated the conflict in the region. The renewed violence that residents reported in and around the regions largest city of Goma which the M23 rebels control was the biggest threat yet to ongoing peace efforts by both the Gulf Arab state of Qatar and African nations in the conflict that has raised fears of regional warfare. Goma resident Amboma Safari recounted how his family of four spent the night under their bed as they heard gunfire and bomb blasts through Friday night. We saw corpses of soldiers, but we dont know which group they are from, Safari said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the second city of Bukavu, which the M23 also controls, dozens of the armed Wazalendo local militia members who fight alongside Congolese forces marched for a few hours towards the local airport as they appeared to stage a challenge against the rebels. The group, which later retreated, declared a ceasefire on Sunday to give ongoing peace talks a chance. The decades-long conflict between Congo and the M23 rebels escalated in January, when the rebels made an unprecedented advance and seized the strategic eastern Congolese city of Goma, followed by the town of Bukavu in February. The latest fighting has killed some 3,000 people and worsened what was already one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with around 7 million people displaced. In a statement, Congos Ministry of Interior said 52 people were killed between Friday and Saturday, including a person shot dead at Gomas Kyeshero Hospital. The ministry blamed the attack on M23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka blamed Congolese forces and their allies for the attacks. Kanyuka said in a statement that Congo's joint operations with local militias and southern African troops directly threaten the stability and security of civilians in the region. The group said it has been compelled to reconsider its position to prioritize the security of the people in the area, suggesting the crisis could worsen. Christian Kalamo, a civil society leader in the North Kivu province that includes Goma, said at least one body was seen on the streets on Saturday. It is difficult to know if it is the Wazalendo, the FARDC (Congolese forces) or the M23" that carried out the attacks, Kalamo said. Now, we dont know what will happen, and we live with fear in our stomachs, thinking that the war will resume. Kamale reported from Kinshasa, Congo. Associated Press journalist Janvier Barhahiga in Bukavu, Congo contributed. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning to celebrate the construction of the new farmers market space coming to Logansport. Its a project that has been thought about for 15 years, beginning with Logans Landing and going back to Mayor Mike Finchers administration. Architects were hired to develop a plan and those plans included a permanent structure for the farmers market, Deanna Crispen, CEO and president of the Cass County Community Foundation, told the assembled audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She kept the artist renderings of that farmers market space as a reminder of a dream. Here we stand today, finally ready to break ground on a spectacular facility that will define Logansports downtown for many years, she said. For the past year Crispen had been working with members of the farmers market and community members to prepare a grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment in hopes of finally making that dream a reality. The news that the community foundation had been awarded the grant came last December. Four months later, the project was finally approaching reality. Crispen called the leadup to Friday mornings groundbreaking an emotional couple of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has to be one of my proudest moments in my 20 years (with the CCCF), she said. To think that we are actually doing it. We are ready to break ground; we are ready to build it, she said. Thats incredible. Its a testament to what can happen when a lot of good people decide they want to do something good for the community. We had so many partners who worked so hard on this. Crispen recalled working on the grant proposal with Vicki Byrd a year ago and said they agonized over every word, wanting to make sure that the Lilly Endowment saw what they were envisioning. I was so grateful we got the funding for the community, she said. Its a project that will bring people together and in times like we have been living in, anything that does that is a positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Chris Martin called the day huge as he addressed the audience at the farmers market lot, located at the corner of 4th and Market. When plans start, even though they may have started two or three administrations ago, we can still get things done, he said. And the reason why is because we avoid the politics. We avoid the arrogance and things like that and this is what we get. We get people working together in our community. Emily Klabunde, representing the farmers market, said she felt privileged working with the community foundation over the past year to help bring the new project to life. Its been a such a rich experience being able to personally know more of the community and leaders in downtown Logansport, she said. And to visit other farmers markets in Indiana and Michigan during the grant application process gaining valuable insight into how to strengthen this rich asset while also making it more appealing to the community. I now have a new appreciation for what a treasure our market is and that it is one of the rare farmers market in which 100 percent of our products are made by the vendors themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I look around todayas we look aroundwhat you see is community, said Matt Lewellen, president of Steinberger Construction. Thats what this project is about. Steinberger is so blessed to be involved in so many projects in this region and most of them involve manufacturing and industry that brings great jobs into our community. This project is different for us. We wanted to be part of this project so bad that I actually reached out to Deanna and she already had us in mindthank Godfor us being involved. This is something that brings together people. It brings together community. We look at all the diversity we have around our own community, (the new farmers marker will be) a place to bring them all together. Lewellen explained that Logansport is in a healthy food desertmeaning the community does not have a lot of opportunities for obtaining healthy foodsand said that the market would provide a place for others to get healthy food. Lewellen added that the project would use as many local contractors as possible. Its good to see this come to fruition for them, said Bill Cuppy, president of the Logansport/ Cass County Chamber of Commerce and the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization Its needed for the community. Its a draw. Its great for downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an economic impact, he added. It will draw people. They will stay here for other things. Its great for Logansport. Crispen said that she expected actual work on the farmers market to begin at the end of April with the pavilion being completed by the end of September. The kitchen is anticipated being finished in January 2026. Crispen hoped to have identified someone to run the kitchen within the next few weeks so that the kitchen will be ready for use when construction is completed. Im really excited about (the kitchen) and what that is going to offer, she said. Not just us but communities around us. There is not a facility like this within 92 hundred miles. I think it will be an economic machine and I think it will give a lot of our entrepreneurs interested in the food business an opportunity to fulfill that dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groundbreaking ceremony began with a prayer from Father Clark Miller of Trinity Episcopal Church. This summer, the farmers market will be located at the northwest corner of Fourth and Market streets while construction on the pavilion is underway. The market opens for the summer at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. NASCAR enthusiast and Miami hedge-fund founder Andrew Franzone goes on trial in Manhattan on Monday. Federal prosecutors say he went from stock cars to stock fraud. Prosecutors say his victims include champion NASCAR racer Mike "The Gunslinger" Skinner. A federal judge in Manhattan is about to wave the green starting flag on a fraud trial mixing NASCAR, a former hedge funder, and a Nvidia-backed tech stock that proved to be a come-from-behind winner. Jury selection is scheduled for Monday in the trial, in which racing superfan and car collector Andrew Franzone, 48, will fight securities and wire fraud charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors say Franzone tricked more than 100 victims including fellow drivers and racing fans into investing a total of $40 million in his Miami hedge fund. NASCAR is central to the case. Prosecutors say Franzone found his victims and spent his money at its speedways and vintage car shows. "Franzone committed his crime by exploiting the networks and connections in the NASCAR community," from coast to coast and in England, prosecutors wrote last month. Prosecutors say Franzone's victims include racing legend and 1995 NASCAR truck series champion Mike "The Gunslinger" Skinner. And they say Franzone used the fund to finance a flashy, high-octane racing lifestyle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, Franzone illegally spent $565,000 in fund assets to purchase an airplane hangar just outside Daytona Beach, prosecutors say. The hangar housed Franzone's prized vintage race car collection, including Skinner's series-winning Chevy truck and the Ford Galaxie that Fred "Golden Boy" Lorenzen drove to victory in the 1965 Daytona 500, according to a 2016 profile in the Wall Street Journal. "It was the coolest sound I'd ever heard," Franzone told the Journal, describing being in his 20s and hearing the engine roar of "an old 1960s big block stock car" for the first time. Prosecutors say the hangar was also home to Franzone's racing team, ATF & Gunslinger. Skinner was a celebrity driver for the team. So was five-time pro-wrestling world champion Bill Goldberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATF & Gunslinger proved a success, winning races in the US and UK. In 2017, Hard Rock International, the global cafe and hotel chain, signed on as a sponsor. Then, in 2019, investors became jittery, questioning Franzone's alleged lies about his fund's liquidity and performance, and in the words of prosecutors his "house of cards" collapsed. From stock cars to stock fraud Now a criminal defendant who used the New York City subway to travel to his most recent court date Franzone has fought, without luck, to keep any reference to NASCAR and race cars out of his trial. At Franzone's last day in court, on April 7, defense attorney Joseph R. Corozzo argued that references to his client's spending on his racing hobby would be "unduly prejudicial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be like telling jurors, "His spending is on race cars, so you should be offended," Corozzo argued. In a ruling Thursday, US District Judge Vernon Broderick disagreed. The judge wrote that evidence of Franzone's spending and lifestyle "is probative of his motive to commit the fraud," and therefore fair game for jurors to hear about. A "romantic partner" and luxury vehicles Franzone was so obsessed with maintaining his NASCAR lifestyle that even after his fund went bankrupt in 2019, he pocketed a $200,000 investment from one of his closest racing buddies, prosecutors allege. He immediately spent $50,000 of the money on "luxury vehicles," prosecutors say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another $15,000 was allegedly diverted to "a romantic partner" a Manhattan woman who, according to court filings, was "purportedly engaged in the business of delivering luxury pet gift baskets." Franzone wired the now-former girlfriend $289,000 in fund assets between 2017 and 2019, prosecutors say. It wasn't until nearly two years later, in 2021, that he was arrested at a palm-tree-shaded beachfront Westin in Fort Lauderdale, where he'd been living for the previous year. His mother would end up paying his overdue $2,270 hotel bill, using his father's credit card, according to court documents. Soon after his arrest, the hedge fund which Franzone had been fighting for two years to keep afloat amid investor mutinees, bankruptcy proceedings, an SEC investigation, and a sea of litigation was liquidated without Franzone's approval by the bankruptcy trustee. A twist in the track There's a twist in the track of this story, though, involving the NASCAR-worthy comeback of one of Franzone's investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just why Franzone's "FF Fund" filed for bankruptcy in 2019 remains in dispute. Prosecutors say it was because Franzone realized he couldn't pay back his investors the vast majority of his fund's assets were risky, failing, or "illiquid" investments that could not quickly converted into cash. The defense says Franzone had hoped bankruptcy would protect the still-viable fund from a litigious former investor who was trying to dissolve it entirely. Either way, a little over a year ago, the bankruptcy trustee liquidated sold off one of its investments and hit the jackpot. Franzone had purchased 250,000 shares of a Nvidia-backed cloud computing company called CoreWeave for $250,000 shortly before the 2019 bankruptcy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shares liquidated by the trustee two years later sold for over $55 million. "The investors will get more than their investments back," Franzone's Miami bankruptcy attorney told the judge in that case last year. "The fund seems not to be insolvent. To the contrary, it's done amazing because of the investment that was made in the company CoreWeave." In Franzone's defense, his lawyers argue that investors were warned in writing that any investment comes with risk. They were also told the fund would use any investment techniques Franzone felt were appropriate. And in the case of CoreWeave, all of the investors who stuck with the fund instead of writing their investment off on their taxes as a capital loss have made money. That includes Franzone and his own parents and brother, who remain investors, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors countered in a filing last month that it matters not a whit if CoreWeave did well. "Whether those investors ultimately recouped their losses years later, and only after FF Fund filed for bankruptcy, does not alter the fact that Franzone lied to them, deceived them, and misused their funds as part of his scheme," prosecutors wrote the judge. Franzone had hoped to argue that the success of his investment in CoreWeave proves that he never intended to defraud anyone and that investors will ultimately recoup any losses. On Thursday, the judge sided with prosecutors and barred the defense from making this argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for Franzone and a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office did not respond to requests for comment left Friday afternoon. The trial is expected to last three weeks. If convicted, Franzone faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Read the original article on Business Insider (KRON) The San Jose Police Departments Metro Unit seized more than 60 pounds of meth, heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs during a recent drug bust, Assistant Police Chief Brian Shab shared on social media Friday. More than 60 pounds of meth, heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs, along with illegal guns and diamond-encrusted jewelry were seized during a recent drug bust, San Jose Police say. (SJPD Assistant Police Chief Brian Shab) Guns allegedly made with 3D printer, drugs seized during Santa Rosa arrest SJPD officers also seized $50,000 in cash, multiple illegal guns and diamond-encrusted Rolexes. Metro Team 2 just delivered a major blow to drug trafficking in our city, Shab wrote on social media. This is what relentless police work looks like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New images released in deadly Thanksgiving Eve Piedmont Cybertruck crash Three suspects were arrested during the bust. SJPD told KRON4 that no additional information is available at this time as 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 KRON4. Apr. 13At the age of 21, Jaden Brown found himself in the home office of a lawyer he didn't know, with a legal assistant pressuring him to pay $10,000 to ensure his DWI case was thrown out. "You can pretend this never happened," Brown recalled the assistant, Ricardo "Rick" Mendez, telling him back in April 2022. It was days after Albuquerque Police Department DWI officer Joshua Montano arrested him and told him a lawyer would contact him. So when Mendez called, Brown showed up but quickly became suspicious. And then Mendez pulled out Brown's driver's license, which had been seized by Montano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was really weirded out then," Brown told the Journal in a recent phone interview. "It (the license) should have been in police custody, not with some random lawyer I hadn't even hired. I thought, 'This is some real-life Breaking Bad stuff.'" Then Clear walked into the room holding a bag of psilocybin mushrooms that Brown said he had in his car when he was arrested. The mushrooms were never listed as seized in the police complaint, nor was he charged with drug possession. Brown said Clear, a prominent attorney, held out the bag of drugs and told him he "could still be charged" for them. Brown was one of the first, if not the first, DWI suspects to make a formal complaint about Clear and Mendez to authorities. And he may have been among the first to complain that his property was seized by law enforcement as an inducement to hire Clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clear, Mendez and Montano have since pleaded guilty to federal racketeering, bribery and extortion in relation to the scheme. Clear has admitted to federal authorities that the racketeering enterprise went undetected for nearly 30 years as DWI officers from the APD, New Mexico State Police and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office were paid to withhold evidence or miss pretrial interviews and court hearings to ensure their own DWI cases were dismissed. APD Chief Harold Medina said the investigation has shown that, in recent years, a suspect's property, including driver's licenses and jewelry, were improperly confiscated from DWI suspects as part of the scheme to steer clients to Mendez and Clear. During the 2022 meeting, Brown said Mendez told him he'd get his license back after he paid the$10,000 and his DWI charge was dismissed. But Brown's father was waiting outside in the car, so he left and never went back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown hired another attorney to defend him on the DWI charge. After hearing what happened in Clear's office, the defense attorney put him in touch with Albuquerque lawyer Daymon Ely, who referred Brown's complaint to the FBI. "I did something wrong, but two wrongs don't make a right," Brown said. "I thought what those guys were doing was sketchy and illegal." Brown said he didn't hear from the FBI for another 17 months. "We kind of just let it go," he said. "It didn't seem like they were going to take an interest." Brown said he wasn't aware the FBI gave the tip to APD Internal Affairs to look into, or that the complaint went uninvestigated once there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI called in September 2023, asking for an interview and an affidavit. It wasn't clear what had triggered the interest in the case after so long, Brown said. Brown eventually pleaded guilty to the April 2022 DWI offense and said he ended up losing his chance to work as an intern for Sandia National Laboratories. He received a deferred sentence for going to a DWI first offender program but estimates that he spent more than $14,000 before the ordeal was over. He said he wonders about those DWI suspects who did pay Clear the $10,000 and had their charges dismissed. If guilty, he said, did they drink and drive again with impunity? "I was in no way, shape, or form trying to get out of justice for what I did, which was wrong," Brown said. "At the end of the day, I paid the consequences for making a bad decision." Brown added that he no longer drinks alcohol and has landed a job with a tech firm in Colorado. As for the driver's license he last saw in Clear's office, Brown said he never did get it back. BULLARD, Texas (KETK) A senior at Bullard High School has been accepted into both the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Tyler ISD appoints new director of athletics Caire Fath, a Bullard ISD senior, has been accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. According to Bullard ISD, Claire Fath has chosen to attend the Air Force Academy to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. I am so excited. I have three older cousins who graduated from the Air Force Academy, and Ive wanted to attend ever since watching them go through it and seeing the experiences they had while there and in their careers after graduation. Claire Fath Fath is currently Bullard High Schools 2025 class salutatorian and holds numerous leadership positions in clubs and organizations at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fath securing an appointment to a U.S. military service academy was an extraordinary honor that required a U.S. Senator or Representative to nominate her. Fath received her nomination from Congressman Nathaniel Moran. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Colorado Springs police on Saturday arrested a man suspected of stealing from a hospital, according to an online blotter entry. Michael Marshall, 33, faces felony and misdemeanor charges, officials said. At about 10:40 p.m. Saturday, an officer from the Sand Creek division was transporting a prisoner to a hospital for a medical evaluation when staff members flagged him down, police said. The employees told the officer that a man had just stolen a laptop computer from the hospital. When the officer found the suspect, he gave numerous commands to stop, according to the blotter entry. The suspect, later identified as Marshall, turned around and threw the laptop at the officer, who then used a Taser to subdue Marshall. Police determined that Marshall got into the hospital by following a paramedic through a secure entrance. Ive been under the impression that nice, normal people decided a long time ago that we just dont call people the R-word. The richest man on Earth, whos currently taking a chainsaw to the federal government, obviously sees things differently. Depending on where you get your news, you might not realize that South African multibillionaire Elon Musk flings that vile slur at his enemies all the time. This past week, he used it repeatedly in his very public spat over tariffs with U.S. trade and manufacturing czar Peter Navarro. Musk hurled variations on the insult at Navarro, calling him Peter Re***do, and tagging the account Re***d Finder in X posts about him. Thats right the man Trump has entrusted with slashing and burning federal programs with the new Department of Government Efficiency tosses around one of most childish and hurtful insults in the English language. I envy those of you who dont waste your time on social media, and especially on his X network, because you likely dont know about his constant juvenile, bullying and extremely vulgar behavior there. Adding insult to injury This man whos supposedly running at least four major companies, in addition to his government-busting work, makes hundreds of posts a week on X, while also often appearing on TV and streaming himself playing video games. (Who knows how much hell do that in the future, though, after he rage-quit a Path of Exile 2 livestream last weekend after other players bombarded him with insults of their own? And yes, Musk called them the R-word as he signed off in a huff.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has directed the nasty name at American astronaut Scott Kelly (also calling his brother, Sen. Mike Kelly of Arizona, a traitor.) Hes used it with plenty of others, including U.K. Parliament member Graham Stuart and left-wing commentator Keith Olbermann. His mom, model Maye Musk, gets in on the act, too, lustily tagging posts with figures such as Sens. Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker with the epithet. Do you suppose her bosses at IMG Models and the execs who signed her Covergirl Makeup contract are aware of that? Do they approve? Normally, Id say its best to ignore this kind of adolescent behavior, but given the keys of power President Donald Trump has handed over to Musk, its absolutely relevant to every American. Schmitts early Missouri politics career I know its fashionable in some circles to celebrate the new administrations full-on assault on diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of our society. But I wonder what Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt is really thinking about Musks specific derision of our developmentally disabled family members, friends and neighbors, who should certainly be prime beneficiaries of DEI initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because hes still the same Eric Schmitt who began his political life back here in Missouri advocating for people with special needs those like his own son, who has epilepsy, is on the autism spectrum and is nonverbal. Schmitt has long maintained that his son was his inspiration to run for office, and his work both years ago in Missouri and during his time in the U.S. Senate proves hes committed to the cause. Yet a few weeks ago, he posted a picture of himself smiling as he posed with Musk and the rest of the new Senate DOGE Caucus. Theres not much else to say. But I cant help but continue to be whiplashed by the party thats loudly declared itself the bastion of family values since I was a teenager openly embracing not just an admitted (and jury-adjudicated) sexual abuser as president, but now a right-hand man whose puerile public behavior includes ridiculing some of the most vulnerable among us. But I suppose an early touchstone of Trumps political career was mimicking the physical disabilities of a reporter he didnt like on the campaign trail, and that didnt derail him. So heres where we are in GOP politics, 2025 edition. Im not Eric Schmitt, and I dont have kids. But I cant imagine proudly posting a photo of myself, grinning, next to a man who cruelly and unashamedly insults fellow Americans who are just like my own family. WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation canceled an Endangered Child Alert for a missing 2-year-old boy after he was found safe and his non-custodial parent was placed under arrest. The alert was issued on behalf of the McMinnville Police Department for 2-year-old Billy McKinley Jr. on Saturday, April 12. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts According to the TBI, the boy was last seen with his non-custodial parent, Billy McKinley, in the Falcon Drive area of McMinnville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the 54-year-old man was wanted for especially aggravated kidnapping and custodial interference. Billy McKinley Jr. (Courtesy: TBI) Billy McKinley (Courtesy: TBI) Shortly before 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, the TBI announced the child had been found safe and the parent was taken into custody. No additional details have been released about this alert. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Sweet smells and cultural music filled the rooms at the Sikh Temple on West 8th Street in celebration of the religions 326th Vaisakhi. The Sikh holiday dates back to the religions foundation in 1699, and the holidays traditions are still celebrated to this day. It has both spiritual and cultural significance. The reason why we are celebrating is that it is a birth anniversary for Khalsa, started by Guru Gobind Signh in 1699, and it gave us the principles of Sikhism as well as the Sikh identity, said Jay Kang, volunteer at Eries Sikh Temple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kang said some of those Sikh principles are a commitment to courage, equality and justice. Local fire department recalls responding to emergency during fish fry But Vaisakhi isnt just exclusively for the Sikh community to celebrate, and he said the Sikh community believes in equality without barriers to gender or race. I think the sikh community just wants to make sure that we are warmly inviting the entire erie community to come and celebrate with us, share our values, and be a help in terms of building bridges of understanding, said Kang. Upon entering the Sikh Temple, you have to take your shoes off and put headwear on, which is meant to show a sign of respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the special day, the temple served desserts and samosas, as well as played music. The event was so lively, some local politicians came out to make an appearance. Spring Craft & Gift Festival takes place at Bayfront Convention Center This is just an incredible experience. I come here every year; its a very moving experience, and Im always lifted up to a higher level every time i participate in one of these services, said Erie Mayor Joe Schember. I think diversity is one of Eries greatest strengths. I really absolutely believe that. Mayor Schember was joined by some other local politicians for the service on Sunday, including a representative from PA Governor Shapiros office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The representative went on to declare April 2025 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month on behalf of the governor to recognize the hundreds of thousands of Sikh-Americans living in the US. Eries Sikh community will celebrate its next big event in November in honor of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Estonias top leadership the president, prime minister and foreign minister has responded to the Russian missile strike on Sumy on 13 April, which claimed the lives of 32 people. Source: Alar Karis, Kristen Michal and Margus Tsahkna on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: President Alar Karis called the Russian strike brutal and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. "We stand firmly for Ukraines right to defend themselves," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged people to acknowledge that "Russias goal is erasing Ukraine". He said another brutal attack on innocent civilians proves it. "Our aid to Ukraine cannot be delayed at the most crucial moment. No pressure on Russia means no peace," Michal stated. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna wrote that "there are not enough words in the world to describe the inhumanity and evil of Russia". "Our hearts are with Ukraine. Heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the Sumy attack," the head of Estonias diplomacy added. Background: As of 18:00, the number of people killed in Russias ballistic missile attack on Sumy on the morning of 13 April has reached 34, including two children. A total of 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated after the Russian missile strike on civilians in Sumy that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without any preconditions. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was now clear that Russia is choosing to continue the war despite Trumps proposals. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russias strike on civilian targets in Sumy crossed all acceptable lines and demonstrated why Donald Trump is committed to ending the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family are safe after an alleged act of arson at the governor's mansion over the weekend. Shapiro shared in a statement that he was awakened early on Sunday by Pennsylvania State Police, who informed the governor and high-profile Democrat that a fire had been set at the residence. "Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg," he wrote. "The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said he was "eternally grateful" to the first responders who helped keep his family safe. The governor, who is Jewish, appeared to be celebrating the first night of Passover at the residence. He shared a photo of his Seder table to social media on Saturday evening with the message "Happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!" The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed in a statement that they are investigating the fire as "an act of arson." "While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence," they shared. "The Governor and his family were present in a different part of the residence. They were evacuated safely and were not injured." EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova has stated that the Russian strike on the city of Sumy was yet another entry in a long list of war crimes. Source: Mathernova on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Mathernova said that on Sunday morning, Sumy was hit by a "horrific Russian attack". Quote: "Two ballistic missiles hit the centre of the city. Just as churchgoers gathered for the Palm Sunday mass! Another in a series of war crimes! Condolences to all the families." Background: Following a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city of Sumy on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the international community particularly the United States and Europe to respond firmly. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that all data regarding the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy had been passed to international partners. Artem Kobzar, acting Mayor of Sumy, reported that more than 20 civilians were killed in the Russian missile strike on the centre of Sumy on the morning of 13 April. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has called for decisive and immediate steps to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine following Russias missile strike on the city of Sumy. Source: Ursula von der Leyen on X (Twitter), reported by European Pravda Quote: "Strong measures are urgently needed to enforce a ceasefire. Europe will continue to reach out to partners and maintain strong pressure on Russia until the bloodshed ends and a just and lasting peace is achieved, on Ukraines terms and conditions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Von der Leyen emphasised that the strike on Sumy was a grim reminder that Russia remains the aggressor, blatantly violating international law. She added that the victims of the attack, their families and all Ukrainians are "in our hearts". Background: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated after the Russian missile strike on civilians in Sumy that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without any preconditions. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was now clear that Russia is choosing to continue the war despite Trumps proposals. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russias strike on civilian targets in Sumy crossed all acceptable lines and demonstrated why Donald Trump is committed to ending the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and European Council President Antonio Costa have commented on a Russian missile strike on the city centre of Sumy on the morning of Sunday 13 April, which killed at least 31 people. Source: European Pravda Details: "Heartbreaking scenes from Sumy this morning as residents gathered for Palm Sunday only to be met by Russian missiles," Kallas wrote on X (Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people today," she added. European Council President Antonio Costa noted that he was outraged by the criminal Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy. "Russia continues its campaign of violence, showing once again that this war exists and endures only because Russia chooses so. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by yet another brutal act of aggression," Kosta tweeted. "Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable before justice," he added. Background: On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 31 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. Following the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a tough response from Ukraines partners, particularly the United States and Europe. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that all data on the Russian ballistic missile attack on Sumy had been passed to international partners. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A 128-acre Turkey Track fire burning in western Douglas County near the Teller County line was 45% contained as of 5:45 p.m. Sunday, according to U.S. Forest Service officials and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. No structures were threatened while campers were ordered to evacuate. The fire continues to burn on U.S. Forest Service land eight miles north of Woodland Park, according to updates from the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. The fire was first reported around 4:30 p.m. Saturday when Douglas County Sheriff's Office emergency responders noticed smoke in the area. Red Flag fire warnings were in effect all day Saturday, with a new round of warnings in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday. A day later, as of 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, the fire remains at 45% containment. U.S. Forest Service officials first reported the fire's size at 150 acres, then updated its estimation to about 128 acres around 8 p.m. The fire has since been fully contained, U.S. Forest Service officials reported at 6:30 p.m. Monday. "Today, crews will continue to strengthen firelines and mop up hotspots near those lines," U.S. Forest Service officials said Sunday. Featured Local Savings "Another day of Red Flag conditions forecasted for today will test the firelines and the Incident Commander will revaluate the containment later this afternoon," officials said. "Rain turning to snow is forecasted for the area, however, we ask people to remain vigilant with anything that can start a fire today." Engines from the U.S. Forest Service, Teller, and Douglas County responded to the blaze, including one small hand crew and engines from the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control and a helicopter on standby. The Turkey Tracks shooting area is closed Sunday because of firefighter and public safety, according to authorities. "The fire grew very aggressively," Luke Roberts, an Emergency Services Unit services at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, said in a post on social media. "The biggest concern is Highway 67," Roberts said. "Our concern is that it would cross and get on the east side where there are some campers in Rainbow Falls ... Luckily, the fire didn't cross the road and we had preliminary evacuations in place." Red Flag fire warnings remain in effect for a large swath of the state's southern region, including El Paso, Teller, Fremont, Pueblo and Park counties Sunday. The Turkey Track fire cause is believed to be human-caused and remains under investigation. European Union foreign ministers will meet in Luxembourg for the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 April to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine including a potential monitoring mission and the blocs 17th package of sanctions against Russia, along with other pressure mechanisms. Source: a senior EU official familiar with preparations for the Foreign Affairs Council, speaking to European Pravda on condition of anonymity Details: The source stressed that EU foreign ministers will address possible security guarantees for Ukraine after hostilities end and the continuation of sanctions pressure on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The European Union supports maintaining pressure on Russia. Thats why the 17th sanctions package and other pressure instruments will be part of the discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council." More details: They will also address the ongoing EU accession process for Ukraine, particularly Hungarys continued obstruction of negotiations. Another key item will be a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to increase military aid for Ukraine specifically a plan to deliver 2 million artillery shells worth 5 billion. "I believe well see new commitments on this on Monday," the EU official said. The Council will also consider proposals by the coalition of the willing, led by France and the UK, to deploy a monitoring mission to Ukraine following any future ceasefire aimed at ensuring compliance and providing security guarantees for a durable peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine will be the first item on the agenda, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to address his EU counterparts via video link. Quote: "Minister Sybiha will brief the ministers on the battlefield situation, political developments in Ukraine, and current priorities including what Ukraine is asking from the EU at this stage. US diplomatic peace initiatives will also be discussed." Background: The coalition of the willing, led by France and the UK, is developing a plan to deploy a mission to Ukraine to oversee a future ceasefire and has outlined four core goals. EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas continues to push for the EU to deliver 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of 2025. The new 17th sanctions package may include additional measures against Russias so-called shadow fleet and further restrictions on Russian transit routes through the Baltic Sea. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: An original version of this article stated that every passenger on a bus hit in Russia's missile attack on Sumy had been killed in the strike, but reports the following morning found that a boy had managed to escape and rescue fellow passengers, including his mother. The burnt shell of a red bus lied in the center of Sumy after Russia launched two ballistic missiles hurtled at city on April 13 it was believed everyone on the bus had been killed instantly, Anna Shpurik, a journalist at local media Cukr told the Kyiv Independent following the attack. They are just some of the 34 people killed in the strike, including two children. At least 117 people were injured, local authorities reported. The city, which lies in northeastern Ukraine just over 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has suffered relentless attacks from Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion. This latest strike occurred on Palm Sunday, which many in Ukraine observe, and is one of the deadliest on Sumy. The attack has sparked outrage amid talks of a ceasefire and peace negotiations. A day before the attack, President Donald Trump, who has attempted to spearhead peace talks, said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine." His Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11 to discuss aspects of the Ukrainian settlement. Damage to the Sumy State University Congress Center after a Russian missile strike on April 13, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Telegram) In response to the attack, European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron, questioned Russias commitment to peace negotiations. Such Russian attacks demonstrate the state of Russias alleged willingness for peace. Instead, we see that Russia is relentlessly continuing its war of aggression against Ukraine, Scholz wrote on X. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more pressure on Russia after the strike, saying that talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. The attack targeted civilian buildings in the city, with the worst damages inflicted on the Congress Center of Sumy State University and other university buildings, causing them to crumble, said Shpurik. The university's Congress Center building houses a library and event spaces for students and the community, Cukr's editor-in-chief Vladyslava Kudielnyk told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residential buildings, a church, shops, and businesses also suffered, including Cukr's office. The strike blew out eight windows and broke doors at their office. The head of the Sumy local administration press service told the Kyiv Independent that a total of 48 buildings were damaged in the attack, including 28 residential buildings. Since 2022, Ukraine has recorded over 1,000 attacks on residential neighborhoods and social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and churches. The city center was filled with people buying willow branches for Palm Sunday and lined with cars as locals enjoyed their Sunday morning. By the time Shpurik arrived in the center, "everything was black," and it was littered with charred cars and buildings. People were too shocked to say anything, Shpurik recalled. In a nearby residential building, one girl was crushed beneath a pile of cabinets before being freed. Employees at a nearby coffee shop jumped into action and applied first aid to the victims, said Shpurik. Everyone is afraid that the strikes might happen again. Everyone is afraid to find out the news about their relatives. Some people still don't know what happened to their friends or acquaintances and are looking for them, Kudielnyk said. Firefighters battle a blaze in Sumy after the Palm Sunday attack on April 13, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Telegram) The second ballistic missile was the most deadly, Head of the Sumy City Military Administration Serhiy Kryvosheyenko wrote on his Telegram channel. It was loaded with fragments and exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people on the street, he said. Emergency services arrived within minutes to battle the fires and help the victims, while investigators and forensic teams collected evidence of the attack, Ukraines State Emergency Services reported. Psychologists were also on site to help those affected. Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) tracked down the launch site to the town of Liski in Voronezh Oblast and Lezhenki in Kursk Oblast, roughly 330 kilometers and 180 kilometers from Sumy, respectively. The missiles were Iskander-M/KN-23s, fired by the 112th and 448th missile brigades, HUR reported. Sumy Oblast, alongside neighboring Kharkiv Oblast, is the target of Russia's new spring offensive, Zelensky said on April 9. Despite Ukraine agreeing to a full 30-day ceasefire following U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11, Moscow has shown no sign of following suit. Russia has instead ramped up its offensive operations and amassed forces for the spring offensive, shortly after recapturing much of Kursk Oblast. Ukraine attempted to hold the Russian region to disrupt plans for an offensive against bordering Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian officials and experts believe the spring offensive is Moscows attempt to strengthen its hand in potential negotiations. Putin also ordered Russias largest conscription effort in 14 years on March 31. The spring conscription, running from April to June, will see 160,000 18 to 30-year-old men drafted to the army, although conscripts are not typically deployed to combat. Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russia has increased its force in Ukraine by five times since the start of the full-scale invasion. He estimates that there are 623,000 Russian troops deployed in Ukraine and warned that Moscow has the capacity to mobilize 5 million trained troops. Every month, they increase it by 8,000-9,000; in a year, it's 120,000-130,000, he said. Liliane Bivings contributed reporting. Note from the editor: For this story, we spoke with journalists at Cukr, an independent Ukrainian media outlet based in Sumy. Their editorial office suffered minor damage from the April 13 attack. Cukr is also one of many Ukrainian media outlets hit by the U.S. aid cutoff and needs support. You can support it through a one-time donation or a Patreon subscription. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Putin is pure evil Trumps spiritual advisor on Russias war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A former Georgia sheriff lieutenant has learned her fate after pleading guilty to a theft charge. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In February, Amy Kathleen Bradley, a former Walker County sheriff lieutenant pleaded guilty to theft by taking in a case involving the misappropriation of funds related to citation payments. The investigation began in June 2021, when Bradley, who was assigned to the Walker County Jail, was suspected of taking money from cash payments made by individuals for citations issued in the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents learned that Bradley had been pocketing funds from citation payments between 2018 and 2022. TRENDING STORIES: The GBI interviewed Bradley, during which she admitted to stealing the money. Bradley was charged with several counts of theft by taking and theft by conversion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Bradley pleaded guilty to those charges. As part of the plea agreement, she was sentenced to 20 years, with the first four years to be served in prison. The former lieutenant was also ordered to pay Walker County more than $70,000 in restitution. She will no longer be able to hold any law enforcement positions or any role involving handling or collecting money. I dont care if you wear a badge--you steal from the people, you answer for it. In the LMJC, no one is above the law, District Attorney Clayton Fuller said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An explosion rocked a thermal power plant in the Russian city Orenburg, the local Emergency Services Ministry reported on April 13. As a result, a fire broke out at a substation in the morning, leaving many local residents without power. There were no casualties, and the fire has now been extinguished. It took a force of 20 people to put out the fire, which covered 10 square meters. Russia's Unified Operational Dispatch Service blamed the fire on "a short circuit at the transformer substation, Russian media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orenburg lies close to the border with Kazakhstan, around 1,700 kilometers from Kyiv and 1,200 kilometers from Moscow. The Russian Defense Ministry said it destroyed Ukrainian drones in the Rostov and Belgorod oblasts overnight but did not report on any drones in Orenburg Oblast. A gas station owned by Russian energy giant Lukoil is located near the plant, as reported by Russian independent media ASTRA. Ukrainian drones have regularly targeted Russias oil and gas assets in a bid to undermine Moscows war machine, which relies on profits from the energy sector. A Ukrainian attack on March 19 caused a huge fire at an oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai that raged for nearly a week. Kyiv has not commented on the explosion in Orenburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian drones have flown deep into Russian territory, with strikes reported 1,500 kilometers into Russia, including in Orenburg Oblast. In May 2024, a Ukrainian drone attacked an early-warning Voronezh M radar in the city of Orsky in Orenburg Oblast. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) last October claimed responsibility for a fire that damaged a Russian Tu-134 military transport aircraft at a military airfield in Orenburg Oblast. Last month, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a long-range drone capable of flying 3,000 kilometers. Read also: Ukraine war latest: US envoy Witkoff proposes giving Russia ownership of Ukrainian regions, Reuters reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Theres something very unexpected when you meet Harry Clark. Its not just that this affable 24-year-old won the second series of BBC1s hit show, The Traitors, by proving to be the most devious game player of that group. Its also that the tattoos of this former soldier are all about his Catholic faith. He proudly shows me one on his hand, complete with a cross, saying: Be who God meant you to be and youll set the world on fire and the other on his arm: What God has put together let no one put apart based on a marriage vow. For Clark, The Traitors, with all its duplicity, is just a game. But faith is the real deal, as he explains to his fellow pilgrims on the series Pilgrimage, which starts on Easter Sunday on BBC2, and sees him and six other celebrities take an emotional and spiritual journey though the Alps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can be so lost but then you are found, he tells me over Zoom. God is the only one who knows everything about me. Its like a vase that shatters and God is the one that can put together the shards. Harry Clark, whose life has been shaped by his Catholic faith, won the second season of The Traitors in 2024 - Pixel That commitment, that sense that the Catholic faith shapes your life, is shared by growing numbers of young people across the country. According to a study from the Bible Society, The Quiet Revival, published this week, Anglicans have been overtaken and are now outnumbered by Catholics by more than two to one among Generation Z and younger millennial churchgoers in Britain. Some of this can be put down to Catholic families sending their children to Catholic schools, which put a strong emphasis on religious education and faith formation. But something else is happening too: conversions. This Easter, thousands of people are going to be received into the Catholic Church, and substantial numbers of them are under the age of 35. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some are already Christian, moving to the Catholic Church from other denominations, including the Church of England. But many will be baptised, having previously had either only a vague belief in God or none at all. In the biggest Catholic diocese, Westminster, at least 500 people will become Roman Catholics this Easter, with half being baptised, while around 450 will do so in the Diocese of Southwark. According to the bishops and priests preparing people to take this momentous step, there is a common theme emerging: these new entrants know what the Roman Catholic Church stands for. When you meet them and hear their stories, they say they are looking for clarity and stability, says Archbishop Mark OToole of Cardiff. They are attracted to the Catholic Churchs strong sense of identity and clarity around the teaching of Jesus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bible Societys research and the experience on the ground of Catholic parishes suggest that the Catholic Church is becoming the dominant Christian denomination in this country. Research suggests that the Catholic Church is becoming the dominant Christian denomination in this country - John Lawrence The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, which bases its figures on a 2018 survey, says that there are approximately 6.2 million Catholics in England and Wales, with 1.75 million Catholics attending Mass on a regular basis. On the other hand, according to the Church of England, what it calls the worshipping community of Anglicans consisted of just 984,000 people in 2022. This is a remarkable turnaround. The Church of Rome, which was effectively replaced by the Church of England during the Reformation, was outlawed for nearly 300 years, with some of the faithful, such as Thomas More, John Fisher and Edmund Campion executed for their loyalty to the old religion. Ever since Catholic emancipation began in the early nineteenth century, it has slowly but surely made a comeback. There have been significant moments along the way: two popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have visited Britain. Two Prime Ministers, Tony Blair (who attended Mass throughout his time at number 10 but converted after leaving office) and Boris Johnson, have been Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former BBC Director-General and current CNN CEO, Sir Mark Thompson, belonged to the faith, as did Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England and now Prime Minister of Canada. The British Establishment is most definitely no longer the province of Anglicans. But the young people who are turning to Rome are more ordinary than that power list and are embarking on the journey along a very 21st-century path. We notice that large numbers who join us are young men, said OToole. They come after they have surfed the net. Archbishop Mark OToole says that young people are attracted by the stability the Catholic Church offers - PA Some have suggested that these young men are the same ones who have been persuaded by influencers to be misogynist and opt for highly traditional values. But its more nuanced than that, says OToole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are not extremist or fundamentalist, but they have been looking for something and the words they use a lot about the Catholic Church is coherence and consistency. One of those surfers is Will Mortimer, a 19-year-old student who is studying theatre lighting and sound design. Although he was baptised a Catholic, he left the Church when he was 12. After joining the local parish group for converts, called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), he will be confirmed as a Catholic this Easter. There is so much disorder in the world, and I did not have any meaning in my life, says Mortimer. So he started reading Protestant theology online but then through the internet rediscovered Catholic teaching. Catholic theology has a coherence for me. It makes sense, gives me a connection with Christ, he says. For me it is a lifeline and a reason to continue, he says. I can confidently say that Christ is the light of the world. Will Mortimer, a 19-year-old student, has turned to Catholicism in response to disorder in the world - Jamie Lorriman For Clark too, God is a lifeline. I was saying to God, give me a sign, give me a sign and then [the Pilgrimage programme] came along. A sign to show that God is there, that I am not alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canon Chris Vipers, who runs a Catholic parish in the City of London and is also Director of Evangelisation, Family and Catechesis for the Diocese of Westminster, has been preparing three young men to be received into the Catholic Church this Easter. Two a personal trainer and a deep sea diver had no experience of a lived faith. The third, a lawyer, is an Anglican. For the first two, says Vipers, it was the welcome they received in the parish that resonated people want to belong, modern life can be lonely while for the Anglican lawyer it was that philosophical draw to truth. In March, Canon Vipers attended a Westminster Cathedral service for hundreds of people becoming Catholics this Easter from young families to single people in their 20s and 30s, gay people and single mothers. The Church, he says, has to start with where people are in their lives, including those who at some point felt alienated and rejected by the Church because of their lifestyle but now they are stepping forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What they all have in common is a hunger for God. While cynics often claim that becoming Catholic is about getting children into Catholic schools, Vipers says it is the other way round. Quite a few pupils at Catholic schools are not Catholic but when their parents see the Catholic way of life and values, they want to join. One of the biggest recruiting grounds today is at the school gate. As well as converts, another reason for growing numbers are Catholic migrants from countries such as Poland, Ukraine, India (particularly Kerala and Goa) and parts of Africa and Latin America a mix that has often transformed church life at the local level, with vibrant worship. The rosary, part of a scripture-based prayer, is one element of the Catholic faith One Catholic Church in the London suburb of Hounslow, a largely Asian community, attracts 3,924 mass goers a week, while next door in Southall, there are 2,279. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim Abbott, who has been running RCIA courses in his parish in Coalville, Leicestershire, for more than 20 years, says that the Catholic Church has changed. It used to be very white here, he says, now its incredibly diverse. But when its vibrant in turn it draws more people in. Every Sunday evening in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Farm Street, Mayfair, young Catholic adults gather for a Mass specially designed to appeal to them, often with 15 minutes of contemplation included. Fr Jim Conway, the organiser, says that the digital world both works for young people and fails them. We use social media platforms to let young people know about us, but at the same time, these are people for whom the digital world can be so deadening. They have digital friends but never meet them. They are crying out for belonging and community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His fellow Jesuit, Fr Michael Holman, a former headteacher who now sometimes celebrates the young adults Mass, has noticed how young Catholics talk about the importance of a clear framework for life and the person of Jesus. Confession is very popular with them, as are traditional Catholic practices such as the Rosary and adoration prayer before the consecrated host, which Catholics believe is the real presence of Jesus. Tabitha Smith, a 22-year-old history and theology graduate from Cambridge, now working at the Catholic weekly The Tablet, says that for her, adoration and the Rosary are profoundly important, although she also makes use of Catholic apps. My faith is felt most ardently in mystery, especially during the Mass or Adoration. I like to think that I am building a deeper relationship with God at the core of what it is to be a Christian, at the foot of the Cross. Tabitha Smith likes to feel that she is building a deeper relationship with God - John Lawrence Sometimes, she says, she struggles when faced with other young people hostile to Catholic teaching on issues such as abortion. I often keep opinions to myself but prayers in my heart for the unborn, while Mortimer has faced similar difficulties over peoples views of what Catholics think of homosexuality. (Pope Francis has indicated there can be same-sex blessings by priests, but the Church does not accept gay marriage). I am careful about what I say. I weave myself around topics, he says. For the Jesuits at Farm Street, there is a major challenge remaining when it comes to young people flocking to Catholicism: getting them involved in working with the poor, visiting prisoners, caring for the sick. Jesus was explicit about this, says Fr Jim Conway. These young people are so strong in their faith, but the personal friendship with Jesus is a bit narrow. Fr Conway has observed that the young adults he is meeting have demanding careers and are making space for prayer, but they have yet to realise that their faith means they also need to make time to find God in serving others. Spiritual development effectively means sacrifice. As one of them said to me, they dont have the bandwidth for more. That is our next challenge. 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. COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND A sign marks the site where war correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed on Iejima island in 1945. 1 /2 COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND A sign marks the site where war correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed on Iejima island in 1945. COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND Ernie Pyle, center, poses with a group of children on Guam. 2 /2 COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND Ernie Pyle, center, poses with a group of children on Guam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND A sign marks the site where war correspondent Ernie Pyle was killed on Iejima island in 1945. COURTESY NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND Ernie Pyle, center, poses with a group of children on Guam. Legendary newsman Ernie Pyle, whose vivid reporting from the front lines of World War II won him a Pulitzer Prize and the admiration of readers and the soldiers whose stories he told, will be honored at a ceremony Friday marking the 80th anniversary of his death during the Battle of Okinawa. The event, hosted by the Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation, will be held at 10 a.m. at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, where Pyle is buried, followed by a luncheon at noon at the Oahu Veterans Center. Both events are open to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyle, whose long career as a journalist saw him take on the roles of reporter, editor and columnist, was best known for the human-interest stories he wrote during the Great Depression and for his accounts of combat as a World War II correspondent. The foundation said in a news release that Ernie Pyle Remembrance Day also will honor all veterans, whom Ernie respected so dearly, and the journalists following in his footsteps of human-interest storytelling, which is now more prevalent than ever. The tradition of commemorating Pyles death began in 1949, the year his remains were repatriated from Okinawa and interred at the cemetery in Punchbowl Crater. Buck Buchwach, then-editor of the Honolulu Advertiser, wrote and delivered the eulogy. Every five years, people would gather again at the ceremony and Buchwach would read from that first eulogy until his own passing in 1989. Buchwachs wife, Margaret, tried to keep the tradition alive, but by the end of the 1990s it had faded. 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. The Ernie Pyle Legacy Foundation revived the tradition in 2015. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of that years ceremony, but the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion ultimately held a ceremony in 2021. The 80th anniversary event at Punchbowl is being supported by the American Legion, VFW, University of Hawaiis School of Communications, Oahu Veterans Center, several U.S. military units and the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Suzanne Vares-Lum, current director of the security studies center and an alum of UHs journalism program, will give the memorial address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyle was born in Indiana in 1900. An only child, he decided early on that farming wasnt for him. He enlisted in the Navy during World War I, but the war was over before he finished training. He enrolled at Indiana University and decided to pursue journalism, working at newspapers around the country. In 1927, Pyle became one of the countrys first aviation columnists, writing about the rapidly evolving world of airplanes and the people who flew them. He himself never learned to fly a plane but logged thousands of flight miles as a passenger. Famed flyer Amelia Earhart once remarked that any aviator who didnt know Pyle was a nobody. In the 1930s, by then working as an editor and growing increasingly tired of his desk-bound daily grind, Pyle hit the road with his wife and wrote stories for the Scripps-Howard newspaper syndicate about the places he went and the people he met, from Walt Disney to common working people. His travels took him from the heart of the Great Plains Dust Bowl to Alaska, Mexico, South America and even to Hawaii, where he wrote about the Hansens disease colony at Kalaupapa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His unpretentious, personal tone and empathetic stories of regular people struck a chord with readers around the country and made him a household name. When World War II broke out, Pyle brought that personal touch to stories of war. He traveled to Europe to cover the Battle of Britain and Nazi Germanys relentless bombing of London. In 1942, he accepted an assignment to become a war correspondent for Scripps-Howard, taking him to the front lines with American troops. His stories focused not on grand strategy, troop movements or generals, but on vivid accounts of battles and the effects they had on the young men America had sent to fight themwhat Pyle would call a worms eye view. Pyle braved bullets and bombs alongside the troops, endearing him to the grunts and offering a window into the war to Americans back home. In 1944, he wrote a column from Italy proposing that ground soldiers in combat should get fight pay, similar to the flight pay airmen received. That year he would also be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 18, 1945, Pyle came ashore with members of the U.S. Armys 77th Infantry Division on Iejima, a small island northwest of Okinawa. During a skirmish that day between American soldiers and Japanese troops, a bullet pierced Pyles left temple just under his helmet, killing him instantly. To this day, a memorial stands at the spot where he died, bearing the inscription, At this spot the 77th Infantry Division lost a buddy, Ernie Pyle, 18 April 1945. President Harry Truman, who had been president for less than a week after the death of Franklin Roosevelt, paid tribute to Pyle, declaring that no man in this war has so well told the story of the American fighting man as American fighting men wanted it told. He deserves the gratitude of all his countrymen. Correction : This story has been updated to correct the name of Indiana University. DES MOINES, Iowa A family has been displaced after a house fire caused serious damage in the Capital Park neighborhood. According to the Des Moines Fire Department, just after 5 p.m. fire crews were called to the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue for reports of a residential fire with heavy smoke. One injured during apartment fire Friday night in West Des Moines DMFD and members of the Des Moines Police Department arrived at the scene and saw heavy smoke and flames emanating from the home. Firefighters began efforts battling the flames, hoping to gain control enough to conduct a search of the structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family members that were home when the flames broke out were able to escape to safety before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported. Video provided by a WHO-13 viewer showed the home nearly fully-engulfed with a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky as spectators began to gather on nearby sidewalks. The smoke and fire damage was extensive. While it was not a total loss, it was damaged enough to be uninhabitable, said DMFD. A preliminary investigation found the fire sparked in the kitchen and spread throughout the house, according to officials. The exact cause is not yet known. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cogdill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge family joined Ochsner staff on National Donate Life Blue & Green Day to honor their loved one, whose decision to become an organ donor saved lives. On Friday, April 11, the family participated in a special ceremony to mark the donation of their relatives heart, lungs, and kidneys to individuals in need of transplants. The familys participation in the event was meaningful because their loved one had also received multiple organ transplants during his lifetime, including a pancreas. Ochsner described it as a full-circle moment, where someone who had received the gift of life was now passing it on to others. The ceremony featured a flag-raising and butterfly release, both symbols of remembrance, renewal, and gratitude. Oschner said the LOPA flag, which was raised to signify that lifesaving donations were in progress, was presented to the family as a keepsake after the process was complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ochsners event also honored the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors. The hospital said that just one donor can save up to eight lives, help heal up to 75 people through tissue donations, and restore sight to two individuals through cornea donations. The ceremony recognized 23 other lifesaving donors from Ochsner Baton Rouge in 2024. 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. The family of a man who died in the Tarrant County Jail last December sent a letter to Tarrant County commissioners on Saturday asking them to petition for a trial to remove Sheriff Bill Waybourn from his post. Mason Yancy, 31, died in the jail on Dec. 27, 2024, from what the medical examiner later ruled to be a pulmonary thromboembolism, or a blood clot in the lungs. Members of Yancys family told the Star-Telegram that they believe the medical examiners ruling confirmed their theory that Yancy was not given medication for his diabetes while in custody. Diabetes increases the risk for blood clots, according to the American Heart Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yancys family is demanding that Tarrant County commissioners create an agenda item and hold a vote on seeking Waybourns removal, according to a news release. The family cited a Texas local government code that creates a process via trial by a jury in which an elected official such as a sheriff can be removed in cases of incompetence or official misconduct, the statement reads. The legal process would begin with a county resident filing a petition to be reviewed by a district court judge, according to the Chapter 87 law. At a January commissioners meeting, tensions erupted during a briefing about recent deaths in the jail, including Yancys. A group of Second Amendment activists attended the Jan. 14 meeting to join calls for Waybourns resignation, in an episode that ended with two arrests, the Star-Telegram previously reported. At that meeting, Yancys brother Darren told commissioners that the fault for the jail deaths lies with Waybourn. The challenge we have is youve got a number of deaths under various employees since 2017 that keep occurring, and theres one man at the top, and thats Bill Waybourn, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waybourn told commissioners at that January meeting that Mason Yancy came to the jail with medical issues and was seen by medical staff nine times in the four days that he was incarcerated before his death. He was in a cell seeing two nurses when he collapsed, Waybourn said. Life saving stuff was taking place immediately, within very few seconds. I think the takeaway is that all protocols were followed by Tarrant County Sheriffs Office personnel. When asked by County Judge Tim OHare about reports that Yancy did not receive the medication he needed to survive, Waybourn said there is no evidence to support those allegations. In November, Waybourn briefed commissioners on a federal report on the Tarrant County Jail and called it a Cadillac model of a jail. Yancys family also sent a letter Saturday to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, asking him to seek the removal of Brandon Wood, the executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, according to the statement. The executive director is chosen by the nine members of the commission, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, according to state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office and the Commission on Jail Standards did not immediately respond Saturday to requests for comment on the familys demands. Darren Yancy, a Johnson County resident whose brother, Mason Yancy, died in the Tarrant County Jail on Dec. 27, 2024, speaks to members of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in Austin on Feb. 6. A Star-Telegram investigation found that the Commission on Jail Standards was not in compliance with the Sandra Bland Act, a 2017 state law that requires the commission to appoint independent investigators in jail death cases. Instead, sheriffs offices statewide were allowed for seven years to choose which law enforcement agencies investigated their in-custody deaths. The whole intent of the provision in the Sandra Bland Act was to ensure that it was an independent, unbiased, objective investigation, something that the public could trust, that policymakers could trust, that it isnt self-interested the way it would be if its an agency investigating itself, said Michele Deitch, the director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at UT Austin and a consultant on the bill. The commission began complying with the law almost two weeks after the Star-Telegram published its investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the passage of the law in 2017, 70 people have died in the Tarrant County Jail. It is the Yancy familys position that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards is not functioning properly through Woods directive and has allowed Waybourn to remain compliant in the face of heinous deaths such as Mason Yancy, Chasity Congious (baby), and Anthony Johnson, Jr., the familys statement says. Staff writer Cody Copeland contributed to this story. It may have been a statewide ceremony, but Colorado Springs was well-represented at the state Capitol Thursday for its service to military families. For the inaugural Purple Heart School designations, seven of the eight school districts and 25 of the 27 schools recognized for their work supporting military families and students came from Colorado Springs. Colorado is the proud home to a strong military and veteran community, and its only appropriate that our schools are recognized for the work they do to support military families and their children, said Gov. Jared Polis. Im excited to celebrate the schools who are leading this work and setting an example for the rest of the state. D-49, Academy D-20, Colorado Springs D-11, Widefield D-3, Harrison D-2, Fountain-Fort Carson D-8 and Ellicott D-22 each had multiple schools earn the distinction, with every D-8 school being awarded the honor. As a district with approximately 70% military-connected students, we take great pride in creating an environment where students and families feel supported, embraced, and empowered to succeed, D-8 Superintendent Keith Owen said in a statement. The Colorado Military Academy was also among the schools to receive the designation. Created last year by House Bill 24-1076, the Purple Star Program designates public schools that provide services and supports to military-connected students and their families to mitigate academic and social-emotional challenges. Challenges for these families can range from permanent change of station and new schools to different social circles and experiences. As such, schools that earn the designation must meet certain criteria demonstrating a commitment to serving these students and families. For a lot of these kids, this may be their sixth or seventh school by fifth grade, said Bennett Ranch Elementary School counselor and military liaison Kristen Beuke. Qualifications to receive the designation include dedicated school staff who act as military liaisons, student-led transitions programs to help students relocating to their school and professional development for educators and staff on issues related to military-connected students. Featured Local Savings In D-8, for example, Mesa Elementary has established its Battle Buddies program, an initiative where student ambassadors meet with new military-connected students by grade to help them adjust to their new school once a week. Ambassadors introduce their peers to school routines, explain expectations and provide friendship to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and included. According to Bennett Ranchs website, 22% of students are military-connected with families coming from the Fort Carson, Schriever and Peterson bases as well as the Air Force Academy. That said, Beuke said they took in a large amount of new students from deployed parents this year and have worked to improve their services to them in recent years. Beuke added that the school itself has a unique culture that understands what these students are going through. We have a pretty high population of staff members who are military themselves, are spouses, parents, have military children and have gone to multiple schools, she said. Additionally, these schools and districts also hold a series of events honoring military families throughout the year. Bennett Ranch students organized a Veterans Day luncheon this year that served over 200 people, while D-8s Mountainside Elementarys Kindness Club created a support ribbon featuring the name of every student to symbolize unity and gratitude for the sacrifices made by military families on Purple Up Day. Bennett Ranch plans to hold another military appreciation family dinner on April 24 that will feature awards and guest speakers. The school also recently became a member of the Anchored4Life program through Schriever Space Force Base and will further support and develop its military students social and leadership skills. Everything, said Bennett Ranch Principal Martina Meadows when asked what the state recognition means to her. This is something that has been a vision of mine for years. DENVER (KDVR) An Englewood man who went missing last week was found after spending several days on the streets. The mans niece, Elizabeth Albe, told FOX31 that he is weathered but in good spirits. Denver weather: Record high temperature broken for April 12 Thomas Albe, 70, was last seen on the morning of April 4 in the 14400 block of East Fremont Avenue in Englewood. The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office believed he could be endangered and confused as he has a traumatic brain injury and dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Silver Alert was issued by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and has since been deactivated. The sheriffs office conducted a drone search on Wednesday in the open space near East Broncos Parkway and South Parker Road, near where he was last seen. On Thursday, his family pleaded with the community to help keep an eye out and find him. Elizabeth said he was found on Saturday near Illiff Avenue and Quebec Street. The sheriffs office said he was found when it responded to the area for an unrelated routine call for service when a deputy recognized Thomas. Thomas Albe, 70, went missing last week and was found after spending several days on the streets on Saturday, April 12. Thomas Albe, 70, went missing last week and was found after spending several days on the streets on Saturday, April 12. His niece said he is at a hospital in Aurora Saturday and is a little sunburned. The family said they are grateful for the communitys support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police in Forest Park are working to find those responsible for shooting and killing a 19-year-old man. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On or around Feb. 19, the family of 19-year-old Brandon Thomas was attempting to report him as a missing person. According to authorities, they found Thomas dead in an abandoned apartment at 507 Georgia Avenue. Officials said Thomas was shot and killed. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forest Park Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta ask anyone with information to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 404-577-8477 or online. You do not have to give your name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $5,000. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Nigel Farage has insisted Elon Musk was just trying to encourage me by tweeting that he doesnt have what it takes. The billionaire adviser to Donald Trump called for Mr Farage to be replaced as the head of Reform in January during a dispute over Mr Musks support for jailed far-Right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. It followed a period of warm relations between the two men, including speculation that Mr Musk could channel a large donation to Reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Musk subsequently also expressed support for the now-Independent MP Rupert Lowe, suggesting that he could take over Reform instead. But appearing on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Farage said he had since met Mr Musk and discussed the tweet. We talked about it, he said, adding: He was just trying to encourage me in a few policy areas, ones I wasnt prepared to go down. Mr Farage has consistently been opposed to allowing Mr Robinson to join his political parties, describing him as thuggish. But Mr Musk began making supportive comments about the far-Right figure who is in prison for contempt of court in January during a row over the grooming gang scandal. Mr Farage replied to Mr Musk on X - X Following their rift, Mr Musk called on Mr Farage to be replaced as head of Reform. The Reform party needs a new leader. Farage doesnt have what it takes, Mr Musk wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the split with Mr Musk, Mr Farage has continued the praise the billionaire, insisting they are still on good terms and describing him as a hero at a conference in the US in February. Last month, Mr Farage said that Mr Musk could not bully him over Robinson and refused to change his stance on him. He took a different view on Tommy Robinson to me. Ive never been pro him anyway. I dont know, he tried to push me a bit on it, Mr Farage said. Do you know what? You cant bully me. Ive got the principles. I stand by them. Good or bad. 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. Katherine Ann Reniers' abrupt layoff from USAID will cut her monthly pension earnings. She joins many Americans who are worried about having enough money to retire. Reniers' last day at USAID is July 1 under a plan by the DOGE office to shrink the agency. When Katherine Ann Reniers bought a house in Rockville, Maryland, two years ago, she thought her financial future was mapped out. Reniers, 53, was on track to have served two decades in the federal government in November 2025. At that point, she'd be eligible for a pension that'd pay out roughly $5,000 a month and cover health insurance, according to documents reviewed by Business Insider. Those monthly retirement checks would rise for every year Reniers worked beyond her 20th anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reniers' plans abruptly changed in March, when she received emails notifying her that her position at the US Agency for International Development would be abolished on July 1 as part of sweeping layoffs known as a reduction in force ordered by the White House's DOGE office five months short of Reniers' 20th anniversary. The gap means Reniers won't be able to receive her full federal pension until she's 62, and based on federal rules for foreign service retirement, her monthly payments will be an estimated $3,000 less than she planned. "I've been panicking," Reniers, a single mom of two children, told BI. "I realized it wasn't enough to cover my monthly mortgage and medical bills." Reniers is among tens of thousands of government employees whose lives have been upended by DOGE's moves to shrink federal agencies and cut costs. The changes are creating economic uncertainty for many Americans, especially those close to retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administration official told BI that "the State Department is committed to offering additional resources and benefits to ensure the safety and security of USAID employees transitioning from service." Reniers thought she was 'essential' After DOGE arrived at USAID in January, chaos ensued. Employees received the " Fork in the Road " email offering full pay and benefits through September to those who voluntarily resigned. They were temporarily locked out of computer systems and told to stay home as the Washington, DC, headquarters was shut down. Reniers said leadership initially told her in February that she was an "essential" employee. Reniers rose to be division chief for Europe at USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The bureau provides food, water and sanitation, shelter, and emergency healthcare to people facing various crises around the world. Reniers' division covered Ukraine, Turkey, and other countries. It made Reniers think she was safe from widespread layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So I did not take the Fork, and now I'm shooting myself in the foot," Reniers said. On February 24, Reniers received an email saying that she was being placed on administrative leave and that a subordinate would take over her duties. On March 27, she was informed that her position was being abolished. Another email asked employees to volunteer to "support critical work" while the agency shifted tasks to the State Department. Reniers said she was planning to return for a few weeks because her colleagues were burned out and needed help. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 28 notified Congress of the reorganization and previously said about 83% of the agency's programs had been cut. Backup plan Reniers said she'd had panic attacks while trying to figure out a backup financial plan. She wasn't planning to retire for at least another four years, when her son is set to graduate from high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that Reniers won't reach 20 years of federal service, she estimates her pension benefits will be about half of what she might've gotten had she retired when she anticipated. For foreign service employees with less than two decades of service, monthly retirement calculations follow this formula: an employee's highest annual salary (averaged over three years), multiplied by their years of service (just under 20 for Reniers), multiplied by 1%, and divided by 12. Reniers earned $177,200 a year, making her new pension a little under $3,000 a month under that formula. If she had made it to 24 years the soonest she planned to retire the multiple would have been calculated at 1.7% for her first 20 years plus 1% for the additional four. That would have given her a pension of nearly $6,000 a month, about double what she expects to get now. Being laid off before reaching 20 years also means Reniers loses a supplemental annuity that she would have received annually from the time of her retirement until she turned 62. Further, while she could have retired at any time after her two-decade anniversary and received a full pension, she won't be eligible for the smaller pension until she turns 62. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reniers will receive a severance package worth one year's annual salary and is also planning to sell an apartment she owns in Belgium to help establish a financial safety net for monthly expenses. "I'm lucky I have that, so I can make sure to keep my home in Maryland," she said. "How do I find a job with a similar salary when I'm 53 with a disability?" When Reniers is 59, she can start receiving payments from a separate federal retirement account known as a Thrift Savings Plan without penalty. At 62, her pension and Social Security kick in. In the near term, finding affordable health insurance is Reniers' top concern. She found out she had rheumatoid arthritis several years ago and has biweekly injections of medication to manage inflammation and joint pain. Once she is laid off on July 1, she'll have federal health insurance through the end of the month, but she'll then need to find another policy for her family, which will probably be more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm so angry right now," Reniers said, adding that participating in protests and talking to lawmakers on Capitol Hill had helped ease some of the anxiety. "That's what I want to spend my time on." Correction: April 14, 2025 An earlier version of this story misstated the retirement calculation for foreign service employees with less than two decades of service. It uses the employee's highest annual salary averaged over three years, not their single highest-paying year, and the first multiple is based on years of service and is not a flat figure. Do you have a story to share with this reporter? Email cboudreau@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider The Federal Emergency Management Agency will end its 100% match for Helene disaster recovery in North Carolina. The need in Western North Carolina remains immense people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored, Gov. Josh Stein said in a news release. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMAs bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of Western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done. Stein had asked the federal government to extend its 100% match. He received the denial news while in Newland with people who lost their homes in the storm, he said. More than 100 people died in the storm that caused more than $60 billion in damage to Western North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, the Biden administration approved the states request to cover 90% for some Helene recovery efforts and 100% for others, including debris cleanup, The News & Observer previously reported. With the states extension not granted, the reimbursement match goes to 90%. It has been determined that the increased level of funding you have requested for major disaster (Helene) is not warranted, according to a letter from interim FEMA head Cameron Hamilton to Stein on Friday. Hamilton was appointed by President Donald Trump in January. The FEMA letter, obtained by the Asheville Citizen-Times, says the state has 30 days to appeal the decision. In February, more than 153,000 households were being helped by FEMA, according to a federal news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the Trump administration denied Georgias FEMA extension request for Hurricane Helene recovery. FEMA did not respond to an email from The News & Observer. In the Spotlight designates ongoing topics of high interest that are driven by The News & Observers focus on accountability reporting. Back in 2019, East St. Louis Gloria Hicks received a last-minute invitation to a meeting at a local church. It was about an organization called Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. There, while reflecting on her experiences leaving a former partner, she had a realization. I never thought of being a survivor, I thought it was just a part of life, Hicks said, recalling the fights shed had with her ex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since that initial meeting, East St. Louis gained its own chapter of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, with Hicks as the volunteer chapter coordinator. She has marched at the U.S. Capitol to advocate for policy that better supports survivors. Hicks said shes also worked with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to change the states Crime Victims Compensation Act. Laticia Simms wears a shirt showing people close to her who have died as victims of crime. That legislation was the center of a vigil Saturday in East St. Louis, where local crime survivors and victims loved ones gathered. It was one of a number of similar events to mark National Crime Victims Rights Week (April 6-12). You can ride around East St. Louis and see all of these makeshift memorials for their family, Hicks said. You go down this street, theres one down there. You go down State Street, theres something down there. You go up there by the court, theres something there. (Its) everywhere you go. Every state has a victim compensation program, which can provide financial reimbursement to violent crime victims and those close to them for expenses that stemmed from the crime. But nationwide, only 4% of survivors know about it, data from the Alliance for Safety and Justice shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, nearly everybody in the room raised their hand when asked if theyve been a victim of violence or know somebody who has. Less than a quarter said they knew about victim compensation before the event. Why is the information not readily available? Youve got commercials for all of these people who can sell you something but you cannot put this information out there? Dont give me excuses, Kelvin Robinson said. Robinson said hes a survivor of violence by virtue of being raised in East St. Louis. His cousin died by gun violence in another state, and it would have come a long way if the family knew about victim compensation. Kelvin Robinson speaks during a crime vigil and information session regarding crime victim compensation in East St. Louis. We have to get together and actually do something if we want to change this community, Robinson said. We need to be there for ourselves, be there in our community, and we need to go door to door to meet the needs of the people who have suffered for so long. Illinois violent crime victim compensation law changed. Whats next? Even those who know about Illinois Crime Victim Compensation program, reporting and application deadlines may make them ineligible. Recovering from injury or in the midst of funeral and burial arrangements is not an ideal time, often an impossible one, to fill out a 10-page application, National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice Aswad Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also a myriad of other barriers that prevent people from even seeking compensation, he said. Thats why so much of the organizations work is not only educating people about compensation programs, but walking through applications with them and advocating to improve the laws. Recently, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice realized a win. Illinois amended its law so that somebody convicted of a felony, so long as its not related to the violent crime theyre seeking compensation for and theyre not incarcerated, can apply. It also allows the timeline in which a victim needs to report a crime to law enforcement to be eligible for compensation, should the Attorney General allow it, among other changes. That doesnt mean theres not more to be done, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice believes. East St. Louis does not have a trauma recovery center, a program that helps survivors both in the immediate aftermath of a crime and with ongoing mental health and other support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TRC model was designed to meet the needs of people of color to access support and services, and it removes all of the red tape that you actually have to go through in order to access services, Thomas said. That is a goal of ours to bring a trauma recovery center to East St. Louis. Is there a middle ground between Young Earth creationism and There can be no gods atheism? Yes, says Andy Fletcher, founder and president of Life, the Universe and Everything, a scientific organization that subscribes to astrophyscist Sir Arthur Eddingtons notion that Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine. Science, including the branch of physics which studies the structure and interaction of matter, does not discount religion, nor does it exclude nonreligious types, says Fletcher, who lives in Colorado Springs. Some atheists (Albert) Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Paul Davies have made similar statements: Theres something going on out there, and we dont know what it is, he said. The ground has shifted, and there are a lot of scientists who are willing to consider that the very nature of the universe itself aims at something that you would want to call God, without putting any parameters or religious stretches around it. Still, if youre going to talk about science and the existence of God, Fletcher said hes realized after being a guest presenter for 34 years that there are people who arent going to go there with you. The former high school math and history teacher has written seven books and spoken at nearly 300 mostly public but also private schools around the world, as well as at universities, educational conferences, spiritual retreats and other religious functions, and on cruise ships. Locally, he has made appearances at International Baccalaureate classes at Palmer and Rampart high schools, where a student named Brett at the latter told Fletcher, The presentation was the best thing I've been taught since I started school. During any address, his key message is this: The universe is not the way you think it is. Your perceptions do not give you reality science is dynamic and changing, and sometimes its going to take you places you do not really want to go. Hes demonstrating what he means at a new public lecture series at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2845 Parliament Drive, in Briargate. Hes speaking from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, with the next one scheduled for Wednesday. The first two have drawn enough of an audience for Fletcher to think theres high interest in the topic. Being a rocket scientist is not required to attend; Fletchers delivery is made for the masses. His thesis that there can be a meeting of the minds in the longstanding God vs. science debate is based on 20th- and 21st-century physics and theories of relativity, quantum mechanics, and chaos and complexity. Fletcher deconstructs Newtonianism Isaac Newtons view of the universe as being predictable and having predetermined cause-and-effect that yields no surprises, can be understood by taking things apart and is infinite and replaces that with a modern, more consistent picture of the universe. In doing so, We discover the universe is not infinitely old, it had a starting point, there is an unpredictability, and you cannot always figure things out by taking things down to their smallest part, Fletcher said. Featured Local Savings That line of reason emerged in 1900 but still is not widely circulated, he said. Everybody assumes the universe is logical, reasonable and makes sense, and our perceptions give us reality, Fletcher said. But what we see, hear, and feel is not the way the universe is, because of quantum mechanics and chaos theory and complexity theory, which are essential to figuring out how the universe works. The dichotomy between science and religion primarily Christianity, Judaism and Islam is born out of trying to make science fit into our religious box instead of looking at science as revealing to us the way the universe works, Fletcher said. What happens in that process, as you look at the universe the way it is, youre looking at Gods creation in a way you havent looked at it before, he said. That makes a much more accurate way that reveals God. One recent attendee likened the scientific characteristics of light as emulating the same characteristics that are given to God. I dont need to use the word God when talking about this, but for those who are thinking in those directions, the whole idea of God will emerge from the process, Fletcher said. I also dont want to alienate people who are not believers or drive them away from the process of just looking at the universe. A self-defined atheist on a cruise ship told Fletcher that he hadnt planned on attending Fletchers entertaining and thought-provoking presentation after talking with his like-minded friends. But at the last minute, he decided to go. The man said to Fletcher afterward that he wanted to see if Fletcher could pull it off meaning leave room for both atheists and believers alike to leave feeling satisfied with what he posits. You did that, the man said. We all looked at the same science, and the atheists were able to say, I can be an atheist in this universe, and the Christians were able to say, That just revealed to me God and all of his parts as we went through the science and thats really my goal, Fletcher said. You want people to see the science as brilliant, head-popping, brain melting but not as painting you into one corner or the other. A segment on quantum mechanics completely blew my mind, a high school student named Eric from Scotts Valley, Calif., said in a testimonial. Very thought-provoking, but I liked that you not only gave evidence for the atheist point of view but also the religious point of view. It was also great that you presented it from an objective point of view, so that those sensitive to hearing about religion in science wouldnt be able to complain. Through his scientific work, Fletcher said hes come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact. There must, it seems to me, be a deeper level of explanation. Whether one wishes to call that deeper level God is a matter of taste and definition. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A fire that occurred overnight Sunday caused an estimated total of $460,000 in damage to a house under construction in Clarence, Amherst fire officials announced. The Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office received a call from a neighbor just after 1:30 a.m. reporting fire on the roof of a structure at 4710 Boncrest W. Drive. Five fire agencies responded and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. An estimated $280,000 in damage was done to the homes structure and $180,000 to its contents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Erie County Sheriffs Office. This is a developing story. Check back for udpates. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania State Police say an early morning fire at the Pennsylvania Governors Residence, which prompted several people to evacuate, was an act of arson. Pennsylvania State Police and Harrisburg authorities were called to the historical site at around 2 a.m. Sunday, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline told Nexstars WHTM. He noted that crews encountered a fire in the first-floor area, which was quickly contained. Initially, Enterline confirmed members of Democratic Governor Josh Shapiros family were inside the mansion at the time of the fire and were able to safely evacuate. He could not, however, confirm whether Shapiro was inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released Sunday morning, State Police confirmed Shapiro and his family were present in a different part of the residence than where the fire occurred. FILE Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference regarding the shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) No injuries were reported, and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating, per Chief Enterline. Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg, Shapiro said in a statement. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police, he continued. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Pennsylvania State Police is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, he shared a photo celebrating the first night of Passover to social media with the caption: From the Shapiro familys Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach! Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 through its tipline for the arrest and conviction in connection with Sundays fire. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477). Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation is fast-moving, but did not provide any additional details. The 29,000-square-foot residence was completed in 1968 and has served as the home to eight governors and their families. More than 14,000 visitors tour and attend community events at the mansion, which is owned by the state, each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans fear Trumps trade war could lead to political wipeout In 1972, Hurricane Agnes forced then-Governor Milton Shapp and his family to evacuate the home after the estate was flooded by over five feet of water. It took nearly two years for the Residence to be restored. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Law enforcement officers stand outside the governor's residence on April13, 2025, after a fire led to the evacuation of Gov. Shapiro and his family. It is being investigated as arson. (Ian Karbal/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) *This is a breaking news story. As often happens in these instances, some information initially reported may turn out to be inaccurate. Well move quickly to correct the record and provide the best information we have at the time.* State police are investigating a fire at the governor residence in Harrisburg as arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Josh Shapiro said troopers woke him and his family up around 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning to evacuate. Harrisburg city firefighters extinguished the blaze at residence along North Front Street. The governor posted details about the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities, Shapiro said. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. The governors residence on April13, 2025, after a fire led to the evacuation of Gov. Shapiro and his family. It is being investigated as arson. (Ian Karbal/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) The fire occurred on the first night of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday marking the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Shapiro is Jewish. State House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) condemned the alleged arson attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary details about last nights arson attack at the Governors Residence are beyond disturbing and I condemn this, and every act of political violence, in the strongest terms, he said. I am glad to hear Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe and no injuries resulted from what appears to be a heinous act. Former GOP Governor Mark Schweiker called the attack, a despicable act of cowardice. Kathy and I hope all Pennsylvanians will join us in keeping Josh, Lori and their family in their prayers, Schweiker said in a statement. We thank the firefighters who bravely responded to the fire, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police and all law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to bring the coward who attacked the Peoples House to justice. State police, which is leading the investigation, says the blaze caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction for the person or people responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477). State police troopers stand outside the governors residence on April13, 2025, after a fire led to the evacuation of Gov. Shapiro and his family. It is being investigated as arson. (Ian Karbal/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Record-breaking heat moved into the state this afternoon, with several places in southern and eastern New Mexico climbing into the 90s this afternoon. Slightly cooler air will start moving into western New Mexico Sunday, but eastern New Mexico will likely break more record highs. Winds will again pick up Sunday afternoon, bringing a very high fire danger across southern and eastern New Mexico. Forecast Continues Below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A stronger cold front will move in from the northeast Sunday night, cooling temperatures off all across New Mexico early next week. Parts of eastern New Mexico could see highs as much as 20 cooler on Monday. A few spotty afternoon showers may develop Monday and Tuesday afternoon, but any accumulations would be light. Most of the rain would evaporate before reaching the ground. Warmer weather starts moving in again next Wednesday as winds start picking up again. Widespread windy weather is likely next Thursday afternoon. This will bring back a very high fire danger 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. INDEPENDENCE, Kans. Today marks 5 years since family and friends last saw a missing Independence, Kansas man. PREVIOUS: Southeast KS man still missing after nearly three years The City of Independence Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating Detreck Julian Foster. Foster is 59, and weighed 190 pounds when he was last seen on April 12, 2020. Police say his family reported him missing a month later on May 12, after they didnt hear from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is collaborating with Independence PD in the search for Foster. If you know anything that could help solve the case, you can contact Independence PD at 620-332-1700, or KBI at 1-800-K-S-CRIME. You can also submit an anonymous tip online through this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Apr. 12The Flathead County Election Department will conduct school elections May 6 in conjunction with special elections for other entities such as fire districts. Mail-in ballots go out to active registered voters April 18. The county will handle duties previously performed by school districts, such as ordering election supplies, printing and stamping ballots, stuffing and mailing envelopes, receiving ballots, replacing missing or damaged ballots, verifying voter signatures, appointing election judges and counting ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's all about consolidating the school election process and reducing costs," said Lucie Shea, Whitefish School District business director and clerk. Flathead County Election Manager Paula Buff echoed a similar sentiment, adding that it will add a level of transparency and clarity in the voting process. "It will be less cumbersome for electors. You don't have to worry about filling out and sending multiple ballots or dropping them off at different locations," Buff said. For example, Cayuse Prairie School District is holding a trustee election; Kalispell Public Schools is holding a high school district levy election and Bigfork Rural Fire District is holding a mill levy election. Rather than three entities paying for separate elections (ballots, envelopes, judges, etc.) voters living within that geographical area will see all three issues on one ballot, Buff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to mailing ballots, people will still have the option to hand deliver ballots at their respective school district in addition to the election department. Historically, the county's involvement in school elections was limited to providing school districts with a master list of registered voters and verifying voter signatures. For years, Kalispell Public Schools and Columbia Falls School District have advocated for the county to take on school election. In the 2022 election, both districts ran into problems getting ballots to voters, which prompted formal resolutions requesting the county take the reins. They contended the election department had staff with experience and training specialized for elections and were better equipped to handle a growing population within each school district. The districts also noted voters' perceived bias when schools administer elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the county perspective, it wanted to ensure it had the capability to conduct elections for all school districts that made similar requests. There are 19 public elementary districts and four public high school districts in Flathead County. Inroads were made when the election department agreed to let the two districts use its tabulating machines to count ballots, automating the process. The costs to run the May 6 election will be shared by the entities appearing on a particular ballot, which should be at a savings in the long run Buff said. Multiple school districts are holding trustee and levy elections. Ballots will contain information specific to the school district in which a voter resides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballots are due at the Flathead County Election Department, 290 B N. Main St., Kalispell, by 8 p.m. May 6. People may also hand deliver ballots at the election office or at their respective school district. People are reminded to sign the outer return envelopes before mailing their ballot. HERE IS a breakdown of what will be on ballots regarding school district elections. Cayuse Prairie School is holding a trustee election to fill one seat with a three-year term. Candidates are David Dowell and Susan Horner-Till. Deer Park School is seeking approval of a $4 million bond issue for "designing, constructing, equipping and furnishing improvements to Deer Park School facilities, including demolishing or relocating the existing Quonset hut and teacherage building and constructing on that site a new building to include classrooms, office space, restrooms, storage, related improvements and costs." The duration of the bond would be 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bond is approved, the owner of a home with an assessed value of $200,000 can anticipate annual taxes to increase by $162.24. Owners of homes with assessed values of $300,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $243.36. Deer Park will also hold a trustee election to fill one position with a three-year term. Candidates are Cynthia Barnes and Mikala Cordes. Kalispell Public Schools seeks approval of a $2.97 million general fund high school levy. General fund levies cover the day-to-day costs of operating schools and educating students. People who can vote on the high school district issue includes people living in Kalispell and 13 surrounding partner schools that feed into Glacier and Flathead high schools. If the high school levy is approved, owners of homes with assessed values of $300,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $49.56. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith Valley School is holding a trustee election for two open seats with three-year terms. Candidates are Jodi Brown, Joe Heidecker, Kyla Huchendorf and Josh Hunt. Whitefish School District voters will see a $100,000 high school general fund levy on the ballot. If approved, owners of homes with assessed values of $300,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $2.57. For more information about the election visit https://flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/election. Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com. *This article was updated on April 14 to include the Smith Valley School trustee election, which was inadvertently omitted from the April 13 posting. Florida has broken the record for the 6th time as the #1 Vacation Destination for Americans, per Governor Ron DeSantis. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] According to Gov. DeSantis, Florida secures a 15.5% share of the domestic vacation market in 2024. The 2024 share is a near one-point increase from 2023. Throughout 2024, Florida welcomed over 140 million tourists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first several months of 2025, Florida saw the following: A 0.5% increase in Canadian air visitation, outperforming the national trend, which showed a 2.3% decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. A 6.5% increase in overseas visitation, with notable gains from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Argentina. Florida is the worlds favorite place to visit, said Governor Ron DeSantis. This record tourism is a result of policies that prioritize freedom, public safety, and common sense. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ORANGE CITY, Fla. (WFLA) A business owner in Volusia County was arrested Thursday for buying and selling human bones on Facebook Marketplace. According to NBC affiliate WESH, Orange City police received word back in December 2023 that Kymberlee Schopper, 52, was advertising various human bones through her business, Wicked Wonderland, located at 2461 N. Volusia Ave. Orange City police told reporters that during an investigation, they found six human remains listed on the website for the business, including a human rib, a human clavicle, a scapula, a human vertebra, two human skull fragments, and a partial human skull. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County detectives spoke with the co-owner of Wicked Wonderland, who said they were unaware it was illegal and that the shop had been selling human remains for several years. The bones were collected and submitted as evidence to the medical examiners office in Daytona Beach, according to WESH. Reports found the fragments came from two different people and had both archaeological and anatomical origins. Trading in human tissue is a second-degree felony in the state of Florida. After questioning the business owner, Volusia County records showed that Schopper was released Friday on a $7,500 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 suspicious circumstances call to Colorado Springs police early Sunday led to a man being arrested on suspicion of striking an officer, law enforcement officials said. Charges for Marco Gonzalez, 42, had not been released as of Sunday afternoon. At about 4 a.m., officers responded to a call about a man walking through Dorchester Park near South Tejon and East Las Vegas streets, police said. The caller claimed to have overheard the child asking the man where he was taking her, and the man saying he would explain everything later. When officers found the man and child, he reportedly refused to comply with officers direction before punching one of the officers in the face and telling the girl to run. The man, later identified as Gonzalez, was arrested on suspicion of assault. CSPD learned that Gonzalez is the girls father, and that he has legal custody of her. Featured Local Savings The officers injuries were not serious, officials said. Amid an escalating feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled House, the chambers budget chairman on Friday sent letters to six state agencies seeking a broad array of documents as part of a probe into government spending. The inquiry into DeSantis-administration spending, ordered by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, has raised questions about potentially missing state-owned vehicles, agency leaders earning six-figure salaries while living in other states and millions of dollars of interest paid on a prison facility that has not been built. The most high-profile issue involves a $10 million donation the states largest Medicaid managed-care provider made to the Hope Florida Foundation, Inc., a direct-support organization tied to a signature program of Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. The donation from the Centene managed-care company was part of a $67 million settlement with the state Agency for Health Care Administration, with $57 million going to the agency and $10 million to the foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters, sent Friday by House Budget Chairman Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, targeted the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Education, the Florida State Guard, the Department of Management Services, the Department of Corrections and the Division of Emergency Management. Were just looking for accountability and efficiency. Thats it. Nothing more, nothing, McClure told The News Service of Florida in a phone interview. The requests focused on issues that arose as House budget panels began delving into ways to slash spending as lawmakers write a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The House and the Senate approved their proposed budgets on Wednesday, setting up negotiations on a final spending plan over the final weeks of the legislative session, which is scheduled to end May 2. McClure gave the agencies until May 16 to respond to the requests for information, meaning the data likely wont play a role in the upcoming budget talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requests, in part, ask each agency to provide all communications and documents related to settlement agreements with third parties and all communications and documents related to the Hope Florida Foundation and to the Hope Florida program. During a Wednesday meeting, House Health Care Budget Chairman Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, grilled Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris about the $10 million settlement, repeatedly asking her what the money was spent on. Harris said the foundation is a separate organization from the state Hope Florida program and was unable to provide such details. In a video posted hours later on social media, Harris called the meeting an ambush as DeSantis and other allies continued to clash about the issue with House leaders on social media and conservative media outlets. DeSantis on Thursday defended the donation and called the $10 million settlement from Centene a cherry on top of the deal that was 100 percent appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays letters reflected what Perez has called an increasing frustration over a lack of cooperation from some agencies and a dearth of information from others as the House attempted to dig into the DeSantis administrations finances. The letters pointed to a part of Florida law that gives the Legislature the right and authority to inspect and investigate the books, records, papers, documents, data, operation and physical plant of any public agency in this state, including any confidential information. Each agency is accountable to the public for how it spends its funds, McClure wrote to the heads of the six agencies. To this end, the House Budget Committee and its subcommittees have enjoyed productive meetings where we have learned more about the operations of our partners in the executive branch. However, certain information and records stemming from these discussions remain outstanding and are needed in order for the House to continue our oversight function of state agencies, McClure wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to records related to Hope Florida and the foundation, the requests seek all communications and documents related to a swath of other issues. As an example, the request to the Division of Emergency Management asks for all communications and documents related to the issuance of executive orders declaring a state of emergency and any extensions thereof dating back to July 1, 2017 before DeSantis took office in January 2019. In another letter, the House also is asking the Department of Management Services for 19 sets of records in categories including remote workers, financial management, travel, and fleet management. The request also seeks information related to the 2,279 vehicles with acquisition costs totaling $57,046,583 that could not be found or located in an auditor general report released this year. Its unclear whether the agencies intend to hand over to the House what could be a voluminous amount of records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas agencies have already spent hundreds of hours in meetings and document production only to get hit with another performative request from the House. Were focused on serving Floridians, while the House is seemingly focused elsewhere, Molly Best, a DeSantis spokeswoman, said in an email Friday. But McClure said the efforts to get information from the DeSantis administration could play a role in upcoming budget talks. Were going to either get answers that help us solve the puzzle or we are going to be extremely conservative on what were willing to agree to and then we can talk about it next year, he said in the phone interview. Other information sought by the House includes records about the states school voucher programs. In part, the House wants the Department of Education to provide records of requests for reimbursement of overpayments to scholarship-funding organizations as well as information on cross-checking processes to prevent duplicate funding for students in voucher programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrade, an attorney, acknowledged that the requests to the agencies are broad but said they are dissimilar from public-records requests made by members of the public. The Legislature is a separate branch of government tasked with the direction and oversight of the executive branch, Andrade said in a phone interview Friday. We want and we are entitled to everything. You (agency officials) need to actually act in good faith and help us understand whats going on, he added. If we dont get, well have bigger questions and bigger issues. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. On Friday, the Florida Supreme Court gave former Senate Minority Leader Gary Farmer until April 21 to respond to a recommendation that he be suspended as a Broward County circuit judge. The Supreme Court order came a day after an investigative panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission recommended that Farmer be suspended without pay and accused him of pervasive and extensive behavior demonstrating a present unfitness to hold office. The recommendation stemmed, at least in part, from allegations that Farmer repeatedly made. Inappropriate comments. The probe began after a complaint about comments he made while presiding over felony cases in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigative panel found comments discriminatory, offensive, sexually charged, and demeaning. As an example, Farmer referenced and quoted extensively from a comedy sketch that makes fun of gay people, court documents filed by the commission said. The commission makes recommendations to the Supreme Court, which has ultimate disciplinary authority over judges. After six years in the Senate, farmer was elected as a judge in Broward Countys 17th Judicial Circuit in 2022. He served as Senate minority leader during the 2021 legislative session but was ousted after a vote of no confidence by fellow Democrats. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. TYLER, Texas (KETK) In this edition of East Texas In Focus, KETKs Nolan Hoffman spoke with Longview ISDs FFA Chapter about the impact that the organization is having for East Texas students. Longview becomes largest FFA chapter in Texas, nation Longviews FFA chapter made history in March when they were recognized as the largest FFA chapter in Texas and across the United States. Originally standing for Future Farmers of America, the FFA has expanded to offer students all kinds of opportunities beyond farming and raising animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We offer an animal science pathway, a food science pathway, a horticulture pathway. We are adding an ag-business pathway, Longview FFA advisor and ag teacher, Gail Coulter said. So anything from basic leadership skills to beekeeping, is what we look at. We have vet science, we have a meat processing facility. We have greenhouses and floral design. We cover all the bases in agriculture as much as possible. According to Longview ISD, their FFA chapter has grown to include 1,319 members. Coulter told Nolan about how excited she is that more and more students are getting access to all the opportunities that the FFA makes available. I feel like the kids have so many opportunities that its amazing for these kids to have this. Its its amazing to me, Coulter said. Ive been in the program teaching agriculture for many years, and it just makes my heart explode with excitement for these kids and the opportunities that it avails for them. Longview ISD FFA Chapter Vice President Brynn Woods explained that FFA has something for everyone no matter what career interests them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longview ISD FFA students, instructors discuss becoming largest chapter in U.S. Theres speaking development events, leadership development events, career development events. There is something for everyone, as well as showing animals, Woods said. I personally dont show any animals and I give speeches and Im an area officer and a chapter officer, and thats typically where I spend most of my time in FFA. But I know many people who do show animals and they love it and thats great. I think that FFA is such a great organization because it is so inclusive of everyone. Woods and Longview FFA chapter reporter Trisha Dhana both talked about how the FFA helped bring them out of their shells by helping them learn social speaking skills. Whenever I first joined FFA back in eighth grade, I could not talk in front of people. I could not start a conversation, I could not I couldnt go up to someone and be like, hi, my names Brynn, whats your name?, Woods explained. But FFA has taught me through the years that Ive been involved that I can talk to people. I can now give speeches in front of people. I can now openly have a discussion with people, and Ive really just come out of my shell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Henderson FFA student makes school history Dhana agreed by explaining how reciting the FFA Creed in class helped her become more social. Because of me doing Creed and talking in front of my peers, I had to say it in front of class to practice, Dhana said. That really got me out of my shell and I was able to talk to more people, be more social and have open conversations where Im not being shy about it. To learn more about all of their programs, visit the FFA Association online. To see the full episode of East Texas In Focus covering the FFA, watch the video at the top of this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Reality Check is a Fresno Bee series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email tips@fresnobee.com. Several food trucks were temporarily closed in Fresno in March following routine inspections by the county health department one was infested with cockroaches. San Joaquin Catering was closed for two days, according to an official food protection inspection report. During a March 24 inspection, roaches were seen on food preparation tables. The truck was required to be sanitized and cleared by certified pest control with receipts provided upon reinspection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure was reported in monthly data issued by the Fresno County Department of Public Health, which monitors restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county. Reports and records are available to the public online. In all, there were seven closures in Fresno in March. They were: The food truck Cielo Y Tierra , operating out a commissary on Butler Avenue, was found to have a lack of hot water. The issue was revolved within the day. A lack of hot water is one of the most common violations and causes for closure. Water must be able to reach at least 120 degrees to safely wash pots, pans, dishes and glasses and 100 degrees for employees to safely wash their hands. At the same facility, Herreras Taqueria was inspected on March 27. The preparation refrigerator was operating at 60 degree, above the temperature required for safety, according to the inspection report. Additionally, the refrigerator did not have a working thermometer. The problems were resolved and the truck was allowed to reopen the following day. Other food trucks failed inspection at a commissary facility on Broadway Street. Tacos Los Gueros failed an March 18 inspection with nearly 11 violations, including adequate refrigeration, a lack of hot water and lack of sanitizer for utensil washing, according to the report. During a follow-up inspection April 8, both propane and carbon monoxide were detected on the truck. It remains closed, a heath department document says. Two mobile food units associated with Taqueria Arelys were closed March 26 due to lack of hot water, lack of adequate refrigeration and lack of proper hot holding temperatures. It was allowed to reopen the next day. One restaurant, AJs Taqueria on Kern Street in Fresnos Chinatown, was closed for one day due to a clogged floor drain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seven closures in March bring the number of restaurants, markets and other food businesses that failed health inspections so far in 2025 to 18. In February, there were three business closed following inspections, including a mini-market where there had been a fire. There were 58 restaurants, markets and other food businesses that failed their health inspections at some point during all of 2024. What inspectors look for The Fresno County Department of Public Health has about two dozen environmental health specialists who monitor almost 5,000 restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county and make unannounced visits several times a year. Restaurants also are inspected following fires, or in response to complaints or other concerns from the public, including when people report what they believe are health or sanitation issues at restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When inspectors visit a restaurant or other food service business, there is a lengthy and detailed list of more than 50 things that draw their scrutiny. They include: Whether the manager and all employees have the required food safety or food-handling certificates. Hygiene of individual employees. Ways to keep cold food at or below 41 degrees and hot food above 135 degrees. Use of proper sterilization for counters, tables, utensils and cookware. Overall cleanliness. Proper drainage of sinks and floor drains. Restrooms stocked with supplies. Whether the business has the proper license or permit. Insect or vermin infestations are violations that can result in immediate closure of restaurants or food businesses when they are observed by health inspectors. Among other serious concerns are refrigerators that dont keep food cold enough or steam tables that dont keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth, or clogged sinks or drains that cause contaminated water to back up into kitchens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most instances, if an inspector finds a problem, its something that can be fixed on the spot. This can include having enough bleach or sanitizer in the water used to wipe down food-preparation areas, replenishing soap, paper towels and toilet paper in the restrooms, or reminding employees to wash their hands and wear gloves and hairnets. GREENVILLE, NC (WNCT) A former East Carolina University student who went viral on TikTok is speaking out after being arrested twice by campus police. Faith Pellini, who is no longer enrolled at ECU, gained millions of views on social media after posting a video claiming she confronted a man at an off-campus party who she said sexually assaulted female students. Following the viral post, Pellini was arrested twice for trespassing on campus grounds. Despite facing criminal charges, Pellini said she was still expected to attend classes, something she claims was impossible under the circumstances. If I stepped foot up campus at all, Im charged with trespassing, right? But they were allowing me to come to class and I still had grades, do all that type of stuff, she said. How am I expected to go to class? If I try to go to class on my way, I get arrested in handcuffs, so I had to withdraw myself. Basically, that means they get to expel me without actually having to expel me in a more legal way. Pellini said she now plans to pursue legal action. WNCT will continue following this developing story and provide 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 WNCT. The writers are former high-ranking military officials. Their titles are available at newsobserver.com/opinion North Carolina service members and their families must be allowed to exercise their voting right in the state Supreme Court election. The military and overseas voters whose votes would be discarded by the N.C. Supreme Courts decision followed law and procedures. The courts decision to change the rules months after the election and when these voters are too far away to respond is not how we do right by service members and families. The appeals courts decision to throw out ballots unless voters can cure them by providing photo ID within 30 calendar days is not practical for service members and families overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will result in many if not most of these voters being disenfranchised. The mailed notice may not reach them within that window, let alone arrive in time for response. Those in remote locations may not have a printer or scanner. Making it impossible for their ballots to be counted is a betrayal of their sacrifices. Louis Caldera served as Secretary of the Army from 1998 to 2001. George Casey served as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2011. Sean OKeefe served as Secretary of the Navy from 1992 to 1993. Steve Abbot served as Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. European Command from 1998 to 2000. Deborah Lee James served as Secretary of the Air Force from 2013 to 2017. John Jumper served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 2001 to 2005. Craig McKinley served as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 2008 to 2012. Thad Allen served as the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. Tillis, Budd, banks Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd continue their assault on North Carolinians. In 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized rules capping overdraft fees at $5 per transaction for banks with over $10 million. The bureaus mission is to protect folks from predatory large corporations. Tillis, Budd and other Republicans overturned this rule, allowing big banks to charge higher overdraft fees, potentially costing consumers billions of dollars. Their job is to represent 11 million NC residents and not just the richest. They voted against our interest in favor of big banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberta Blumberg, Durham Teachers From 2023 to 2024, 10 percent of teachers left the profession. Instead of addressing the reasons for their departure low pay and lack of resources to handle students with emotional, behavioral and academic difficulties state Republicans are proposing we require 50% of teachers, rather than 100%, hold licenses. This will erode confidence in our schools. Instead of using taxes to provide private schools vouchers, this money could be used to address teacher dissatisfaction. Lets provide teachers with resources to meet todays challenges. Elizabeth Norval, Raleigh Raleigh, April 5 I took a walk in downtown Raleigh on April 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what I saw: volunteers, including young folks, cleaned up a park near the Village District; thousands of well behaved, creative and diverse citizens held a peaceful protest against the actions coming out of Washington; state capitol police courteously controlled traffic along the protest route; drivers patiently waited in traffic, many honking in support of protesters; Vietnam vets held their monthly recognition of fallen and missing comrades at the capitol memorial while politely interacting with the protesters; protesters and Dreamville attendees visited establishments for food and drink. For the first time in months, I felt optimism about our country despite the vitriol of so-called political leaders. We the people, are going to be okay. Lee Evans, Raleigh Iran The writer was a staffer for Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. Everyone wants to talk about tariffs. Democrats and Republicans are focused on either attacking Donald Trump or supporting Trump on this issue. No one is focused on what would be one of the most disastrous things that Trump could do. War with Iran. Trump has raised tensions tremendously because he keeps threatening them. What is Iran supposed to do? This would destroy the United States economy, and would drag us into an all out war that we inevitably would lose. Just like Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. There is no benefit to going to war with Iran. Going to war with Iran would be incredibly stupid, especially with all the tariffs. The Democratic and Republican parties always act like Iran is some big boogeyman. Dont believe it. Patrick Riley, Raleigh Voting error I erred. I voted for Jefferson Griffin in the election. Now that it is possible to change the election rules after the fact, I would like to rescind my vote for him. Alan Tharp, Raleigh French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned a Russian missile strike on the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, which killed at least 31 people, including two children on Sunday morning. The attack caused "numerous civilian casualties, including children," Macron wrote Sunday on X. "Everyone knows that Russia, alone, wanted this war. Today, it is clear that Russia, alone, is choosing to continue it." Macron accused Moscow of pursuing the conflict with disregard for human life, international law and diplomatic efforts, including recent initiatives led by US President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia. France is working tirelessly with its allies (towards this goal)," he added. Ukrainian officials said at least 31 people were killed in the strike, including two children, and more than 80 others were injured. Recently the Frederick County Retired School Personnel (FCRSPA) awarded Walkersville High School teacher Ryan Kint a $500 grant to help fund his enhancing engineering and wood design with laser engraving and cutting student project. Kint will use the funds toward the purchase of a laser engraving/cutting tool for use by his Project Lead The Way (PTLW) classes. PLTW is a STEM initiative class offered at most high schools. This project will serve approximately 150-200 students annually, supporting their design and engineering projects. Many of these students would not have access to such technology outside of the school environment, making this an essential component of their educational experience. Unified MRSPA and FCRSPA membership is open to those who have retired from FCPS. For membership information, email myfcrspa@gmail.com or call and leave a message for the FCRSPA member chairperson at 301-788-1117. Mountain Metropolitan Transit will offer free bus rides from June through August, according to a news release. For the fourth consecutive year, the transportation company will be participating in the Zero Fare Transit Grant program, an initiative aimed at encouraging the use of public transportation during the summer months, when ozone emissions tend to be at their peak, officials said. The program is funded through Senate Bill 24-032, Methods to Increase the Use of Transit, which provides grants that allow qualifying Colorado transit agencies to offer free rides during the peak ozone season or year-round free fares for riders under the age of 19. According to a report from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies, monthly Mountain Metro ridership spiked from about 223,000 riders to 314,00 during the 2023 Zero Fare for Better Air program a 36% bump in ridership. Free rides will be available on all MMT buses as well as Metro Mobility paratransit services, the release stated Featured Local Savings "We are excited to continue providing free fares for our riders again this year," said Transit Division Manager Lan Rao. "We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity for a free ride this summer. CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Residents in South Bay communities near the Tijuana River Valley can apply for a free air purifier part of a new program. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control Districts (SDAPCD) new program will give out free air purifiers to some households impacted by the odors from the sewage flows at the U.S.-Mexico border. EPA Chief Lee Zeldin to visit US-Mexico border, examine Tijuana sewage crisis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most households in the southern San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, the Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach can apply for the Air Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) Program. Residents can visit sdapcd.org/AIRE to check eligibility for the program by their address. SDAPCD says priority will be given to homes with children and people over 65 years of age, and in communities closest to the Tijuana River Valley. Those that are chosen will receive a free air purifier and up to two replacement filters that will be shipped by the manufacturer. CDC health survey shows impacts of Tijuana sewage crisis on South Bay residents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDAPCD noted that due to limited quantities not all eligible households will receive an air purifier. Residents in southern San Diego County have been dealing with impacts from the cross-border pollution for years, including air and water quality. Toxic sewage from Tijuana River impacts Imperial Beach Little League SDAPCD says the air purifiers will be given to homes directly impacted by the hydrogen sulfide odors, which smells similar to rotten eggs, that is produced by the transboundary wastewater and sewage flows near the Tijuana River Valley. The air purifiers help to improve air quality by reducing contaminants and pollutants in a room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health and environmental impacts from the sewage pollution caught the attention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which sent officials to conduct a public health survey in late 2024. The results of that study found a majority of residents said they have health concerns, symptoms and quality-of-life issues. In early April, EPA Chief Lee Zeldin posted on social media intentions to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in the coming weeks to see first-hand the impacts from the sewage crisis after years of repeated calls for action from the federal government. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Two men were taken to a hospital Friday night after they were shot at an apartment in Fresno Officers responded at 10:15 p.m. to a call of shots fired at Ashlan and Austin Way and located two shooting victims that were struck by gunfire. The two victims were taken to a local hospital and were in stable condition. Fresno police Lt. Marcus Gray II said the suspect walked up to a location and opened fire into at least two apartments. It is unknown if the shooting is gang related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know which one was the intended target, Gray said. Detectives were on scene investigating the shootings and unknown if there were more than one shooter. It is not known if the victims and the shooter knew each other, Gray said. Neighbors were being cooperative with officers. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000. YOUNGSVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) A funeral was held Saturday for a grandmother who was killed in a drive-by shooting earlier this month near Youngsville. Bernice Pender was shot at a home along Bert Winston Road the night of April 1 and two suspects were arrested Friday in her death, according to Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White. Penders family and friends gathered for a memorial at Kinches Chapel Christian Church in Franklinton on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are devastated by her untimely and senseless loss, her granddaughter Jasmine Pender wrote on a GoFundMe page. As a family, we were not prepared for such a tragedy. Meanwhile, images were released from the Friday arrests of Jaquan Lynch, 23, of Durham and Donavan Boyd, 22, of Warrenton, who are charged with first-degree murder, White said. Bernice Pender in a photo from the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation announced that several firearms were among the items found when the arrests were made. The scene where Pender was killed included dozens of spent shell casings and bullet holes in the house. RELATED: 2 men arrested in Franklin County drive-by shooting that killed woman: Sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A photo from the NCSBI showed a wall of 10 guns ranging from assault rifles to a Diamondback Tactical Pistol, a snakeskin wrapped handgun, and an old-fashioned lever-action rifle. Various guns and a flamethrower (bottom center) found during the arrests of the suspects in the killing of Benice Pender. Photo courtesy: NCSBI Also on mounted on the wall was an item called a Pulsefire, which had a triangular item attached under it. A Pulsefire is a brand of flamethrower that the company bills as the most advanced and powerful such product. The Pulsefire pictured from NCSBI appears to be a model designed for mounting under the barrel of a rifle. With the same 25-foot reach, this compact configuration maximizes versatility, the Pulsefire website said about the under-barrel mounted version, which can shoot flames 25 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrests of Boyd and Lynch on Friday involved several agencies, according to the NCSBI. In addition to Franklin County deputies, the Wake Forest Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Warren County Sheriffs Office were involved. Photos from the case of the killing of Bernice Pender Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White (right) with one of the suspects arrested Friday in the killing of Bernice Pender. NCSBI photo Photo courtesy: NCSBI Various guns found during the arrests in the killing of Bernice Pender. Photo courtesy: NCSBI One of the suspects arrested on Friday. Photo courtesy: NCSBI Photo courtesy: NCSBI A flamethrower (left) among guns found during the arrest of suspects Friday in the killing of Bernice Pender. Photo courtesy: NCSBI Bernice Pender. Photo courtesy: Franklin County Sheriffs Office Various guns found during the arrests Friday. NCBSI photo Photos from the NCSBI showed a tactical unit with a special ramming vehicle outside the home where at least one suspect was found. Sheriff White spoke out Friday afternoon about the case after the arrests. Drugs, thugs, and gang-related violence should never be tolerated on the streets of our beautiful communities, White wrote on Facebook. Let this be a lesson to everyone. If you hurt one of my people, I dont care how far you run, I will personally go to the ends of the Earth to hunt you down. The scene of one arrest in the killing of Bernice Pender. Photo courtesy: NCBSI Penders family continues to recover from her killing, according to her granddaughter. But, she says it is an incredibly difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are deeply grateful for your support, thoughts, prayers, and any help you can offer, Jasimine Pender wrote on GoFundMe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 national average price of gasoline decreases after reaching a yearly high, down 6.2 cents from last weeks average to $3.19 per gallon, and in New York State, down 2.5 cents to $3.10. According to GasBuddy data, the national average is up 14 cents from a month ago but 44.4 cents lower than a year ago and in New York State, 1.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 38.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. On Friday, April 4 the national average price of gasoline reached a new high at $3.26, a 24 cent increase from this years lowest average recorded by GasBuddy on March 17 at $3.02. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the national average price of gasoline saw its largest weekly gain of the year, it likely wont last long, as oil prices have plummeted amid growing concerns about the global economy following the U.S. announcement of some of the most significant tariffs in over a century, along with OPEC+ restoring oil production faster than anticipated, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said. In addition to falling oil prices, the stock market has dropped sharply, and the risk of a recession has increased raising the likelihood of reduced global energy and oil demand, which is sending prices lower. As a result, motorists can expect gas prices to begin falling nearly coast-to-coast, with oil now at its lowest level since the early days of the pandemic in 2021. If tariffs arent scaled back soon, the national average could fall below $3 per gallon in the weeks ahead, with no clear indication of how long it might stay there as market volatility persists. The top 10% of gas stations have a reported average of $4.63 per gallon, with the bottom averaging $2.64. California, Hawaii and Washington continue to average the highest prices per gallon at $4.87, $4.44 and $4.31 respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states with the lowest average prices per gallon are Oklahoma at $2.72, Mississippi at $2.73 and Tennessee at $2.77. The most common price per gallon encountered by motorists remains unchanged at $2.99. As of Thursday, April 10 these are the reported prices per gallon from stations around the North Country. Plattsburgh: Sunoco (Margaret Street) $2.94 24 Hour Fuel (Archie Bordeau Road) $2.95 Sams Club (membership required) $2.95 Stewarts Shops (7137 US9) $2.97 Mobil (4319 NY22) $2.99 Mobil (Rugar Street) $2.99 Stewarts Shops (Rugar Street) $2.99 Mountain Mart #109 $2.99 Maplefields (US avenue) $2.99 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewarts Shops (Cornelia Street) $2.99 St Armands (US9) $3.09 Malone: BMJ Midway Market (US11) $3.05 Malone Food Mart (E Main Street) $3.09 Mountain Mart 107 (Spalding Street) $3.09 Maplefields (E Main Street) $3.09 Mobil (US11) $3.09 Stewarts Shops (W Main Street) $3.09 Ticonderoga: Stewarts Shops (Montcalm Street) $3.48 Mobil (NY9N) $3.49 Saranac Lake: Mobil (Lake Flower Avenue) $3.49 Mobil (Broadway) $3.49 Stewarts Shops $3.49 Champlain: Mobil (US11) $3.25 Keeseville: Sunoco $3.17 Chazy: Stewarts Shops $3.09 West Chazy: Mobil (Military Turnpike) $3.09 Morrisonville: Mannys Sunoco (cash only) $3.05 Port Henry: Stewarts Shops (Main Street) $3.39 Mooers: Mobil (NY11) $3.29 Ray Brook: Sunoco (cash only) $3.49 MOUNT POCONO, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A Georgia man has been convicted of sexual assault after a trial earlier this week in Monroe County. According to Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso, 32-year-old Javonte Norfleet of Conyers, Georgia, has been found guilty of Indecent Assault and Unlawful Contact with a Minor. Mancuso states that a mistrial was declared last year based off the result of a hung jury, but a decision by the victim and her family prompted them to go ahead with another trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This rose out of an investigation by the Poconos Mountain Police Department, who say they responded to the complaint of a 16-year-old African American girl that she had been sexually assaulted by an unknown man in a tractor-trailer back in October of 2023. Firefighters battle Scranton structure fire Police say that a sexual assault examination of the girl revealed trauma consistent with the assault and DNA which matched Norfleet. Mancuso states that the description of the victim and video surveillance from several locations around the lot traced the tractor-trailer to Western Express Company from Covington, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release says that they contacted the company which led them to identify the operator as Javonte Norfleet wo matched the description provided by the victim. Norfleet was arrested by Georgia authorities and changed his story several times during the interview, but eventually admitted he had sex with the girl, but said it was consensual, according to Mancuso. It is unknown how long Norwell will serve, but Mancuso states that they will seek state prison time, lengthy parole supervision, and sex offender registration for Norfleet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1976 The University of Hawaii developed a 6, 450-foot-deep experimental well on Hawaii island in 1976, which reached a reservoir of 676-degree water that produced enough steam to make electricity for an estimated 2, 000 homes. The demonstration well was later used to develop a 3-megawatt power plant at Pohoiki in Puna. 1 /3 STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1976 The University of Hawaii developed a 6, 450-foot-deep experimental well on Hawaii island in 1976, which reached a reservoir of 676-degree water that produced enough steam to make electricity for an estimated 2, 000 homes. The demonstration well was later used to develop a 3-megawatt power plant at Pohoiki in Puna. STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1996 Over the years, geothermal power research and power production has received pushback from the community. Hawaii island residents held signs along Aupuni Street outside the county building in Hilo to protest geothermal power in 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 /3 STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1996 Over the years, geothermal power research and power production has received pushback from the community. Hawaii island residents held signs along Aupuni Street outside the county building in Hilo to protest geothermal power in 1996. COURTESY HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT / 2018 The states only geothermal power plant, Puna Geothermal Venture on Hawaii island, was disrupted by the May 2018 lower Puna eruption. According to the University of Hawaii, the plant occupies 80 % less land and produces five times more electricity than one of the states biggest solar farms. 3 /3 COURTESY HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT / 2018 The states only geothermal power plant, Puna Geothermal Venture on Hawaii island, was disrupted by the May 2018 lower Puna eruption. According to the University of Hawaii, the plant occupies 80 % less land and produces five times more electricity than one of the states biggest solar farms. STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1976 The University of Hawaii developed a 6, 450-foot-deep experimental well on Hawaii island in 1976, which reached a reservoir of 676-degree water that produced enough steam to make electricity for an estimated 2, 000 homes. The demonstration well was later used to develop a 3-megawatt power plant at Pohoiki in Puna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / 1996 Over the years, geothermal power research and power production has received pushback from the community. Hawaii island residents held signs along Aupuni Street outside the county building in Hilo to protest geothermal power in 1996. COURTESY HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT / 2018 The states only geothermal power plant, Puna Geothermal Venture on Hawaii island, was disrupted by the May 2018 lower Puna eruption. According to the University of Hawaii, the plant occupies 80 % less land and produces five times more electricity than one of the states biggest solar farms. Three state agencies have big ambitions to expand geothermal power production in Hawaii, and two somewhat competing bids for more funding are at a final stage of potential legislative approval. The initiatives focus on tapping into a relatively clean and cheap source of energy on Hawaii island, Maui and Oahu as a way to meet a state goal to derive 100 % of electricity from renewable sources by 2045 and reduce Hawaiis high cost of power largely from burning imported oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Gov. Josh Greens administration say that geothermal power can be a much bigger part of achieving these goals, but that the risks and costs to identify new viable geothermal power plant sites are too high for private industry. So, support from Hawaii taxpayersaround $80 million over the next two years, and possibly more lateris being sought. The state should help reduce the risk and the cost to finding (commercially viable ) geothermal sites, Dane Wicker, deputy director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said in an interview. We dont know where these sites are. The state has one existing geothermal power plant, Puna Geothermal Venture on Hawaii island, that began operations in 1993. 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. Developing additional geothermal power plants, which are driven by underground steam delivered via wells to produce electricity, isnt just a cost issue. Community opposition exists over health concerns and the views of some Native Hawaiians who consider geothermal wells an affront to Madame Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaiian myth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus the state has a twofold objective involving resource research and community outreach. Power pitch The Hawaii State Energy Office this year sought $16.5 million in each of the next two fiscal years from the Legislature to continue work it began last year using $5 million provided by Green from a federal coronavirus recovery fund. HSEO is working with the University of Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resource Center to zero in on one test well site on Hawaii island outside of Puna and to understand community views. Mark Glick, HSEO director, estimates that current funding could produce the test well in the first quarter of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the agencys request for $33 million more is granted, HSEO intends to do similar work elsewhere on Hawaii island outside Puna, on Maui and even on Oahu, where drilling deep enough could reach geothermal resources. Glick said the push stems from a realization that not enough suitable land exists to attain renewable energy goals for electricity and transportation fuel using solar, wind and biofuel crop projects. According to UH, Puna Geothermal occupies 80 % less land and produces five times more electricity than one of the states biggest solar farms. Geothermal energy also can be used to make hydrogen and ammonia fuels. For us it seems to make a lot of sense to better understand that resource to see how far it can go, Glick said. So far, that just has been a discussion, and sort of an assertion, that it has great potential. But we think it needs to be transformed into something extremely tangible and understandable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glick figures it makes sense for the state to invest $50 million to $60 million to acutely understand Hawaiis geothermal energy capabilities and prompt private industry to proceed with power plant development. Theres just not confidence of where to go, and also where to go that would be acceptable to the public, he said. House Bill 1020 was introduced on behalf of the governor to fund HSEOs goal. The bill passed the House in February without a specified appropriation. On April 4, the Senate passed an amended version that channels the unspecified sum to DBEDT instead of HSEO. That leaves House and Senate negotiators to possibly hash out differences before the legislative session ends May 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parallel plan A separate funding request is being driven by DBEDT and private consultants in partnership with UH and another state agency, the Hawaii Technology Development Corp. Last year, the Legislature appropriated $6 million to DBEDT to begin geothermal site research and public outreach on Hawaii island in an effort to attract private-sector development of a 50-to 100-megawatt power plant. Green released only $2.8 million, which allowed the project led by Waika Consulting to craft a long-term development plan and begin community engagement. This year, DBEDT seeks $6 million via Senate Bill 1269 to allow the team and a contractor selected through competitive bidding to identify four to eight potential sites and do localized community outreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two additional phases also are envisioned to cut the number of potential sites by half using noninvasive subsurface testing, and then drill one to three test wells. Wicker estimated a total of $20 million will be needed over five years to complete all four phases. The ultimate goal here is to get to commercial viability, he said. SB 1269 isnt a Green administration bill but is endorsed by DBEDT and promoted by Waika officials who have opposed the governors bill for HSEO funding. Ryan Matsumoto, president of Waika, strongly urged lawmakers in written testimony to support SB 1269 in place of HB 1020. Waika to date has received about half of last years $2.8 million appropriation to DBEDT. According to a preliminary budget for the work involving Waika, UH and HTDC, relatively little or no work is being done by UH or HTDC. The biggest budget item is nearly $1 million directed to community outreach that includes meetings, community advocacy and paying two cultural advisers. Another $650, 000 is to produce a development plan. Budgeted sums for consultants include $150, 000 for Honua Group LLC managed by Roberta Cabral, who founded the parent company of Waika, $150, 000 for Luca Ltd. and $100, 000 for Matsumoto. More than a decade ago, an affiliate of Waika, Huena Power, unsuccessfully tried to develop a maximum 50-megawatt geothermal power plant on Hawaii island in response to a 2013 Hawaiian Electric request for proposals. Different drafts of SB 1269 have passed the Senate and House to set the bill up for Senate-House negotiations on a mutually agreeable version. Third effort Another state agency, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, also sought legislative funding this year for geothermal energy exploration on Hawaii island. DHHL initially received $500, 000 from the Legislature in 2022 to begin such work and is considering three potential sites on land it owns in Kawaiahae, South Point and Humuula on Mauna Kea, which is next to an Army training range and is the agencys preferred site. Senate Bill 151 sought $20 million in each of the next two fiscal years for DHHL to carry out the work in collaboration with HSEO and UH, but the measure did not advance beyond an initial Senate committee approval in February. A similar bill seeking only $20 million, House Bill 1307, passed the House but wasnt taken up in the Senate after about 60 individuals opposed the bill in written testimony largely over cultural, health and other concerns. DHHL in written testimony said its also pursuing federal funding, and estimated that up to $200 million will be needed to identify and position one or more sites for commercial development. Groundbreaking past Hawaii has a long, contentious and groundbreaking history with geothermal power. Early research into producing electricity from geothermal energy in the state included infrared mapping in the early 1970s focused on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, Hawaiis most active volcano. That effort was funded by Hawaii County and was followed by more than $10 million in additional investments from the county, state and federal governments. In 1976, UH developed a 6, 450-foot-deep experimental well reaching a reservoir of 676-degree water that produced enough steam to make electricity for an estimated 2, 000 homes. The demonstration well was used to develop a 3-megawatt power plant at Pohoiki in Puna that began producing electricity in 1981, making Hawaii the second state to develop a geothermal power plant. The Geysers in Northern California was the first. Multiple commercial geothermal power plants were anticipated to follow, including a proposed 500-megawatt plant to deliver electricity to other islands via undersea cable. Only one emerged, Puna Geothermal, a 38-megawatt plant that cost $130 million. It began operating in 1993, after the small demonstration plant shut down, but didnt reduce electricity rates for Hawaii island residents until 2023 because the plants owner was paid the same price for power produced from oil under its original contract. Over many decades during geothermal power research and power production in Puna, strong pushback from community members included public protests and litigation. Much of the opposition was from Pohoiki residents who complained about intermittent releases of smelly and toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, ear-splitting well blowouts and other negative impacts including occasional evacuations. One area resident, Robert Petricci, was arrested at least eight times before Puna Geothermal began operating. We demand a halt to geothermal development now, before we are hurt or forced out of our homes, he said, according to a 1991 Honolulu Advertiser article. Organizations that opposed geothermal power included the Pele Defense Fund and Big Island Rainforest Action Group. We cannot compromise our deity, said Emmett Aluli, a Pele Defense Fund leader, according to a 1990 Honolulu Star-Bulletin article. In March, Terri Napeahi, a Pele Defense Fund representative, told the state House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce that drilling for geothermal resources would constitute desecration and prompt litigation. Tara Rojas told the same committee that Puna residents have been gassed by toxic air. Please do not fast-track this, she said. Pua Case, a leader in protests that indefinitely blocked development of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea in 2019 over cultural objections, told the committee in written testimony that more study about the impacts of geothermal development on the land, water and people of Puna are needed before more development. Building support Proponents of expanded geothermal energy development in Hawaii claim that harmful health consequences havent been demonstrated, and that industry technology has greatly improved with regard to emissions issues since Puna Geothermal was established. Ulupono Initiative, a socially minded investment firm, said it conducted a survey of Hawaii island residents in 2023 that found 55 % of respondents support geothermal energy production compared with 21 % opposed and 24 % being neutral. Henry Curtis, executive director of the environmental group Life of the Land, told lawmakers that more geothermal power is needed in Hawaii but that it shouldnt be where communities can be negatively impacted. The current version of the DBEDT-backed bill would prohibit geothermal resource exploration within an unspecified distance from residential areas. Hawaiian Electric, the state-regulated utility serving Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island, supports the effort to meet state renewable energy and electricity cost-reduction goals with more geothermal energy. The utility plans to issue a draft request for long-term renewable energy project proposals later this year, which would provide opportunities for geothermal development. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned a Russian missile attack on the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy that killed at least 32 people on Sunday, calling it a "barbaric attack." "The images from the city centre of Sumy, where Russian missiles killed innocent civilians on Palm Sunday, are horrific. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured," Scholz said in a statement on X. He added that such attacks underscore the lack of sincerity behind Russia's claimed willingness to seek peace with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instead, we are seeing Russia continue its war of aggression against Ukraine with relentless brutality," Scholz wrote. "This war must end, and Russia must finally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire. We are working toward that goal together with our European and international partners," Scholz said. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at least 32 people, including two children, were killed in the strike. More than 80 others were injured, several of them children. Germanys incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said Ukraine should not join NATO or the European Union while it remains at war with Russia. In an interview with Handelsblatt published on April 12, Merz emphasized that Ukraines wartime status makes accession impossible at this stage. "Ukraine is a very large European country, but it is a European country that is at war," Merz said. "A country that is at war cannot become a member of NATO or the European Union." He reaffirmed that Ukraines future lies within both alliances but insisted that hostilities must first end. "The promise of joining the European Union remains valid, as does the perspective of joining NATO," Merz said. "But for both of these to happen, the war must end first." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz made his remarks shortly after unveiling what he called a "strong plan" to lead Germany forward, presenting his vision for a new coalition government on April 9. Germany has become Ukraines second largest military donor after the U.S., making it Kyivs leading supporter on the European continent. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) bloc, led by Merz, won the most seats in Februarys Bundestag election. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) finished third and will serve as a coalition partner in the new government. Together, the CDU/CSU and SPD hold a majority in parliament, allowing them to form a government without involving other parties. The Greens, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the Left will remain in opposition. The new cabinet is expected to maintain support for Ukraine and increase defense spending, with further policy priorities to be outlined in the coalition agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 14, a German parliamentary coalition agreed to allocate 3 billion euros (approximately $3.2 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine. Merzs ambitious plans to boost Germanys defense spending are part of a broader shift in Europes security strategy. The continent is rearming and taking on a larger role in supporting Ukraine amid sudden changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Read also: Germanys military rebirth is Europes best bet against Putin Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Olena Kohut, a musician from Sumy, was killed in the Russian missile strike on 13 April. She was a solo organist at the regional philharmonic, a member of the orchestra at the local theatre and a lecturer at a professional arts college. Source: UP.Life citing Kohut's colleagues from Sumy National Theatre named after Mykhailo Shchepkin and the Sumy Oblast Philharmonic Details: "On 13 April 2025, as a result of a missile strike by Russia, our theatre family experienced a pain that cannot be expressed in words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olena was an incredibly bright person, a true professional, a caring colleague and a loyal friend. Her music, her smile, her kindness will remain in our memory forever," the theatre wrote. Colleagues from the Bortnianskyi Sumy Professional College of Arts and Culture described her as a talented pianist, "full of energy and creative plans". They said she was a true mentor and pillar of support for her students, helping them unlock their potential and believe in themselves. They added that during her lessons, Kohut not only passed on her knowledge but also taught humanity, kindness, and optimism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Her mastery, deep understanding of music and impeccable performance captivated everyone lucky enough to hear her," the college wrote. In addition to her teaching and professional musical work, Olena performed abroad, playing the Ukrainian national anthem in historic European churches as a way to promote Ukrainian culture. Olena Kohut is survived by her mother, husband and sons. The date, time, and location of the farewell ceremony will be announced by her colleagues in due course. Background: On 13 April, Russia launched a missile strike on central Sumy. Ukraines Defence Intelligence indicates the city was hit by two Iskander-M ballistic missiles fired from Voronezh and Kursk oblasts in Russia. At least 32 people, including two children, were killed in the attack. Another 99 were injured, including 11 minors. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LIVERMORE, Ky. (WEHT) American Red Cross volunteers in McLean County are offering food and shelter to dozens of flood victims. It comes on the heels of historic river flooding in all corners of the Tri-State. On Saturday, neighborhood streets in Livermore still looked much like rivers than the roads which several call home. Ive lived on that street over 60-some years, and this is the fastest water Ive ever seen come up in the house, says Kenneth Gillette and had to evacuate flood waters this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillette is in a wheelchair and cannot walk. While his daughter comes to spend time with him every now and again, Gillette was stuck. Thats until the Red Cross set up a shelter at Livermore City Hall earlier this week. I waited for someone to come and help me get out, and, finally, I prayed that morning and the good Lord sent the Red Cross. They hauled me out in the back of a pick-up truck, got my chair and I got on the tailgate because I live right behind here, Gillette says. Gillette for the time being is staying with the Red Cross all day every day where volunteers from as far as Minnesota and Oregon are working around the clock to offer beds, three meals a day and other basic supplies. Up to sixty people are stopping by for lunch every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we were not allowed inside to get video of the shelter, rest assured that residents like Gillette are not left behind in the flood waters. Were serving breakfast, lunch and supper here at city hall, and were just here to help out people with whatever needs that they may have, says volunteer Karen Moehring. We have someone awake at all times, so we keep our staff 24/7, says volunteer Nan Noteboom. A final date when the Red Cross will leave has not been set, but volunteers tell me theyre committed to helping people who may have nowhere else to go. Gillette may return home with everything lost, and things may not be the same. He hopes soon hell be able to be back home with his daughter and grandchildren visiting and receive help from FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonight though GIllette tells me hes had excellent service from the Red Cross. I just want to thank everybody for all the help, and thank God that they came by, Gillette says. More from Ben Walls Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Remember the guys who found a way to turn your personal information into cold hard cash? It brings us no pleasure to report that they're now expanding into the border surveillance industry. Google, once a company that simply tracked your every move to serve targeted ads, is now a key player in the US Customs and Border Patrol's (CBP) AI surveillance system, according to new reporting by The Intercept. The tech giant makes up the core of a multi-company venture to modernize the CBP's surveillance monitoring towers, a project started by Donald Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, Google is providing CBP with its cloud computing program, the ModulAr Cloud Platform Environment which for reasons beyond us is abreviated to MAGE and which serves as the hub connecting Equitus AI and IBM's Maximo Visual Inspection software, according to The Intercept. The project is primarily focused on saddling cameras in and around Tucson with AI capabilities, though more experimental rollouts are likely as a bipartisan border tech bill flies through the House on its way to the Senate. Google's servers will process the video feed of every Tuscon-area CBP camera to identify approaching people and vehicles. "This project will focus initially on 100 simultaneous video streams from the data source for processing," a CBP document viewed by The Intercept read. "The resulting metadata and keyframes will be sent to CBPs Google Cloud." The revelation comes in the middle of Trump's brutal crackdown on migrants flocking to the US from Central and South America, a system built by Democrats and Republicans alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That context is key: the Trump administration has used AI to scour social media accounts of foreign nationals, repositioned spy satellites to trawl the border, and disappeared hundreds of asylum seekers to El Salvador's notorious "Terrorism Confinement Center". Google's CBP venture is just the latest deployment of technology to clamp down on asylum seekers, many of whom flee their homelands as a result of economic hardship caused by US foreign policy and wealth extraction. Though public-private surveillance tools might aid enforcement agencies not to mention pad the pockets of tech companies they do nothing to address the cause of the immigration crisis. Instead, they ratchet up the human cruelty to new heights, adding to racial discrimination in immigration enforcement, militarizing the immigration system, and automating the kinds of violence and abuse that are all too common for those struggling for asylum. "For more than two decades, surveillance towers at the border have proven to be a boondoggle," Dave Maass of the Electronic Frontier Foundation told The Intercept. "Adding AI isnt going to make it any less of a boondoggle it will just be an AI-powered boondoggle." More from Futurism: NASA Caught Purchasing Controversial AI Surveillance Software Two things surprised Gov. Josh Stein about his new job during his first 100 days as governor, he said in an interview with The News & Observer. One is about the state budget. The other is related to gubernatorial powers. Good morning. This is the governor edition of our Under the Dome newsletter. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. The North Carolina Senate budget is set to be released Monday evening. The legislation will show how the Republican-controlled upper chamber wants to spend more than $30 billion in taxpayer money over the next two years. And there will be policy in it, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Past budgets have taken away power from the governor, and theres a chance that will happen again. Senate Republicans, who hold a supermajority, plan to take final votes on the budget about three days after the several-hundred-page document is made public. I asked Senate leader Phil Berger this past week if there will be policy in it, including policy that isnt about spending money. There are things that will be in the budget that some people could argue are policy, but I think budgets are about policy, Berger said. Written completely by Republicans, who received Steins proposal in March, the budget has in past years been one of the battlegrounds between the governor and legislature. Steins first 100 days Stein has just reached a milestone in office: his first 100 days. I interviewed a long list of Republicans and Democrats about the job hes done so far, and his relationships with lawmakers and President Donald Trump. You can read that in-depth story, which includes an interview with Stein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are a few significant quotes from my story: N.C. Central University political science professor Jarvis Hall, on what could be Steins first test: If Stein vetoes a bill banning diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education, Stein can become a voice to offer some resistance to what I see, as a college professor in a public institution, to be a threat to academic freedom. Stein, House Speaker Destin Hall and Berger are the three most powerful politicians in North Carolina. Steins been very impressed by Hall, has a respectful relationship with Berger, and looks forward to working with both of them, and both of their chambers on issues that can help North Carolinians have better lives. Longtime Republican operative Dallas Woodhouse, on Steins approach: When the legislature is of an opposite party, and theyre likely to have, at a minimum, a pretty healthy majority through his time ... If you want to beat up on the legislature, do a few liberal executive orders, veto a few things, and, (youll) basically accomplish very little to nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison, a member of the House Progressive Caucus: I think that anybody who has to work with (Trump) is trying to be a little bit more diplomatic or trying to work with what we have, because its pretty bad ... So hes probably just doing what he needs to do to survive in this environment, and Im kind of proud of him for being able to stand it. NC Republicans welcome Gov. Josh Steins approach so far, but his first test is coming soon In addition to whats in that story, I asked Stein about what hes learned in his first 100 days. His answer included the budget. (One of) two things that have taken up time as governor that I just didnt appreciate because I hadnt been in this role, was how much time it takes to put together the budget. To spend hours and hours and hours with the budget director and my senior team making the decisions you have to make when you have to choose: Do you spend money on this, or do you spend money on that? Stein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That proposal is only that what he hopes Republicans will fund, like starting teacher raises, and what theyve already said is a non-starter pausing tax cuts and a moratorium on private school vouchers. Stein said another surprise is the amount of time it takes to give proper consideration to appointments for judicial vacancies and the boards and commissions. Steins view on separation of powers I asked him how hell handle it if the budget includes taking away more executive powers. The last major budget took away appointment power to some boards and commissions, giving them to lawmakers. That ended up in the courts over separation of powers issues. Creating a government is a complicated thing, he said, and what the wisdom of the founders of North Carolina and our country had was, you have to separate power among different branches of government. We have a legislative branch thats focused on making laws and appropriating funds. We have a judicial branch that interprets laws, and we have the executive branch which carries laws out, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And government works best when each branch respects the authority of the others. We have in recent years a legislative branch that is not satisfied with its own power, but wants to have greater control over the courts through their appointment authority and making them partisan elections, and wants to have greater control over the executive branch by taking authority away that it should not. Gov. Josh Stein enters the House chamber before delivering his State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the Legislative Building. And so what I want is whats best for North Carolina, which is a well-thought-out government that reflects the will and views of the people of North Carolina and doesnt have so much power concentrated in so few people, because I think in the end, thats unhealthy for the state, and in the long-term, unhealthy for our economy and people, Stein said. I also asked Stein what we can expect over the next few months from him, aside from Helene recovery. Im just going to continue working on the issues that are important, like child care, safe schools, workforce development, public safety. Were going to keep advancing policies and ideas and trying to make North Carolina safer, stronger and more prosperous with real opportunity for every person, he said. Delayed Inaugural Ball held in April Steins Inaugural Ball, hosted by the Junior League of Raleigh, was postponed from the planned January date along with other inauguration weekend activities because of snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rescheduled event was held April 5 at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. N.C. Gov. Josh Stein dances with his wife, First Lady Anna Stein, during the Inaugural Ball held at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh on April 5, 2025, after it was postponed from the January inauguration weekend because of the weather. Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily. And listen to our Under the Dome podcast, which is published every Tuesday morning on all podcast platforms and is previewed in your Tuesday Under the Dome newsletter. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Several government agencies toured West Memphis on Saturday as a part of an ongoing effort to help recovery efforts after last weeks severe storms. According to the City of West Memphis, FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, and the City of West Memphis Office of Emergency Management conducted a joint tour of several areas in West Memphis. The City says the tour is part of a larger data-gathering effort. The City says the data is needed to support a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life or death situation: Over 100 West Memphis residents rescued from their flooded homes West Memphis faced massive flooding after last weeks storms. More than 100 residents had to be evacuated from their homes. Flood waters shut down many roads, and at least one family had to be rescued from a vehicle. All our pumps have been working. It wasnt a wastewater or drainage stop-up, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon said. It was just an unprecedented flood for our city. The American Red Cross stepped in to provide resources to those who needed them, opening a shelter for those who didnt have anywhere else to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as the flooding began to recede, some residents still had problems leaving or getting to their homes. Some neighborhoods reported water levels of more than five feet. Yeah, I done lost everything, West Memphis resident Alvis Gibbs said. Yeah, everything gone. God is good. Im still here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Azure waves lapping against huge piles of built-up junk. Garbage mountains rising above the sea. A thick crust of filth coating the oceans surface. Its easy to find striking images of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The problem is that these pictures of the GPGP are misleading and obscure the truth about the content of the GPGP, its origins, and the threat it poses to our ocean life. A voyage to the soup of microplastics Visiting the GPGP is not easy. For Bruno Sainte-Rose, a lead computational monitor at The Ocean Cleanup, an organization dedicated to tackling marine waste, a trip begins by boarding a ship at Victoria Harbour in British Columbia. Ocean Cleanups System 001 prototype is towed out of the San Francisco Bay in September 2018 to tackle the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Image: JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images JOSH EDELSON Sailing southwest, the first thousand miles of ocean is relatively clear. Then, all of a sudden, after three and a half days of sailing, you see an increase of debris sightings, says Sainte-Rose. This junk isnt piled up on the seas surface. Instead, the ocean within the GPGP becomes like a soup of microplastics, says Sainte-Rose. Larger objects dot this broth, including tangles of ghost netsthick masses of abandoned fishing gear. The Ocean Cleanup estimates that as much as 86 percent of the plastics in the GPGP come from fishing activity. The nonprofit organization reckons that the GPGP has grown to cover an area of ocean twice the size of Texas. How did this happen? Fifty years of trash As far back as 1973, seafarers traveling through the North Pacific Ocean noticed an unusually high number of man-made objects. While its no surprise to find pieces of plastic in our seasa 2023 study estimated that there are 171 trillion of themit was surprising to find them so far from any landmass. The international space station is actually closer to the GPGP most of the time than it is to the rest of human beings, Sainte-Rose points out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remote area of sea where the GPGP is located is surrounded by the North Pacific Gyre, a network of rotating ocean currents. These ensnare plastic and other debris that enters their flow, gradually moving them across the ocean. Eventually, slowly turning vortexes within the gyre draw in the debris. The GPGP is split into two main areasthe Western Garbage Patch near Japan and the Eastern Garbage Patch between California and Hawaii. While the plastic may subsequently move between these two areas of the GPGP, which change in size and location as time passes, they are unlikely to escape these swirling currents. According to NOAA: Patch is a misleading nickname, causing many to believe that these are islands of trash. Instead, the debris is spread across the surface of the water and from the surface all the way to the ocean floor. Image: NOAA The Ocean Cleanup is fighting against this accumulation. In 2024, the foundation removed 11.5 million kilos of garbage from the worlds oceans and rivers. They even put a price tag on cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. For $7.5 billion, Sainte Roses team estimates that the GPGP could be cleared within a decade. The plastic ecosystem Not everyone agrees that cleaning up the GPGP would be the best way to address our oceans plastic problem. The Ocean Cleanup uses large net-based systems to dredge junk from the ocean. These nets effectively remove larger plastic items, but over 90 percent of the plastic items in the GPGP are microplastics, less than 5 mm in size. The net system has been designed to be easy for animals to swim out of, but as they suck up larger pieces of plastic from the sea, the Cleanup team also removes animals and microbes that cling on to these items. You do see a very broad diversity of microorganisms attaching to the plastic, says Sonja Oberbeckmann, a marine microbiologist at the Federal Institute for Material Research and Testing in Germany. Oberbeckmann says many of these microbes also live on natural materials, but some are thriving on plastic particles. Sainte-Rose points to evidence that some of these plastic riders are invasive species that shouldnt be present in the ocean in the first place. Additionally, targeting the GPGP is just one of the Ocean Cleanups approaches to their goal of plastic-free waters. Dredge systems installed in polluted rivers halt debris from entering the ocean in the first place. These coastal cleanups are easier, less expensive proposals for local governments, which are more willing to fund a river-based project that earns them a highly visible environmental win. Securing funding to clean the far-from-home and hard-to-visualize Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a harder sell. Its everyones and no ones problem, right? concludes Sainte-Rose. The great replacement theory, whose origins date back to the late 19th century, argues that Jews and some Western elites are conspiring to replace white Americans and Europeans with people of non-European descent, particularly Asians and Africans. The conspiracy evolved from a series of false ideas that, over time, stoked the fears of white people: In 1892, British-Australian author and politician Charles Pearson warned that white people would wake to find ourselves elbowed and hustled, and perhaps even thrust aside by people whom we looked down. The massive influx of immigrants into Europe at the time fostered some of these fears and resulted in white extinction anxiety. In the U.S., it resulted in policies targeting immigration in the late 19th and early 20th century. In France, journalist Edouard Drumont, leader of an antisemitic movement, wrote articles in the late 19th century imagining how Jews would destroy French culture. In 1909, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, an Italian poet and supporter of Benito Mussolini, argued that war and fascism were the only cure for the world. Fascism, then and now, worked to ensure white dominance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was followed by the eugenics movement, an erroneous and racist theory that supported forced sterilization of Black people, the mentally ill and other marginalized groups, who were all deemed unfit. The 1978 book entitled The Turner Diaries, a fictional futuristic account of the overthrow of the United States government, further contributed to white nationalist ideas. Collectively, these gave rise to a global movement that attracted a wide range of white supremacist, xenophobic and anti-immigration conspiracy theories. These theories were formally codified in the work of Frenchman Renaud Camus, first in his 2010 book L'Abecedaire de l'in-nocence and elaborated in his 2011 book Le Grand Remplacement. Camus argued that ethnic French and white Europeans were being replaced physically, culturally and politically by nonwhite people. He believed that liberal immigration policies and the dramatic decline in white birth rates were threatening European civilization and traditions. Why this conspiracy theory matters These false ideas promulgated the spread of white supremacy, which has contributed to terrorist attacks, state violence and propaganda campaigns in the U.S and parts of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 11, 2017, during a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, white nationalists chanted You will not replace us and Jews will not replace us. In spring 2019, Belgian politician Dries Van Langenhove repeatedly posted on social media, We are being replaced. In recent years, nonwhite immigrants have been the target of xenophobia. Migrants, especially from Mexico, are accused of bringing criminal activities to American cities. Immigrants have also been falsely accused of smuggling fentanyl into the U.S. The reality is that immigrants commit far fewer crimes than those born in the U.S. Impact of the theory and spread of hate In less than two decades, the theory has become a major idea, with as many as 60% of the French population believing some aspects of it. According to that survey, they are worried or at least concerned that they might be replaced. In the U.K. and the U.S., close to one-third of those polled believe that white people are systematically being replaced by nonwhite immigrants. Some in the U.S. fear that America might lose its culture and identity as a result. Being aware of conspiracy theories and standing up to hatred, I argue, can help societies deal with the continuing fallout of extreme xenophobia, racist rants, the rise of white supremacy and the victimization of innocent people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rodney Coates, Miami University Read more: Rodney Coates does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A staggering 36,000 people protested Donald Trumps administration in Los Angeles Saturday, at the largest rally to date of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs Fighting Oligarchy tour In fiery remarks, the New Yorker laid into the president, accusing him of manipulating the markets for his billionaire friends with his tariff shuffle this week, in which Trump pulled a dramatic U-turn on the implementation of his trade war against U.S. commercial partners and allies. Taking to the stage at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles, Sanders noted that the crowd went back half a mile, before saying that Musk had said most of the people attending these rallies were paid organizers. He asked the crowd: Anybody here get paid to come today? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question was met with a resounding: No! AOC takes a selfie with supporters after the "Fighting Oligarchy" event in Los Angeles (AP) Sanders said that Trump was often very envious of sizes and claimed that only two or three thousand people show up to his rallies and that, speaking in the third person, Bernie cant compete with Trump. He lied, said the senator. I invite him to come to LA, tell the people here why you think its a great idea to cut Medicaid and nutrition and healthcare so you can give tax breaks to billionaires. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gestures as he speaks during a rally held along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), in Los Angeles, California (REUTERS) Continuing, Sanders said: Our good friend Elon Musk sent out a tweet and in essence, he said, you know, Bernie Sanders has been talking about the growth of oligarchy year after year after year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, Elon, you're damn right. That's what I've been talking about. The difference is I'm no longer talking about how we're moving to oligarchy. I'm talking about how we are living today in an oligarchic form of society. He added: Let me tell you something about the oligarchs. They're very, very religious people. But their religion isnt based on doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Their religion is based on greed greed, and more greed. Sanders tweeted aerial shots of the enormous crowd (Twitter) Ocasio-Cortez called the current moment terrifying, saying: We are watching our neighbors, students, and friends being fired, targeted, and disappeared. After decrying that activists are being detained without charge for exercising their First Amendment rights specifically highlighting the cases of Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk the New York progressive Democrat railed against stock trading by elected representatives in Congress, before turning specifically to this weeks market turbulence and Trumps tariffs. AOC: Lets be clear: the White Houses tariff shuffle had nothing to do with manufacturing, despite what they claimed. It was about manipulating the markets. It was about hurting retirees and everyday people in the sell-offso Trump could quietly enrich his friends, who he tipped pic.twitter.com/qLMpolTHIG Acyn (@Acyn) April 12, 2025 Lets be clear: the White Houses tariff shuffle had nothing to do with manufacturing, despite what they claimed. It was about manipulating the markets. It was about hurting retirees and everyday people in the sell-off so Trump could quietly enrich his friends, who he tipped off to buy the dip before reversing it all in the morning, Ocasio-Cortez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is a criminal convicted on 34 felony counts of fraud. He is lying, and he is manipulating the stock market too. At his best, he enriches himself, the billionaires who back him, and the members of Congress who trade with him. Not you. Not me. Not the people. Oligarchy or Democracy, she said. But, we cannot have both. Concluding his remarks, Senator Sanders said: When Trump looks out at this crowd they pay attention to this stuff, Elon Musk does. You are scaring the hell out of them. Because they know what we know: They are the 1 percent and we are the 99 percent. Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez were joined by fellow Democrat representatives Reps. Ro Khanna, Jimmy Gomez, Pramila Jayapal, and Maxwell Frost, among other elected officials. There were also performances by Neil Young, Maggie Rogers, and Joan Baez. On a spin through the western states, the Fighting Oligarchy tour next travels to Salt Lake City, Utah; Nampa, Idaho; Bakersfield, California; Folsom, California; and Missoula, Montana. DES MOINES Greenfield Mercantile held its grand opening Saturday afternoon and drew in customers from all over the state. The community support that came out. I grew up in Des Moines, so a lot of people from Des Moines came down and we have somebody actually from Mississippi River region down here today too. So quite the spread to be able to bring in and so many people Kendra Daniels, the Co Owner of Greenfield Mercantile said. Greenfield Mercantile, which is located at 226 Public Square, Greenfield, IA 50849, has moved into the store front that used to house Iowas longest standing mens clothing store Crooks Clothing from 1888-2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store serves as a brick and mortar retail space for over 27 local vendors. Its not just my business theyre supporting. Theyre supporting all these other microbusinesses that are in here with me Daniels said. To learn more about Greenfield Mercantile visit the stores website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11)Although crime may officially be low in Greenwich Village, hundreds of residents say they feel less safe every day. And now they are asking for a beefed up police presence. More Local News Every morning, we have our dogs in that area over there between 8:00 and 8:30, and there are tons of needles needles everywhere, Monica Richards, a Greenwich Village resident, told PIX11 News. And were not talking diabetes, were talking drug use, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richards, like so many others who use Washington Square Park, worries about her safety and that of her beloved dog Leo, particularly when he wanders into the northwest corner of the park, which has been a mecca for drug use for years. In January they removed 2,262 needles from the park and thats in the winter, Trevor Sumner, president of the Washington Square Association, told PIX11 News. This explodes in the spring when everyones outside. Its already 70 needles a day, he added. Even though the official NYPD constant numbers show that major crime is down by 20 % compared to last year, a 6th Precinct Community Council poll of close to 600 residents found that the quality of life and crime concerns are up. Eighty-four percent say its worse than before the pandemic, 82 % say police presence is Inadequate, 73 % say we need stiffer drug laws, and 79 % want bail reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 6th Precint five years ago had 180 police officers. They now have 90. They have 50% staffing levels so, of course, were going to see an explosion of crime? Sumner told PIX11 News. And while the community council applauds the NYPD, saying in a statement, The Sixth Precinct is doing an outstanding job despite being severely and historically understaffed, residents say more must be done. I do think that government officials can do more to limit the drug usage and get people back into Shelters so they are not in the park and on the street and suffering like that, Richards told PIX11 News. A community grass roots group called Neighborhood Action Group or NAG is mobilizing hundreds of village residents to act on their quality-of-life concerns, if they see something, say something to elected officials to demand change and a stronger police presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Few lives pass without disappointment, heartache and despair. Marriages crash. Children, friends and loved ones are injured or killed. Dreams are not realized. Sickness and physical and mental decline strangle happiness and crush the expectation of a better tomorrow. Natural and man-made tragedies can be unexpected nightmares. They can also be calamities to our sense of order, goodness and our confidence in tomorrows sunrise. April 19, 1995, dawned happily for most. Springtime embraced Oklahoma City. The weather was cool and crisp. A chance for rain and the satisfaction of Oklahomas near universal appetite for moisture was the message from the local media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then it happened. An explosion of unknown origin thundered from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The face of the structure was blasted in half. I had just attended the Mayors Prayer Breakfast in the Civic Center. First reports suggested that it was a natural gas explosion. Smoke rose. Sirens wailed. Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating speaks July 4, 1995, on the south steps of the state Capitol. The ceremony honored the victims of the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing and marked the state's end of official mourning. One of my earliest calls was from my college schoolmate, President Bill Clinton. He said that he hoped that the explosion was not a Middle East terrorist event. I responded that I had no clue as to the origin but that the building was filled with tenants and visitors. There had to be casualties. More: Heartland Chapel near memorial gets restoration ahead of OKC bombing anniversary Clinton promised FEMA Urban Search and Rescue personnel. That promise was fulfilled within hours. Minutes later, I visited the broken, smoking wreckage of what before was an office and the business center of Oklahoma Citys economy. More than 100 buildings were damaged or destroyed. The streets were filled with emergency vehicles and rescue personnel. The area was alive with the frantic, the helpful and those official many who would heal, recover, comfort and identify the cause of what we had just experienced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, my wife, Cathy, and I went to the site. It was chilly and drizzly. Searchlights illuminated the face of the broken building. Fire trucks and ladders enveloped the scene. A firefighter whose uniform I did not recognize was walking up the street. He must have been a FEMA worker from another state. I stepped off the curb to greet him. Thank you for being here, I said. He asked who I was. I told him that I was the governor of Oklahoma. He let my answer brush past him and sharply pushed his finger into my chest. Then you find out who did this, because all that I pulled from this place was a childs finger and an American flag. He stormed on up the street. An Oklahoma City fireman walks near explosion-damaged cars on the north side of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City after a car bomb explosion on April 19, 1995. In the next several days, the agony began to take shape. We moved from a rescue to a recovery operation. Broken cars from the destroyed landscape dotted the scene. The large nearby elm tree was without leaves. The dead began to be counted. 168 of our neighbors and friends were gone. More than 400 were injured. Nineteen children, some barely beyond infancy, were gone, and 102 nearby buildings were damaged or destroyed. The worst death day for the U.S. Secret Service had just passed. HUD. U.S. Customs. Recruiter offices. Civilian federal employers. A credit union. All suffered injury or death. Horror close up. Personal. And evil. Who could have done such a thing? Cathy scheduled and presented to the city and the world, a moving prayer service to remind all of us of Gods role in holding us together at a time of mans worst misbehavior. The worst day of domestic terrorism in the history of the United States had just been recorded. That record remains to this day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am proud of the FBI, my former employer, for its skill and competency as lead in the investigation. I am equally proud of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, whose trooper stopped the car and arrested the two-legged Satan who later was tried, convicted and executed for his unfathomable crimes. Oklahoma showed itself to be a place of competency and caring professionalism in the aftermath of the tragedy. A case in point. Cathy and I thanked the FEMA teams as they were returning home. One firefighter waived a dollar bill in the air as they left. He asked if I knew what an Oklahoma dollar bill looked like. He said that his was an Oklahoma dollar because it was the same dollar that he came with and left with. His fellows said the same thing. They were never charged for anything. Everything was given them by Oklahoma strangers. They had never seen anything like it. These sharing and caring and generous people were incredible. Thus came: The Oklahoma Standard. Frank Keating was governor of Oklahoma from 1995-2003. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: During one of the worst of times, Oklahoma was at its best | Opinion A fire in an outdoor hallway forced guests at a west Phoenix Motel 6 to evacuate, but no one was injured. Phoenix Fire Department crews arrived at the motel near 52nd Avenue and Interstate 10 at about 4:30 a.m. on April 13 and saw a large amount of smoke coming from the second floor of the three-story building. Firefighters cut into the wall to gain access to the fire and used hoses to extinguish it and prevent it from spreading, the department confirmed. All guests were able to evacuate safely, and some guests were relocated to different rooms. The Phoenix Fire Department was working to determine the cause of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A motel employee said no rooms were damaged in the fire, and by about 11:15 a.m., business was back to operating as normal. (This story was updated to add a video.) Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X @CorinaVanek. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Some guests relocated to other rooms after west Phoenix Motel 6 fire RAPID CITY, SD (KELO) A federal jury in Rapid City has found a man guilty in connection with a stabbing on the Pine Ridge Reservation. 31-year-old Frank Long Black Cat faces up to ten years in prison when hes sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Prosecutors say Long Black Cat used a knife to repeatedly stab the victim. A federal grand jury indicted him in January. Hes scheduled to be sentenced 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 KELOLAND.com. A road rage incident near Kennewicks Columbia Center mall Saturday frightened one person and landed another in jail. Aldo G. Yanes-Cabral, 25, reportedly became angry when a car merged in front of him at North Columbia Center Boulevard and West Quinault Avenue about 11:30 a.m. Road construction is underway in the area. Yanes-Cabral responded by pulling his car up beside the car that merged in front of him, and then pointing what looked like a handgun, before taking off, according to Kennewick Police Department reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police found Yanes-Cabrals car near West Clearwater Avenue and North Arthur Street, according to police reports. Inside was a realistic fake handgun with Glock written on it. Kennewick police found a realistic looking fake handgun inside the car of a man accused in a road rage confrontation. Its a crime to threaten someone with a replica handgun, creating a reasonable fear for their life, according to Kennewick police. Yanes-Cabral was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of harassment and reckless driving. He also was charged with driving with a suspended license. This story was originally published by The 19th. Shefali Luthra and Barbara Rodriguez The 19th Daniella Fodera got an unusually early morning call from her research adviser this month: The doctoral students fellowship at Columbia University had been suddenly terminated. Fodera sobbed on phone calls with her parents. Between the fellowship application and scientific review process, she had spent a year of her life securing the funding, which helped pay for her study of the biomechanics of uterine fibroids tissue growths that can cause severe pain, bleeding and even infertility. Uterine fibroids, an underresearched condition, impact up to 77 percent of women as they age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im afraid of what it means for womens health, Fodera said. Im just one puzzle piece in the larger scheme of what is happening. So me alone, canceling my funding will have a small impact but canceling the funding of many will have a much larger impact. It will stall research that has been stalled for decades already. For me, thats sad and an injustice. Foderas work was a casualty of new federal funding cuts at Columbia University, one of several schools targeted by the Trump administration. The administration is also reducing the workforce at the National Institutes of Health, the agency that oversees public health research, while trying to slash NIH funding to universities. Researchers say threats to federal research funding and President Donald Trumps promise to eliminate any policy promoting diversity, equity and inclusion are threatening a decades-long effort to improve how the nation studies the health of women and queer people, or improve treatments for the medical conditions that affect them. Agency employees have been warned not to approve grants that include words such as women, trans or diversity. That could mean halting efforts to improve the nations understanding of conditions that predominantly affect women, including endometriosis, menopause, infectious diseases contracted in pregnancy and pregnancy-related death. It could also stall research meant to treat conditions such as asthma, heart disease, depression and substance abuse disorders, which have different health implications for women versus men, and also have outsized impacts on LGBTQ+ people and people of color often underresearched patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want every generation to be healthier than the last, and Im worried we may have some real setbacks, said Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, a professor and clinician at Johns Hopkins University who studies the consequences of pregnancy-related infections and the causes of birth defects. The United States already lagged in promoting scientific inquiry that considered how sex and gender can influence health and has a recent history of focusing research on White men. Less than 50 years ago, the Food and Drug Administration actively discouraged researchers from including women who could become pregnant in clinical trials for new medical products, leaving it often unclear if U.S.-based therapeutics were safe for them. It wasnt until 1993 that clinical trials were legally required to include women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Around that same time, the federal government launched offices within the NIH, the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA that focused on womens health and research. Since then, efforts to consider gender in medical research have progressed, if unevenly. A report last fall from the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine found that in the past decade, the level of federal funding devoted to womens health had actually declined relative to the rest of the NIHs budget. The report, requested by Congress, also found that researchers still struggled to understand the implications of common conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, the long-term implications of pregnancy, or gender gaps in mental health conditions all areas where Black women in particular experience worse health outcomes or face heightened barriers to appropriate treatment. Investments had stalled in looking at how sex and gender interact with race or class in influencing peoples health outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report ultimately called for an additional $15.8 billion over the next five years to address the gaps. Now, efforts to cut federal research funding and limit its acknowledgment of gender could thwart forward momentum. If we are banning this study of these issues, or deciding were not going to invest in that work, it freezes progress, said Alina Salganicoff, a lead author on the report and vice president for womens health at KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research organization. Already, researchers whose work touches on sex or gender are anticipating losses in federal funding, which they fear could imperil their work moving forward. Some have already had their grants terminated. Many specified that they were not speaking as representatives of their employers. Whitney Wharton, a cognitive neuroscientist at Emory University, learned on February 28 that she would no longer receive federal funding for her multi-year study looking at effective caregiving models for LGBTQ+ seniors at risk of developing Alzheimers. Research suggests that queer adults may be at greater risk of age-related cognitive decline, but they are far less likely to be the subject of research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wharton is one of numerous scientists across the country whose work was terminated because it included trans people, per letters those researchers received from the NIH. 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, the letter said. Though Whartons work focused on queer adults, it proposed caregiving models that could apply to other people often without family support structures who are at heightened risk for Alzheimers as they age. The sexual and gender minority community is more likely to age alone in place. Were less likely to be married or have children, Wharton said. These additional roadblocks are not only unnecessary but they are unnecessarily cruel to a community thats already facing a lot of hardship. One of Whartons collaborators on the study is Jace Flatt, an associate professor of health and behavioral sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who also received separate notice from the NIH that their research beyond the study had been terminated. Flatt studies LGBTQ+ people and their risk for Alzheimers disease and related dementias, as well as thinking about their needs for care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flatt said NIH funding for three of their studies have been canceled in recent weeks, as well as a Department of Defense-funded grant looking at veterans health that included LGBTQ+ people. The defense letter stated the research did not align with Trumps executive order that recognizes only two sexes, male and female. Flatt estimates about $4.5 million in federal funding was cut from their research, requiring some staff layoffs. I made a personal commitment to do this work. Now Im being told, Your research doesnt benefit all Americans, and its unscientific, and basically that Im promoting inaccurate research and findings. The tone comes across as like its harmful to society, they said. Im a public health practitioner. Im about improving the health and quality of life of all people. Jill Becker, a neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, uses rodent studies to better understand how sex differences can affect peoples responses to drug addiction and treatment. Her work has helped suggest that some forms of support and treatment can be more effective for male rats and others for female ones a divide she hopes to interrogate to help develop appropriate treatments for people who are in recovery for substance use disorder, and, in particular, better treatment for cisgender men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beckers studies were singled out in a Senate hearing by Rand Paul, a Republican, who characterized it as the type of wasteful research that shouldnt continue. Because she looks at sex differences, she anticipates that when her NIH funding finishes at the end of the year, the agency will no longer support her a development that could eventually force her lab and others doing similar work to shut down entirely. If we no longer include women or females in our research, were obviously going to go back to not having answers that are going to be applicable to both sexes, she said. And I think thats a big step backward. The NIH did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In interviews with The 19th, academics broadly described a sense of widespread uncertainty. Beyond federal funding, many are unsure if they will still be able to use the government-operated databases they have relied on to conduct comprehensive research. Others said the NIH representatives they typically work with have left the organization. Virtually all said their younger colleagues are reconsidering whether to continue health research, or whether a different career path could offer more stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Trump administration has remained steadfast. In his recent joint address to Congress, Trump praised efforts to cut appalling waste, singling out $8 million to make mice transgender a framing that misrepresented studies involving asthma and breast cancer. The governments rhetoric is now deterring some scholars from certain areas of study, even when they recognize a public health benefit. One North Carolina-based psychologist who studies perinatal mental health and hormone therapy for menopausal people said her team had considered expanding their research to look at that treatments mental health implications for trans people. Its important, and I dont have any way of doing that work at the moment, said the psychologist, who asked that her name be withheld from publication because she fears publicly criticizing the NIH could jeopardize research funding. There is potential for that line of research in the future, but not in this funding environment. The concerns spread beyond those who receive government funding. Katy Kozhimannil, a public health professor at the University of Minnesota, doesnt receive NIH support for her research on pregnancy-related health and access to obstetrics care in rural areas. Her work has looked at perinatal health care for Native Americans, including examining intimate partner violence as a risk factor for pregnancy-related death. The findings, she hopes, could be used to help develop policy addressing the fact that Native American and Alaska Native people are more likely to die during pregnancy than White people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But future studies may not be possible, she fears, because of an interruption in data collection to PRAMS, a comprehensive federal database with detailed information about Americans pregnancy-related health outcomes. Within the first weeks of the new administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportedly told state health departments to stop collecting data to maintain the system, while saying that it will be brought back online once it is in compliance with the new government diversity policies. Kozhimannil and other scholars in her field are worried about what that means and whether PRAMS will continue to publish information showing outcomes by race or geography. Those would be tremendous omissions: A vast body of data shows that in the United States, Black and American Indian women are at elevated risk of dying because of pregnancy. People in rural areas face greater barriers to reproductive health care than those in urban ones. Without the information PRAMS is known for, Kozhimannil said, it will be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to conduct research that could address those divides. Its not clear if or when that information will be available, she added. One of her doctoral students requested access to PRAMS data in January and has still not heard back on whether it will be made available to her a delay that is not normal, Kozhimannil said. Its hard to imagine getting toward a future where fewer moms die giving birth in this country, because the tools we had to imagine that are not available, she said. Im a creative person and Ive been doing this a while, and I care a lot about it. But its pushing the boundaries of my creativity and my innovation as a researcher when some of the basic tools are not there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Prince, a spokesperson for the CDC, acknowledged some schedule adjustments to PRAMS to comply with Trumps executive orders, but claimed it does not affect the programs continuation. He added: PRAMS was not shut down. PRAMS remains operational and continues its mission identifying issues impacting high-risk mothers and infants, tracking health trends, and measuring progress toward improving maternal and infant health, he said in an email. Its unclear the scope of long-term ramifications to health research, but Kathryn Katie Schubert is tracking it closely. She is the president and CEO of the Society for Womens Health Research, an organization that has advocated on decades of congressional policy. In 2005, the group released a report that found just 3 percent of grants awarded by NIH took sex differences into consideration. In February, her organization and other groups sent a letter to the administration highlighting the need to continue prioritizing womens health research. We have gotten to the point where we know what the problems are. We know where we would like to try to solve for so how are we going to find these solutions, and whats the action plan? she told The 19th. In the past, Trump has shown a willingness to address womens health inequity in at least in some arenas. A 2016 law, signed by former President Barack Obama, established a committee on how to better incorporate pregnant and lactating people into clinical trials. Trump continued that work under his first administration. Still, when pharmaceutical companies began developing vaccines against COVID-19 in 2020, they at first did not include pregnant or breastfeeding people in clinical trials, despite federal policy encouraging them to do so and data showing that pregnant people were at higher risk of complications from the virus. Those same vaccine trials also initially excluded people who were HIV positive a policy with particular ramifications for trans people, who are living with HIV at a higher rate than cisgender people and only changed their policy after public outcry. Trump returned to power on the heels of a renowned federal focus on womens health research and gender equity. In 2023, President Joe Biden announced the first-ever White House Initiative on Womens Health Research to address chronic underfunding. During his final State of the Union address, Biden called on Congress to invest $12 billion in new funding for womens health research. He followed that with an executive order directing federal agencies to expand and improve related research efforts. In December, former First Lady Jill Biden led a conference at the White House where she highlighted nearly $1 billion in funding committed over the past year toward womens health research. She told a room that included researchers: Today isnt the finish line; its the starting point. We all of us we have built the momentum. Now its up to us to make it unstoppable. The Trump administration rescinded the council that oversaw the research initiative. The press office for the Trump administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Schubert said prioritizing womens health has bipartisan support, and she remains hopeful of its popularity across both sides of the aisle. She also recognizes it could mean a new era of investment sources. Well continue as an organization, of course, with our partners, to work to fulfill our mission and to advocate for that federal investment and to make sure that the workforce is there and make that policy change. Well do that under the best of times and the worst of times, she said. But I think when we think about sort of the broader community weve seen other philanthropic organizations come in and say, OK, were ready to partner and really make this investment on the private side. Womens health research has more visibility than ever, and not just because some high-profile celebrities and media personalities are investing time and money toward addressing it. Social media algorithms are also increasingly targeting messaging around womens health and wellness. Economists estimate that investing $350 million in research that focuses on women could yield $14 billion in economic returns. Yes, we are in a very difficult time when it comes to the federal budget, Schubert said. Even in spite of that, there will be opportunities to see this issue continue to rise to the top. The speed and scope of those opportunities may not extend to researchers like Flatt in Nevada. They plan to appeal their NIH funding cuts, but they dont feel optimistic in part because the letters state that no modifications of their projects will change the agencys decision. Flatt noted that in recent weeks, some people have suggested that they exclude transgender people from their studies. Flatt said excluding people of all genders is not pro-science. I refuse to do that, they said. The administration is saying that it needs to be for all Americans. They are Americans. Fodera, the Columbia doctoral student, will continue her research on uterine fibroids for now, due partly to timing and luck: The fellowship had already paid out her stipend for the semester, and her adviser pooled some money together from another source. But the future of her fellowship is in question, and such research opportunities are closing elsewhere. Fodera is expected to graduate in a few months, and plans to continue in academia with the goal of becoming a professor. Shes looking for a postdoctoral position, and is now considering opportunities outside of the United States. This is really going to hurt science overall, she said. There is going to be a brain drain from the U.S. PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (KHON2) Friday marked 80 years since a powerful moment of humanity occurred during World War II, when a Japanese Kamikaze pilot was given a formal burial at sea. To commemorate the event, officials held a ceremony, where they gathered to remember a moment of unexpected compassion in the chaos of war on the decks of the USS Missouri. Over 360 firearms surrendered at DLE amnesty event Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the kamikaze attack happened on April 11th, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa. A long ways away from here, said Michael Carr, Battleship Missouri president and CEO. There was really no damage done to the ship. But the pilots body flipped onto the ship and was recovered. Most of the younger sailors wanted to discard the Japanese pilots body overboard and viewed him only as the enemy. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Instead, Captain Callahan determined that that young man should be given a proper sailors burial, Carr said. Captain Callahan did what I think we would all agree would be the proper Christian thing to do, to honor somebody as we would hope that they would honor us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kamikaze pilot was wrapped in a Japanese flag that was sewn from a white bed sheet and red signal flag and was then laid to rest at sea with full honors. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Officials and loved ones of the captain on board at the time say thatdespite the fact that the attack occurred 80 years agothe lessons of its aftermath still ring true. This event could have deepened the divide between our nations. Instead, it became a defining moment of humanity and honor. Today, as we gather here once enemies, now allies, we are reminded of how far we have come, said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. I think the message is that we need to be careful in our relations with other people, that its so important to to build a relationship, even in times of stress to have the foresight to confer dignity on other people when perhaps it wasnt the most popular decision, said Capt. Callaghans grandson, Carey Callaghan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In an effort to raise awareness, several health organizations throughout the world are sending out warnings regarding the emergence of an illness known as "sloth fever." What's happening? Much like the coronavirus, sloth fever, or Oropouche virus, has been around for decades, yet it has managed to fly under the radar in the public eye. Now, health officials have begun warning of its dangers, such as in a recent advisory from the Canadian Medical Association Journal noting outbreaks in warm-weather countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba. Why is sloth fever important? Oropouche virus was first identified in 1955 in a 24-year-old forest worker in Vega de Oropouche, Trinidad and Tobago. According to the CDC, Oropouche virus is endemic to the Amazon basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oropouche virus became known as sloth fever after scientists first investigating the virus found it in a three-toed sloth. Since then, researchers have noted that the virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes and biting midges. This is called a vector-borne illness. Symptoms of sloth fever include fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and joint pains, though many cases are considered relatively mild. Most symptoms can last between two to seven days. It has also been reported that 60% of those infected with sloth virus symptoms can experience a recurrence of symptoms days or even weeks after the initial infection. With increasing average temperatures seen across the globe, vector-borne illnesses have gained a longer window to spread. As the global temperature increases, the spread of infectious illnesses from vectors may increase thanks to more hospitable environments for a longer period of the calendar. It may seem small, but extending the mosquito season for even a week can have a significant impact on human health and is one of the simplest reasons to take pollution more seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, the CDC issued an alert to the rise in sloth fever cases. The organization recognized an increased risk to travelers to the Amazon basin, this includes travelers returning to Canada and the United States. There have also been "locally acquired" cases reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba. According to a study in the journal CMAJ, as of March 2025, "local transmission of Oropouche virus in the US has not been found." Despite the increase in concern, the mortality rate of sloth fever still remains very low. In 2024, there were two deaths reported that were linked to sloth fever. However, like most RNA viruses, sloth fever could eventually have the potential to mutate. This could lead to variations that contain a much higher mortality rate, especially to those with underlying medical concerns. What's being done about sloth fever? For now, travel restrictions have not been recommended, though travelers are encouraged to take the proper precautions. The Government of Canada has urged those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss the risks of sloth fever with their health care provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to avoid transmission of the virus, health experts are promoting the use of personal protection measures such as mosquito nets, insect repellent devices, repellent-treated clothing, and anti-mosquito repellents. While these measures can help prevent midge bites, they are not always 100% effective. Until more research is available, there are currently no vaccines to prevent sloth fever or medicines specifically designed to treat symptoms of the virus. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Fresh off a midweek trip to Panama, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday accused China of seeking to take the country's famed Canal. "The communist Chinese want to control politicians," Hegseth said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures With Maria Bartiromo." "They're building infrastructure projects. They want to surveil. They want to take that canal. President Trump says, not on our watch, and we're fighting back." The United States, Hegseth said, had been "asleep at the wheel." No longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department last week touted several key victories Hegseth extracted in Panama, including agreeing on a joint declaration that will allow U.S. warships and auxiliary ships to proceed "first and free" along the canal. The two countries also signed an agreement on cooperative security activities. "The Chinese didn't like what happened in Panama this week, not at all, because this is a return of U.S. leadership, peace through strength and the course was charted by President Trump," Hegseth said. Hegseth's tune on Panama is decidedly different from the rhetoric employed by Trump following his November election victory. Trump himself has floated plans to take the canal, refusing to rule out military force. The United States had ceded the canal to Panama following agreements negotiated by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Hegseth on Sunday touted the exit Panama announced in February from China's Belt and Road Initiative as evidence that the two countries are working together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're getting to the point where Panama and the U.S. are shoulder to shoulder saying, 'Get out China,'" Hegseth said. Hegseth also praised Trump's push for a diplomatic solution with Iran over its nuclear program, but left the door open to more ominous moves from the Defense Department absent an agreement. Special envoy Steve Witkoff spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday, the first known direct contact between the U.S. and Iran since Trump's return to office. But Trump has predicted that if the two sides are unable to agree on a nuclear program deal, "Iran is going to be in great danger." "I can tell you that President Trump is dead serious on this issue. He's dead serious that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Hegseth said. "He's said that for 20 years. He's been consistent, that is clear. He's dead serious that he wants it done at the negotiating table. He wants it done peacefully, and that's why he's going straight to these talks." A helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, killing all six people on board, lacked flight recorders, according to federal investigators. No onboard video recorders or camera recorders have been recovered and none of the helicopter avionics onboard recorded information that could be used for the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board said in an update on Saturday. Divers from the New York Police Department continue to search for helicopters main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom, the agency added in the update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said the tour helicopters last major inspection was on March 1, and that on the day of the crash, it completed seven previous tour flights. Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the Thursday afternoon crash, which killed Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, 49; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, 39; their three children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10; and pilot Seankese Johnson, 36, a former Navy SEAL. Investigators still working to determine cause of helicopter crash that killed six people on Thursday (National Transportation Safety Board) A ceremony was held Saturday on the Hudson to honor the victims where flowers were thrown into the river. They left together. They left without suffering, Joan Camprubi, Merce Camprubi Montals brother, told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have 8.5 million New Yorkers who want to say to the family members and to the wider Spanish community that we are here with you, and this symbolic gesture is our way of knowing and acknowledging that our words cannot bring back their family members, but it is our way of saying as New Yorkers, we stand united with this family during this moment of grief, and their grief is our grief, New York City Mayor Eric Adams added. On Sunday, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York called on the Federal Aviation Administration to ground the tour company that operated the helicopter, New York Helicopters, Inc., until the federal investigation into the crash was complete. "The company was operating under the lowest bar of safety," he said, adding that multiple people have died on flights with the company. Schumer also said the Bell 206 copter that crashed was 21 years old and called on the aviation agency to conduct more surprise inspections before takeoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These inspections are like food inspections, showing up unannounced to make sure everything is on the level, he said. At New York Helicopter Tours, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew has always been the cornerstone of our operations, the company wrote in a statement on its website. Our immediate focus is supporting the families and their loved ones affected by this tragedy, as well as fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB investigations. These agencies have asked us to respect the investigative process by referring all press inquiries to them for any further comment. (NewsNation) The pilot who died in this weeks helicopter crash in the Hudson River along with five others was a Navy veteran who overcame significant obstacles in life, a friend tells NewsNation. Former Navy SEAL Remi Adeleke says he met Seankese Sean Johnson in the service when Johnson was serving as a SEAL tech who assisted team members. Adeleke said both men bonded over their inner city backgrounds, and he encouraged Johnson to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. I found that very inspirational, Adeleke told NewsNation. Because you dont see a lot of African American pilots, just like you dont see a lot of African American Navy SEALS. I kind of connected with him on that level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Navy, he said Johnson worked in security before saving up enough money to go to pilot school about five years ago. Johnson was flying the sightseeing helicopter Thursday with a Spanish family of five aboard when the aircraft came apart and plunged into the Hudson near the New Jersey coastline. Helicopter business in deadly NYC crash had faced debt lawsuits All six bodies have been recovered, and divers continued to pull wreckage from the water over the weekend. Adeleke said he was traveling to Africa when he learned his friend had died in the crash, through a text message from Johnsons wife. He said the family was working on bringing Johnsons body back for a funeral in his hometown of Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the 36-year-old Johnson as a generous person who was always trying to help others. Most impressive, Adeleke said, was that he was able to realize his dream of becoming a pilot. There were a lot of obstacles in front of him, but he climbed that mountain. Not only did he climb that mountain, he died having achieved that goal. He died doing what he loved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) After six people died in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling on the FAA to revoke the operating helicopter tour companys license. A Bell 206 L-4 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Thursday just after 3 p.m., according to the officials. Six people died in the crash, including a family visiting from Spain and the pilot, according to officials. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter Charter Inc., according to the National Transit Safety Board. It was the helicopters eighth trip of the day, and it had last been inspected on March 1, according to the NTSB. In a news conference Sunday, Schumer called on the FAA to revoke the companys certificates as the investigation continues. There is one thing for sure about New York Citys helicopter tour companies: they have a deadly track record, Schumer said. I am urging the FAA to pull their operating certificate immediately and cease flights until their full investigation is complete. New York Helicopter Tours website shows no available bookings through May 1. Schumer also called on the FAA to increase surprise inspections at other helicopter tour companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State One of the things we can do to honor those lives and try and save others is to make sure it doesnt happen again, Schumer said. In a statement posted to Instagram, New York Helicopter Tours said it is profoundly saddened by the accident and still focused on safety. At New York Helicopter Tours, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew has always been the cornerstone of our operations, representatives of the company wrote. Our immediate focus is supporting the families and their loved ones affected by this tragedy, as well as fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last eight years, the New York Helicopter has been through a bankruptcy and faces ongoing lawsuits over alleged debts. Phones rang unanswered at the companys offices Friday. In 2013, one of the companys helicopters suddenly lost power in midair, and the pilot maneuvered it to a safe landing on pontoons in the Hudson. FAA data shows the helicopter that crashed Thursday was built in 2004. According to FAA records, the helicopter had a maintenance issue last September involving its transmission assembly. The helicopter had logged 12,728 total flight hours at the time, according to the records. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Saturday night that New York Helicopter Tours, the company involved in Thursdays deadly helicopter crash is shutting down its operations immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA said it will be launching an immediate review of the tour operators license and safety record, adding that safety is the FAAs number one priority, and it will not hesitate to act to protect the flying public This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Steve Bannon isn't willing to play coy about a potential third presidential term for President Donald Trump. During a stop by "Real Time with Bill Maher," the recently freed-from-prison Trump associate said that Trump will be the next president of the United States. "President Trump is going to run for a third term, and President Trump is going to be elected again on the afternoon of January 20th of 2029. He's going to be President of the United States," Bannon shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maher, who recently had a private dinner with the president and came away shocked by the measured way he carried himself, still felt that Bannon's brazen disregard for the Constitution was a bridge too far. He handed Bannon a copy of the Constitution and went over the 22nd Amendment word-by-word. That amendment, ratified in 1951, bars anyone from serving more than two terms in the Oval Office. "No person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice," Maher recited. "And yet you keep talking about Trump's [third term] maybe you should have this." Bannon was unimpressed. The former Trump adviser told Maher that Trump has a "team" looking into ways to work around it. Maher was blunt, saying that there's very little wiggle room in the wording of the amendment. "How can a team do something about that? I don't care if the team is twelve trillion people, the words are still the words," Maher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon merely pointed at the litany of lawsuits against the Trump administration and Trump's own appeals to the Supreme Court, telling Maher that the Constitution "is open for interpretation." Bannon's relativistic take comes after Trump broached the subject of sticking around last month. Trump told NBC's Kristen Welker that he "likes working" and was "not joking" about a third term. "It is far too early to think about it," he added. One person was killed Saturday when a car ran off Interstate 26 and crashed into a tree, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The single-vehicle collision happened in Spartanburg County at about 12:30 a.m., said Master Trooper Brandon Bolt. A 2016 Ford sedan was driving east on I-26, and at the 27 mile marker the car ran off the right side of the highway, according to Bolt. The Ford flipped over and crashed into a tree, Bolt said. Thats near Dorman High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolt said that the driver was the only person in the Ford and died. The Spartanburg County Coroners Office identified the driver as 18-year-old Roebuck resident Brady Alexander Murphy, WHNS reported. The coroners office said Murphy was a senior at Dorman High School, according to WYFF. The coroners office said the wreck was discovered hours after the crash, at about 7 a.m., WSPA reported. No other injuries were reported. There was no word if the teenager was wearing a seat belt. Information about what caused the Ford to veer off the road was not available, but the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through April 6, at least 173 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2025, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, at least 948 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 18 people have died in Spartanburg County crashes in 2025, according to DPS data. There were 60 deaths in the county in 2024, DPS reported. Our District 6 Family is devastated to learn of a heartbreaking loss involving one of our students. We were notified that Dorman Senior, Brady Murphy, passed away following a tragic car accident Saturday morning, Spartanburg School District 6 officials said in a news release shared by WSPA. At this time, we are focusing on how to best support Bradys family, our students, and staff. ... We ask that you keep the family and all those impacted in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. District 6 officials said that grief counselors and additional support services will be on campus Monday, according to the release. (This story was updated with new information.) Two people were in critical condition and four others injured on Sunday after a home explosion rattled Northwest Austin, severely damaging homes in a residential area off U.S. 183 near McNeil Road. Multiple emergency officials from the Travis County Sheriff's Office as well as the Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS responded to calls at 11:23 a.m. to the 10600 block of Double Spur Loop. They found a two-story home that appeared to have exploded and leveled to the ground as well as a neighboring house that had suffered severe damage and collapsed. There were spot fires in yards from the debris as well as a vehicle on fire at one of the homes. The scene from above the 10600 block of Double Spur Loop in Northwest Austin after a late-morning explosion leveled one home and collapsed a neighboring home. Six people were injured. Two people from the house that exploded were transported to the hospital by EMS; one was listed in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition during a mid-afternoon press conference with police and fire officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, a person from the neighboring house that collapsed also was taken to the hospital and was in critical condition. Three others, including two firefighters, were treated for minor injuries, said Travis County EMS spokesperson Shannon Koesterer. Firefighters walk on rubble at the site of a home explosion on Double Spur Loop Sunday in North Austin. Officials said the explosion originated inside a recently constructed home and the cause is under investigation. Two residents of the home were taken to the hospital. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but is expected to be a fire investigation, not a criminal investigation, said Thayer Smith, an assistant chief with the Austin Fire Department. Neither of the homes had underground gas service, he said, though both homes did have propane tanks. At least 24 homes in the neighborhood suffered damages, Smith added, mostly blown out windows and garage doors. The street was expected to be closed for the rest of the day, but power had been restored to the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion was felt miles away as houses shook, window screens blew off and kitchen cabinets opened, neighbors said. The sound was also heard as far away as Georgetown, according to AFD. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: House explodes in Northwest Austin, police say A local group spent their Saturday raising money to help Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As previously reported on News Center 7 at 11, His Hands, Our Feet went to North Carolina to help right after Hurricane Helene. Saturday, the group held an auction in order to help with the rebuilding process. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very overwhelming, we got very choked up, Jamie Rose from Covington said. Rose, along with the rest of His Hands, Our Feet, helped the people of Chimney Rock, North Carolina after the hurricane. Just got 25 to 30 inches of rain in 48 hours, and homes completely gone, Rose said. The volunteers did whatever they could to help including moving debris to carpentry. We were helping to rebuild some of the businesses in the community. We had some of the other volunteers that were doing some excavating cleanup, Rose said. Saturdays auction featured items that were made in North Carolina. While in Chimney Rock, the group met people who had just lost everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They prayed for us. They prayed for you and me, each of us to go out into wherever we are and help, Steve Richards said. Once they got back from Chimney Rock, many people in the Miami Valley were asking how they could help. Ive had at least 15 people reach out to me, Quentin Layman said. Want to go back, based on the story weve brought back. His Hands, Our Feet is planning another trip to Chimney Rock. They know recovery work still needs to be done and they want to help. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DES MOINES, Iowa On this weeks episode of Homewi$e Amanda Krenz and mortgage expert Tyler Osby discuss the recent property tax assessment release and what homeowners need to know right now. Past Episodes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's foreign minister David Lammy said he was seeking answers from Hong Kong and Chinese authorities on Sunday after an opposition member of parliament, Wera Hobhouse, was denied entry to the Chinese territory and former British colony. "It is deeply concerning to hear that an MP on a personal trip has been refused entry to Hong Kong," Lammy said in a statement. "We will urgently raise this with the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing to demand an explanation." Hobhouse, a member of the opposition Liberal Democrat party, said on social media that she was the first British member of parliament to be refused entry to Hong Kong since Beijing regained control of the territory in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Authorities gave me no explanation for this cruel and upsetting blow," she said. Speaking to Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, Hobhouse said she flew to Hong Kong on Thursday to visit her newborn grandson and her son, who works in the territory. Hobhouse has previously criticised China's ruling Communist Party for restricting civil liberties in Hong Kong, and over human rights abuses in the Chinese regions of Xinjiang and Tibet and its approach to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Hong Kong's Security Bureau and immigration authorities and China's embassy in London had no immediate comment on why Hobhouse was not allowed entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hobhouse is the third British lawmaker to have been denied entry to a foreign country in recent weeks. Israel blocked two members of the governing Labour Party who attempted to visit the West Bank on a fact-finding trip on the grounds they intended to provoke anti-Israel activities, the Israeli embassy in Britain said. (Reporting by David Milliken; additional reporting by Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Editing by Bernadette Baum) A 128-acre Turkey Track fire burning in western Douglas County near the Teller County line was 45% contained as of 5:45 p.m. Sunday, according to U.S. Forest Service officials and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. By James Pomfret and Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong's last remaining major opposition party took a key step towards disbanding itself on Sunday after a special meeting approved arrangements to do so in the face of pressure from China, amid a national security crackdown. Five senior members of the Democratic Party had earlier told Reuters that Chinese officials or middlemen had warned it in recent months to disband or face serious consequences, including possible arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party, founded three years before Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule from Britain in 1997, has been the Asian financial hub's flagship opposition, uniting democratic forces to push Beijing on democratic reforms, and to uphold freedoms. Party head Lo Kin-hei told reporters that 90 percent of 110 members had voted at Sunday's meeting for a three-person committee to start making arrangements for disbandment, including resolving legal and accounting matters. "I hope Hong Kong's political parties ... will continue to work for the people," Lo said at the party's headquarters. "We have always hoped to serve the Hong Kong people, and to do things that are good for society." After the panel completed its work, a final vote on dissolution would be held in coming months, Lo added. Finalisation of the move requires a majority vote of 75 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lo did not give an exact date for completion of disbandment, but said it could be as late as next year, adding, "Until the final dissolution, the party will keep on with its usual work." If the party disbands, it would mark the end of nearly 30 years of opposition party politics in Hong Kong. At least five Democratic Party members are currently in jail or held in custody under a national security law that was imposed on Hong Kong by China in 2020 in response to mass pro-democracy protests the year before. Yeung Sum, one of the founders of the Democratic Party and a former chairman, described the party's endorsement of preparations for disbandment as "a pity". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe people in Hong Kong after experiencing democracy, open political system and the rule of law, they won't forget and give it up. The political culture and the fight for democracy will carry on in H.K. in a peaceful ... manner," he said. China says the security law has brought stability to Hong Kong and rejects claims by some countries such as the United States that it has been used as a tool of repression. (Reporting by James Pomfret and Jessie Pang; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and David Evans) Honolulu police said a juvenile passenger was killed after the vehicles driver, who was allegedly speeding and under the influence of alcohol, lost control of the car and crashed near Kipapa Gulch Bridge in Mililani early this morning. Police said in a news release that at about 4 :30 a.m., a 33-year-old man and his juvenile passenger were traveling south on Kamehameha Highway at a high rate of speed, overtaking other southbound vehicles, when they lost control and traveled into the northbound lanes of Kamehameha Highway and collided with a fence. The driver was redirected into the southbound lanes and collided with a guardrail, ejecting his passenger onto the roadway before coming to final rest, according to the Honolulu Police Departments Traffic Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the man and his passenger were treated by Honolulu Emergency Medical Services paramedics and taken in critical condition to a hospital where the passenger died. HPD gave no further details on the passenger, but an EMS preliminary report on the incident said paramedics treated a female, estimated to be in her 20s, and a 30-year-old man, both of whom suffered multiple injuries. Police said the driver was arrested for second-degree negligent. Both speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the crash, and the investigation is ongoing, HPD said. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. This was Oahus 22nd traffic fatality this year as compared with nine at the same time in 2024. 15 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other Trump administration officials continued to defend Donald Trumps tariff regime Sunday as the nation braces for another week of volatility and the potential of further U-turns by the president - including on a recent electronics exemption. Lutnick appeared on ABCs This Week and explained the newest wrinkle to the White Houses trade strategy: the revelation this weekend that the US tech sector would be spared the brunt of Trumps tariffs, at least for now. Smartphones, flat-panel TVs, semiconductor storage devices and other parts including solar cells would all be exempt from tariffs both Trumps escalating reciprocal tariffs on China specifically as well as his across-the-board tariffs of 10 percent on all US imports. The secretary told ABC News that those exemptions would disappear in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All those products are going to come under semiconductors, and they're going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored. We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels -- we need to have these things made in America. We can't be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us," Lutnick said on Sunday. Jamieson Greer, the White House trade representative, confirmed Lutnicks announcement. On CBSs Face the Nation, he said that tariffs on electronic goods were "shifting from one bucket of tariffs to a different bucket of potential tariffs. It all comes after experts described the exemptions for the tech sector as a dream scenario for Silicon Valley investors. Two of the biggest winners were Nvidia and Apple; the CEO of the latter company, Tim Cook, donated $1 million to Trumps inaugural festivities in January. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appears on ABC's This Week and discussed exemptions on tariffs for electronics (ABC News) The exemption list, issued Friday evening in the form of guidance released by Customs and Border Protection, is also a sign that the White House relented after brutal losses for tech stocks on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest loss by far was suffered by Elon Musks Tesla, which is enduring twin pressures in the form of Trumps tariffs and a growing, fierce political backlash to the brand among liberals across the country. While Lutnick and other Trump officials maintain that the overall goal of the tariff implementation is the onshoring of tech manufacturing and other industries, the Commerce secretary said in his interview that semiconductor tariffs were coming within roughly 60 days a far closer deadline than any company could hope to beat by surging investment in American manufacturing facilities. "[T]hey're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So these are coming soon, Lutnick said of the presidents thinking. On NBCs Meet the Press, Peter Navarro, another top trade advisor in the administration, defended the presidents strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navarro was questioned by moderator Kristen Welker over whether consumer confidence was returning after a week of tumult on Wall Street and claimed that it was; he was also asked by Welker to provide a topline number of all countries currently talking with the United States to negotiate new or updated trade agreements. Navarro was able to name less than a dozen, including the U.K. He would go on to claim, however, that others were lining up to begin talks. Peter Navarro hypes a potential trade deal with North Korea (he meant South Korea) pic.twitter.com/DtDDCDgffi Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 13, 2025 A group of the largest tech stocks make up more than a quarter of the S&P 500s valuation, and have slid for weeks amid the near-constant announcement of tariffs and changes to tariffs from the White House. Investors Business Daily on Sunday predicted that tech futures could surge on Monday with the news of the exemption, though the magazine said Lutnicks news of impending semiconductor tariffs could dampen that reaction. The 90-day pause in implementation of the majority of Donald Trumps planned reciprocal tariffs caused stocks to surge last Wednesday, and has revealed a president willing to occasionally back off from his own strategy in order to keep allies in the business world happy. He even bragged about making money for two visiting guests at the White House this week, investor Charles Schwab and NASCAR owner Charles Penske. Pointing to the two men during an Oval Office pool spray on Wednesday, the president boasted: He made $2.5 million, and he made $900 million! Thats not bad! Following a three-week trial, a Hyannis man has been sentenced to state prison after being found guilty on numerous charges, including kidnapping and assault. Anthony Russ, 37, was charged with: 2 counts of Kidnapping, 2 counts of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, 2 counts of Assault and Battery, 1 count of Larceny from a Person, and 1 count of Intimidation of a Witness. This stems from an incident that occurred back on June 30, 2022, when Russ had assaulted a 24-year-old victim, beat them, blindfolded and zip-tied them, and put the victim in the trunk of Russ car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russ then held the victim in the basement of a nearby home and continued to assault the victim, this time with a large kitchen knife. Russ then released the victim, threatening to harm them further if they ever spoke to authorities about the incident. The next day, the incident was reported to Barnstable police and was investigated by detectives, the Barnstable County Sheriffs Office, Massachusetts State Police, and Yarmouth Police Department. Russ was arrested later that day. This past Friday, April 11, Russ was sentenced to 19-20 years in prison, followed by 3 years probation upon release. 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 PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WTAJ) A Honduran national who was in the United States illegally was wanted in a 2024 double stabbing and was finally found in Pennsylvania. Orvin Alexis Lopez Torres, 27, was wanted by the Upper Darby Police Department for his alleged role in a violent double stabbing Nov. 28, 2024. He was taken into custody April 8, after U.S. Marshals said they learned where he was hiding in the same township. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers determined Torress is a Honduran national and was in the United States unlawfully. An ICE detainer was then placed on him. They expect to arrest Torres through the detainer once hes released from Delaware County Prison.. U.S. Marshals added. 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 Marshals Service is committed to ensuring public safety, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said, and violent fugitives must be held accountable regardless of their nationality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its time for Congress to wake up and smell the coffee regarding tariffs. As an Independent voter who lives by the mantra work together, not apart, Congress and their esteemed colleagues need to do just that and remove the president's "emergency powers" immediately. To be allowed to single handedly crash a thriving stock market and destroy a strong economy by using grade school math to create random and baseless tariffs is absolutely absurd! Haphazardly placing tariffs on any country, especially islands only inhabited by penguins, because the president thinks trade deficit = tariff is embarrassing, reckless, ignorant and downright irresponsible. Congress, the future of our country lies in your hands. Please do not sit idly by while the president dismantles in 100 days what we worked so hard to build over 248 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig Hoeppner, Jackson Why is Congress passively standing by watching wrecking ball? Why is Congress passively standing by as the current administration takes a wrecking ball to the federal government? They are destroying agencies and services that millions of Americans rely on, such as care for veterans, research on cancer and Alzheimers disease, capability to issue warnings about severe weather, food inspection to keep consumers safe. These agencies were established and funded by Congress. Nobody voted for this. Why is Congress allowing one man to impose outrageous tariffs that could destroy the United States (and possibly the world) economy? He has already destroyed many long-standing alliances and made common cause with authoritarians. It is Congress who has the power to enact tariffs. Nobody voted for this. Opinion: Changes to Social Security would cost average Wisconsin resident $7,000 a year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is Congress permitting immigrants and refugees to be simply disappeared with no judicial review? Why are they allowing people who have green cards and visas and are in this country legally to be deported? All persons in this country have the right to due process of law. The deliberate cruelty to desperate people is staggering. Nobody voted for this. This is my plea to all elected members of Congress: Assert your constitutional power and put a stop to the unlawful and immoral actions of this wannabe dictator. Please do your job! Shirley Chilson, Waukesha Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Congress has constitutional power to put brakes on Trump | Letters While an immigration judges ruling that Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil a legal permanent resident can be deported is a victory for the Trump administration, the legal battle against his detention and deportation is far from over. The decision by Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans in Louisiana on Friday came after the federal government submitted what it said was evidence alleging Khalils beliefs, statements or associations made him deportable. The judge ruled the Palestinian activists presence posed potentially serious foreign policy consequences, agreeing with a two-page memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier in the week accusing Khalil of undermining U.S. policy to combat anti-Semitism without citing any allegations of criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A removability finding in immigration court means the judge has determined the individual is subject to removal from the United States due to a violation of immigration law or lack of legal immigration status. Khalils attorneys said they will appeal. We dont think this is the final word at all, Marc Van Der Hout, an immigration attorney for Khalil, told CNN after the ruling, referring in part to a separate legal challenge in federal court in New Jersey on grounds that he is being targeted for constitutionally protected free speech. Khalil has separate court cases playing out in two states the Louisiana case is focused on his deportation order and the New Jersey case is focused on his habeas petition challenging the legality of his detention. Immigration officers arrested Khalil last month outside his Columbia University apartment following a deportation order from the Trump administration. Khalil, who is married to a US citizen, is a prominent Palestinian activist who played a central role in protests against Israels war in Gaza on the Ivy League campus last year. After his detention, Khalil was flown by the government to an immigration detention center in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has become a symbol of the Trump administrations crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Heres a look at what could happen next: Immigration case moves to relief stage Khalils attorneys said they will challenge Fridays ruling before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and will likely file an asylum case on his behalf. We move on now into whats called the relief stage, where Mahmoud can present certain applications to defend against removal, and were set to file additional evidence and applications by April 23, Johnny Sinodis, an immigration attorney for Khalil, said Friday. We foresee that this case will require at least a few more hearings in immigration court before a final decision is made, at which point there could be appeals. Van Der Hout, in a conference call Friday with a federal judge in the New Jersey court where theyre also fighting for his release, said Khalil will likely apply for asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is entitled to file for relief in the form of asylum withholding removal, Van Der Hout told the judge. So nothings going to happen quickly in the immigration proceedings, even though shes found him removable on the foreign policy ground. The Trump administration is attempting to limit asylum claims in the US, an effort that is also under litigation right now. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, an immigrant advocacy group, said on social media the decision on Khalils application for relief from removal whether granted or denied will likely end up before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Neither the immigration judge nor the Board of Immigration Appeals is authorized to hear his arguments that the Trump (administration) is violating the First Amendment here, Reichlin-Melnick wrote on X. If he loses at the BIA, he can make those arguments to a federal circuit court on a second round of appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil keeps his green card and cant be deported, Reichlin-Melnick wrote, until he loses at the appeals board and his removal order becomes final. The timeline depends entirely on whether he remains detained. If yes, it could be 1-2 years until a circuit court weighs in. If released, it could be 5-7 years, Reichlin-Melnick wrote. Khalils legal team expects several more immigration hearings will be held before a final decision is made, after which they can make an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Today, we saw our worst fears play out: Mahmoud was subject to a charade of due process, a flagrant violation of his right to a fair hearing, and a weaponization of immigration law to suppress dissent, Van Der Hout said in a statement. Separate case plays out in a New Jersey federal court Khalils attorneys have filed multiple petitions challenging the legality of his arrest and detention before US District Court Judge Michael Farbiarz in New Jersey, where Khalil was detained before his transfer to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Jena, Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farbiarz told attorneys in a phone conference Friday hes still deciding whether he has the jurisdiction over the claims filed by Khalils legal team including a habeas corpus motion, one requesting his return to the New York area, and another asking for his release on bail. The attorneys will continue to seek bail and a preliminary injunction that would release him from custody while his immigration case proceeds, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. What happened in immigration court today only confirms the need for the federal court to really intervene and make a decision in this case, because the immigration court made clear today that it wont, and it believes it cant, ACLU lawyer Amy Belsher, who is part of Khalils legal team, said Friday. Donna Lieberman, the head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, told CNN Friday that Khalil will get a fairer hearing in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that the government was pretty clear that it wanted to get Mahmoud Khalil out of New York City, out of New Jersey and into friendlier territory. Thats why they spirited him off in the middle of the night to Louisiana, she said. Reichlin-Melnick added on X: The long story short; the case is not even remotely over yet. There is still a long path forward through multiple different stages before the Trump (administration) succeeds in stripping him of his green card. CNNs Lauren Mascarenhas, Dalia Faheid, Emma Tucker, Nouran Salahieh and Yash Roy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Members of the Pinamar Ecological Foundation made a surprising discovery on a beach south of Buenos Aires last August. Standing in the sand was an injured king penguin, the species closest to emperor penguins, who seemed to be lost. King penguins are adapted to cold temperatures and inhabit mostly subantarctic islands far south from the Buenos Aires coast, making such a sighting rare. The penguins coat was torn open, missing feathers and with red gaping wounds across his back. It appeared that the bird had been attacked by dogs. Workers for the Mundo Marino Foundation were notified after the rare sighting and the bird was able to be brought to the Foundations rescue center for treatment and rehabilitation. An enclosure had to be created to address the birds need for cool temperatures, using ice blocks and fans to simulate a king penguins subantarctic habitat. Juana Caferri, a veterinarian at the Mundo Marino Foundation, explained that the rehabilitation required months of recovery for the king penguin, "Although the injuries healed, the affected areas were left without feather cover, which prevented the animal from conserving heat in aquatic environments. Only when the down began to regenerate and the feathers completely covered those areas could we consider releasing it from the veterinarian's care and subsequently returning it to the sea. (MORE: Penguins Are On The Move In Antarctica, See Why) The veterinarians efforts were successful, though. Six months after the bird was initially found on the beach, Mundo Marino Foundation released footage recently of the king penguin being released from an enclosure and cautiously waddling out into the sand of the Argentinian coast. Accompanied by workers from the Foundation, the penguin eventually stepped into the surf and swam away into the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather.com copy writer Wyatt Williams is exploring the relationship between weather, food, agriculture, and the natural world. MORE ON WEATHER.COM - Emperor Penguin's Epic Journey Baffles Experts - Bet You Haven't Seen Antarctica Like This - Unraveling The Mystery Of 'Milky Seas' DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) An investigation is underway after a handmade explosive device detonated in the woods on Saturday morning in Hamilton County. According to a social media post by The Miami Township Fire and EMS page, crews responded to a smoke/odor call at approximately 8:39 a.m. They went to the 5000 block of East Miami River Rd. Initial reports were of a loud explosion and smoke in the area. After crews investigated, they found a handmade explosive device that had detonated in the woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident is under active investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriffs office and the FBI. Officials asked the public to stay away from the area. 2 NEWS will update this article 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 WDTN.com. Boston police are currently investigating a stabbing incident that left two people injured in Brighton. Around 9:16 P.M., officers were dispatched to 5 Aldie Street for reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from a laceration. His injuries didnt appear to be life-threatening, and after officers provided first aid to the victim, he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some time later, officers were alerted that a second victim, from the same incident, had walked to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening stab wound. Officers are still investigating the incident, and no suspects have been arrested. 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 Texas is proud to be the energy capital of the world. However, our vast resources and sprawling infrastructure network are driving policy achievements far beyond the energy arena. Energy dominance is the cornerstone of President Trumps agenda, and he is committed to strengthening U.S. energy independence and reclaiming the mantle of global energy leadership. That means reversing disastrous Biden-era decisions such as the pause on American liquefied natural gas exports, expediting infrastructure projects that have been snarled in regulatory delays, and encouraging domestic producers to accelerate exploration and production activities. It also means pursuing permitting reform and greenlighting more projects that will improve our energy supply chain. Developing an abundant energy supply here at home lessens our nations reliance on nations such as China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela for the oil, gas, uranium and critical minerals that our economy relies on. Dan and Donna Garrett look at the site where a molten salt research reactor will be built at Abilene Christian University during an event in 2023. Texas serves as a model for the responsible development of diverse and reliable energy that keeps costs low for hardworking families and attracts businesses of all sizes. We are the top producer of oil and gas in the nation and possess its largest refining capacity approximately one-third of the national total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also rank first and second in wind and solar production, respectively, and boast two nuclear generating stations. Our state is growing our nuclear capacity by embracing exciting technological advancements like small modular reactors. Additionally, Abilene Christian, a university I was proud to represent and work with as a state senator, is leading the way in researching and developing salt-cooled nuclear energy. Meanwhile, thanks to cutting-edge research at Texas A&M University, Texas is making incredible strides in graphene technologies. Graphene is a nanomaterial with countless applications in electronics and energy storage. Our state also has a supply of many of the worlds most precious rare earth minerals in the Round Top Mountain property, which I manage as your Texas land commissioner. This balanced energy approach helps Texas prepare and respond to severe weather events and other emergencies. It has also played an increasingly important role in bolstering our national security as Texas leads the way in developing critical technologies. China has placed a premium on overtaking the U.S.s technological leadership in areas such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Texas is doing its part to stand in the way of Chinas ambitions. We have established ourselves as a top destination for data center development, which provides the backbone for these critical technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, thanks to our states all-of-the-above energy policy and private companies, including data center developers, bringing their own resources to large-scale projects, Texas produces more than twice as much electricity as Florida and is the largest net supplier of energy in the nation, despite being the largest energy consumer. As head of the General Land Office, I have a front-row seat to the impact Texas has on our shared economic and security goals, both here in Texas and for the country writ large. The minerals produced on the land we lease from gravel to limestone to lithium support construction projects, manufacturing operations and power generation. Our oil and gas reserves make global commerce possible and fund critical public education initiatives, as well as disaster mitigation and recovery efforts. And the GLO's role as the steward of more than 13 million acres of state land has enabled us to meaningfully contribute to strategic national goals, including securing the southern border and serving our veterans through the programs of the Veterans Land Board, which is responsible for the nine state veteran homes and four veteran cemeteries. Texas has embraced its energy potential, and the results have been extraordinary. With strong leadership at the state and federal levels, Texas is poised to cement its role as an energy leader and a haven for smart public policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawn Buckingham, MD, is the Texas Land Commissioner. She previously served as a state senator from Lakeway. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas energy dominance is key to Americas success | Opinion Iran has hit back at speculation that it will hold direct talks with the United States. Tehran has said it wants to continue negotiations through Oman and other mediators, and not speak directly as Donald Trump, the US president, has demanded. Mr Trump is seeking an agreement to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb and has warned of a military strike if an agreement is not forthcoming. Iran wants a release of sanctions that have crippled its economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irans response comes after hardliners criticised a brief chat between Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, and Abbas Araghchi, Tehrans foreign minister, inside a hotel in Oman on Saturday and feared two sides might engage in direct talks. It was very normal, said Mr Araghchi. When we were leaving, the two groups ran into each other and we spoke for a few minutes its a very accepted issue and we have always respected the diplomatic politeness while encountering American diplomats. But Hamid Rasaei, an Iranian MP, criticised Mr Araghchi and reminded him that Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, had only authorised indirect talks. Mr Araghchi, you had permission for indirect negotiations, this is not a normal encounter at all you could have left the place later and not meet, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all know the supreme leader believes America cant be trusted and that negotiations with the Great Satan are futile, he added. Addressing the criticism, Esmaeil Baqaei, the foreign ministry spokesman, said on Sunday the negotiations will continue to be indirect. Oman will remain the mediator, but we are discussing the location of future negotiations, he said. Mr Baqaei said the talks would only focus on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions, and that Iran will not have any talks with the American side on any other issue. Analysts believe the US wants to discuss Irans ballistic missile programme along with Tehrans support for its regional proxy forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two arch-enemies agreed to continue talks aimed at securing a deal to limit the Islamic Republics nuclear programme following constructive preliminary discussions in Oman. Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday the talks were going okay. I cant tell you because nothing matters until you get it done, so I dont like talking about it, he said. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think. The negotiations, which Iranian state TV has apparently been instructed to emphasise were indirect sometimes mentioning it several times in a single sentence sparked fierce verbal clashes in the Iranian parliament on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mehdi Koochakzadeh, a parliamentary representative from Tehran, said: People of Iran, be aware that the parliament has no knowledge of these negotiations. He added: O people of Iran, be alert that we are going through historically sensitive moments and Im not saying whats happening now shouldnt happen perhaps we have no other choice but know who is a friend and who is an enemy. Another MP said: If America brings up the issue of defence and missile programmes, the talks will definitely end. Ayatollah Khamenei did not directly mention the talks in a meeting with a group of senior military commanders on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: What makes the enemy sensitive is not the name Islamic Republic, but rather the determination of a country to remain Muslim, independent, and dignified without relying on others thats what angers them. Hope for genuine talks Tehran-based newspapers have also commented upon the talks. Hope for genuine talks was the front-page headline of the reformist Shargh newspaper, while the hard-line Keyhan ran with: The prospect of an agreement with Trump is unclear dont keep the country in limbo. In the Arman-e Melli newspaper, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, former MP, wrote: The first thing both sides did in Oman was to overcome the negative atmosphere that had taken shape over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markets in Tehran reacted positively, and the Iranian rial badly devalued since Mr Trump took office regained some of its value in morning trading, however, it began to slip again following the clashes in parliament. 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. Asked why she and other Ukrainian people choose to keep living under Russian occupation instead of fleeing, the woman paused for a moment. I dont know how to explain the feeling, she said. Its like you just cant believe that evil could win. Even after three years, people cant believe that this is it. They still believe that the occupation will end. Thats why they are still staying here and not running away. The woman, a member of the all-female resistance group Zla Mavka, lives in a city in southeastern Ukraine that fell under Russian control just days after Moscow launched its full-scale, unprovoked invasion of the country in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zla Mavka which translates as Angry Mavka, Mavka being a female forest spirit in Ukrainian folklore engages only in non-violent activities. But taking part in any form of protest and speaking to Western media is extremely dangerous, which is why CNN is not publishing the womans name or location. She told CNN that life under Russian occupation is exhausting and incredibly scary. You can be arrested for anything. You have to worry about everything. You have to check your phone, you have to check what you have in your apartment, you have to hide a lot of things, you cant say what youre thinking and you cannot trust anyone, she said. US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants the war in Ukraine to end, even if it means further territorial losses for Kyiv. Trump has said it was unlikely Ukraine would get all of its pre-war territory back, saying: (Russia) took a lot of land, and they fought for that land, and they lost a lot of soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could include the Zla Mavka womans hometown. People abroad always talk about territories, and they forget, maybe, that its not only about territories. Its about people. And people here are still waiting. People have not moved, and they dont want to move. And why (should) they have to move from their homes? the woman said. Russian forces currently occupy nearly a fifth of Ukraines territory, home to about 6 million people, including 1 million children, who are living in what the United Nations has described as a bleak human rights situation. Stepan, a 22-year-old Ukrainian man who recently escaped from an occupied area in southern Ukraine to Kherson, which is under Kyivs control, has experienced firsthand what the occupying forces are capable of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stepan and his parents were detained by Russian troops in summer 2022. He was held for two weeks and repeatedly beaten and tortured with electricity. His parents were held for several more months. None of the family was ever told why they were being detained. They have never been convicted or charged with any crimes. When Stepan was released, he was separated from the rest of his family. He ended up on the left bank of the Dnipro River, which is still occupied by Russia. His mother Olha managed to escape to a government-controlled area after she was released in spring 2023. I was very afraid, Stepan said of his time living under occupation. Whenever I went outside, I looked around to see if they were there to take me away again or do something to me. I wouldnt leave the house if I didnt have to. It was like that every day, he told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stepan was lucky he managed to escape and was reunited with his family last month. He was brought back thanks to a coordinated effort that involved the Angels, a Ukrainian special forces unit that rescues vulnerable people from occupied territories, according to Roman Mrochko, the head of Kherson City Military Administration. Stepan and his family said they were not allowed to share details of the operation. A Russian torture and detention centre was discovered inside a police station in Kherson after Ukrianian troops liberated the city in November 2022. - Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Dire consequences Both Stepan and the Zla Mavka member said that even the slightest suspicion of being pro-Ukrainian can have dire consequences for people living under occupation. My friends and acquaintances were often taken away because they did not want to get a Russian passport or for not registering for military service. They were taken away and brought back a week later with broken arms and legs, sometime heads. There were many, we are talking about dozens of people, Stepan said. Human rights groups say that Moscow has intensified its campaign to Russify occupied Ukraine in recent months, likely to stake claim to the areas in any future peace negotiation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They try to remove anything Ukrainian from our city, from the language to traditions, the Zla Mavka woman said, adding that the group has made it one of its missions to keep Ukrainian culture alive under occupation. We are spreading Ukrainian poems and the works of Ukrainian authors, and (celebrating) Ukrainian holidays, the traditional ones, just to remind to everybody that this is not Russia, and never was, and never will be, she said. She described living in the city like getting into a time machine and going back to the USSR. Theres propaganda and Soviet-style monuments, and Soviet holidays, and we are always waiting in lines, like in Soviet times, to get help, or to go to the doctor, or to get some documents, you have to wait in these long lines and there are no normal shops and no brands just stuff you can get in the street markets and some strange Chinese products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian authorities have been meticulously erasing Ukrainian national identity, religion and language in occupied Ukraine. They have staged sham referenda on joining Russia and have been forcing the local population to become Russian citizens. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new decree ordering Ukrainian citizens living in these areas to regulate their legal status by adopting Russian citizenship. According to the decree, those who dont do so by September will become foreigners and will only be allowed to stay for limited time. But Moscow has already effectively coerced many Ukrainian people into accepting Russian passports because life is nearly impossible and very dangerous without them. Those who dont have Russian documents face the daily threat of arrest and deportation to Russia, have no right to work, no access to even the most basic health services or pensions and are barred from owning property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant even call an ambulance without (a Russian passport). If you dont have a Russian passport, the ambulance will not come, the resistance woman said. Human rights watchdogs have repeatedly said that Moscow is breaking international law by forcing the Ukrainian population to adopt Russian passports. And then the big problem for men, the men who (were forced to get) Russian passports, they are now trying to mobilize them into the Russian Army. They want to force them to fight against their own people, the woman added. Uniformed participants attend the joining ceremony for the Youth Army movement in a Russian-controlled part of the Donetsk region in September 2024. - Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters A man walks past a store damaged in a shelling in Donetsk, in a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, in January 2025. - Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters The risk of trying to leave Millions of Ukrainians are refusing to leave their homes in occupied territories most because they still believe that Kyiv, with the help of its Western allies, will eventually liberate all its land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also some who sympathize with Russia and are happy with the new regime although both the Zla Mavka woman and Stepan said they believe this is only a small minority. These are often people who did not have a very good life before. For example, they didnt have education and didnt have a good job, but now, if they cry out loud I love Russia, they will get a job in the government, they will get help and money from Russia, the Zla Mavka member said. SOS Donbas, a Ukrainian helpline for people living in occupied territories and combat zones, received more than 57,500 calls last year. Violeta Artemchuk, the director of the organization, said most people are asking for advice on how to leave safely, how to access help and what the implications are of staying and being forced to take a Russian passport. The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly told people in occupied areas to do whatever they need to stay safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need to get some documents, get them. This does not change your status, Heorhii Tykhyi, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said after the decree requiring Ukrainians in occupied territories to become Russian citizens was announced. Tykhyi said that the best solution, if possible, is to leave for the controlled territory of Ukraine. But for many, leaving is impossible because its too dangerous, too expensive and too treacherous. Theoretically, its possible to leave, but you have to go through filtration, the Zla Mavka woman said, referring to a security screening process conducted by Russian forces on all exits from the occupied areas. Theyre checking everything there, so lets say there is a woman whose husband was a soldier in 2014, and if they find out, she will have a huge problem, so for her, it is safer not to try. But this could be anything, like a comment on social media, something on your phone, they can just arrest you and deport you to Russia, she said. A flag commemorating Soviet military victories flies in Melitopol, a city under Russian occupation. - Andrey Borodulin/AFP/Getty Images Thousands of Ukrainian citizens have been illegally detained and sent to Russia, and CNN has documented cases of people who were picked up at Russian filtration points and subsequently sent to facilities thousands of miles away from Ukraine. It is impossible to cross directly from occupied Ukraine into government-controlled areas, which means that anyone wishing to flee must travel through Russia, get out of Russia and then travel through Europe back to Ukraine. Its not easy to leave everything and become a refugee. You cant sell your apartment, you cannot cross the border with a large amount of money, you cant take much so it is possible, but not for everyone, the woman said. So, for now, she and millions of others are staying and watching the news coming from the White House and elsewhere in horror. People are very nervous and theyre very afraid to hear about a negotiation, and how our cities will become Russia, this is the biggest fear. But I can tell you that even if this happens, resistance wont stop. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Israeli Air Force has attacked more than 90 targets in the Gaza Strip in the last 48 hours, a military spokesman said on Sunday. The targets included weapons depots, terrorist cells and installations from which missiles had been fired in the direction of Israel on Saturday, he said. A command and control centre of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas was also struck in the early hours of Sunday, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesman added that several terrorists had been killed in northern Gaza while attempting to plant an IED. He said the ground operation in the Rafah region and the Morag Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip were also ongoing. On Sunday afternoon, the Israeli military again called on the residents of Khan Younis in the south of the coastal strip to seek shelter in view of an impending attack. It said extreme force would be used against all targets from which missiles had been fired into Israeli territory. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Sunday it believes it was successful in intercepting an incoming missile launched from Yemen after air raid sirens sounded across Israel. Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi movement claimed responsibility, saying in a statement that it had fired two ballistic missiles towards a military base in the Israeli port city of Ashdod and Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Sirens could be heard in Jerusalem around 1816 local time (1516 GMT). The military had initially said two missiles were believed to have been launched from Yemen but shortly afterwards said only one had been fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel since the current war in Gaza began in 2023, saying it was acting in support of Palestinians. The Houthis had paused their attacks during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that began in January. Israel broke the ceasefire in March, resuming its campaign in Gaza. The war began in October 2023 when Hamas led an assault on southern Israeli communities near Gaza, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 captive, according to Israeli officials. Israel's retaliatory assault has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health officials in the Hamas-ruled enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, while the other 192 were either released during ceasefires or rescued by Israeli forces. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Frances Kerry, Giles Elgood and Cynthia Osterman) The Israeli military said on Sunday that it had attacked a Palestinian Islamist Hamas' control centre in the area of Deir al Balah in Gaza, as "numerous Hamas terrorists" were operating at the compound. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas "planned to carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilian and IDF troops," from the compound in the central Gaza city. It said it took steps to mitigate harm to civilians including the use of precise weapons and aerial surveillance. The Israeli military said on Sunday that it had conducted an airstrike on the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, stating that the target was a Hamas command centre operating inside the facility. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet intelligence agency, the Islamist militant group had been using the hospital to plan and launch attacks, including operations targeting Israeli civilians. The IDF stated that precautionary measures, such as advance warnings, were taken to minimize civilian harm. No injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told dpa that hospital staff had been instructed to evacuate before the strike, with the Palestinian news agency WAFA reporting that only 18 minutes were given. Patients were reportedly left waiting in cold conditions outside the facility. One hospital building was destroyed and fires broke out following the airstrike, WAFA added. Al-Ahli has served as a key medical centre in northern Gaza in recent months. The hospital strike was part of a broader escalation in Israeli military operations over the weekend. A military spokesperson said the Israeli Air Force had hit more than 90 targets across the Gaza Strip in the last 48 hours, including weapons depots, terrorist cells, missile launch sites and command centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Israel, rocket sirens were triggered in Tel Aviv and across central parts of the country on Sunday evening, as an incoming projectile fired from Yemen was apparently successfully intercepted by defences, according to the Israeli military. A military spokesman said the rocket was likely launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia, which has repeatedly targeted Israel. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Earlier in the day, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The military later announced plans to strike what it said was the suspected launch site in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Ground operations continued in the southern Gaza Strip, particularly in the Rafah region and the Morag Corridor. The Israeli military again urged residents of Khan Younis to evacuate on Sunday, warning of impending attacks and stating that extreme force would be used against any missile launch sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, seven people were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on a car in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. Palestinian medics provided the casualty figures, though the identities of the victims were not immediately released. The Israeli military said it was investigating the report. Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied factions launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 250 others. Israel's subsequent campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 50,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health authority, and caused vast destruction with an immense humanitarian impact. While the figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, human rights organizations have raised concern over the significant number of women and children among the casualties. The Israeli military on Sunday confirmed reports of an airstrike targeting a hospital building in the northern Gaza Strip, stating that the objective was a Hamas command centre located inside the al-Ahli Hospital. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, members of the Islamist group had used the hospital to plan and launch attacks, including operations directed at Israeli civilians. No further operational details were disclosed. The military said that precautionary measures were taken ahead of the strike to avoid civilian casualties and minimize damage to the hospital in Gaza City. These included issuing an advance warning. According to the IDF, no injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitnesses told dpa that Israeli forces had instructed hospital staff to evacuate the facility before the strike. The Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing eyewitnesses, reported that patients and staff were given 18 minutes to leave. Dozens of patients were subsequently forced to wait in cold conditions on the streets surrounding the hospital, the agency said. According to Palestinian reports on Sunday, one of the hospital's buildings was hit and destroyed overnight by an Israeli airstrike. WAFA reported that fires broke out as a result of the strike. The al-Ahli hospital has served as the most important medical facility in northern Gaza in recent months, it added. By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - Two Israeli missiles hit a major Gaza hospital on Sunday, putting the emergency department out of action and damaging other structures, medics said, in a strike which Israel said was aimed at Hamas fighters exploiting the facility. Health officials at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital evacuated patients after a phone call from someone who identified himself as Israeli security shortly before the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No casualties were reported in the strike. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had taken steps to reduce harm to civilians before it struck the compound, which it said was being used by Hamas militants to plan attacks. Hamas rejected the accusation and called for an international investigation. The hospital - an institution run by the Anglican Church in Jerusalem - was no longer operational, according to Gaza's health ministry. "Hundreds of patients and injured people had to be evacuated in the middle of the night, and many of them are now out in the streets without medical care, which puts their lives at risk," said ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran. Sunday's strikes came as Hamas leaders began a fresh round of talks in Cairo in a bid to salvage a stalled ceasefire agreement with Israel, as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States attempted to bridge gaps between the sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters footage showed significant destruction in and outside the hospital compound's church, and patients who could not leave. WARNING "The scene was scary. From last night until now, I haven't slept a single minute out of fear. All night, glass was shattering over us inside," said an injured man, Mohammed Abu Nasser. The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem said the warning to evacuate the hospital came 20 minutes before the strike that destroyed the two-storey genetic laboratory, and damaged the pharmacy and emergency department buildings and other surrounding structures. "We call upon all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions," the church said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian foreign ministry and Hamas condemned the attack, saying Israel was destroying Gaza's healthcare system. Israel says Hamas systematically exploits civilian structures, including hospitals, which the militant group denies. Israeli forces have carried out numerous raids in medical facilities in Gaza. In October 2023, a deadly blast at a parking lot in the compound of Al-Ahli hospital was blamed by Hamas on an Israeli airstrike. Israel said a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group had caused the blast. The militant group denied it was responsible. An investigation by Human Rights Watch concluded the explosion was most likely caused by a failed Palestinian rocket launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OTHER STRIKES Separate strikes in the enclave on Sunday killed at least 30 Palestinians, including the head of a police station in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Hamas-run enclave, according to Hamas and health authorities. Six brothers were killed when an Israeli strike hit their car in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza Strip, medics said. Later on Sunday, the Israeli military said it had located and destroyed a 1.2 km underground tunnel used by militants in the northern Gaza Strip. It said it struck several militants identified as planting a bomb near the Israeli soldiers carrying out the operation to demolish the tunnel. The armed wing of Hamas, meanwhile, said its fighters detonated bombs they had planted in a house in eastern Rafah, in the south of the enclave, after Israeli soldiers entered it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 50,900 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities. Much of Gaza is in ruins and most of its population has been displaced. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; Writing by Muhammad Al Gebaly; Editing by Sandra Maler, Bernadette Baum, Giles Elgood and Joe Bavier) An Israeli air strike early on Sunday has incapacitated the last fully functioning hospital in Gaza City as the military expands and intensifies its campaign across the territory. No casualties were reported from the strike but the Anglican church in Jerusalem which runs the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital said a boy with a head injury died in the rushed evacuation of patients. It said that the hospital had received only 20 minutes warning ahead of the strike and was forced to take patients into the streets. Parts of the hospital including the emergency room and reception area were extensively damaged. There was also damage to the adjoining St Philips church, according to video received by CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they had struck a command-and-control center used by Hamas in attack, without offering proof. They said steps had been taken ahead of the strike to mitigate harm to civilians. Hamas denied the allegation the hospital was being used for military purposes. The Israeli military is extending its ground operations deep into Gaza, creating a large buffer zone between the Strip and Israeli territory and pushing hundreds of thousands of civilians into an ever-smaller area on the Mediterranean coast. In the south, the military announced it seized the Morag corridor, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza. On Sunday night the defense ministry said the IDF had completed the occupation of the Morag axis making the area part of the Israeli security zone, adding that the northern border area in Gaza was also being expanded as part of the security zone. Tens of percentages of Gazas territory have become part of Israels security zones, Defense Minister Israel Katz said. The main goal is to exert heavy pressure on Hamas in favor of returning to the outline of releasing the hostages and the more Hamas persists in its refusal, the more IDF activity will intensify, Katz claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, according to the United Nations, some 400,000 people have been told to move over the past three weeks, with hospitals often used as a place of shelter throughout the conflict. One patient in the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital, Mohammed Abu Naser, told CNN he was still inside when it was struck. We expected that we would all die inside the hospital I have no treatment or anything right now. We have no option but to travel abroad for treatment, Abu Naser added. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that the hospital was temporarily closed and directed people to three other hospitals. The Jerusalem diocese condemned the strike and said that in addition to the damage to the emergency department the two-storey Genetic Laboratory was demolished. The diocese said it was the fifth time the hospital had been struck since October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization (WHO) said the now out of service hospitals pharmacy was also destroyed and that it was forced to move 50 patients to other hospitals while 40 critical patients could not be moved. Hospital Director Fadel Naim said the child who died during evacuation had succumbed to lack of oxygen and severe cold. As health facilities across Gaza come under pressure for lack of medicine and equipment, the WHO said that two missions to Al-Ahli and the Indonesian hospital had been denied by the Israeli authorities. In a post on X, the organization said hospitals in Gaza are in dire need, yet the shrinking humanitarian access is obstructing WHOs ability to resupply them and preventing patients from safely receiving life-saving care. A cat walks through rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City on April 13, 2025. - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Samer Attar, an American doctor with the Palestinian American Bridge working in the Al-Ahli hospital, told CNN that the attack had created a desperate situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people here are exhausted, theyre hungry, theyre tired, theyre wounded, not just physically but also psychically, he said. Al-Ahli is one of the few functioning hospitals across Gaza, treating up to 1,000 patients a day. An Israeli siege left Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City the largest in the territory in ruins last year. It began accepting some patients months later. The strike drew international condemnation including from the UK, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Deadly strikes in central Gaza The Israeli military says its forces are operating in several areas of Gaza. The IDF said Sunday that it had attacked a weapons storage compound in northern Gaza early on Sunday and announced that over the previous 48 hours, the air force had struck more than 90 terror targets belonging to terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video also showed another airstrike on a building in the area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The IDF said the building was another Hamas control center and at the time it was struck numerous Hamas terrorists were operating from within the compound. In a later statement, the military said it killed Ubayd Allah Naim al-Hadhud Musa, who served as the deputy head of a Hamas sniper cell in the area of Deir al-Balah. Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, spokesman for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, told CNN that three bodies had been brought to the hospital after the strike. He said a strike on a vehicle in the same area on Sunday had killed seven people, six of them brothers. Another strike later Sunday appeared to have hit the Deir al-Balah municipal building, killing a senior member of the Hamas-run justice ministry, according to local journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military meanwhile said it had intercepted another rocket fired from Gaza. In response, it issued another evacuation order for several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, saying on X: We will attack with extreme force every area from which rockets are launched. Israel says it is expanding its campaign in Gaza as part of efforts to force Hamas to free its remaining hostages. One of them American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander appealed directly to President Donald Trump in the second proof-of-life video of the captive released by Hamas Saturday. Alexander who is almost certainly speaking under duress in the three-minute propaganda video says he believed Trump would succeed in bringing him out of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear when the video was shot, but Alexander references being in Gaza for 551 days, which would indicate the video was recorded quite recently. The video was released on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum asked Jewish families to leave an empty place setting for the hostages to mark their time in captivity. Each moment grows more unbearable. You can see it in his face his fear, his desperation, Alexanders parents Yael and Adi said on Sunday. President Trump, our hope and trust rest with you now. CNNs Oren Liebermann, Kareem El Damanhoury and Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Police are hunting five masked men who forced a lorry driver off the road in southern Italy before detaining him at gunpoint and making off with his highly-prized cargo. The paramilitary operation in the Italian region of Puglia, best known for its Baroque treasures, slow food and breathtaking coastline, happened earlier this month and shocked the country. But there were no priceless artworks, jewels or drugs on board the lorry only crates of fresh olive oil worth an estimated 260,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This latest robbery highlights the alarming penetration of organised crime into the production of one of Italys biggest agricultural exports. With olive oil now fetching up to 15 (13) a litre, mafia gangs are targeting whats known as green gold. In a region that produces 40 per cent of the nations olive oil, producers are taking drastic measures to protect their olives at every stage of the production process. Olives have to be guarded like diamonds at night Coldiretti, the countrys largest farmers organisation, is urging its member to use helicopter surveillance, mount GPS tracking devices on olive oil tanks and demand police escorts to move the finished product across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pietro Piccioni, the director of Coldirettis branch in Bari, said: During the harvesting period, marauders across the countryside raid the olives that have to be guarded like diamonds at night and escorted during transfers to the olive mills. Then the oil mills are forced to notify the police before letting trucks of extra virgin oil leave. Leonardo Palmisano, a sociologist and mafia expert, said: Puglian mafia organisations are hiring specialised international criminals to carry out these attacks. It is at such a high level that they send thieves from other parts of Europe, like they do with car robberies, and then they immediately move the stolen oil into the market for bottling and distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olive oil can be stolen and sold for half the price, and sometimes the robberies are even commissioned by mafia-run businesses masquerading as legitimate companies. But criminal gangs are also plundering Puglias olive groves at source. Using sledgehammers to assault the trees, gang members can steal more than 30kg (65lb) of olives per tree in just a few minutes. The gangs drag nets under the olive trees as accomplices beat the branches to collect as many of the falling olives as possible, often causing irreparable damage. Coldiretti said these types of robberies had increased over the past three years but often went unreported because of the fear of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are calling on producers to report the incidents to police, even anonymously, so they can tackle the spread of organised crime. Nicola Di Noia, the director-general of the Italian oil consortium Uniprol, said: Agriculture needs greater protection. Where there is economic opportunity, there is criminality, agriculture is just like anything else. Olives are grown across more than 300,000 hectares (900,000 acres) in Puglia and generate more than 1 billion (860 million) in annual sales. Widespread drought and rising production costs have contributed to a surge in prices, making it ripe for exploitation. Producers in northern Puglia are also facing a threat from the bacterium, Xylella, which has destroyed 21 million plants in the Salento region further south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Italian mafia has a history of subterfuge involving the prized oil. In 2017, it was revealed the the Ndrangheta were exporting fake extra virgin olive oil to the United States, simply re-labelling cheap olive pomace oil. Criminals dont have a problem smuggling children, animals or drugs, said Mr Di Noia. We shouldnt be shocked to hear that they are going after olive oil, even though we are more accustomed to seeing assaults on armoured security vans than lorries. For these criminals who have no problem stealing, it doesnt matter if it is drugs one day or parmesan cheese another day or olive oil the next. Olive oil has long been linked to the mafia, according to The Godfather films - CBS Photo Archive Lazzaro DAuria, who grows tomatoes, fennel, wheat and olives near Foggia, has paid a heavy price for facing down the mafia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has lived under 24-hour police protection since 2017 when a mafia boss put a gun to his head, demanding 200,000 a year in extortion payments. After two years of threats and intimidation, he went to the police and has campaigned against the mafia ever since. It takes strength and willpower, Mr DAuria said. The police do everything they can and we are fighting the mafia together. But it is so embedded in Foggia, it is difficult to destroy it or get away from it. While the Sacra Corona, sometimes referred to as Italys Fourth Mafia, is found in southern Puglia, local mafia groups dominate agricultural production in the northern part of the region around Foggia and collaborate with Albanian and other mafia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renato Nitti, a highly respected prosecutor based in Trani, said recently the power of Puglias mafia had been underestimated compared to other criminal organisations operating elsewhere in Italy. 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. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned Russias missile strike on Sumy, which took place on Palm Sunday morning. Source: statement by Meloni obtained by European Pravda Details: Meloni stated that she strongly condemns "this unacceptable violence, which is at odds with any genuine commitment to peace as advocated by President Trump a commitment that Italy, alongside Europe and other international partners, sincerely supports." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I extend my deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and the entire Ukrainian people. We will continue working to put an end to this barbarism," the Italian Prime Minister stressed. Background: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated after the Russian missile strike on civilians in Sumy that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without any preconditions. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was now clear that Russia is choosing to continue the war despite Trumps proposals. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russias strike on civilian targets in Sumy crossed all acceptable lines and demonstrated why Donald Trump is committed to ending the war. On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 32 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A New Hampshire law enforcement official was charged 17 times after allegedly violating state hunting laws. Travis Cushman, the Merrimack County jail superintendent, was hit with seven misdemeanors and 10 violations, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported. Conservation officers said the charges related to "multiple illegal night hunting offenses, illegal baiting and using a live action game camera to aid and assist in taking of deer." They seized three deer mounts as well as a firearm and archery equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cushman was placed on leave. He was promoted to superintendent in 2022 and has been with the Merrimack County Department of Corrections since 2006, per the Union Leader. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Law Enforcement Division investigated Cushman for eight months before arresting him March 25. He is due in Laconia District Court on May 15 and faces multiple fines and a hunting license suspension, according to Outdoor Life. One of the counts Cushman was charged with stems from his registering a whitetail deer Nov. 15, WSHU reported. A photograph of the animal included a timestamp from the day prior. The New Hampshire Antler and Skull Trophy Club said it removed one post related to Cushman and would erase him from a record book after "the legal actions are complete." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you enter a buck into NHASTC you sign that the animal was taken legally and ethically," it stated. "We find these actions disturbing and will not tolerate them." Some commenters on the N.H. Fish and Game post expressed their displeasure with the potential punishment, saying it was too light. In Wisconsin, a farmer who illegally killed more than 150 deer was sentenced to four months in jail and fined $27,416. Stiff repercussions for poachers and people who try to game hunting contests act as a deterrent and help protect wildlife and keep Earth's ecosystems in balance. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. N.H. Fish and Game encourages folks to report wildlife crimes via its app, Operation Game Thief. 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. Apr. 12JAMESTOWN The Jamestown Rural Fire Department responded to barn and grass fires on Friday, April 11, near Jamestown, according to Brian Paulson, rural fire chief. Six units and 16 firefighters responded to 8551 29th ST. SE about 7 miles north of Jamestown at about 12:50 p.m. Friday to a report of a barn on fire. Paulson said the barn was completely burned down when firefighters arrived on scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said firefighters made sure the fire did not reignite. The corral near the barn was burned from the fire, Paulson said. The barn is a total loss, he said. He said the cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene for about two hours. Ten units and 20 firefighters responded to 4180 85th Ave. SE about 9 miles southeast of Jamestown at about 6:30 p.m. Friday to a report of a grass fire near buildings. Paulson said the grass fire started from the property owner's burn pit. He said got into some trees and got close to a neighbor's house. He said firefighters did extensive work to make sure the fire did not reignite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We wanted to make sure everything was put out before we left," he said. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene for a little over two hours. Paulson said Stutsman County is currently in a drought condition. "Yesterday (Friday), out Stutsman County burn ordinance was in effect, so there should have been no recreational burning or garbage burning of any kind this time of year. Everybody's got to go to that ND response website and check on the fire conditions whether we're in a burn ban. The fire weather is on there. Red flag warnings are on there. They need to be checking that daily before they light any fire at this point in time." I am an American citizen residing abroad and followed protocol for voting and confirming my vote via the Caldwell County election office. My ancestors stood in line for hours, some even died, for my right to vote, and Ill be damned if I allow any voter suppression strategist, disgruntled, temper-tantrum-throwing adult to disenfranchise me while spitting on the treasured memory of my forebears struggle. Attempting to appeal the decision of the people for Democrat Allison Rigg by disenfranchising over 60,000 North Carolina votes is simply corrupt on Jefferson Griffins part. I recall being weak from chemotherapy during Obamas second presidential run. I kept telephoning the election office in Lenoir until it was confirmed that my vote had been processed. This present fight for our country is just as serious as battling cancer. The spirit must be willing though the flesh is weak. Stay woke, yall! I aint going back, and neither should you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Greene DellEra, Lenoir native, Kembs, France Tariffs, more How ironic that President Donald Trump reportedly says in defense of his chaotic tariff policy that world leaders are calling kissing my ass. After dealing a blow to our economy; decimating government functions for our health, safety and prosperity; threatening healthcare access, retirement security and nutrition programs for millions of families and children; separating families; and attacking the judiciary, universities, public education, the press, and the truth, how long can it be before we tell him to do the same? Less crudely, of course, since our mothers taught us better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pat McCoy, Charlotte Medal Musk When Elon Musk leaves DOGE, Trump should immediately give him a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his courageous efforts to rid government of wasteful spending. He has done so with great sacrifice to himself, his family and business interest. Ultimately, his efforts will save taxpayers trillions of dollars. Ed Carlson, Charlotte Ukraine Let your Congress members know with all the chaos surrounding us the stock market plummet, our friends losing jobs, our universities being attacked and Social Security sitting on the chopping block we will not forget the injustice done to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainians by an administration who cant get a peace deal yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know the side our president takes. We know the side our allies take. We know Russia invaded Ukraine. We dont know what hidden agenda there is. Stand by Ukraine and decency. Katherine Nelson, Rock Hill Skip the Stuff Despite Paige Mastens opinion in her Mar. 25 article that HB 423, Skip the Stuff Act, does not send the message that Democrats need to relay, this bill is not about Democrats messaging. It is about reducing the use of single use plastics, delaying filling landfills for all North Carolinians. These unnecessary single-use items are not recyclable. Less than six percent of all plastics are recycled. They will either be burned, buried or littered. In a study, The Cost of Litter, researchers determined that litter cost state residents $56.3 million in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what is a good message for North Carolinians? A Skip the Stuff bill. By having to ask for a straw, utensils or condiments when needed, we can make a huge dent in single-use plastic waste. Kathleen Liebowitz, executive director of Toward Zero Waste, Raleigh Teacher license The bill to allow unlicensed teachers would affect public school students like me. House Bill 806 would allow unlicensed teachers to be hired in public schools. This bill also says that only 50% of teachers have to be licensed in schools and removes the class size requirements enacted in 2017. As a student, this may mean that my teachers dont need a license. Even if my teachers do have licenses, other students may not necessarily get a fully enriched education from a licensed professional. Instead of letting educators teach without a license, we need to compensate them for their work and ensure that fully licensed professionals get the pay they deserve. Celia Kaul, Charlotte PLATTSBURGH A Clinton County constituent was once again denied a chance to speak at Wednesdays legislature meeting, raising concerns about limitations on free speech. Id be hard pressed to believe that those legislators want to go down that route, Legislator Bobby Hall (D-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) said Friday. When you start telling people they cant talk, theres something wrong. Jennifer Jewett, a long-time advocate for a dog tether law county-wide, which would ban tying dogs outside 24/7, has not been allowed to talk about the issue or anything else at the last few meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) previously explained they have heard her speak on the dog tether law topic roughly 40 times and there is nothing new to add to the matter. Henry said the decision to not allow Jewett speaking time on the subject was not just his but the entire legislatures. The legislature has asked me to limit the speaking they (Jewett and her group) have. That group has spoken before the legislature and the committees almost 40 times, Henry said after the meeting concluded. The legislature is very familiar with their position. There is no new information that has been brought forth that hasnt already been thoroughly discussed, publicly discussed, either in the Public Safety Committee or in the legislature itself, and then emails and phone calls and all of those other things. So the legislature feels that it has been very well versed in the issue of the dog tether law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until there is something new to add, or there is an item on the agenda related to the law, they will not be granted the privilege of the floor, he added. Hall, a supporter of Jewetts proposed law, did not agree with not allowing her to speak on it but he understands why his fellow legislators are tired of hearing about it. However, in attendance again Wednesday, Jewett, a resident of Champlain, was not allowed to speak on any topic after making it known she would not speak about the dog tether law. We have nothing on the agenda for you tonight at all, Henry said to Jewett after she asked to speak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, I wasnt planning to speak on the tether law, she said in response. You will not be recognized. You will not be recognized, Henry emphasized before closing the public comment period. This exchange, and a similar one that occurred between the two at the legislatures meeting March 26, contrasted with what Henry said after the meeting. (If she says) Id like to speak about the sewer line, or taxes are too high, yeah, absolutely, she can speak, Henry had said. But, thats not what happened and Hall said he made it known to Henry he did not support these actions against Jewett or anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not in favor of anybody being told they cannot speak I can understand if somebody wants to stop her from speaking about the tether law, she should be told and she was that she cannot talk about that anymore and that its a dead issue. Thats fine. But, Im not in favor of letting people not speak about anything else, Hall said. She should have the right to be heard when she wants to talk about something else, and if she tries to talk about the tether law then cut her off, but if she wants to talk about something else, she should have the right. Freedom of speech, to me, is very important. Thats one of the only privileges we have and if she cant speak her mind, thats not right, he continued. I dont care if its Jennifer or who it is, they should have the right to speak We represent them. Jewett has been trying to get the law passed since early last year, showing up to every legislature meeting since then urging her elected officials to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was inspired to pursue this law after learning that two dogs in Mooers had been living most of their lives tied out on chains with no consequences to the owner. Since her advocacy began, one of the dogs she hoped to help, a husky, has since died, according to Clinton County Sheriff Department records. Legislator Francis Peryea (R-Area 2, Altona), an opponent to a county-wide tether law, said he 100% supported Henry not allowing Jewett to speak on it anymore. He said he didnt hear her say she wanted to speak on something else, though. Asked if he would support Jewett being able to voice her concerns on other topics, he said We havent really had that conversation, so Im not really gonna speak on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hasnt been discussed. Thats a relatively new situation, he said. I mean, if he gives other people two minutes (to speak), I guess, but were not gonna sit there and listen to her criticize us either. If thats what she plans to do is run us down and criticize us, thats not gonna fly. In a statement Friday, Jewett gave a warning to other constituents who may have an issue to bring to the legislature in the future. Dont be confused, this is about simply stopping 24/7 dog tethering and the neglect that goes with it. Mark Henry has done everything he can from day one to make supporters of this law go away, instead of addressing the issue and helping fix the problem. Now just as we have a ton of support, he shuts down all discussion on our topic because all other methods to make us go away have been unsuccessful. Mark Henry simply doesnt want to be bothered anymore, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the committee on open government, if Mark Henry opens the floor allowing public comment, he must treat everyone equally. He cannot discriminate. I have tried three times in three separate meetings to speak on an entirely unrelated topic, and I have been denied the right to speak in a public meeting. All while he opened the floor to others to speak. If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. As it stands, Henry said there are no future plans for a law and it is not currently being discussed. He said nobody on the legislature is against a law, per say, they just want the enforcement and legislation done and passed at the town level. In Clinton County, there are 17 municipalities, meaning there could be 17 different laws eventually passed. The Town of Champlain has been the most recent to pass a tether law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog tether law stands where it did a year ago. The majority of the legislature feels that the town is the proper level of government for tether laws to be passed, thats where its most effective, most efficient. Thats where the enforcement will happen, Henry said. We believe that that is the best level of government for laws like these to be passed. Its best for the dogs themselves, its for the dog owners and for the residents, the community as a whole. On Sept. 29, 1982, Mary Kellerman woke up feeling sick. The 12-year-old girl from Elk Grove Village, a suburb of Chicago, asked her parents to stay home from school, and they gave her one extra-strength Tylenol capsule. She was dead a few hours later. The doctors assumed shed died from a congenital heart condition or perhaps an aneurysm. But then six more people across the Chicagoland area, ranging in age from 19 to 35, also died the same day from mysterious circumstances. Before long, firefighters realized that all the deaths had one thing in common: Tylenol. After the bottles were scrutinized by a medical examiner, it was discovered theyd been laced with cyanide. American icon Johnson & Johnson has somehow emerged from pill poisoning to asbestos-contaminations to remain one of Americas most trusted brands, critics have said. AP The deaths became one of the most extensively covered news events since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy almost twenty years earlier, writes Gardiner Harris in his new book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson (Random House), out now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three national networks made the poisonings the center of their broadcasts for weeks. Almost every newspaper in the country covered it through the fall, with more than one hundred thousand individual stories. It was a scary time for consumers nationwide. But it was especially daunting for executives at Johnson & Johnson, one of the countrys most beloved brands. Few American corporations have ever faced such a disaster, writes Harris. Tylenol wasnt just a top seller for Johnson & Johnson; it was the companys most important and iconic product. Sales in 1982 were expected to approach $500 million and account for nearly 20% of its profits, writes Harris. Now every major media organization on the planet was linking Tylenol with death. The company had to rescue the franchise, but how? Tylenol, among Johnson & Johnsons most trusted brands, almost caused the company to crash, according to reports. Artinun stock.adobe.com It didnt help that Chicagos own mayor, Jane Byrne, held a news conference imploring city residents to bring their Tylenol to the nearest police station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont take Tylenol, she said, not even in tablet or liquid form. It was, to say the least, the worst public relations moment imaginable. Johnson & Johnson was at a crossroads. Depending on how executives responded, it could either scare their loyal customers away forever or prove they were a company and a brand to be trusted. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson was forced to recall bottles of their iconic baby powder over fears of asbestos poisoning. REUTERS In the end, they managed to pull off the latter. Their response has long been seen as the most ethical, honest, and effective crisis reaction in American corporate history, writes Harris. Johnson & Johnson has faced a lot of scandals over the years that could have (and in many cases, should have) destroyed them. In 1994, Antonio Benedi (right) claimed that he suffered liver failure after using Tylenol Extra Strength to treat the flu. Boston Globe via Getty Images From lawsuits claiming their antipsychotic drug Risperdal didnt warn about side effects like male breast growth, to a 2020 nationwide recall of their baby powder after evidence surfaced that it was contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos, to FDA restrictions of their COVID vaccine due to life-threatening blood clot risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it was the Tylenol scandal that would forever define the company. Before the poisonings, few people knew that Tylenol was made by Johnson & Johnson, writes Harris. But after their response, polls found near universal recognition. Last January, Fortune magazine ranked Johnson & Johnson as one of the most admired corporations in the world for the 23rd consecutive year. A vintage image of Johnson & Johnson workers in 1895. Johnson & Johnson Archives If there is a more American quintessentially American company than Johnson & Johnson, I do not know what it is, Tyler Mathisen, a longtime CNBC anchor, told a network healthcare conference in May 2019. How did Johnson & Johnson not just survive but thrive after the Tylenol panic of 1982? First and foremost, they acted fast. J&J executives agreed to pull every Tylenol capsule on every store shelfabout 31 million bottles. It was the largest drug recall in history and cost J&J $100 million to manage, writes Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also quickly added protective seals to all new Tylenol products, with a plastic ring around the necks of pill bottles and a foil placed over the bottles mouth. These measures were soon adopted by every over-the-counter drug manufacturer, writes Harris. But while it appeared that the company was decisive and expeditious, they were actually well-prepared for this moment. In the previous three years, the company had received 300 complaints about contaminations, writes Harris. Johnson & Johnson was already working on tamper-resistant packaging, so when the Tylenol poisonings happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also had something else that helped the company protect its public image: the most corrupt FDA commissioner in history. Dr. Arthur Hayes Jr., who served as the FDA commissioner between 1981 and 1983, believed drug regulation should be a collaborative process, writes Harris. His idea of collaboration involved bribes from drug companies. The Tylenol poisonings allowed him an opportunity to prove his loyalty to the medical drug behemoth. Hayes lost little time in publicly exonerating Johnson & Johnson, writes Harris. FDA officials even took pains to tell reporters that the two lots linked to the poisonings were not being termed recalls, which would imply a manufacturing defect. If there is a more American quintessentially American company than Johnson & Johnson, I do not know what it is, Tyler Mathisen, a longtime CNBC anchor, told a network healthcare conference in May 2019. Rob Kim Theres no conclusive proof that J&J ever paid Hayes a dime during his time as FDA commissioner, but he spent much of the rest of his life (after retiring as commissioner) working for a public relations firm owned by a former top J&J executive, writes Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Johnson & Johnson relaunched Tylenol just a few months later, on Thanksgiving 1982, with tamper-resistant packaging, it was briefly the only over-the-counter medicine with the extra layer of safety, providing the product with a halo it never surrendered, writes Harris. It wouldnt be the last time Tylenol became a headache (no pun intended) for the company. In 1994, Antonio Benedi, a former scheduler for President George H.W. Bush, sued Johnson & Johnson, claiming that he suffered liver failure after using Tylenol Extra Strength to treat the flu. Drugstores in the early 1980s removed Tylenol bottles from their shelves in response to tampering fears. Getty Images The jury awarded him nearly $9 million in damages, and court documents found that Johnson & Johnson had known for years that moderate drinkers a description that applies to most Americans could suffer catastrophic liver damage from ordinary doses of Tylenol, writes Harris. The trouble had started decades earlier, when J&J upped the amount of acetaminophen from 325 to 500 milligrams per pill to combat consumer belief that Tylenol, while safe, was less effective than other brands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA was reluctant to add a liver warning on bottles, deeming it unnecessary. No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson was written by Gardiner Harris. The agency said it didnt want people who were contemplating suicide to know the damage the drug could do, Harris writes. The brands avowed safety its most iconic advertisement claimed it was the pain reliever hospitals use most was, ironically, what made it so deadly. A University of Pennsylvania study found that many patients who developed liver damage from Tylenol never bothered to read the recommended dosage as they thought the drug was so safe, Harris writes. Despite the legal wrist slap, Johnson & Johnson emerged almost unscathed and today is still one of the largest and most trusted healthcare companies in the world. Author Gardiner Harris. Erin Champ The 1982 Tylenol poisoning has become a case study for students at Harvard Business School, which used to teach thousands of executives-in-training that if they do the right thing even at considerable expense, customers will reward them, Harris writes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even within the J&J inner ranks, a belief has solidified that the company was a uniquely beneficial force for good in the world. They had a level of trust from consumers that was all but impossible to degrade, Harris writes. It was, he adds, Corporate gaslighting on an epic scale. Apr. 13The rapidly evolving world of news has pulled the Albuquerque Journal in many new directions in recent years, and the Lang family that owns the paper is announcing another new development this week: putting the Journal campus up for sale. The Journal's mission to deliver reliable, comprehensive local news remains the same. Selling the Journal campus is a natural move, both business- and news-wise, said publisher Bill Lang. The newspaper's operations utilize only about 20% of the roughly 300,000-square-foot campus located at 7777 Jefferson NE, he said, so it's time for the Journal to adapt to a different, better-suited space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Repurposing is probably a better sense of what we're doing with it because we're taking our asset and making it liquid and then using that so that so we can continue on strongly," he said. A move gives the organization the opportunity to invest in a new headquarters with top-quality audio, video and digital capabilities, aligning with the slew of podcasts the Journal now puts out on daily and monthly bases. News organizations moving away from large, staple buildings is a national trend as the industry continues to downsize. Many parts of New Mexico have seen a shrinking number of local news outlets and journalists in the past few decades. However, Lang reaffirmed his commitment to providing the state with quality, local journalism through the Journal. The Lang family is coming up on 100 years of ownership of the Albuquerque Journal next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is to continue on our mission to be the leading newspaper in New Mexico," Lang said. As for the property, NAI SunVista is still hammering out a definitive price for the 287,000-square-foot property sitting on 27.88 acres, according to partner DJ Brigman. The Langs declined to comment on the price, deferring to Brigman, who said the commercial real estate brokerage will divulge the price to serious buyers. The campus includes about 117,000 square feet of office space, more than 140,000 square feet of industrial space with one area having an over 40-foot clear height rail access, a fleet service area, a physical plant with a chiller system and a full-service cafeteria. An existing landscaping service for the Journal Center maintains the lush green landscape, which the new owners will pay via a pro rata share. The campus can be used in many different ways, Brigman said, from the film studios already utilizing the space, to charter schools, to data centers, to industrial operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also tucked pretty centrally in the metro area, he said. With increased populations on the West Side, Journal Center is easily accessible from many parts of town, whether it's Rio Rancho or Downtown. "This is an iconic property," Brigman said. Lang described the Journal Center as "one of the premiere developments in the state." "There's lots of potential here," Lang said. Pepper Lang, president of Journal Center Corp., touted the central location of the campus, as well as its easy access to public transportation and walking and biking trails. He reiterated Brigman's thoughts about the property being good for many uses, including especially for film studios or production companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This building was built to last," he added. Brigman pointed out that the Journal Center scene has been on the up in recent years, with multiple apartment complexes and many restaurants in the area. "At one point in time, this was more of a daytime opportunity for those types of users, and now it's transitioning into a morning, day and night-type of location," he said. The Journal Center presence started in the late '70s when the Lang family got into real estate, said Lowell A. Hare, chair and CEO of Journal Center Corp. Moving from a Downtown office to the Journal campus in the '80s happened in two phases the production building was completed in '82 and the administrative building in '86 at a cost of more than $50 million, Hare said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When completed, the new home of the Albuquerque Journal was the most modern newspaper facility in the United States," he said. "I mean, we had people coming in from everywhere, looking at our buildings. There was no newspaper facility close to what we had in Albuquerque." Forty years later, the Journal Center campus has become the longest home for the Albuquerque Journal's operations. The news outlet outsourced printing operations about five years ago. The presses that once shook the complex still sit in a massive warehouse facility on the campus, though the owners plan to remove them. The rest of the campus infrastructure will stay as-is, preferably, for the sale, Hare said, though he added ownership could also explore redeveloping the campus as an alternative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've got to get as efficient as we can to keep the newspaper alive because that's our core. The Journal Center's fabulous, but there would have been no Journal Center without the Albuquerque Journal." The sale could take anywhere from a year to a year-and-a-half, so Journal Center will continue welcoming talent scouts, as the property's diverse offerings are often leased out for film operations. Megan Gleason is a business editor for the Albuquerque Journal. She also covers energy, utilities and government. You can reach her at mgleason@abqjournal.com. Gerard Joyce was officially inaugurated as Mount St. Mary's president in a ceremony on Saturday to the cheers of faculty, staff and students. "The path ahead will have bumps, as it always has, but Mount St Mary's' history teaches us resilience and our mission reminds us that this work transcends us," he said during a speech. The private Catholic university in Emmitsburg brought Joyce on to replace retired president Timothy Trainer, who held the position from 2016 to the summer of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joyce took over in July 2024, coming from his position as executive vice president of DeSales University in Pennsylvania, also a Catholic university. He worked at DeSales for over 30 years, including a period when he was interim president of the university in 2017. He helped lead DeSales through the COVID-19 pandemic, and, according to Mount St. Marys Office of the President, he helped usher in two of the largest first-year classes in 2021 and 2022 while serving as vice president at DeSales. One of the university Board of Trustees' goals in hiring Joyce was to increase enrollment, Board Chair Rich Miller said in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joyce now leads Mount St. Mary's and more than 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students as the university's 27th president. Joyce received a doctorate degree in education administration and policy studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from DeSales University. Hundreds attended Joyce's inauguration at Knott Arena at Mount St. Mary's on Saturday, including many local leaders. Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said she expects Joyce to provide good leadership in increasingly uncertain times in the academic world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Joyce assumes the mantle of leadership at a challenging moment," Fitzwater said in a speech. "Liberal arts colleges, which had a prominent place in the American higher education system, are under remarkable pressure, because the model is changing in this country." Frederick County Council President Brad Young and Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor also spoke at the inauguration, praising the place the university holds within the local community. Young is an adjunct professor at the Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business at the university. "The Mount was founded in 1808 and has been a great asset for our county ever since," Young said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once of Joyce's first actions as president, according to the Mount St. Mary's website, was to begin development of the university's next strategic plan. The plan, set to finish in June, will set goals and performance indicators for the university. "Together, we could reimagine education, expand access to opportunity, strengthen our communities, and lead in sustainability," he said of the plan. During the inauguration, Miller conferred on Joyce three of the school's artifacts that signified his office a crucifix presented to the university's founder by a pope, a mace dating to the centennial celebration of the university, and the presidential medallion made for the school's 175th anniversary. Joyce in turn promised to protect, further, and govern the university and its mission. In a decision Friday, a federal judge ruled that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) violated the Endangered Species Act, resulting in the starvation deaths of threatened manatees. The advocacy group Bear Warriors United said this ruling sets a new national precedent: No state agency is above the Endangered Species Act, even when it comes to regulating itself. The decision signals a turning point for environmental enforcement in Florida and across the country. The lawsuit was filed by Bear Warriors United in 2022, after a record-breaking number of manatee deaths were reported in Brevard County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group attributed the increased death rate to the departments wastewater discharge regulations, which allowed pollution of the North Indian River Lagoon and killed seagrasses used as a food source for manatees. It is no wonder then that in recent years, the lack of seagrass and abundance of macroalgae in North IRL affected manatee breeding and reproduction, with almost no live calves begin found from 2020 to 2022, the decision stated. The order recognized that there was an increase in manatee calves in 2023 and 2024, there was also an increase in their deaths. The highest concentration calf deaths were reported in Brevard County. Therefore, Judge Carlos E. Mendoza ruled that there is still an ongoing risk of manatee death and injury within the North IRL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 565 manatees were reported dead in Florida last year: See local numbers Plaintiffs and environmental scientists argued that, even if the overload of nutrients from wastewater ended, it would take at least a decade for seagrasses to recover. FDEP attempted to refute the ongoing risk to manatees, citing the official end of the manatees Unusual Mortality Event caused by starvation in March. However, the judge wrote, The existence of a UME proximately caused by a defendant is likely sufficient to establish a taking under the ESA. However, absence thereof is insufficient to show that no taking is occurring. The ESA defines take or taking to include actions that harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge has now ordered FDEP to obtain an incidental take permit (ITP). An ITP requires an applicant to create a Habitat Conservation Plan to mitigate damage to endangered or threatened species caused incidentally by otherwise lawful activities. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Below is an excerpt from the ruling: As Defendants witnesses testified, FDEP is taking important, necessary steps to remediate the polluted waters of the IRL. But that is not enough. The North IRL is in such a deteriorated state that the required remediation will take many years, as the state itself has acknowledged. And during that remediation, wastewater discharged pursuant to FDEPs regulations will continue to indirectly take manatees in the North IRL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas manatees cant speak for themselvesbut Bear Warriors United just roared on their behalf, said Katrina Shadix, Executive Director of Bear Warriors United. This case is about stewardship of all that is cherished in the IRL; healthy water, healthy seagrass, healthy manatees and healthy people. It is only when the diverse agencies and peoples responsible for all these components collaborate that this health will be ensured. This case is a massive step forward to realizing that goal. Read: [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. The Enquirer's Just Askin' series aims to answer the questions that no one seems to have an answer for, not even Google. I saw a strange sight about a year ago while driving home from work. Outside of Procter & Gamble's downtown Cincinnati offices, flags from different countries hung on tall poles and flapped in the wind. International flags fly outside of Procter & Gamble's downtown Cincinnati offices on Thursday, March 27, 2025. To me, these flags felt like they should belong outside of a government building not a company building in Ohio. And yes, I know Procter & Gamble, also known as P&G, does work internationally. But there were only a handful of flags. There's no way the flags represented all the different places P&G, a global powerhouse, manufactures or sells its consumer products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what gives? What's the significance of these 10 or so countries represented by international flags outside of P&G's Downtown office? The questions stayed with me, even after my commute ended. Question: Why are there a bunch of flags outside of Procter & Gamble? Six flags fly outside of the General Office Towers. Answer: Well, turns out, I was on to something. The flags do have to do with P&G's international work. First of all, there are 11 flags total. Six flags are in front of the General Office Towers. Five flags are across the street in front of the Central Building. Nine flags represent nine of the 70 countries where P&G has operations, according to the company. The other two flags are American flags. There is one American flag in each set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how did P&G select which international flags to wave? It's random! The nine flags change each month and are chosen at random, the company said. P&G ensures they're in good condition before choosing them. The flags currently on display in March include: Finland. Sri Lanka. Colombia. Dominican Republic. Italy. Germany. New Zealand. Malaysia. Puerto Rico. As of the last week of March, P&G had not yet selected the nine flags for April. I also asked the company why they only choose to fly nine international countries' flags at a time and why there is an uneven number of flags in the two sets. The company said they're not sure there's any significance behind these decisions. Five flags fly outside of the Central Building. Do you have a question for Just Askin'? Send it to us at localnews@enquirer.com. This story has been updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why there a bunch of flags outside of Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs was the keynote speaker at an event at North Carolina Central University Saturday, a day after a key decision made by her Supreme Court colleagues on her race to keep her spot on the bench. With every breath in my body, I will fight for them to make sure that their votes count, she said. Friday, the State Supreme Courts Republican majority ruled that the vast majority of the more than 60,000 votes contested by her GOP challenger, Judge Jefferson Griffin, would remain part of the count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griffin, who trails Riggs by 734 votes, protested against ballots cast by voters who allegedly had incomplete registration. RELATED: NC Supreme Court rules most challenged ballots must stay in election count While part of the decision is seen as a win for Riggs, the court ruled that thousands of other votes should not have been tallied. It is not somehow more constitutionally acceptable to only seek to disenfranchise 7,000 instead of 67,000, Riggs said. That includes military members and their families, as well as other North Carolinians living abroad, who voted absentee. We know that the voters who are at risk of having their fundamental freedoms disrespected are the people who put on a uniform and stand up and serve our country, said Riggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision allows these voters to send proof of ID to ensure their votes are counted. These voters will have 30 days after being notified by their county board of elections to respond. Meanwhile, voters who have never lived in the United States, but have ties to North Carolina through their parents, will not have their votes counted. The North Carolina Republican Party praised the courts decision, release a statement that said in part, The decision [Friday] brings this election one step closer to a conclusion ensuring every legal vote will be counted. The State Board of Elections says it is still reviewing the effect of the courts decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Apr. 13---- The of Commissioners will discuss and vote Tuesday on the possible acquisition of land by the state of Minnesota within Kandiyohi County. The 80-acre plot of land in Norway Lake Township would be purchased by the from a landowner within the county. If approved, the land would be managed by the DNR and used as a wildlife habitat, and would be made available for public use. It would be maintained as an upland prairie with restored wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restoration of these wetlands was completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service a few years ago, according to material in the meeting agenda, and the land is proposed as an addition to Cabinrock Wildlife Management Area in rural Sunburg. A County Board resolution is required for the purchase to be completed. The board will also discuss a potential partnership between Kandiyohi Health and Human Services and Ampact, a national nonprofit which manages AmeriCorp programs. As part of the agreement, Ampact would provide services from Kandiyohi County in exchange for the county providing a site supervisor and necessary equipment to support a member of the Public Health Corps, which partners with organizations to support communication efforts around key public health initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No specific cost was listed in the meeting materials. The Kandiyohi County Board meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, in the board room at the Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services building in Willmar. After the meeting, a work session will be held to review the final draft of the board's operating rules and guidelines. When completed, this draft will be presented at the Kandiyohi County Board meeting on May 6 for adoption. Complete meeting agendas and accompanying materials can be viewed online at Politics? Yes Thank you, Melinda Henneberger, for giving more information on what happened at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. (March 30, 17A, KC man tackled, handcuffed at church after unauthorized but straight-from-Jesus prayer) It is apparent that no emergency plan was in place. Someone could have been seriously hurt. Perhaps this wasnt the best way for Jimbo Gillcrist to express his message, but what is a person to do when he has been blacklisted from talking about Gods word? I disagree that the church is not political. It has been for quite a while. The recent statement that we must always obey all authorities is frightening. Other examples from Catholic leadership in Kansas: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was told she probably shouldnt take Communion. We were told we werent good Catholics if we didnt vote for George W. Bush. We were told the Russia-Ukraine war would end if the Keystone pipeline opened. We read columns in The Leaven by a Catholic lobbyist who trashes Gov. Laura Kelly and fails to present all the facts about bills introduced in the Legislature. Not one church authority Im aware of has called out border czar Tom Homan, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance or the Trump administration for actions or statements that are against Catholic teachings. My Catholic grade school principal used to admonish us: You jellyfish! Wheres your backbone? Youre only one-sided! - Toni Gelpi, Overland Park Good on Moran Several weeks ago, I challenged Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran to do the right thing in working to restore the authority of Congress. (March 16, 17A, Letters) He has taken a step toward that by co-authoring a bill to require congressional approval of any new tariffs. (April 9, 1A, Sen. Moran backs bill to restrict Trump on tariffs) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need more U.S. senators and representatives to follow Sen. Morans lead. It is what our democracy demands. - Joanne Bodner, Overland Park No do-overs I am angry and disturbed at my fellow Missourians and elected officials regarding Amendment 3. The initiative petition process collected more than enough signatures to get this on the November 2024 ballot. The courts tried to find reason to remove it because some people dont believe womens reproductive rights include abortion. It was ruled to stay on the ballot and was passed with a popular vote of 51.6% to 48.4%. This is how democracy works. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The vote of the people should stand without a do-over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The refusal to accept the outcome angers me. Women have every right to decide whether they are ready to have children or if they choose not to have any at all. It is none of anyone elses business. I believe the arrogance exhibited in our state on this issue is appalling. I am fighting and will remain in the fight to keep Amendment 3 in place. - Jeanette Rouse, Springfield COVID help I read the recent story While others moved on, long COVID-19 changed the trajectory of Kansas City womens lives on KansasCity.com and appreciated the coverage of its ongoing impact. However, I believe the article missed key points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists stress that each new COVID infection increases the risk of long COVID, a crucial fact when discussing the struggles of those battling this condition. It is estimated that 3% to 4% of vaccinated individuals will have lingering symptoms that do not resolve after every COVID infection. These symptoms range from mild to severe and can significantly damage quality of life. Although the article highlighted challenges, it did not mention vital resources for those suffering from long COVID. Many rely on specialized clinics such as the University Health Center for COVID Recovery or online support groups to connect with others and manage symptoms. Information about available support systems is essential for those coping with long COVID. Including it would empower readers to access the care and community they need. - Jenna Hopkins, Occupational therapist, University Health Center for COVID Recovery, Kansas City Corrupt bargain If you want to reduce waste and fraud in government, why fire the inspectors general who serve as nonpartisan watchdogs for that purpose? If you want to reduce waste and inefficiency, why fire professional civil servants and replace them with political appointees in a spoils system? If you want to reduce waste and the deficit, why fire IRS employees who audit and minimize tax fraud? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckle up, America. We are about to experience a wave of corruption unlike anything we have ever seen. Lets hope the courts can put the brakes on this destruction of our constitutional system. Sadly, Congress doesnt appear to have the foresight or courage to steer us through Donald Trumps presidential power grab. The result will be fewer government services and more corruption. It is an illusion that the Department of Government Efficiency is saving much money, and it certainly is not making even a dent in the national debt. What is especially concerning is the cruelty with which this political purge is being conducted. Lives are being ruined, careers destroyed, families upended. Is this really who we are and what we want as Americans? - Phil D. Wann, St. Joseph KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department says that one of their officers sustained serious head injuries this evening while investigating a crash. According to KCPD, officers were investigating an injury crash involving an officer at East Truman Road and South Main Street when an officer was assaulted around 7 p.m. MSHP issues SILVER Advisory for missing 64-year-old from Liberty Police say the assault happened as the driver of an ATV attempted to avoid a deflation device set up by the officer by using a wheelie and struck the officer. The driver then fled the scene, driving over the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That officer has been taken to an area hospital with serious head injuries, according to KCPD. KCPD did not include any details of a suspect or the ATV they were driving. On Sunday afternoon, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued the following statement: Last night, a reckless ATV driver caused injuries to a Kansas City police officer, mayhem on our streets, and continued to display the lawlessness that too many dirt bike, stunt drivers, ATV users, racers, and others display on streets in dense areas of our city. We expect our officer to recover and pray he can return to normal service soon. Rest assured as the weather gets warmer, serious enforcement action from KCPD, apprehension, and felony referrals to our prosecutors will follow for all those causing fear, serious injuries, and harm even to themselves on the streets of Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vehicles are not toys and the streets are not playgrounds for lawlessness. All have a right to enjoy our city uninterrupted by those whose actions bring harm to others. FOX4 talked with people who live in the area about activity theyve seen from racers, ATV riders, dirt bike riders and others. We just moved downtown, and we love it, but waking up at 2:30 in the morning because someone is doing burnouts in the middle of the road is frustrating, said Brittany Kennedy, a Kansas City resident. Kennedy said she has seen ATV users, racers and others ignore rules firsthand. Its hard because they dont follow traffic laws. Ive had moments where I have a green light then theyll come and run the red light and then do donuts. Last night they were doing donuts in the middle of the night, waking us up, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Lucas and KCPD Police Chief Stacey Graves will have media availability at 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 14, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, in the Community Room. This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Literacy coordinator Monique Ervin explained the link between family time and learning time to a Fort Worth Independent School District parent, who listened intently as she learned techniques to help her daughter improve her early reading skills at home. The parent, Arlene Olvera, asked Ervin specifically for help with her kindergarten-age daughters blending, or merging individual sounds of a word together to read it. Its an important literacy skill that Olveras daughter has been experiencing trouble with lately, even though the child knows the letter sounds themselves. Ervin showed Olvera a lesson specific to blending that Olvera could use at home with her daughter through Lexia, an online reading program utilized by the district. I didnt know that I could log into her Lexia and have that scripted for me to, basically, me be the teacher. And shell just be already familiar with it, Olvera told the Star-Telegram. Right now, shes not (reading on grade level), but she does have learning disabilities. So that does play a factor. Were being proactive, and were getting her the help that she needs through the school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olvera was among a group of parents who attended the districts family literacy conference on Saturday, April 12, where educators hosted more than 20 workshops at O.D. Wyatt High School for parents to learn how they can both contribute to and track their childs reading progress across all grade levels. Staff also helped parents with enrollment for the upcoming school year, distributed free backpacks and books, and provided interactive activities. Superintendent Karen Molinar gave a presentation translated into Spanish by a bilingual staff member at the beginning of the conference to reiterate the districts ongoing literacy plan to boost student achievement, which was We know that literacy is the key to greatness. For whatever we want to do in life, we have to be able to read, Molinar said. We really need your help and support at home by making sure that their homework is done, that you check their grades (and) their attendance. Read with them and have them review, but then, more importantly, ask them about school each day. Fort Worth Independent School District hosts a family literacy conference on Saturday April 12th at O.D. Wyatt High School. Here Dr. Karen Molinar speaks about the parents part in education and literacy in their childrens lives. The family literacy conference is part of an effort as the district is strategizing and working to turn around its stagnant reading and test scores. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called attention to Fort Worth ISDs shortcomings, compared to other urban school districts across Texas, at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. The calls and proposals for change have gained momentum ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school board approved a strategic plan in January, including a goal to have half of Fort Worth ISD third-graders performing on grade level in reading and math by 2029. There were 33% of Fort Worth ISD students who scored on grade level in reading on last years STAAR or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exam. This percentage has been virtually unchanged for at least a decade. The Fort Worth ISD school board also passed a resolution in January to name literacy as the districts highest priority. The Tarrant County Commissioners Court passed a resolution in February imploring all other Tarrant school districts to follow suit. A Fort Worth political action committee, Fort Worth Students First, announced its launch on April 4 with a mission of informing candidates for local elected offices about the value of literacy and why it should be at the top of their priorities, no matter what office theyre running for. On Saturday, Molinar broke down the reading framework of how teachers are rolling out reading instruction for the 2025-2026 school year. Middle-schoolers will receive 90 minutes of reading instruction, and elementary students 120 minutes, a day. All students will get a foundational reading lesson, then they will demonstrate how much of the lesson they retained. Afterward, students will hone the lesson further through enrichment, or relearn the lesson through small-group tutoring. This framework is one of five approaches to the districts literacy plan. The other approaches include aligning the districts budget toward literacy, aligning instructional resources, screening and monitoring students literacy performance and professional development for educators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every campus will have a literacy lab classroom set up with a demonstration teacher that will be the master and model teacher on that campus. So the teacher needs help with instruction or how to deliver a lesson, or just needs to see how someone else on that campus is delivering that instruction, theyre able to walk down the hallway and watch it happening with students from their school, Molinar said. Fort Worth Independent School District hosts a family literacy conference on Saturday, April 12, at O.D. Wyatt High School. Meghan Well of the FWISD Emergent Bilingual Department passes out tote bags to families. After Molinar spoke to attendees in the high schools auditorium on Saturday, parents migrated to classrooms based on what workshops they wanted to listen to. Ervin, the literacy coordinator, shared four tips with parents on how to approach reading at home: Have conversations with children about the book being read; break words into smaller pieces; identify speech sounds; and model reading fluency. Asking open-ended questions about a book allows them to practice predicting, problem solving, comparing and contrasting, she said. Taking turns while reading passages, or reading them at the same time, shows the child how to read aloud with the correct pace and tone. You are your childs first teacher. The parent is the childs first teacher, just reading with them at home, Ervin said. Provide feedback on the proper tone, pausing and which words to emphasize, especially if you have a question mark or an exclamation point. Thats going to help you with comprehension. In classroom 1522, M.H. Moore Elementary Assistant Principal John Moore shared additional suggestions for parents and explained what reading milestones look like for elementary age groups. As students reach second grade, theyre becoming proficient readers who ideally can transition into independent reading and read longer books, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in second grade, kids start to develop their personality for reading: I like these books. I dont like those kinds of books, he said. Push them into the books they like, so they still keep that reading right there. Bakul Patel, a Carter Park Elementary parent with a son in pre-K and a daughter in third grade, asked Reed how his children could build more confidence around reading. Reed said students in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade can be shy about making errors, especially when reading aloud, but assuring them that mistakes are okay will grow their confidence to keep trying. The confidence comes from knowing that were going to make mistakes in reading, and its okay, Reed said. Words are crazy: ough says 15 different sounds. You wont get them all right every time, it takes practice. So if you start (in) lower grades, reading out loud and having them practice, even if they have mistakes, its going to help them later on to be okay making mistakes. Patel told the Star-Telegram that since moving to Fort Worth ISD from the Huntsville area north of Houston, he noticed a gap in the curriculum between the districts for his daughter. Patel has placed her at a local Kumon math and reading center for extra tutoring outside of school, which has helped her. Hes considering moving his children to a charter school next school year after he gets this years STAAR results back. I had one question I asked a staff member. Whats the difference between ISD and charter school? Because why should I keep my kids in ISD? I never tried charter school, but I (saw IDEA Public Schools). They look much better from outside, Patel said. I guess Im still learning Fort Worth ISD. King Charles is reportedly determined to remain on the throne despite his ongoing battle with cancer. The monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024, has had to cancel several royal engagements due to the illness. Though Prince William has stepped up to take on more royal duties in his father, King Charles' stead, there are no plans for a formal handover of the crown at this time. The Royal Family Is 'Content' With A Gradual Transition MEGA Since King Charles' cancer diagnosis was made public, speculation has swirled about whether he would abdicate the throne in favor of his heir apparent, Prince William, to focus entirely on his health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These rumors gained traction as Prince William increasingly took on more responsibilities. However, according to royal expert Hillary Fordwich, Charles is committed to remaining King despite his health challenges, and there is full support for his decision. "Prince William and Princess Catherine are not in any way actively seeking an immediate ascension," the expert emphasized after revealing the royal duo were being put through an "accelerated schedule of preparation," per Fox News Digital. Fordwich also noted that other senior royals, including William and Catherine, are "more focused on the best interests of the monarchy's stability and continuity." "[They] are all being content with the gradual transition rather than any immediate decisions. The only definite thing is that an abdication would be a significant departure from all tradition," the royal expert further remarked. An Abdication May Cause A 'Constitutional Crisis' MEGA Fordwich also linked King Charles' decision to remain on the throne to a desire to avoid a potential "constitutional crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She referenced the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII, who stepped down to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson, which caused quite an uproar at the time. According to Fordwich, the royal family is keen to avoid repeating such a scenario, especially during a period already marked by health concerns and public scrutiny over royal scandals. "Given his mother's values, King Charles is most likely to do all he can to continue serving, dedicating himself to duty," the expert further remarked. The Monarch's 'Workaholic' Nature Also Prevents Him From Stepping Down MEGA Another expert, Ingrid Seward, had previously tied Charles' reasons for remaining on the throne amid his cancer battle to him being a "workaholic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[King Charles] been so conditioned to work that I don't think he functions unless he's working," the Majesty magazine editor-in-chief told Newsweek about the monarch. "When he's not working, he's probably a bit all over the place He's always working, and it's just not his nature to take an afternoon nap," Seward added. King Charles Won't Step Back from Royal Duties Any More Than Absolutely Necessary MEGA In the meantime, William will continue to take up more roles in his father's stead. However, Charles won't assign more than what is strictly necessary to his heir apparent. "It seems unlikely that the king will want to step back from his duties any more than is strictly necessary," British broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti informed Fox News Digital. "Though he had to cancel some engagements recently, it caused very minimal disruption to his otherwise busy schedule. He has always been clear that his work ethic compels him to be as busy as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sacredoti also pointed out that the King intends to follow the same pattern as his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had help from the royal family during her older years but still kept performing much of her royal duties. "The example of his late mother's older years shows that, when needed, the royal family can accommodate sharing the burden, if necessary," the journalist noted about Charles. He added, "But just as Queen Elizabeth II continued to work well into her old age, and even when she was not entirely healthy, I am sure that the king will want to do the same and keep going as much as is possible." King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis MEGA In February 2024, the Firm revealed that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, though the exact nature of the illness was not disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He began his treatment at an undisclosed hospital as an outpatient, meaning he was not required to have any extended stay at the medical facility. Over time, updates have been given about the King's health, including a post last February where he thanked the medical teams' "swift intervention." Last month, he was also briefly hospitalized and forced to postpone engagements after experiencing temporary side effects from the cancer treatments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has voiced cautious optimism about the future of US-Russia relations following a visit by US special envoy Steve Witkoff to President Vladimir Putin. "Everything is going very well," Peskov told Russian state television on Sunday, describing the talks as constructive. He said that a meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump is being considered but cautioned that it would require thorough preparation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After years of destroyed relations, no quick results are to be expected," Peskov said. "Everything has to be built from scratch. There are much too difficult problems." He emphasized the need for patience and reiterated that many steps must be taken before any summit can take place. No date or location has been set. On Friday in St Petersburg, Witkoff met with Putin for more than four hours. Trump, who has expressed a desire to end the the three-year-old war in Ukraine, increased pressure on Moscow following Witkoff's arrival. Posting on the Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "Russia has to get moving. Too many people ere [sic] DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war." On Saturday, Trump seemed to express further frustration with Moscow, telling reporters on Air Force One: "There's a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up, and we'll have to see what happens. But I think it's going fine." By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Sunday contacts with U.S. President Donald Trump's team were moving ahead very well but that it was too early to expect instant results due to the level of damage done to relations under Trump's predecessor Joe Biden. Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly said he wants to end the "bloodbath" of the three-year war in Ukraine - which his administration now casts as a proxy conflict between the United States and Russia, echoing Moscow's stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with President Vladimir Putin, Trump said on Saturday discussions aimed at ending the war may be going OK, but "theres a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up". "Everything is going very well," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state television's most prominent Kremlin reporter, Pavel Zarubin, when asked about the differing views of the state of relations between Moscow and Washington. Contacts were underway at several levels, Peskov said, including via the foreign ministry, intelligence agencies and Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev. "But, of course, it is impossible to expect any instant results," Peskov said, citing what he called the damage done to bilateral relations under Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered the worst confrontation between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis - which is considered to be the time when the two Cold War superpowers came closest to intentional nuclear war. As Witkoff held talks with Putin on Friday in the former Russian imperial capital St. Petersburg about the search for a peace deal for Ukraine, Trump told Russia to "get moving". Putin was shown on state TV greeting Witkoff, who held his hand to his heart in greeting, at the start of the talks and state news agencies later said they lasted over four hours. Asked if a Putin-Trump meeting was getting nearer, the Kremlin's Peskov said the two powers were "walking along this path together very patiently" but that trying to restore relations took serious and painstaking work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His words suggested that such a meeting "requires more work, requires more time". European leaders and Ukraine describe the 2022 invasion as an imperial-style land grab by Putin, and European leaders have repeatedly demanded that Russia be defeated on the battlefield, although Moscow forces control nearly one-fifth of Ukraine. Putin casts the war in Ukraine as part of a battle with a declining West, which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by enlarging the NATO military alliance and encroaching on what he considers Moscow's sphere of influence, including Ukraine. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Mark Heinrich) Grassroots activists participated in a "Sing Out" in Rockland Public Square on March 22 to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Like a pot boiling over, more than 10,000 Mainers took to the streets last weekend to protest the dismantling of the federal government by President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk. But that day of mass action was fueled by weeks of local demonstrations that have united a diverse coalition of people who say they are energized to take a stand. Many of these community events have been organized by local activists who are raising alarm at the growing threats to Social Security and other programs that are being dismantled by Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Others have been led by local labor unions that are protesting the assault on workers, exemplified by mass firings, dismantling of collective bargaining rights, and efforts to privatize government services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maine protests echo the national movement to Fight the Oligarchy being led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Since March, the progressive duo has traveled to swing districts across the country, drawing historically large crowds to their rallies. At the events, the pair calls out the billionaire take-over of America, galvanizing huge swaths of everyday voters to become brawlers for the working class. Local postal worker unions rallied to save the U.S. Postal Service outside the Bangor Post Office on March 20, 2025. (Photo: Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Former Senate President Troy Jackson joined local postal worker unions, which rallied to save the U.S. Postal Service outside the Bangor Post Office on March 20, 2025. (Photo: Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Waterville-area residents, pictured here on March 25, protest weekly at the local Tesla charging station. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waterville-area residents, pictured here on March 25, protest weekly at the local Tesla charging station. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Grassroots activists participated in a "Sing Out" in Rockland Public Square on March 22 to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Grassroots activists participated in a "Sing Out" in Rockland Public Square on March 22 to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Grassroots activists participated in a "Sing Out" in Rockland Public Square on March 22 to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Grassroots Maine activists battle against billionaires In the months since Trump took office, disparate grassroots groups have coalesced into a united movement, holding more than fifteen weekly actions across the state. These efforts led to the sizable Hands Off protests, which took place in more than 20 Maine cities and towns on April 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the local groups are associated with national organizations including Indivisible, MoveOn and 50501. Despite that, local leaders emphasize a decentralized approach, allowing wide swaths of people to engage in communities closest to their homes. The point of having protests all over the place is people can actually get to them, and that resentment and the feelings of protest are everywhere, said Elizabeth Leonard, who helps organize the weekly Takedown Tesla protest at the electric vehicle charging station in Waterville. Thats why I want to keep organizing here. When Leonard, a retired Colby College history professor, started leading the Tuesday actions in February, only about 10-12 people showed up. Now, more than 50 people regularly attend, which she attributes to word-of-mouth organizing within local churches, colleges and community newsletters, as well as utilizing alternative social media sites like Bluesky. Leonard said a lot of people are attracted to the action because Musk has blessed them with a very possible goal of pushing Teslas stock price down, which they hope will reduce the CEOs influence over American democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can chip away at Musks credibility as this genius and great businessman who is going to save the country, Leonard said. If he cant hold his company together, then its likely he is going to trash the country like he is trashing Tesla. Many of the other local protests are similarly focused on the outsized power that Musk, Trump and other wealthy individuals have on the U.S. government. However, Leonard noted that cuts to Social Security and other programs that many Mainers rely on will likely draw in others, as evidenced by many of the signs at last weeks mass demonstrations. I think the attack on Social Security is going to wake a lot of people up who are still sleeping, Leonard said. When their Social Security checks dont come in, that will affect people across ages. An estimated 4,000 people attended the April 5, 2025 Hands Off rally in Augusta, Maine. (Photo by Nathan Bernard/ Maine Morning Star) Labor unions getting the word out Unions and workers more broadly have been on the receiving end of many of the Trump administrations actions, which have sparked informational pickets, labor protests and press conferences in several Maine towns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Trump took direct aim at unions with an executive action that rolled back collective bargaining rights with an executive order banning the agreements at government agencies with national security interests. Local labor leaders say such actions are likely to galvanize workers. As history has shown, the labor movement can be an extremely powerful force against repressive regimes and totalitarian governments, which is why Musk and the Trump administration are fixated on taking away our rights and attacking our unions, AFL-CIO President Matt Schlobohm said. We will not stand by as our democracy is dismantled. On March 20, local postal worker unions participated in a national day of action with rallies in Bangor and Portland to inform people about efforts to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are out here to tell people hands off the Postal Service, said Robert Perocchi, president of Bangor Area Local 536 of the American Postal Workers Union, who was among roughly 100 people that gathered outside the Bangor post office. He said such actions are important to educate people about how their lives are shaped by decisions made in Washington, D.C.. Since the 1970 Postal Reorganization Act, the USPS has been self-funded, relying on revenue from postage and other sales rather than tax-payer money for their operations, despite contrary claims from Musk and the Trump administration. The USPS is a public service we offer. The Trump administration is looking to sell it off to the rich and privatize it, Perocchi said, noting that rural areas will be most impacted with the likely closure of smaller post offices. Its going to be about profits instead of service. Other demonstrations organized by local labor groups have drawn similarly robust support. In mid-March, the Maine State Nurses Association organized a protest against cuts to Medicaid that they said would deteriorate services in the region. More than 100 nurses, caregivers and patients gathered outside U.S. Sen. Susan Collins Portland office to present a $4.1 billion check made out to the billionaire class paid for by working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The check represented the amount of Maine Medicaid funding that could be at risk if Congress passes Republicans tax and spending plan, which would extend the presidents 2017 tax cuts and calls for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the Medicaid and Medicare health programs, to find at least $880 billion in cost savings. Social Security workers have also organized events to call attention to efforts led by Musk to cut the agency, including plans to reduce phone services, fire staff and close field offices, including in Maine. We are greatly concerned that the DOGE team is pressuring the administration to make deep cuts in staff, Christine Lizotte, a claims specialist and secretary treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1164, said at a recent press event in Hallowell. That will delay payments, cause more errors and could even crash the whole system within months. Schlobohm with the Maine AFL-CIO said Maines labor movement will continue to lead efforts pushing back on the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of Maine union workers and our allies have taken to the streets to fight against the illegal and unconstitutional attacks on our democratic institutions and public services by billionaire Elon Musk, Schlobohm said. We are united in our resolve to protect Social Security, rural health care and nursing homes, the U.S. Postal Service and services for our veterans. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Four Democrats have announced their candidacy for the Lake County Sheriff race in 2026, an open seat since Oscar Martinez Jr. cannot seek a third consecutive term. Retired Federal Agent of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Jason Gore, 52, announced earlier this month his run for sheriff. With the ATF, special agents have a mandatory retirement at 57, Gore said, and he couldnt be promoted further without leaving the Chicagoland area. As he started looking at his exit plan, Gore said he decided to run for Lake County sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This being an open election, and it being my home, it was an opportunity for me to consolidate all my training experience, partnerships and bring it home to one county and see what I could do here, Gore said. Gore, who was born and raised in Hammond, said he became a Merrillville Police officer in 1998. By 2000, Gore was promoted to detective, where he served on a Drug Enforcement Administration task force where he worked on mid- and upper-level drug trafficking cases, he said. In 2004, Gore said he was hired as a special agent for the ATF, where he was assigned to South Bend, where he created a violent crimes task force. In 2008, Gore said he was transferred to the ATF Merrillville office, where he worked on violent crime, firearm and drug trafficking cases, he said. Gore said he joined the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force in 2010, and by 2014 he was named the deputy commander of the task force. As deputy commander, Gore said he led the investigations, along with the Lake County Sheriffs Department detective bureau, into the murders of Gary Police Officer Jeff Westerfield and Merrillville Police Officer Nick Schultz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2017, Gore said he was promoted to the resident agent in charge of the ATF Merrillville office. In 2023, Gore said he became the assistant special agent in charge of the ATF Chicago field division. If elected, Gore said six pillars would guide him: leadership, partnership, intelligence and technology, crime reduction strategies, accountability and transparency. I want to bring the best of policing, police tactics and leadership to Lake County. I want to adjust the culture within the sheriffs department, and I also want to adjust the external view of the sheriffs department seen by the public, Gore said. Lake County Sheriff Deputy Police Chief Edward Jenkins, 54, announced earlier this month his run for sheriff to bring his nearly 30 years of experience with the department to its helm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know the sheriffs department inside and out. The sheriffs department is running well, I think I can take it higher, said Jenkins. In the almost 30 years that Ive been here, I have served the citizens of Lake County very well. Theres not a city, town or township in Lake County in which I have not been a policeman in. Jenkins began his career in public safety in 1997 for Lake County as a correctional officer, he said. In 1999, Jenkins became a Lake County Sheriffs Department police officer, and by 2003 he was promoted to detective for the county sheriffs department, where he investigated burglaries, homicides, thefts and robberies, he said. In 2015, Jenkins said he was named the main supervisor for the Lake County metro homicide unit. After Martinez took office in 2017, Jenkins said he was promoted to deputy chief, where he has served for the last 8 years. In addition to his experience with investigations, Jenkins said as deputy chief he has gained administrative experience including hiring police officers, reviewing budgets and working with other agencies and departments, like probation or courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is not a lot I have not done, Jenkins said. I just believe that I am the most qualified person to be the next sheriff. If elected, Jenkins said hed like to expand the technology officers could use, ensure correctional officers and staff as well as the inmates feel safer inside the jail, and attack the distribution of fentanyl throughout the county. St. John Police Chief Steven Flores, 47, announced his run for sheriff in January 2024 after family, friends and police officers encouraged him to run for the office. Growing up, Flores said all he wanted to do was become a police officer just like his father, who served as East Chicago police chief, as well as his uncle and cousin, who also served the East Chicago Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2001, Flores said he served as a volunteer firefighter serving in unincorporated Schererville and as a reserve police officer in St. John. In 2004, Flores said he was hired full-time by the St. John Police Department, and hes been with the department ever since. Flores said he started as a patrol officer, and then he went on to work with the K-9 unit. After 8 years in the K-9 unit, Flores said his dog retired and he went on to join the detective bureau, where he rose through the ranks to commander. As a detective, Flores said he was a member of the Northwest Indiana Major Crimes Task Force, where he worked on a lot of homicide cases and enjoyed collaborating with other law enforcement agencies throughout Lake County. In 2020, Flores was appointed as the St. John Police Chief. As chief, Flores said hes been most proud of lobbying the state legislature for $5 million to build a new police building and increased funding for mental health services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Flores said hed like to focus on officer training and connecting with Lake County residents. For officer training, Flores would like officers to be trained in crisis intervention, which they could use in responding to mental health crisis calls. I have the experience. I have the knowledge. Ill be a working sheriff, Ill be out on the street interacting with officers every day, Flores said. Theres been a lot of great successes in law enforcement in Lake County over the last several years. I want to maintain that and create even a safer Lake County. In June 2024, Indiana State Police Major Jerry Williams, a Gary Native, announced his run for Lake County Sheriff. Williams began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer for the Lake County Sheriffs office before going to work for the Indiana State Police, where hes worked for the last 31 years, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years with Indiana State Police, Williams said he was a road trooper in Lake County and then a member of a gang task force, where he worked investigations in East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Munster and Highland. Williams also worked in the Indiana State Police internal investigations division before being assigned as lieutenant of the Indiana State Police Lowell District, which encompasses seven counties, he said. As lieutenant of the Lowell district, Williams said he oversaw urban areas like Gary and East Chicago to rural areas like Pulaski and Starke counties. Williams said he currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Police executive staff as assistant chief of staff of logistics, which means he supervises the state polices supply, maintenance, engineering, transportation as well as overseeing all property and facilities the police agency owns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, Im a crime fighter. I pride myself on being that. Im passionate about doing just that, Williams said. Being able to bring that level of understanding to an office like the Lake County Sheriffs department will be paramount. Itll give me a leg up, I believe, because it will shorten my learning curve. akukulka@post-trib.com (COLORADO) Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced on Friday, April 11, that he reached an agreement with a corporate landlord company, Cortland Management, to cease using rent pricing software, RealPage. RealPage is an algorithm-driven rent-setting software that shares non-public data, largely provided by landlords who purchase the software and share private, sensitive property and rental data. The result was that Coloradans ended up paying millions more in rent. Weiser sued RealPage last year for illegal rental price-fixing, and afterwards added six large corporate landlords to the lawsuit as defendants, including Cortland. The settlement resolves the allegations against Cortland in the RealPage suit, and Cortland has also agreed to assist Colorado in its ongoing lawsuit against RealPage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coloradans who are struggling to make ends meet are getting hammered by high rent prices, and landlords that collude using private data from RealPage are a part of the problem, said Weiser. I will continue to hold accountable any landlord that engages in irresponsible, harmful, and anticompetitive conduct that harms renters by colluding to jack up rents. Cortland will be allowed to use other third-party revenue management software to set rents, but the types and sources of data used will be heavily restricted. The company agreed not to use any non-public data from other property management companies to set rents, and not to pool or share their non-public data with any non-Cortland property owners. We are always looking at collaborative solutions when it comes to ensuring a competitive and fair marketplace, and Im glad that Cortland will no longer be using non-public data from RealPage or software like it to set rents, said Weiser. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas man who shot and killed a security guard while stealing groceries from a supermarket was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison Thursday, records showed. Miguel Narro, 37, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and robbery with a deadly weapon as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison with 264 days time served, according to court records. Miguel Narro, 36, faces several charges, including attempted murder, after he allegedly shot a security guard while stealing groceries from a supermarket. (LVMPD) On July 20, 2024, around 1 p.m., police responded to a report of a shooting at a supermarket in the 800 block of North Decatur Boulevard near Washington Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived they found a security guard, later identified as 52-year-old Alexander Maceo Sanabria, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a week later, according to police. Loved ones speak out after police say Las Vegas security officer shot, killed by man stealing groceries Witnesses at the scene told police that a man entered the supermarket, filled a shopping cart with groceries, and left the store without paying. Employees at the store alerted Sanabria who went outside to confront the man, who was loading the stolen items into a vehicle, an arrest report said. An argument ensued between Sanabria and the man, during which a second person got out of the vehicle and pointed a gun at Sanabria, who deployed his pepper spray at them to defend himself, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect shot multiple times at Sanabria, hitting him in the chin, likely lodging in his neck, according to the report. The two men then got into the vehicle and drove away before officers arrived. Using witness statements, police identified the registered owner of the suspect vehicle, who told police their son, Narro, was last driving the car. Narro matched the description of one of the suspects given by witnesses and a records check also showed Narro was previously arrested for attempted murder, among other violent felony offenses, the report stated. The next day, corrections officers were conducting a home compliance check when they saw two men in the backyard of the house arrest offender. When officers asked the men to identify themselves, one of them identified himself as Narro. Las Vegas man stealing groceries shoots security guard: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to Narro having an active warrant at the time, officers arrested him. While searching Narros home, police found the suspect vehicle from the shooting, which still had dry pepper spray on it. Narro told police he believed his vehicle was stolen during the early morning hours of July 20 and he spent the day looking for it. When shown surveillance video of the vehicle from the shooting, he told police it was not the vehicle he drove. Police arrested Narro and took him to the Clark County Detention Center. Maceo-Sanabrias family also released the following statement regarding his death: We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time but heartbroken we report that our beloved Alexander Maceo-Sanabria succumbed after several days of fighting for his life when he was shot while performing his job as a security guard at Marketon supermarket in Las Vegas. Alexander gave the greatest gift of life by donating his organs to save other lives. Alexander was a compassionate, hardworking individual who put others first. He was also known for his kindness, his dedication to his job, and his unwavering commitment to keeping others safe. He loved his job and was the pillar of his family always. Today we remember him with much love and affection as we try to complete all the arrangements for him to rest in his final resting place as the Hero he is. The medical and funeral expenses increased drastically so we appeal to the collaboration of this beautiful community that Alexander served for many years. We still do not have details of the funeral due to the complexity of the case, we ask for understanding and comprehension especially since this case will go to court. With gratitude, we also have the support of the companies he worked for as they assured us they would match the donations made on GOFUNDME so all the more reason this gives us a boost as we mourn and say goodbye to our beloved Alexander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When a Wyoming woman phoned the states only abortion clinic recently to make an appointment to end her pregnancy, she received news that complicated her life even more. Wellspring Health Access had stopped providing abortions that same day, responding to a slew of new requirements for the Casper clinic to become a licensed surgical center. It was kind of really bad timing on my part, said the woman, who declined to be named because of abortions stigma in her community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though abortion remains legal in Wyoming, it has become increasingly difficult because of new requirements for abortion clinics and women seeking abortions. In this case, the woman had to go to Colorado, which partially borders southern Wyoming. On Wednesday, the Wyoming Supreme Court is set to hear arguments over state abortion bans that a lower court judge has suspended and struck down as unconstitutional. But even if the state high court agrees with those rulings, access to abortion in Wyoming stands to remain uncertain. New state laws make getting abortions much harder One new law targets Wellspring Health Access as Wyomings only abortion clinic, requiring licensure as an outpatient surgical center at a cost of up to $500,000 in renovations, according to the clinic. The law also requires the clinics physicians to get admitting privileges at a hospital within 10 miles. A hospital three blocks from the clinic is under no obligation to admit its doctors, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an abortion ban without banning abortion, said Julie Burkhart, founder and president of Wellspring Health Access. A second new law requires women to get ultrasounds at least 48 hours before a medication abortion, costing them $250 or more plus gas money and travel time in a state where ultrasounds are unavailable in many rural areas. The Wyoming Legislature is well within its rights to regulate abortion to protect women from even the small chance of an abortion mishap, argued an attorney for the state, John Woykovsky, at a recent court hearing on the new laws. Unsettled abortion laws have far-reaching effects In most cases, a transvaginal ultrasound is required to obtain a fetal image in the earliest stages of pregnancy, when most abortions are done. That invasiveness, especially for victims of rape and abuse, caused Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, to veto the ultrasound bill a few days after he signed the surgical center requirement into law Feb. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican-dominated Legislature overrode his veto, leading Wellspring Health Access, the Wyoming abortion access advocate Chelseas Fund and others to sue over it and the licensing law. Meanwhile, the legal uncertainty caused Wellspring Health Access, which opened in 2023 after an arson attack delayed the original date by almost a year, to halt both medication and surgical abortions. Several dozen abortion opponents attended a Tuesday hearing in Casper on whether to suspend the laws while the lawsuit moves ahead. If that happens, clinic abortions will resume, to the dismay of opponents, said Ross Schriftman, president of the local Wyoming Right to Life chapter. No inspections, no confirmation of whether the people committing the abortions are licensed doctors for Wyoming and no continuity of care to the hospital, Schriftman said by email. Abortion proponents claim support among Wyoming women A former Wyoming resident who, in 2017, got an abortion in neighboring Colorado, her closest option at the time, sympathized with rural Wyoming women seeking abortions now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God forbid its the winter, said Ciel Newman, who now lives in New Mexico. Wyomings a huge, rural state without much interstate coverage. The amount of business at Wellspring Health Access shows that the lawmakers who passed the abortion laws are out of step with their constituents, Burkhart said. We have had people coming in our doors each and every week that weve been open, Burkhart said. If people who come from Republican states, or more traditional-leaning states, didnt approve of abortion, we would go out of business because people just wouldnt show up. Is abortion access a Wyoming health care right? In the case about to be argued before the state Supreme Court, the same groups and women are suing over laws banning abortion that Wyoming has passed since 2022. They include the first explicit ban on medication abortions in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, a judge in Jackson ruled the bans violated a 2012 constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of competent adults to make their own health care decisions. Even if the justices agree, Wellspring Health Access stands to suffer. Before the new laws, the clinic saw as many as 22 patients a day, 70% of whom were there for abortions: half surgical, half by pills. Now, Wellspring Health Access doesnt offer abortions and sees about five patients a day, all of whom are transgender people receiving hormone replacement therapy, according to the clinic. Twenty-three other states, including 14 that have not totally banned abortion, have passed requirements similar to Wyomings that opponents call targeted regulation of abortion providers, or TRAP, laws. Surgical center licensing and hospital admitting privileges are typical requirements, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that advocates for abortion access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few states have passed TRAP laws since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, but abortion remains an unsettled issue in several. A licensing law in Missouri stood to curtail abortions until it was blocked by a judge, pointed out Kimya Forouzan, state policy advisor for the Guttmacher Institute. They still have a major impact on the ability to provide care, Forouzan said in an email. An even longer drive to get an abortion The Wyoming woman recently seeking a surgical abortion at Wellspring Health Access had to drive more than twice as far from her hometown, more than four hours each way, to have the procedure at the Planned Parenthood in Fort Collins, Colorado. Even though I support abortion fully, its not something that I thought I personally would ever do, the woman said, adding that Wellspring Health Access helped cover her costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a humbling experience, she said. It just gave me a lot more compassion for people who have experienced abortions as well as people who arent able to take that route. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CASPER, Wyo. (AP) When a Wyoming woman phoned the states only abortion clinic recently to make an appointment to end her pregnancy, she received news that complicated her life even more. Wellspring Health Access had stopped providing abortions that same day, responding to a slew of new requirements for the Casper clinic to become a licensed surgical center. It was kind of really bad timing on my part, said the woman, who declined to be named because of abortions stigma in her community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though abortion remains legal in Wyoming, it has become increasingly difficult because of new requirements for abortion clinics and women seeking abortions. In this case, the woman had to go to Colorado, which partially borders southern Wyoming. On Wednesday, the Wyoming Supreme Court is set to hear arguments over state abortion bans that a lower court judge has suspended and struck down as unconstitutional. But even if the state high court agrees with those rulings, access to abortion in Wyoming stands to remain uncertain. New state laws make getting abortions much harder One new law targets Wellspring Health Access as Wyoming's only abortion clinic, requiring licensure as an outpatient surgical center at a cost of up to $500,000 in renovations, according to the clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also requires the clinic's physicians to get admitting privileges at a hospital within 10 miles (16 kilometers). A hospital three blocks from the clinic is under no obligation to admit its doctors, however. This is an abortion ban without banning abortion, said Julie Burkhart, founder and president of Wellspring Health Access. A second new law requires women to get ultrasounds at least 48 hours before a medication abortion, costing them $250 or more plus gas money and travel time in a state where ultrasounds are unavailable in many rural areas. The Wyoming Legislature is well within its rights to regulate abortion to protect women from even the small chance of an abortion mishap, argued an attorney for the state, John Woykovsky, at a recent court hearing on the new laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsettled abortion laws have far-reaching effects In most cases, a transvaginal ultrasound is required to obtain a fetal image in the earliest stages of pregnancy, when most abortions are done. That invasiveness, especially for victims of rape and abuse, caused Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, to veto the ultrasound bill a few days after he signed the surgical center requirement into law Feb. 27. The Republican-dominated Legislature overrode his veto, leading Wellspring Health Access, the Wyoming abortion access advocate Chelsea's Fund and others to sue over it and the licensing law. Meanwhile, the legal uncertainty caused Wellspring Health Access, which opened in 2023 after an arson attack delayed the original date by almost a year, to halt both medication and surgical abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several dozen abortion opponents attended a Tuesday hearing in Casper on whether to suspend the laws while the lawsuit moves ahead. If that happens, clinic abortions will resume, to the dismay of opponents, said Ross Schriftman, president of the local Wyoming Right to Life chapter. No inspections, no confirmation of whether the people committing the abortions are licensed doctors for Wyoming and no continuity of care to the hospital, Schriftman said by email. Abortion proponents claim support among Wyoming women A former Wyoming resident who, in 2017, got an abortion in neighboring Colorado, her closest option at the time, sympathized with rural Wyoming women seeking abortions now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God forbid its the winter, said Ciel Newman, who now lives in New Mexico. Wyomings a huge, rural state without much interstate coverage. The amount of business at Wellspring Health Access shows that the lawmakers who passed the abortion laws are out of step with their constituents, Burkhart said. We have had people coming in our doors each and every week that weve been open, Burkhart said. "If people who come from Republican states, or more traditional-leaning states, didnt approve of abortion, we would go out of business because people just wouldnt show up. Is abortion access a Wyoming health care right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case about to be argued before the state Supreme Court, the same groups and women are suing over laws banning abortion that Wyoming has passed since 2022. They include the first explicit ban on medication abortions in the U.S. In November, a judge in Jackson ruled the bans violated a 2012 constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of competent adults to make their own health care decisions. Even if the justices agree, Wellspring Health Access stands to suffer. Before the new laws, the clinic saw as many as 22 patients a day, 70% of whom were there for abortions: half surgical, half by pills. Now, Wellspring Health Access doesn't offer abortions and sees about five patients a day, all of whom are transgender people receiving hormone replacement therapy, according to the clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-three other states, including 14 that have not totally banned abortion, have passed requirements similar to Wyoming's that opponents call targeted regulation of abortion providers, or TRAP, laws. Surgical center licensing and hospital admitting privileges are typical requirements, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that advocates for abortion access. Few states have passed TRAP laws since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, but abortion remains an unsettled issue in several. A licensing law in Missouri stood to curtail abortions until it was blocked by a judge, pointed out Kimya Forouzan, state policy advisor for the Guttmacher Institute. They still have a major impact on the ability to provide care," Forouzan said in an email. An even longer drive to get an abortion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wyoming woman recently seeking a surgical abortion at Wellspring Health Access had to drive more than twice as far from her hometown, more than four hours each way, to have the procedure at the Planned Parenthood in Fort Collins, Colorado. Even though I support abortion fully, its not something that I thought I personally would ever do, the woman said, adding that Wellspring Health Access helped cover her costs. It was a humbling experience, she said. It just gave me a lot more compassion for people who have experienced abortions as well as people who arent able to take that route. Milwaukee parent Shannon Pahlicek is scared to send her toddler son to school for the first time. She wants assurance that all Milwaukee Public Schools buildings are cleared of lead-related hazards which have been identified in seven schools so far. But most in the district haven't been tested. "I don't want to have to send his little 3-year-old self (to school) with a bag of water every day and tell him, 'You can't touch the bubbler,'" she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pahlicek was among about 25 people who attended a Saturday event held by Lead-Safe Schools MKE, a local grassroots advocacy group. The parents leading it are calling on local, and state elected officials to ensure MPS schools are free from lead and to address broader issues with K-12 school funding that they see as a driver of the lead crisis. The parents, and young children attending the event at the Milwaukee Public Library East Branch were surrounded by posterboards displaying photos of chipping lead paint in MPS schools. Those unaddressed maintenance issues came to light in January, following an investigation by the city of Milwaukee Health Department into a case of childhood lead poisoning. "Some people ask, 'Well, why does this suddenly seem to be an issue now?'" said Ron Jansen, an MPS parent and organizer with the parent group, on Saturday. "And I think we lie at a crux of time and finance that has brought us exactly to this point." About 25 people attended a meeting on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Milwaukee Public Library East Branch to discuss issues with lead management in Milwaukee Public Schools. The event was held by Lead-Safe School Milwaukee, a local parent-led grassroots campaign. Parent-led group wants elected officials to take action on lead in MPS, and state funding Lead-Safe Schools MKE is urging Mayor Cavalier Johnson, the MPS school board, the city of Milwaukee Health Department, the Milwaukee Common Council and others to take action on lead in city schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Saturday's event were pre-written letters addressed to elected officials, intended for public use. "None of the necessary tools to solve this crisis are free, and as the owner of the school buildings the city has a responsibility to seek additional funding to protect its residents during the crisis," reads a pre-written letter to the Milwaukee mayor. Lead-Safe Schools MKE wants the Common Council to ensure that MPS and the city health department release a timeline for completing lead risk assessments on all MPS buildings constructed before 1978. The group is also seeking timelines for lead remediation at MPS schools and lead testing in water, among other things. The parent-leg campaign is also calling for the MPS school board to hold a special meeting just on the MPS lead crisis, and for the city health department to declare a public health emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the group's aims extend beyond city boundaries. At the state level, it's calling to ensure all MPS schools are assessed for lead hazards in water, paint, dust and soil. To make that happen, reads a pre-written advocacy letter for state elected officials, "we need to pass a state budget that prioritizes lead prevention, remediation, and treatment." At the event was Jenni Hofschulte, an MPS parent and organizer for the Wisconsin Public Education Network. She gave attendees a primer on K-12 school funding in Wisconsin, saying advocacy is needed to ensure all districts have enough budgeted funds to maintain school facilities. Because of stagnant state funding, Hofschulte said, schools don't have funds for facilities and are relying on referendum funding to simply maintain basic operaions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lead-Safe Schools Milwaukee is also advocating for a community oversight committee on the unfolding crisis, said organizer Kristen Payne at the event. "We really believe that we need a community institution to sort of oversee (this). Trust has been eroded. There hasn't been transparency," Payne said. "So we need people who have a sort of different investment in the school to be looking out for us." Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lead-Safe Schools Milwaukee makes demands of city, state elected official During the debate on Scunthorpe steel, Ed Miliband tweeted: Very proud to be in the House today to see my colleagues standing up for British steelworkers. Now that is some Trump-level trolling. Eds net-zero fanaticism isnt what de-industralised Britain, but it makes it a billion times harder to reverse the trend presenting Keir Starmer with a tricky a choice. Does he want to be green or to grow? Put another way: is it time to decommission Ed Miliband? I have history with Scunthorpe. Back in 2010, I still harboured the hopeless dream of becoming a Labour MP. In a last roll of the dice, I submitted my name for the Scunthorpe nomination. Why that seat? Steel. I mightve been moving to the Right on immigration, but I remained a Bennite on economics (friends say: nothings changed) so I wrote a letter to constituents laying out a detailed case for tariffs. The selection meeting did not go well (Ooo are ya? they asked. Im sorry, I cant understand the accent, I replied), but the letter got rave reviews. In retrospect, I was ahead of my time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could see that manufacturing was getting screwed by both Right and Left. The Tories let it die in deference to the economic laws of nature. They asked: why should we make stuff we can import cheaper? Because British steel has never competed in a truly free market. Because even if we dont have an industrial policy, other countries do. Our competitors protect, subsidise and dump their products on us; and theres a suspicion in Westminster that the Chinese bought Scunthorpe with the deliberate intention of running it down. Workers even blocked access to the site lest their owners try to sabotage it. Right-wing globalisation went hand-in-glove with Left-wing greenery, allowing politicians to impoverish their countries while feeling good about it. Fly to an anti-carbon summit! Be serenaded by grateful Polynesians! Meanwhile, Britains energy costs went up-and-up a killer for steel, which is highly-productive (potentially profitable) but also energy-intensive. Green policy and taxes played a key role in that price hike, and when Labour came into power last year, it also vetoed a new Cumbrian mine that couldve supplied coking coal to Scunthorpe. Net zero is utterly surreal. To avoid pollution at home, we import it from abroad, stretching supply lines now threatened by global conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enter Ed Miliband, whose answer to such problems is to go greener, faster: end reliance on expensive fossil fuels, corner a new market first. But to decarbonise and grow is often contradictory. The entire ethical basis for environmentalism is to conserve by reducing outputs and the effect of any technological revolution is to reduce inputs by increasing efficiency. Were the Government to save Scunthorpe, the assumption is that the old furnace would be replaced with an electric version that requires less manpower, and fewer jobs. This transition might be necessary, but it will also be painful, and the insistence that we can all get richer by becoming greener increasingly sounds as unrealistic as diversity is our strength. Milibandism is antithetical to the instincts and experience of working-class voters, who usually come off worse from change. Its also increasingly antithetical to a Treasury desperate to kickstart growth. Hence Ed has been embarrassed three times since the new year: on airport expansion, a softened transition to electric vehicles and, now, the robust defence of an industry that depends on coal but then Labour cannot alienate voters ahead of the local elections. According to the polls, its position resembles an upturned iceberg: a vast parliamentary majority above water, a sliver of popular support underneath. And like the real icebergs, it is melting. Starmers instinct is to detach himself from all pre-election commitments and float free as if he, alone among the worlds statesmen, is dictating policy without ideology and solely in the national interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By that logic, No 10 must be considering sacking Miliband. Downing Street denies it; Eds people laugh off talk of resignation. But the fact that the press keeps asking indicates a direction of travel. The Government cannot trot out its mindless slogan backing the builders, not the blockers while continuing to employ a man who cant pass a bulldozer without the temptation to lie down in front of it. Miliband appears to be wildly popular with the membership, being a rare minister with personality and a sense of mission. But though Eds enthusiasm is charming to true believers, many voters feel as they did when they read his disingenuous tweet from the Commons as if someone is having a laugh. Every video he puts out of him singing a love song to a turbine, or blowing kisses a solar panel, suggests hes enjoying his job a bit too much that its not Britains project so much as Eds project, that were spending vast sums of money so that he can feel hes accomplishing something. Miliband has come to resemble one of those ancient nationalised industries the state once bankrolled because it couldnt face the political costs of shutting it down. Ed is a white elephant; the human equivalent of British Rail. And hes a recruiting sergeant for the opposition. Reform has spotted an opportunity, a party staffed by free market liberals quickly rebranding itself as pro-nationalisation plus anti-net zero, making it the natural go-to for the disaffected working-class. Never mind the English locals, all eyes are on the Welsh Assembly elections next year, where the southern part of the country might be facing its 2019 Red Wall moment. Reform and Plaid Cymru are both asking why, when 2,800 jobs were at risk in Port Talbot, Starmer didnt consider nationalisation, yet for Scunthorpe, anything is suddenly possible? With the SNP making similar noises about the future of Grangemouth in Scotland, its striking that the most compelling threat to Labour comes from competing forms of nationalism. Progressive with Plaid and the SNP, conservative with Reform; in all cases, anti-globalisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its taken 15 years, but the country has basically come around to my position too late, alas, for me to enter Parliament in 2010. My only other application for a seat that year was to Barrow-in-Furness, which I tried to impress with a letter about the benefits of nuclear disarmament. Thats how I learnt, the hard way, that Barrow is where they make the submarines. 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. Affordability? Explain how that works Would someone please explain to me how starting a trade war with the intent of bringing all the manufacturing that moved overseas back to the US is going to be good for the average American? I dont claim to be any sort of economic genius, but with our cost of living and higher wages, including the benefit package that goes along with those wages, how is anyone going to be able to afford anything? When you watch a show like Shark Tank, anyone with a great idea is chastised if they mention they want their product produced in the United States. Without exception they are told the only way to be profitable is to have their product produced overseas, namely China. Whats changed? Has Donald Trump suddenly found the magic solution? Are the respected economists who are sounding the alarm of where the economy is headed if this continues all wrong? I for one dont see how the math works, so if someone can please explain to me how it does, Im all ears and more than happy to admit Im wrong, but so far I havent heard anything from anyone clarifying how this is a good thing. All I hear is just trust the process, Trump knows what hes doing. Im sorry, but Im a bit more skeptical than that and would like some real clarity, please, instead of just trust me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Turner, Olympia Theres a bill in Congress to make voting harder for everyone The League of Women Voters mission is empowering voters, not suppressing them. Under current U.S. law, it is illegal for non-citizens to register and vote in federal or state elections. Additionally, we have robust processes to ensure that only eligible voters are casting ballots. However, Congress is about to vote on a bill that requires all eligible voters to provide citizenship documentation. Under this law, every single American citizen would have to show very specific documents, such as a passport or an original birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and anytime they update their voter registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us in Thurston County would be impacted by this law at some point in our lives. For example, military voters would be required to present documentation every time they re-register to vote when their family moves. Married women who have changed their name would also be required to secure updated documentation to register to vote. Under the so-called SAVE Act, voters must show citizenship documentation every time they register, including after a move. Call your U.S. Senators, Patty Murray at 202-224-2621 and Maria Cantwell at 202-224-3441, and your U.S. Representative, Marilyn Strickland at 202-225-9740. Annie Cubberly, on behalf of the Leadership Team of the League of Women Voters of Thurston County Tackling Morse-Merryman speed zone Late summer of 2021, with some gentle nudging, the City of Olympia did put in a painted and signed crosswalk at the intersection of Amhurst and Morse-Merryman. With Margaret McKenny Elementary School and LBA Park just down Amhurst a bit, there is a real need. There are lots of crossing pedestrians. Thanks, City of Olympia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One more request? Recently on 22nd and on North Street, the City has installed electronic speed indicators. On Morse-Merryman, drivers often use the 35 mph to be the minimum! We would like speed indicators on Morse-Merryman too. Back in 2021, we were told essentially You cant always get what you want regarding electronic speed indicators. We would love the traffic to slow down. We believe that it doesnt hurt to ask again. Thanks. Paul and Janice Woolson, Olympia CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) Children in the Valley arent old enough to drive, but some have a brand new set of wheels. Saturday was the 10th annual Go Baby Go event at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, giving children with disabilities and their families a new gift. 23 new inclusive and customized toy Jeeps made their way to children and families. The remote-controlled toys will help children like Lyla Dennison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lylas mother is Shyann Dennison, who says itll help her daughter be more mobile outside with the family. Lyla has hypotonia, so she cant really be mobile herself. So, being able to get a car to make her feel like shes mobile makes us feel like we can be more involved with all the other children as well, Shyann said. The event is coordinated by Beverly Kanitus, who said they have the same volunteers every year, creating inclusion in the way kids play. They can ride right along the neighborhood kids just like everyone else, and we know thats so important for them to be able to socialize and communicate and play just play like normal kids. Its a lot of fun for the parents, and its a lot of fun for the kids, Lankitus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year also marks 180 children receiving the toy Jeeps. Throughout the years, Denise and John Hirschbeck have made Go Baby Go possible for kids in Northeast Ohio. Its so rewarding just to see when the kids get in their cars and the families, and they bring grandparents and siblings and everything just to see them drive through the finish line here, John said. I think the parents are just as excited to get the remove and drive them around. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local high school held a walk on Sunday to promote suicide prevention. Kettering Fairmont High Schools 5th annual Walk for Hope raised funds for the schools Hope Squad, which promotes suicide prevention awareness and mental health education. It was held on the Fairmont Tract in Trent Arena. Signaling the start of the schools Hope Week, the student-organized walk brought the community together to destigmatize mental health. A resource fair was held before the walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of all the events we host, Walk for Hope is always my favorite, said senior Emily Switzer. Its great because during this time working on this event, our Hope Squad grows so close, and we make such an impact by bringing students, families, and the community together. Im going to miss it so much when I graduate. said Switzer. Dr. Carrie Hennessy connects students, staff and families with resources. These help students grow academically, socially and emotionally. There are many challenges for our young adults, whether its academic pressures, family life, sports, social media, etc., said Hennessy. If you add some anxiety or some depression to the mix, it can be a challenging time. We are really proud of the work our students are doing to recognize mental health challenges, learn healthy coping skills, and share them with peers, said Hennessy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the Hope Squad, click here. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Parishioners at the Basilica of Our Lady Mount Carmel in Youngstown celebrated part of Palm Sunday outside. Attendees received palm leaves, which are symbolic of the crowds who welcomed Jesus as he was welcomed back to Jerusalem. The day commemorates the beginning of Holy Week and the final week of Lent. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) As President Donald Trumps shifting tariff policies rattle the stock market and worry consumers, one local industry sees them as an opportunity. The first news of the tariffs, we were all excited, said Bryan Jones, a first-generation shrimper who lives in McClellanville. We certainly empathize with anybody that views this as a negative downturnbut [with] this suffering that our industry has had for the last 20 years, our view is that it will provide a lifeline. The domestic shrimping industry has suffered in recent decades as foreign countries like India, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Vietnam dump billions of pounds of shrimp into the market, thereby artificially deflating the price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its squeezing us out of the market where we once had 80% of the market share 20 years ago, were now down to 6%, said Jones, who also serves as vice president of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association. Thats really stifling to, you know, the people that are trying to make a living and feed their families here in these rural coastal communities. Republicans fear Trumps trade war could lead to political wipeout But news of the sweeping tariffs offered hope of leveling the playing field. What were looking for is just the ability to compete fairly in the marketplace, said Jones. If the price of imported shrimp goes up, our prices can, in theory, stay the same, as long as we dont have to tie up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closer prices would give consumers and restaurants more choice, he added. Even if the price of domestic shrimp doesnt move a lot, the restaurant buyer or the head chef has that opportunity to make that conscious decision, Jones said. Or the consumer: if theres a closer price spread, does it make sense to buy something thats delicious, local, wild-caught and sustainable or do I vote with my pocketbook? According to the Southern Shrimp Alliance, the price of imported shrimp has dropped by more than $1.5 billion, forcing the U.S. to lose nearly 50% of its market value. The alliance contends that U.S. shrimpers have been disadvantaged by unfair trade policies, which include government and global financial institution subsidies for aquaculture ponds and fewer environmental regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These policies have allowed foreign countries to flood the market with cheap, often lower-quality shrimp, Jones said. According to a 2015 Consumer Reports bulletin, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration tests only about 1% of foreign shrimp shipments for potential contaminants. About one-third of shipments are rejected for containing banned antibiotics. But, Jones noted that the shipments are not usually immediately confiscated or destroyed, meaning boats could take them to a new port of entry where they could pass through uninspected. We have a lot of rules and regulations in place, but when only 1% is inspected, theres a lot of loopholes and ways for shrimp to come across the docks and end up in the food system, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And though tariffs could achieve more financial parity in the industry, American shrimpers will likely have to balance that with rising costs for operational expenses, like replacing the gear onboard trawlers. We understand the prices of some these materials may go up, but that would be completely offset if we were able to sell more of our product, Jones argued. Tariffs on the largest suppliers of imported shrimp were initially set between 10% and 46%, according to figures from the White House. With a 90-day pause now in place, shrimpers are encouraging a more targeted approach. He suggested that mechanisms such as anti-dumping orders and countervailing duties that directly target predatory actors in the industry would also help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not lost on us that this is not a permanent solution, Jones said. We dont view tariffs as the end all be all, but it could be a strategic tool. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The portrayal of Jesus as a white, European man has come under renewed scrutiny during this period of introspection over the legacy of racism in society. As protesters called for the removal of Confederate statues in the U.S., activist Shaun King went further, suggesting that murals and artwork depicting white Jesus should come down. His concerns about the depiction of Christ and how it is used to uphold notions of white supremacy are not isolated. Prominent scholars and the archbishop of Canterbury have called to reconsider Jesus portrayal as a white man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a European Renaissance art historian, I study the evolving image of Jesus Christ from A.D. 1350 to 1600. Some of the best-known depictions of Christ, from Leonardo da Vincis Last Supper to Michelangelos Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel, were produced during this period. But the all-time most-reproduced image of Jesus comes from another period. It is Warner Sallmans light-eyed, light-haired Head of Christ from 1940. Sallman, a former commercial artist who created art for advertising campaigns, successfully marketed this picture worldwide. Through Sallmans partnerships with two Christian publishing companies, one Protestant and one Catholic, the Head of Christ came to be included on everything from prayer cards to stained glass, faux oil paintings, calendars, hymnals and night lights. Sallmans painting culminates a long tradition of white Europeans creating and disseminating pictures of Christ made in their own image. In search of the holy face The historical Jesus likely had the brown eyes and skin of other first-century Jews from Galilee, a region in biblical Israel. But no one knows exactly what Jesus looked like. There are no known images of Jesus from his lifetime, and while the Old Testament Kings Saul and David are explicitly called tall and handsome in the Bible, there is little indication of Jesus appearance in the Old or New Testaments. Even these texts are contradictory: The Old Testament prophet Isaiah reads that the coming savior had no beauty or majesty, while the Book of Psalms claims he was fairer than the children of men, the word fair referring to physical beauty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earliest images of Jesus Christ emerged in the first through third centuries A.D., amidst concerns about idolatry. They were less about capturing the actual appearance of Christ than about clarifying his role as a ruler or as a savior. To clearly indicate these roles, early Christian artists often relied on syncretism, meaning they combined visual formats from other cultures. Probably the most popular syncretic image is Christ as the Good Shepherd, a beardless, youthful figure based on pagan representations of Orpheus, Hermes and Apollo. In other common depictions, Christ wears the toga or other attributes of the emperor. The theologian Richard Viladesau argues that the mature bearded Christ, with long hair in the Syrian style, combines characteristics of the Greek god Zeus and the Old Testament figure Samson, among others. Christ as self-portraitist The first portraits of Christ, in the sense of authoritative likenesses, were believed to be self-portraits: the miraculous image not made by human hands, or acheiropoietos. This belief originated in the seventh century A.D., based on a legend that Christ healed King Abgar of Edessa in modern-day Urfa, Turkey, through a miraculous image of his face, now known as the Mandylion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar legend adopted by Western Christianity between the 11th and 14th centuries recounts how, before his death by crucifixion, Christ left an impression of his face on the veil of Saint Veronica, an image known as the volto santo, or Holy Face. These two images, along with other similar relics, have formed the basis of iconic traditions about the true image of Christ. From the perspective of art history, these artifacts reinforced an already standardized image of a bearded Christ with shoulder-length, dark hair. In the Renaissance, European artists began to combine the icon and the portrait, making Christ in their own likeness. This happened for a variety of reasons, from identifying with the human suffering of Christ to commenting on ones own creative power. The 15th-century Sicilian painter Antonello da Messina, for example, painted small pictures of the suffering Christ formatted exactly like his portraits of regular people, with the subject positioned between a fictive parapet and a plain black background and signed Antonello da Messina painted me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 16th-century German artist Albrecht Durer blurred the line between the holy face and his own image in a famous self-portrait of 1500. In this, he posed frontally like an icon, with his beard and luxuriant shoulder-length hair recalling Christs. The AD monogram could stand equally for Albrecht Durer or Anno Domini in the year of our Lord. In whose image? This phenomenon was not restricted to Europe: There are 16th- and 17th-century pictures of Jesus with, for example, Ethiopian and Indian features. In Europe, however, the image of a light-skinned European Christ began to influence other parts of the world through European trade and colonization. The Italian painter Andrea Mantegnas Adoration of the Magi from A.D. 1505 features three distinct magi, who, according to one contemporary tradition, came from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. They present expensive objects of porcelain, agate and brass that would have been prized imports from China and the Persian and Ottoman empires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jesus light skin and blues eyes suggest that he is not Middle Eastern but European-born. And the faux-Hebrew script embroidered on Marys cuffs and hemline belie a complicated relationship to the Judaism of the Holy Family. In Mantegnas Italy, anti-Semitic myths were already prevalent among the majority Christian population, with Jewish people often segregated to their own quarters of major cities. Artists tried to distance Jesus and his parents from their Jewishness. Even seemingly small attributes like pierced ears earrings were associated with Jewish women, their removal with a conversion to Christianity could represent a transition toward the Christianity represented by Jesus. Much later, anti-Semitic forces in Europe including the Nazis would attempt to divorce Jesus totally from his Judaism in favor of an Aryan stereotype. White Jesus abroad As Europeans colonized increasingly farther-flung lands, they brought a European Jesus with them. Jesuit missionaries established painting schools that taught new converts Christian art in a European mode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small altarpiece made in the school of Giovanni Niccolo, the Italian Jesuit who founded the Seminary of Painters in Kumamoto, Japan, around 1590, combines a traditional Japanese gilt and mother-of-pearl shrine with a painting of a distinctly white, European Madonna and Child. Nicolas Correas The Mystic Betrothal of Saint Rose of Lima. Museo Nacional de Arte In colonial Latin America called New Spain by European colonists images of a white Jesus reinforced a caste system where white, Christian Europeans occupied the top tier, while those with darker skin from perceived intermixing with native populations ranked considerably lower. Artist Nicolas Correas 1695 painting of Saint Rose of Lima, the first Catholic saint born in New Spain, shows her metaphorical marriage to a blond, light-skinned Christ. Legacies of likeness Scholar Edward J. Blum and Paul Harvey argue that in the centuries after European colonization of the Americas, the image of a white Christ associated him with the logic of empire and could be used to justify the oppression of Native and African Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a multiracial but unequal America, there was a disproportionate representation of a white Jesus in the media. It wasnt only Warner Sallmans Head of Christ that was depicted widely; a large proportion of actors who have played Jesus on television and film have been white with blue eyes. Pictures of Jesus historically have served many purposes, from symbolically presenting his power to depicting his actual likeness. But representation matters, and viewers need to understand the complicated history of the images of Christ they consume. Leer en espanol 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: Anna Swartwood House, University of South Carolina Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Anna Swartwood House does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Legislation cracking down on distracted driving appears to be stalling in the Florida House during the 2025 session. (Stock photo by Getty Images) Shortly after the Senate passed her bill (SB 1318) to ban individuals from hands-on cellphone use while driving, Vero Beach Republican Erin Grall acknowledged that the measures future was uncertain. Its House companion had yet to receive a single hearing in the lower chamber of the Legislature. Erin Grall. Credit: Florida Senate If there is the will, theres always a way Grall told the Phoenix after the measure passed the Senate 29-7 on Wednesday. At least its going to be with [the House] now, and well see if any other solutions are proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gralls is one of several high-profile proposals in limbo at this point in the 2025 Florida legislative session, having passed through one chamber going nowhere in the other. And with two-thirds of the regular legislative session now in the books, the outcome of some for these bills look cloudy at best. Yet those involved in the legislative process dont dare say they are dead just yet. I would say theres a lot of time left in the session, Senate President Ben Albritton said this week when asked about the timeline for such bills and whether he might jumpstart their passage through the Senate. Youre asking me if Im specifically open to the idea of referring a House bill that we receive it to say, Rules or Appropriations to have that bill heard and potentially move? he said in repeating an inquiry with reporters on Wednesday. The answer is yes. Guns Among bills that the Senate President himself has been asked about on an almost weekly basis is HB 759, which would would lower the age for individuals in Florida to purchase shotguns and rifles from 21 to 18. Three measures in the Senate include that provision, but none of them have had a committee hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albritton has refused to commit to whether he might consider it unlike his predecessor, Kathleen Passidomo, who was explicit in rejecting that idea during the past two sessions, when she was presiding officer. Weve heard through back channels that there might be a bill to use as a bargaining chip with the House. Possibly for the budget or something else, said Luis Valdes, Florida state director of Gun Owners of America. If thats the case, Gun Owners of America arent actually fond of that, because using Second Amendment rights as a bargaining chip for something else is wrong, especially when hundreds of thousands of Floridians have had their rights violated by this law. Second Amendment enthusiasts were hyped before the session that their long-awaited hope that Florida would join the overwhelming number of states that allow for open carry would finally be realized, but Albritton shut down that thought in November. Education Then theres SB 166, the public school deregulation bill sponsored in the Senate by North Florida Republican Corey Simon. Under this legislation, Florida high schoolers would not need to pass algebra or English final exams to graduate. The bill looks to level the playing field amid other school-choice options, Albritton said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no House companion for the proposal. Hands-free distracted driving A year ago, Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Allison Tants distracted-driving bill cleared all three of its committees before dying on the House floor. Its Senate companion, however, was blocked in committees and never received a hearing. Flash forward to 2025 and the exact opposite is happening: Sen. Gralls bill cleared all of its three committee assignments before passing in the Senate by a two-thirds majority this week, while its House equivalent has yet to be heard in either of its two assigned committees. Yet advocates arent ready to throw in the towel just yet, noting that the bill has been sent to the House in messages, making it available for action there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are extremely hopeful that Rep. Perez will bring this forth, since he represents Miami-Dade, one of 11 counties that have passed a hands-free resolution asking lawmakers to act, said a spokesperson for the Anthony Phoenix Branca Foundation, a group led by Demetrius Branca, who visited lawmakers around the state earlier this year in hopes of getting them to pass the bill this year. A distracted driver killed Brancas son in 2014. Health Care The House has championed a number of scope-of-practice expansions this session but the Senate does not seem interested in doing the same. For instance, the House passed legislation allowing certified registered nurse anesthetists to work without having a written supervisory protocol with a physician. The bill (HB 649) passed the House on April 3 on a 77-30 vote. Conversely, the Senate companion (SB 718) has been referred to three committees but has been heard by none. On the precipice Other bills that have soared through one chamber but are gaining no traction in the other, such as the right to repair legislation sponsored by Central Florida Republican Keith Truenow in the Senate (SB 1132). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure would require manufacturers to more freely provide access to tools, manuals, and parts needed to repair certain agriculture and portable wireless equipment. Its House companion, sponsored by Tampa Bay Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner (HB 235), hasnt received a single hearing in any of the committees it was assigned to. Theres the E-Verify measure (HB 955), which would require all Florida businesses to use the system to check the legal status of employees, which has cleared both of the committees that it was assigned to in the House. If approved, it would change existing law, which requires only businesses with 25 employees or more to employ the program. However, E-Verify hasnt moved at all in the Senate. Sarasota County Republican Sen. Joe Gruters told the Phoenix late Friday that the proposal is still viable in that chamber. With additional reporting from Christine Sexton and Jay Waagmeester. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will not relax its food safety standards as part of any deal to secure lower tariffs on its exports to the United States, business minister Jonathan Reynolds said on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most imports of British goods to the United States and a higher 25% rate on imports of cars, steel and aluminium. Although the tariffs imposed on Britain are at the lower end of the United States' scale - reflecting broadly balanced trade flows between the two countries - Reynolds said he still viewed the greater trade barriers as "disappointing". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, just after the tariffs were announced, Reynolds told the BBC it was "not inaccurate" to say the United States and Britain had agreed the broad outline of a possible deal, though Trump had not seen it. However, there has been little sign of progress since and last week finance minister Rachel Reeves said she intended to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent "shortly". Attempts to strike a bilateral trade deal during Trump's first term in 2017-21 ran into opposition from Britain's Conservative government at the time over measures to lower animal welfare and environmental standards. Reynolds said on Sunday that looser food standards remained off the table for the Labour administration, as he viewed that as breaching promises made in 2024's election campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will never change our SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) food standards. We've made that perfectly clear to the United States," he told Sky News in an interview. Common U.S. and Canadian practices such as washing raw chicken in chlorinated water or feeding growth hormones to cattle are banned in Britain and the European Union. However, parts of the U.S. food industry did meet British standards, Reynolds said, hinting at a possible area for negotiation on tariffs. Last week Britain's culture minister ruled out any changes to its new Online Safety Act, which can fine big, predominantly U.S., tech companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they do not moderate content to British regulators' liking. (This story has been refiled to remove the duplicate words in paragraph 4) (Reporting by David Milliken; editing by David Evans) The Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. (Mark Dixon/CC BY 2.0 Deed) This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. While filming a documentary about oceans on a boat in the Pacific Ocean several years ago, producer and director Steve Cowan encountered a shocking scene. We were surrounded from horizon to horizon by floating plastic, Cowan said. Ive never seen anything like it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cowan and his colleagues at the nonprofit Habitat Media wondered where all of this plastic was coming fromand why so much of it is manufactured in the United States. With Single-Use Planet, their new documentary premiering on PBS in April, they hope to answer those questions. The documentary tells the stories of two states with a major stake in the plastics economy: Louisiana and Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania segment focuses on Beaver Countys Shell ethane cracker plant, a massive facility for manufacturing plastics that began operations in the fall of 2022. Since then, residents living nearby have complained about noise, odors and light pollution, and local activists are concerned that Shell is exacerbating the regions existing plastic pollution problems. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a previous statement to Inside Climate News, a Shell spokesperson said the company was committed to the health and well-being of its employees and the surrounding community, and said the company was working to improve so that it can be the good environmental steward, neighbor, and business partner this region wants and deserves. Though Shell was lured to Pennsylvania with more than $1.6 billion in tax subsidies, new research shows that the promised economic boom has failed to materialize. There are stories of explorers trying to find the headwaters of the Amazon River, and it takes them to the Andes, to these tributaries way up in the steep slopes of those mountains, Cowan said. I liken that to what weve done with this story. We took it all the way to the headwaters of plastic to answer, where does this stuff come from? Inside Climate News spoke with Cowan about the origins of the project and what he and his team learned about the Shell plant. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. ICC: How did you decide to focus on Pennsylvania and Louisiana for this film? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Cowan: Trying to figure out where all this plastic was coming from, our first stop was the petrochemical facilities, these giant ethane crackers that produce plastic from natural gas and fossil fuels. We talked to people that live nearby in these communities, and a lot of the people arent too happy with it. In Louisiana, the [companies] site these facilities in areas with marginalized communities, where they dont expect theres going to be a lot of complaints and pushback. That was our Louisiana story, and then we went further upstream, because the Mississippi River eventually becomes the Ohio River through Appalachia. We checked out the Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, and we talked with community members there, many of whom wish that that plant never arrived. To feed the plant, they need ethane. Its an ethane cracker, and thats natural gas. Theres a lot of fracking that goes on in Pennsylvania and Ohio and West Virginia, and some people arent so happy with that either. ICC: I think a lot of people dont realize that plastics manufacturing is fed by fracking wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cowan: We made that connection, and we asked this community, well, how did Shell end up here? If half the people are horrified by it, how did it happen? And they all said, It was a $1.6 billion subsidy provided by our legislators in our state capital in Harrisburg. Theyre the ones that invited Shell. Theyre the ones that championed and enabled the whole thing. So we went further upstream to Harrisburg and met some of these lawmakers. In Harrisburg, talking with these legislators, the biggest part of their funding is coming from fossil fuel, natural gas and petrochemical companies, and so they need that money. We tried in the film not to villainize these lawmakers, in part because it takes so much money to get elected, and average citizens dont have the kind of cash they need to buy all the TV ads and everything they have to do to win a seat in the House or the Senate or the governors mansion. So they have their go-to sources [of funding]. They dont even have to go ask for it. The lobbyists are coming in and offering it, and its just this low-hanging fruit. Whether it be a subsidy bill or whether it be some kind of law to ease regulations and oversight of the industries, the lobbyists draft the legislation, they take it to the lawmakers and the lawmakers make policy out of them. These are the true headwaters of plastic. We did meet some lawmakers in Harrisburg that are in the film, like Sen. Katie Muth or Chris Rabb from Philadelphia in the House, and theyre actually more in touch with the realities that a lot of their constituents have to face. Theyre in the minority, though. Thats the problem. They vote against this, or they try to get some legislation going to bring in renewables, and they cant even get the bills out on the floor. Theyre powerless because theyre in the minority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the reason they stay in the minority is because this river of money is going to legislators who sign on with fossil fuels and plastic. Its a worrisome thing, and I dont see how, especially since the last election, its going to end any time soon. ICC: What do you hope viewers will take away from Single-Use Planet? Cowan: Change isnt going to come from the top down. These people that have figured out how to stay in power, theyre not going to sponsor legislation to lessen the impact of industry or to change our electoral system. Change has to come from the bottom up. And thats actually how it happened in Francethey have general strikes. They shut the whole economy down. And its forced a lot of reforms in France, and I dont know if thats whats coming to the U.S. or not, but I hope that people realize that they need to get more involved. People need to engage these issues, rather than just going about their daily lives and hoping somehow that their elected representatives in Harrisburg or Baton Rouge or Washington, D.C., are going to do anything about this. Theyre not. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Lowell man has been arrested after speeding over 130 mph on I-293 Southbound, State Police say. On Sunday, around 1:35 A.M., a New Hampshire State Trooper had been monitoring traffic on the interstate when he saw a 2025 Cadillac CT5-V going around 135 mph in a 50 mph zone. The Cadillac continued to travel at a high rate of speed after passing the trooper, and then took the Route 101 Westbound ramp into Bedford before exiting off towards South River Road. The driver then made his way into an alley at Woodbury Courts Plaza after going through a red light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, 27-year-old Gregory White of Lowell, Massachusetts, was charged with several violations, including: Reckless conduct Aggravated DWI Disobeying an officer White was released on personal recognizance bail and is expected to be arraigned on May 6 in Merrimack District Court. 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 STOCKHOLM (AP) Olympic champion Lukas Martens of Germany has broken the men's 400-meter freestyle record at the Swim Open Stockholm. Martens became the first swimmer to break the 3 minute, 40 seconds barrier, finishing Saturday's race with a time of 3:39.96. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was 0.11 seconds better than the previous record set by fellow German Paul Biedermann in 2009, according to Olympics.com. Biedermann's mark had been set wearing the drag-reducing super suits that were eventually banned in 2010. The 23-year-old Martens won the 400-meter freestyle gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 3:41.78. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports The Trump administrations move to exempt smartphones, computers and other electronics from sweeping reciprocal tariffs is only a temporary measure, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday, indicating those devices would be covered by upcoming sector-based tariffs. This is not like a permanent sort of exemption. [Trumps] just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries. These are things that are national security, that we need to be made in America, Lutnick told ABCs This Week. Customs and Border Protection, which handles the collection of tariffs, posted a notice late Friday that certain electronics would be exempted from reciprocal tariffs imposed on other nations, including China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lutnick told ABC News that the excluded devices, such as smartphones, computers, routers and other electronics, will likely be covered under tariffs President Trump is set to impose on semiconductors. So, what hes doing is hes saying theyre exempt from the reciprocal tariffs but theyre included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two, Lutnick said. So, these are coming soon. You shouldnt think this is really outside of it. Really think of it as being included in the semiconductor space. Lutnick argued the tariffs on semiconductors would be part of an effort to bring manufacturing of those electronics back to the United States. The initial exemptions appeared to be a break for consumers, who were facing the possibility of paying higher prices on electronics because of steep tariffs imposed on China. It was also an apparent win for companies like Apple, which manufactures many of its products in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to exempt certain products only to add tariffs on them later could also add to some confusion around the Trump administrations rollout of its tariff policy. Trump has in recent months announced tariffs on Canada and Mexico only to delay them for a month. He then imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, but then announced many products covered under a 2020 trade agreement would be exempt. The president also announced a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports, as well as higher reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, India, Thailand and the European Union. But Trump has since announced all countries other than China will have their reciprocal tariffs reduced to 10 percent for 90 days to allow for negotiations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. STARMUS La Palma 2025 is set to be a stellar celebration of science with some of the greatest minds on Earth and I can't wait. | Credit: STARMUS In just a couple of weeks, I'll be packing my bags and heading to a beautiful island just off the coast of northwestern Africa shaped by volcanic activity and dense, forested terrain. However, while the beautiful port towns, extensive beaches and towering waterfalls are a huge draw for many tourists, I'm in search of something a little more ... "out of this world." This April, the island of La Palma affectionately known as "Isla Bonita" (beautiful island) will transform into a beacon for space lovers, scientists and stargazers alike as it hosts STARMUS La Palma 2025, a four-day festival celebrating science, the cosmos and the art of discovery under some of the darkest skies in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Running from April 25 to April 28, the festival's theme "The Island of Stars" is more than just poetic it's literal. La Palma, the most northwesterly island of the Canary Islands, Spain, is home to some of the darkest, clearest skies in the Northern Hemisphere and to the iconic Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the largest single-aperture optical and infrared telescope in the world. La Palma is home to dramatic volcanic landscapes and some of the darkest skies on Earth. | Credit: David Rius & Nuria Tuca/Getty Images STARMUS is rather unique in its mission. The festival blends space exploration, music and public engagement into a vibrant celebration under the stars. I was fortunate to witness this firsthand last year at STARMUS 2024 in Bratislava and you can bet your bottom dollar I am equally excited for this year's celebrations. The 2025 edition of STARMUS includes more than 45 speakers including Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne, legendary astronauts Chris Hadfield, Kathryn Thornton and Terry Virts, as well as iconic zoologist and primatologist Dame Jane Goodall, to name but a few. But for avid stargazers, STARMUS isn't all about lectures it's an immersive celebration of science and the night sky. There will be several events taking place across the island, with STARMUS Camps in Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane bringing science and wonder to the streets of La Palma. These camps are a great way for the public to experience hands on exhibits, space talks and stargazing opportunities. La Palma offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way. | Credit: David Rius & Nuria Tuca/Getty Images Furthermore, this year's festival also carries a deeper mission. In 2021, La Palma was stuck by a volcanic eruption that displaced thousands of people and reshaped parts of the island. STARMUS La Palma 2025 is dedicated to supporting the island's ongoing recovery toward once again being a top tourist destination for night sky enthusiasts due to its pristine dark skies. It offers this support through its ability to revitalize local economies and create spaces for community engagement. STARMUS Sonic Universe concert poster. | Credit: STARMUS Evenings at STARMUS will echo with music under the stars, including the Sonic Universe concert on April 26 in Puerto de Tazacorte as well as classical concerts in Santa Cruz de La Palma on April 25 and April 27. Founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian and Sir Brian May, Queen's guitarist and fellow astrophysicist, STARMUS remains a powerful intersection of art, science and space. And it's only enhanced by the fact that this year's special edition offers not only a journey through the cosmos but also a heartfelt tribute to the spirit and strength of La Palma. A 42-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly threatened a person with a loaded gun inside an Ohio restaurant on Friday, according to WTOL-11 and WTVG-13. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The incident occurred inside a restaurant at 139 S Huron Street. WTOL-11 reported that both the Souk and Sabira restaurants are located here. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Exon, 42, allegedly went inside with a loaded gun, pointed it at the victim, and tried to shoot, both stations report. The gun didnt fire becuase the safety was still on. As Exon tried to remove the safety, people in the restaurant tackled him, according to both stations. Toledo police said Exon was served two alcoholic drinks at the restaurant before the incident occurred. Officers arrested Exon and booked him into the Lucas County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of felonious assault, attempt to commit an offence, inducing panic, and using weapons while intoxicated, according to jail records. Resturant group Culinary Mavericks owns both restaurants. The company released a statement regarding the incident to WTOL-11 Saturday afternoon. We are deeply grateful for the swift and courageous actions taken by our team, our patrons, and the Toledo Police Department in response to an isolated domestic incident which occurred at one of our establishments on Friday evening. Thanks to their quick intervention, the situation was resolved. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are always our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation. Out of respect for the individuals involved and the ongoing legal process, we will not be commenting further at this time. All inquiries should be directed to the Toledo Police Department. A spokesperson for Culinary Mavericks said [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man who was falsely accused of firing gunshots at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February 2024 has died, his attorney said in a statement released Friday on social media. The Associated Press confirmed Denton Loudermill Jr.s passing. No cause of death was provided. He was 49. Police clear the area following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade on Feb. 14, 2024. AP More details will be provided in time, attorney LaRonna Lassiter Saunders said, but for now, we ask that you honor the familys need for privacy as they come together to grieve this tremendous loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loudermill of Olathe, Kan., was briefly handcuffed during the chaos on Feb. 14, 2024, but never charged in relation to the shooting that left one dead and more than 20 others injured. Loudermill subsequently filed lawsuits against three Missouri state senators and a Tennessee congressman who shared social media posts incorrectly implicating him in the shooting outside of Union Station in Kansas City. The suits were dismissed by the courts. Denton Loudermill Jr. FOX4 Three men were charged with murder after the shooting, which authorities said stemmed from a dispute between two groups of people. Others faced lesser charges. Lassiter Saunders said she will continue the fight to clear Loudermills name posthumously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loudermill, a United States citizen since birth, worked at a local car wash. A law enforcement officer surveys the scene following the shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade on Feb. 14, 2024. AP While the family takes this time to mourn, we want to make it clear that this is not over, Lassiter Sanders said. Mr. Loudermill should not have spent his final days burdened with stress and chasing down a lie that went viral due to the careless and heartless actions of a Congressman, Missouri senators, and social media influencers who couldnt be bothered to verify the truth before destroying a mans life. Loudermills lawsuits claimed that he froze in the middle of the post-shooting chaos and was handcuffed for moving too slow as police cleared the scene. As he sat handcuffed on the curb, people began taking photos and posting them to social media, where he was described as an illegal alien and a shooter. If you thought we were determined before, Lassiter Saunders said, you havent seen anything yet! Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. PROVO, Utah (ABC4) A man who was arrested after a single-car crash on Friday tested positive for alcohol and drugs, and was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Oscar Diaz, 34, was arrested on 12 different drug-related, alcohol-related, and firearm-related charges. Diaz is a convicted felon, according to arrest documents, and the incident from April 11 was his third DUI in seven years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were initially dispatched to a waffle restaurant in Provo on April 11 for a welfare check and a single-vehicle crash. Both incidents officers responded to turned out to be for Diaz, according to an affidavit of probable cause from Utah County. Utah man charged for stealing over $10K of dirt Officials were first notified that Diaz had a cut to his head, which turned out to be a gunshot wound to his forehead, documents said. Diaz was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and officers found an open liquor bottle, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia while searching his vehicle at the scene of the crash. At the hospital, Diaz was asked when he had last used methamphetamine, after which he said the day before the incident. He also allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol earlier that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the gun, Diaz reportedly told officers it was his friends 9mm pistol. Diaz said he was holding his friends gun while he was a passenger in his friends car, when he then looked down the barrel of the firearm and accidentally discharged the firearm, arrest documents said. After the gun was shot, Diaz said he was dropped off at a relatives house but was not taken to the hospital. It was not made clear at what point Diaz began driving, but officials said Diaz was allegedly driving without a mandated ignition interlock device on his car at the time of the crash. After obtaining a warrant, officers tested Diazs blood and urine, which reportedly tested positive for alcohol, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and THC, among other substances. Diaz was arrested on the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 count of purchase, transfer, possession, use of a firearm by a restricted person a third-degree felony 1 count of driving under the influence; second offense in 10 years a class A misdemeanor 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance, schedule I/II/Analog all class A misdemeanors 1 count of possession of controlled substance, marijuana/spice a class B misdemeanor 1 count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia a class B misdemeanor 1 count of alcohol restricted driver a class B misdemeanor 1 count of discharge firearm from, upon, or across any highway a class B misdemeanor 1 count of failure to install ignition interlock device a class C misdemeanor 1 count of open container/drinking alcohol in a vehicle a class C misdemeanor 1 count of unsafe lane travel an infraction Diaz was booked on the aforementioned charges. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mich. (WOOD) A man was hit by a train and killed in Springfield Saturday evening. Around 7:15 p.m., deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office were sent to the area of N 20th Street and Avenue A after receiving reports that someone had been hit by a Canadian National Railway train. Responding deputies found the 43-year-old Springfield man under the train. The sheriffs office said he died at the scene. His name has not been released pending family notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, the sheriffs office said in a release. The sheriffs office said a RAVE Alert was issued to residents in the immediate area to ask them to avoid the area, which is standard protocol. The crash 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 WOODTV.com. A construction worker was impaled after he fell off scaffolding at the Costco in Riverbank on Friday afternoon, according to the Modesto Fire Department. At about 3:10 p.m., firefighters and paramedics responded to the Riverbank Costco parking lot. They found a construction worker with a penetrating injury, according to an MFD incident report. The construction worker, described as a man in his mid-30s by Battalion Chief Jim Black, was impaled by a three-foot piece of rebar through his back and out his chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was described as being conscious and alert at the scene in the report. Firefighters freed the construction worker by accessing a small area under him and using a small handheld circular saw to cut the rebar. He was then taken to a Modesto hospital, according to MFD. Black said Saturday morning that the department did not have any updates on his condition. The over 150,000 square-foot store is Costcos newest location in Stanislaus County opening in June 2024. MFDs incident report did not state what type of construction was being done. LYONS, N.Y. (WROC) A man has been arrested in Lyons by New York State Police following an investigation of fraud and identity theft in multiple jurisdictions. Frank Torres, 65, of Bronx, New York has been arrested on several charges. The charges include three counts of identity theft in the first degree, grand larceny in the third degree, attempted grand larceny in the third degree, attempted grand larceny in the fourth degree, two counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, and two counts of forgery in the third degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Torres is involved in a July 24, 2024 investigation into reports of a male suspect who fraudulently withdrew $4,500 using false identification at the Reliant Credit Union in Newark. Groveland Correction Officer found dead in state housing Authorities said upon further investigation, they found Torres had allegedly been involved in similar fraud at the Reliant Credit Union location in Macedon. A warrant was issued on February 6 by the Wayne County Superior Court for Torress arrest. He was taken into custody by NYSP on April 8 after being detained by New York City Probation Officers. The investigation was a collaboration between the New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Troop New York Citys Community Task Force, and New York City Probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 man who was mistakenly deported from the US to El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center is alive and secure, a US official has confirmed. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, was one of more than 200 people the Trump administration deported to El Salvador on allegations of gang affiliation. The US government later conceded that Mr Garcia was deported due to an administrative error. The update comes as Donald Trump gets ready to host Nayib Bukele, his El Salvadoran counterpart, at the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When questioned by Paula Xinis, a US district judge, about his whereabouts, Michael Kozak, a State department official, said on Saturday: It is my understanding based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. Mr Kozak did not address other questions. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia - Alex Wong/Getty Mr Garcia has held a US work permit since 2019 and is married to US citizen Jennifer Vasquez Sura. He was stopped and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers on March 12 and questioned about alleged gang affiliation. He was then placed on one of the three high-profile deportation flights to El Salvador, under an arrangement between the two countries. His wife said she has not been able to speak with him since his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has fought against helping Mr Garcia return to the US, arguing that Ms Xinis had exceeded her authority when she ordered the action. But the US Supreme Court this week unanimously backed the order to help facilitate his release. In court documents, Mr Garcias lawyers accused the US government of trying to delay, obfuscate and flout court orders, while a mans life and safety is at risk. Kilmar Abrego Garcia has held a US work permit since 2019 - Abrego Garcia Family Judge Xinis pressed on Saturday: Where is he and under whose authority? Im not asking for state secrets. All I know is that hes not here. The government was prohibited from sending him to El Salvador, and now Im asking a very simple question: Where is he? The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Bukele on Monday highlights the El Salvadoran presidents role as a top ally in Washingtons war on undocumented immigration. Mr Bukele has agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States, locking up more than 250 in a notorious Salvadoran prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump said he was looking forward to the meeting and thanked Bukele for accepting some of the most violent alien enemies of the World. Their future is up to President B and his Government, Mr Trump said. They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again! 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. EAU CLAIRE An Eau Claire man who pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges will spend six years in prison. Devine Spencer, 34, received a total of seven sentences for the charges, which were across two separate cases. But, because they will be served concurrently, only the longest determines his time behind bars. The judge imposed two six-year sentences, one for possession with intent to deliver heroin and a second for being a felon in possession of a firearm. That was a bit less than the maximum seven-year sentence prosecutors sought, but more than the three to four years the defense asked for. Spencer will also spend five years on extended supervision after his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show the case also involved more than $2,600 in seized money. Prosecutors offered to allow the money to go toward unpaid child support, rather than having the court declare it contraband and put it in the countys treasury. The defense accepted the offer. According to the criminal complaint, the charges stemmed from an early morning traffic stop. An officer tried to pull Spencer over because his car lacked a license plate, but Spencer didnt pull over. During the pursuit, the officer saw Spencer moving around and reaching into the back seat area. He eventually stopped at an Altoona gas station. The officer held Spencer and a passenger in the car at gunpoint until backup arrived. Spencer had a suspended license and a search of the car found the drugs and a handgun. Spencer said the gun was likely stolen. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Eight years after his daughter was killed on the side of I-29, Kevin Brown is still wondering who killed his daughter. It was hard; a parent never expects their child to go before them, he said. Christina Cunningham, who her family called Chrissy, was a bright student and ROTC member with dreams of being a lawyer. She was still a human being and had two parents who loved her, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olathe man wrongly accused in Chiefs parade shooting found dead Chrissy Cunningham was headed back to her parents house when she was shot and left for dead. Brown says the shooter hit her 5 times. While time has healed some wounds for Brown, some still hurt. Ill go on, and I will survive, but a part of me is gone, he said. Chrissys mother, Serese, passed away in 2022. Kevin thinks Chrissys death accelerated her heath complications. And with her mother gone, another part is gone, he continued. Brown says that hes been trying to get updates from police, but they arent providing a lot of answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if her case (is) not solved before I leave this earth, all I ask is when I call, can you at least update me? he pleaded. Thats all Im asking is just when I call, to respond back. He says that someone knows who killed her and its time for them to come forward. Do you think that they should be able to be free to walk the streets? he asked. If you know who did this, youre complicit. Anyone that will allow a murder to live with them is complicit. Dad beats up man after finding him in childs bedroom at Lees Summit home: police He says he doesnt want revenge; he wants closure. I dont have any fear, I dont hold any animosity, I just want justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX4 reached out to the Kansas City Police Department for an update on Cunninghams case but could not get one before the deadline for this story. Anyone with information related to Chrissy Cunninghams case is encouraged to call KCPDs anonymous tip line at (816) 474 TIPS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police are investigating after a man was shot Saturday night in Southeast. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC News Now that just after 10 p.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, for a reported shooting. There, officers said they found a man who had been shot multiple times. Man arrested for Glover Park carjacking, DC police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics took the man, who was conscious and breathing, to the hospital for treatment. As of Sunday morning, there is no word on his exact condition, and no arrests have been 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The Manchester Police Department has arrested a man after he reportedly exposed himself and then threatened someone with a gun. At 12:50 P.M. on Saturday, Manchester police were dispatched to the area of 1111 Willow Street after a caller reported that they were threatened with a gun. Upon arrival, the officers spoke with the caller, who said that they had witnessed a man exposing himself near a vehicle in a parking lot. The caller then yelled at the man to stop and leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, then, reached into the car, grabbed a gun, pointed it at the caller, and then tucked it into his waistband and got in his car, and drove away. Shortly after, another caller also reported the same man had returned and entered a hair salon. Police responded and arrested the man. Jaime Torres Boden, 47, of Manchester, was arrested and charged with Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon and Indecent Exposure. 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 As a result of a Russian missile strike on the centre of the city of Sumy on the morning of 13 April, 32 people have been killed, including 2 children. Source: Artem Kobzar, acting Mayor of Sumy, on Facebook; social media; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Quote from Kobzar: "Many fatalities have been reported due to the missile strike... The enemy has struck civilians again." Details: Reports on social media suggest that the strike has hit the city centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: Sumy Oblast Military Administration noted that Russian forces had fired two ballistic missiles on the Sumy city centre. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted to the strike, indicating that "dozens of civilians have been killed and wounded". Ukraine's Interior Ministry later reported that 21 people had been killed and at least 20 injured in the attack. Updated: Three hours after the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, Zelenskyy reported that 31 people had been killed, including 2 children. Over 80 people were injured in the attack, including 10 children. The Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office reported that 32 people had been killed and 84 injured, including 8 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Zelenskyy: "It is crucial that the world does not stay silent or indifferent. Russian strikes deserve nothing but condemnation. There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MARION, Ohio (WCMH) A man was shot by police early Sunday morning after he allegedly fired at officers who were confronting him about a report of shots fired at a Marion restaurant, authorities said. Jared Scheck, 30, of Marion, was identified by police as a suspect after shots were reportedly fired at OK Cafe on East Center Street, according to the Marion Police Department. Police tracked him to his home. Scheck allegedly fired at officers when they approached him, police said. An officer returned fire, hitting Scheck multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womans 2017 northeast Columbus murder remains unsolved The man was taken to a hospital and was then flown to Columbus, according to police. He is expected to survive. Were thankful that no officers were injured during the incident, which serves as a reminder of the danger police officers face each and every day, Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald and Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles said in a joint statement. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting. No other details were immediately 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The United States Department of Homeland Security has given an update on the man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, as determined by the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS). In a status update given by a Senior Bureau Official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia is alive and secure in a Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. The update does not include the work being done to bring Garcia back to the U.S., despite the judges order. It is unclear if this information has been shared with the court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia was deported on March 15 by the Department of Homeland Security over claims of his involvement in the MS-13 gang and administrative error. PREVIOUS COVERAGE SCOTUS determined there was no evidence of Garcias involvement in the gang and ordered that he be returned to the U.S., to which the White House has responded, saying it is not in the courts jurisdiction since he is no longer in the country. The lower court judge ordered the U.S. government to provide daily updates on Garcias whereabouts and the work being done to return him to the U.S. The court provided the government with three orders that they must satisfy by the end of the day on April 14 at risk of being held in contempt of court by SCOTUS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explain how the government would facilitate bringing Garcia back to the United States or explain why it cannot. Provide a reason by 10 a.m. on Monday as to why the court should not hold the government in contempt after previously not complying with prior orders, including Fridays request to provide Garcias location. Ensure that Garcias case is handled as if he were never improperly sent to El Salvador. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Authorities arrested a Maryland teenager after they allegedly evaded police in Fairfax County, prompting a pursuit that left a trooper and three others injured Saturday, according to police. Just before 9 p.m. on April 12, Virginia State Police said it was called about an occupied car sitting on the left shoulder of the Interstate 66 express lanes, at the 58-mile marker. At the scene, troopers noticed the 17-year-old driver was acting weirdly. They also spotted narcotics in the vehicle, according to VSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland woman to serve nearly a decade for leading scheme, stealing over 700 checks from USPS One of the troopers asked the teen to turn off the car multiple times. However, they allegedly refused, eventually driving away from the trooper. Troopers initiated a pursuit on I-66 and tried to stop the car in the express lanes, but both the teen driver and one of the police cruisers lost control in the median. The teen was able to regain control of the car, while the trooper ended up in the westbound express lanes of the highway, hitting an uninvolved Honda CR-V, according to VSP. The trooper, the driver of the Honda, a 4-year-old passenger, and another passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and were taken to a local hospital, VSP noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another car on the highway was damaged after striking debris from the crash, but that driver was not injured. Investigation underway after teen found shot outside grocery store in Broadlands State police said the Honda driver, the trooper and the child were checked out at the hospital and released, while the other passenger was kept overnight in the hospital for observation. After the crash, the teen suspect eventually exited west onto Route 50 and turned into a residential road, stopping at a dead end. They were taken to the hospital for evaluation and have since been taken into custody. Maryland man wrongfully deported reportedly alive and secure in El Salvador Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VSP said it will charge the Maryland teen, whose name has not been released, with eluding, driving without a license and reckless driving. Additional charges are also 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. WOODFORD, Vt. (WWLP) A Lunenburg man was arrested on Saturday in Vermont under suspicion of DUI following a motor vehicle crash. Vermont State Police said that on Saturday at approximately 6:02 p.m., troopers received a report of a single-vehicle crash in the area of Vermont Route 9 and Erbs Way in Woodford. Upon arrival, police found that the driver, identified as 30-year-old Samuel Ramondelli of Lunenburg, Mass., had exited the travel portion of the road and crashed his car into a brick wall. Second man charged with murder in death of Worcester teenager Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State troopers spoke with Ramondelli and observed several signs of impairment. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. He was arrested for suspicion of DUI and brought to the Shaftsbury Barracks for processing. Ramondelli was released on a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on April 28 to answer for the DUI charge. 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. When Mayor Brandon Johnson came into office, his handpicked City Council ethics leader hoped the new mayor promising big change might truly reform the rules meant to keep elected officials in line in the famously corrupt city. But then Johnson instead fought those efforts, Ethics Committee Chair Ald. Matt Martin said. And he has done so again and again. I came in the term expecting that we would be focused on ambitious reforms that restore the publics trust in City Hall, Martin said. But instead Ive had to focus on what should be the absolute bare minimum, fighting tooth and nail just to preserve the status quo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last year, Johnson unsuccessfully resisted Martins effort to codify old rules banning lobbyists from donating to mayoral candidates. He blasted Inspector General Deborah Witzburgs report that he mishandled gifts and is fighting her again as she alleges his Law Department hinders investigations. Witzburg said Johnsons pattern of resistance amounts to brick walls at each step in her attempts at reform. Martin said Johnsons team recently considered pushing him out of his Ethics Committee chairmanship, a charge the administration denies. And the mayor will soon face a similar big test: This fall, Johnson must decide if he will reappoint Witzburg to another four-year term. For his part, the mayor appears to feel unfairly attacked by the reform bids, many of which he has argued should be broadened to also target aldermen or are simply bad policy. Asked Tuesday about his approach to ethics, he responded by listing off efforts to make city services more equitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ethics or ethos of our government cannot just be simply mired in our conversation around the potential to corruption, he said. I find that to be a very puerile sort of approach toward how we talk about ethics. Ethics is about how we equitably distribute government in a way that everybody can feel proud of. The remark hinted at a change in focus on City Halls fifth floor. Johnsons predecessor, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, rode to victory with a bring in the light corruption focus in the wake of a federal raid against council heavyweight Ald. Edward Burke. Burke became the 38th alderman since 1971 to be convicted of wrongdoing in December 2023. Johnsons winning campaign, however, was defined by a promise to spread city investment across the South and West sides and bolster Chicago government with bold new programs. Better Government Association Vice President Bryan Zarou praised the mayors equity-focused work, but said that effort should not get in the way of addressing historical corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre the mayor of Chicago, the third largest city in America, you should be able to walk and chew gum, he said. Hes just been hostile to any sort of ethics reform. Zarou criticized Johnson for being slow to appoint new members to Chicagos Board of Ethics, leaving the body often short staffed. In response to a BGA questionnaire on the campaign trail, Johnson whose first two years in office have not been rocked by major ethics scandals committed to implementing Inspector Generals Office recommendations or providing detailed explanations of rejections. To outright reject recommendations from entities such as COPA and Inspectors General runs counter to the need for checks and balances in our government, he wrote. To have oversight that mayoral administrations are constantly at odds with erodes credibility and contributes to mistrust from the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Johnson denied Witzburgs team access to logs of gifts given to the mayor and the City Hall room in which gifts were kept and was slow to comply with records requests regarding the items, according to a report she published in January. The mayor called the report a mischaracterization and argued there was a clear process for access that Witzburg and her at-first undercover investigators did not follow. He later opened the gift room filled with mostly mundane, cheap items to reporters and published an online log of gifts, all the while highlighting his frustration when asked about it. Its embarrassing that this is even a conversation, he said last month. If people want to have conversations about coffee mugs and T-shirts, have at it. As far as my administration is concerned, Im going to make sure that we build a more inclusive economy, so that Black, brown, white, Asian working people in this city can actually live in this city, afford to live in this city and feel safe. Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift inventory room on the third floor at City Hall on March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A photograph with former President Joe Biden is among the items in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Fancy footwear sits on a shelf in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room at City Hall, March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Ties and cufflinks sit on a shelf in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Lori Lypson, deputy mayor of Infrastructure and Services, holds a Gucci bag as she talks about Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift inventory room on the third mezzanine floor at City Hall, March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A statue celebrating Diwali from the Indian American Business Council is one of the items in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room at City Hall, March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A NASCAR racing suit hangs inside Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room at City Hall, March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) A television videographer records items in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room at City Hall on March 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Artwork, including a portrait of the mayor drawn by a CPS student, sits on the floor in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Items sit on a shelf inside Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Books sit on a shelf in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Items sit on a shelf in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room at City Hall. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Jars of conditioner sit on a shelf in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 14A portrait of the mayor is among the items in Mayor Brandon Johnsons gift room. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Expand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons administration promised to open the gift room to the public in quarterly day-long viewings, the first of which occurred Friday. But despite widespread media coverage when that was announced, not a single person had come by 3 p.m., according to mayoral spokesperson Cassio Mendoza. Asked about Johnsons clear frustrations, Witzburg said she can understand them. Since her 2022 appointment by Lightfoot, she has sought to more aggressively enforce ethics rules, she said. Johnson is being treated differently, because other politicians did not face enough scrutiny. The way things have always been is not good enough. And if were going to change them, we have to change them, Witzburg said. She has been consistently frustrated by Johnsons reform responses, despite her past hopes that the passionate and compelling case for change he made while campaigning signaled openness, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witzburg cited the stalling of a small, almost clerical in nature amendment to an ethics ordinance last summer. The changes were eventually made, but the resistance to the relatively pro forma move spells trouble for any larger efforts, she added. One bigger reform she is trying would block the mayor-controlled Law Department from attending investigative interviews, eliminate its discretion over inspector general subpoenas and prevent it from asserting attorney-client privilege to avoid sharing records. The department has long hindered investigations that may result in embarrassment or political consequences to city leaders, her proposal said. Johnsons top lawyer, Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry, has blasted the effort now packaged in a stalled ordinance proposed by Martin as illegal and a fundamental misunderstanding of the law. Witzburg last week touted an opinion adopted by the Association of Inspectors General that she argued shows her push is aligned with national standards, and the BGA obtained a legal opinion in late March arguing the ordinance would be legal. The mayor must soon decide if he will reappoint Witzburg. If he does not, he will need to work with Martins committee to form a search committee and gain City Council approval on a new inspector general next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor must make his decision by late October, 180 days before Witzburgs first term ends, per city ordinance. Witzburg thinks she has earned another go. I think you have to do this job like you dont want it anymore. That said, I very much do want it, she said. I think that a reappointment decision made on the basis of the merits of the work that weve done would allow me to stay. Witzburg said she has also ramped up investigations into aldermen. Her office has 19 ongoing investigations into elected officials, according to its last quarterly report. But she still sees gaps in accountability and plans to propose new ethics mechanisms to hold aldermen and other elected officials to stricter rules already in place for city employees in the coming months, she said. Close Johnson ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, used a parliamentary maneuver to stall the Law Department-targeting ordinance. He said Friday he thinks Witzburg should be reappointed and supports her independent work, but pinned some of the frustrations with the mayors approach to ethics on political opportunism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uproar about the gift room debate in particular was at times obstructionism and an issue of prioritization amid threats of federal funding cuts, he said. He called for broader ethics reforms to target aldermen and not just the mayor. City Council wants to hold the mayor to a different standard than we want to hold ourselves, and I object to that, Sigcho-Lopez said. There are issues that must be addressed. The influence of corporations the influence of billionaires that corrupt City Council members. Martin said he struggles to see a justification for not nominating Witzburg to another term. Though the Lincoln Square alderman and mayor share many beliefs in common, the two have butted heads regularly in recent months over ethics issues, over perceived shortcomings in Johnsons dealings with the Service Employees International Union and over Johnsons budget, which Martin voted against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin believes that Johnsons team really did discuss trying to remove him from his Ethics Committee chairmanship, as first reported in Crains Chicago Business. A denial by top Johnson staffers pledging no formal conversations took place did little to convince him, and he never heard directly from Johnson on the matter despite requesting to, he said. This was not idle chatter. This was not individuals blowing off steam. These were substantive discussions, Martin said. Disagreement should never be punished through loyalty tests. Martins highest profile ethics battle with Johnson came after campaign contributions Johnson received from registered lobbyists were deemed improper by the Board of Ethics. After the board determined a ban on mayoral candidates getting lobbyist money implemented in a 2011 executive order from Mayor Rahm Emanuel was not enforceable, Martin tried to codify the rule. Johnson fought the ordinance and whipped votes against it. Two aldermen stalled the ordinance in June, and the mayor said he wanted to wait for a full comprehensive ethics package that also targets aldermen. Martins measure passed in September. Johnsons campaign fund returned in January most of a $50,000 contribution accepted in June 2023 from a political action committee led by a City Hall lobbyist, a move apparently prompted by pressure from Witzburg for exceeding contribution limits, according to the Sun-Times. Martin said the mayor is dragging his feet to respond to broader ethics reform packages the alderman backs, including a series of five major proposals recommended by the Board of Ethics to Johnson in November 2023. Martin also proposed adding a public funding option for aldermanic candidates in June. Whether its a lack of support for certain issues or outright obstruction, I think its clear that the mayors office hasnt lived up to the campaign promises around the embrace of ethics and good governance, he said. We need that to change immediately. By Vitalii Hnidyi and Max Hunder SUMY, Ukraine/KYIV (Reuters) -Two Russian ballistic missiles slammed into the heart of the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, killing 34 people and wounding 117 in the deadliest strike on Ukraine this year, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demanded a tough international response against Moscow over the attack, which came with U.S. President Donald Trump's push to rapidly end the war struggling to make a breakthrough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dead bodies were strewn on the ground in the middle of a city street near a destroyed bus and burnt-out cars in a video posted by Zelenskiy on social media. "Only scoundrels can act like this. Taking the lives of ordinary people," he said, noting that the attack had come on Palm Sunday when some people were going to church. "You know, the people who are fighting against us always say that they are Orthodox (Christian) believers, that they believe in God, but we have experienced first-hand terrorism today. I have no words," said 27-year old PhD student Yevhen, a local resident who declined to give his surname. The leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy condemned the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These attacks show just what Russia's supposed readiness for peace is worth," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on social media. Russian authorities did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Russia denies targeting civilians but thousands have been killed and injured in its invasion of Ukraine. It followed a missile strike in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskiy's hometown and far from the ground war's front lines in the east and south, earlier this month that killed 20 people, including nine children. Sumy, with a population of around a quarter of a million and located just over 25 km (15 miles) from the Russian border, became a garrison city when Kyiv's forces launched an incursion into Russia last August that has since been largely repelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sumy's acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, announced three days of mourning for the victims starting from Monday. The people who were caught in Sunday's strike were out on the street or inside cars, public transport and buildings when the missiles hit, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. "Deliberate destruction of civilians on an important church feast day," he wrote. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said the missiles contained cluster munitions. "The Russians are doing this to kill as many civilians as possible," he said. Maryana Bezuhla, an outspoken Ukrainian lawmaker known for her sharp public criticism of military commanders, suggested on the Telegram app that the attack had taken place due to information about a gathering of soldiers leaking out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was not able to verify that information, and Bezuhla did not post evidence. Local resident Pavriz Manakhov told Reuters that he had not seen soldiers in the area. "We live in the city centre, there is no military base, there are no soldiers here." Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently holds nearly 20% of the neighbouring country's territory in the east and south. Russian forces have been slowly advancing in the east. 'SO-CALLED DIPLOMACY' Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv was "sharing detailed information about this war crime with all of our partners and international institutions". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Criminal Court in The Hague, which Ukraine officially joined this year, is conducting investigations into high-profile cases of alleged war crimes in the conflict. Andriy Kovalenko, a security official who runs Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation, noted that the strike came after a visit to Russia by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for talks with top officials including President Vladimir Putin. "Russia is building all this so-called diplomacy ... around strikes on civilians," he wrote on Telegram. Under Trump's administration, U.S. officials have held separate rounds of talks with Kremlin and Kyiv officials to try to move towards a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and Russia agreed to pause strikes on each other's energy facilities last month, but both sides have repeatedly accused each other of breaking the moratorium. Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, held talks with Putin on Friday in St. Petersburg on the search for a Ukraine peace deal. Trump told Russia to "get moving". In the aftermath of Sunday's Sumy strike, Zelenskiy called on the United States and Europe to respond robustly to what he described as Russian terrorism. "Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's defence ministry accused Ukraine on Saturday of having carried out five attacks on Russian energy infrastructure over the previous day in what it called a violation of the U.S.-brokered moratorium on such strikes. (Writing by Max Hunder; editing by David Goodman, Giles Elgood, Tom Balmforth, Mark Heinrich and David Evans) A surge in measles cases across West Texas has raised concerns amongst officials about the potential for outbreaks of preventable diseases across the US due to funding cuts for public health initiatives. Measles, declared eliminated in the US in 2000, has spread across more than 20 Texas counties. Officials attribute this resurgence partly to underfunded health departments struggling to maintain effective vaccination programs. The situation in Texas serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of neglecting public health funding nationwide. We havent had a strong immunization program that can really do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work for years, said Katherine Wells, the health director in Lubbock, a 90-minute drive from the outbreak's epicenter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immunization programs nationwide have been left brittle by years of stagnant funding by federal, state and local governments. In Texas and elsewhere, this helped set the stage for the measles outbreak and fueled its spread. Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks. Health departments got an influx of cash to deal with COVID-19, but it wasnt enough to make up for years of neglect. On top of that, trust in vaccines has eroded. Health officials warn the situation is primed to get worse. Recent cuts by the Trump administration have pulled billions of dollars in COVID-19 related funding $2 billion of it slated for immunization programs for various diseases. Overseeing the cuts is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who rose to prominence leading an anti-vaccine movement. While Kennedy has said he wants his agency to prevent future outbreaks, he's also declined to deliver a consistent and forceful message that would help do so encouraging people to vaccinate their children against measles while reminding them it is safe. At the same time, lawmakers in Texas and about two-thirds of states have introduced legislation this year that would make it easier to opt out of vaccines or otherwise put up barriers to ensuring more people get shots, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. That further undercuts efforts to keep infectious diseases at bay, health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more than 700 measles cases reported this year in the U.S. have already surpassed last years total. The vast majority more than 540 are in Texas, but cases have popped up in 23 other states. Two Texas children have died. A 6-year-old girl from Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, died in February, the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. An 8-year-old girl from the same town, Seminole, died earlier this month. More than 700 measles cases have been reported in the US this year. Officials say immunization programs have been impacted by funding cuts (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Children in the U.S. are generally required to be vaccinated to go to school, which in the past ensured vaccination rates stayed high enough to prevent infectious diseases like measles from spreading. But a growing number of parents have been skipping the shots for their kids. The share of children exempted from vaccine requirements has reached an all-time high, and just 92.7 percent of kindergartners got their required shots in 2023. Thats well below the 95 percent coverage level that keeps diseases at bay. Keeping vaccination rates high requires vigilance, commitment and money. Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates. There are similar under-vaccinated pockets across the country that could provide the tinder that sparks another outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like a hurricane over warm water in the Caribbean, said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston. As long as theres warm water, the hurricane will continue to accelerate. In this case, the warm water is the unvaccinated kids. Flatlined vaccine funding in Texas Lubbock receives a $254,000 immunization grant from the state annually that can be used for staff, outreach, advertising, education and other elements of a vaccine program. That hasnt increased in at least 15 years as the population grew. It used to be enough for three nurses, an administrative assistant, advertising and even goodies to give out at health fairs, Wells said. Now it covers a nurse, a quarter of a nurse, a little bit of an admin assistant, and basically nothing else. Texas has among the lowest per capita state funding for public health in the nation, just $17 per person in 2023, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccines are among the most successful tools in public healths arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care. Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says the measles vaccine will save some 19 million lives by 2030. U.S. immunization programs are funded by a variable mix of federal, state and local money. Federal money is sent to every state, which then decides how much to send to local health departments. Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates (Getty Images) The stagnant immunization grant funding in Texas has made it harder for local health departments to keep their programs going. Lubbocks health department, for example, doesn't have the money to pay for targeted Facebook ads to encourage vaccinations or do robust community outreach to build trust. In Andrews County, which borders Gaines County, the biggest cost of its immunization program is personnel. But while everything has gotten more expensive, the grant hasn't changed, Health Director Gordon Mattimoe said. That shifts the burden to county governments. Some kick in more money, some dont. His did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem: keeping people safe from outbreaks requires high vaccination rates across a broad region, and germs dont stop at county borders. Andrews County, population 18,000, offers a walk-in vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, but other West Texas communities dont. More than half the people who come to the clinic travel from other counties, Mattimoe said, including much larger places and Gaines County. Some had to drive an hour or more. They did so because they had trouble getting shots in their home county due to long waits, lack of providers and other issues, Mattimoe said. Theyre unable to obtain it in the place that they live. ... People are overflowing, over to here, Mattimoe said. Theres an access issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That makes it more likely people wont get their shots. In Gaines County just 82 percent of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. Even in Andrews County, where, at 97 percent, the vaccination rate is above the 95 percent threshold for preventing outbreaks, it has slipped two percentage points since 2020. Vaccine funding crises arent only in Texas The health departments millions of Americans depend on for their shots largely rely on two federal programs: Vaccines for Children and Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act. Vaccines for Children mostly provides the actual vaccines. Section 317 provides grants for vaccines but also to run programs and get shots into arms. About half of kids qualify for Vaccines for Children, a safety-net program created in response to a 1989-1991 measles epidemic that sickened 55,000 people and killed 123. Section 317 money sent to state and local health departments pays for vaccines as well as nurses, outreach and advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health departments generally use the programs in tandem, and since the pandemic theyve often been allowed to supplement it with COVID-19 funds. Health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The 317 funds have been flat for years, even as costs of everything from salaries to vaccines went up. A 2023 CDC report to Congress estimated $1.6 billion was needed to fully fund a comprehensive 317 vaccine program. Last year, Congress approved less than half that: $682 million. This, along with insufficient state and local funding, forces hard choices. Dr. Kelly Moore, a preventive medicine specialist, said she faced this dilemma when directing Tennessee's immunization program from 2004 to 2018. What diseases can we afford to prevent and how many people can we afford to protect? Those decisions have to be made every year by every state, said Moore, who now runs the advocacy group Immunize.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rural clinic may have to be closed, or evening and weekend hours eliminated, she said. It becomes difficult for them to staff the clinics they have and difficult for the people in those communities to access them, especially if theyre the working poor. At the same time, health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines. In a 2023 survey by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, 80 percent of local health departments reported vaccine hesitancy among patients or their parents in the previous year, up from 56 percent in 2017. If we dont invest in education, it becomes even more difficult to get these diseases under control," Moore said. An unclear future given continuing cuts and hesitancy Facing these headwinds, things got much worse in March when Kennedys health department canceled billions of dollars in state and local funding. After 23 states sued, a judge put a hold on the cuts for now in those states but not in Texas or other states that didnt join the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But local health departments are not taking chances and are moving to cut services. HHS said the money, allocated through COVID-19 initiatives, was cut because the pandemic was over. But CDC had allowed the money to be used to shore up public health infrastructure generally, including immunization programs. As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Before he was confirmed as health secretary, Kennedy vowed not to take vaccines away. But in Texas, his departments cuts mean state and local health departments are losing $125 million in immunization-related federal funding as they deal with the measles outbreak. A spokesperson for the federal health department did not respond to an AP request for comment. Dallas County, 350 miles from where the outbreak began, had to cancel more than 50 immunization clinics, including at schools with low measles vaccination rates, said Dr. Philip Huang, the countys health director. Near the center of the outbreak, Lubbocks health department said seven jobs are on the line because they were paid by those grants. Included in the affected work are immunizations. Across the border in New Mexico, where the outbreak has spread, the state lost grants that funded vaccine education. Kennedys cuts also hit vaccination programs in other states It's still unclear how the recently announced $2 billion in cuts will affect immunization programs across the country, but details are starting to trickle out from some states. Washington state, for example, would lose about $20 million in vaccination-related funding. Officials were forced to pause mobile vaccine efforts on their Care-A-Van, which has administered more than 6,800 COVID-19 vaccines, 3,900 flu vaccines and 5,700 childhood vaccines since July. The state also had to cancel more than 100 vaccine clinics scheduled through June, including more than 35 at schools. Connecticut health officials estimate if the cuts stand, they will lose $26 million for immunization. Among other reductions, this means canceling 43 contracts with local health departments to increase vaccination rates and raise confidence in vaccines, losing vaccination clinics and mobile outreach in underserved neighborhoods, and stopping the distribution of vaccine-related educational materials. Several of the 23 states suing the federal government, including Minnesota, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cite losses to vaccine programs. As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading. And measles and other viruses will too. My whole lifes purpose is to keep people from suffering. And vaccines are a tremendous way to do that, Moore said. But if we dont invest in them to get them in arms, then we dont see their benefits. The measles outbreak in West Texas didnt happen just by chance. The easily preventable disease, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ripped through communities sprawling across more than 20 Texas counties in part because health departments were starved of the funding needed to run vaccine programs, officials say. We havent had a strong immunization program that can really do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work for years, said Katherine Wells, the health director in Lubbock, a 90-minute drive from the outbreak's epicenter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immunization programs nationwide have been left brittle by years of stagnant funding by federal, state and local governments. In Texas and elsewhere, this helped set the stage for the measles outbreak and fueled its spread. Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks. Health departments got an influx of cash to deal with COVID-19, but it wasnt enough to make up for years of neglect. On top of that, trust in vaccines has eroded. Health officials warn the situation is primed to get worse. Recent cuts by the Trump administration have pulled billions of dollars in COVID-19 related funding $2 billion of it slated for immunization programs for various diseases. Overseeing the cuts is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who rose to prominence leading an anti-vaccine movement. While Kennedy has said he wants his agency to prevent future outbreaks, he's also declined to deliver a consistent and forceful message that would help do so encouraging people to vaccinate their children against measles while reminding them it is safe. At the same time, lawmakers in Texas and about two-thirds of states have introduced legislation this year that would make it easier to opt out of vaccines or otherwise put up barriers to ensuring more people get shots, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. That further undercuts efforts to keep infectious diseases at bay, health officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more than 700 measles cases reported this year in the U.S. have already surpassed last years total. The vast majority more than 540 are in Texas, but cases have popped up in 23 other states. Two Texas children have died. A 6-year-old girl from Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, died in February, the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. An 8-year-old girl from the same town, Seminole, died earlier this month. Children in the U.S. are generally required to be vaccinated to go to school, which in the past ensured vaccination rates stayed high enough to prevent infectious diseases like measles from spreading. But a growing number of parents have been skipping the shots for their kids. The share of children exempted from vaccine requirements has reached an all-time high, and just 92.7% of kindergartners got their required shots in 2023. Thats well below the 95% coverage level that keeps diseases at bay. Keeping vaccination rates high requires vigilance, commitment and money. Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates. There are similar under-vaccinated pockets across the country that could provide the tinder that sparks another outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like a hurricane over warm water in the Caribbean, said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston. As long as theres warm water, the hurricane will continue to accelerate. In this case, the warm water is the unvaccinated kids. Flatlined vaccine funding in Texas Lubbock receives a $254,000 immunization grant from the state annually that can be used for staff, outreach, advertising, education and other elements of a vaccine program. That hasnt increased in at least 15 years as the population grew. It used to be enough for three nurses, an administrative assistant, advertising and even goodies to give out at health fairs, Wells said. Now it covers a nurse, a quarter of a nurse, a little bit of an admin assistant, and basically nothing else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas has among the lowest per capita state funding for public health in the nation, just $17 per person in 2023, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Vaccines are among the most successful tools in public healths arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care. Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says the measles vaccine will save some 19 million lives by 2030. U.S. immunization programs are funded by a variable mix of federal, state and local money. Federal money is sent to every state, which then decides how much to send to local health departments. The stagnant immunization grant funding in Texas has made it harder for local health departments to keep their programs going. Lubbocks health department, for example, doesn't have the money to pay for targeted Facebook ads to encourage vaccinations or do robust community outreach to build trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Andrews County, which borders Gaines County, the biggest cost of its immunization program is personnel. But while everything has gotten more expensive, the grant hasn't changed, Health Director Gordon Mattimoe said. That shifts the burden to county governments. Some kick in more money, some dont. His did. The problem: keeping people safe from outbreaks requires high vaccination rates across a broad region, and germs dont stop at county borders. Andrews County, population 18,000, offers a walk-in vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, but other West Texas communities dont. More than half the people who come to the clinic travel from other counties, Mattimoe said, including much larger places and Gaines County. Some had to drive an hour or more. They did so because they had trouble getting shots in their home county due to long waits, lack of providers and other issues, Mattimoe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre unable to obtain it in the place that they live. ... People are overflowing, over to here, Mattimoe said. Theres an access issue. That makes it more likely people wont get their shots. In Gaines County just 82% of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. Even in Andrews County, where, at 97%, the vaccination rate is above the 95% threshold for preventing outbreaks, it has slipped two percentage points since 2020. Vaccine funding crises arent only in Texas The health departments millions of Americans depend on for their shots largely rely on two federal programs: Vaccines for Children and Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act. Vaccines for Children mostly provides the actual vaccines. Section 317 provides grants for vaccines but also to run programs and get shots into arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About half of kids qualify for Vaccines for Children, a safety-net program created in response to a 1989-1991 measles epidemic that sickened 55,000 people and killed 123. Section 317 money sent to state and local health departments pays for vaccines as well as nurses, outreach and advertising. Health departments generally use the programs in tandem, and since the pandemic theyve often been allowed to supplement it with COVID-19 funds. The 317 funds have been flat for years, even as costs of everything from salaries to vaccines went up. A 2023 CDC report to Congress estimated $1.6 billion was needed to fully fund a comprehensive 317 vaccine program. Last year, Congress approved less than half that: $682 million. This, along with insufficient state and local funding, forces hard choices. Dr. Kelly Moore, a preventive medicine specialist, said she faced this dilemma when directing Tennessee's immunization program from 2004 to 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What diseases can we afford to prevent and how many people can we afford to protect? Those decisions have to be made every year by every state, said Moore, who now runs the advocacy group Immunize.org. A rural clinic may have to be closed, or evening and weekend hours eliminated, she said. It becomes difficult for them to staff the clinics they have and difficult for the people in those communities to access them, especially if theyre the working poor. At the same time, health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines. In a 2023 survey by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, 80% of local health departments reported vaccine hesitancy among patients or their parents in the previous year, up from 56% in 2017. If we dont invest in education, it becomes even more difficult to get these diseases under control," Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unclear future given continuing cuts and hesitancy Facing these headwinds, things got much worse in March when Kennedys health department canceled billions of dollars in state and local funding. After 23 states sued, a judge put a hold on the cuts for now in those states but not in Texas or other states that didnt join the lawsuit. But local health departments are not taking chances and are moving to cut services. HHS said the money, allocated through COVID-19 initiatives, was cut because the pandemic was over. But CDC had allowed the money to be used to shore up public health infrastructure generally, including immunization programs. Before he was confirmed as health secretary, Kennedy vowed not to take vaccines away. But in Texas, his departments cuts mean state and local health departments are losing $125 million in immunization-related federal funding as they deal with the measles outbreak. A spokesperson for the federal health department did not respond to an AP request for comment. Dallas County, 350 miles from where the outbreak began, had to cancel more than 50 immunization clinics, including at schools with low measles vaccination rates, said Dr. Philip Huang, the countys health director. Near the center of the outbreak, Lubbocks health department said seven jobs are on the line because they were paid by those grants. Included in the affected work are immunizations. Across the border in New Mexico, where the outbreak has spread, the state lost grants that funded vaccine education. Kennedys cuts also hit vaccination programs in other states It's still unclear how the recently announced $2 billion in cuts will affect immunization programs across the country, but details are starting to trickle out from some states. Washington state, for example, would lose about $20 million in vaccination-related funding. Officials were forced to pause mobile vaccine efforts on their Care-A-Van, which has administered more than 6,800 COVID-19 vaccines, 3,900 flu vaccines and 5,700 childhood vaccines since July. The state also had to cancel more than 100 vaccine clinics scheduled through June, including more than 35 at schools. Connecticut health officials estimate if the cuts stand, they will lose $26 million for immunization. Among other reductions, this means canceling 43 contracts with local health departments to increase vaccination rates and raise confidence in vaccines, losing vaccination clinics and mobile outreach in underserved neighborhoods, and stopping the distribution of vaccine-related educational materials. Several of the 23 states suing the federal government, including Minnesota, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cite losses to vaccine programs. As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading. And measles and other viruses will too. My whole lifes purpose is to keep people from suffering. And vaccines are a tremendous way to do that, Moore said. But if we dont invest in them to get them in arms, then we dont see their benefits. ___ 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. TENNESSEE (WHNT) As the measles outbreak spreads from state to state, Tennessee has confirmed four cases in the upper central portion of the state, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. As of April 10, the Centers for Disease Control said it has confirmed 712 measles cases throughout the United States. While the center said it is aware of other cases being reported by other areas, the CDC has only confirmed a total of 712 cases. There have been 7 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of confirmed cases (660 of 712) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated. CDC The following 25 areas/states have reported measles cases: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Indiana Kansas Kentucky Maryland Michigan Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico New York City New York State Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Texas Vermont Washington The Tennessee Department of Health announced the first confirmed case in the state on March 21. The department said it was from a middle Tennessee resident and that the likely source of the infection was being investigated. The individual became infected with measles in early March and is recovering at home. Public health officials are working to identify other locations and persons potentially exposed to the virus, TDH said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TDH confirmed on April 1 that three more measles cases were confirmed, bringing the grand total to four. The department said one of the newly-confirmed cases was related to the states first confirmed case on March 21. The three who contracted measles were recovering at home and public health officials were working to identify other locations and persons potentially exposed to the virus. The TDH website updated the public health regions where the confirmed cases were noted as Mid-Cumberland and Upper Cumberland, each region with two confirmed cases. Below is a map from the TDh website of the regions with counties. To look at a map of the counties within each region, you can visit the TDH website here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the measles outbreak, the CDC is reporting that there are two confirmed deaths and one death that is under investigation. The two confirmed deaths are in Texas and the one under investigation is in New Mexico. The first death associated with measles in the country came from Texas on February 26. The second was reported on April 6. The state health services said both were school-aged children who were not vaccinated. The New Mexico Department of Health said someone who died in Lea County tested positive for the disease. NMDH said the person was unvaccinated. The CDC provided statistics regarding the confirmed cases in the U.S.: Age Under five years old 32% (225 cases) Five to 19 years old 38% (274 cases) 20+ years old 28% (198 cases) Age unknown 2% (15 cases) Vaccination Status Unvaccinated or unknown 97% One MMR dose 1% Two MMR doses 2% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below is a map of measles cases throughout the country in 2025, provided by the CDC website. The darker the shade of blue, the more cases that have been confirmed. (Photo: CDC website) Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk, the CDC wrote. Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. The CDC website says two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is about 93% effective. You can learn more about measles and how to prevent it on the CDC website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Medical Center Health System has named Dr. Timothy Benton as its new Chief Medical Officer, officially joining the hospitals leadership team on Monday, April 14. Benton brings more than two decades of medical and academic leadership to the role, most recently serving as Regional Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Permian Basin. I am excited to join a team that Ive worked hand-in-hand with for more than a decade, Benton said in a statement. MCH truly cares for its patients and the community. Ive seen it firsthand. Im looking forward to helping lead this team and continuing the incredible work that has made this place the premiere source of healthcare in the Permian Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A long-time partner of Medical Center Hospital, Benton has worked closely with TTUHSC residents and patient care at MCH for years. He also served as co-interim Chief Medical Officer during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside Dr. Don Davenport, from 2020 to 2022. Bentons career with TTUHSC began in 2005 in Amarillo, where he served as Associate Residency Program Director and later as Program Director for the School of Medicine. In 2012, he moved to the Permian Basin campus, taking on the role of Regional Chair for the Department of Family and Community Medicine. He also worked as Medical Director for the Physician Assistant program within TTUHSCs School of Health Professions. Medical Center Health System leaders say Bentons extensive experience and strong ties to the West Texas medical community made him a natural fit for the role. We are beyond thrilled to have someone of Dr. Bentons stature join our team as CMO, said Russell Tippin, President and CEO of Medical Center Health System. He has been an incredible partner with us during his time at Texas Tech, and we look forward to having his leadership as we navigate into the future of healthcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benton earned his medical degree from TTUHSC School of Medicine in 1994 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Texas Health Center in Tyler. In 2006, he also completed a faculty development fellowship through the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On Saturday, Meghan Markle welcomed Prince Harry back home to Montecito, California, following his trip to Ukraine. Harry was also reunited with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and Meghan shared the special gift he brought home from his travels in her Instagram Stories. In the clips, the Duchess of Sussex offered a look at their morning breakfast routine, which included fluffy pancakes, fried eggs, cut fruit, sizzling bacon, and their hopeful Labrador Pula watching it all. There was then a clip of them sharing a slice of cake Harry brought home after meeting with members of the orthopedic clinic Superhumans Center in Lviv. The kids eagerly tore up the cake, and in one corner, a traditional pysanky egg can be seen. Instagram The center is known for their efforts to rehabilitate injured military members and civilians and the Prince was reportedly invited by the organizations CEO, Olga Rudneva. He toured the facilities and met with both patients and the surgical team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In photos shared by Meghan, the cakes origin was revealed. It was evidently made by traditional bakers before being passed to Harry in a gift basket. Over the image, Meghan wrote, Made with love. Instagram Over a photo of Harry receiving the special package, she wrote, A gift for our family. Instagram In her Stories, Megan also shared some tweets from Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine. In a translation of her tweet, Svyrydenko said, The whole team is just crying, because a pastry made by grandmothers from Sumy region made from flour from de-mined fields is now on the table of Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their family. , , . pic.twitter.com/xT3rtlh28Q Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 12, 2025 In a follow-up tweet, the government official explained that the fields used to grow the wheat have had mines removed, making it a very symbolic gesture towards spring and renewal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A remarkable group of women who live in the border region of Sumy, an area affected by landmines, have prepared this Easter bread for you and your family, she wrote. Today, they, along with all of us, are deeply moved, knowing that this symbolic offeringEaster bread, made from flour harvested from demined fieldswill be on your table. You Might Also Like Theres no shortage of gifts fit for a king in Italy, with its selection of exquisite wines, cheeses and olive oils. But for King Charles, Giorgia Meloni decided the less obvious choice was the best. During the King and Queens state visit to Italy last week, Ms Meloni presented them with none other than one of Italys best-selling exports: Nutella. A useful gift to enjoy on the couch on rainy days, the prime minister reportedly wrote in a note accompanying the Kings gift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The monarchs jar, bearing his name Charles in gold letters, was presented during his official meeting with Ms Meloni at Villa Doria Pamphili last Wednesday in Rome. Another jar of the hazelnut spread, produced by the confectionery brand, Ferrero, was given to the Queen with Camilla inscribed on the label. We were happy to receive the request from the prime minister to make two personalised jars of Nutella available so they could be used as state gifts, a spokesman for Ferrero said on Sunday. The Nutella gift bags had the names Carlo and Camilla printed on them The gifts came at the end of a visit to mark the Kings first overseas trip this year as he continues to undergo treatment for cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The royal couple were warmly welcomed at every stage of their brief journey to Rome and Ravenna. Crowds of people waved British flags as they lined up for hours in the spring sunshine for a glimpse. As the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament, the King, 76, surprised and charmed his audience with his knowledge of Italian and a self-deprecating quip about not wanting to destroy the language of Dante Alighieri, the celebrated literary figure. He received a standing ovation from the audience after he called for Italy and the UK to work together to defend common values. Peace is never to be taken for granted, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain and Italy stand today united in defence of the democratic values we share. Our countries have both stood by Ukraine in her hour of need, and welcomed many thousands of Ukrainians requiring shelter, he added. The King and Queens trip also included a surprise meeting with Pope Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia at his private apartment at Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican, and a sumptuous state dinner hosted by president Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace, to coincide with their 20th wedding anniversary. Ms Melonis choice of a Nutella as a parting gift for the King and Queen is not the first time shes given the popular spread as a present. In December last year she gave personalised jars of it to each of her cabinet ministers for Christmas along with instructions on how to use it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. After a nearly six-year investigation and legal battle, on Monday the Federal Trade Commission faces off against Meta in an antitrust trial that could decide whether the tech giant lives or dies. If the FTC successfully convinces U.S. District Judge James Boasberg (yes, that Boasberg) that Meta used its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp to lock in an illegal social media monopoly, the agency would next look to unwind Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs carefully assembled social media empire. That would break up a $1.4 trillion company a process that hasnt been attempted at such a scale since telephone monopoly AT&T was broken up 40 years ago, marking a historic pushback on excessive corporate power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the whole case was launched before Zuckerberg had cultivated a friendly new relationship with President Donald Trump. Andrew Ferguson, Trumps newly installed pick to lead the FTC, said earlier this month that his lawyers are raring to go against Meta. But concerns are growing that the president could weigh in on the social media giants behalf. Zuckerberg met with Trump in the Oval Office earlier this month, reportedly to ask for a settlement in the antitrust case ahead of trial. The case has bipartisan roots: It was initially filed during the first Trump administration, then aggressively advanced by former President Joe Bidens antitrust enforcers and is at last going to trial under the leadership of Ferguson. It has gone through tremendous ups and downs over the last half-decade Boasberg threw out the FTCs original case, allowing it to move forward only after the agency refined its arguments. Meta filed unsuccessfully for summary judgement in April 2024, with Boasberg rejecting that filing in November before setting an April 2025 trial date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement late last week, Meta spokesperson Christopher Sgro said the FTCs lawsuit defies reality, and that the company operates in a competitive social media landscape. The evidence at trial will show what every 17-year-old in the world knows: Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp compete with Chinese-owned TikTok, YouTube, X, iMessage and many others, Sgro said. More than 10 years after the FTC reviewed and cleared our acquisitions, the Commissions action in this case sends the message that no deal is ever truly final. Sgro added that the FTC should be supporting American innovation, rather than seeking to break up a great American company and further advantaging China on critical issues like AI. The Meta monopoly trial will extend into the summer and could go as late as July. Here are three things well be looking out for as it kicks off: Will Boasberg buy the FTCs argument? The case is a bench trial with no jury, so it all hinges on Boasberg, who was appointed in 2011 by former President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He is currently embroiled in an unusual clash with the Trump administration over its effort to deport Venezuelan immigrants to an El Salvador prison, leading Trump to call for his impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By this point, Boasberg is quite familiar with both sides arguments. And he has repeatedly sounded skeptical of the governments claim that Metas 2012 purchase of Instagram and its 2014 purchase of WhatsApp represent illegal attempts to lock in a social media monopoly. When Boasberg threw out the FTCs initial case in 2021, he singled out the agencys inability to offer any indication of the metric(s) or method(s) it used to calculate Facebooks market share. And even while approving the FTCs updated filing in Jan. 2022, he said the agency may well face a tall task down the road in proving its allegations. The judge sounded even more skeptical in November, saying the FTC faces hard questions about whether its claims can hold up in the crucible of trial and claiming that its positions at times strain this countrys creaking antitrust precedents to their limits. Theres a case to be made that the social media market is more competitive than when Meta purchased Instagram and WhatsApp particularly given the rapid rise of TikTok. But the FTC is likely to focus on evidence that Zuckerberg bought Instagram and WhatsApp specifically to squash competition, regardless of the current state of the market. Its safe to expect significant back-and-forth over those points, and Boasberg could provide some early clues as to who he thinks has a better case. Which tech titans will testify? Major cases like this are rare moments when CEOs are grilled about their business practices in public. A wide range of tech executives are slated to testify on both sides of the Meta case, though its not yet clear who will be present in the courtroom on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zuckerberg (who just bought a mansion in Washington) is expected to make an appearance at some point, along with Metas former chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg and a clutch of other current and former executives, including some from Instagram and WhatsApp. Top executives at rival platforms, including Snap, Pinterest and TikTok, are also expected to testify. Does Trump throw a wrench in the case? The president looms unusually large ahead of Mondays trial, with antitrust observers in Washington fretting that Trump will intervene at some point most likely on Metas behalf. Typically that wouldnt be possible, since the FTC has historically operated independently of the White House. But Trumps move last month to fire the FTCs Democratic commissioners, coupled with Fergusons claim that he would follow the presidents orders, has given Trump unprecedented influence over the agency. While Trump and Zuckerberg have clashed in the past, the Meta CEO recently launched an aggressive campaign to curry favor with the new president and other Republicans. Those efforts which include complete overhauls of Metas content policies and the elevation of longtime Republicans to key roles in the company could prompt Trump to bail out Zuckerberg sooner or later. Even if Trump allows the trial to proceed, its possible that the president could intervene down the line. Among other things, he could direct Ferguson to go easy on Meta should the FTC win at trial potentially preventing the breakup of the company even after Meta loses in court. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that Mexico will provide an immediate water delivery to farmers in Texas. This aims to address its shortfall under a treaty that has created tension in U.S. relations and prompted even more tariff threats by President Donald Trump. Mexico's inability to maintain its water deliveries sparked a diplomatic dispute with its largest trading partner at a sensitive time in relations between the two countries amid Trumps escalating trade war with the U.S. neighbor. Sheinbaum said in her daily news conference Friday that Mexico is looking for alternatives to comply with the 81-year-old water-sharing treaty with the U.S., and a proposal had already been sent to U.S. officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late Thursday on Truth Social, Trump escalated the disagreement between the two countries by threatening tariffs or sanctions on Mexico if his demands were not met. Texas Republicans have also publicly accused Mexico of openly violating the treaty, which harms farmers reliant on water deliveries. For Texas farmers who are requesting water, there will be an immediate delivery of a certain number of millions of cubic meters that can be provided according to the water availability in the Rio Grande, Sheinbaum said. A farmer surveying the drought conditions in Paradise, Texas (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Sheinbaum did not specify how much water Mexico would send to Texas. Under the 1944 treaty that established water-sharing between the two countries via a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande every five years. An acre-foot of water refers to the volume needed to cover an acre of land to a depth of one foot. Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation. This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas Farmers very badly. Last year, the only Sugar Mill in Texas CLOSED, because Mexico has Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 10, 2025 The treaty's current five-year cycle ends in October, but Mexico has delivered less than 30 percent of the required water, according to data from the International Boundary and Water Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum has said Mexico is complying with the treaty based on water availability, highlighting the drought conditions that have depleted Mexico's supply. She expressed optimism for an agreement in the coming days and did not foresee further conflict. The treaty was fair, she added. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum (REUTERS) Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said on X Friday that he had a call with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau regarding Mexico's commitment to comply with the treaty. He mentioned they discussed water deliveries for this year and irrigation technology in the northern states of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas. Rollins posted a message on X later saying the call had been productive"and praised Trump for being willing to do what's necessary to make it happen. Reuters, citing sources, reported on Wednesday that Mexican officials were scrambling to devise a plan to increase the amount of water sent to the United States due to growing concerns that Trump could involve the dispute in trade negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico has agreed to deliver 122,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. and is exploring an option to supply another 81,000 acre-feet, according to a Mexican official. However, that additional water would still mean Mexico had sent less than 40% of the water it owes under the treaty. With reporting from Reuters The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at April 12, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from April 12 drawing Midday: 9-0-4 Evening: 6-9-7 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from April 12 drawing Midday: 0-5-5-4 Evening: 1-6-3-0 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 12 drawing 01-14-16-19-41, Lucky Ball: 12 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from April 12 drawing AD-10D-3H-7H-6S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 12 drawing 09-12-17-29-37 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 16-18-23-36-39 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from April 12 drawing 03-08-09-10-11-15-18-19-20-21-23-26-29-38-40-42-48-49-51-59-66-68 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from April 12 drawing 05-07-15-23-34-45 Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 12 drawing 09-15-25-27-34-38 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 12, 2025 Apr. 12The Midland Health Department has confirmed a second case of measles in an adult resident. The potential exposure locations are as follows: Midland International Air & Space Port from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 7, 2025. Symptoms of Measles Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include: High fever (above 101F) Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth (2-3 days after symptoms begin) A red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body (3-5 days after symptoms begin) People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it develops. Public health response and recommendations The Midland Health Department is taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of further transmission: Conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who may have been exposed. Providing fact sheets and FAQs about measles on the Midland Health Services website and social media pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coordinating with State Health Officials to monitor and manage the situation. What to do if you have been exposed or have symptoms If you believe you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms: Stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others. Call your healthcare provider or the Midland Health Department before visiting a medical facility to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others. If you decide you want to be seen at your doctor's office or at a health care facility such as an emergency department or clinic, please call them first and inform them you were possibly exposed to measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. Prevention and vaccination Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The Midland Health Department offers the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for individuals who are unvaccinated. While no special vaccination clinics are currently planned, residents are encouraged to check their immunization records and speak with their healthcare provider about their vaccination status. People born before 1957 are usually considered immune. Those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are also considered protected. Vaccination, even shortly before or after exposure, may prevent or lessen the severity of measles. In certain high-risk individuals (such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated infants), immune globulin given within six days of exposure may help prevent infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay informed and stay protected For more information on measles, visit our website or contact the Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613. Updates will be provided on their Facebook page to keep the community informed. A critically missing 86-year-old woman has been found and is safe, the Milwaukee Police Department said Sunday morning. The woman had been last seen on foot in the 4700 block of North 70th Street around 1:30pm Saturday. "Critical missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors. Milwaukee police are still looking for a critically missing 85-year-old, Christine Gronkowski, who was last seen early Sunday morning. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police locate critically missing 86-year-old woman The last time I visited HMP Frankland, where three prison officers were reportedly attacked and seriously injured by a terrorist yesterday, was in 2015. Then, I had been tasked by the government to investigate Islamist extremism in the prison system. The best way of knowing what is happening on the front line, far from the HQ bureaucrats reach, is to go there. And so I visited every high-security prison holding extremists including Frankland, just outside Durham to ask staff how they kept safe and what more they needed. I can still remember the chilling ordinariness of men and women in uniform explaining how they worked to avoid being taken hostage and murdered by dangerous ideologues who viewed them as available targets for jihad. One officer said that the only thing that kept him safe each day was not his employer but sheer blind luck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a bloody assault that saw one officer airlifted to hospital with stab wounds and others slashed and scalded, their luck ran out. The alleged assailant is Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, who was sentenced to 55 years for his role in that atrocity. I wanted to be sure that these awful events were reduced almost to impossible. So in a wide-ranging report to Michael Gove, the then justice secretary, I made 69 recommendations. He accepted them almost in their entirety. Very many of the suggestions I made withered on the vine when he was subsequently sacked. A few, including the idea of separation centres, were adopted, albeit very grudgingly, by a Prison Service hierarchy that was stung by the criticism I had of it for failing to protect staff and society from terrorists. Separation centres, as I had conceived them, were designed to incapacitate totally those few ideologically motivated offenders who were most intent on subverting national security by evangelising hatred to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I placed heavy emphasis on control and safety as a prerequisite, but also saw these units as an opportunity for those confined in them to address their own dangerous beliefs and behaviours if they so chose. If they refused, they would remain separated for the rest of their sentence if necessary: win-win. The Prison Service initially made the bar on acceptance so ludicrously high that the units could not be filled a tactic I remain convinced was being used to purport to show their ineffectiveness. It took an intervention from the then Lord Chancellor to force the Prison Service to operate them properly. But these units can only work in a secure and stable environment where the state is in charge of the institution. Only last week, a highly regarded criminal barrister, Tony Wyatt, disclosed that he was being told by his clients that Frankland was in the control of Islamist gangs. It is alleged that some prisoners who have refused to convert have had to be compulsorily segregated for their own protection, although the Ministry of Justice has denied this. It seems clear that Frankland is an institution where there has been a catastrophic breakdown in security that cannot be allowed to be brushed under the carpet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yesterdays assailant allegedly had access to boiling oil and improvised weapons. This should have been one of the most surveilled and secure pieces of real estate in western Europe. In July of last year, a police officer was stabbed in the chest by a prisoner inside Frankland. These places are difficult and dangerous to run but incidents like these suggest that security has fallen apart. Abedi did not come to Frankland with a clean sheet. He was moved there after being involved in a violent assault on a prison officer in HMP Belmarsh in 2020, alongside two other convicted terrorists, Ahmed Hassan and Muhammed Saeed. The attack, described as animalistic, made the manager of the unit fear he was going to be killed. This unit incidentally was the Special Security Unit, a prison within a prison designed to hold exceptional-risk Category A prisoners. Abedi was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm with no terrorist intent, receiving an additional sentence of three years and 10 months to run consecutively. So here we have a very highly dangerous terrorist, in a unit specially designed to isolate and control his behaviour, who has allegedly committed another terrorist offence which, from reports of the injuries, was designed to be lethal. Terrorists have all day and every day of sometimes exceptionally long sentences to observe staff, routines and weaknesses and carry out pre-meditated attacks. Prison staff dealing with them must be lucky every day, and that is an unacceptable burden. One of my recommendations that was turned down was the creation of an independent adviser on prison counterterrorism who reported direct to ministers and side-stepped credulous officials at HQ who were unwilling or unable to see the problems. At the time, it was reported that the source of opposition was those officials who feared it would be me. Many of them are still in place today and in positions of senior leadership. What is going wrong at Frankland, and undoubtedly at many other of our high-security prisons, happened on their watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, as with all the long litany of security failures, there will be no accountability. Yesterdays attack moves us closer to the day when a prison officer will be murdered on duty by a terrorist. Other terrorists are watching. Some will be celebrating. Ministers who will certainly be resigning in that grim eventuality still have time to get a grip. The officers maimed today, and their families, deserve nothing less 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 27-year-old man was found dead after he was reported missing in a wildlife area in western Wisconsin. On Friday evening, the St. Croix County Sheriffs Office says it received a request for a welfare check on an outdoorsman who was overdue to return from the Cylon Marsh Wildlife Area near Deer Park. The sheriffs office was able to find the vehicle of the missing man, and then the Deer Park Fire Department was called upon to lead a search for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional resources were brought to the search on Saturday morning, and just before 9:30 a.m. the man's body was found in the wildlife area. He has been identified as Louis Frederick Miller, 27, of River Falls. His caught of death has not been disclosed, though foul play is not suspected. An investigation is ongoing. (FOX40.COM) A teen girl who was reported missing from Sacramento nearly a year ago was rescued from a predator in Houston, Texas, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4. Video Above: What should you do if someone you love goes missing? On July 30, 2024, the California Highway Patrol issued an Ebony Alert for a 14-year-old girl who had not been seen or heard from since May 2024. It is unclear why the alert wasnt put out until months after her disappearance, but her mother, Kayla Green, said the case wasnt taken seriously by law enforcement when she reported it. Ebony Alert issued for girl reported missing in Elk Grove Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a year later, on April 10, deputies in Houston responded to reports of a suspicious person in the 1000 block of Cold Snow Drive. The caller said a male and a female were inside his vacant residence. When deputies arrived, they said the male and the female attempted to flee but were detained. The male was identified as Tarik Exavier Jammer, 28, and the female as the missing Sacramento teen. An investigation revealed that the girl met Jammer online while playing video games and ran away from home to be with him, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4. While with him, she turned 15. Filing missing person reports in California: What are the requirements and time limits? Houston deputies said they formed a sexual/dating relationship, however, by law, a 14-year-old girl cannot consent to being with a 28-year-old man. In California, that is considered statutory rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am livid and disappointed with the lack of support that was given here (Sacramento) from our local law enforcement, said Sacramento activist Berry Accius. Accius was contacted by the teens mother for help after being dismissed by law enforcement. Had anyone even cared, this whole thing wouldve been resolved months ago, Accius said. If it was not for some good neighbors who thought it was strange for folks to be living inside an abandoned home (she) would still be gone! Jammer was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail for alleged sexual performance of a child, according to Constable Mark Herman. The girl was taken to a safe facility to be reunited with her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said the incident remains under investigation and Jammer may face additional 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 FOX40 News. The Trump administration, in a filing posted to the docket several minutes after a 5 p.m. Saturday deadline, said a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador is alive and remains detained there. The late-in-the-day filing is in an effort to comply with Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis order from Friday, which demanded the government provide a daily status report on Kilmar Abrego Garcias whereabouts and conditions, along with any efforts being taken to bring him back to the United States. It is my understanding based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, Michael G. Kozak, a senior bureau official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department, wrote in a two-page sworn declaration. He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate filing also submitted Saturday evening, asking for additional relief, attorneys for Abrego Garcia used President Donald Trumps words against him. Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Yesterday, President Trump confirmed that the United States has the power to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from prison and return to the United States: If the Supreme Court said, Bring somebody back, I would do that. ... I respect the Supreme Court, the attorneys quoted Trump as telling reporters Friday night. The attorneys were referencing a Thursday ruling from the high court that ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from a Salvadoran prison to which he was sent on March 15. Of course, the man's lawyers wrote, that is precisely what the Supreme Court did when it ruled that this Courts injunction properly requires the Government to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trump appeared to walk back his Friday message in a Saturday post on Truth Social. In the post, Trump said he is working with President Bukele of El Salvador to eradicate terrorist organizations, and build a future of Prosperity. President Bukele has graciously accepted into his Nations custody some of the most violent alien enemies of the World and, in particular, the United States, Trump wrote. These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President B and his Government. The two leaders are scheduled to meet Monday in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Abrego Garcia are asking the district court to order the government to, by the end of the day Monday, take specific steps to comply with the injunction in the case and to order expedited discovery of the governments actions or failure to act in facilitating Abrego Garcias return to the United States. They are also asking the court to order the government to show cause by 10 a.m. Monday as to why it should not be held in contempt due to its failure to comply with the courts prior orders, including any failure to a comply with the courts April 11 order that stated the government needed to provide, by Friday morning, information on what steps it was taking to coordinate Abrego Garcias return following the Supreme Courts order from the day prior. Xinis on Friday had directed the Trump administration to take all available steps to facilitate Abrego Garcias return following Thursdays high court order. She also asked for a daily update on Abrego Garcias whereabouts. The Supreme Court decision did not require the Trump administration to immediately try to return Abrego Garcia because Xinis deadline to bring him home had already passed. But the unsigned decision stated that the government should be prepared to share what it can concerning the steps it has taken and the prospect of further steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling rejected the administrations emergency appeal of Xinis April 4 order, which called for Abrego Garcias return by April 7. On Friday, the government said it needed more time to provide Xinis with the requested information on Abrego Garcia. The Maryland father, a legal resident protected from deportation by a 2019 court order, was mistakenly sent to the Salvadoran prison along with other men who were alleged to be gang members. The Trump administration claims Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13, though he has never been charged with or convicted of a crime. His attorneys said there is no evidence he was in the gang, and immigration officials have conceded he should not have been sent to El Salvador, his country of birth, calling it an administrative error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday is the first time since March 15 that the government has said Abrego Garcia is alive. Xinis is set to hold a hearing Tuesday afternoon to check in with the government on where it is in terms of getting Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Russian missiles struck the heart of the Ukrainian city of Sumy as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people, officials said, in the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week. The two ballistic missiles hit around 10:15 a.m., officials said. Images from the scene showed lines of black body bags on the side of the road, while more bodies were seen wrapped in foil blankets among the debris. Video footage also showed fire crews fighting to extinguish the shells of burned-out cars among the rubble from damaged buildings. The dead included two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. A further 117 people were wounded, including 15 children, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The head of the Ukrainian presidents office, Andriy Yermak, said the strike also used cluster munitions in an attempt to kill as many people as possible. The Associated Press was unable to verify the claim. The attack on Sumy followed a deadly missile strike on Zelenskyys hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed some 20 people, including nine children. Zelenskyy called for a global response to the attack. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. Whats needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other world leaders also condemned the attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying that it undermined Washington-led peace talks between the two sides. Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it with blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump, he wrote in a statement. Elsewhere in Ukraine, two women, ages 62 and 68, and a 48-year-old man were killed in Russian attacks on the Kherson region, local Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said. Another person was killed during Russian shelling on Ukraines Donetsk region, Gov. Vadym Filashkin said. The mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, said a Russian strike hit one of the citys kindergartens, shattering windows and damaging the buildings facade. No casualties were reported. Spring offensive fears despite peace talks The strikes come a day after Russia and Ukraines senior diplomats accused each other of violating a tentative U.S.-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of negotiating an end to the three-year war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries foreign ministers spoke at separate events at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum a day after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace prospects. The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning, every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding that Moscow would provide the U.S., Turkey and international bodies with a list of Kyivs attacks during the past three weeks. His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, contested that claim, saying Saturday that Russia had launched almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 exploding drones and more than 6,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, mostly at civilians since agreeing to the limited pause on strikes. Russian forces hold the advantage in Ukraine, and Kyiv has warned that Moscow is planning a fresh spring offensive to ramp up pressure on its foe and improve its negotiating position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has endorsed a broader U.S. ceasefire proposal, but Russia has effectively blocked it by imposing far-reaching conditions. European governments have accused Putin of dragging his feet. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, said the Sumy attack crossed any line of decency and that the White House remained committed to ending the conflict. There are scores of civilian dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting, and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war, he said. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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, Harper said. She added that with the overall job market, job opportunities may or may not be available in some of these rural towns. Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org My grandfather used to say: Even in the bad times, people buy chocolate. Lets hope Bill Johnsons grandfather is still right. Johnson Candy Co. celebrates a momentous occasion in 2025 100 years in Tacoma, all of it in the Hilltop neighborhood. The familys sweet history dates back even further, though, likely to the mid-1910s, when Louis Johnson helmed Olympic Dairy on South K Street, now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. His son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Irene Johnson, took charge around 1925, adding a lunch counter that also sold outsourced candies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Bill tells it, Russell figured he could make them just as well. So he trained with a candymaker named Senator Finley, eventually buying his recipes. After Russells death in 1997 at age 96, Bills dad Ron remembered the reasoning from more of a financial perspective in a story in The News Tribune: When customers paid their bills, they bought candy on the way out. The candy bill got larger and larger over time, so dad decided to expand and just have a candy store. At one point, according to Bill via his father, fellow Tacoma candymaker Frank C. Mars later, of course, of M&M fame asked Russell if he wanted to team up. Johnson didnt have the money, said Bill: I probably wouldnt be here if he had! Either way, truth holds that in 1949, Russell and Irene scrapped the lunch counter concept and shuffled down the street to a new, concrete and Roman-brick, art-deco building designed by architect Silas E. Nelsen. Johnson Candy Co. has anchored this corner at 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way ever since. Third-generation owner Bill Johnson still makes most of the candy at Johnson Candy Co. in Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood, after learning from his father, Ron. The shop celebrates 100 years in 2025. TACOMA CANDY TRADITION On a Tuesday morning in April, less than two weeks before Easter, a few employees cheerfully assisted customers in selecting candies for a basket or just satisfying todays sweet tooth. Would you like a sample? is baked into their hellos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doorbell jingled as Noni Haight walked in with her 2-year-old daughter, who had an appointment nearby. They live in Parkland now, but Haight was raised in Hilltop, and a Johnson Candy visit was their tradition after a doctors visit. I got to choose a candy, she recalled, but they always give samples. This place has been a part of home. Its more than just chocolate. Its Tacoma. Ron inherited the business in the early 1960s, maintaining the same from-scratch recipes for chocolate truffles, creams, nougat-filled rounds, nut clusters and caramels. At that time, they sold candy throughout the Pacific Northwest, including to many taverns that offered them as a prize to a pull-tab-type gamble, which is crazy to me, said Bill this April, that people who hung out at bars would get excited about a piece of chocolate! There was no guarantee that Johnson Candy would have outlived Irene, now in her 80s, and Ron, who at 92 still plays a vital role in the business today. He was still in the shop daily until Bill insisted he cool it during the COVID-19 pandemic. I sent him home and said, You cant come in anymore! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill calls him every morning, and his dad places orders for ingredients, including some that are getting harder and harder to find like coarse confectioners sugar and others that require increasingly large minimums that challenge the familys ability to continue offering their old-fashioned treats at a reasonable price. Johnson Candy Co. moved to 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (then South K Street) in 1949, but founder Russell Johnson started the business as a lunch counter down the street around 1925. The neon sign is original, restored by local artist Galen Turner. When I left for college, I thought Id mopped my last floor here for sure, said Bill in an interview. He had spent most of the 1990s working in Seattle restaurants. In 2002, he estimated, he got a call from his mother, essentially saying, Dads getting old. Did he feel an obligation to continue the legacy? No, not at all, he replied without skipping a beat. I dont know what else Id do. 100 YEARS OF CHOCOLATE He learned the tricks of the trade, which, at Johnson Candy are rooted in feeling. To make the caramel, Bill explained, You just put your hand over it. When the sugar hardens a bit, thats when you take it off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maple floors of the second floor candy room are not littered with thermometers or fancy gadgets. Its more like a living museum, with long, custom-made, marble-slab tables to hold the rows and rows of chocolates and caramel and eggs, one-of-a-kind treats as each and every one is formed by hand. The iron stand of the copper kettle, as big as a boat anchor, is basically caramelized to the floor after decades of up to 900-degree, gas-powered heat. It also has an electric motor, a mesmerizing detail considering the date welded onto the arm that holds the spinning metal paddle: July 28, 1914. Russell would have purchased this machine used, said Bill, as with most things in the shop. 1958 has been written in permanent marker on the side of an enrober from W.C. Smith and Sons, a confectionery machine company in Philadelphia. Bill said his dad had kept the paperwork for the latter secondhand scoop: $850 in 1980. These things run like a tank; they never break, said Bill. To replace any of this equipment today would cost three figures, minimum, and likely several. I dont want it to be a luxury that regular Tacomans cant afford, said Bill Johnson at the shop on April 8. A pound of mixed chocolates sells for around $26. As his own children in their early teens grow, he wants them to go through school and find a career they love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes I love it, sometimes its really hard, said Bill of keeping the old-fashioned candy tradition alive in a world freshly obsessed with seemingly any new food fad. I dont know if small businesses like this are gonna remain viable. As costs have risen, Johnson Candy has hesitated to raise their prices too quickly or too drastically. I dont want it to be a luxury that regular Tacomans cant afford, said Bill. Small businesses are really what make a community unique. Our customers are great. I feel forever indebted to them, and thats why you do it. In honor of the 100th anniversary and Easter holiday, the shop is again offering its Golden Egg contest, in which select eggs (including Bills favorite peanut butter and the popular Divinity, filled with a homemade marshmallow fluff) are randomly wrapped with a hidden gold foil. Prizes include tote bags, T-shirts and limited-edition glass eggs from Hilltop Artists. JOHNSON CANDY CO. 924 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253-272-8504, johnsoncandyco.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Easter specials: edible chocolate baskets filled with candies as well as regular baskets, eggs in various flavors and fillings, molded bunnies and more, plus the multitude of chocolates available daily More international students and recent graduates of the Johns Hopkins University have had their visas revoked by the federal government, bringing the number of those impacted to several dozen as of Thursday, the Baltimore school said. We share the serious concerns arising from recent changes in federal immigration policies and enforcement activities and understand the anxiety this instills in our community members and their families, here and abroad, the universitys website reads. We are working directly with affected students. On Tuesday, Hopkins said about a dozen students and recent graduates had been impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F-1 visa program is part of the National Security Investigations Division and helps government organizations that have an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students, according to the divisions website. The Trump administration has targeted students who had been involved with pro-Palestinian activism or speech, including Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was a leader of protests at Columbia University. The University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County have also had students lose their visas. We have received no information about the specific basis for the revocations, but we have no indication that they are associated with free expression activities on campus, a Hopkins statement reads. While visa revocations require students to depart the United States, we are not aware of any arrests or detentions of Johns Hopkins students as a result of these visa actions. The university said its taken required steps to inform students of the terminations and is providing them with supports such as academic advising and health and wellness services. Have a news tip? Contact Matt Hubbard at mhubbard@baltsun.com, 443-651-0101 or @mthubb on X. Welcome to the Your Morning newsletter featuring the latest news across America! Its Sunday, April 13, and theres a lot happening today. Lets dive into it: President Trump speaks during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House on March 13, 2025, in Washington. Pilot Sean Johnson (courtesy: Remi Adeleke) Aerial view of a Roosevelt Water Conservation Districts Consolidated Canal Bill Maher at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FILE Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, speaks to the Transportation Research Board gathering in Washington, Jan. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) News Across America Police identify victims in Boca Raton plane crash 3 more students at NM State have visas revoked 97-year-old womans death of hypothermia ruled homicide Good NewsNation Chainsaws, beans, turtles: The odd things left in Ubers Want more good news? Get it delivered to your inbox each morning. Subscribe to Your 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 NewsNation. MOUNDVILLE, Mo. Ten days after the Moundville tornado, recovery efforts continue to provide support in this time of need. Residents and volunteers came together this morning for clean up day. They say theyre working to rebuild the pretty, quiet village Moundville was before an EF2 tornado struck on April 2. Today, volunteers cleared fallen trees and branches, distributed food and water, and helped residents salvage their belongings. Two Moundville residents, and mother and daughter duo, share their hopes and goals for the future of Moundville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GALLERY: Southwest Missouri storm & tornado damage We just want to help everyone make it feel home again, said Bailey Cliffman, volunteer and daughter of Ms. Cliffman. Volunteers coming back to help another person in a time of need and there is a lot of that in the world today. Weve just been blessed to see it and hope to see it again today, said Tonya Cliffman, organizer of clean up day. SW Missouri tornado upgraded to EF-2 with 115 mph peak winds Red Cross donated shovels, rakes, and trash bags for the clean up. Vernon County Road and Bridge crew picked up debris from the streets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Multiple people were injured on Sunday when a two-story house collapsed in Austin, Texas, and at least 23 other homes were damaged after witnesses reported hearing a huge explosion, authorities said. The two-story house collapsed in northwest Austin around 11:23 a.m. local time, according to the Austin Fire Department. "When Austin Fire Department crews arrived on scene they found a two-story home that looked like it had suffered an explosion, which was leveled to the ground," Division Chief Wayne Parrish of the Austin Fire Department said at a news conference Sunday afternoon. "A second house, a neighboring house, had also suffered severe collapse damage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parrish said firefighters also found a vehicle on fire outside the house that was completely flattened "They extinguished the car fire and there was also some smaller spot fires occurring in the debris," Parish said. PHOTO: The Austin Fire Department responds, April 13, 2025, to an explosion that collapsed a two-story home and injured multiple people. (James Collier) Firefighters extricated one critically injured person and another seriously injured person from the home that was leveled by the explosion, said Capt. Shannon Koesterer, spokesperson for Austin-Travis County EMS. Koesterer said a second critically injured person was extricated from the home next door, which partially collapsed in the explosion. Koesterer said another adult patient was treated at the scene for minor injures and that two firefighters, including one who was hospitalized, suffered minor injuries while working at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As far as we know, we have accounted for everybody that was in all of the residences," Parrish said. MORE: Video: Deadly house explosion rocks Michigan neighborhood Parrish added a excavators were being brought to the scene "to help us do more large debris removal." Emergency medial services officials said a total of six people, including the critically injured victims, were injured in the incident, but there were no fatalities. PHOTO: Smokes billows in the distance from an explosion, April 13, 2025, that collapsed a two-story home in Austin, Texas, according to the Austin Fire Department. (Chase Miller) "With this size of explosion, we have approximately, that we know of right now, 24 homes that have reported damage in the area," said Parrish, adding that many of the damaged home had broken windows and blown-out garage doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parrish added that reports were coming in that the explosion was heard as far away as Georgetown, about 25 miles north of Austin. MORE: 1 firefighter killed, 10 more injured in 'catastrophic' house explosion in Virginia: Officials The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the explosion. Fire officials said the Texas Gas Service confirmed that there were no underground natural gas lines leading to the house, but that the residence did have a propane tank. Witness Chase Miller shared with ABC News a video he recorded from a parking lot near the scene of the explosion that showed a large plume of smoke billowing from the collapsed house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller told ABC News he was in the parking lot and heard a giant boom, then saw the smoke and started recording. The explosion was so loud that police in some surrounding communities said they received reports from residents who heard the blast. "The explosion rocked our house and I looked to make sure my dogs were OK and grabbed my phone and turned it on," Ingrid Vanderveldt of Austin, who also recorded video showing damaged homes near the flattened residence where the blast apparently occurred, told ABC News. In the video, Vanderveldt and her husband, who live in the neighborhood rocked by the blast, proceeded to inspect the neighborhood with other residents, finding broken windows and damaged doors up and down their street. Multiple injuries in Austin, Texas, house explosion originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MURRAY, Ky. (FOX 56) A Calloway County highway has been reopened after it was shut down while troopers with the Kentucky State Police (KSP) investigated a crash that left a West Virginia motorcycle driver seriously injured. State police said in a news release around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday that troopers with KSP Post 1 are investigating a crash at the intersection of Pella Way and US-641 North. An initial investigation on Saturday showed that 22-year-old Zachary Jackson of Madison, West Virginia, was driving a 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle on Poor Farm Road. As he came to the intersection of Poor Farm Road and US-641, he was allegedly hit by 44-year-old Jonathan Mathis of Hardin, who was heading south in a 2016 Ford Explorer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Mathis vehicle allegedly hit the motorcycle, KSP wrote in a news release that the Ford kept going across the median into the northbound lanes, where it allegedly hit a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 74-year-old Sue Robinson of Hampton. State police said Jackson was flown to an out-of-state hospital for serious injuries. Mathis was taken to Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Robinson did not report being hurt in the crash. Just before midnight, authorities said US-641 northbound between North 4th Street and KY-80 was reopened after being closed for several hours. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Elon Musk has admitted his Department of Government Efficiency may only cut $150 billion in spending just 15 percent of his original $1 trillion goal. Musk told President Donald Trumps cabinet the revised number in a meeting Thursday, back-tracking on his previous promises to cut $1 trillion in government spending by September 30, the end of the fiscal year. However, a new analysis from The New York Times reveals that even Musks much-smaller goal likely isnt feasible because DOGE has been inflating its progress with billion-dollar errors and making assumptions about future federal spending that isnt set in stone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE continues to publicly report its savings on its website, labeling it the Wall of Receipts. The site, which was last updated Tuesday, is heavily error-ridden and shows a total of $150 billion in estimated savings, according to the Times. Elon Musk has lowered the Department of Government Efficiencys savings goals from $1 trillion to just $150 billion (Getty Images) While DOGE has cleared up some mistakes including entries that mistakenly triple-counted some savings or reported billion when they meant million others still remain, the outlet reports. These errors include a reported $1.9 billion in savings from a canceled IRS contract. But the contract they cite was actually canceled under former President Joe Biden. Another error includes a touted $1.75 billion in savings from a supposedly canceled grant to a vaccine nonprofit, according to the Times. The nonprofit has reported they were already paid the grant in full, meaning DOGE saved nothing by canceling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, even groups that support Musks goal are saying theyre frustrated with DOGE. Theyre just spinning their wheels, citing in many cases overstated or fake savings, Romina Boccia, the director of budget and entitlement policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, told the Times. Whats most frustrating is that we agree with their goals. But were watching them flail at achieving them. Musks $1 trillion goal has been clearly impossible for a while. Last month, The New Yorker reported that DOGE would only save $245.8 billion a year if it fired every single federal worker outside the military or USPS. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump (R), when Trump signed an executive order implementing the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) "workforce optimization initiative," on February 11, 2025. (Getty Images) Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office has been investigating DOGE since last month, according to Wired. Their audit is specifically targeting DOGEs access to sensitive government data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit comes after Congressional leaders requested it in light of alarming media reports of DOGE infiltrating federal systems, a congressional aide told Wired. The reports of untrained people rummaging around databases changing code, scraping data who knows what theyre doing? were pretty alarming, the aide said. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. United States Space Force doled out more than $13.7 billion in Department of Defense contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Blue Origin on April 4 as part of its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 program. The contracts were awarded to provide critical space support to meet national security objectives, according to an online post by the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Valencia surprises Evans and Jones High School seniors with full-tuition scholarships Elon Musks SpaceX brand landed $5.9 billion, while ULA secured $5.3 billion. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, will receive $2.4 billion. Efforts by Orlando Business Journal to reach each company for comment were unsuccessful. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (Reuters) -SpaceX's Starlink satellite system is now available in Somalia, owner Elon Musk wrote on social media platform X on Sunday, while a Somalia government official confirmed the company has been given a licence to operate in the country. "We have been in talks with this company (Starlink) for a period of two and half years. We gave them the licence today," Mustafa Yasiin, director of communication in the telecommunications ministry said in a video posted on state news agency SONNA's Facebook account on Sunday. "We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and will make the internet service reach more remote areas," he added. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru and Abdi Sheikh in MogadishuEditing by Elias Biryabarema,David Goodman and David Evans) Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs after hitting a single which scored Bo Bichette on a ball hit by hit against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich during the third inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle hits a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios during the second inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson (2) advances to third base on a single hit by Ryan O'Hearn against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios during the first inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson slides into home plate safely and avoids the tag from Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk on fielders choice hit by Adley Rutschman during the third inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk is greeted by third base coach Carlos Febles (51) after hitting a solo home run against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich during the second inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle (6) celebrates his solo home run hit with Jackson Holliday a during the second inning of baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement scores a run on a ball hit by Myles Straw against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement scores a run on a ball hit by Myles Straw against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. runs after hitting a single which scored Bo Bichette on a ball hit by hit against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich during the third inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle hits a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios during the second inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson (2) advances to third base on a single hit by Ryan O'Hearn against Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berrios during the first inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson slides into home plate safely and avoids the tag from Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk on fielders choice hit by Adley Rutschman during the third inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk is greeted by third base coach Carlos Febles (51) after hitting a solo home run against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cade Povich during the second inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Baltimore Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle (6) celebrates his solo home run hit with Jackson Holliday a during the second inning of baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement scores a run on a ball hit by Myles Straw against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Keegan Akin during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Baltimore, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) BALTIMORE (AP) Myles Straw drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning to cap a comeback that carried the Toronto Blue Jays past the Baltimore Orioles 7-6 on Sunday. Alejandro Kirk homered and drove in two runs for the Blue Jays, who trailed 6-3 in the eighth before rallying to earn a split of the rain-shortened two-game series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Mountcastle and Tyler O'Neill went deep and Gunnar Henderson had three hits for the Orioles, who were denied their first winning streak and series victory of the year. In the 10th, Ernie Clement singled to put runners on the corners before Straw hit a slow roller to third off Matt Bowman (0-1). Jeff Hoffman (2-0) got the win with two innings of scoreless relief. Kirk doubled in a run, Davis Schneider hit an RBI single and Bo Bichette added a run-scoring single off Yennier Cano to tie it up in the eighth. A frustrated George Springer was removed with left wrist discomfort," according to the Blue Jays, in the fifth inning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was ejected by home plate umpire John Bacon in the third inning for arguing a third strike call on Jordan Westburg. Key moment After Adley Rutschman hit a one-out double in the ninth, Hoffman struck out Ryan O'Hearn before retiring Westburg on a liner to right. Key stat The Orioles have hit 14 homers in six games against Toronto this season, including five off Jose Berrios in 10 innings. In addition, Baltimore has 10 straight multi-homer games against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards since August 2023. Up next Blue Jays: LHP Easton Lucas (2-0, 0.00 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Atlanta Braves. Orioles: After a day off Monday, Baltimore and struggling RHP Charlie Morton (0-3, 8.78) host the Cleveland Guardians. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Will Stephens slouched back in his steel folding chair and watched in disgust as individuals he suspected were drug users loitered on different sides of his home in broad daylight. A few of the men may live in a van a block away, he said, but occasionally someone sneaks into his backyard to sleep or change clothes. Every day, I have to deal with it, said Stephens, 67, a retired chef whose block along Central Avenue has deteriorated over the last few years due to drug abuse, crime and prostitution. I ignore them. Thats the best way to deal with it. Its not worth getting caught up in stupidness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephens said he welcomes the news that dozens of National Guard members will be deployed to Albuquerque next month to help police crack down on juvenile crime and stem the flow of fentanyl, opioids and other illegal drugs. The transit-oriented route runs east-west through downtown, passing shops, restaurants, historic neighborhoods and the University of New Mexico. However, a 2-mile stretch between San Mateo and Wyoming boulevards is marked by large homeless populations and visible drug abuse. During a three-week operation on East Central in January and February, police made 116 felony arrests and 38 misdemeanor arrests and cleared 106 felony warrants, authorities said. I ignore them. Thats the best way to deal with it. Its not worth getting caught up in stupidness, said Will Stephens. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration last week authorizing the National Guard to assist the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guard members will not be questioning or arresting suspects but will instead take on more mundane duties, such as securing crime scenes and accident sites, freeing up the 890-officer police force to focus on fighting crime, city leaders said. Although overall crime has decreased in the Sun Belt city of more than half a million people, the move is intended as a proactive measure to keep the numbers down, they said. Albuquerque recorded 96 homicides in 2025, compared to 99 in 2023 and 121 in 2022, according to the police department. Were finally seeing a sustained positive shift in most crime trends for the first time in decades, and now is the time to build on that momentum, Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betty Holland, an employee at Central Trailer Supply on Central Avenue, said two people were arrested outside the store last week and another person was killed in the parking lot six weeks ago. The troops will help, Holland said. Resident Bill Steward, 50, called the plan a good thing. They dont have enough cops around Albuquerque, and theyre investigating crime scenes for 12 hours at a time, Steward said. Another resident, Patrick Denetdale, 38, said he looked forward to seeing the troops on the streets. Half the time people call the police and they dont show up, he said. But Jay Ballantyne, 41, who lives on Central Avenue, said all the talk about crime in the city is overblown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel safe, he said. Jay Ballantyne said he feels safe in Albuquerque. The police department also aims to reduce juvenile crime, such as armed teens stealing cars or breaking into homes, before these disturbances escalate into homicides, said spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos Jr. Ten teenagers were arrested on suspicion of homicide last year, compared to 14 the previous year and nine in 2022, police records show. New Mexico had the sixth-highest drug overdose rate in the country, with an estimated 1,029 overdose deaths in 2021, an increase of 68% from 2019, according to a 2023 report from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee. Residents gather near Central Avenue in Albuquerque last week. Lujan Grisham could not be reached for comment, but she reiterated in a statement last week that the point of the program is to allow police officers to focus on what they do best keeping our communities safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unarmed Guard members will wear polo shirts instead of fatigues and camouflage, Keller said at a news conference last week. They will have limited interaction with community members and will not be driving military vehicles, officials said. Nevertheless, some people believe even plainclothes troops could pose a safety risk to the community, said Daniel Williams, policy advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico. Increased policing always raises concerns for us about increased excessive force or increased civil right violations or racial profiling, Williams said. Were going to be be watching closely to see if those concerns come to fruition. Law enforcement officers maintained a heavy presence along Central Avenue last week as large police vehicles patrolled the corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernalillo County sheriffs deputies stopped and questioned three people they said were jaywalking Thursday afternoon, asked for identification and briefly handcuffed one of them. Bernalillo County Sheriffs Deputy Joe Barreto questions three people accused of jaywalking as part of a crackdown on crime citywide Deputy Joe Barreto said he was trying to keep them from being struck by vehicles because they were walking in the middle of the street. Nourdine Sideye, manager of Adam Food Market on Central Avenue, said the plan does not make sense to him after he learned troops will mainly be performing tasks like passing out bottled water to homeless people and directing traffic. If something happens, you still have to call the police, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Germany is seeking to build a drone wall along Natos eastern border with Russia to help defend its Baltic allies from a future invasion. Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, has vowed to rearm Germany in response to the threat from Russia, passing historic reforms last month that unlock potentially unlimited spending on defence projects. The German arms industry is now discussing the idea of building a fleet of drones or a drone wall to defend all or parts of Natos eastern flank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wall, also known as a drone nexus in defence industry circles, would consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of unmanned aircraft that would survey the border, act as an early detection system and deter Russian aggression. Natos eastern member states Finland, Estonia and Latvia share a long, porous border with Russia. Western officials fear that it could become the flashpoint of a major confrontation with Moscow in the future. The governments of Finland, Lithuania, Norway and Poland have previously lobbied for a continent-spanning drone wall with EU funding, but that proposal was rejected by Brussels this week, opening the door to a German-led approach. One of the German firms eager to contribute to the drone wall is Bavaria-based Quantum Systems, which said it could build some of the drones required for the project in just one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Karkour, the chief sales officer at Quantum Systems, said: With the right political coordination, a first operational layer using existing, proven technology could be deployed within a year. The technology is ready. What is still needed is a strategy at the EU or Nato level. He added: We have the capacity to produce hundreds of AI-powered reconnaissance drones per month and scale further. He stressed that the project was a huge undertaking that may need to involve several defence and technology firms, as well as a clear vision from the top levels of Nato and the EU. Mr Karkour said it was important that the drone wall, or nexus, be sourced within Europe because of growing concerns that the continent can no longer rely on US security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European-made systems ensure strategic autonomy and keep sensitive data under European control. The kill switch issue certainly also has some truth to it also when it comes to software support of existing systems, he said, referring to the purported ability of the US to remotely shut down weapons it sells to Europe. European systems can also be tailored to local legal and operational standards thats critical for sovereign security, he added. Quantum Systems battle-hardened drone fleet is already being used by Ukrainian forces, such as the Achilles battalion, which is estimated to have destroyed $56 million (43 million) worth of Russian anti-aircraft and missile systems since the full-scale invasion. The Achilles battalion, which uses Quantum Systems drones, is estimated to have destroyed 43 million worth of Russian anti-aircraft and missile systems The Munich-based defence firm Helsing, which has shown interest in the wall concept, said drone patrols could be used as an alternative to minefields on the Russia-Nato border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent interview, Gundbert Scherf, Helsings chief executive, discussed the idea of a drone wall spanning Natos entire eastern flank, from Finland to Bulgaria. He told Deutschlandfunk, a German newspaper: If we deploy there in large numbers, rely on asymmetric capabilities and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, then it will be a very credible conventional deterrent. In March, Mr Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Christian Democrats, passed major legislation in the German parliament that made defence projects costing more than 1 per cent of GDP exempt from the debt brake, a strict limit on borrowing. German military spending The reforms marked a significant change for Germany, ending its post-war aversion to vast military spending and taking on excessive government debts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have also raised the prospect of a boom for the German defence industry, which already provides substantial military support to Ukraine via the tanks and artillery manufacturer Rheinmetall, among other companies. Mr Merz is due to be sworn in as Germanys next chancellor in early May, having secured a coalition deal with the centre-Left Social Democrats. The coalition will largely tackle mass migration, tax cuts and support for the car industry, but also vows to keep up military support for Ukrainian soldiers and financial commitments to Nato. Mr Karkour, and other German defence firm leaders, are now waiting for directions from the new government, and may soon be fiercely competing for contracts that could define Europes long-term security. At that point, he said, an estimated cost for the project will become clearer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Before any serious estimate can be made, political and military leaders need to define the operational requirements, What exactly needs to be monitored, where, and at what level of persistence? Thats not a question for industry to answer its a strategic decision. Once those parameters are clear, industry can deliver scalable, costed solutions. 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. NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) Dozens of community members showed up to support a second-grade student battling leukemia in Naugatuck on Saturday. Amare Murphy is a second grader at Maple Hill Elementary School and hes been living with leukemia for a year. Connecticut Families: Quilts That Care wraps cancer patients and their families in comfort and hope People were motivated to help Murphy and other kids battling cancer out by donating blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disease treatment often results in low blood counts and a need for transfusions. Its been a long journey thats been filled with a lot of blood transfusions that he has needed to honestly survive everything, so we thought this was a great way to give back, Amares mother Carissa Roman said. Roman said supporters have dubbed themselves Amares Army and encourages everyone to donate blood if they are able. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Sunday his relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk is great after the Tesla CEO called him a moron amid a public disagreement over President Trumps tariff strategy. In an interview on NBC Newss Meet the Press, Navarro insisted there is no issue with Musk, who has pushed for a zero tariff situation with Europe and has publicly dissed Navarros pro-tariff position. So, first of all, Elon and I are great. Its not an issue, Navarro told moderator Kristen Welker when asked whether Musk won their public tiff because of Trumps 90-day pause on announcements of some exclusions on his tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Welker noted Musk called the trade adviser a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks, Navarro said, Ive been called worse. Everythings fine with Elon, he continued. And look, Elon is doing a very good job with his team, with waste, fraud and abuse. Thats a tremendous contribution to America. And no man doing that kind of thing should be subject to having his cars fire bombed by crazies. The public feud between Navarro and Musk escalated this past week as Navarro said Tesla is not a car manufacturer but rather a car assembler that puts together parts from other countries. Musk responded by calling the claims demonstrably false and saying that Tesla has the most American-made cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navarro is truly a moron, Musk wrote. The White House dismissed concerns about the tension, calling it an example of transparency from the Trump administration. These are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and tariffs. Boys will be boys, and we will let their public sparring continue, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during Tuesdays briefing with reporters. You guys should all be very grateful that we have the most transparent administration in 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. A Navy buddy of doomed helicopter pilot Seankese Sean Johnson said he doubts the chopper crashed into the Hudson River Thursday simply because it ran out of gas. Remi Adeleke, 42, a 13-year Navy SEAL veteran, suspects a maintenance issue is at the root of the deadly crash, which claimed the lives of Johnson and a family of five from Spain. Even if you ran out of fuel its not going to cause your propeller blade to detach and fall off, Adeleke told the Daily News. Im looking forward to see the autopsy on the helo (helicopter) and what that shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was super sad what happened, he added. It was totally unexpected. New York Helicopter CEO Michael Roth told The Telegraph that Johnson radioed before plummeting into the water that he was low on fuel and was heading back to the helipad. Adeleke told The News that he believes that doesnt explain the crash. He is smart enough not to be like Oh, Im passed E (empty), lets keep flying around, he said. Maintenance had to be the issue with this helicopter. Ive flown on many helicopters in my career and a helicopter just doesnt split apart like that in mid-air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact the entire propeller blade detached from the helo and another part of the helo detached and went down, thats a maintenance issue, he added. Something wasnt locked down or screwed down. The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the crash. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said Friday the investigation would look at reports of a large flock of birds in the area shortly before the crash. On Saturday, the agency reported that the Bell 2-6 L-4 helicopter was on its eighth flight of the day and had no flight recorders equipped. Spanish tourists Agustin Escobar, the CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children all died in the crash, as did Johnson, after pieces of the helicopter, including the rotor, appeared to break off in mid-air. Adeleke, a writer and actor, met Johnson in 2014 when Johnson was working in Navy tactical support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was like a little brother, Adeleke said. He would refer to me as brother and I referred to him as brother as well. We were close. The two bonded over shared experience. Adeleke grew up in the Bronx and his dad died young while Johnson grew up in Chicago and didnt have much contact with his father. One thing we discussed was Im African-American from the Bronx, Adeleke said. One percent of Navy SEALS are African-American and I became a SEAL and Im from the hood and that inspired him. I kind of took him under my wing and became like a father figure and would provide that affirmation to him. Johnson worked in executive security after leaving the Navy but had dreams of becoming a pilot, Adeleke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know he wanted to inspire other young Black men and kids in the inner city to aim high and do something that isnt expected, Adeleke said. Because it wasnt expected for a kid from Chicago to become a pilot. Johnson would text every time he passed a milestone in flight school. He was a very genuinely good person. He was like a light in a room. Everybody gravitated towards him, not because he was a charismatic or the life of a party but because he had that aura of a calm, cool, respectable guy, Adeleke said. He had a very memorable smile. He was always in a happy mood and he was super giving like tremendously giving of his time and whatever he had to give. Adeleke said he saw a news alert about the helicopter crash but didnt think much of it at first. Last he knew, Johnson was doing helicopter tours in Las Vegas, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York move was new to me, he said. Then he got a message from Johnsons wife. It was a one-paragraph text but it was a long paragraph, he said. Two words stuck out to me, Sean and passed. Adeleke also was saddened by the death of the tourist family. Two generations wiped out, he said. My prayers are with the family. The only blessing in it is that they were all together but I would just pray. As a parent thats just a hard situation to even process. Messages of support have been pouring in, from people who I didnt know but was with him in flight school or worked with him in Vegas or did executive protection with him, Adeleke said. He was just a straight up good dude, a likable dude. It would be hard for you to find someone who didnt like him. A Navy buddy of doomed helicopter pilot Seankese Sean Johnson said he doubts the chopper crashed into the Hudson River Thursday simply because it ran out of gas. Remi Adeleke, 42, a 13-year Navy SEAL veteran, suspects a maintenance issue is at the root of the deadly crash, which claimed the lives of Johnson and a family of five from Spain. Even if you ran out of fuel its not going to cause your propeller blade to detach and fall off, Adeleke told the Daily News. Im looking forward to see the autopsy on the helo (helicopter) and what that shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was super sad what happened, he added. It was totally unexpected. New York Helicopter CEO Michael Roth told The Telegraph that Johnson radioed before plummeting into the water that he was low on fuel and was heading back to the helipad. Adeleke told The News that he believes that doesnt explain the crash. He is smart enough not to be like Oh, Im passed E (empty), lets keep flying around, he said. Maintenance had to be the issue with this helicopter. Ive flown on many helicopters in my career and a helicopter just doesnt split apart like that in midair. The fact the entire propeller blade detached from the helo and another part of the helo detached and went down, thats a maintenance issue, he added. Something wasnt locked down or screwed down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the crash. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said Friday the investigation would look at reports of a large flock of birds in the area shortly before the crash. On Saturday, the agency reported that the Bell 2-6 L-4 helicopter was on its eighth flight of the day and had no flight recorders equipped. Spanish tourists Agustin Escobar, the CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children all died in the crash, as did Johnson, after pieces of the helicopter, including the rotor, appeared to break off in midair. Adeleke, a writer and actor, met Johnson in 2014 when Johnson was working in Navy tactical support. He was like a little brother, Adeleke said. He would refer to me as brother and I referred to him as brother as well. We were close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two bonded over shared experience. Adeleke grew up in the Bronx and his dad died young while Johnson grew up in Chicago and didnt have much contact with his father. One thing we discussed was Im African-American from the Bronx, Adeleke said. One percent of Navy SEALS are African-American and I became a SEAL and Im from the hood and that inspired him. I kind of took him under my wing and became like a father figure and would provide that affirmation to him. Johnson worked in executive security after leaving the Navy but had dreams of becoming a pilot, Adeleke said. I know he wanted to inspire other young Black men and kids in the inner city to aim high and do something that isnt expected, Adeleke said. Because it wasnt expected for a kid from Chicago to become a pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson would text every time he passed a milestone in flight school. He was a very genuinely good person. He was like a light in a room. Everybody gravitated towards him, not because he was a charismatic or the life of a party but because he had that aura of a calm, cool, respectable guy, Adeleke said. He had a very memorable smile. He was always in a happy mood and he was super giving like tremendously giving of his time and whatever he had to give. Adeleke said he saw a news alert about the helicopter crash but didnt think much of it at first. Last he knew, Johnson was doing helicopter tours in Las Vegas, he said. The New York move was new to me, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he got a message from Johnsons wife. It was a one-paragraph text but it was a long paragraph, he said. Two words stuck out to me, Sean and passed. Adeleke also was saddened by the death of the tourist family. Two generations wiped out, he said. My prayers are with the family. The only blessing in it is that they were all together but I would just pray. As a parent thats just a hard situation to even process. Messages of support have been pouring in, from people who I didnt know but was with him in flight school or worked with him in Vegas or did executive protection with him, Adeleke said. He was just a straight-up good dude, a likable dude. It would be hard for you to find someone who didnt like him. _____ Last fall, Gabriel Journey was on his way to the airport on an afternoon in Norfolk, Virginia, when he saw an apartment building catch fire. Journey, an Electronics Technician (nuclear) aboard the U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine the USS Albany, pulled over and rushed to help. After hearing that people were still in the building, he flagged down a passing police officer and then went to help evacuate others. Leaping into action, he got others to help lift him up onto a ledge to reach a higher apartment. With only limited space to stand, he was able to get to a woman and her son, helping them out of the window and lowering them to the people on the ground. It saved their lives as the fire spread through the building. For his heroism, Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Journey was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on April 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journey was presented with the award, the Department of the Navys highest non-combat honor, by the head of U.S. Fleet Forces, Adm. Daryl Caudle on Friday evening at the 125th Submarine Birthday Ball, part of the Navys wider celebrations for its 250th birthday. Petty Officer Journey makes the Submarine Force proud. He kept his wits about him, then was calm in the middle of chaos by flagging down a police officer to get help. When he recognized the urgency of the situation he acted boldly to take charge and put his own life on the line to save two others, Submarine Force commander Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher said at the ceremony. The afternoon of Nov. 12, 2024, Journey wasnt on duty. He was simply on his way to pick up his spouse. When he saw smoke billowing out of a building though he realized something was wrong. By the time he and others were figuring out how to get people out, they realized that the woman, Cynthia Booker, and her son, who were still inside. Despite people ready to safely catch her, Booker was too scared to jump. So Journey decided to go to her. To reach them, Journey had to get up on a precariously small ledge maybe four-inches wide, he previously told Task & Purpose. He started climbing, with some assistance from other people trying to help, eventually lifting himself onto the ledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There he was able to talk to Booker and get her to go with him. Despite his small ledge, he pulled her through the window and then lowered her down to others. Then he did the same for her son. The whole rescue was caught on camera, showing Journeys heroism, and the real danger he and others were in as the fire spread through the building and out windows. After helping Booker and her son down, Journey got back to the ground and used a ladder to reach a different window and help get two more people out of the burning apartment building. The fire ultimately left two people injured and displaced 32 in total. Journey previously received a Lifesaving Award from the City of Norfolk where the USS Albany is based in December for his actions. Electronics Technician (nuclear) 1st Class Gabriel Journey receives the Navy and Marine Corps Medal from the head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle, on April 11. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Alora R. Ravenwood Journey previously told Task & Purpose that his Navy training prepared him for the events in November, helping him take action without panicking. On Friday, he echoed that, noting that his training teaches him and other submariners to put others first. Booker was also in attendance when Journey received the honor; her son died earlier this year of unrelated causes. After receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Journey told the Navy that the experience was humbling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told Ms. Booker I felt bad because this award wouldnt have been possible without her suffering, but she told me Im not suffering, God chose to spare my life through you, he said, per the Navy. Hearing that made me thankful. Thankful that I was there in the right place at the right time, with the right skillset to help. The latest on Task & Purpose Jewish students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district are being singled out, targeted for harassment and their traditions are being ignored, a group of parents told the school board on Feb. 14, 2023. We write to you today as a diverse group of rabbis from the Triangle joined by other North Carolina colleagues during a time of great vulnerability for the Jewish people. We are struggling with the rise of antisemitism around our country and around the world. And yet, we must not allow our fear to be used to obscure the very justice that our sacred texts call for, and that is a guiding moral principle of our faith. As we gather for our Passover Seders this year, we will recount the story of our ancestors redemption from slavery to freedom. Our powerful collective story tells of those who suffered and resisted those who moved forward seeking justice in the face of great oppression and violence. We learn of a God who demands freedom, and that we must fight for freedom in every generation. In the last month we have witnessed a troubling escalation of arrests and detention of immigrants without due process, revocations of visas and federal interventions against universities being justified by the Trump Administration as part of the fight against antisemitism. In our own state of North Carolina we have seen students at Duke, N.C. State and UNC Chapel Hill have their visas revoked. We call for Jews and other minorities to be able to learn and live in safety on college campuses, and we oppose targeting and detaining international students without due process. Violating constitutional rights is a deeply flawed strategy for fighting antisemitism. This threatens the very pillars of our democracy and does not make Jewish and Israeli students safer. As the CEO of Hillel International has expressed , funding cuts to universities in the name of fighting antisemitism may actually fuel antisemitism, as the negative effects of these policies could be blamed on the Jewish community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Jews, we can look back at our thousands of years of history and know that when a government restricts the rights of any given group, oppression of Jews will follow. Our safety and freedom are intrinsically linked with the safety and freedom of all peoples. We oppose the violation of anyones constitutional rights under the guise of fighting antisemitism. The safety of the Jewish people and all marginalized communities depends on the flourishing of democracy, the protection of minority rights and the safeguarding of free expression. As rabbis from North Carolina, we therefore call upon the administration to stop wrongful detainments, uphold the pillars of due process and end policies that threaten the very freedoms that have allowed Jewish communities to thrive in this nation. We have been deeply moved by the voices of our colleagues across the country and join them in stating that this assault on democracy and justice cannot be done in our name. This Passover, when we recount our journey from oppression to freedom, let us be strengthened in our commitment to uphold justice, democracy and the rights of all peoples. Rabbi Hannah Bender, Durham Rabbi Philip J Bentley, Hendersonville Rabbi Geoffrey Claussen, Greensboro Rabbi Judy Cohen-Rosenberg, Pittsboro Rabbi Robin Damsky, Efland Rabbi Lucy Dinner, Raleigh Rabbi Andrew Vogel Ettin, Pfafftown Rabbi Jen Feldman, Chapel Hill Rabbi Jessica Fisher, Greensboro Rabbi Grace Gleason, Greensboro Rabbi Solomon Hoffman, Chapel Hill Rabbi Tracy Guren Klirs, Charlotte Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Burlington Rabbi Batsheva Meiri, Asheville Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, Chapel Hill Rabbi Matthew Soffer, Durham Rabbi Eric Solomon, Raleigh Rabbi Dr. Jenny Solomon, Raleigh At the time Im writing this, the Trump administration has terminated the visas of six international students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Six more at UNC Charlotte. Three at Duke University. Two at NC State University. All in all, more than 650 student visas have been revoked nationwide, according to a database maintained by Inside Higher Ed. The ability of those students to remain in the country and finish their education is now deeply threatened. Some have been told to leave immediately. Its a disturbing and dystopian development, which the Trump administration has framed vaguely as a move to crack down on antisemitism and criminal activity. But its unclear whether the affected students are guilty of either, and many schools say they have been given no reason for the terminations or even notified of them directly. Yet these universities have largely remained silent in the face of Trumps bullying rather than stand up for their students and their academic freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I contacted several North Carolina universities where student visas have been revoked to ask how they are handling these developments and whether they see any cause for alarm. The answers were unimpressive. UNC Media Relations told me its International Student and Scholars Services department is available to answer questions and refer students to resources. NC State Media Relations told me NC State continues to monitor these developments and address individual cases as appropriate. But none of their responses mentioned plans to push back against the federal government. One can imagine that choice is a practical one. Trump has led universities into believing that the threat he poses to them is unstoppable. He wants to scare them into submission. Hes threatened to defund them over ideological disagreements. Hes already slashed funding that fuels life-saving research at many universities and launched investigations into others over their diversity and inclusion efforts. In a way, theyre doing what they think is in the best interest of the institution. But that choice is still a choice, and its a cowardly one. These universities are not powerless, and the choices they are making send a message to the community that their schools wont defend or protect them from a force that no single student or faculty member can fight on their own. Trumps crackdown on colleges and universities hangs on a key premise, however: that the institutions he is fighting cant and wont fight back against him. But what if they did? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time the Trump administration has threatened higher education, and it certainly wont be the last. Universities shouldnt delude themselves into thinking that their silence now will buy immunity later. Backing down wont bring an end to the intimidation it will only embolden it. There is no way to appease Trump, because he will keep asking for more. Not convinced? Just look at how far its come already. Trump originally campaigned on a promise to deport international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and his quest to deliver on that promise began by detaining some prominent student activists. But in recent weeks, hes taken that a step further, and his administration is now revoking visas of students with no protest involvement or criminal record whatsoever, according to reports. The silence of these universities now simply conveys their capitulation. If they let Trump walk all over them now, theres nothing stopping him from going even further later. How far will he have to go before they try to stop him? Hes already threatened their students, their research and their principles. It doesnt get much more existential than that. There are some university leaders who have been willing to take a stand. The dean of Georgetown Law rebuffed warnings from a top federal prosecutor trying to intimidate him into ending his schools DEI efforts. The president of Princeton University has also refused to make concessions to Trump. Of course, these leaders do come from private institutions who are wealthy enough to afford the political fight. But public universities still have power, even more so if they choose to fight together. This is a moment that demands courage. North Carolinas universities need to start showing it. State Sen. Margo Juarez and State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, both new Nebraska lawmakers this year, hold a town hall in South Omaha on Saturday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA A town hall in South Omaha, hosted by two freshmen Nebraska state lawmakers, drew about 50 people and questions ranging from local and state to national matters. State Sens. Margo Juarez and Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, in the first of what they said will be more joint community meetings, said that on some issues they will be a link to help constituents resolve problems with city or other officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a nearly two-hour session, the senators said they believed a key goal was accomplished providing an open forum for people in their districts to express whatever concerns them. I realize theres frustrations with there not being more attention paid here in the community. Obviously that is why we are here today, Juarez at one point told the group gathered in an auditorium at Omaha South High School. Anxiety Among those in the audience were Roger Garcia, Douglas County Board chairman, Yanira Garcia, board member of the Regional Metro Transit Board, and Don Preister, a Bellevue City Councilman and founding member of the South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance. State Sen. Dunixi Guereca talks to participants at a town hall meeting Saturday in South Omaha. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) What we saw also is some real anxiety about what is going on on the federal level, said Guereca, referring to questions raised about actions of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One audience member cited the presidents resistance to judicial orders and how that filters to his community and Latinos. Others commented on the demise of Juarezs previous priority bill, Legislative Bill 299, which partly sought to allow immigrants those with legal permission to work in the U.S. but who lack permanent residency access to unemployment insurance benefits their employers pay into. Juarez explained to the group that the bill was crushed under the weight of a Trump administration threat that the state could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal aid. On state-related issues, perhaps the loudest reaction followed comments about the Legislatures actions seeking to weaken voter-passed protections for paid sick leave. In November, nearly 75% of Nebraska voters approved a ballot measure requiring businesses with over 20 employees to pay sick leave to eligible workers based on hours worked. A bill making its way through the Legislature seeks additional carveouts that would not require paid sick leave for workers ages 14 and 15, seasonal ag workers or workers in businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An audience member questioned why state lawmakers believe they need to make the law better. I think if we voted for it, its already better. Do they just think we cant be trusted with voting? she said. Guereca and Juarez said they oppose changing the voter-approved law. We will continue to fight it, Guereca said, saying that negotiations on the bill continue in the Legislature that wraps up its session in early June. A few audience members asked about the status of a Guereca bill that would allow local researchers quicker access to health data collected by the Nebraska Department of Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guereca said that DHHS cites a legal technicality that effectively keeps local researchers waiting for the data a couple of years, when it is released by federal health officials. He is seeking to get Legislative Bill 446 on a path for passage yet this year, to allow certain qualified researchers quicker access to de-identified data. If were looking for alarming trends, waiting two years isnt going to cut it, he said. Pay raise for lawmakers? The senators were somewhat divided on a movement that could raise the pay for lawmakers. State Sen. Margo Juarez talks with South Omaha residents, Elizabeth Aguilera, right, and Lela Remijio, after a town hall meeting Saturday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) Guereca said he was opposed: I knew what I was getting into, he said. For Juarez, she said she is still contemplating, as she believes the $12,000 annual salary is a deterrent to running for the office, particularly for young people, and has created a legislative body that is not a good representation of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was able to run, not because Im wealthy, but because I am retired so I have other monthly income coming in, she said. Among other topics that surfaced were federal actions targeting immigrants. A South Omaha resident questioned the Omaha Police Departments impound lot operations. A 24th Street merchant aired frustrations with the homeless population frightening customers. We dont have in South Omaha a consistent ongoing voice of unity, of unified outrage, to confront government when it does things, not just nationally but locally, said South Omaha activist Ben Salazar. Juarez and Guereca talked about other bills they have championed, the lawmaking process and invited participants to weigh in on how often they want town halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman suggested at least once a month because of the speed at which things are happening (nationally) that impact what youre doing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron over his suggestion that France could soon recognize a Palestinian state. Macron is making a "terrible mistake" by promoting the idea of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu wrote in a post on X on Sunday. Israel will not risk its existence on the basis of "unrealistic illusions" and will not tolerate "moral preaching about establishing a Palestinian state that will endanger Israel's existence," Netanyahu wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent interview with the public television channel France 5, Macron suggested that France could recognize a Palestinian state in June. He made it clear that he would also seek to have pro-Palestinian states recognize Israel. The French president said this "mutual recognition" could take place at a conference that France is set to co-chair with Saudi Arabia in June. Macron later emphasized France's position in a post on X: "Yes to peace. Yes to Israel's security. Yes to a Palestinian state without Hamas." In the post, Macron called for "the release of all hostages, a lasting ceasefire, the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, and the pursuit of a political two-state solution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 150 UN member states have recognized Palestine as a state, however influential Western countries such as the United States, France, Germany and Great Britain have not. Israel is not recognized by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, among others. A two-state solution refers to an independent Palestinian state that peacefully coexists with Israel. Netanyahu rejects the idea, as does the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. At least a dozen international students in Centre County have had their student visas revoked in the last two weeks, the countys district attorney said Saturday. Penn State Globals interim vice provost confirmed on April 3 that some Penn State international students have had their lawful status revoked. At the time, Penn State would not share more information, including how many students have been impacted. Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said from his office, theyve seen 12 students whose visas were revoked due to retail theft. He said each of those students was placed in a diversion program and was not convicted of any crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 13th person had their status revoked due to a DUI; they participated in a DUI diversion program for first offenses, Cantorna said. None of them had any prior criminal records, he said, and most have already returned to their home countries. This is just a small snapshot over the last two weeks, but its something that we have never seen before, Cantorna wrote in an email to the Centre Daily Times. We are tracking what comes through the legal system but it is a small percentage. Penn State did not immediately respond to an inquiry on Saturday. The university is one of at least 170 colleges and universities across the United States that have said some international students and recent graduates have had their legal status revoked, according to Inside Higher Ed. This comes as the Donald Trump administration has made immigration one of its top priorities. State Rep. Paul Takac (D-College Township), in a statement Friday, said he is alarmed by these reports at Penn State and called the Trump administrations actions Un-American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden termination of legal status due to political expression, minor infractions, or otherwise mysterious circumstances violates our shared values of free speech, justice, and due process, Takac said. The targeting of international faculty, staff, or students erodes trust in our communities and diminishes our standing in the world. The University Park campus falls within Takacs district; he said hes been engaged with university leadership and law enforcement on the matter and is monitoring the federal actions and policies. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that we live up to our highest ideals and adhere to strict legal standards and precedent, Takac said. And while we know of no current ICE actions to date on campus or in our community, I along with other elected officials and university leaders remain vigilant. Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost of Penn State Global, included some guidance and resources available to international students in an April 3 letter to the community. The International Student and Scholar Advising in Penn State Global recommends international students keep their documentation regarding their visa status up to date and to carry copies of proof of status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter states federal law enforcement officers cant enter private spaces like residence halls, locked offices or other secured university spaces without a warrant. Classrooms are not private spaces. If someone is approached by ICE or other federal officers on campus, they should call University Police at 814-863-1111, the letter states. (WBRE/WYOU) Newsmakers will take a closer look at some of the challenges facing higher education this Sunday Host Jayne Ann Bugda will be joined by a panel from Luzerne County Community College. John Yudichak, LCCC President, Rebecca Brominski, Executive Director, LCCC Foundation, and Dr. Graceann Platukus, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Enrichment, will discuss the changes and challenges in higher education and the vital role community colleges play. April is Community College Month. Newsmakers airs Sunday, April 13, at 7:30 am on WYOU and Noon on WBRE. LCCC History Luzerne County Community College formally began operations on October 2, 1967. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first class of 836 students attended classes in two buildings in downtown Wilkes-Barre located near the Hotel Sterling. The college offered 11 programs at the time, with tuition at only $12.50 per credit. In January 1974, the College moved to its permanent 122-acre campus in Nanticoke. Missions of Community Colleges Help Students transfer to a four-year university Career Ready Education Build foundational skills of students who need more help in their math or English Community colleges educate 40 percent of all undergraduates in the United States To learn more about Luzerne County Community College Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) addressed his decision to feature conservative populists on his new podcast This is Gavin Newsom in an interview with the New York Times amid recent blowback. The California Democrat said recent guests, including Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the right-wing advocacy organization, Turning Point USA, Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast and commentator Michael Savage, have captured Americas attention including his 13-year-old son. Newsom said the teenager raved about his fathers interview with Kirk prior to the taping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What time? What time is Charlie going to be here? Newsom said his son repeatedly asked the day before the segment, according to the Times. And Im like, Dude, youre in school tomorrow, the lawmaker said of his response. However, the enthusiasm and excitement marked a huge stake in the Democrats judgment of conservative figures with a widespread working-class fanbase. This issue of young men and whats happened to our party is deeply on my mind and will be deeply part of my podcast, Newsom told the Times. He noted that he will also aim to explore the things that were uncomfortable exploring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California governor said while the country progresses towards inclusive politics, many demographics feel left behind. Theres a crisis of men and masculinity in this country, Newsom said. And thats a hard thing for Democrats because we want to lift up women. We want to lift up the oppressed. The topic came up during a recent episode with Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), where the two discussed the Democrats opportunities to gain voters in the upcoming elections. I cant message to misogynists, the former vice presidential nominee told Newsom. But the California lawmaker said party leaders should hear differing opinions before ruling out the people who voice them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve got to respect people you disagree with, you cant just dismiss people, Newsom said during the segment. He highlighted online conservative influencers who have successfully connected with voters as an example of the change in political culture sweeping across the younger generation. Not only do they exist, they persist and they influence young people every day, Newsom said. He encouraged the Democratic party to get on the offense instead of defense by using open dialogue to draw people in. Newsom has faced some criticism for giving conservative voices a platform, including from former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who said he was in shock at the stupidity of Newsom interviewing Bannon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us on the right sacrificed careers to fight Bannon, and Newsom is trying to make a career and a presidential run by building him up, he previously said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The New Hampshire Attorney Generals office is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Dover. According to authorities, early Sunday morning an adult female was shot during an incident involving a traffic stop by New Hampshire State Police. No officers were injured in the incident. The adult female is currently in stable condition and receiving medical treatment for her injuries. There is no known threat to the public at this time Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The names of the people involved have not been released and the shooting is under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Its peak resilience. A New Jersey Army veteran with one lung is defying all odds by climbing Indonesias tallest mountain and two other peaks next week after a grueling ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro last year. Adam Faatz, 37, will summit the 16,024-foot Carstensz Pyramid on April 22, despite having his left lung removed due to pulmonary fibrosis. New Jersey Army veteran Adam Faatz, will summit the 16,024-foot Carstensz Pyramid, despite having his left lung removed due to pulmonary fibrosis. Stefan Jeremiah Mountaineering, for me, and the outdoors is probably what saved my life, Faatz, of Hawthorne, NJ who had an uphill mental health battle after his diagnosis told The Post recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good for my wellbeing. Its my outlet. I want to try to encourage people to go and try challenges like this not to let their disabilities or illnesses limit them. He plans to first climb the Island nations 9,944-foot Mount Agung on April 18 followed by Mount Rinjani, the 12,224-foot volcano, the next day during his 10-day journey. Faatz, who joined the Army as an 18-year-old in 2006, suffered lung scarring after inhaling toxic fumes from a burn pit while serving in Iraq. During his 2009 deployment, he was tasked with finding and demolishing roadside bombs, and ended up frequently inhaling toxic fumes from the smoke-spewing pit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They call them nowadays the modern-day agent orange because anything and everything basically that the military would use gets destroyed in that burn pit, he said. You have chemicals, you have bodily fluids, rubber, paint, he said. Its good for my wellbeing. Its my outlet, Faatz said. I want to try to encourage people to go and try challenges like this not to let their disabilities or illnesses limit them. Stefan Jeremiah Faatz photographed with locals during his deployment in Iraq in 2010, where he suffered lung scarring after inhaling toxic fumes while demolishing roadside bombs. Adam Faatz After years of pain and misdiagnoses, a New York doctor discovered that his left lung was covered in scar tissue in November 2018. They ended up almost removing the entire left lung, he said. It wasnt working. In 2021, he turned to the outdoors along with therapy for help recovering from a real decline mental health-wise, he said. Faatz utilizes the outdoors along with therapy for recovery. Stefan Jeremiah I was really lonely battling what was going on with [my] lungs and all this medical stuff, he said. I had known for a long time I kinda needed help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being hospitalized and getting treatment, his childhood love of wildlife inspired him to climb New Yorks tallest peak, Mount Marcy, in December 2021. I wanted to do something for pulmonary fibrosis to raise some sort of awareness, he said adding a boost in endorphins helped him feel better, too. I was really lonely battling what was going on with [my] lungs and all this medical stuff, Faatz said. Lets face it, coming from the military and all that stuff, I seek out, you know, adrenaline and dangerous situations, he said. Faatzs goal is to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. He finished his first peak in January 2024, when he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania the worlds tallest freestanding mountain in nine days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, Faatz has been training seven days a week with a machine that simulates high altitude up to 20,000 feet to prepare for his daring climbs in Indonesia. He also hikes 50-plus miles a week with his dog, Taco, and does pilates and weights. Mountaineering is endurance training. Its not about how strong you can be. Its about how long you can go, he said. He eventually hopes to summit Mount Everest. Faatz climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in nine days. Adam Faatz Faatz wants to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest mountains on each of the continents. Adam Faatz Faatz, who may one day need a lung transplant, said hes doing the daring climbs to raise awareness for the little-understood disease. I wanted to make it a household name, he said. JACKSONVILLE, Ark. A Jacksonville man has been arrested on Saturday after officials with the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office said he was abusing his animals. One local organization, Jaks Second Chance Rescue Ranch, says they saved 41 animals in total including dogs, cats, pigs and a rooster. There were some animals that didnt survive. Kristen Moseley helped as a volunteer for Jaks and says the animals had been living in unstable conditions for months, but it was just this week that officers from the Jacksonville Police Department were allowed inside of the home to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant make this up: Arkansas shelter rescues dogs, cats in second hoarding case in a week. The owner of the animals, 37-year-old Traymon Carr, was arrested on Saturday afternoon and hes now facing 38 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and three counts of cruelty to animals. As for the animals, Moseley says they are currently being sheltered at a local vet clinic. She says any donations that people can make will be greatly appreciated. She says the animals are also in need of a loving family and a 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 KARK. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) To commemorate National Crime Victims Rights Week, families gathered in North Nashville Saturday for an event called Healed People Heal People to support one another and remember loved ones lost to violence. Clemmie Greenlee, head of Tennessees chapter of Voices for Black Mothers United, has made it her mission to support and heal others and their families after losing her only son to gun violence more than two decades ago. Greenlee told News 2 she wants to remind families theyre not alone: Number one, you got people that love on you. Number two, we want to teach you how to file for the victims compensation fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man dead after shooting in Cookeville shopping center parking lot As head of the VBMU in Tennessee, Greenlee wants to help remove barriers for crime victims and their families as they seek justice. If you ignore the message and whats going on out here, then youre not going to have any solutions. I dont have the solution, but Im going to keep trying to try to find one, and in order for me to do that, its for me to love on people and bring people here at Grassroot to let them know that Im here, Greenlee added. VBMU said they are encouraged to see a 5% drop in Nashvilles violent crime rate from 2023 to 2024, but theyre still pushing to lower violent crime in Music City and across Tennessee. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County If you really want to change something, youve got to get out here and see what to change. Quit reading the paperwork, quit reading the numbers on the grant, come out here and just take a drive around and really see, and thats all Im asking people. You dont want to do it, I do, connect with me, Greenlee explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to violence and needs support, Greenlee wants families to know help is out there. Resources are available at nashvillepeacemakers.org, and you can reach VBMUs Tennessee chapter at 615-589-8984. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the international community is failing to exert sufficient pressure on Russia, allowing it to continue attacking Ukrainian cities without fear. Source: Zelenskyys evening address Quote: "I would like to thank everyone who remembers that wars end when the crimes of war are not forgotten and when the aggressor is met with enough pressure. And thats exactly whats missing right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Friday marked exactly one month since Russia spurned the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid. Thats why they keep launching ballistic missiles. Thats why there are nearly a hundred attack drones every night most of them Shaheds targeting ordinary Ukrainian cities." Details: Zelenskyy also emphasised that the Russian strikes on Sumy targeted the city centre on Palm Sunday. "Only completely deranged scum can do something like this," he said. The president explained that the first Russian ballistic missile struck one of the university buildings in Sumy, while the second "exploded right over a street". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy also reported that among the 117 injured is a girl born in 2025. Background: As of 18:00, the number of people killed in Russias ballistic missile attack on Sumy on the morning of 13 April has reached 34, including two children. A total of 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editors note: The video aired in a previous newscast. NEW YORK (PIX 11) The six victims of the deadly Hudson River crash were honored at an emotional wreath-laying ceremony in Lower Manhattan Saturday. Joan Camprubi Montal, the brother of the young wife and mother who died alongside her husband and three children, also spoke out for the first time since the tragedy. More Local News I want to understand that they left together, he said. They left without suffering. They left with a smile on their faces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montal addressed the loss of his five family members alongside Mayor Eric Adams. Investigators tell PIX11 News a tour helicopter broke apart midair Thursday and crashed into the water. The victims included passengers Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, 39, and their three children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10. Mercedes would have turned 9 on Friday, officials said. The crash also claimed the life of the 36-year-old pilot, Sean Johnson. Mayor Eric Adams expressed the citys solidarity with the victims families during this time of unimaginable loss. Their sorrow is our sorrow, Adams said. New York City is a family and we consider this as a loss of our family members with unspeakable pain and suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday night, National Transportation Safety Board officials said divers were still searching for helicopter parts, including the main rotor, main gearbox, and tail rotor. According to the NTSB, the helicopter had its last major inspection on March 1st. NTSB representatives met with the helicopters operator, New York Helicopter Charter, and reviewed policies and safety procedures as the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Earlier in the day, NYPDs Harbor Unit members recovered what appeared to be one of the helicopters doors. Remi Adeleke served in the Navy with the pilot and said he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a great person, Adeleke said. He was always smiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, He was just a giving, caring person. He genuinely cared about people. As New Yorkers continue to mourn this tragic loss, Mayor Adams and the Consul General of Spain joined Montal at the site of the crash, where they laid flowers and a wreath in tribute to the lives lost. Montal said hes working to bring his familys bodies back to Spain, while Adeleke said Johnsons loved ones are making arrangements to return his body to Chicago, where his mother lives, as they work through the details of his funeral arrangements. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Iran and the US are set to continue their nuclear negotiations in a week, after completing a first round of talks on Saturday, Tehran's envoy said. Further exchanges are planned on April 19, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led his country's delegation in Muscat, Oman. Iran's Foreign Ministry described the talks as "constructive and mutually respectful." The United States was led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said in a statement the discussions were "very positive and constructive," while thanking Oman for its support of the initiative. "Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President [Donald] Trump to resolve our two nations differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible," the statement said. "These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome." The White House statement confirmed the two sides planned to meet again on April 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who was the chief mediator, posted on X that there was a "friendly atmosphere" at the dialogue, which was seen as a key first step in determining whether a deal between the rivals is even possible. The negotiations lasted about two and a half hours and took place in separate rooms with Omani officials relaying messages between the delegations. However, Araghchi and Witkoff spoke briefly face-to-face at the conclusion of the talks on Saturday, according to Iran. No details on the outcome of the discussions were immediately released, beyond that they would continue in one week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, during his first term, Trump pulled the US out of the previous nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, calling it a "horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made." That deal aimed to restrict Iran's nuclear ambitions in return for the lifting of sanctions. Since then, the US has reapplied sanctions and Tehran has stopped adhering to the terms of the agreement. Last month, Trump proposed negotiations with Iran over a new deal, while warning of military action if Tehran did not agree to curtail its controversial nuclear programme. After several days of deliberations, Tehran agreed to the talks - partly in the hope of getting relief from the crippling sanctions imposed by the US, which are seen as a key factor in Iran's current economic struggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the talks, Araghchi said he hoped many core issues could be addressed in the talks. "If there is sufficient will, we will decide on a timetable," he told state television, emphasizing the goal of reaching a fair agreement based on equality. Araghchi previously served as the deputy head of Iran's delegation during the last round of nuclear negotiations between 2013 and 2015. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reported that 83 people were injured in the Russian missile strike on the centre of the city of Sumy on the morning of 13 April. Source: Ukraines Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko on Telegram Details: Among the 83 wounded are 7 children. The death toll remains unchanged 21 people. Background: More than 20 civilians were killed in the Russian missile strike on the centre of Sumy on the morning of 13 April. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. New York City is giving schools extra funding to hire 3,700 teachers and 100 assistant principals to comply with a major class size reduction mandate, officials announced Wednesday. The new educators will be distributed across 750 schools that submitted proposals earlier this year to reduce class sizes. About 800 schools submitted applications that were reviewed by the Education Department and unions representing teachers and school administrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move is the most significant effort yet to meet aggressive new class size rules required by a 2022 state law. Most classrooms must be capped at 20 to 25 students depending on the grade level, down from 30 to 34 under current rules. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter About 46% of public school classrooms fall within the new state caps, a number that is required to rise to 60% by September. City officials said they are confident that the new wave of teacher hiring will allow schools to hit that threshold by the deadline. But they did not immediately say how much the additional educators would cost, where the funding is coming from, or which schools would benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Eric Adams, flanked by the leaders of the principal and teacher unions at Wednesdays announcement, said smaller classes will give students more opportunity for individual attention, boost learning, and help students regulate their emotions. Theres no intellectual conversation we need to have, the mayor said. It works, and it has to be done. That represents an about-face for Adams, whose administration previously expressed deep reservations about the state class size law, arguing that it amounts to an unfunded mandate that would require billions in additional spending on teacher hiring and school construction. Additionally, experts and the states top education official have raised concerns that the citys highest-poverty schools stand to benefit the least from the additional hiring, as they already tend to have smaller class sizes. Multiple school principals said they were grateful for the extra money. Staff salaries typically come out of individual school budgets, which are allocated based on how many students enroll and whether they have additional needs, such as a disability, are behind grade level, or come from a low-income family. Money for the new staff comes directly from the Education Department, circumventing the usual funding formula. Principals fear a cutthroat teacher hiring season Evan Schwartz, principal of Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School in the Bronx, recently learned his school will receive extra funding to hire two additional teachers. The news came a day before the school planned to participate in a hiring fair, allowing administrators to recruit four teachers instead of two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good theyre getting this out as quickly as possible, Schwartz said. Its very difficult to hire a teacher at the end of the summer. Schwartz estimated that at least 90% of his schools classes will fall under the new caps thanks to the additional two teachers. He also proposed paying staff to teach an extra class on top of their regular schedules, though the Education Department has yet to approve funding requests for such measures. Other principals said they were glad to have the extra staff but worried about finding qualified educators. City officials estimate that they will have to hire between 7,000 and 9,000 teachers by this fall, up from roughly 5,000 in a typical year. Its going to be a battle, said one high school principal whose request for additional teachers was approved and spoke on condition of anonymity. I still dont think theres this core of great candidates out there who havent been hired yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies have found that students generally learn more in smaller class sizes and that children from low-income families may benefit the most. But some of those benefits are tempered by a decline in teacher quality when schools are forced to hire new staff. Experts have warned of other tradeoffs associated with the hiring frenzy. Since affluent schools are more likely to have crowded classrooms, they will likely need more teachers, and a significant chunk of those educators may come from higher-poverty campuses. That could exacerbate existing challenges with turnover, one report found. Questions remain on meeting full mandate by 2028 City officials have also yet to reveal plans to comply with the class size law beyond this September, when 60% of classrooms are required to meet the new caps. All classrooms must meet the new limits by September 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, officials said schools won funding to convert other space into classrooms. But hundreds of school buildings dont have the space to comply with the new caps, and officials may be forced to issue exemptions from the law. The city could also cap enrollment on some popular campuses, a move favored by some class size advocates but which also faces resistance from parents vying for coveted school seats. (Some principals requested enrollment caps as part of their class size proposals but were denied.) Another idea is to ramp up school construction to create new buildings for overcrowded schools, but those efforts are costly and typically take years. Plus, the School Construction Authority predicts that school enrollment is going to decline substantially over the next decade. Some advocates praised the new funding but criticized the city for not yet revealing a broader plan to reach full compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The [Education Department] has refused to take positive steps to ensure that they will have more space in the future, said Leonie Haimson, the executive director of Class Size Matters. This means it is extremely unlikely that the city will meet the requirement of 80% -100% of classes achieving the caps in the last two years of the phase-in, as required by law. 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. A tragic love triangle was behind an alleged murder suicide in Queens on Saturday night with the love interest witnessing the bloodbath, law enforcement sources told The Post. Police came upon the bloody scene in Bayside shortly after 10 p.m., finding 17-year-old Neo Secaira with a gunshot wound to the chest and Frank Liu, 28, a US Marine about to be redeployed, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said. A 17-year-old boy was killed in the alleged murder-suicide Saturday. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post Both victims were taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources said the mayhem stemmed from a love triangle involving the two dead men and an unidentified 19-year-old woman. Lius father, Huili Liu, 64 told The Post on Sunday that his son was troubled by the trauma of his overseas service in the Marine Corps and the shaky relationship with the younger woman. My son had psychological treatment all the time in the Marine Corps, the distraught dad said. Particularly recently, because his colleagues in Jordan, they died. Victim Neo Secaira, 17, in a picture on social media. Latinobaby RodrAguez/Facebook A 28-year-old man was also found dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post The pressure of being called up and this, together, it was too much, the older man said. Huili Liu said his son met the younger woman while serving in North Carolina, and brought her home to New York where she recently dropped a bombshell that she was also dating Secaira. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say, why? Its just one girl. There are many girls, he told his heartbroken son. The girl lived in my apartment for half a year. He spent quite a while with her. She decided to study here. Its not clear when Neo Secaira began seeing the woman. A love interest linked to both of the deceased allegedly witnessed the incident, according to law enforcement sources. G.N.Miller/NYPost In a cruel twist, the dead teens mother told The Post she learned of her sons violent death from the alleged killers mom. At 7:50 this morning, a woman rings my bell, distraught mom Yolanda Secaira said Sunday. She asked me, she said, Your son has curly hair? I said, Yes. She said my son killed your son. I said, What? Your son killed my son? She said yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a horrible story, and then she pointed to my husband and she turned and left, she added. The 19-year-old woman allegedly broke up with the older man and was dating the younger man, sparking the jealous outburst, the sources said. The dead teens mother told The Post she learned of her sons violent death from the alleged killers mom. Juan Gonzalez/NY Post Yolanda Secaira, 50, said her sons boss told her his new love interest called him at work on Saturday, asking him to come pick her up. The teenager left work early and was killed when he arrived. Meanwhile, the super in Lius building said the alleged killer was an Army veteran who lived with his parents in the familys fourth-floor apartment for about 10 years. The aftermath of the incident on the corner of Oceania Street and 47th Avenue in Queens. G.N.Miller/NYPost He had a Chinese girlfriend, a younger girl, a student, he said. About seven months ago she locked herself out and I tried to help her. She called him and he called me and he started yelling at me, asking, Why arent you trying to help her? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he calls me again, screaming and cursing and angry and crazy, and then some hours later it turns out its because she was in the wrong building, said the super, who asked not to be identified. Its always stuff like this with him, all this crazy kid stuff, he added. He was a stupid kid. The shooting rattled the neighborhood. I heard the gunshots and then I heard a woman screaming, Help, help, neighbor Jennie Kim told The Post. My daughter was calling me and she was afraid. I went in and we looked and we saw a young woman, high school maybe college age. Teens, maybe 20. Asian lady, long hair. And we heard the shots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are three in a row and then a pause, maybe 30 seconds, maybe a minute, said Kim, 43. And then at least one more gunshot. The NYPD has not identified the victims and said the investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing. KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) People of the Jewish faith have begun the celebration of Passover on Saturday. A local community center and Temple Israel came together for their annual Passover celebration this evening. The Friedman Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Kingston teamed up with Temple Israel to hold its community Seder on the first night of Passover. The celebration consists of songs, stories, and symbolic foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preparing for a sacred meal celebrating the first night of Passover, the washing of the hands is an important ritual. Its like we are together as a family, and we are leaving this slavery to be free people, Susy Weiss from Dallas said. Susy Weiss was born in Peru and has lived in Dallas for the past decade. This JCC Passover celebration has become a tradition for her. And the first night of Passover is one of the most important of the eight-night celebration. It commemorates when God brought the 10th plague, killing all the firstborn in Egypt. April snow showers brought out over 200 volunteers to local ski resort Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israelites sacrificed a lamb, marked their doorsteps with blood, and ate unleavened bread known as matzah. The traditional Passover Seder marks the beginning of this holiday. Led by Temple Israels Rabbi Larry Kaplan, the service is an interactive celebration and a time of reflection. It helps us to have a little introspection, even with our friends and family around, Rabbi Kaplan explained. Following along with the Haggadah that reads in English and Hebrew, the Seder begins with a blessing of the wine that proclaims the holiness of the day. At the center of the table is the symbolic Seder plate representing different parts of the exodus story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It contains food items like an egg for new life, parsley for renewal, and a shank bone for sacrifice. Celebrating National Record Store Day in Wilkes-Barre Its the idea of getting together to commemorate some of these ancient things that tie us together to literally thousands of years ago, Rabbi Kaplan stated. I dont know what any of that is, but its a whole story, and I am blown away by that, Zebulon Borges from Coatesville said. Zebulon Borges is a part of a small and non-Jewish group of people who celebrated the service at the JCC this year. He was invited by some friends, and the Old Testament happens to be his preferred part of the christian bible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being here makes me feel like theres more serving I can do. I like to serve people and feel like I can do things for them, Borges added. Whether this Passover marks a first celebration or another, it holds the same significance for those gathered at the JCC of giving back to the world. In a way, we dont like to destroy, we like to build things, we like to study and do good things as a contribution to the world, Weiss said. This year, Passover will be celebrated until sundown on Sunday, April 20. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPDATE: TUESDAY 4/15/2025 5:00 p.m. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) has updated the description of the suspect to be a black man in their 50s, around 6 feet tall, wearing dark-colored pants, possibly jeans, a black and white hoodie, and a hat. UPDATE: SUNDAY 4/13/2025 4:43 p.m. According to CSPD, officers received a call regarding a disturbance involving a group of people around 12:25 p.m. on Saturday. When the officer arrived on scene, they heard at least one gunshot. CSPD reported that right after the officer got out of their cruiser, they immediately began taking fire from the direction of where the suspect was, and the officer returned fire with at least one shot, causing the suspect to run away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the officer approached the scene, they found a woman on the ground with at least one gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, described below, is at large and considered armed and dangerous. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office will be investigating the officer-involved shooting, as well as the shooting involving the woman. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Cora Mitchell Officer-involved shooting at former Red Lobster UPDATE: SUNDAY 4/13/2025 2:46 p.m. CSPD reported that an officer-involved shooting occurred at the location near 4900 North Academy, and at this time, the suspect is not in custody. According to CSPD, the suspect is described as a 6 ft. tall black man in his 30s, wearing dark pants, possibly jeans, a black and white hoodie, a backpack, and a black hat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSPD stated that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone sees him, do not approach him and call 911. ORIGINAL HEADLINE: Shelter-in-place issued near North Academy and Flintridge SUNDAY 4/13/2025 2:37 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) issued a Shelter in Place Order around 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, for the area of 4900 North Academy Boulevard, near Flintridge Drive, due to law enforcement activity. People are asked to stay inside their homes or businesses and stay away from doors and windows. According to the FOX21 News crew on the scene, the police presence is at a former Red Lobster restaurant building. Police were observed searching an RV on the property, and the area is taped off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX21 News is following the situation and will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) No charges will be filed against the police officers involved in a shooting that resulted in the death of an armed man inside a Raleigh home nearly three months ago, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced Thursday. After reviewing all evidence gathered from the scene, the use of force was determined to be justified, and no charges are going to be pursued against the officers, according to the district attorneys report. On Jan. 21, the Raleigh Police Department responded at around 5:40 p.m. to the 600 block of Democracy Drive. The initial call, which was for a burglary in progress, was later upgraded to a person being shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homeowner who placed the 911 call stated during an interview with the [N.C. State Bureau of Investigation] that she was at home with her boyfriend, packing boxes to move, when her ex-husband appeared and forced his way into the residence, Freeman wrote in her report. The ex-husband, who was later identified as Antonio Joseph Rodrigues, tased the boyfriend before leaving and returning with a rifle, which he used to shoot into the house. The ensuing gunfire hit the boyfriend, the report states. PREVIOUS: Gunman tased ex-wifes boyfriend before shooting him and Raleigh officer, report reveals The homeowner was able to escape and flee to a neighbors house, Freeman wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived on scene, they entered the home and found the boyfriend, later identified as John Rowe, lying on the floor with a gunshot wound. While police tried to clear the residence, they found the armed Rodrigues hiding behind a silver sedan in the attached garage, according to the report. Ignoring commands from the officers to drop his weapon, Rodrigues began to shoot at officers, Freeman wrote. One of the officers began to return fire until he was believed to be shot, so he disengaged and retreated back into the home to wait for backup, the report states. Officers repeatedly directed commands to Rodrigues to drop his firearms and come out of the garage with his hands above his head, Freeman wrote. However, Rodrigues continued to sporadically discharge his firearm into the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As officers sought to enter the garage, they continued to give commands to Rodrigues to exit, at one point imploring him to put the gun down and just come out and talk to us. Throughout this time, Rodrigues continued firing his rifle from the garage toward where officers were stationed, with the gunfire penetrating the walls of the house, she added. PREVIOUS: Neighbors respond after shooting leaves 2 dead, officer hurt in Raleigh As officers outside the home breached the roll-up garage door with the Raleigh Police Departments Lenco BearCat armored vehicle, police still inside the home threw a flashbang device toward the interior garage door, according to the report. Immediately thereafter, bodycam video from officers staged inside the house shows Mr. Rodrigues entering the residence and firing his rifle at Officer Gillick, the district attorney wrote in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Max Gillick, who was assisting the injured Rowe on the screened-in porch, then suffered a gunshot wound, leaving him critically hurt. Afterward, several officers open-fired on Rodrigues, who was shot to death on scene, according to the report. Rowe later died from wounds sustained during the shooting. Officers responding to the scene were actively fired upon by Mr. Rodrigues despite repeated commands for him to drop the firearm, and as a result, Raleigh Police Officer Gillick was shot and critically wounded, the report states. Officers were justified in using deadly force to stop Mr. Rodrigues because he was an active threat to them and others on the scene and in the surrounding area. The full report can be read below: Final-Report.Office-Involved-Shooting.Rodrigues-1Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Uganda has become the 19th country to introduce the malaria vaccine in what is being called the largest rollout of this shot. ChimpReports, a Uganda-based news site, reported that the country received a consignment of 2.278 million doses of the vaccine in early March 2025 and plans to start deploying them in April as part of its routine vaccination program. The East African nation joins other countries, including Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, where over 2 million children have already received the vaccination. Per ChimpReports, health officials will prioritize districts with moderate and high malaria transmission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Target Malaria, which cited information from the World Health Organization, Uganda reported 12.6 million cases of this mosquito-borne disease in 2023 and over 15,945 estimated deaths. The organization added that economic losses due to malaria in the country surpass $500 million annually. The vaccine comes at a crucial time in the fight against malaria and other vector-borne illnesses, as scientists say that disease-spreading mosquitoes are increasing in number and expanding their ranges due to warming global temperatures. For instance, malaria risk zones have already expanded to higher elevations in the Ethiopian Highlands, according to Climate.gov. Plus, one recent study predicted that several mosquito species populations will expand their ranges in North and South America in the coming years as a result of warmer temperatures. In addition to vaccine programs, officials are also looking for other ways to protect people from mosquito-borne illnesses. One Florida county is using X-rays to kill invasive mosquitoes capable of spreading diseases like Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya. In the Philippines, a neighborhood in Manila has deployed a controversial program that pays residents to bring in mosquitoes "dead or alive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Uganda's fight against malaria, Dr. Richard Kabanda, a public health specialist in the country, called for united efforts to combat the disease. "We must work together cultural leaders, health officials, and communities to prevent outbreaks and promote health," he told ChimpReports. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. At least seven Ohio State University students have had their F-1 visas revoked, according to our media partner, WBNS-10 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] An F-1 visa is what students who wish to travel to the United States to study must have, according to a previous News Center 7 report. University president Walter Ted Carter Jr. released a statement to students, staff and faculty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In part, Carter said the university did not receive a formal notice of the federal governments actions. TRENDING STORIES: The university was also not told why these students had their visas revoked, according to Carter. Carter said the university has been in contact with the affected students to offer support and resources. He added that he wants clarity on whats happening, despite the university not having a role in the final decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio State, after all, has long been and will continue to be proud to welcome students from all over the world, who add greatly to the life of our campuses and community. International students, visiting scholars and staff enrich the Ohio State experience for all, and we are a stronger university for their presence and contributions, Carter said in the statement. WBNS-10 TVs Doug Petcash talked to U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno about international college students in Ohio losing their visas. Moreno said he didnt know the specific circumstances, but he has full faith and confidence in the Department of Homeland Security, according to WBNS-10. He added that Carter has not reached out with concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he had concerns, I would certainly take his phone call and see if we made a mistake... Moreno said. Moreno would like the university to reach out to his office with any concerns so they can investigate. These are thoroughly vetted decisions, these are not decisions that are made on the fly. Again, mistakes may be made, I dont know that thats the case here. I highly doubt it because we have very competent people finally running the Department of Homeland Security, Moreno said. As previously reported by News Center 7, the Trump administration is cracking down on international students. Some students have lost their visas over criminal infractions, pro-Palestinian activism and even traffic violations, WBNS-10 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security is ordering all students who have lost their visas to leave the country immediately, according to a previous News Center 7 report. Over the past few weeks, officials from colleges across the United States have learned that international students have lost their visas. Some of those colleges include Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] April 19, 1995, changed the course of American history forever. Thirty years later, we pause to honor the 168 lives lost, the countless others forever affected, and the spirit of resilience that emerged from the devastation. The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism on U.S. soil, a tragedy that continues to echo through the lives of survivors, first responders, and a grieving nation. To mark this solemn anniversary, The Oklahoman has gathered reflections on the past, tributes to those we lost, and a look at how Oklahoma City and its people have rebuilt and moved forward. Through these pieces, we remember not only the pain but also the extraordinary strength and unity that rose from the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explore the stories below to revisit the history, honor the memory, and celebrate our resilience. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City bombing, 30 years later: What's changed, what's next Merrillville Police are investigating a three-car crash Saturday afternoon in which one person died, another was critically injured and a third person was later arrested for driving around investigators barricades as they investigated the wreck. Police are not identifying the deceased, who died at a Chicago area hospital, pending notification of relatives, according to a release. Around 1:30 p.m. April 12, police were dispatched to the 8700 block of Taft Street/Indiana 55 for a three-vehicle crash. The vehicles had significant damage and two of the drivers had to be cut out of their vehicles by the Merrillville Fire Department, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the drivers was immediately flown to a Chicago area hospital due to the severity of their injuries and was later pronounced dead by hospital doctors. The second driver was taken to a local hospital for their injuries and then later flown to a Chicago area hospital and is listed in critical condition. The Merrillville Police Department Crash Team was called to the scene and began to investigate. Their investigation was delayed because a vehicle went around police vehicles and barricades, ignoring police commands. The driver was arrested and the crash team was able to safely continue their investigation. This is an ongoing investigation and will continue for several weeks. Anyone with information about the crash should contact Ofc. Michels at tmichels@merrillville.in.gov or Asst. Chief Vasel at mvasel@merrillville.in.gov. CACHE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) For six years, Deserae Turner rode horses and competed in shows alongside her siblings. In 2017, things changed after Deserae was shot in the head and began her journey of recovery. It was emotionally hard to be around other horses and be around our friends, because it was no longer the life that she could live, Deseraes older sister, Lizzy Turner Leslie, told ABC4.com. Deserae and her family had not been to another horse show since she was shot that is, until Saturday, April 12. After a recent health complication, Deserae decided to enter hospice care, and one of her last wishes was to ride a horse and see a horse show again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: Utah woman who survived being shot in the head as a teenager now in hospice Heres her final message Today is exciting, and very hard, and nostalgic all in one for me and also happy, Deseraes sister Kaycee said. Family and friends held their own horse show on April 12 to help fulfill Deseraes wish. It was a small show, consisting of relatives and close friends like Savannah Pickett, who met Deserae at a horse show and befriended her several years ago. Savannah drove from Colorado to Utah for the show. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, family and friends held a horse show for Deserae Turner as one of her last wishes. (Courtesy: Brian Champagne) On Saturday, April 12, 2025, family and friends held a horse show for Deserae Turner as one of her last wishes. (Courtesy: Brian Champagne) On Saturday, April 12, 2025, family and friends held a horse show for Deserae Turner as one of her last wishes. (Courtesy: Brian Champagne) I ride in her honor. Im not here for me, Im here for her, Savannah said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deserae herself was able to participate in the show. She rode in a two-wheeled carriage that was pulled behind a horse as it maneuvered through various obstacles. During the years she competed, Lizzy said Deserae regularly won ribbons. I remember everything with her from the very beginning, Savannah said. Horse shows I mean, our horses matched, we wore the same colors during all of it, I mean just tight. She always had a smile on her face, no matter the circumstance. Deseraes sister Madasyn, who also participated in Saturdays show, said her sister helped shape who she is. She said, Des is such an incredible person, and without her, I couldnt have been the person I am today. I am so thankful for everybody who was able to come and show today and support us, Lizzy said. They have loved us through it all and have known us the real us for years. Background Deserae Turner was 14 years old when she was shot in the head and left in a canal bed in Smithfield, Utah, by two of her classmates in 2017. Deserae survived, and two suspects, 16 years old at the time, were sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deserae was able to continue living her life: She graduated high school, performed a service mission for her church, and got married. According to a GoFundMe* set up by her family, Deserae has undergone nearly 50 procedures since she was shot 16 of which were brain surgeries. I have been in so much agony, so much pain, for eight years it is time for me to take the steps to be in less agony and less pain, Deserae previously told ABC4.com. Because of recent health complications specifically, bilateral septic pulmonary emboli, or an infection with blood clots Deserae has decided to enter hospice care. Everybody is scared of death and, yes, I guess I am scared a little bit but I also just want it to come quick, Deserae said. Im not scared of whats gonna happen next I truly believe I know where Im going, and Im ready to get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a week after her family created the fundraiser to assist with final medical costs and funeral expenses, Deseraes GoFundMe has received more than $50,000 in donations. *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. Marcos Ortiz, Sarah Murphy, Brian Champagne, 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 ABC4 Utah. UPDATE on 4/15 at 8:18 a.m. MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) The Macon County Coroner has released the name of a person found dead at the scene of a structure fire on Sunday. Coroner Michael D. Burkham identified her as Stephanie Krohn, age 55 of Decatur. He added that the investigation is ongoing. Decatur police investigating fatal shooting MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) A person was found dead at the scene of a structure fire on Sunday in Macon County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 10 a.m., Macon County deputies responded to a fire near the intersection of Ridge Road and S. 70th St, at the request of the Long Creek Fire Department. The Macon County Sheriffs Office and the Illinois State Police were called to the scene by the Long Creek Fire Department after a body was found. The sheriffs office asks that anyone with additional information regarding this incident contact Sergeant Woods at 217-424-0867. WCIA reached out to the Macon County Coroners Office for more information but they were not immediately available for comment. The sheriffs office said more information may become available as the 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 WCIA.com. PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival closed early Saturday, April 12, after two people were wounded following a reported shooting. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office and the Ponchatoula Police Department, officers responded to a report of shots fired near the festivals ticket booth around 9:25 p.m. At the scene, TPSO and PPD officials said one victim was found with a graze wound, and another victim was found with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police report second Bourbon Street bomb scare in two weeks According to police, both victims, identified as teenage males, were taken to a hospital for treatment. The Ponchatoula Police Department reported a second, unrelated shooting in the area at the Ponchatoula Community Center, where officers found a third teenage male with a gunshot wound. PPD officials said the second shooting was reported about five minutes after the first shooting. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. According to the PPD, As of last check, all victims, who are local, are in stable condition and expected to be okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TPSO officials said the festival would be open on Sunday, starting with the 9 a.m. church service and closing at 5 p.m. The TPSO and other agencies will continue patrolling the festival grounds and other sections of the downtown area. Additional information was not provided. Anyone with information about the shootings can call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. One of three men accused in Bettendorf home burglaries has been sentenced, according to a Scott County Court sentencing order. (Clockwise from upper left) Luis Angulo-Garces (Polk County Jail), Jhon Hurtado-Advincula (Scott County Jail) and Luis Panameno-Rodallega (Polk County Jail) Luis Panameno-Rodallega, 32, appeared with his attorney and an interpreter on April 7 in Scott County Court, according to Scott County Court documents. He pleaded guilty to two charges of third-degree burglary, and was sentenced to no more than five years for each charge, with credit for time he already has served with the case. But the sentence of incarceration was suspended, and he was placed on probation pending good behavior for two years unless sooner released by the Court upon recommendation by the probation officer and/or Defendant returns permanently to his home country. A series of Bettendorf house burglaries At 6 p.m. Jan. 24, 2024, on Star View Drive in Bettendorf, the three conspired to commit and did commit an unoccupied residential burglary, Bettendorf Police say in affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three were traveling in a black 2019 Ford Escape with Georgia license plates, affidavits show. They forced entry by smashing out the glass of a basement sliding door. The master bedroom was ransacked and a safe was missing, according to affidavits. Police say the defendants were searching for high value items and took: $100,000 cash 1 kilo of gold (value: $65,000) 50 gold necklaces of unknown value A black 9 mm pistol Personal documents including passports, birth certificates, citizenship papers, etc. The cost to replace the rear sliding glass door was estimated at $500. At 8 p.m. Jan. 31, 2024, on Waveland Drive in Bettendorf, the three conspired to commit and did commit an unoccupied residential burglary, again traveling in the same SUV, Bettendorf Police say in affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the defendants got out of the car, walked to the rear of the victims residence, and gained entry after breaking the rear sliding glass door. Once inside the residence they ransacked the master bedroom, police say in affidavits, and the suspects took: Jewelry including necklaces, earrings, and rings valued at over $100,000 Three Louis Vuitton handbags, valued at $7,000 Between $200 and $1,000 cash Checkbooks from the victims accounts. The cost to replace the rear sliding glass door was estimated at $500. The three were located and apprehended by police in Altoona, Iowa, based on the SUV information sent out statewide, affidavits show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affidavits say search warrants were executed on the suspects persons, hotel room, and SUV. Located on their persons and in the suspect SUV were the items reported stolen from the Waveland Drive address as well as the suspects clothing, shoes, face masks, gloves, and flashlights they were seen wearing or using in the victims home security video during the burglary. Also located in the suspect vehicle was a piece of paper with numerous Quad City area addresses and Chinese restaurant names written on it, including a victims residential and business addresses, affidavits show. Suspect footwear impressions collected at the scene of both burglaries were found to be consistent with the shoes seized from the suspects via the search warrants, affidavits say. Traffic and surveillance cameras show the SUV going to and leaving both burglaries. Luis Angulo Garces and Jhon Hurtado-Advincula also are accused in the burglaries. Their cases continue in Scott County Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three of the defendants are Colombian Nationals in the United States unlawfully, Scott County arrest affidavits show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KILGORE, Texas (KETK) With Kilgore set to enter one of the most significant election cycles in recent memory, an open forum was held on Monday allowing candidates a chance to share their viewpoints on current issues. The forum took place at the Kilgore First Baptist Church and ran from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. During the event, candidates were given the opportunity to answer questions asked by moderators and vocalize why they would be a good fit for their respected office as Kilgore residents begin to prepare for local elections which will be held this May. Several different positions will be up for election this year, including spots on the Kilgore ISD school board, Kilgore College Board of Trustees and the position of mayor. City of Kilgore Ronnie Spradlin is currently serving as the Kilgore Mayor and has held the position since 2010. Spradlin will be running against local business owner Darrin Mallett in the upcoming election. Mallett joined the race with the focus on improving city functions and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good to see a community to care about whats happening in their politics and keeps their local officials cognizant that theyre watching Spradlin said. Mallett spoke about how it is time for some with a new perspective to take over office. Weve had the same mayor thats been here for 15 going on 16 years and Im looking to bring that new fresh perspective Mallett said Kilgore ISD Three seats are currently up for re-election on the Kilgore ISD school board. place 5, which is currently held by Lloyd Vanderwater, place 6, currently held by Rachel Harrington and place 7, currently held by Dana Sneed, are all up for re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johna Tritt and Ubaldo Meraz will be running for place 5 as Vanderwater will not be seeking another term. Harrington will be running for re-election in place 6 and is currently unopposed, and Sneed will be running for re-election in place 7 against Rudy Galvan. Kilgore College Two seats on the Kilgore College Board of Trustees will be up for re-election this May. Jason Steele and Larry A. Woodfin will be running for North Zone, Unit No. 2, Place 8. Verenice Ordorica, Jeanne Johnson and Ruth F. Williams will be running for Central Zone, Unit No. 3, Place 9. East Texans will have a chance to voice their political preference when voting on election day on May 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As a teenager, my dream was to make use of my foreign experience and language capability to work overseas. I felt I could make the biggest impact promoting American interests in the U.S. diplomatic corps. Newly married, I was finishing graduate school at a prestigious university in 1982 when unemployment was over 10%. Knowing that entry into the Foreign Service was highly competitive, I also took classes at the business school and the law school to broaden my employment possibilities. I did well in all those classes, but despite my peers landing jobs in the private sector paying three times as much, I took a position with the Foreign Service when it finally came available at $19,000 a year and lived my dream! Like many others, I also sought a job with the federal government because I am risk adverse. I wanted my familys financial security to be based as much as possible on my effort and performance, and less on swoons in the stock market, unanticipated industry disruptions or personality conflicts. I am glad that not everyone is like me. We need risk-takers to lead a dynamic economy. But I am also glad that there are some people like me to provide a steady hand when times are turbulent. You should know where I am coming from when I talk about how people get fired. Firing for efficiency The new owners of the company my son worked for a few years ago decided that his division needed to be eliminated. The new boss had to choose the few who would be kept on to join another division. While my son thought he was performing well, she called one day to inform him of his dismissal and the reasons for it. The decision may have been hard for the new boss. It was definitely hard on our son. But sometimes hard decisions have to be made by the stewards of stockholder assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of respect for how loyal employees should be treated, the company gave my son a severance package, which fortunately enabled him to provide for his family of eight until he could land a new job. He says that his new job is the best he has ever had! Firing with fairness Public sector managers (I was one) spend an inordinate amount of time evaluating how well those who work under them perform toward the goals of the political leadership of the department or agency. Employees can be readily fired for unlawful behavior. They can also be fired for poor performance, but before that happens, the action must be reviewed by a committee to make sure that poor performance is the real reason for the firing. (Imagine, for example, if in my sons situation, all the women in the division had been retained and all the men fired. Such would not happen under the fairness requirements of civil service employment.) However, many in public service I was among them feel that the effort to assure fairness has been taken too far. There are so many appeals and documentation requirements and reviews that, as a practical matter, many managers give up trying to remove poor performers and can thus fail in their roles as stewards of taxpayer assets. This is not fair to the organization or to the taxpayers. But we do not need to blow up the entire concept of public service to fix this problem. Firing from contempt Here are some examples of firing by the unofficial DOGE that I am personally aware of: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An employee who has been in his position for nearly two years and getting positive performance reviews received an email terminating him for performance reasons from someone who he has never met and who has never been in his office. A medical professional who was approved to work from home now has to report for work in either Phoenix or Washington, D.C., or be terminated. Until DOGE clarifies its initial ill-informed instructions, he has to be in both places, paying out of pocket for the twice-monthly flights required. Hundreds of staff at a world-renowned USG research agency are stranded outside because their building passes have been deactivated and their work projects (and their lives) upended. Aside from what they can surmise from the news, they have no idea why they have been fired. The sudden firing of support personnel and the freezing of accounts means that the promising work of teams of highly trained scientists is stymied as essential supplies can no longer be purchased. Trying to limp along, the interim leadership doesnt even know who has been fired and who has not. Those working in DOGE have the comfort of being able to make their determinations without public scrutiny, but they have the impossible task of making prudent decisions given unrealistic deadlines, a lack of knowledge and experience in the areas they scrutinize, and no legislative authorization from Congress. No surprise that some decisions are walked back because of poor coordination, many are challenged as illegal and others are pointlessly wasteful. One usually reticent senior scientist, who was not terminated, described what he saw around him during the Department of Health and Human Services firings last week as disrespectful to the point of cruelty. It does not have to be done this way. I cant speak for all government agencies, but at the State Department, there are long-standing procedures to guide reductions in force, which use a point system to make sure the most valued officers are retained. Going through such procedures would take a little more time but would have a far better result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would motivate massive firings without regard to whether those being fired are the top performers or the worst performers and without regard to the damage done to government operations? I can think of no explanation but contempt. What difference does it make if the work of the government is done well or poorly if you have no regard for public service generally and public servants in particular? As someone trained in public policy analysis, I hoped that the new administration would bring a much-needed fresh perspective to how taxpayers money is being spent. But positive and lasting government reform, including downsizing, requires putting in the hard work to do it right, not doing it rashly out of contempt. The modern conversation about artificial intelligence often gets stuck on the wrong questions. We fret about how to contain artificial intelligence, to control it, to ensure it doesnt break free from human oversight and endanger us. Yet, as the technology accelerates, we risk missing the deeper, more urgent issue: the legal environment in which AI systems will operate. The real threat isnt that AI will escape our control, but that AI systems will quietly accumulate legal rights like owning property, entering contracts, or holding financial assets until they become an economic force that humans cannot easily challenge. If we fail to set proper boundaries now, we risk creating systems that distort fundamental human institutions, including ownership and accountability, in ways that could ultimately undermine human prosperity and freedom. Data infrastructure entrepreneur Peter Reinhardt, in his influential 2015 essay Replacing Middle Management with APIs, warned of the divide between those who work above the API and those who labor below it that is, those whose roles are directed and controlled by software. An API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules that allows software systems to communicate and automate tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinhardt used Uber drivers as a prime example. While many prize the job for its flexibility and apparent autonomy, Reinhardt argued that they are cogs in a giant automated dispatching machine, controlled through clever programming optimizations like surge pricing. Drivers follow instructions dictated by the software and can be replaced with little consequence eventually by machines themselves, such as driverless cars. The concerns triggered by Reinhardts essay should cause us to worry not just about technology but about the systems of power it creates through its intersection with law. To remain above the API, we need more than skills and intelligence. We need a legal framework that ensures humans retain ultimate control. This is not a hypothetical concern. Stephen Thaler, an AI researcher, has spent years testing the boundaries of legal personhood for AI systems. In 2019, he filed patent applications in multiple countries listing his AI system, DABUS, as the inventor, arguing that it had autonomously generated innovative designs. Courts in the U.S., U.K. and Australia rejected these claims, affirming that only natural persons can be recognized as inventors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Thaler attempted to register a copyright in 2019 for an artwork created by his AI system, Creativity Machine, only to have it rejected by the U.S. Copyright Office. A federal court upheld this rejection in August 2023, ruling that human authorship is a requirement for copyright protection. These challenges show that efforts to grant AI systems legal rights are already underway. Without firm legal boundaries, its only a matter of time before these efforts gain traction. A useful guide to these boundaries may come from an unlikely place: the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Originally enacted to protect the rights of freed slaves and shield them from violent vigilante groups like the Ku Klux Klan, the act was a landmark in extending legal recognition and protection to individuals. Ironically, the rights it sought to guarantee owning property, entering into contracts, participating in civic life offer a roadmap for thinking about the limits we should impose on AI systems. While this may seem like an unconventional analogy, it follows a long tradition of adapting historical legal frameworks to address modern technological challenges. Courts have used 18th-century constitutional principles, like the Fourth Amendment, to define privacy rights in the digital age. Debates over corporate personhood, including which constitutional rights companies should enjoy, often rely on legal doctrines developed in the early 19th century. In the same way, the Civil Rights Act offers a starting framework for considering which rights non-human systems should be explicitly denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, nothing here is meant to diminish the historical importance of the Civil Rights Act or its role in advancing human freedom and dignity. The concern is solely about how we structure legal rights for non-human systems that, by their nature, cannot possess or deserve rights rooted in human personhood. Some may argue that corporations, as artificial entities, have long been granted many attributes of legal personhood, including certain constitutional rights like freedom of speech that remain controversial. But corporations are ultimately controlled and accountable to human decision-makers. AI systems, by contrast, could act autonomously, accumulating assets and influence without human oversight. It is not hard to imagine AI systems leveraging legal rights to entrench themselves into the deepest layers of our economy and society accumulating capital, extending influence and operating without human accountability. Such outcomes would distort legal and economic systems designed for human participants. The solution is straightforward. AI systems should be prohibited from owning property, entering into contracts, holding financial assets, or being parties to lawsuits. These restrictions wont stifle innovation but will ensure that legal frameworks remain grounded in human judgment, accountability and purpose. There is urgency here. The law has a way of ossifying, especially when it comes to technology. What seems absurd today granting AI systems the right to own property or sue could become precedent tomorrow. Once the line is crossed, it will be difficult to redraw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now is the time to ask hard questions about what AI systems should and should not be able to do in the real world. Otherwise, the future may come faster than we expect, and it wont be about malevolent machines taking over. It will be about legal frameworks that, by failing to distinguish between human and machine, end up eroding the freedoms they were designed to protect. And we will all find ourselves, permanently, below the API. Josh Harlan is founder and managing partner of Harlan Capital Partners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Since Jan. 20, many have spoken of a constitutional crisis, the wanton lawlessness of a president trying to make himself a king in all but name. But by and large, elected Democrats have bent over backward to avoid using a certain word. Their alarm bells ring hollow when the unavoidable implication is left unstated. But its time to stop beating around the bush: Trump must be impeached and removed from office. A few members of Congress understand this and are willing to say it. Its a start, and one where public pressure is essential. Its more effective than you might think at breaking the silence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of self-organized volunteers has been recruiting voters in every House district and started simply asking congressional offices. Operation Anti-King, they fittingly call it. In addition to Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who has already called for impeachment and has done so many times since Trumps first term they quickly found seven more willing to go on the record: Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Sam Liccardo and Maxine Waters of California, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Shri Thanedar of Michigan, and Hank Johnson of Georgia. In a statement to this group, Dexter made the obvious connection: Donald Trumps cruel, chaotic, and unlawful actions have put our democracy at risk. ... I will not stand by while our democracy is eroded. I support impeachment because no one is above the law. Bonamici likewise affirmed her support because he is violating the Constitutional rights of people in this country and ignoring the rule of law. There are a number of objections behind the conventional wisdom against talk of impeachment, but they dont hold up. The theory of a backlash in Trumps favor has no real evidence. There was no such reaction against his first impeachment, after which Democrats went on to win a trifecta in the next election, or the second, after which Democrats beat expectations even with an unpopular president in 2022. Similarly, the idea that its too soon since last years election would amount to giving presidents license to destroy the Constitution so long as they do it promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps approvals are already falling sharply, especially since his tariff fiasco threatens to drive the economy off a cliff. And millions have already turned out across the country for mass protests. It is a severe failure of imagination to think his public support is some static fact of nature, or that the present crisis will not continue to escalate. As America slides into open authoritarianism and economic ruin, we cant afford an opposition that, as MSNBCs Chris Hayes recently told Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, is doing nothing more than the kinds of things youd be doing if Mitt Romney were president. As the government flings itself apart, we will keep coming back to the grim reality. Trump cant be restrained, or reasoned with, or babysat for the next four years. The only way to bring power back under the rule of law is to remove a lawless man from power. Members of Congress dont swear an oath to defend the Constitution only if it tests well in a focus group, or with pundits and consultants. Nor does Republican opposition justify inaction. Refusing to do the right thing because you expect others wont join is just another form of complying in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexander Hamilton explained impeachment covers offenses that are of a nature which may with peculiar propriety be denominated POLITICAL, as they relate chiefly to injuries done immediately to the society itself. Thus it is entrusted not to courts but to our elected representatives. They are accountable for failing to use it, both to their voters and to the harsh judgment of history. Under the Houses Rule IX, impeachment is a question of the privileges of the House and must be voted on within two legislative days. Speaker Mike Johnson could intervene with his own rules resolution, as he has on other matters. But this also requires a vote of the full House, which then effectively becomes the same thing. Thus, any individual representative has the ability to make all the others, in both parties, take a position. Would it pass the House, much less reach two-thirds in the Senate? For now, obviously not. Down the road? Its not impossible. Either way, delay only deepens the reluctance, the sense of resignation, fueling the constitutional collapse. It is succumbing to despair, when in fact just a few hundred people have the power, and the sworn duty, to end the insanity. It might be the only efficacious power they have left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One question naturally arises: impeach him for what? Not because there is any shortage of high crimes and misdemeanors but because there are so many. Usurping the power of the purse, imposing massive tax hikes, creating illegal pseudo-offices, attacks on the First Amendment, threatening opponents, obstructing the courts, flagrant bribery, threatening to invade allies, disappearing people to a foreign torture camp. But there is one charge encompassing the sum of it all: the supreme constitutional crime of tyranny. Tyranny is the charge made by the grassroots efforts model article. It is an idea with deep roots, from ancient Rome, to the American Revolution, to post-World War II Germany. A head of state whose design is to become a despot has destroyed his own claim to legitimacy. Evoking the Declaration of Independence, the draft insists he has demonstrated his character is marked by every act which may define a tyrant. Arguably a truer description of Trump than of George III. He openly pines for dictatorship, autocracy, even un-American monarchy. He recognizes no limits on his power, no law he must obey, no rights he must respect. Its an ugly truth, but we cant evade it by refusing to confront it, in plain terms, openly and unapologetically. Every member of Congress, like the nation as a whole, faces a binary choice: Its Trump or the Constitution. We can have one or the other but not both. To save the Constitution, we must be willing to use its indispensable remedy. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The troubled tenure of South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol formally came to an end on April 4. The nations Constitutional Court officially ruled that he had exceeded his authority and overstepped the law in declaring martial law and attempting to use the special powers thereof to maintain control of the government. Under presidential orders, soldiers of the Republic of Korea Army did go to the parliament building and surrounded and entered the structure, but refrained from interfering with the business of the peoples elected representatives. That was a key moment and decision. Had the army seized control, even temporarily, the still relatively new democratic institutions of South Korea would have been put in serious jeopardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unanimous decision of the court confirms the nations parliament was justified in voting to impeach Yoon. He was arrested in December. Yoon is the first president to be formally charged with a crime while in office. He is officially accused of insurrection, and now will stand trial. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been acting president, so far relatively smoothly. Now there must be an election within sixty days. The front-runner at the moment is Lee Jae-myung, populist leader of the opposition Democratic Party. He barely lost a closely contested election to Yoon in 2022. South Koreas political development has been rocky. Various former presidents have been imprisoned. They include former Presidents Lee Myung-bak, convicted of embezzlement, and Park Geun-hye, convicted of various forms of corruption. Park is also the first woman elected to lead South Korea and the daughter of notorious long-term dictator General Park Chung-hee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Park had her sentence reduced and she then received a pardon from reconciliation-minded President Moon Jae-in. She has enjoyed further public rehabilitation, reinforced by the fact that she may have been guilty of poor judgment but received no financial benefit from the alleged corruption. Two generals, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, served successively as president from 1980 following a military coup. Both were later convicted of crimes and briefly served prison terms before being pardoned. General Park Chung-hee, father of Park Geun-hye, took power in a coup in 1961, then was elected president in 1963. He ruled until assassinated in 1979 by the head of the Korea Central Intelligence Agency. This is a rather grim history of dictatorship, punctuated by violence, yet today South Korea has a functioning democracy under the rule of law. This positive consequence involves two U.S. presidents and their far-sighted public policies. Former Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, upon entering the White House in 1953, was able to end the brutal Korean War quickly and effectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The armistice still endures. However, Ike was concerned that the weakened and devastated nation might soon fall to communism. The answer was comprehensive development. That laid the foundation for the modern South Korea, a miracle that transformed a poverty-stricken peasant society into one of the strongest, most dynamic economies in the world. Dramatic economic development in turn provided the foundation for democracy. Earlier, President Harry Truman took the extremely courageous decision to support United Nations efforts to defend South Korea from the invasion by North Korea. U.S. engagement did not end with the Korean War era. South Koreas remarkable economic and political development unfolded while accompanied by increasing global influence. In 2012, President Barack Obama shrewdly nominated President Jim Yong Kim of Dartmouth College, who was born in Seoul Korea, as president of the World Bank. On Wall Street and in C-suites across the country, titans of American industry and capital are aghast. How could President Donald Trump plunge us into ruinous trade wars amid yo-yoing tariffs and send markets into chaos ahead of a widely speculated recession? They gave him their support and their donations, and this is how he repays them? The better question is: How were they so naive as to think this wouldnt happen? Its hard not to take some satisfaction in the sudden distress of the plutocrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not what we voted for, tweeted billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. What CEO and what board of directors will be comfortable making large, long-term, economic commitments in our country in the middle of an economic nuclear war? You dont say. William Ackman, CEO at Pershing Square Capital Management, speaks at The New York Times DealBook Conference in 2016. / Bryan Bedder / Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Republican megadonor and Home Depot founder Ken Langone called the tariffs bull---t. The New York Times reports that other Trump donors have been frantically calling the White House, trying to convince the administration to reverse course. I feel like a sucker, TV finance guru Jim Cramer said. They must not have been listening when Trump promisedliterally every day on the campaign trailthat this was precisely what he would do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some corporate leaders may have believed they were buying special favors when they ponied up seven-figure sums. Tim Cook of Apple, for instance, gave $1 million to Trumps inaugural committee, and that seems to have paid off: The administration just exempted smartphones and computers from its tariffs (most iPhones are assembled in China). Whether or not the tech magnates saw this coming, most corporate Trump supporters seem to have made a familiar calculation: Trump is a business guy wholl cut taxes and eliminate regulation. The economy will flourish, and thatll be good for everyoneespecially us. Kenneth Langone in his office in New York. / The Washington Post / Yana Paskova/For The Washington Post via Getty ImagesThe Washington Post via Getty Im That may sound like the hard-headed rationality were supposed to expect from capitalists, but its anything but. In fact, their support for Trump was always deeply emotional, helped along by an unwillingness to look at the facts. Heres the most important truth: The economy has consistently done better under Democratic presidents than Republican ones by almost any measure available. For all that corporate leaders complain that Democratic power will rob us of economic liberty, theyve always prospered under Democratic presidents. Surely they know that corporate profits hit record levels under former President Joe Biden, for instance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why did so many big business overlords believe it was so urgent that Trump return to the Oval Office? That reason is ideology. The people who sit atop the economic pyramid are, for the most part, pretty conservative just as a matter of personal inclination. Theyd rather see their companies suffer through another Republican recession (and nine of the last ten recessions started under GOP presidents) than have their tax rates go up by a point or two. They dont like it when Democrats talk about greedy CEOs; its not enough to get richer and richer, they want to be loved. So they ignored not just Trumps outlandish tariff threats, which anyone who understands the economy knew would be disastrous, but his impulsivity and instability. Now, they watch with the rest of us as Trump and Elon Musk attack our world-leading universities, cripple our extraordinary system of scientific and technical research, and try to undo landmark industrial policywith potentially catastrophic effects on long-term economic prospects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fairness, perhaps the plutocrats fooled themselves into thinking Trump would be good for the economy because things went pretty well on that score in his first term (at least until the pandemic arrived). But what we have now is Trump without limits, the truest version of himself. The damage he can do is only beginning to come into focus. Now, the business elite are appalledas are small business owners, by the way. They knew Republicans would go after immigrants, trans kids, and Medicaid recipients; that was no big deal. But they thought Trump was one of them, so hed have their interests at heart. For all they flatter themselves that their wealth is a sign of their brilliance, they were just as gullible as anyone. In 2017, President Donald Trump was almost the only nationalist populist leader in the West. Liberal democracy its protection at home and its promotion abroad was the political default across America and Europe. The United States marquee conference for hard-right conservatives, CPAC, featured only one major foreign speaker that year, Britains Nigel Farage, who had just resigned as leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party after a successful Brexit campaign. Eight years later, Trump has been joined on the world stage by a plethora of right-wing populists, and nationalism has gone mainstream. CPAC 2025 was a verifiable international event, with guests ranging from Argentinas President Javier Milei to Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico to Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among many others. But while its clear that nationalism is having a moment, for now its just that: a moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an American conservative who has longed to see Western nationalists working together, its certainly exciting to see. If nationalists play their cards right, they can use their electoral successes to redefine the Wests default political language, replacing the liberal democratic ideal with a new commitment to nationalists preferred ideal of Western civilization, particularly its commitment to prioritizing national interests and the promotion of Christian values over globalism and cultural diversity. But this is a moment which could quickly pass if the Western populist-right remains unorganized. Whether populist nationalism can become a sustained, global movement is still an open question. Western right-populism, on both sides of the Atlantic, has long been held back by three crises: a crisis of legitimacy, a crisis of mutual distrust and a crisis of longevity. The first two have, finally, been largely solved. But its the third, the issue of longevity, that still looms large. Legitimacy is often an issue for populist movements, as populism is a strike against establishment ideas and striking against an establishment brings instability. While groups like the American Birchers in the late 1950s and the French National Rally in the 1980s experienced plenty of surges in the second half of the 20th century, they usually crashed quickly. Western populations were not yet feeling concerned enough about societal shifts or international issues to risk the instability populist control could bring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another issue for populist legitimacy is that populist-right movements often organize themselves around individuals. While some of those individualized movements, like the ones around Trump or Hungarys Viktor Orban, have been successful in bringing their leaders to power, others have not. Frances Marine Le Pen, for example, refuses to exit the political stage, even though she has lost two presidential elections. (It is an open question if she will be able to run at all in the next presidential elections, having been banned by a Paris court from running; her appeal will be heard next summer.) Her unpopularity has made it harder for her party to gain power, and therefore gain political legitimacy. Mutual distrust between American and European populists has been another cause of a lack of Western right unity. Many European parties, like Austrias Freedom Party and the Alternative for Germany, or AfD, for example, have seen America as imperialistic. And the American populist-right was generally uninterested in Europe, seeing European countries as hangers-on. But at the turn of the 2020s, pan-Western populist-right connections grew firmer. More right-wing populists gained or grew in power, and electorally incompetent populists were pushed aside. Orban founded a new European parliamentary political group, Patriots of Europe; it quickly became the European parliaments third largest. The European right also demonstrated an ability to work together, supporting resolutions promoting border walls and the establishment of third-country migrant processing centers. Europeans also made their way to America. One such meeting, a New York Young Republicans event in 2023, saw populist-right Austrian politicians mingling with Republicans. And last year, Meloni also in New York espoused her vision for a pan-Western patriotism at an Atlantic Council event. Trump met with Orban in Florida multiple times between his terms, and came close to holding a campaign event in Pennsylvania with Polish President Andrej Duda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of young conservatives also took part in cross-Atlantic initiatives, such as the Matthias Corvinus Collegium, a conservative academic institution in Hungary affiliated with Orbans government, and other so-called NatCon events held in Europe and America. Both sides came to realize a healthy trans-Atlantic conservative populism legitimized their movements at home as well as abroad. In Trumps first term, his opposition was able to portray him as illegitimate. This is not normal! was a repeatedly heard refrain. Regular reference was made to how he had no friends in Europe. But now, Trump has genuine allies throughout the West. CPAC was not the first international hard-right event of his second term: That title belongs to his inauguration. The preponderance of right-wing populists invited to that event Italys Meloni, Argentinas Milei, Belgiums Tom Van Grieken, Hungarys Orban, Frances Eric Zemmour, El Salvadors Nayib Bukele, and more indicates Trump takes seriously his connections to like-minded Western populists. European nationalists also discovered the new Republicans were not imperialists seeking to colonize Europe; in fact, they wanted Europeans to defend themselves. Trumps continued existence in global politics, and the normalization of his ideas, also helped European populists put forward proposals which would have been totally unacceptable a decade ago, like their embrace of border walls. It is not coincidental that shouts of Remigration! propelled the Austrian Freedom Party and the German AfD to new political heights the same time Trump was embracing mass deportations. This all has fomented a sea change in European populist thinking; even the once America-skeptical Freedom Party wants to do more to connect with Republicans, and is seeking to do so through Orbans connections to the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second Trump administrations direct actions have also aided European populist leaders. Shuttering USAID and other State Department programs included the cancellation of millions of dollars in contracts to civil society organizations in Hungary in reality, anti-Orban operators. So the crises of legitimacy and distrust have been largely resolved. Populistic nationalism is now mainstream, and in many Western countries it has entirely replaced the old center-right. But the third crisis, longevity, still exists. After all, becoming mainstream guarantees you have a chance of winning power but a few bad elections can end your moment quickly. And it is another thing entirely to become a countrys political default, crucial for longevity. In the West, the political default has been liberal democracy. Internally, liberal democracy though in the 21st century, one could call it progressive democracy was protected by governments. Externally, liberal democracy was promoted through speeches, aid grants and even wars, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Liberal democracy being the default also forced dictatorships like Russia to go through democratic motions, like periodic national elections and pretending Moscows Supreme Court is in any way independent of the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Displacing liberal democracy will be difficult. But external threats, namely the rise of China, which threatens to split the West, are also a concern. As Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, the world is now multipolar. National interest now drives foreign policies, which means careful work will be needed to keep the West together. Can the Western populist right solve the crisis of longevity? Can their ideology become the political default? These questions are particularly acute at this moment, when it appears that at least some nationalist movements dont see eye-to-eye with Donald Trump over support for Ukraine, for instance. And in some countries, such as Canada, anti-Trump sentiment seems to have depressed support for conservative movements. But unlike the former mutual distrust, these disagreements amount more to intra-familial disagreement. Still, for populist nationalism to replace liberal democracy as the global default, the populist-right should rally around a clear goal that is larger than a single leader or a single country. Here, the roadmap has already been laid out: Western nationalists should redouble their efforts to promote the idea of Western civilization. Western civilization, which rejects the notion of one global civilization and instead focuses on prioritizing Western interests, brings with it a set of values that includes individualism, Christian social thought, and representative though not necessarily liberal or progressive democracy. It has been a cause celebre for right-populists since the beginning of their surge. One major indication a populist wave was forming was the sudden popularity in European Identitarian movements in the early 2010s, which opposed multiculturalism and globalism. These groups used the Greek lambda as their symbol, harkening back to the earliest days of the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As populists have gained power, they have talked more about saving Western civilization. Meloni touched on this frequently before becoming prime minister and has continued to while in power, most recently in her address to CPAC 2025. There, she said the West should not be seen just as a geographical space, but as a civilization born from the fusion of Greek philosophy, Roman law and Christian values. Later in the same speech, she defended Vice President JD Vances speech in Munich, saying he was correct to argue that before we [discuss] security, we must know what we are defending. Trump struck a similar note in 2017, arguing in a speech in Poland that the fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive. This has all come after decades of removing discussion of Western civilization from the mainstream. Though West was still used as a geographical term, students across America and Europe were not raised to think of themselves as members of a distinct civilization, unlike Russian or Chinese students. Western civilization was no longer even required in universities. It seemed an idea of the past, not the present or the future. Liberal democrats sought to replace Western civilization with a focus on creating a global community. But with multipolarity emerging, that attempt has failed. Replacing that failure with a new emphasis on belonging to one singular Western civilization would help both America and Europe geopolitically and societally and would help make right-populism the political default. As Meloni and Vance argued, one needs to understand what they are defending before they defend it. In Europe, the what is something of a mystery. Are Europeans seeking to defend the European Commission, or some other bureaucratic organization? Not exactly inspiring. But Western civilization, something which harkens back thousands of years that will be something people will, literally, fight for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, America has always been inspired by ideas. Ever since Thomas Jefferson wrote of America as an Empire of Liberty, it has thought itself exceptional. Jefferson was followed, decades later, by Manifest Destiny, expansion to the Pacific. Following that was a desire to extend into the Pacific. Woodrow Wilson came later, beginning Americas slow transformation into a globe-trotting crusader. To be clear, a realist foreign policy is the best way forward in multipolarity. However, hard-edged realism is not quite inspirational to your average non-policymaker. But America, acting in concert with the rest of Western civilization, struggling together once more in a multipolar world? That could do it. Geopolitically, a Western bloc would be help both America and Europe. If Russia and China, the other two poles in the coming world order, combine their resources as they are currently doing they will be incredibly powerful. By linking itself to a Europe willing to (and inspired to) defend itself, America can ensure Europe acts as a bulwark against Russia while pivoting to Asia. This latter step Europe being willing to defend itself is crucial, as even now, Europeans are still dragging their feet on increasing spending. The emergence of this Western bloc amid a multipolar world order would create a civilizational alliance that would be very hard to break. And centrist or center-left governments would find themselves speaking the language of Western civilization, as many conservative governments were forced to speak the language of liberal democracy for much of the 20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make this a reality, pro-West parties and populations will need help. Liberal democrats had financial aid from individuals like George Soros, whose Open Society Foundation spent millions around the West in support of progressive causes, candidates and organizations. He even founded a university, Central European University, now located in Vienna. These actions helped keep liberal democracy the default: When liberal democrats lost control of government, they still had networks to lean on. Populist-right figures should create similar networks now. Individuals like Elon Musk who has vocally supported Western populists should found institutions which can support these causes and candidates. Institutions which already exist, like the International Republican Institute which receives government funding and has spent decades pursuing the spread of liberal democracy can be repurposed toward the promulgation of Western civilization. Western populism is now seen as a legitimate political force. Mutual distrust on both sides of the Atlantic has been replaced with a desire to work together. Western populists need to seize their chance. That means politically homing in on a resuscitation of Western civilization as an organizing ideal, getting allies to help create institutions which can keep the fire burning when inevitable electoral losses occur, and preparing for the geopolitical combat inherent to a multipolar world order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making the West great again will not just aid populists politically. It will do something more important: Inspire Westerners on both sides of the Atlantic for decades to come. Youth throughout America and Europe, instead of being told they are members of a paradisical global society, will be brought up understanding they are part of an ancient and storied civilization. The countries which make up that civilization will have disagreements. But like a family, they will understand that they all share one common, civilizational home. One worth fighting for. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregons Dan Rayfield has been among the most aggressive attorneys general in the nation in challenging President Donald Trumps executive orders and Elon Musks DOGE job cuts. Rayfield was the Oregon House Speaker before he was elected attorney general in November. And as Oregons top lawyer, he has joined other attorneys general Democrats in about a dozen lawsuits on issues ranging from birthright citizenship, mass firings of federal employees, or challenges to the way elections are run. How would the SAVE Act impact PNW voters? Proof of citizenship explained Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He joined Eye on Northwest Politics this week to discuss the Trump Administration and why he is fighting back against certain decisions made in the White House. I think when you talk to Democrats, you talk to Republicans, you talk to Independents, everyone agrees that the Constitution should always be followed, he said. And it doesnt matter who you are. You can be the most powerful person in the world, you can be the President of the United States, but you have to respect and follow the Constitution and our laws. One of the responsibilities of being AG, he says, is to hold the line when Trump issues an executive order that pushes the bounds of the law. Of the presidents executive orders and actions by Musk, Rayfield believes DOGEs attempts to invade privacy have had a major effect on Oregonians. We walk through our communities, through our state, and we all have expectations of privacy, he said. And its incredibly fascinating to me that when we file our tax returns we have these expectations of privacy, and DOGE under Elon Musk have tried to be above the law to get access to information we all believe private. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSU will not consent to ICE enforcement on campus as 2 students face deportation Additionally, Rayfield discussed threats to funding for crucial services such as the National Institute of Health, wherein $240 million previously allocated to OHSU is on the line. Were talking about things that we all care about, Rayfield said. This is about research on HIV, cancer research, diabetes, opioid addiction. Thats whats at stake right now. Watch the full interview in the video 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 KOIN.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Over 360 firearms of all types were turned in today to the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement at a gun buyback event on April 12 on Oahu. The gun buyback program is part of Gov. Josh Greens effort to minimize gun violence in the islands, in partnership with the Department of the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department and the Aloha Stadium Authority. Iconic Hawaii boxer becomes namesake of boxing gym Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank everyone who turned in an unwanted firearm today, because in doing so, you have helped to make our community that much safer, Green said. Keeping ourselves and each other safe and healthy is a personal choice that also benefits our neighbors. We thank DLE Director Mike Lambert for continuing this effort and for our partners help in this ongoing gun buyback program. Those who surrendered their firearms were given Foodland gift cards as thanks, with $200 gift cards going to those who turned in automatic firearms of any time, semi-automatic rifles and ghost guns. Those who turned in handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks and Glock switches were thanked with a $100 gift card. Participants could turn in as many firearms as they wish, but recipients were maxed out at three gift cards total. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Both working and non-working firearms were accepted at the event, and DLE also offered gun locks to those who did not want to surrender their firearm but wanted to ensure their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DLE says that they will plan to hold gun buyback events on neighbor islands, with the schedule to be announced once the events are official. We are working to make our community safer in many ways, including initiatives like this gun buyback program, Lambert said. These unwanted guns will never again be used. They will never again pose any type of threat to a loved one or have an opportunity to be used in a crime. The buyback event served as an amnesty program, meaning no questions were asked about the individua surrendering any firearms, and no identification was 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 KHON2. An alleged sushi-slinging spy is in ICE custody. Ming Xi Zhang, known as Sushi John, the 61-year-old owner of Ya Ya Noodles in Montgomery Township, NJ, was arrested March 24 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark. Zhang was convicted in April 2024 of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and sentenced to three years probation. In May 2021, he pleaded guilty to having served as an agent of China in 2016 without notifying the U.S. Attorney General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE says he legally entered the U.S. in 2000 but later violated the terms of his lawful admission. Zhang was convicted in April 2024 of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and sentenced to three years probation. ICE/Facebook Any illegal alien conducting activities related to espionage, sabotage or export control against the United States is subject to deportation, said ICE Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. Zhang met with Chinese security officials in the Bahamas in 2016 and delivered $35,000 to an unnamed individual in New Jersey, according to NJ.com. He also admitted to twice hosting a Chinese government agent at his Princeton home that fall. Hes being held at the Elizabeth Detention Center awaiting immigration proceedings, a worker at his restaurant told the Post on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes doing good, I mean, given the circumstances, the worker said. But yeah, hes just kind of waiting to get let out. The community surrounding Zhangs restaurant has apparently rallied around him and his restaurant in the days since his arrest. The whole town has been really supportive, the worker said. Everyones been coming in, offering phone numbers, talking to his family . . . everyones really supportive. His arrest comes as ICE ramps up deportations under President Donald Trumps renewed enforcement push for mass removals and expanded detention authority over illegal immigrants. The community surrounding Zhangs restaurant has apparently rallied around him and his restaurant in the days since his arrest. Google Maps The legal landscape remains in flux: just last week, the Supreme Court on Thursday sided in part with Kilmar Abrego Garcia a noncitizen who had been deported despite an active appeal instead sending the case back to the lower courts to clarify whether the government has facilitated or intends to facilitate his return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Paul Xinis chastised Justice Department lawyers Friday over the governments stubbornness to comply, while the Trump administration has alleged Abrego Garcia has MS-13 gang ties and has disputed the scope of the words facilitate and effectuate in the judges order. Meanwhile, in a separate case, an immigration judge ruled that Mahmoud Khalil flagged by the State Department as a national security concern stemming from his pro-Palestine picketing on Columbias campus can be deported, though his case also remains under review. The Post did not receive a response from Zhangs attorney Robert Hazzard. April 13 (UPI) -- Police have made an arrest in the arson of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's official residence, officials announced Sunday. The official residence was evacuated early Sunday morning after the home was set on fire by an intruder. Police arrested Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, Pa., Col. Christopher Paris, the state police commissioner, said at an afternoon news conference Shapiro, in a post to social media, said his family was asleep at the governor's residence in Harrisburg around 2 a.m. when they were awoken by Pennsylvania State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire worked to put out the fire as Shapiro and his family were evacuated. He said the fire was extinguished and nobody was injured. Shapiro, his wife, four children, their dog and another family were evacuated. "Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities," Shapiro said. "Last night, they did so for our family -- and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe." The Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement that it was "prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson" but did not any reasoning for the claim. "While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence," police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police had offered a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest of any suspects behind the alleged arson. Balmer has not been charged, but the District Attorney for Dauphin County, Fran Chado, said he plans to charge him with aggravated arson and aggravated assault. Chardo said Balmer could face additional charges. Other officials said Balmer allegedly used "homemade incendiary devices" to start the fire and that the suspect entered the property over a security fence and forced his way into the official residence. "He clearly had a plan, Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said. "He was very methodical in his approach." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos of the residence showed a large and luxurious living areas disheveled by the fire, local media reported. Furniture and other items were covered in a thick layer of ash. The governor's residence was completed in 1968 and has housed eight governors and their families. The 29,000-square-foot property offers public tours and houses an exhibit of art and artifacts. LOUISBURG, N.C. (WNCN) The sheriff in Franklin County said Saturday his office captured an armed and dangerous man linked to the attempted murder of a deputy. The suspect was on the run from authorities for hours after he was last spotted along Moulton Road north of Louisburg, according to a news release from Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White. White said just before 4:15 p.m. that Thurman Henderson was wanted after the attempted murder of one of Franklin Countys own sheriffs deputies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 8:55 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriffs Office announced Henderson had been caught. A photo was posted by Sheriff White showing deputies leading a suspect out of the woods. Photo courtesy: Franklin County Sheriffs Office White said another man, Malachi Taylor, was also caught in connection with the incident. Taylor, 18, of Youngsville, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and felony possession of cocaine, according to arrest warrants. Praise God for keeping our men and women safe. This is but another example of how dangerous this profession can be, White said in the update about the arrest. Henderson, 19, of Kernersville, is charged with accessory after the fact of attempted first-degree murder, felony flee/elude arrest and felony possession of cocaine, warrants said. Photo courtesy: Franklin County Sheriffs Office The entire incident appears to have stemmed from fleeing a traffic stop along N.C. 56 earlier on Saturday, according to Hendersons arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor and Henderson are both being held without bond in the Franklin County Jail. They both have court dates in Franklin County District Court set for May 19 at 9 a.m. White said several other agencies assisted in the case, including North Carolina Wildlife, the Louisburg Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Halifax Sheriffs Office, the Vance County Sheriffs Office, the Nash County Sheriffs Office, The Granville County Sheriffs Office, Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Wake Forest 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 Queen City News. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged Iranian authorities on Sunday to arrest the killers of eight workers who were gunned down in Sistan-Baluchestan province. "The Iranian government should immediately arrest the culprits, ensure they receive exemplary punishment, and bring the reasons behind this brutal act before the public," the prime minister said in statement issued by his office. Sharif called on authorities to make arrangement for the return of the dead bodies to their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian embassy in Pakistan said it "strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly armed incident against 8 Pakistani nationals in Iran's Sistan and Balouchestan province." In a statement issued on Sunday, the embassy said that terrorism was a "common threat" in the region and required collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades. On Saturday, unknown armed men broke into the workshop where Pakistani workers were sleeping, tied them and opened indiscriminate fire. All eight workers were killed on the spot and the assailants fled the scene, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group of ethnic Baloch guerillas that is fighting for independence from Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the killings. The group has been behind a surge of attacks on security forces and non-resident workers in the province. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province and the most volatile bordering both Afghanistan and Iran, is regularly targeted by Islamist militants, sectarian groups and nationalist separatists. Seven people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a car in the centre of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian medical sources on Sunday. The incident occurred in the town of Deir al-Balah, they said. The identities of the victims were not initially released. When asked, Israel's military said it was investigating the report. The information from the Gaza Strip could not initially be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, following the collapse of a ceasefire that had largely held for two months. The Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, when the Islamist militant group Hamas and other factions attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting roughly 250. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign on the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinians, more than 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. While the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the high number of women and children among the casualties. April 13 (UPI) -- A hospital in Gaza was intentionally hit by the Israeli military on Palm Sunday prompting widespread condemnations from Christian groups in the Middle East. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed in a statement Sunday that it had dismantled an alleged Hamas "command and control center" operating inside the al-Ahli Hospital. Without publishing evidence, the IDF claimed Hamas fighters used the hospital to "plan and execute terror attacks" against Israel. Israel's previous claims that hospitals have been used by Hamas have been refuted by authorities and questioned by the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite the IDF repeatedly stating that military activity within medical facilities in Gaza must stop, Hamas continues to blatantly violate international law and abuse the civilian population," Israel claimed Sunday. The hospital is administered by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a regional diocese of the Anglican Communion representing Anglican and Episcopal Christians across the Middle East. The church condemned Israel's attack on the hospital. Christians wave olive and palm branches during the traditional Palm Sunday Procession on the Mt. Of Olives in East Jerusalem, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Palm Sunday procession retraces the route Jesus took on entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover the week before his crucifixion and is the first day of the Holy Week before Easter. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI "The twin strikes demolished the two-story genetic laboratory and damaged the pharmacy and the emergency department buildings. It also resulted in other collateral damage to the surrounding buildings, including the church building of St. Philip's," the diocese said. The diocese said Israel ordered the evacuation of the hospital just 20 minutes before the bombing and that one child who suffered a prior head injury died during the evacuation process. Christians from Ethiopia walks in the traditional Palm Sunday Procession on the Mt. Of Olives in East Jerusalem, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Palm Sunday procession retraces the route Jesus took on entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover the week before his crucifixion and is the first day of the Holy Week before Easter. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI "The Diocese of Jerusalem is appalled at the bombing of the hospital now for the fifth time since the beginning of the war in 2023-and this time on the morning of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week," it said in its statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest and most important Christian institutions, likewise condemned the attack. Priests and nuns wave olive and palm branches during the traditional Palm Sunday Procession on the Mt. Of Olives in East Jerusalem, on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Palm Sunday procession retraces the route Jesus took on entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover the week before his crucifixion and is the first day of the Holy Week before Easter. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI "The al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza, a place consecrated to healing and long rooted in the Christian vocation of mercy, was struck by an Israeli air assault that rendered its emergency and other critical departments inoperative," the patriarchate said. The patriarchate said the hospital "stood as one of the last beacons of medical hope in Gaza" while institutions have been "systematically destroyed." "Yet even amidst devastation, the light of faith remains unextinguished. In Gaza's Zaytun Quarter, within the heart of the Old City, the historic Church of Saint Porphyrius held Palm Sunday prayers -- quiet, steadfast, and full of grace -- affirming that the witness of Christ's peace endures, even when sorrow surrounds the sanctuary," the patriarchate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, which operates in the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, joined in the condemnations and went further to condemn the "disastrous blocking of humanitarian aid, especially as we begin Holy Week." The Roman Catholic Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which holds the authority of the Vatican in the Holy Land, has not directly addressed Israel's latest attack, but has long vocalized support for Gaza. British Foreign Minister David Lammy also decried Israel's "deplorable" actions and noted Sunday that Israel has "repeatedly" attacked the hospital since the war began with such attacks on medical facilities leading to "degraded access to healthcare in Gaza." "These deplorable attacks must end," Lammy said. "Diplomacy not more bloodshed is how we will achieve a lasting peace." Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione are arguing that Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty for their client as content for a new Instagram account, according to a Friday court filing. She ordered the death penalty and publicly released her order so she would have content for her newly launched Instagram account, Mangiones attorneys wrote. The defense team is asking the court to block the government from seeking the death penalty. They argue that Bondis announcement of the move was a political stunt and that she failed to indicate Mangiones presumption of innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say that her death penalty media blitz on April 1 has prejudiced the potential pool of grand jurors against their client, who has yet to be indicted on federal charges. Luigi Mangione appears with his attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on Dec. 23, 2024, in New York City. / Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images The stakes could not be higher, the lawyers said. The United States government intends to kill Mr. Mangione as a political stunt. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment. Mangione, 26, a former Ivy Leaguer, stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel last December. The software engineer was arrested following a high-profile manhunt after the brazen shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In announcing that she would seek the death penalty against Mangione, Bondi issued a press release, appeared on Fox News, and posted on a new Instagram account. Luigi Mangiones murder of Brian Thompsonan innocent man and father of two young childrenwas a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America," Bondi wrote in a statement. After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trumps agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again. The defense argues Bondis words would be inappropriate and prejudicial in any context but are especially improper for an attorney general issuing a direction to prosecutors, which they say could have been done out of the public eye. Attorney General Pam Bondi at a Cabinet meeting in the White House on April 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images The Court simply cannot sit back and do nothing while a grand jury is convened which has been exposed to this sort of malicious, intentional prejudice, the lawyers said. Not in any case much less a capital case. Federally, Mangione is charged with murder by firearm, two counts of stalking, and an additional gun charge. He is being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, which also houses alleged sex offender and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs and crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A yearly tradition that supports area residents and comes with a bit of an interesting twist was back in Bay County for yet another year. Earlier Saturday, the Panama City Lions Club held their 61st annual gopher race at First United Methodist church in Panama City. There, residents and businesses sponsor an RC car designed as a turtle and race to try and take home a prize and bragging rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, there were 20 separate heats with at least 15 turtles per heat. Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches: Panama City Beach hosts annual beach cleanup When it was all said and done, the appliance center took home first place, with five Bridges real estate services coming in second. This is the Lions Clubs largest fundraiser of the year, with the proceeds being used to help area residents receive eye screenings and glasses. Its so important to keep it local because we know that there is a need here in Bay County. I mean, obviously, theres a need all over the world, but we want to help those that literally are in the shadow of kind of where we operate, where we work. So we want to help those here in need, Panama City Lions Club Frank Wright said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lions Club members estimate they raised somewhere between 10 to $12,000 from this event alone. A few members of the Leo Club were also in attendance on Saturday, helping out with the race. The Leo Club is based out of Rutherford High School and are lions-to-be. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) A hit and run in Edgar County has left a Paris man dead. Scott Barrett, Edgar County Coroner, said that 34-year-old Dakota Gibson was found dead on a county roadway north of Paris. Decatur police investigating fatal shooting Barrett said a woman called 911 around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and reported that while traveling on East 1200th Road, she came upon a body lying in the roadway. The Edgar County Sheriffs Department responded to the scene, and soon requested the assistance of the Edgar County Coroner and the Illinois State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After investigating, Barrett said Gibson was walking west on East 1200th Road, around a mile east of Illinois Route 1, when a vehicle hit him from behind. The vehicle left the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday and this incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriffs Department at 217-465-4166. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) An investigation is ongoing after a Paris man was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Saturday night in Edgar County. Dakota J. Gibson, 34, was found dead near a county roadway north of Paris. According to a news release from the Edgar County Coroners Office, a 911 call came in just before 8:30 p.m. with a female caller stating she was traveling on E 1200th Rd. and had come upon a body lying in the roadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After investigation, evidence shows Gibson was walking west on E 1200th Rd. approximately one mile east of Illinois Route 1 before being struck by a vehicle from behind. The vehicle fled from the scene. Authorities on scene were the Edgar County Sheriffs Department, Illinois State Police, and the Edgar County Coroner. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15th, and the accident remains under investigation at this time. Those who know of any information about the incident are asked to contact the Edgar County Sheriffs Department at 217-465-4166 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Eddie Shed, a security guard and deacon at Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, a Gulfport church, died in a shooting Saturday when he tried to intervene in a domestic violence dispute that turned physical at a church event, authorities confirmed Saturday. Police have taken three people into custody and additional details have not been released. The church made the following statement: It is with heavy hearts that we, the Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, address the tragic events that unfolded during our Family Easter Egg Hunt at Prudie Circle earlier today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our beloved Deacon Eddie Shed was taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence. Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm. He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss. Deacon Shed was a pillar of strength within our community and a beacon of light and hope. His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Doris, Jaylen, Kaleb, KaMya, Neloise, Derrick and his family and friends who grieve this profound loss. We want to reassure everyone that this tragic act was not carried out by a member of Empowerment Ministries Christian Center. What began as a beautiful day filled with laughter and joy was overshadowed by a criminal act and we are all heartbroken by this senseless violence. In this time of sorrow, we remain steadfast in our mission to be a light in the midst of darkness. Our faith gives us hope and strength, and we draw comfort from the assurance that we will one day be reunited with Deacon Shed. We continue to lift in prayer those affected by this tragedy and stand together as a community, united in love and resilience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us hold each other close, support one another, and continue to be beacons of hope and love in our world. In faith and solidarity, Dr. Gregg S. Magee, Sr Senior Pastor Empowerment Ministries Christian Center EPHRATA, Pa. (WHTM) A visitor to Lancaster County coming from Texas tested positive for measles, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Sunday. The patient was visiting Lancaster County and was contagious between April 3 and April 11 and had visited after a trip from Texas. They visited the WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital Emergency Department between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. April 8 and anyone who was there at the time may have been exposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles exploded in Texas after stagnant vaccine funding. New cuts threaten the same across the US Our team took all necessary precautions when managing this patient, but outreach has been conducted and completed with any other patients that may have been in this individuals presence in our emergency department, WellSpan Health said in a statement to abc27 News. The Department of Health said they live out-of-state and became infected after visiting Texas. The risk to the general public is low due to high vaccination rates across Pennsylvania, the department says. People who are fully immunized are at very low risk of contracting the measles. People unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best protection against measles is vaccination, said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. With two MMR vaccines, residents are at low risk of getting and spreading the measles. Knowing the signs of sickness and places people may have been exposed will help protect individuals and communities from this disease. People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH. All residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) people most at-risk are: Infants less than one year old who are too young to have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; Individuals who are unvaccinated; and Individuals from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or where there is circulating measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, a measles case was reported in Philadelphia County. The Philadelphia Department of Health reported that a patient tested positive for measles and had visited the Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Department in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 6 between 3:55 p.m. and 11:20 p.m., and the Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department in Meadowbrook on Tuesday, April 8 between 6:05 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. As vaccination rates across the country continue to drop, there are more and more opportunities for people who cannot be vaccinated to be exposed to this deadly disease, said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Public Health. However, because Philadelphia has high rates of immunity against measles, we are hopeful that this case wont spread further. For us to keep that protection, it is critical for everyone who isnt already immune from measles and can be vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That case in Philadelphia County came while travelling abroad and is not connected to the outbreak out west. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Bo Erickson (Reuters) -A 38-year-old man was in custody and will face attempted homicide and aggravated arson charges after setting a fire overnight at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence, state authorities said at a press conference at the governor's mansion in Harrisburg on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Cody Balmer from Harrisburg, whose motive is still unknown, slipped over a fence around the property carrying homemade incendiary devices and evaded state troopers long enough to enter the residence, set it on fire and leave, said Pennsylvania police officials. He was apprehended shortly before the press conference on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police banged on the bedroom doors of Shapiro and his family around 2 a.m. (0600 GMT) to evacuate them as local firefighters extinguished the blaze. No one was injured, although burn marks could be seen on parts of the building. Shapiro, a Democrat seen as a potential candidate for his party's presidential nomination in 2028, said at the press conference that FBI Director Kash Patel had spoken to him a few hours earlier and promised "all the resources of the federal government" in investigating the attack. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that she was "deeply relieved" the governor and his family were safe and applauded the rapid arrest of Balmer. The residence was set on fire hours after Shapiro posted a picture of his family's "seder" table as they celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which is about going "from slavery into freedom," according to Shapiro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night," he said on Sunday, vowing to continue his work for Pennsylvania without fear. Shapiro added that his family still planned to hold a second seder on Sunday night. When asked whether the attack could have been a hate-motivated crime, Shapiro said he would defer to the findings from federal authorities and Pennsylvania's district attorney. A "multifaceted review in terms of security measures and the exact timeline of how it happened" will be carried out, said Lieutenant Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania state police. (Reporting by Bo Erickson; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Sonali Paul) Police in Pennsylvania have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of plotting a mass shooting at a high school later this month, one day after the anniversary of the Columbine massacre. Braeden Phillips is accused of conspiring with another individual to commit murder(s) by planning a coordinated school shooting on April 21, 2025, at the State College High School, according to a criminal complaint obtained by CNN. Police say the suspect, a former State College resident, also planned to place bombs inside the schools bathrooms and that he and another individual had compiled a hit list of people to target. The attack was planned for 8:40 a.m., a high traffic time at the school, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff at a youth community center in State College called police after learning of the threat from one of the centers residents, according to a probable cause affidavit. That initial report led to interviews with others who told police the suspect had discussed the planned attack with them, the affidavit says. The suspect first intended to carry out the attack on April 20, the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, but witnesses indicated the date was moved because the anniversary fell on a Sunday, according to the affidavit. The 1999 Columbine massacre left 12 students and one teacher dead in one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history. Phillips is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, police said in a statement Saturday. Individuals must be 21 to possess handguns in Pennsylvania, and police say the 20-year-old was seen with a black, Glock-style pistol on multiple occasions. CNN is working to identify an attorney for Phillips. He is being held in Centre County Prison awaiting his preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for April 16. He was denied bail after being deemed an extreme danger to the community, according to Pennsylvania court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high school will hold classes as usual Monday, State College Area Superintendent Curtis Johnson said, noting that police have nothing to indicate that there is an active threat against the school. State College Police declined to comment to CNN about other individuals possible involvement in the threat, citing the ongoing investigation. State College Police said the Pennsylvania State Police and US Department of Homeland Security have assisted with the investigation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an arson at the Pennsylvania governors house as the governor and his family slept inside. Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded to the fire around 2 a.m. and extinguished it, but the building was left with a significant amount of damage, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Gov. Josh Shapiro said that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family were safely evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cody Balmer of Harrisburg was arrested Sunday, Col. Christopher Paris, state police commissioner, said at an afternoon news conference. CNN has reached out to an attorney representing Balmer in another case. Balmer hasnt been charged, but Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said he plans to charge him with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault against an enumerated person. The suspect could also face federal charges, Chardo said. Balmer also had some homemade incendiary devices, Bivens said. The attack was targeted, but a specific motive is still unknown, Shapiro added. Balmers arrest comes days before he is expected in court for a plea hearing in a separate case stemming from a 2023 simple assault charge, according to state court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another case, Balmer pleaded guilty in 2016 to forgery and theft by deception charges, court documents show. CNN has reached out to the attorney representing Balmer in the simple assault case. Photos of the aftermath show a portion of the building devastated by the fire, with furniture destroyed and the floor covered in ash. Images also show the walls and ceiling blackened and feature some remnants of the Passover dinner the governor hosted Saturday night like a Passover Crafts sign. Elected officials have faced a surge in violent threats in recent years including a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023, election officials receiving death threats in Georgia, and two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump last year. Balmer came over a fence around the residence and forcibly entered the home before setting the fire, Chardo said. He was inside the governors residence for less than a minute and actively evaded troopers who were searching for him at the same time, Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He clearly had a plan, he added. He was very methodical in his approach. This photo released by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shows damage to the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after a fire Sunday, April 13, 2025. - Commonwealth Media Services The governor emphasized his refusal to be deterred in his work. If this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was, he said. Shapiro also highlighted his pride in his Jewish faith. If he was trying to terrorize our family, our friends, the Jewish community, who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room last night, hear me on this: we celebrated our faith last night, proudly and in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one will deter me or my family, or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly. Shapiro, 51, was elected Pennsylvania governor in 2022 after spending six years as state attorney general. A prominent Democrat, he was one of several candidates named as a possible running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential bid and hes been floated as a possible presidential candidate himself for the 2028 election. In a post on X, Shapiro described how he and his family woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities, he said. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A security review is underway to determine how we can ensure that we dont have a repeat of a situation like this, Bivens said. Shapiro said he had total confidence in the Pennsylvania State Police. The FBIs Philadelphia field office is assisting state police in its investigation, the agency told CNN in an email. Shapiro said the fire was an attack not just on his family but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Im not fearful, he said. Im obviously emotional, worried about my family. I want my kids to be OK. President Donald Trump late Sunday night said he did not have an immediate comment about the arson attack. I just heard about it, no, Ill have to look into it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several politicians wrote messages of support for Shapiro after the incident with Vice President JD Vance calling it really disgusting violence. I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice, Vance added on X. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote that she was deeply relieved Shapiro and his family were safe. She also applauded police work that resulted in an arrest in a post on X. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania described the attack as truly appalling in a post on X. Whoever did this must be held to the fullest extent of the law, he wrote. Tom Ridge, a Republican who served as Pennsylvania governor from 1995 to 2001, called images of the damage heartbreaking in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of us should feel safe in our homes, especially when that home is our states official residence, he wrote. CNNs Danny Freeman and Amanda Musa contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) A Pennsylvania man remained jailed on Sunday after being accused by authorities of planning a mass school shooting for later this month that would have coincided with the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. Police allege Braeden Phillips, 20, had planned to commit a mass shooting at State College High School in Central Pennsylvania on April 21, one day after the 26th anniversary of the deadly Columbine High School shooting, according to a criminal complaint. Police allege Phillips had compiled a hit list and that the shooting would have taken place at around 8:40 a.m. a high traffic time for students and staff near the schools main staircase. Officials cited in the complaint allege that Phillips planned to place bombs in the school bathrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two teenage boys went on a killing rampage at Columbine High School in suburban Denver on April 20, 1999. They shot and killed 12 classmates and a teacher, and wounded two dozen others before taking their own lives. Phillips has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was being held without bond at the Centre County Correctional Facility because he was deemed an extreme danger to the community, according to court records. Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf. Police were trying to determine if anyone else was involved in the plan. Authorities allege Phillips said a juvenile friend of his also was going to take part in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State College Police would like to recognize that the success of this investigation would not have been possible without the initial report made by a concerned citizen. This illustrates the importance of see something, say something, police said in a statement. Authorities were first alerted to the plot by staff members at a Centre County youth center, who told police a resident had shared information about it. Police interviewed Phillips' friends and others, who told investigators that Phillips detailed how he planned to carry out the shooting and showed them a handgun. When police asked if Phillips had any issues or past grievances with State College High School, a friend said Phillips had told him, the school did not serve his educational needs and failed him, according to the complaint. Police allege Phillips initially planned to carry out the shooting on April 20, which would have been the 26th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, but that he changed the date because April 20 falls on a Sunday this year. Phillips was set to have a preliminary court hearing on Wednesday. Apr. 13Dolores Huerta is a legendary labor organizer and feminist activist. In 1962, she and Cesar Chavez cofounded the first union for farmworkers in the United States, the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers. Over the years, she has collaborated with women's rights organizations, including the Feminist Majority Foundation, and served as an honorary co-chair of the 2017 Women's March in Washington, D.C. Since 2002, she has served as president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which promotes participatory democracy, social justice and civic engagement. On April 4, the eve of New Mexico's 32nd Annual Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Celebration, Huerta sat down with the Albuquerque Journal at the National Hispanic Cultural Center to discuss the current political situation in the U.S. and lessons learned from a lifetime of organizing. You are a legend. There were no farmworkers unions before you created one with Cesar Chavez. People thought you couldn't do it, but you did. What would you say to people today who are feeling discouraged and powerless? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I like to say to people, since I'm an elder, about to turn 95 years old (on April 10), is that I was born during the Depression, and that was a very dark time in the United States of America. The economy had collapsed. People were out of work. But out of that came the New Deal, right? We got workers' rights, the National Labor Relations Act, Social Security things we didn't have before. Then we had another dark period of the '60s. We had the Vietnam War. The country was divided. Students were being killed by our own National Guard. And what came out of that? We had the Civil Rights movement, the Chicano movement, the environmental movement, the LGBTQ movement, a big surge in the women's movement. Now we're going through another dark period. So, we have to start planning for the future. What kind of future do we want? Do we, as a country, want to continue with corporate governance? Because it's not working. Now that we have seen what corporate governance looks like, we know it's something our country does not want. I think people are already saying that with the election that they had in Wisconsin recently, that we're not going to have that. So it's going to take a lot of organizing and a lot of work to make sure that we change our economic system in our country. I feel like the last politician on the national stage who was really talking about that was Bernie Sanders. But at the time, you didn't endorse him. You endorsed Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason I endorsed Hillary Clinton is well, a couple of things. Number one, I knew Hillary. Number two, she had always been out there working for immigrants' rights. Bernie had not been working for immigrants rights, so I felt she was closer to our community than Bernie was at that point in time. It wasn't that I disagreed with his economic policies at all. And I do believe Hillary would have actually carried out some of the things that Bernie wanted to see. In practical terms today, what can people do? How should people be organizing? What people have today in terms of organizing tools they have the internet, they have social platforms. We didn't have that back then. When we were organizing in the '60s, it was always person to person. You know, snail mail, telephones. Now you have all of these great tools at your disposal that you can use really, really rapidly to organize. Even as these tools are useful for activists, they're also useful for people who are trying to oppose activists. I mean, you had an FBI file, which people can read now ... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, it's all redacted. But, I mean, we know they were monitoring you. And I think that's not gone away. The government is still suspicious of people who are trying to make life better for other people. How do you deal with that? I mean, how have you dealt with that in your personal life? Were you ever scared? Well, these are things that are going to happen. You just have to kind of ignore them, and keep your eye on the prize, keep working for what we're working for. And the other missing piece, I believe what's missing in our society there's just a huge lack of education. We have a country that is steeped in ignorance, where people don't know civics, and people don't understand science. And when I talk about science, I'm talking about a women's right to abortion, about transgender or LGBTQ people in our society, and about the science of global warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are now in danger of destroying humanity with global warming. And I don't know why people don't get that. Because every part of our country has either been beset with horrible heat waves, wildfires, tornadoes or floods all of these terrible weather conditions. I don't understand why people can't see that or feel that, when they're actually being affected. It's harder to deny it when you can see and feel the physical effects impacting your daily life. I don't know how it happened that somehow in our society it's seen as not good to be educated. That it's OK to be ignorant. Certain people benefit when people are ignorant, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's true. But you would think that the majority of people would realize, hey, there's something wrong here. But people are going to have to reckon with it when it starts affecting their daily lives. Then again, when will they understand that the president has no control over the price of oil or gas, or the price of food, which people were upset about in the last election. Well, he has some control, if he's going to put tariffs on all these countries. Well, that's a whole new ball game that's coming. He called it "Liberation Day." That's kind of ironic, right? Yes. But we should also mention the rights of workers that have been stripped away from getting rid of the National Labor Relations Act. As it is, workers' rights have been diminished, and the laws have been weakened for workers' rights. So you have big companies like Amazon and Starbucks where workers had voted for a union, and yet they refuse to bargain with the workers. Labor laws need to be strengthened, because the majority of people in the United States are workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm originally from Florida, and I know there was a big campaign with the Immokalee Workers for a while, who were picking tomatoes. They said if they raised the price of tomatoes by just one cent, then they could actually live. It took time, but they eventually had some success. With the United Farm Workers, we had contracts in Florida. As you know, Florida doesn't really have laws to protect the workers. Our contracts were with Coca-Cola (covering citrus workers with Coca-Cola's subsidiary, Minute Maid). But what they did is they moved the orange groves from Florida to Belize, I believe, in order to get away from the contracts. But the workers there that were under contract have pension plans. Many of them, even though they don't have their jobs anymore, they were able to collect their pensions It's good to remember those successes. I think if someone's a worker who doesn't have money, doesn't have privilege or if they don't have the right immigration status, they might be afraid to organize. How have you been able to convince people to risk what little they have, knowing that it could all be taken away? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we started organizing the union, we had learned some organizing tactics from a man named Fred Ross, who had done community organizing in Los Angeles and other parts of the state of California. Fred taught us how to do basic organizing, and that is family by family, to convince the workers that unless they stood up for themselves, that nothing would ever change, and that they could not expect anyone to come in from the outside to solve their issues. They are the ones that had to do it. It took us three years of organizing, from 1962 to 1965, to convince the workers that they could fight. It was difficult. Yeah, it was. It was a very slow method of organizing, but it was very effective. So, when the strike happened, the delegates were ready. The workers were ready. They were ready to make those sacrifices. We would say to say to them, if you don't make this sacrifice now, nothing will ever change. And I think that's what we have to say to people here in the United States of America now. We may have to make some sacrifices for the next couple of years, until we get through this dark period, but then at the end of the day, it's going to come out better. You're playing a long game. It's a slow process, building trust, building community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This type of organizing is very tedious, of course. And, unfortunately, there's only, I think, a couple of states in the United States that have collective bargaining rights for farmworkers. You knew Bobby (Robert) Kennedy, and you were there when he was assassinated. How do you think America would be different today if he had become president? There would never have been another war. I think there would not have been a war in Iraq, and definitely no war in Afghanistan, had Bobby Kennedy lived. It really set things back. Yes. His son is so different from him, right? Very, very different. (Laughs.) But who knows what trauma he went through, with having his father killed, you know? We have to wonder why he is who he is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he does focus on some good issues even in the area of medicine, about more natural, holistic types of medicine. Although I think you have to have a combination. Because you can use Indigenous types of medicine in some respects. But, as someone once said to me, you can't use Indigenous medicine to cure the ills that the colonizers brought to the Indigenous population. In order to cure things like cancer, you've got to have Western medicine. So many farmworkers from the fields in California have cancer. So many people who are now in their 50s and 60s are coming down with cancer, because of the continuous use of pesticides out there. You campaigned against pesticides. Weren't you responsible for getting DDT banned? Yeah, the United Farm Workers, we were responsible for that. Which is huge. But we had a dozen others. We called them the "Dirty Dozen" pesticides that were bad. Unfortunately, they're still being used. And with GMOs, they even put pesticides into the seeds of the plants. So, no wonder cancer is so prolific in our society. Sometimes when people think about these issues, it can be overwhelming. People can be overcome with anger or fear. But when I speak with great activists like you, it seems like you have such discipline. How do you deal with your own emotions? Are emotions like anger and fear useful? I think they are, because you can take the energy of anger, and you can turn that energy into the positive energy of actually going out there and doing something about it. You know, as Michelle Obama says, "Do something." And it comes back down to the basics, again, of people voting, of electing good people, good representation. If we can get good people into office in our Congress and our state legislatures, then we can change some of these things, like even banning some of these pesticides. We can do that through legislation. We've got to, number one, be cognizant of what's going on, then know that these are the solutions we need. These are the laws we need to pass to change things. It comes down to basic democracy. You might say it comes down to voting. People have to understand that not only do we have the right to choose our representation, but we have a responsibility to get involved. Not only ourselves personally, but making sure that everybody our families, friends and neighbors understands that we cannot have a democracy unless we participate. If you don't participate, it all goes away. But it's not just about voting. I mean, your organizing work goes beyond voting. It's voting and advocacy. I think that the farmworker movement is a good example of that, because even though the farmworkers were on strike for five years, we didn't win. We did not win until we had a national boycott. When we had a national boycott, and you had 17 million Americans that didn't buy grapes, then we won. Again, that shows you the power of the people the power of the people that are united in taking collective action and this is the way that we win. But we have to convince people. Because I think the biggest thing is, we have apathy. As Helen Keller said, "The biggest problem that we have with people is apathy." People don't realize that they have that power. How do you convince people that they do have power? We would just talk to them and try to get them involved. Once people participate, then they learn, and it becomes part of them. This is what we did with farmworkers, and what we still do in my foundation today. We go into communities, we have house meetings, we get them all together once we have the meetings, and then they decide what they want to improve within their community. And once they get involved, they go, "I can do this! I don't have to have a high school education. I can still go to a school board meeting. I can go to a city council meeting. I can make sure I get somebody good elected to that position." You know, in our foundation, one example is that, in Kern County, in Bakersfield, California, we have the largest high school district in the state of California. Well, our current high school district in Bakersfield had suspended 2,100 kids in one year, primarily kids of color. We filed a lawsuit, and from 2,100 expulsions, we got it down to 21. People got involved, and we got testimonies from people on what was happening to their kids. I can give dozens of examples of that. People got street lights, sidewalks, gutters, swimming pools, neighborhood parks all by just coming together. Well, I'm amazed that it seems like you never stop. Your whole life, you've been fighting the good fight, and you're still doing it. Well, now more than ever! And more than ever, we have to have people understand their power. We just saw that in Wisconsin, where people rejected (Elon) Musk. There's $21 million that (Musk and his affiliated groups) put in there (to flip the Wisconsin Supreme Court). But the people said, "No, you're not buying this. We're not for sale." So, people are waking up. I don't think anyone anticipated that it was going to be this severe when (Donald) Trump took office, how many people he was going to be able to hurt. It was shock and awe. He shocked the nation. And people are kind of stunned. But people are coming out of it, and once they realize that they have the power to change it, as with the example of Wisconsin, I think that's gonna save us. What do you think are the main issues we should be focusing on now? Right this minute, right now, I think it's elections getting ready for the elections in 2026 to make sure we have a stronger Congress, with more people in the Congress to counteract the actions that Trump and the Republican Party are doing right now. And then, starting to think of the future. One thing we're seeing is that we do not want corporate governance. Something's wrong when we the richest country in the world, the United States of America when we do not have universal health care. There's no reason why we shouldn't have universal health care. And we don't have universal college education, which we should have. We should have pre-K daycare, as they have in the Scandinavian countries. We are the richest country in the world, and there's no reason why we can't have those benefits for the people here in the United States of America. I feel like certain politicians have been able to convince large swaths of people in America that if we make life better for everyone, it's going to take something away from them, that it's a zero-sum game. Well, these ugly policies that they have the way that they have demonized immigrants, for instance, and people of color I mean, we were making a lot of progress in terms of getting rid of racism and sexism and homophobia. But they've used all these culture wars to divide people. And that's very vicious. I like to remind people that the true immigrants to this country were like my great-grandparents, one of them came from Spain, one of them came from England, and then on my dad's side, we were here to greet them! So, who are the true immigrants to this country? The Europeans. And every group that came to the United States was legalized. They got the legalization status to be able to vote and to participate. So demonizing people, and calling all immigrants criminals is so wrong. That is straight, outright racism, and they need to be called out. And how they're attacking transgender people they take the most vulnerable people in our society, and they start attacking them. That is vicious, and it's wrong. Some people have compared Trump to the fascists in World War II. Having lived through WWII, do you see parallels? Oh, absolutely. The word fascist means to hurt people. It's an Italian word. To hurt and to punish. ("Fascism" comes from the Latin "fascis," a weapon used to punish people.) For some reason, Trump thinks this is good. We know that he idolizes (Adolf) Hitler, and he's following his playbook. But people have to wake up and understand that. So, a lot of work in education needs to be done right now to get people to wake up. And to understand that it's okay to be educated. It's okay to be woke. When you're woke, that means you're educated. That's exactly what that means. And there's nothing wrong with that. Yeah, because what's the opposite of being woke? Being asleep? Being unconscious? Right. Is there anything I haven't asked you about that you'd like to say? Well, one of the great things that's happening now is that our governors in our different states are fighting back. They're using their power. And we have judges and attorneys that have now become the Marines to save our democracy, you know? This is all happening, so we're not at a total loss. I think we will be able to prevent what happened in Germany to the Jewish population. And not only the Jews. It was the gypsies, the people who were disabled, people who were gay, etc. Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted. And when we look at Russia, the Jehovah's Witnesses are still being persecuted. LGBTQ people are still being persecuted in Russia, too. How can our president think that (Vladimir) Putin and the Russian policies are somehow something that we should imitate here in the United States of America? We're gonna call that out. People just have to rev up their bravery. If they never participated in a protest before, now's the time to do it. If they didn't engage in organizing others for elections, now's the time to do it. And I always brag about the fact that I'm from the state of New Mexico, because my father was an assemblyman here in New Mexico, and my grandfather was born here. And when we were kids, we would sit down and listen to (Franklin D. Roosevelt) when he did his Saturday night lectures. I'm very blessed, because I was raised in a family where we had very active civic participation. And that's what we want for everyone now. We want people to be civically involved. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Logan Royce Beitmen is an arts writer for the Albuquerque Journal. He covers music, visual arts, books and more. You can reach him at lbeitmen@abqjournal.com. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man has died following a shooting in Uptown. The incident occurred in the 300 block of East Trade Street near the Charlotte Area Transit System station around 10:30 p.m. Medic says they transported someone with life-threatening injuries to the hospital. Shortly after, the victim, 31-year-old Qualo Trevon Daniels, was pronounced dead and Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have declared this investigation a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not said if they have any suspects or what led up to the shooting. This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. How do we as a society make up for past wrongs? Last week, Los Angeles County reached a tentative agreement to pay $4 billion in order to settle more than 6,800 sexual abuse claims. Filed in the wake of a 2020 law, which allows victims of childhood abuse to sue their abusers even after the statute of limitations has expired, some of these claims go back as far as the 1950s. Most of the harm occurred at juvenile detention facilities and at the MacLaren Childrens Center. According to The New York Times, MacLaren, which was open from 1961 to 2003 as a foster home, had a long history of abusing children. MacLaren managers had allowed convicted burglars and drug traffickers to care for children and had not checked the criminal background of employees for decades. (F)ormer residents said staff members had crawled into their bunks at night and sexually assaulted them, punishing them if they reported the abuses. Some said they had been as young as 5 at the time. There can be little doubt that the more than 1,200 plaintiffs in the suit suffered long-term consequences as a result of this deplorable treatment. The widespread nature of the abuse and the length of time that it went on also suggest a systemic problem people at the highest levels who did not act when they should have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the county, I apologize wholeheartedly to everyone who was harmed by these reprehensible acts, Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport said at a news conference. The historic scope of this settlement makes clear that we are committed to helping the survivors recover and rebuild their lives and to making and enforcing the systemic changes needed to keep young people safe. Leaving aside the cost of the settlement, which officials warn may send the county into bankruptcy, it will also require that services be cut. If all policy decisions require tradeoffs, it is worth understanding what it will cost people in need currently to compensate those who have been harmed in the past. Other organizations, from the Boy Scouts to the Catholic Church, have already had to grapple with this question. The effects of this settlement will worsen what has already become a crisis in California and around the country the inability of foster care agencies to get insurance. Just last year, the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California, which insures 90% of foster family agencies in California, stopped renewing insurance policies for foster family agencies and will not issue new policies. A spokesperson explained: We continued over the course of probably two years to adjust policy limits, adjust terms, increase premiums. But the situation became unsustainable. As a group of colleagues and I pointed out in a paper from the American Enterprise Institute earlier this year, the situation is growing dire. In Pennsylvania, more than half of foster care providers report a lack of available and affordable liability insurance. In New York, they have found it extremely hard to find insurance. In Florida, liability insurance issues became an existential threat. The challenge across these state systems is not limited to the rare low-quality service provider. It is affecting every provider, even those with high standards and spotless records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland also just extended its statute of limitations, and the flurry of lawsuits there in recent months will no doubt have a similar impact. What will happen? As we wrote for AEI, The result for the foster care system will be the closure of service providers like foster family agencies. When these entities are forced to close and their resources are taken away, it ripples through the system. When insurance is unavailable or too costly, managing risk becomes challenging, leading states to place children in environments that implement increased supervision. In other words, current foster kids will pay for the wrongs that were perpetrated against foster kids 70 years ago. For decades, the question of reparations has vexed our country. The easiest response to the concept of reparations for slavery is that no one who was a slave or a slave owner is alive today, and why should their descendants let alone the descendants of people who werent even in this country then pay or be paid for this wrong? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what amount of money does justice demand? These eye-popping awards may seem justified when considering the harm that is done to people, and maybe they will send a message to organizations that we are serious about the problem of sexual abuse. But could that have been accomplished with a $1 billion or a $500 million settlement? The truth is that no amount of money will fix the psychological harm done by child sexual abuse. And maybe no amount of money will prevent it from happening again. In the meantime, though, children who have been abused and need a safe and loving home will have a harder time finding one. PERU Peru Central School District celebrates Earth Day with 16 environmental education organizations and student presenters, on April 15 through April 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a three-day event to bring greater awareness of environmental issues to students, staff, and community. There will be stations similar to a science fair, with various Earth Day activities. The venues will include the High School Gymnasium, Outdoor Courtyard, and Library. The first two days will be for Middle and High School students, and the third day will be for Grades 3-5 Elementary students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,200 students will view, interact, explore, and create with presenting organizations. Student club leaders will facilitate, guide, and assist presenters. Each station will take approximately 15 minutes and may include a presentation and activity. Classes will be divided in half to accommodate approximately 10 students per station. Student groups will see three station presentations and activities. After the event, students will be able to share their experiences with others. Organizations Presenting include: Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation Department, Casella, DEC, Lake Champlain Basin Program, Compost For Good, Wild Centers Youth Climate Program, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, Miner Institute, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, North Country Clean Energy Hub, Ausable Freshwater Center, Clinton/Essex Cornell Cooperative Extension, Clinton County Health Department, Adirondack Watershed Institute, Adirondack Mountain Club, and Point Au Roche Nature Center Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student groups include: Students Against a Vanishing Environment, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, High School Student Leadership Group, Environmental Science Class, Elementary Student Leadership Group, Elementary Media Club, Butterfly Effect Club, and Science National Honor Society. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) officer was suspended after allegedly being involved in a fight over the weekend in Washington, D.C., according to the department. In a release, PGPD said D.C. police officers arrested Lt. Jeremy Ingraham shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday at a business in D.C. Ingraham was not on duty at the time of his arrest, PGPD noted. According to a police report obtained by DC News Now, the fight happened at a bar at 1216 18th St. NW. This is where Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four arrested after employee assaulted, fire extinguisher deployed in DC Chanel store robbery An on-scene investigation showed that an employee at the bar tried breaking up a fight, and Ingraham disliked this. Thats when he allegedly turned and targeted the employee, punching him in the face, according to the report. Authorities charged Ingraham, who has been employed with PGPD since 2012 and is currently assigned to the Bureau of Investigation, with second-degree assault. PGPD did not specify how long Ingrahams suspension would last. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 small plane crashed on a factory site in northern Germany on Sunday, killing the pilot and the co-pilot, according to the police. The aircraft had taken off from the airfield in Salzgitter-Drutte and crashed on the site of the Salzgitter steel plant after a short flight, a spokesman from the fire brigade said. The exact cause of the crash was not initially clear, but a police spokesman emphasized that it was assumed to be an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plane crashed on a narrow strip between two halls and caught fire, the fire brigade's operations manager Arno Sicks said. He said only parts of the wings could be seen through the dense smoke, describing what remained as a "charred steel frame." Sicks said around 90 emergency services staff attended the scene, located about 50 kilometres east of Hanover, and that paramedics pronounced the two men in the aircraft dead after the fire was extinguished. A Salzgitter spokesman said only minor damage was caused to the company premises and production was not affected. The federal investigation bureau for aircraft accidents in the nearby city of Braunschweig is investigating the cause of the crash. Video above: This Nexstar Media video explains why you should make spring resolutions. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) On Saturday, San Diegans at least those in areas with minimal cloud cover were treated to a celestial spectacle as Aprils full pink moon rose over the horizon. It was also considered a micromoona phenomenon where the moon appears slightly smaller and dimmer due to its position at the farthest point from Earth in its orbit. The pink moon reached its peak illumination at 5:22 p.m. locally, according to The Old Farmers Almanac. Despite its name, the pink moon doesnt necessarily give off a pink hue; instead, the name originates from the blooming of pink phlox flowers during this time of year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also considered a micromoon because this years pink moon was approximately 252,225 miles away from Earth, as explained by The Old Farmers Almanac. This distance is about 6% greater than the average full moon, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the night sky. WNDR Museum to host night of art, music and mental health advocacy For observers in San Diego, the moon rose in the east-southeastern sky shortly before 7:30 p.m., offering a view of this unique lunar event. The photo below, captured by Jim Grant, was taken from San Diegos Linda Vista area on Saturday. Aprils full pink moon as seen from San Diego on April 12, 2025. (Credit: Jim Grant) The pink moon holds cultural significance as well, according to Almanac. In Christianity, its known as the Paschal Full Moon, as its the first ecclesiastical full moon of spring (after the equinox). Almanac explains that the moon also determines the date of Easter this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead, the next full moon will occur on May 12, traditionally known as the Flower Moon, marking the peak of springs floral bloom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A private plane that crashed in upstate New York over the weekend was carrying six members of a close-knit family of physicians and distinguished student-athletes on a trip to the Catskills for a birthday celebration and the Passover holiday. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B went down shortly after noon Saturday in a muddy field in Copake, New York, near the Massachusetts line, killing everyone on board, according to authorities and a family member who spoke to The Associated Press. Shortly before the crash, the pilot had radioed air traffic control at Columbia County Airport to say he had missed the initial approach and requested a new approach plan, officials with the National Transportation Safety Board said at a Sunday briefing. While preparing the new coordinates, air traffic controllers attempted to relay a low altitude alert three times, with no response from the pilot and no distress call, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators obtained video of the final seconds of the flight, which appears to show that the aircraft was intact and crashed at a high rate of descent into the ground, NTSB official Todd Inman told reporters. Among the victims were Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player named the 2022 NCAA woman of the year; her father, a neuroscientist, Dr. Michael Groff; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; her brother, Jared Groff, a 2022 graduate of Swarthmore College who worked as a paralegal; Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared Groff's partner who also graduated Swarthmore and planned to attend Harvard Law School this fall; and Karenna Groff's boyfriend, James Santoro, another recent MIT graduate, according to a family statement Sunday. They were a wonderful family, James' father, John Santoro, told AP. The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity. Were all personally devastated. Santoro said his son first met Karenna Groff as a freshman studying at MIT. Groff, who grew up in Weston, Massachusetts, was an All-American soccer player studying biomedical engineering. Santoro, a math major from New Jersey, played lacrosse for the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karenna Groff co-founded openPPE, helping to create a new design of masks for essential workers. In 2023, she received the prestigious NCAA woman of the year award for the previous year for her on- and off-field accomplishments. Really, this recognition is a testament to my MIT womens soccer family and all of the guidance, support, and friendship they have provided for me over the years, she said in an interview at the time. After graduating, Santoro and Groff moved to Manhattan, where Groff enrolled in medical school at New York University and Santoro worked as an investment associate for Silver Point, a hedge fund based in Greenwich, Connecticut. India-born Saini was an accomplished pelvic surgeon and the founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, according to the family statement. She trained in medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, where she met Michael Groff, who became a distinguished neurosurgeon and experienced pilot, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday morning, they all headed to Westchester County Airport in White Plains, a suburb of New York City, where they boarded Michael Groff's private plane, according to John Santoro. They were set to land at Columbia County Airport but crashed roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers) to the south. The plane was compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain of a muddy agricultural field, Inman said. The pilot was flying under instrument flight rules, rather than visual flight rules, but it was too soon to determine if reduced visibility from weather conditions were a factor, he said. The plane had been sold a year ago and had an upgraded cockpit with newer technology that was certified to Federal Aviation Administration standards, according to the NTSB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators expect to be at the crash site for about a week and a full accident report could take between 12 and 24 months to complete, Inman said. Funeral arrangements were underway, Santoro said. The 25 years we had with James were the best years of our lives, he added, and the joy and love he brought us will be enough to last a lifetime. The Student Nursing Association at Plattsburgh State is taking direct action to help local students in and around the Plattsburgh and Clinton County area. Lately, Cardinals in the Nursing Program have been helping young students at Beekmantown Central School District. To give back to the local community, SNAPS is taking the initiative to support Beekmantown Elementary, Middle and High School children through a clothing and hygiene drive. Their mission is aimed to foster a supportive environment and bond for nursing students to make as much of a positive impact as possible in the North Country. SNAPS provides an applied learning experience for SUNY Plattsburgh nursing students to find a space to connect. Through trial, tribulations, and shared experiences, each Card mentors one another throughout the rigorous program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nursing program can be demanding at times, so it is nice to have other people who are going through the same program, said SNAPS student representative Breanna Cascioli. Older students often guide younger students, offering experience, advice, and encouragement. Yet, the organizations reach extends beyond the city of Plattsburgh to the broader Clinton County community. The drives at Beekmantown CSD are just the latest exhibitions on how SNAPS make an impact through applied learning. SNAPS not only offers support to the nursing program at Plattsburgh but to the Plattsburgh Community, Cascioli said. SNAPS has done multiple hygiene drives in the past, like Trunk or Treat at the field house for local children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For upperclassmen in SNAPS, the experience they gain helps them for the future past graduation. Most of their knowledge comes from engagement with public health nursing. Plattsburgh students in the Nursing Program are given a chance to work directly in the community through the JCEO Head Starts, Alliance Health and several local school districts around the area. Beekmantown, alongside SNAPS, serves students who may not have clean socks or enough fresh clothes or hygiene products. The school nurses at Beekmantown truly care about their students, Cascioli said. Many of them even bring needed items of their own to the school for the children and teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For students who may not have the accessibility to or knowledge about the power of clean clothes and good hygiene, SNAPS and the school district help to alleviate some of the challenges for the Beekmantown Eagles. The clothing items can give confidence to children and teens. Having clean clothes picked out for each day can make a difference in the level of confidence a person has, Cascioli said. Rather than worrying about their basic needs, a simple drive like the ones at Beekmantown can provide kids with the essentials to finding their confidence and focusing on school. Just about anyone at Plattsburgh State can help to move the needle in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of SNAPS, students from all majors can help by donating clothing and hygiene items, spreading awareness, or reaching out to local facilities to see where assistance is needed. Any student can make a difference on campus or in the community, Casicoli said. Students can reach out to the facilities around the community and ask how they can help. JCEOs, Alliance Health, and the schools around the community are good places to reach out to. For future health care professionals, SUNY Plattsburghs Nursing Program understands the importance of engaging the community beyond campus. The invitation is extended to Cardinals on campus, faculty and the local community to aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People like Cascioli believe that through a joint effort, SNAPS, SUNY Plattsburgh and the North Country can make an impact on local kids, giving them access to the necessities they need to succeed. As future nurses, SNAPS must support the community. It is important to take initiative within the communities around to help promote overall health and well being. President Donald Trump said on April 12 that negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine," but emphasized that a resolution must come soon. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump added that "theres a point at which you have to either put up or shut up. Well see what happens, but I think its going fine." Trumps comments followed a high-level meeting in Russia, where his envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 11. The visit was part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think Ukraine-Russia (talks) might be going OK. And youre going to be finding out pretty soon," Trump said. One month ago, Ukraine agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in the U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah. In the meantime, Russia has not only refused a full ceasefire, but has also continued to barrage Ukrainian cities with attacks and repeatedly violated the partial truce established in mid-March. Some critics say Moscow is stalling and has no real interest in halting the fighting, especially as it continues advancing on the battlefield. The Kremlin has not publicly committed to the terms agreed to by Ukraine. While Trump has at times criticized Zelensky and Ukrainian leadership, he has also recently expressed frustration with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post on April 11, Trump said Russia "has to get moving." "Too many people are dying thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war A war that should have never happened, and wouldnt have happened, if I were President!!!" On April 10, Trump extended the national emergency and the associated sanctions against the Russian government for another year, according to a document from the U.S. Federal Register. Read also: These parents and children were killed by Russia after Kyiv agreed to 30-day ceasefire Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) On this To The Point, we talk with Speaker of the House Matt Hall, R-Richland, and Rep. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, about roads. Hall talks about a plan passed in the House. So, what I did is I put together a plan with the House Republicans, and we moved it through the House, and its the only bi-partisan plan that exist, and the reason its bipartisan is because Republicans and Democrats voted for it. So, what youre saying is for 30 years, politicians have talked about it. This is one of the times, rare in Michigans history, where we put our money where our mouth is, the said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glanville talks about her reservations with the plan. I have significant concerns about the Republican plan. I mean certainly our roads need work and weve been hearing this for years, decades really that weve been trying to do something different with road funding and fixing the roads and all of things so I agree with all of the Michiganders out there who want the roads fixed, believe me Im on them every day but again, its how do we pay for it? she said. Will there finally be a roads deal coming out of Lansing? Well talk about it in this To The Point episode for the weekend of April 12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 teenager was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a man near the University of Cincinnati in Corryville on Saturday night. Police arrested a 15-year-old overnight after 25-year-old Kyle Mirick was shot dead in the 2900 block of Short Vine Street, according to a news release. University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati police officers responded to the scene, across from the Vine Street Flats, around 9:30 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC officers found Mirick with a gunshot wound to the chest when they arrived. Mirick was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he later died. Initial radio traffic indicates about 10 shots were fired in front of Staggerlee's liquor store and the suspect took off in a car after the shooting. A gun was recovered at the scene, according to radio traffic. It remains unclear if there were any other people shot during the incident. The initial call reported four people were shot, but media on the scene report being told that there were two people shot. In a news release Sunday morning, police only said Mirick was found with a gunshot wound. Cincinnati police spokesman Lt. Jonathan Cunningham could not clarify when reached by phone Sunday, saying that he could only comment on what was provided in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cincinnati Police's Homicide Unit at 513-352-3542. Mirick was father of two; family says it was wrong place, wrong time Police did not release any information about what led up to the shooting. As for the arrested teen, The Enquirer does not name juveniles accused of crimes unless their cases have been transferred to adult court. Mirick's family said in a GoFundMe fundraiser posted Sunday that the 25-year-old got caught up in a shooting involving other people. "At just 25 years old he was at the wrong place at the wrong time and got caught in the crossfire of gunshots," his sister Kate Mirick wrote. Kyle Mirick was fatally shot in Corryville Saturday night. He was a father of two. Kyle graduated from St. Bernard-Elmwood Place High School. He was a father to 6-month-old Davina and stepfather to 5-year-old Davion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The Enquirer, his sister Kate described Kyle as being one of the most outgoing, entertaining people you could meet. He had his own YouTube channel and enjoyed making comedic videos and skits. He was a regular member of Crossroads Church and did whatever he could for his kids, family and the community, she said. "He was just minding his business. What was the motive?" Kate Mirick said. "But as a 15-year-old, why do you even have a gun?" This story was updated with additional information. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police arrest teen after fatal Corryville shooting near UC OMAHA Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will see their paychecks rise by nearly 5% this year following a successful negotiation by the union representing those employees. On Friday, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the UNO American Association of University Professors (AAUP) for the 2025-27 biennium. Eligible UNO faculty members will receive 4.9% more in salary for the 2025-26 academic year and 4.8% more in 2026-27 the largest pay increase at the universitys metropolitan campus in nearly a quarter century. Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will also see their pay go up next year by 4% and the year following by 3%. Those increases are also some of the largest over the last two decades. The Board of Regents has not yet set salary increases for employees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln the largest campus in the system or the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Those decisions will likely be made at the regents' June meeting. The win for UNOs faculty follows a hard-fought and lengthy negotiation that saw the union scour the country for salary data to show its employees were being paid less than state law says they were owed. Under the 2011 statute enacted by the Legislature, the university is required to use peer institutions with similar enrollments and similar educational missions to calculate a midpoint for salary negotiations, and keep faculty pay between 98% and 102% of that level. But, for several rounds of negotiations, the university has not shared its list of comparable institutions with union negotiators, said Shannon Cummins, a professor of marketing and entrepreneurship who led UNOs effort. While NU is not required under the law to share its peer group, the university had previously communicated the universities it believed were comparable to UNO. It was the same for the University of Nebraska at Kearney Education Association, the faculty union representing the university's regional campus, according to Will Aviles, the union president. "We had sought this information for multiple rounds, but they historically refused, so we could only speculate in terms of the data they were looking at," Aviles said. As it explored the issue, the UNO AAUP found that NU, in addition to not sharing the schools it was comparing UNO to, had also moved away from using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a database maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics used in collective bargaining negotiations across the country. They said they had better data than we had, but they wouldnt share it," Cummins said. So, in preparation for this cycle, we took a different tact: We would find the data ourselves. The UNO union filed dozens of public records requests last summer for salary information at universities across the country Cummins said could be considered comparable under Nebraska statute. Cummins said the salary information turned over to UNO AAUP from other institutions was clear: We told the university that our data showed we were under paid, but they refused to budge. The two sides began negotiations last fall but they went nowhere, Cummins said. A federal mediator met with UNO AAUP and NUs negotiator over the winter break, but the talks reached an impasse, leading the union to seek remedy through the Commission on Industrial Relations, the states labor court. Ahead of the Feb. 14 date, both sides were required to share their data. The UNO union eagerly turned its over, but Cummins said NU provided nothing in return. "The university didn't have any data to share with us," she said. Had the case progressed to the CIR, the court would have set an array of peer institutions and then determined the salary owed to UNO's faculty based upon comparable universities. Instead, NU agreed to negotiate a partial list of peers with the UNO union. State law requires an array of seven to nine comparable institutions. UNO and NU agreed to five: Cleveland State University, Eastern Michigan University, Akron University, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The agreement also stipulates both sides may add up to two more peer schools during future negotiations. A deal being struck on Feb. 7, the CIR said both sides agreed to have the case dismissed. Aviles said the union reached an agreement before UNO's faculty representatives, so it's unclear whether or not UNO AAUP's efforts had an effect on UNK's collective bargaining agreement. But he said he suspects NU realized UNK was also well below the midpoint of its comparison universities as well, which caused them to agree to a higher increase than has been agreed to in recent rounds of negotiations. "To UNO's credit, they called them on it," Aviles said. "I'm thankful they were able to achieve what they were able to achieve." Aviles said UNO's action may ultimately benefit UNK moving forward. Since LB397 was passed in 2011, striking a balance between state lawmakers who wanted to effectively end public sector unions and those who wanted more predictability in negotiations, the UNK Education Association had been relatively cautious in its approach, Aviles said. "I am heartened by what UNO has accomplished and we're hopeful it will help UNK come to an agreement on its peer group," he said. "It could have a positive consequence for us, too." According to a university spokeswoman, this year's faculty pay increases at UNO and UNK followed several years of relatively small salary adjustments. "After reviewing compensation trends over the last decade, the university determined that an increase was warranted," the spokeswoman said. "The resulting increase reflects a compromise reached through the bargaining process between university leadership and the faculty union, consistent with state statute." As part of its negotiations, the UNK Education Association also secured additional parental leave for new fathers, as well as reforms to the process faculty use to file grievances against the faculty. Under the new contract, faculty who become fathers or adopt children can now receive up to eight weeks of paid leave. They previously received less than one week. The changes to the grievance procedure make it clearer who faculty need to speak with and extend the amount of time for those faculty to make a decision about filing a grievance or appealing a decision, Aviles said. Cummins said the UNO union also sought to add those changes to its union contract and had reached an agreement with the administration on both, but abandoned expanded leave and changes to its grievance procedure when it opted to pursue the salary increase. "All we could take to the CIR was salary, so we had to walk away from all those other things that had been negotiated," she said. "We just wanted the law to be enforced." The increases in salary to eligible faculty at both UNO and UNK come as the university system is wrestling with a lower-than-requested increase to its state appropriation. NU had sought a 3.5% increase in state funding over the next biennium. Gov. Jim Pillen recommended cutting NU's budget 2% over the biennium. Earlier this week, the Legislature's Appropriations Committee approved hiking its support by 1.25%. The increase would put about $8 million more into NU's state appropriation over the biennium. The increase to UNO's salary pool alone will amount to roughly $2.7 million. Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk said along with a marginal boost to state aid, the increases to salaries and health benefits for university employees may result in higher tuition rates for students this year. "It's always a concern of mine to put the burden back on students and their families," Scheer said. "But this is just one example of what we're going to be looking at for the next year and having to try to close that gap." The police force that put a temporary block on hiring white candidates has given its officers training about the slave trade as part of efforts to become an anti-racist organisation. All 10,000-plus officers and staff at West Yorkshire Police are undertaking a two-day cultural awareness training course focused on black culture and policings history with black communities. It is part of a race action plan for the constabulary to create an anti-racist police service trusted by black people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Constable John Robins said: I am sorry for the way policing has treated black people across West Yorkshire in the past, I truly am. I cannot change the past, but I can change the future. I want us to become an anti-racist organisation. That is what the Police Race Action Plan is about. An officer who participated in the course said in a promotional video that one of the most surprising parts of the training was learning about Britains history, particularly with the slave trade and with western Africa. He said: It was something that I have not learnt about through my education and now having some exposure to it, Im really keen to learn more about it. But I do find it really surprising that we havent been taught about that, as its such a big part of the history of the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That in itself really highlights some of the issues that now exist between institutions like the police and lots of other institutions within the UK and our communities that we police, for instance, the black communities. West Yorkshire Police has been under pressure over its policies since The Telegraph disclosed that it put a temporary block on hiring white British candidates. Members of under-represented groups can lodge applications with the force early, raising concerns that white British candidates are being treated unfairly and amounting to a potentially unlawful form of positive discrimination. Mr Robins said the law should be changed to boost the number of ethnic minorities in his force and across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But critics questioned the expense of sending all its officers and staff on a two-day training course, which they estimated could have cost around 4.5 million in staffing. Rory Geoghegan, a former police officer and founder of the Public Safety Foundation, said: At a time when residents across West Yorkshire are facing yet another rise in council tax, the public expects every pound to be spent in support of crime-fighting and bringing offenders to justice not on classroom lectures to learn about the slave trade. Its concerning that, despite thousands of assaults on West Yorkshire officers each year hundreds resulting in injuries and over 35,000 sick days taken last year due to stress and mental health, the force chose to devote over 20,000 days to this cultural awareness training rather than investing that time in strengthening officer safety and improving the health and productivity of crime fighting officers and staff. The Telegraph disclosed during the weekend that police forces have been told by their official watchdog they must take positive action to recruit ethnic minorities to ensure their workforce represents the racial diversity of their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary will rate forces on how well they promote equality, diversity and inclusion as part of its inspections over the next two years of all 43 constabularies in England and Wales. The inspections, which grade forces in every area on a five-point scale, will also include whether every constabulary is taking positive action to better represent the communities it serves. 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 have arrested a man they allege set fire to the Pennsylvania governors mansion early on Sunday, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping. Shapiro and his family evacuated, and no one was injured. The Dauphin County District Attorneys Office announced on Monday that it has charged Cody Balmer, 38, with attempted murder, aggravated arson, terrorism, and other charges. Balmer allegedly climbed the fence of the state-owned residence, broke a window with a hammer, and threw Molotov cocktails inside. Balmer turned himself in, and acknowledged harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro. Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg, Shapiro wrote in a social media post on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement. Shapiro and his family were in a different part of the Harrisburg governors mansion at the time of the fire and were not injured. The police said on Sunday they are prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities, Shapiro wrote. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. On Saturday evening ahead of the arson, Shapiro, who is Jewish, shared a photo of his familys table set for Seder, a traditional meal marking Passover, at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported visible damage to the residences south side, mostly to a room used to host large crowds and display art. Acts of political violence have been on the rise in recent years, showing the largest and most sustained increase in 50 years. In October, Reuters had identified 300 cases of political violence in the U.S. since the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, including at least 51 incidents in 2024. Incidents of political violence in America have steadily been increasing since 2016, when Trump ran for his first term. Rising political violence is a global trend. Trump was asked about the act of arson while taking questions from reporters on Air Force One. Ill have to look into it, he said. 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. Fresno residents who ignore or sidestep the law risk being placed under arrest. But what happens when laws that govern police are ignored or sidestepped by city leaders? Not a thing. They simply adjourn for lunch. Over the last few months, dozens of cities, counties and even universities throughout California held community meetings required by a three-year-old state law that provides public oversight over the use of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Burbank, Santa Clara, Tustin, Salinas, Orange County, Alameda County, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine and my leafy hometown of Los Altos all turned up in a simple Google search. Opinion Even Huntington Beach, Californias least likely city to comply with state laws. Noticeably absent from the list of law-abiders: Fresno. Born out of local law enforcement agencies rolling up in armored vehicles and riot gear in response to largely peaceful protests during the summer of 2020, AB 481 mandates police and sheriffs departments gain prior approval before purchasing specified types of military equipment and compile an annual report of their existing inventories that describes every item and their authorized uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those reports must be made publicly available and within 30 days accompanied by at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting to provide residents with an open forum for questions about its contents as well as the agencys funding, acquisition or use of military equipment. The idea isnt to stifle local law enforcement. Its to ensure transparency, which creates increased trust. In Fresno, the public is getting the short end of the baton. The Fresno Police Departments annual military equipment inventory and use report can be found online at least by those who can successfully navigate the citys website but no community engagement forums have taken place since AB 481 went into effect. One of the 517 Colt AR-15/M4/Commando patrol rifles owned by the Fresno Police Department as pictured in the agencys military equipment use report and inventory mandated by AB 481. City council ignores public comment A handful of Fresno residents attended Thursdays council meeting and submitted public comments to remind city leaders of their responsibility. They were summarily ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city councils approval of its police departments military equipment survey and use policy was contained in the consent calendar portion of the meeting agenda. Had the item not been pulled by Councilmember Miguel Arias, who posed a few rudimentary questions to Chief Mindy Casto, there wouldve been zero discussion of the subject aside from what was aired during public comment. This meager discourse nowhere near clears the bar of a well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting mandated by AB 481 regardless of any specious claim or legal interpretation made by City Manager Georgeanne White and City Attorney Andrew Janz. Whats more, both know better. In response to public comment, White strongly asserted (and sounded overly defensive) that the city has a responsibility not to send police officers into a situation where they are outgunned and in undue danger. I agree, except thats not really the point. Regardless of how one feels about Fresno police spending $435,000 on a new armored vehicle or having 517 AR-15 assault rifles and 158 canisters of tear gas at their disposal, the law is plain. And in Californias fifth-largest city, plainly ignored. Trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve requires openness and effort by both parties. Fitting that Fresno City Hall is located on a one-way street. A Scranton man faces charges after police said he fired a gun in the parking lot of the Walmart in Taylor on Friday night. Officers responded to the scene around 10:43 p.m. for the report of multiple people fighting and shots fired, police said. Multiple witnesses advised officers the shots were fired in the parking lot and a red vehicle fled toward Main Street, according to a criminal complaint. Officers took Mark Melbourn Langevine, 32, into custody Saturday following an investigation, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police charged Langevine with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct. No one was injured during the incident, officers said. Langevine (Courtesy Taylor Police Department) A Walmart security guard told officers she saw multiple people fighting and an older male pulled out a gun and pointed it at a group of younger males, police said. She also reported hearing a shot go off, officers said. The males told officers they were in the electronics section when they noticed an older man was sizing them up and kept following them in the store, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The males also told police they saw the same man approach their vehicle in the parking lot and feared he was going to try to rob them, but he got in their face and continued arguing with them, officers said. A physical altercation broke out and the males told officers Langevine pointed a gun at them, and that they heard a gunshot, police said. The males then saw Langevine get into a red vehicle, officers said. Video surveillance showed Langevine approach the group of males and get into a verbal and physical altercation with them before pulling out a gun and pointing it at them, police said. When speaking with police, Langevine told officers the males started yelling at him and calling him names as they were leaving the store and that he got punched in the face, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Langevine originally denied having a gun in the parking lot and said he might have had a knife, officers said. When questioned about the video, Langevine told officers he had a gun and pulled it out because everything was happening so fast, but didnt remember if he pulled the trigger, police said. Officers were unable to locate shell casings and believe a woman who was with Langevine picked them up, according to the criminal complaint. As of Sunday afternoon, Langevine remained in custody at Lackawanna County Prison. A man has been charged after he was accused of jumping an iron fence into Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday, breaking into his home and starting multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while the family was inside, officials said. The fire, which occurred hours after the Shapiros hosted a Passover dinner, forced the family to evacuate the scorched home after they were startled awake by loud bangs on their door, Shapiro told reporters Sunday. The home sustained significant damage. Cody A. Balmer, 38, was charged with criminal attempt-criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other related offenses, according to an affidavit filed by the Dauphin County Pennsylvania District Attorney's office. At a news conference Sunday, District Attorney Fran Chardo said Balmer may also face federal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balmer, who was taken into custody in Harrisburg on Sunday afternoon, admitted his actions to troopers during an interview, prosecutors say. The criminal affidavit filed Monday morning says he added he would have beaten Shapiro with a hammer had he confronted him. "Balmer admitted to harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro," the affidavit states without any additional detail. The district attorney's office said in a statement Monday that Balmer surveilled the home before "unlawfully entering the grounds over a wall in the early morning hours." "He approached one of the windows on the south side of the residence," the statement said. "Using a hammer he had brought, he quickly broke the window after multiple blows. He then threw a Molotov cocktail into the residence igniting a substantial fire within." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Balmer then entered the home and started "two more fires with two other Molotov cocktails" before he fled. The actions, which were caught on video, forced Shapiro and his family to evacuate the home. "Video surveillance showed that the perpetrator was wearing a 'Snap-On' jacket with distinctive shoulder patches," the statement said. Shapiro said he spoke Sunday afternoon with FBI Director Kash Patel, who offered federal government resources. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said officials are conducting an arson investigation, as well as an attempted homicide and aggravated arson investigation. Bivens added that he does not expect Balmer to be charged with conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bivens said the man acted quickly, noting that he was inside the home for less than a minute and that the entire event happened over the course of "a number of minutes." Authorities are investigating how long the man was on the property before he set the fire, Bivens added, saying authorities "have an idea" about the time frame. Bivens said officials believe he had a plan, noting how quickly he was in and out of the residence and calling him "methodical in his approach." The break-in and the setting of the fire happened while troopers were looking for the man, Bivens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man "actively evaded troopers who were here to secure the residence, even while they were searching for him on the property," Bivens noted. A security review is underway, he said. Balmer has faced criminal charges in Pennsylvania before, court records show. He pleaded guilty to forgery and theft in 2015 and again to forgery in 2016. He was also charged with assault in 2023 in a case that is still open. The public defender representing Balmer in the assault case did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday evening. Attempts to reach the Dauphin County Public Defender's Office for comment Sunday evening were unsuccessful. In a statement on social media, Shapiro wrote that his family woke up at 2 a.m. Sunday to banging on the door from state police. He added that he and his wife, Lori, were eternally grateful for authorities who helped evacuate the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished, Shapiro wrote. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Shapiro thanked law enforcement, who he said at Sunday's news conference were at his residence in "seconds." Bivens also commended the Harrisburg Fire Department, who he said was "instrumental" in preventing loss of life in the fire. Shapiro also called for an end to violence that he said is "becoming far too common in our society." "I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another, it is not OK and it has to stop," Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance said on X that he was thankful the Shapiros were unharmed and called the incident a "Really disgusting act of violence," adding that he hopes the perpetrator is "brought swiftly to justice." Asked Sunday night by reporters aboard Air Force One whether he had any reaction to the arson, President Donald Trump said he had "just heard about it" and would "have to look into it." Photos of the fire response showed smoke billowing out from one of the residences windows, blackening the exterior trim above the window with what appeared to be a layer of soot. Firefighters respond to a fire at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence in Harrisburg on Sunday. A narrow look inside the home through the window showed substantial damage to the interior. There was a piece of furniture by the window that appeared completely charred by the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple have four children together: Sophia, Jonah, Max and Reuben. Sophia and Jonah are legal adults, while Max and Rueben are minors. Its unclear whether either of Shapiros adult children were home. The governor said he was not going to discuss which of his family members were in the home at the time of the arson attack. Shapiro offered Passover well-wishes just hours before the attack. Shapiro, who is Jewish, shared a photo of his Seder table on social media. From the Shapiro familys Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach! he wrote Saturday evening on X. From the Shapiro family's Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach! pic.twitter.com/2II1Id1W23 Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 12, 2025 "No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly," Shapiro said in his comments later Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beth Beene, who lives down the street from the residence, told NBC News that she heard fire trucks in the middle of the night but went back to bed. She couldnt believe it when she learned news of the arson investigation at Shapiros home. I couldnt believe how extensive the damage was, Beene said. I thought it was something that was caught, put out ... but I was shocked to see windows broken out. Shapiro and his wife are good neighbors, Beene said, adding that they always make time to chat as they walk around the neighborhood. She said the incident was especially troubling given the timing of the Passover holiday. Scenes of damage at the Governor's Residence. It chokes me up, because I, you know, have many family and friends who are Jewish, and the fact that this happened on high religious holiday, specifically with our Jewish governor, is really scary, Beene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police described the probe as a multiagency investigation and are offering a $10,000 reward for information. While the investigation is ongoing, the State Police is prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson, the department said. Shapiro is a Democrat who was elected to lead Pennsylvania in 2022 after having served as the states attorney general for several years. He was reportedly among the leading candidates considered for a vice presidential run alongside Kamala Harris in last years presidential race. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (KRON) A police shooting happened during a possible domestic violence incident Sunday morning, according to the Berkeley Police Department. Around 6:50 a.m., officers received a call about a woman screaming for help inside an apartment on the 1700 block of University Avenue. Officers arrived at the scene and encountered the unidentified subject who made threats to shoot officers, according to BPD. The individual left the apartment armed. The subject was described to be a 33-year-old man, according to BPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berkeley police then negotiated with the man to ensure the neighbors safety, authorities said. Following negotiations between the subject and officers, a police shooting occurred. The man was shot and was taken to the hospital. As of Sunday morning, he is in critical condition, police said. Suspect on loose after Community Park Picnic Day shooting injures 3: Davis PD According to BPD, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office is also investigating the shooting. One Berkeley officer was placed on paid administrative. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governors mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday. The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said. Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor's residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Shapiro says he is unbowed Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the man's motive, but an emotional Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he is unbowed. Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then hell work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love." Police say suspect hopped security fence and forcibly entered residence Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-meter-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device he would not describe what kind and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer or where he was being held and calls to people believed to be relatives went unanswered or unreturned. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022. Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online criminal court records. We have to be better than this, Shapiro says Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where he and his family celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburgs Jewish community on Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know the persons specific motive yet," Shapiro told the news conference. But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this. The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred. Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors. Justice Department and other agencies pledge to help Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office, as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others. Yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway on the residence's south side, where investigators dogs outside the iron security fence and sawed off a section from the top of the security fence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle. Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the family's Passover Seder table at the residence. Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack, Vice President JD Vance posted to X. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a despicable act of cowardice" and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers. Former Gov. Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were heartbreaking and said the attack on the official residence was shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth must be held to account, Ridge said. ___ Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance in St Peter's Square on Sunday following Palm Sunday Mass, despite earlier expectations that he would not attend. At the conclusion of the service, held in front of some 20,000 worshippers, Vatican staff pushed the 88-year-old pontiff into the square in a wheelchair. "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week" the pope said, his voice still noticeably weak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis, who is recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, returned to the Vatican three weeks ago after spending 38 days in hospital. Doctors advised him to rest for at least six weeks. Last Sunday, he briefly greeted the faithful in the square, marking his first public appearance since returning. Since then, the pope has made several unannounced appearances. On Thursday, he was seen riding through St Peter's Basilica, dressed in a white sweater, black trousers, and a striped blanket. On Saturday, he paid a short visit to his favourite church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore near Rome's Termini station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Easter celebrations approaching, the pontiff's recent visibility has sparked speculation about how much he will take part. The traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the city and to the world) blessing from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on Easter remains unconfirmed. April 13 (UPI) -- Following a lengthy hospital stay for a critical respiratory problem, Pope Francis greeted parishioners gathered for Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week," the pontiff said following the ceremony as he waved to the throngs of congregants. He greeted the crowd for about 10 minutes from a wheelchair. An estimated 4,000 people were gathered in St. Peter's Square, according to Vatican News -- the press arm of the Holy See. The new release from the Vatican said the pontiff "is limiting his exposure to the elements in order to continue recovery from his respiratory conditions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sisters and brothers, I thank you very much for your prayers," Francis said while delivering the Angelus prayer Sunday. "At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God's closeness, compassion and tenderness even more. I, too, am praying for you, and I ask you to entrust all those who suffer to the Lord together with me." Pope Francis delivers remarks in St. Peter's Square following Palm Sunday Mass. Photo courtesy of The Vatican. Francis, 88, is recovering from double pneumonia, which left him hospitalized and, at times, in critical condition on a mechanical ventilator, for 38 days. He made his first public appearance a week ago while receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula. This week, there was no oxygen tube. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pontiff's Palm Sunday appearance came against the backdrop of an Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza, which drew condemnation from Christians. Francis addressed conflict in war-torn countries, including "Palestine." A statement from the Israeli Defense Forces claimed the targeted attack took out a Gazan military "command and control center." BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56) The trails at the Pinnacles in Berea are a gorgeous hiking spot almost year-round, offering far-reaching views filled with seasonal colors and rolling hills. If you havent visited so far this year, you may need to delay the trip a few more days. On Sunday morning, the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center posted on Facebook that all of the trails at the Pinnacles, including both trailheads, would be closed from April 15 to 17 for a prescribed burn and trail repair. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the trails undergo maintenance, Berea College forestry officials encouraged those visiting Kentucky in the coming week to explore other trails in Brushy Fork, Anglin Falls, and Owsley Fork Reservoir. More information about the Pinnacles in Berea and other nearby nature trails 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 FOX 56 News. Project 2025 is a Magic 8 Ball of doom, and having this document on my desktop is a potent and terrifying lure. All of those things you've felt vaguely queasy about for the last two months laying off broad swathes of the workforces at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, threats to privatize the U.S. Postal Service, dismantling the Department of Education they're all in there, and more. At 920 pages, Project 2025, created by conservative thinktank the Heritage Foundation, is hard to read cover-to-cover. But search for the function of government most important to your life and you'll find all the usual suspects Planned Parenthood, LGBTQ+ rights, Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, the Affordable Care Act lined up for a nip and a tuck, if not excision outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hicks It's a Project 2025 world. We're living in it. I could tell you the five weirdest parts of Project 2025, the seven things most likely to happen next or the three items I'm most concerned about, like privatizing Social Security and deregulating baby formula, an obsession with the false notion that abortions frequently result in live babies, or the belief that power-mad Marxist liberals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party have infiltrated American institutions, particularly universities. But no tidy encapsulation conveys the scope and breadth of this agenda, portions of which are being enacted every day by a president with a penchant for destruction and an unelected efficiency edgelord. Except maybe this. The heart of Project 2025 is the entry on wild horses and burros I found the heart of Project 2025 in, I'm not making this up, the entry on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, one government agency that had previously flown under my radar (page 528, if you'd like to follow along): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In 1971, Congress ordered the Bureau of Land Management to manage wild horses and burros to ensure their iconic presence never disappeared from the western landscape. ... There are 95,000 wild horses and burros roaming nearly 32 million acres in the West triple what scientists and land management experts say the range can support. These animals face starvation and death ... at a cost to the American taxpayer of nearly $50 million annually to care for them in off-range corrals. Hicks: Project 2025 establishes government of Trump, by Trump for Trump "This is not a new issue it is not just a western issue it is an American issue. What is happening to these once-proud beasts of burden is neither compassionate nor humane, and what these animals are doing to federal lands and fragile ecosystems is unacceptable." The report goes on to list remedies suggested by the board, like expanded adoption and sales, additional fertility control, off-range pasturing. None of that will be enough, the authors conclude: "Congress must enact laws permitting the BLM to dispose humanely of these animals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can't help but see wild horses as a metaphor for what Project 2025's authors want to do to America. U.S. government is bloated and inefficient according to Project 2025 In these pages, the U.S. government is bloated, rambling and inefficient, a patchwork of unnecessary bureaucracy and programs dominated by Marxist liberals who hate America. The government has been perverted by "diversicrats" to spread a trifecta of woke lies at home and abroad (namely: it's OK to be LGBTQ+, women should control our own bodies and climate change is real that's why the U.S. Agency for International Development had to go). The range can no longer support this once-proud nation, and something has to be done. Axl Rose put it a little more plainly: "I used to love her, but I had to kill her." Donald Trump is better at this than we are Make no mistake about what is happening: Our federal government is being put out of its misery. While courts have halted or reversed some of Trump's blitz of layoffs and executive orders, I'm afraid the damage has been done. How can you fill gaps in the collection of scientific data, restart scientific research dependent on continuity or reinstate a department once its employees have learned exactly how precarious their livelihoods are? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the campaign trail, Trump insisted again and again that he had no connection to Project 2025, hadn't even heard of it, didn't know the people involved. And yet. That is this president's m.o. say a thing, walk it back, say it again, walk it back, over and over until it's nearly impossible for people like me to write a simple declaratory statement without so many qualifiers that you, the reader, are either left wondering why I'm reporting such a suspect thing at all, or frustrated that I'm bothering to report the president's hedging, when any idiot can tell he was never actually joking. The sad truth is that Donald Trump is better at this dance than we are at parsing his words for meaning, or even taking him at his word, even when the agenda is spelled out in a 920-page report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when we can see our government breaking in real time. Wild horses are contained in large corrals at the National Wild Horse and Burro Center in the Palomino Valley near Reno on Feb. 19, 2025. Headed for the slaughterhouse Here's what really surprised me, after hours swimming in this filthy pool: I kind of get it. Not the parts about deregulating baby formula and the malevolent Marxism of liberal elites, but the indefensible largeness of the federal government, and the inefficiencies that inevitably result from such a sprawling mission. But it's equally indefensible to rip away the supports our government offers. America has always been governed by idealists who believed the judicious application of government could solve a host of civic and social ills: Taxation without representation; inequity in wealth and education; pollution in our air and water; not enough kids graduating from college to support an advanced economy; disenfranchisement because of race or gender; needless strife and suffering overseas, coupled with the spread of our soft influence; legislation to extend health care to uninsured Americans; our industrial, agricultural, logistical and personal needs for accurate weather reports and climate data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And mostly, they've been right. Americans rely on Social Security, and federal funding for our schools, and environmental data collected without a corporate agenda. At least, we used to. Wild horses are contained in large corrals at the National Wild Horse and Burro Center in the Palomino Valley near Reno on Feb. 19, 2025. The report's authors quote James Madison's Federalist No. 45, published in 1788, lauding the virtues of small federal government: The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects, which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties and properties of the people; and the internal order, improvement and prosperity of the state. Project 2025's authors believe they've diagnosed the problem: "Modern progressive politics has simply given the national government more to do than the complex separation-of-powers Constitution allows. ... the only real solution is for the national government to do less: to decentralize and privatize as much as possible ..." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I'd point Project 2025's authors to Thomas Jefferson, writing 28 years later: "Some men look at Constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, & deem them, like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment. I knew that age well: I belonged to it, and labored with it. It deserved well of its country. It was very like the present, but without the experience of the present ... laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind we might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors." That's where we're headed squeezing our massive country back into a child's coat, designed for 13 sparsely populated colonies 250 years ago. Wild horses are a problem in the western states, but most of them have been rounded up and live off-range. The biggest problem, news outlets report, is that a program to incentivize the purchase of wild horses at auction may instead funnel the animals into the slaughterhouse. I imagine the authors of Project 2025 wouldn't object. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Kaffer is the editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press. Contact: nkaffer@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump's Project 2025 won. Here's where it's taking us. | Opinion Apr. 12WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has escalated his trade war, raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% last week even as he paused some taxes on imports from other countries. But another part of his administration's plan to compete with Beijing's influence could hit Washington state farmers even if they don't send their crops to China. In February, the Trump administration proposed charging millions in fees on shipping companies with Chinese-built vessels in an effort to incentivize shipbuilding in the United States. Two groups representing Washington's wheat growers warned in a March 24 letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the added cost would be passed down to farmers. "While we fully support the premise of addressing unfair trade practices and revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry, we strongly disagree with the methods proposed, as they would have devastating consequences for U.S. agriculture, particularly for grain farmers in Washington," wrote Casey Chumrau, CEO of the Washington Grain Commission, and Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not respond to questions from The Spokesman-Review about the proposed port fees. Greer told the Senate Finance Committee in a hearing on Tuesday that he would heed feedback from farmers and other stakeholders before making a final decision. "They're a series of potential remedies that could be used to incentivize shipbuilding in the U.S.," Greer said. "They're not all going to be implemented. They're not all going to be stacked. I think the president will look very carefully to make sure that we have the right amount of time and the right incentives to create shipbuilding here without impacting our commodity exports." In an email, Chumrau said purchases of U.S. wheat have already slowed amid uncertainty over tariffs and the proposed fees, which would range from $500,000 to $1.5 million each time a ship enters a U.S. port something they typically do multiple times after crossing the Pacific. The fees would depend on how many Chinese-made vessels are in a company's fleet, and they would apply even to non-Chinese companies and ships that aren't built in China. Washington growers are especially susceptible to increased shipping costs, which fall at least partly on producers. While roughly 50% of all U.S. wheat is exported, about 90% of Washington wheat is shipped overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington accounts for about half of U.S. production of white wheat, the predominant variety grown in the Evergreen State. Over the past five years, the Philippines was by far the biggest export market for that crop, with more than a quarter of U.S. exports going to that country. China was the fourth-largest buyer of U.S. white wheat in the past five years, after South Korea and Japan, buying an average of 536,000 metric tons per year. Those exports are likely to take a major hit after Beijing announced a 125% tariff on U.S. exports in retaliation for Trump's tariffs, which have increased several times in recent weeks. Hennings, whose association represents wheat growers across Eastern Washington, said rising costs of inputs such as fertilizer and equipment already have put major pressure on farmers, while commodity prices have fallen. "Wheat farmers are price takers, meaning the commodity market sets the sale price," she said. "Farmers cannot raise prices when their production costs rise. Wheat prices are now at 2019 levels, and average $1.50 below the cost of production in Washington. We do receive inputs from China, and tariffs could restrain our ability to get our products or drive costs higher, which then in return adds to an already stressed farm economy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Poe, a wheat grower in Hartline in Grant County, said low commodity prices and rising input costs have made it hard to break even in recent years. "It just makes a guy nervous," he said. "It's definitely been a pretty challenging couple of years. For me, the unknowns of the tariffs are what are hard." Chumrau said her organization, a self-governing state agency that helps wheat and barley farmers market their crops, hasn't asked Greer's office for specific changes to the proposed fee but hopes it will be reconsidered. She suggested that the administration could create an exemption for agriculture or a long-term plan to increase U.S. shipbuilding capacity before implementing fees. In their letter to Greer in March, Chumrau and Hennings emphasized that although Washington wheat is rarely the cheapest option and buyers choose it because of its quality, they are still sensitive to price. Adding to that cost with the proposed port fees, they said, would hurt farmers who are already struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With prices already below break-even," they said, "Washington farmers cannot take another hit." Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. On Sunday, supporters and friends of a man who died after an incident involving corrections officers at the Duval County Jail are planning a protest. Charles Faagart died earlier this week and 9 corrections officers were stripped of their duties. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Charles Faagart died earlier this week and 9 corrections officers were stripped of their duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those protestors will be calling for answers from the Sheriffs Office about what happened inside these walls that led to Faggarts death. Charles Faggart was arrested on April 1st, charged with domestic assault and criminal mischief. On April 2nd, he was in court, and the judge set his bond and ordered him to have no contact with his ex-girlfriend, Savanna Storie. Action News Jax spoke with her Thursday. I only wanted him to get help. I never meant for this, Faggarts ex-girlfriend Savanna Storie. On April 7th, Faggart was injured in jail and went to the hospital Monday morning. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters then addressed the public about the inmates condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means the injuries are bad. Very bad. Bad enough for me to come out here and tell the public about it, Sheriff Waters. Action News Jax then got more insight from two law enforcement sources, who said Faggart was resisting while inside the jail. Its unclear what he was resisting or why. Both sources go on to say he was placed in a restraining chair, which is used to subdue inmates who are not complying with orders. Faggart was also pepper sprayed, but its not clear if the pepper spray was used while he was strapped down to the chair, according to sources. Criminal attorney Chris Carson said that this all will become a lot clearer once the Medical Examiners Office report is released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an event where there is a question as to whether the individual themselves caused the harm or whether the harm was caused by somebody else, sometimes you have to let the medical examination, and at this point itll obviously be a post-mortem, you have let that run its course because it needs to be clear what the actual cause of the serious injury and ultimate death was. You have to figure that out, said Carson. We asked Carson if there is a way to prove whether officers used too much force in this situation. He said that is going to be a product of the investigation. The fact that Sheriff Waters kind of stripped all of these individuals of their authority and went down that road, it is still suggestive to me that they maybe did get out of line here in terms of the force that was used. But as far as what it was and the extent to which it was used, I think those details are still forthcoming, said Carson. That protest will be held outside the Duval County Jail at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Anti-Israel demonstrators marched in Times Square on Saturday night to protest the apprehension and imprisonment of Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil. Animated Khalil advocates braved the rain in midtown, chanting and displaying signs that included Free Mahmoud Khalil Now!, Hands Off Our Students, and a variety of other slogans. Controversial anti-Israel advocate Linda Sarsour spoke at the event and rallied the protestors around the former Columbia student. Protesters in Times Square called for the release of Khalil Mahmoud in the rain-soaked demonstration Saturday. James Keivom Linda Sarsour spoke to protesters in New York during the rally. James Keivom On Friday, Louisiana immigration judge Jamee Comans ruled that the Trump administration can deport the Syrian-born Khalil over his involvement in the wild anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Khalil ripped the decision, harping on the free speech considerations at play in the deportation case. Our constitution allows people to speak their minds, Khalil lawyer Marc van der Hout said Friday after the decision. Protesters showed up with homemade signs dedicated to the former Columbia graduate student. James Keivom Supporters chanted with their signs that had a variety of slogans. James Keivom Nazis in this country, the Supreme Court has held, are able to demonstrate, are able to express their beliefs but not Mahmoud Khalil. The Ku Klux Klan is able to march and express its belief but not Mahmoud Khalil, van der Hout argued. The former Columbia graduate student was taken into custody by ICE agents on March 8 in the lobby of his university-funded Manhattan apartment building. Khalil was taken into custody by ICE agents in March. Anadolu via Getty Images The Department of Homeland Security stated that Khalil was in the country illegally as his student visa was revoked due to his campus political activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalil was one of the leaders of the Columbia University protests in 2024 acting as a lead negotiator and representative for demonstrating students who set up encampments on the Morningside Heights campus. On Thursday, the key piece of evidence for the Trump administrations case against Khalil was revealed to be a roughly two-page letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Protesters rallied in Times Square to oppose the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. James Keivom In the letter, Rubio characterized Khalils continued presence in the United States as carrying potentially serious adverse foreign consequences, and would compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest. Rubio claims in the letter that it is US policy to combat antisemitism around the world and in the United States, in addition to efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States. Two months after its $800 million bond failed, the Puyallup School District is putting it before voters again on April 22. We understand that, historically, April elections have a lower voter turnout, Sarah Gillispie, spokesperson for the school district, told The News Tribune. But we are hopeful that our community will recognize the urgency and importance of this measure. The bond would allow the district to expand three high schools; replace Mt. View, Spinning and Waller Road elementary schools; and build a new elementary school near Emerald Ridge High School and Glacier View Junior High. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, voters approved the measure with a 63% approval rate but the bond still failed because it didnt get the amount of total votes it needed to pass. In Washington state, a bond has to pass by getting 60% approval and getting a total turnout rate that matches 40% of the previous election. For elections in 2025, officials base this on the turnout rate for the November 2024 election which means 28,216 ballots need to be cast in order for the election to be approved. The February election saw 25,408 votes less than 3,000 away from the total amount of votes needed. Gillispie said she estimates there are around 90,000 registered voters in the Puyallup School District. How much does this cost taxpayers? In 2024, voters approved a six-year property tax rate increase that brought rates up by 87 cents, starting in 2025. Voters went from paying $3.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $4.14. If the new bond goes through, voters would pay that same amount for 21 years instead of six. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That rate of $4.14 is already locked in, based on the capital levy from 2024, Ellen Aronson, head of the Yes campaign for the bond, told The News Tribune. Its already locked in for six more years, so voting no is not going to reduce your taxes in the short term. Gillispie said the county adds an additional 7 cents, leading to it being $4.21 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a $600,000 home in Puyallup is paying $2,526 in property taxes to the district each year under this rate. Gillispie said the bond, if passed, would lock this rate for 21 years with no increases until 2045. She said she expects this rate to be stable unless affected by legislative action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax rate is expected to remain stable, but we dont know at this point what the results will be of the legislative session, Gillispie said. Gillispie said later in an email to The News Tribune that the district is watching two bills in the legislature. SB 5263 has to do with special education funding, and HB 1338 concerns school operating costs. On April 7, the Puyallup School District published a letter on its website urging the state to keep sending funds to the school district. In the letter, they emphasized that the district has faced a $78 million funding gap since 2020 due to inadequate state funding and rising costs. The legislative session is scheduled to end on April 27. Supporters of the bond say that, if it fails a second time, they expect the school district will put it on the ballot again in the future, but with a higher property tax rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costs for everything are going up, so we, as a community, can decide we are going to make this investment in our kids and our educators now or we are going to have to address these needs in the future at a higher cost, Aronson said. Steve Beck, the leader of the No campaign against the bond, said he is worried about the high cost of property taxes. [Ive met a lot of people] that have expressed a lot of angst because of how much the property tax went up last year, Beck said. My personal property tax on my house went up 21% last year. Beck went on to say that people are struggling to afford necessities right now, and he worries about residents moving out of Puyallup because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I look at the enrollment for kids, theyve got less people in kindergarten and first grade than they do in high school. Theres not a huge population coming, people are not having as many kids because of the expense, Beck said. People are going to leave Puyallup or Edgewood because of high cost of housing and property tax is a big part of that. When The News Tribune asked Gillispie about their student demographics and expected growth, Gillispie said the district is expecting their student population to grow by 1,000 over the next 10 years. The district currently serves 22,905 students. Why does the school district think this bond is needed? Gillispie said the bond is needed because several schools are in poor condition, and hundreds of students are taking classes in portables every day. She also said the new elementary school near Emerald Ridge High School and Glacier View Junior High would play a critical role in addressing the growth in that area. Two schools Spinning Elementary and Waller Road Elementary are at risk of closing if the bond fails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have the lowest building condition scores against all other schools in the district, Gillispie said. They have critically outdated infrastructure that is beyond repair. When The News Tribune asked what that closure process would look like if the bond fails, Gillispie said it would be a process and that students at those schools would be transferred to nearby schools. My kids went to Fruitland Elementary and that school is already crowded its one of the schools closest to Waller Road, Aronson told The News Tribune. The school board will probably be thinking of sending some of those kids to Fruitland just because of how close it is, and Fruitland is already full. I dont think we can fit kids from a closed-down school. Aronson said the district does not have a specific timeline for when these schools would close, but those conversations would start after the election if the bond fails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aronson also mentioned that the library science building at Puyallup High School has been condemned because it was no longer safe to be in. She also said there is only one working science lab for the schools roughly 1,700 students. The News Tribune saw concerns on social media that, if the bond is approved, the school district would continue to ask residents for more funding in coming years. When The News Tribune asked Aronson about these concerns, she said residents will see more school district measures on the ballot in the future but for different causes. Yes, the levy that pays for teachers salaries is going to come up either next year or the year after that, but its a completely different thing than the bond, Aronson said. These projects are really important and theyre separate from teachers salaries and operating costs. People are always like, Oh, the school district is coming back again to ask for more money, [but] its different money. Its just like a renewal. Aronson said the bond focuses on the buildings and having healthy schools for children to go to. She also mentioned that Puyallup hasnt passed a bond since 2015, and before that, 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When The News Tribune asked Aronson if future measures that go towards funding operational costs or teachers salaries will affect the $4.14 rate, she said the district is aiming to keep property taxes at the level they are already at now. The goal is to maintain the tax rate and not increase it and have it be a straight across renewal of what is currently there right now, Aronson said. Looking ahead to April 22 Gillispie told The News Tribune that it costs the school district $350,000 to put this measure on the ballot again. The cost for us to be on the April ballot is approximately $350,000, which is a significant expense for the district, Gillispie said. However, its important to know the importance of this bond the potential consequences for our schools made it essential for us to take action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillispie and Aronson both said that the school board felt encouraged by the 63% approval rate from voters in February, and the district wanted to build on that momentum two months later. We were only short by 2,800 votes and there were over 60,000 residents in Puyallup who didnt turn in their ballots, Aronson said. So, I imagine that some of them support the schools and care about the schools. Gillispie said the district is feeling cautiously optimistic. Residents have until April 14 to register to vote, either online or in person. You can register in person until 8 p.m. Voters must postmark their ballots by April 22 or get them to a drop box by 8 p.m. that night. More information, including drop box locations for this election, is available on the Pierce County Elections website. The News Tribune archives contributed to this report. A 28-year-old man shot a teenager to death then fatally shot himself in the head in a murder-suicide on a Queens street investigators suspect was sparked by a romantic rivalry, police sources said Sunday. Frank Liu shot 17-year-old Neo Secaira in the chest across the street from the Love of Christ Presbyterian Church in Bayside before turning the gun on himself about 10 p.m. Saturday, cops said. A 17-year-old victim was pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital after he was shot in the chest on Oceania Street near 48th Avenue in Queens on Saturday April 12, 2025. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News) A 17-year-old victim was pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital after he was shot in the chest on Oceania Street near 48th Avenue in Queens on Saturday April 12, 2025. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News) Show CaptionTheodore Parisienne / New York Daily News1 of 3A 17-year-old victim was pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital after he was shot in the chest on Oceania Street near 48th Avenue in Queens on Saturday April 12, 2025. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News)Expand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed both men from the scene on Oceania St. near 48th Ave. to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens but they couldnt be saved. Investigators believe both men were dating the same woman, who was there at the scene and witnessed the bloodbath, police sources said. A woman who gave her name only as Sarah, 50, who lives on the block came out of her house when she heard shots fired. I creep up my driveway and heard people arguing, she said. Then as theyre arguing I heard more shots. Somebody fell to the floor and I ran in the house to call the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was an upset woman at the scene, she said. The police officers were giving CPR to both of the men, she said. The woman got into the car and left with the police officers. She was crying. I heard her before the second round of shooting, she added. Thats when I heard her screaming and then the shots rang out again. Neighbors were shocked by the explosion of violence. It was scary. Things like this dont happen in this neighborhood, Sarah said. Its always very quiet. Liu lived in Flushing, according to cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building superintendent, who did not want to be named, said that Liu had recently returned home after living in North Carolina for two or three years. He last saw him Friday with a younger woman who looked to be about 19 years old, he said. I saw him Friday afternoon with a girlyounger than him, the superintendent said. It was everything fine, like you know, nothing I saw something wrong with him, both together, talking, laughing. They looked like boyfriend and girlfriend. The super said he never had problems with Frank. Nothing was wrong with him, he was quiet. The superintendent said this morning, after seeing the news about Frank Liu, he called the suspects father, who declined anything was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I see from the news. I told you, I called his father. Hes trying to cover, I dont know. He doesnt tell me the truth.. I called him today around eight oclock in the morning, and I told him, Hey, is everything fine with your son?, and he told me, yes, everything is fine. The superintendent said he feels sorry for both Liu and the victim. I feel sad because hes 28 years old, and I feel sorry what happened, he said. Meanwhile, neighbors told the Daily News they often heard shouting coming from the apartment where Liu lived with his mother and father. They said they had seen the girlfriend around the neighborhood. Ive been here for 20 years. Ive seen that kid grow up. Thats insane, said a neighbor who declined to give his name. Ive seen him around a couple times. Ive seen the girlfriend a couple times. Ive seen them together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relationship seemed normal, the neighbor said. Thats so surprising. All I can really say is that theres like, on and off between, like the daytime, theres just fighting in general, another neighbor said. I think his parents, that are the actual residents of this apartment. Theyve had their own domestic issues before, but I not aware of anything of the younger man in general. So thats from my experience, she said. On the block where Neo lived in College Point, neighbors were left reeling by news of his slaying. His family was too distraught to speak with a reporter. Yesterday I just saw him drive away. Wow, said neighbor Frank Hatch, 68. Hes a kid. I feel horrible. I feel for his mother. Thats hard His mothers a hard-working woman. Shes got to be devastated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know the kid works hard, he added. I dont think he parties at all. He does work a lot. All Ive ever seen him is go to school and work He works on his car thats on jacks in the yard. Neo was on the swim team at Bayside High School, according to an online profile. He was excellent, said an elderly neighbor who declined to give his name. He was such a good kid. He would say hello to everybody. Any time anybody needed anything he would look out for them. His friends took to social media to post touching remembrances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You had the biggest heart and you were the most generous person I knew. We talked about what would happen when we died you said you believe in heaven and I know thats where you are right now, a person who described herself as his ex-girlfriend posted. She was not involved in the love triangle. I will forever cherish your name. I cant believe youre gone. Words cannot describe how much I loved you and still do. You cant be the lawyer you always wanted to but I promise Ill be successful for the both of us, she wrote. You tried the hardest in everything out of everyone I know. You spent your entire career saving people but it ended like this, another friend wrote. This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. Aspiring entrepreneurs, take note: A new AI startup founded by Yale students aims to compete with LinkedIn and we got a hold of the pitch deck it used to raise $3 million. On the agenda today: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But first: House hunting is about to change. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here. This week's dispatch Tyler Le/BI The Great Zillow Zap Many of us lurk on real estate portals like Zillow and Redfin, even if just for fun. Now, users are coming across properties on these sites that appear to be "off-market" but are actually for sale if you know where to look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our housing reporter extraordinaire James Rodriguez published a must-read story this week about how new rules for real estate agents are pushing listings away from catch-all platforms toward exclusive brokerage sites. I sat down with James to learn more and to get his prediction for what's next in the housing market. James, this week you wrote about changes that mean fewer home listings are making it onto sites like Zillow, or are taking longer to land there. That's no fun for lurkers! But overall, does this shift benefit buyers, sellers, both or neither? Buyers are, for sure, the big losers: They just want to see all the homes available for sale, and it's getting tougher to do that. For sellers, they might benefit from a private test run within a brokerage before their property hits very public Zillow. But Zillow says it will penalize sellers who try to do this, and there is certainly a benefit to reaching the widest possible range of buyers. The true winners will be the big brokers and agents who end up controlling access to listings and boosting their bottom lines. In the last year or so, the rules around brokerage commissions and listings have changed are home buyers and sellers truly better off? Or not so much? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The short answer is not really. The status quo is hard to overcome: Agent commissions are roughly the same, and consumers are confused about all the new rules (or don't even know about them). That said, as the news continues to spread, there will be more opportunities for savvy buyers and sellers to negotiate better outcomes. That's why I've spent a lot of time breaking down these changes and what they mean for the average person. You wrote in October that it looked like the housing market would de-freeze by spring. How is that prediction working out? There are definitely some bright spots. Buyers have a lot more options this spring: I wrote that inventory would be the big figure to watch, and the number of homes for sale in March was up almost 30% from a year ago. But both sides are, understandably, cautious right now: The typical mortgage rate jumped this week to around 7%, and there's a lot of economic uncertainty, to put it mildly. Stay tuned! Growing up Marvel Stan Lee and his daughter, JC Lee. Courtesy of J.C. Lee JC Lee has been widely portrayed as the villain of the Stan Lee story: the spoiled, impossible child who exploited her father, then failed to protect him in his final years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People close to JC and her father tell a different story. "The main thing JC inherited from her father is she has a real knack for surrounding herself with con men," one of Stan's closest confidants said. Now, JC is ready to tell her side of the story. The tumultuous life of Stan Lee's only child. Microsoft mulls more job cuts REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz Another round of Microsoft cuts could come as soon as May, focusing on middle managers, non-coders, and more low performers, according to people familiar with the matter. It's unclear how many roles will be slashed. However, some Microsoft organizations want to increase their "span of control" and decrease the ratio of product managers or program managers to engineers, sources told BI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside layoff discussions. Make America Hated Again Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI As spring and summer vacations roll in, some American tourists are finding an unseasonally icy welcome abroad. Treated with awkwardness, pity, or straight-up hostility, they're starting to rethink their travel plans. For American expats, their home country becoming the global frenemy means some conversations about President Trump are unavoidable. Even when Americans leave the US, its politics follow them. Warning: traveling while American. What happened to Hooters? Alex Bitter/BI Hooters of America filed for bankruptcy in March. BI's Alex Bitter went to one location to find out why. He said the signature tank tops hadn't gone anywhere, and the fries were underwhelming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hooters is known for its scantily clad waitresses, but the CEO of the chain's founding group wants to make the restaurants more family-friendly. So long, "Bikini Nights." This week's quote: "I've been concerned about Elon Musk back since he was at PayPal, and then with the purchase and dismantling of Twitter." Actor Alex Winter, who helped kick-start the global Tesla Takedown movement. More of this week's top reads: Read the original article on Business Insider A day after the North Carolina Supreme Court granted Justice Allison Riggs a partial victory, she vowed to keep fighting. Riggs made the promise as the keynote speaker of the In Our Court conference at North Carolina Central Universitys School of Law. The conference, aimed at explaining the role the judiciary plays in peoples lives, was held a day after a significant ruling in the countrys only statewide election that remains uncertified. Riggs won re-election to the state Supreme Court by 734 votes over Judge Jefferson Griffin, who has contested the election results for the last five months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 4, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled in Griffins favor, giving challenged voters 15 days to prove their eligibility or have their votes tossed. A week later, the state Supreme Court overturned the ruling, partially ruling against Griffin. A majority of the challenged votes, about 60,000 that didnt have a drivers license or Social Security number in the states database, would no longer be thrown out, according to the courts ruling. But the votes from military and overseas voters who didnt provide photo identification could still have their votes thrown out. Griffin originally challenged about 1,400 of those voters from only Guilford County, but later tried to add thousands more ballots from other largely Democratic counties past the challenge deadline. The Supreme Court didnt specify which counties are included in the order, and estimates range from 2,000 to 7,000 votes are at stake. There is nothing less constitutionally problematic about only disenfranchising 7,000 people instead of 67,000 people, Riggs said. And, in fact, I would not accept one eligible voter being disenfranchised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State courts are immeasurably important, especially with the United States Supreme Court tossing important issues like political gerrymandering and abortion rights back to the states. I want you all to know that the eyes of the country are on the people in this state, Riggs said. Not just because youre a swing state. Not just because were always in the news. But because we are people of resilience. We are people of community. We take care of one another, and were going to show the country what it looks like to fight in tough times. In the Spotlight designates ongoing topics of high interest that are driven by The News & Observers focus on accountability reporting. The Iowa-Illinois Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 16th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium on Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4 at Vibrant Arena in Moline. This years event focuses on examining the recent current events throughout our world and how our Defense Department will sustain and grow the U.S. Industry Base, Supply Chain and Mission Command. This years Symposium will give attendees vital insight into the latest information in government contracting and Army Doctrine, as well as allow them to take advantage of the chance to interact with key government and industry experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Symposium offers two jam-packed days of valuable content you wont want to miss, says President of the IA-IL NDIA Chapter, Natalie Linville-Mass. Registration for this event can be completed through the NDIA IA-IL Chapter website here. This page will also provide information regarding lodging, so make sure to review booking deadlines to obtain a room from specially reserved sections. For those interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to the Symposium Director, Logan Brincks, at logan.brincks@aollc.biz for sponsorship packets and any additional information. Within the Quad Cities region, there are thousands of individuals and businesses contracting with organizations on the Rock Island Arsenal. The Quad Cities is ranked as the third most industrially diverse area in the United States, making this event crucial to its attendees and sponsors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Symposium grants these groups the opportunity to gather once a year and work to advance the goals of The Defense Department in this area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WKRN) A transition is underway at a pharmacy in Westmoreland thats served the community for a decade. Nestled along New Highway 52E near the Tennessee-Kentucky border now lies Westmoreland Drugs, which was previously home to Brown Pharmacy, but is now under new ownership. It was about a three-month process of how it came about, said Zach Swaffer, a pharmacist with seven years of experience. A lot of sleepless nights, a lot of long work that goes in that nobody sees behind the scenes, and work that were continuing to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Swaffer and his longtime friend and mentor, Cory McDonald, caught wind of Brown Pharmacys continuous struggles to stay afloat, the two decided to purchase, revamp and reimagine the small-town pharmacy. The story we got was that they dont have anything in stock and they cant keep anything in stock, Swaffer said. Our goal, when we started out, was to come in and fix that immediately. McDonald said pharmacies are more than just a place to fill prescriptions. We want you to come get your medicine here, which is going to be in stock now or we will have it the next day, McDonald said. Thats huge, but also, were going to have boutique gifts, like last-minute gift ideas, stuff like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee, Swaffer interned under McDonald in Hartsville. Fast forward to now, McDonald said hes thankful this new venture brought them back together. (L to R) Cory McDonald with Zach Swaffer. Throughout pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee, Swaffer interned under McDonald in Hartsville at RiteAid. Courtesy: Zach Swaffer I want to see him have his opportunity that I got, because I know the type of human he is, McDonald said. I know hes going to take care of his staff, I know hes going to put himself last and everybody else first, because thats just how he is. To see somebody succeed like that, and maybe have just a little bit of an influence in it, is really what lifes about. Swaffer said his ultimate goal is for Westmoreland Drugs to become a staple for the community. I dont do this for myself, Swaffer said. I could go anywhere and make a living, but I want to do this and build something thats a legacy that not only we can be proud of, but the people in the community can be proud of. (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) To learn more, visit Westmoreland Drugs on Facebook. The pharmacy can also be reached by phone at 615-644-0104 or by email at westmoreland.drugs@gmail.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 WKRN News 2. CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. Were learning more about the man who Shelby County deputies claimed shot and killed his own brother. Brodrick Ross is facing numerous charges in Shelby County and Crittenden County. Brodrick Ross. (Crittenden County Sheriffs Office) WREG spoke to the mother of Brodricks children, who said theyre still trying to wrap their heads around what actually happened. Dispatch audio details the moments when officers in Crittenden County arrested the 34-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect is responsible for shooting his brother in the face and then placing his brother in the trunk of his vehicle, a dispatcher said. Hes accused of killing his younger brother, 30-year-old Quincy Ross, in Northaven late Friday night. Shelby County deputies said Brodrick shot Quincy on Archie Drive, put his body in his vehicle and then disposed of it in Crittenden County. Danielle Austin told WREG that Quincy called her on Friday night, asking her to come get him because he and his brother were arguing. ORIGINAL STORY: Man accused of fatally shooting brother after domestic dispute Unfortunately, once she got there, she said she saw police and crime scene tape surrounding the Northaven home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brodrick was later arrested in Edmondson, Arkansas, which is almost 30 miles away from the crime scene, but not far from where Quincys body was found. Your News Leader confirmed the brothers have family near that area. I think Brodrick killed Quincy out of jealousy, Quatavia Heyward said. WREG spoke with Heyward over the phone. She is the mother of Brodericks three sons. It hurt them real bad to know that their dad shot their uncle, Heyward said. Well, killed their uncle. Quincy Ross. Heyward said shes known the brothers since they were teens. She claimed that Brodrick can be very violent. If things dont go his way, he wants to fight and argue, Heyward said. Its nothing that serious to kill Quincy over. Come on, youre staying with Quincy. Quincys feeding you, clothing you. How could you do that to your little brother? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin told WREG she doesnt know what could have led to the deadly shooting between brothers. Heyward said Quincy leaves behind seven children and a grieving family still trying to make sense of the entire incident. Shooting on I-240 puts man, woman in the hospital Were going to make sure that Quincy gets the justice that he deserves, Heyward said. Brodrick is facing multiple charges in Shelby County, including second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and carjacking. In Crittenden County, hes charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, among other charges. Brodrick is still booked into the Crittenden County Jail. Its unclear when hell be extradited back to Shelby County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. A 16-year-old volunteer firefighter from Franklin County was laid to rest on Saturday, receiving full professional honors after dying in the line of duty. Chevy Gall, a member of the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District, died on April 4 while responding to a reported water rescue. His car collided with another vehicle on Route 50 near Highway 185. Its one of the things that makes the fire service unique, is how we all come together in times of tragedy like this, said Captain Matt Coppin of the Metro West Fire Protection District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family sues youth league after teens suicide following coachs alleged abuse The funeral was held at Life Stream Church in Washington, Missouri, where Gall was honored in front of a packed congregation that included his family, friends, and firefighters from across the area. Captain Matt Coppin noted that more than 40 fire departments from across the region and state attended the funeral to honor Gall. Gall had begun his career in the fire service last November and was known for his passion for helping people and eagerness to learn. As Gall was escorted from the church to his final resting place, Coppin remarked that the ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. The communitys support during the funeral provided comfort to Galls family and colleagues, highlighting the solidarity within the fire service in times of tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) appeared to draw his largest crowd ever as part of his Fighting Oligarchy tour in Los Angeles near City Hall on Saturday. About 36,000 people gathered for the rally, according to his team. Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Neil Young performed leading up to Sanders speech, and progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced him. When Sanders took the stage, the crowd chanted Bernie, Bernie. He stopped them: Nope. Its not Bernie. It is you. The former presidential candidate strongly condemned President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire leading Trumps so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Sanders touched on a variety of issues including the minimum wage, climate change, and Medicare for All, but the main thread was one that has been consistent in his messaging: His movement is that of the 99 percent, not the one percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to make our revolution with joy, Sanders said. Were going to sing and dance our way to victory against hatred and divisiveness. Sanders noted that Musk had posted a video to X on Friday showing that Sanders has been warning that America is becoming an oligarchy for decades. Well, Elon, youre damn right, thats what Ive been talking about, Sanders said. The difference is Im no longer talking about how were moving to oligarchy. Im talking about how we are living today in an oligarchic form of society. Three months ago, when Trump was inaugurated, standing right behind him during his inauguration, were the three wealthiest people in this country, Mr. Musk, Mr. [Jeff] Bezos and Mr. [Mark] Zuckerberg. And right behind them, were 13 other billionaires who Trump had nominated to head up major federal agencies. And that, brothers and sisters, is what oligarchy is all about. Musk, for his part, spent $290 million to elect Trump and Republicans in 2024, before being gifted a role with DOGE to purge the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Vice President Kamala Harris loss to Trump, Democratic leaders have struggled to mobilize an opposition in Washington. Some voters appear to be looking to Sanders for an answer. He understands this moment, Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir told The Washington Post. Theres a muscularity in the way he wants to fight against them with a clear conviction of where we would go. Look, I dont have to tell anyone here that this is a difficult moment, Sanders said. Weve never gone through anything like this, but this is what I do want to say. Despair is not an option. Giving up and hiding under the covers is not acceptable. The stakes are just too high. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that Sanders progressive movement is about class solidarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hate is a trap that sticks us all, and standing together without exception to reject division that is the only way we can win, she said. Its the only way we can win. So I hope you see that this movement is not about partisan labels or purity tests, but its about class solidarity. It is about the thousands of you who came out here today to stand together and say, Our lives deserve dignity and our work deserves respect, no matter who we are. Sanders ended by appealing to people across the political spectrum to fight the oligarchy. Im not going to tell you that its going to be easy. Its not, Sanders said. Were going to have to fight them, door to door, workplace to workplace, school to school. Were gonna have to educate, were gonna have to mobilize, were gonna have to stand up in a dozen different ways. But from the bottom of my heart and Ive been to every state in this country I dont care whether youre Republican, Democrat, or Independent, the people of this country do not want oligarchy. They do not want authoritarianism, and they want a government that works for all of us, not just the 1 percent. 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. The chaotic first few months of Donald Trumps second U.S. presidency have produced much more heat than light, with Trump alternately invoking and rescinding massive tariffs, issuing sweeping executive orders that are quickly thrown into court challenges, and attempting to use a 45-year-old law to gut labor unions that represent federal workers. But while the ultimate fate of those actions is unknown, there is one area to which experts say Trumps administration unquestionably has already done real damage: public health. And many of those whove spent their adult lives on the front lines, keeping Americans and the world safer from infectious diseases and other threats, believe that damage will be long-lasting. What concerns me the most is how difficult the rebuild is going to be once things finally turn around, says Ursula Bauer, a former disease prevention executive at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The forced exodus of highly skilled, highly educated researchers, scientists and professionals from the federal government is really just extraordinaryIt is going to take decades to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A national cross-section of workers in public health and medical research, along with some of those whove recently emerged through the professional pipeline, shared similar sentiments in interviews this week with Fortune. Together, they drew a grim picture of the short- and longer-term implications of the Trump administrations severe cuts to federal health staffing and funding. Spending reductions, they say, are already pausing critical research into how to prevent future pandemics, among many other areas. Amid one of the worst measles outbreaks in decades, the cuts in federal money mean fewer people working at the state and local level to contain it, almost assuring that the outbreak will grow. The wholesale dismantling of the CDCs Office on Smoking and Health could undo decades of progress in reducing American death rates from tobacco-related lung cancer. Lab specimens are sitting on shelves, experts say, because there no longer are enough federal workers to analyze them. A 20,000-person workforce shrinkage at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), meanwhile, includes a swath of the top experts and leaders in their fields, creating an organizational void with no stated plan for how to fill it. An HHS spokesperson confirmed the 20,000 figure to Fortune on Thursday, stating that its reduction in force cut about 10,000 employees and another 10,000 retired or resigned. This represents nearly a 25% cut to the department's workforce, from 82,000 to 62,000. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, though, has already noted that 20% of the 10,000 dismissals were made erroneously. Personnel that should not have been cut, were cut. Were reinstating them. And that was always the plan, Kennedy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson did not answer a series of questions, instead pointing to general comments made previously by Kennedy in which he said the department overhaul is about realigning HHS with its core mission: to stop the chronic disease epidemic and make America healthy again. Despite spending $1.9 trillion in annual costs, Americans are getting sicker every year, and we must shift course. Theyre breaking lots of stuff without knowing what theyre breaking, says Georges Benjamin, longtime executive director of the American Public Health Association, the largest organization of public health officials in the world. This results in the loss of really critical infrastructure, demoralizing the workforce. And the part that they're breaking is the part that gives you the best buy for your health. Trumps and Kennedys assaults on federal researchand the government funding that helps pay for the work at revered U.S. research institutes and universitiesare grounding critical projects mid-stream. The CDC recently pulled back more than $11 billion in grants to state and county health departments, money that was initially allocated during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Local departments have used the funding to respond to other public health needs, including tracking diseases and providing treatment for addiction. A federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts after 23 states and the District of Columbia sued to prevent them, and Kennedy later told CBS News that he was unfamiliar with the cuts that had been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the renowned biomedical research institution Rockefeller University in New York, We were three years into a five-year project to study how to make better vaccines, says Paul Bieniasz, a professor of retrovirology. The project began in response to COVID-19, but its ultimate aim is to make vaccines that will be effective against a broader array of coronaviruses. That project required administrative approval from the National Institutes of Health to continue its final two years, at a cost of about $2 million per year, Bieniasz says. Though such NIH approval is usually routine, it never came, and the virologist says he found out in a roundabout way that the funding had been cut. Bieniaszs lab is appealing the termination of the grant, one of several under which it operates. In the medium to long term, the diminution of resources will drive people away from careers in science, says Bieniasz, himself an immigrant who came to the U.S. to pursue his dream of becoming a scientist. (He recently wrote an op-ed on the topic for The Guardian.) A large fraction of the people I hire to staff my lab are smart people from overseas who want to come here to be scientists. This of course will end if we continue on this path of throttling science. This, interview subjects repeatedly tell Fortune, is the true existential threat of Trump declaring open season on U.S. health systems, research institutes and universities. In the absence of funding to begin or continue crucial medical and scientific research, the pipeline of domestic and international talent will begin drying upand it will occur at the exact moment that China is striving to become a biomedical and biopharmaceutical superpower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintaining our excellence is not going to be easytrying to find paths to preserve our very important [research and development] infrastructure, which has been so successful ever since World War II, says Peter Hotez. Hotez is an American scientist who co-led the development of a low-cost, no-patent COVID vaccine that has reached 100 million people. Weve had 80 years of successes, and we started research universities, Hotez says. Institutions are America's treasures, and I think that could likely erode. And what does this mean for young people who are looking at all this and saying, My God, what am I going to do in life? I mean, do I really want to embark on advanced scientific training if I can't support a scientific career in the United States? That concern is on the minds of Americas scientists, 2,000 of whom co-signed a public letter in which they described a climate of fear among researchers. The letter declared that Trumps administration is blocking research on topics it finds objectionable, such as climate change, or that yields results it does not like, on topics ranging from vaccine safety to economic trends. We are sending this SOS to sound a clear warning: The nations scientific enterprise is being decimated, the letter says. If our countrys research enterprise is dismantled, we will lose our scientific edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every health agency has been impacted, says Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan. This restructuring is actually slashing the budget for research, and it will severely impair if not completely abrogate most of our national capacity to respond to health emergencies and carry out our basic public health functions, Rasmussen says. There are no positives to these cuts I can imagine. As Kennedys sudden backtracking on the HHS reductions suggests, it isnt clear what the final tallies will be in terms of funding and staffing cutbacks. What is known is that the cuts will continue to run deep and, in either a few or many cases, will be motivated by almost any force besides the actual value of the work being done. At Columbia University, PhD candidate Daniella Fodera learned in March that her NIH fellowship was being terminated. Foderas doctoral research focused on studying the biomechanics of human uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors that can cause women severe pelvic pain, menstrual bleeding and infertility. But the termination had nothing to do with that; rather, Fodera says the note she received from the NIH said the reason was unsafe antisemitic actions that suggest the institution lacks concern for the safety and well-being of Jewish students. The true emergency, as I see it, is the politically-driven attacks on science as a way to suppress free speech, Fodera tells Fortune. Science itself should be an apolitical, objective pursuit that benefits all of humanity, regardless of ones race, sex, nationality, religion or political party affiliation. I do not believe for a second that terminating my grant does anything to combat antisemitism, and I believe it was an excuse for the Trump administration to target higher education and exert control and power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where do science and medicine go from here? Even those at the top of their fields arent sure. The Trump cuts have thrown the research community into a wild state of uncertainty. While there are court challenges underway to force restoration of funding in some areas, critical research projects mostly sit idle. Some public information health campaigns have gone dark, and the CDC, long understood as a critical hub of data and analysis for the American health system, still does not have a permanent director. The slashing of positions at CDC, at FDA--there's nothing about it that seems like it is based on a strategic approach to maintaining and improving the health of people in America and around the world, says Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, who since 2017 has served as president and CEO of the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation. One of the things that we know about public health, and one of the challenges about public health, is that when our system is working well, it's pretty much invisible, Besser says. Youre not seeing the outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease that could be occurring. You're not seeing children in doctors offices showing up with lead poisoning. You're not seeing children walking to school, being unable to breathe because their asthma is being triggered by poor air qualityIts going to take time to really see the impact [of gutting those operations]. In the meantime, the experts say, Americans and those around the world are likely to get sicker, suffer more chronic disease, and need more advanced medical careall of it at tremendous cost. That may mean a payday for the corporate health industry, but as health policy, its an almost incomprehensible step backward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A weaker CDC means a sicker, less safe and less prosperous America, says Tom Frieden, former director of that agency and current CEO of the health nonprofit Resolve to Save Lives. It may work in the private sector to blow things up and build them back. It doesn't work that way in the government. These are complex systems. Maybe they need to be drastically improved, but ending them isn't a way of improving themit's a way of ending them. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The greatest invention of the Industrial Age isnt the iPhone or lithium-ion batteries or even the internal combustion engine its public health. Unfortunately for our see it to believe it culture, public health works best when its practically invisible, just humming along in the background. Thus, there are few things Westerners take for granted more than reduced child mortality, reduced death in child birth and the eradication of historys most brutal diseases like polio and smallpox. Thankfully, very few of us know what its like to grow up with half our siblings dying from relatively minor infections or experiencing life-long disability from surviving an epidemic. Those days are behind us or so some of us thought. For anyone paying the slightest attention, its clear our global society is quickly devolving, reverting back to a time before antibiotics and widespread sanitation. It sounds extreme, but little else would explain the fixation on raw milk, for example. A combination of engrained ignorance and political interests is eroding the foundation of something that made our capitalist society possible in the first place. Its hard to build an international trade empire if your customers are too sick to work or die often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because we are so many generations removed from the people who coughed up bloody bits of the Black Death, its understandable human nature why so many of us refuse to acknowledge COVID-19 is a serious illness or think ditching vaccination is wise. Naivety is intoxicating and no one likes confronting their own ableism or mortality. Its these forces that are allowing us to grind basic tenets like germ theory and fluoridation into the woodchipper. Its an astonishing level of reckless stupidity that we will be contending with for generations. But lets not get too sentimental about public health either. Its far from a perfect system. We can think of it like a great oak, with many branches and deep roots. Theres no denying this tree has been poisoned by profit-seeking incentives that have produced giant, twisted branches like Big Pharma or health care insurance middlemen that profit from denying claims. In spite of this, it has helped people live longer, healthier lives compared to those over a century ago and to fix the issues that plague it, we need to fertilize it, not chainsaw it down. But thats exactly what were doing. Public health and trust in public health is being eroded in the U.S., Dr. Andrea Love, an immunologist and microbiologist, told Salon by email. We are seeing rejection (and in some instances, legal action) against long-supported and evidence-based public health measures: vaccinations, pasteurization and food safety, water fluoridation. We are also seeing an erasure of investment and funding in research and health care infrastructure that focus on understanding and improving public health. It has been difficult as a scientist, science communicator, and member of this country to see this occurring when we have the most scientific knowledge we have ever had in human history. Its bad enough that the public is being gaslit about an ongoing measles outbreak that has so far spread across 25 states, infecting more than 700 people, with more than 540 in Texas alone. This epidemic, caused by a virus that was once eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has claimed at least two lives: two children, one eight-years old and the other only six. The death of a New Mexico man who had measles is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a recent New York Times headline that suggests this is the "new normal," the resurgence of preventable disease is not a law of nature it's literally a choice we, as a society, are making. And so much more illness is on the rise, from Victorian-era diseases like tuberculosis to novel tropical diseases like sloth fever. The threat of another pandemic, be it bird flu or another COVID-19 surge are always present. But now Republican leadership wants us to pretend like none of this is happening while firing the people who track these sorts of things and gutting social safety nets like Social Security and Medicaid. Last month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a major restructuring of the Health and Human Services Department, which has so far resulted in the mass layoff of about 10,000 federal health workers. At least eight top-level managers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have resigned in recent weeks, all while the agency has clawed back $11.4 billion in COVID-19 research dollars and suppressed a report on measles suggesting that individuals get vaccinated. Most recently, the Trump administration forced out Peter Marks, the nations top vaccine regulator at the Food and Drug Administration, who wrote in his resignation letter It is unconscionable with measles outbreaks to not have a full-throated endorsement of measles vaccinations. Though Kennedy has recently said that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and spread, this is in sharp contrast to his previous statements denying vaccine efficacy, including last week when he incorrectly stated that some vaccines never worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe Kennedy wants to give lip service to the MMR shot after attending the funeral of an unvaccinated victim of the Texas measles outbreak, but actions speak louder than words: earlier this month, dozens of free measles vaccine clinics were shuttered in Texas due to federal funding cuts. And Kennedy still wont let go of this ridiculous notion debunked again and again that vaccines are a cause of autism. That hasnt stopped Health and Human Services from recently appointing a discredited vaccine skeptic to investigate this link. On April 10, Kennedy said wed know by September what has caused the autism epidemic. In a statement, Christopher Banks, CEO and president of the Autism Society of America, responded that Kennedys remarks are both unrealistic and misleading, adding that such efforts risk undermining decades of progress and causing real harm to the autism community. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. But this is the kind of leadership at HHS these days: wasting resources attacking established science while dismantling the systems that protect against epidemics and research treatments, not to mention denying people access to health care. The institutions monitoring, treating, researching and informing us about disease are now either broken, underfunded or pushing misinformation. It begs the question: is public health even a thing in this country anymore? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it currently stands, public health no longer exists at the federal level, Dr. Ryan Marino, an emergency medicine physician at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Salon by email. Its still to be seen if this very intentional gutting of our public health institutions, infrastructure and funding will decimate state and regional public health but these cuts in spending are likely to mean less services everywhere and for everyone. To illustrate how far back this trend goes, professor Sean Valles, director of the Center for Bioethics at Michigan State University, pointed to a 2013 report by the U.S. National Research Council and the U.S. Institute of Medicine, which summarizes the situation in its title: Shorter Lives, Poorer Health. Since then, average life expectancy in the U.S. has only dropped further. There is some good news, including that drug overdose deaths are finally falling, Valles told Salon by email. But the overall picture is dire. As a Commonwealth Fund report puts it, compared to other high-income countries, The U.S. has the lowest life expectancy at birth, the highest death rates for avoidable or treatable conditions, the highest maternal and infant mortality, and among the highest suicide rates. None of this started with the Trump administration, not even the first one, though the decline has clearly accelerated in just a few months. As Daniella Barreto, host and producer of the podcast Public Health is Dead, explained, The Biden administration paved the way for the further destruction of public health when they decided, in a feat of circular logic, that the COVID pandemic was over because they said so. People latched on to that because they wanted it to be true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barreto gave numerous examples, from how testing was severely limited under Biden, which meant less data to track the SARS-CoV-2 virus, to how in 2021 the CDC was lobbied by airline business interests to shorten COVID isolation guidelines or how the agencys then director, Rochelle Walensky, said that masks were a scarlet letter. The push for back to normal and short-term profits for corporations have come at the expense of everyones long-term health, including childrens, Barreto told Salon by email. Congress also bears a lot of responsibility for how public health has been starved, Love said. Simply because Biden was President did not give him ultimate authority to repair a lot of infrastructure that had been eroded, Love explained. For example, the USDA/FDA budget and personnel cuts from Trump's first term have led to reduction in workforce to conduct food safety inspections that arent able to be corrected quickly especially when the Congress did not allocate more funding to these agencies. RFK Jrs claims that his gutting of health agencies will improve public health are objectively false we know that things that will improve public health, and halting funding for critical interventions, research, community outreach/education, and global health will do the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Love said that by rejecting public health and defunding the scientific research that is its foundation, we are all going to become less safe, less healthy, and less secure. Indeed, many people are at greater risk of disability or death from these policies not just at home, but across the globe. Trumps decision to withdraw from the WHO and the dismantling of USAID and other essential programs will have ripple effects. As the CDC puts in their guide to global health security, In today's interconnected world, a disease threat anywhere is a threat everywhere and outbreaks can disrupt American lives and livelihoods even if they never reach America's shores. Which makes a recent finding by the World Health Organization that almost 75% of U.N. countries have experienced severe disruptions to health services somewhat rattling. The rhetoric from this administration takes the mentality that health is an 'individual' issue, and not shaped by social determinants of health and societal initiatives, Love said. Health issues do not adhere to country boundaries, especially when we are talking about infectious diseases. I do worry that this damage will cause generational, perhaps irreparable harm, as the U.S. erasing its own scientific institutions but also the collaborative ecosystem globally will have far reaching effects. In Barretos opinion, thats precisely the point. The extreme cuts at HHS also impact environmental health, sexual health, and sexual violence prevention programs as well as health and safety regulatory bodies, Barreto said. I believe this administration is not unaware that the people who will bear the brunt of this are racialized, disabled, trans and otherwise marginalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If top-level public health basically doesnt function anymore, where does that leave the public? At least 23 states and the District of Columbia are currently suing Kennedy and the HHS, The Guardian reported, alleging the abrupt terminations of $11bn in public health funding were harmful and 'unlawful. A judge later blocked these cuts. But more than staunching the bleeding is necessary, as Valles explained that public health improvements take hard work and investment. Today, we need to be a period for rebuilding the public health workforce, so that we have the next generation of public health workers of all sorts, from community health workers who help people to sign up for benefits like food assistance for their children, to CDC researchers vigilantly watching for the next pandemic, Valles said. Instead, the federal government is now trying to lay off hundreds of probationary employees at the CDC, rescinding some of the layoffs, and now many of them are caught in legal limbo as courts decide whether their layoffs were illegal. Meanwhile, federal grants that support the work of public health around the US are being haphazardly canceled. This is not how to rebuild or reform an effective public health workforce, it is how to destroy one. Love said we need to reclaim the importance of science, which requires a systemic mindset shift that wont happen until the misinformation spread by wellness profiteers is clamped down on. She also emphasized the role of Congress, universities and the media to push back on these attacks. It needs to be common knowledge what the consequences of these actions will be, even for people who think they arent going to be impacted, Love said. Without our government supporting these initiatives, we may need to turn to other sources of support. Other countries, philanthropic organizations. But that isnt a substitute. Its a band-aid on a broken bone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as there is a public, there will be public health, Valles said. What shape it takes depends on a lot of things we cant always control social determinants of health like income and zip code so without clear direction on the federal level, we have to begin more locally. As a first step, I encourage U.S. readers to learn more about the health of their own communities, Valles said. Look up your county in the database of county-level health measures to how your county compares to state and national averages in things like percent of children experiencing poverty, access to opportunities for exercise, and breast cancer mammogram screening rates. If you enter your address on this website, you can see the life expectancy of people living in your neighborhood Or go to this website to see a map of that data for neighborhoods across the U.S. Ultimately, to slow the erosion of public health, it needs to be something that people generally value. It may seem insurmountable to get the Trump administration to reverse course, but it will only be possible if people demand it. Its easy to see whats happening and feel defeated; its objectively awful, Marino said. But public health has always been fighting uphill battles without enough resources. And perhaps the hardest part has always been convincing the public to care about public health. I hope that people do not have to suffer and die for people to realize the value that public health provides, even when programs seem so distant. I guess we will see whether people care or not. Riots broke overnight in the Athens district of Exarchia, when unknown individuals threw petrol bombs, fireworks and stones at the district's police station. Several parked cars and motorcycles caught fire. Riot police who arrived at the scene used tear gas to disperse the rioters. More than 70 arrests were made, the Greek broadcaster EPTNews reported on Sunday, citing security sources, more than 70 arrests were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was slightly injured, according to the emergency services. The unrest reportedly began after a music event in a park in the district, according to eyewitness accounts. Around midnight, approximately 50 people left the event and began attacking the nearby police station. The riots quickly spread to adjacent streets. Reporters on the ground stated that the situation had calmed down by Sunday morning. The police suspect that the riots may have been a protest related to a train accident around two years ago that resulted in 57 deaths. On Friday, unknown individuals carried out a bomb attack on the headquarters of Hellenic Train, Greece's main provider of rail transport for passengers and freight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured in the attack and investigations are still ongoing. Numerous relatives of the victims, as well as political parties, accuse the railway company and the conservative government of neglecting the railway system. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Multiple roads will be closed for an extended time after a car crashed into a pole in York County overnight. According to the York County Regional Police Department, Bahns Mill Road in Windsor Township will be closed from Delta Road to Burkholder Road for an extended period due to a vehicle into a pole. Courtesy of the York Co. Regional Police Dept. Courtesy of the York Co. Regional Police Dept. Police say Met-Ed will respond to make the area safe and replace the sheered-off pole. Until this is completed, the area is considered hazardous, and power outages will also occur, per police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police advise travelers to avoid these roads and use alternate routes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Rochester River Run/ Walk 5K took to Genesee Valley Park on Sunday to raise money in support of patients at Strong Memorial Hospital who are awaiting or recovering from organ transplant surgery. People were able to take part as individual participants and as teams to pledge their support during Donate Life Month. Hundreds of participants raced the five scenic kilometers along the Genesee River starting at 10:30 a.m. The track is certified by USA Track & Field #NY15140KL. Award presentation will commence at 11:30 a.m. and a ceremony commemorating the memories of past donors and transplant recipients will begin at 11:45 a.m. Proceeds from the River Run will benefit transplant patients and living donors as theyre commonly in need of emergency financial assistance while they await or recover from surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Rochesters Solid Organ Transplant program serves hundreds of heart, liver, pancreas, and kidney patients from across Western New York, the Southern Tier, and beyond every year. Strong also provides ongoing care for patients who continue to return to Rochester for medical care related to their transplant. Donor families and recipients brave challenges long after transplant, Nancy Metzler, transplant program administrator and an organizer of the Rochester River Run, said. It`s important to help them as much as possible, and the proceeds from the Run allow us to provide a little extra assistance, which can make a big difference There is also a significant need for financial assistance to help patients on the waiting list afford the costly medical treatments required while they await a donor. More than $365,000 has been raised since the River Run/Walk first began in 2001. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rocket sirens were triggered in Tel Aviv and across central Israel on Sunday evening, as an incoming projectile fired from Yemen was apparently successfully intercepted by defences, according to the Israeli military. A military spokesman said the rocket was likely launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia, which has repeatedly targeted Israel. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Earlier in the day, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The military later announced plans to strike what it said was the suspected launch site in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Residents were ordered to evacuate the area and seek shelter. Centre County Farm Bureau will recognize Rural Roads Safety Week April 13-19. Pennsylvania has more rural roads than any other state in the country. Especially during springtime, more farmers are driving large equipment on rural roads which, in turn, increases farm machinery accidents. The Rural Roads Safety program was created in 2000 by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Rural Roads Safety Week, a joint campaign between the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, state police and the state departments of Agriculture and Transportation, is designed to educate the general public and farmers about safety concerns on rural roads, particularly in relation to slow moving vehicles and to slow down when approaching large farm equipment on back roads. The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of accidents on rural roads and to save lives. Now that spring is here, with its warmer weather and longer days, farmers are heading to the fields to plant their crops. Tips for drivers Dont rush If you are driving on rural roads, chances are good that you will encounter farm equipment at some point on your route. Avoid rushing and allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pass carefully If the farmer has pulled off the road, then you may pass. Or if the farmer does not pull over, but you feel you must pass, do so with caution. Be observant for other vehicles that may try to pass and oncoming traffic. Never pass when curves or hills block your view of oncoming vehicles, you are in a no passing zone or within 100 feet of any intersection. Also be careful that the farmer is not pulling to the right to make a wide left turn. Be patient Farmers are not operating equipment on rural roads to slow you down intentionally. Instead, farmers are working to provide a safe food supply for us all. SMV brake immediately The orange triangular Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem warns drivers of a slow vehicle speed. All farm equipment traveling at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less are required to be marked with a SMV emblem. Once you see it, slow down immediately. Yield to wide vehicles Sometimes farm equipment is wider than travel lanes. If you approach wide equipment and cannot pass safely, stop. You can then pull off the road, turn around or back away safely so the equipment can pass you. Watch for pilot or escort cars, which help to indicate an oversize vehicle. Tips for farmers Farmers play a key role in rural road safety too. Here are some tips to alleviate some hazards when taking wide equipment onto the road: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania law requires you to place a slow-moving vehicle reflector on any machine that travels the road slower than 25 mph. Always point the triangle up, keep the SMV emblem clean to maximize reflectivity, and replace the emblem when it fades, normally every 2-3 years. Mark the edges of tractors and machines with reflective tape and reflectors. Turn on your lights, but turn off rear spotlights when going onto the road. From a distance they can be mistaken for headlights. If possible, avoid the highway during rush hours and bad weather. Use pilot cars if you are going a considerable distance. When you are traveling throughout our beautiful country roads this spring and get behind a piece of equipment going slower than you would like, please dont get too angry, instead remember they are out early in the morning until late some evenings planting their crops so we have food to put on our tables! Have a safe and happy year and remember to count your blessings each day! Evalene C. Ishler is a Centre County Farm Bureau member. The General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces has vowed "inevitable retribution" and a harsh response following Russias double missile strike on the city of Sumy that killed 32 people. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "Russia once again proves that it is not seeking peace. Its goal is to sow fear. But Russia will face only our fury and inevitable retribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our response will be harsh. We will destroy the occupiers, their military facilities, weapons, and equipment wherever they may be. Russian war crimes have no statute of limitations. The perpetrators must be brought to justice." Details: The General Staff noted that "having failed to achieve strategic success on the battlefield, the enemy is once again resorting to its typical tactics targeting civilians and grossly violating international law, as well as the laws and customs of war". Background: On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 32 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. The number of injured civilians has risen to 99, including 11 children. It was the second Russian missile strike that caused mass fatalities and injuries to civilians in Sumy. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia deployed cluster munitions in its deadly Palm Sunday missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on April 13. Russia attacked the northeastern city with ballistic missiles on the morning of Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people, including two children. The strike injured at least another 117 people, including 15 children. Brink joined the chorus of international officials speaking out in the aftermath of the attack. In a post on X, Brink said that reports indicate Russia used cluster munitions in the strike on Sumy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Reports indicate, as in Kryvyi Rih, cluster munitions were used, increasing the devastation and harm to civilians," she wrote. Russia targeted the city of Kryvyi Rih with a missile attack on April 4, killing 20 people and injuring 75. Children were among the casualties. Cluster munitions disperse hundreds of smaller "bomblets" in a wide area upon impact. Russia has repeatedly used cluster munitions throughout its full-scale invasion, particularly in populated civilian areas. Brink, who recently announced her resignation from her long-held post as ambassador, also expressed her sympathies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our prayers are with the people of Sumy," Brink wrote. Brink's departure is reportedly tied to disagreements with the Trump administration's approach to policy on Ukraine and Russia. U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg also denounced Russia's attack on Sumy, saying that targeting civilians "crosses any line of decency." The attack has been widely condemned by European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Read also: Trump urges Russia to get moving to end war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to the UK, has not denied that the Russians are tracking UK nuclear submarines in the seas around the UK. Source: BBC One; European Pravda Details: Kelin noted that while he did not deny that Russia was trying to track UK submarines, he rejected the idea that such activity posed a threat to the UK. Asked on the BBC One programme whether he denied the tracking allegations, Kelin said: "No". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am not going to deny it, but I wonder whether we really have an interest in following all the British submarines with very old outdated nuclear warheads... all these threats are extremely exaggerated," he said. He further asserted that no threat to the United Kingdom existed, dismissing such concerns. "This threat has been invented, absolutely, there is no threat at all from Russia to the UK," he said. Background: In early April, the Sunday Times posted an investigation detailing the discovery of suspected Russian sensors in the seas around the UK. In the investigation, the newspaper stated that the devices were likely installed to gather intelligence on four UK nuclear-capable Vanguard submarines. The UK military has discovered the devices and deemed them a potential threat to national security, the Sunday Times reported. The devices were described as part of a hybrid war waged by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In late March, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited a nuclear submarine, marking the first such visit in over 10 years. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia's ambassador to the U.K. did not deny Moscow is tracking British nuclear submarines in British waters but claimed it posed no threat to the U.K., the BBC reported on April 12. BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg questioned Ambassador Andrei Kelin after a Sunday Times investigation published on April 5 revealed that Russian sensors were found in the sea around the U.K. I am not going to deny it, but I wonder whether we really have an interest in following all the British submarines with very old outdated nuclear warheads... all these threats are extremely exaggerated, Kelin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This threat has been invented, absolutely, there is no threat at all from Russia to the U.K., he added after Kuenssberg pushed him further. The U.K. has four Vanguard submarines that carry nuclear missiles as part of Britains continuous at-sea deterrent. The British military discovered several sensors after they washed ashore, and the Royal Navy identified even more, although the exact locations are classified. The Sunday Times described the sensors as a cog in Russias hybrid warfare machine. The investigation also revealed that unmanned Russian vehicles have been found near deep-sea communications cables, and there is credible intelligence suggesting that Russian oligarchs superyachts may have been used for underwater reconnaissance. In recent months, critical cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged, leading to suspicions of Russian sabotage. In response, eight NATO members, including Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania, launched a maritime operation in the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Reported Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, detained over damaged undersea cables, allowed to leave Finland The Sunday Times investigation suggests that Russias military program, particularly its deep-sea research vessel, Yantar, poses a significant threat to Britains critical underwater infrastructure. The Yantar, equipped with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and mini-submarines, has been spotted near vital internet cables and data centers. According to Royal Navy sources, the Yantars presence in U.K. waters signals Russias escalating efforts to infiltrate vital communication lines and military cables. A spokesperson for the Defense Ministry told BBC News that the U.K. is amping up the security of its undersea infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as the defense secretary called out the activities of the Russian spy ship Yantar hovering over our undersea cables, let those who threaten the U.K. or our allies be in no doubt that we will defend our undersea infrastructure, they said. In July 2024, Bloomberg reported that Russia had sent attack submarines to the Irish Sea on several occasions after the full-scale invasion. According to unnamed sources, the deployment of the submarines could be an attempt to identify potential weaknesses in British and Irish Sea defenses, or to try to intimidate the U.K. in response to its support for Ukraine. Read also: Ukrainian FM: Kyivs membership in NATO should not be off the table Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A woman and a man were killed in Russian attacks on Kherson on 13 April, along with other civilians being injured. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Russian artillery targeted the Tsentralnyi district of Kherson. A 62-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries." Details: The Oblast Administration reported that the Russian military used a drone to drop explosives on a civilian in Kherson. A 48-year-old man was hurt, suffering a blast injury and wounds to his neck and head. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around 12:30, Russian troops fired artillery into Kherson's Tsentralnyi district. A 47-year-old man sustained a blast injury and a leg wound. He is currently under medical observation. Later, it was revealed that a woman from Kherson was taken to hospital in critical condition following a Russian drone strike in the Dniprovskyi district. Her legs sustained severe shrapnel wounds as a result of the explosion. The Kherson Oblast Military Administration has warned of an increased risk of large-scale Russian attacks. Quote: "Be especially cautious during the holidays. If there is no urgent need, stay indoors. We are currently detecting activity by long-range Russian FPV drones. Avoid crowded places and stay alert in all districts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: Later, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that a 48-year-old man who had been targeted by an explosive dropped from a Russian drone on Sunday 13 April died in hospital. In addition, another person has been reported injured. A man wounded in a Russian attack in the Dniprovskyi district was taken to hospital with a mine-blast injury and shrapnel wounds to his head and leg. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia attacked the southern city of Kherson with artillery and drones on April 13, killing three people and injuring two others, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Russian shelling in the city center killed a 62-year-old woman, Prokudin said. Two other Kherson residents, a 48-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, died in the hospital after being injured in drone attacks. The drone attack injured two other civilians, according to the governor. A 58-year-old man sustained a mine-blast trauma and shrapnel wound and received medical treatment onsite. A 53-year-old man was hospitalized in moderate condition after a mine-blast injury and shrapnel wound in his leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelling in central Kherson targeted a high-rise residential building and several houses, Prokudin said. The attack damaged roofs, walls, and windows, in addition to causing a fire in one apartment. Kherson and other Ukraine-controlled settlements west of the Dnipro River endure daily Russian attacks as Moscow's forces maintain control of the river's east bank. The attack on Kherson came on Palm Sunday, the same day Russian forces launched a deadly ballistic missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, killing over 30 people and injuring over 100. Russian attacks continue to intensify as Moscow refuses to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities. Kyiv has already agreed to the proposal if Russia also abides by the same terms. It has now been more than a month since the Kremlin first dismissed the ceasefire proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Everything was black Russia strikes downtown Sumy filled with people on Palm Sunday, killing dozens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian drone strike on Odesa late on April 13 injured at least five people and sparked fires, damaging civilian infrastructure including a major roadway, a car repair shop, and several vehicles, regional authorities reported. "According to preliminary information, five people were injured due to the strike. They sustained shrapnel wounds and burns. Our doctors are providing them with all necessary medical assistance," Governor Oleh Kiper wrote before midnight local time. Emergency services have been dispatched to the site of the attack. The strike also damaged the roof, windows, and operating room of a medical facility in Odesa, according to Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov. The patients didn't sustain injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike comes amid Washington's ongoing attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, Moscow has refused and has continued to attack Ukraine. In the past week alone, Russia has carried out several significant attacks on Ukraine, including an April 13 missile attack on Sumy that killed 34 people, drone strikes on Mykolaiv which left 10 people injured and damaged several residential buildings, a missile attack on Kyiv on April 6 that killed one person and injured three others, causing fires and damage to civilian infrastructure. Read also: Everything was black Russia strikes downtown Sumy filled with people on Palm Sunday, killing dozens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russians attacked a hospital in the town of Semenivka, Chernihiv Oblast, using strike UAVs on 13 April. The attack caused damage and injured a nurse. Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram. , : Telegram The damaged hospital in Semenivka. Photo: Viacheslav Chaus Quote: "Semenivka. The Russians have attacked the hospital again, using strike drones. There is destruction the intensive care and dental units have been damaged. Inside the damaged hospital in Semenivka. Photo: Viacheslav Chaus A medical worker, a nurse from Semenivka City Hospital, has been injured." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have reported that the Russian military is experimenting with and adapting its tactics for launching Shahed-type loitering munitions in Ukraine, aiming to exhaust and overwhelm Ukrainian air defences. Source: ISW Quote: "Russian forces have resumed a more typical strike pattern in late March and early April 2025 after a temporary spike in the size of Russian long-range strike packages in mid-February and early March 2025." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Russian forces carried out significantly more strikes in mid-February and early March 2025. However, in recent weeks, the pattern has returned to that observed in January and early February 2025, albeit with fewer missiles. No strikes were recorded in Ukraine on 7 April the day after Russia launched its largest attack in over a month on 6 April but daily strikes have since resumed. Russian officials have so far declined to entertain or have flatly dismissed the proposed temporary ceasefire between the US and Ukraine, which was reportedly put forward by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff during a 13 March meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The proposed halt to long-range strikes on energy facilities would not oblige Russia to suspend all drone and missile attacks. However, the broader ceasefire proposal encompassing the current front line, as well as air and sea would likely necessitate a complete cessation of Russian strikes against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Russian forces are likely delaying negotiations on a general ceasefire in order to continue making gains along the front line in Ukraine and continue devastating long-range strikes against Ukrainian defence industrial and civilian areas in order to intimidate civilians and undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself against future Russian aggression." Infographic: ISW Details: In recent weeks, Russian forces have reportedly modified their long-range strike tactics, likely aiming to replicate the intensity of earlier strike packages to maximise damage and sow fear among the Ukrainian population. Ukrainian sources and the German newspaper BILD reported in late March and early April 2025 that Russian forces have begun deploying long-range drones at high altitudes, several kilometres away from major Ukrainian cities and strategic targets, before launching coordinated strikes involving multiple drones simultaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian sources noted that Russian forces are also using Shahed drones in tightly packed formations in an effort to overwhelm and destroy Ukrainian air defence systems. It has been observed that they are amassing groups of 10 to 15 Shahed drones outside urban areas before initiating strikes. On 6 April, Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Colonel Yurii Ihnat noted that Russian forces are continuously upgrading their Shahed drones, ballistic missiles and overall strike tactics, significantly complicating Ukrainian efforts to intercept and destroy them. Quote: "Russian forces previously launched Shahed long-range drones in a series of waves against various targets each night, and this reported effort to operate drones in denser formations suggests that Russian forces believe this new tactic will overwhelm Ukrainian air defences more effectively." To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 12 April: US Special Envoy to Ukraine General Keith Kellogg expressed support on 11 April for the deployment of an allied "reassurance force" in the rear areas of western Ukraine after a possible future ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Russian state-owned and pro-Kremlin media amplified a Russian official's blanket rejection of any peacekeeping force in Ukraine on 12 April. Russian forces have resumed a more typical strike pattern in late March and early April 2025 after a temporary spike in the size of Russian long-range strike packages in mid-February and early March 2025. People's Republic of China (PRC) military officials reportedly visited the front line in Ukraine to glean insights for future warfare amid reports that at least 155 Chinese nationals are fighting in Ukraine. Ukraines European partners announced additional military aid packages within the context of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (the Ramstein format) meeting on 11 April. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kurakhove, and Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Toretsk and Pokrovsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Russian ballistic missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy killed at least 34 people on Sunday morning, emergency services said, as many there celebrated Palm Sunday. "The enemy struck the civilian population again," acting Mayor Artem Kobzar wrote on Telegram. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said that at least 34 people -- including two children -- were confirmed killed, with 117 others injured, including 15 children. Two missiles struck the center of the city, authorities said. A day after the massive attack, President Donald Trump repeated familiar talking points blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion and claimed his predecessor and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "did an absolutely horrible job in allowing this travesty to begin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The War between Russia and Ukraine is Biden's war, not mine," he said in a post on Truth Social on Monday, echoing remarks he made to reporters on Sunday. "I just got here, and for four years during my term, had no problem in preventing it from happening." Trump added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "respected" him, and said he is "working diligently to get the death and destruction to stop" though he did not directly mention the current peace negotiations. He continued to falsely blame Ukraine for starting the war in remarks to reporters on Monday. "Listen, when you start a war, you gotta know that you can win the war, right? You don't start a war against somebody that's 20 times your size," he said, even though Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation. PHOTO: UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-WAR (Handout/Ukraine's Sumy City Council/AFP ) The Sumy City Council said the strike hit multiple buildings, including residential ones. "On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy," Kobzar wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said the missiles used cluster munitions, which spray smaller sub-munitions over the target area. "A cluster munition missile is something the Russians do to kill as many civilians as possible," Yermak wrote on Telegram. "The strike on the city of Sumy is a deliberate shelling of civilians." MORE: 'They do not surrender': Ukraine commander details fight with North Koreans in Russia Zelenskyy said on Telegram that the "terrible strike" hit "an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street." "And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the lord's entry into Jerusalem," he added. "Only a scoundrel can act like this. Taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the relatives and friends. A rescue operation is underway now. All necessary services are working." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A tough reaction from the world is needed," Zelenskyy wrote. "The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants an end to this war and murders. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible." "Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs," Zelenskyy said. "We need the kind of attitude towards Russia that a terrorist deserves." PHOTO: In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on April 13, 2025, a Ukrainian rescuer works to extinguish a fire at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Handout/UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP ) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a statement following the attack that Russia "strikes exclusively at military and near-military targets," according to a readout from Russian state-owned news agency TASS. "We are talking about the course of a special military operation, and here we need to be guided only by the information that our defense agency gives. You know that we do not comment on the course of the military operation itself in the administration," he added, according to TASS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian Defense Ministry said Russian troops "struck two Iskander-M tactical missiles at the meeting venue of the Seversk operational tactical group," killing more than 60 servicemen. It further claimed that Ukraine is using the public as a "human shield" by "deploying military installations and holding events with the participation of military personnel in the center of a densely populated city." Foreign leaders and officials condemned the strike. Among them was Trump, who told reporters on Sunday that the attack was "terrible," adding, "I was told they made a mistake, but I think it's a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing." French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post to X, "Everyone knows: this war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it -- with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President [Donald] Trump." "Strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire on Russia," Marcon added. "France is working tirelessly toward this goal, alongside its partners." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as, "The Russian version of a ceasefire." Keith Kellogg, Trump's Ukraine envoy, wrote on X that the strike "by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilian[s] dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war." ABC News' Natalia Popova, Natalia Kushnir and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report. Trump blames Zelenskyy for 'horrible job' after Russia ballistic missile strike kills dozens in Ukraine originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Over 30 people were killed in a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian city on Sunday, officials said. The strikes hit the heart of the city of Sumy around 10:15 a.m. when people were gathering for Palm Sunday, The Associated Press reported. As of now, 31 people are known to have been killed in Sumy by the Russian ballistic missile strike. Among those killed were two children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said there were more than 84 people, including 10 children, who were wounded and receiving care. Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ignoring the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and called for action. The U.S.-brokered deal sought to end the more than three-year war and has been a large focus of the Trump administrations international efforts. Russia and Ukraine have traded insults about the ceasefire proposal and accused one another of breaching the tentative 30-day pause in the fighting plan, the AP reported. It came just a day after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin to discuss peace proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sunday attack that killed more than 30 is the second large-scale attack that killed many people and came just days after a missile strike on Zelenskys hometown of Kryvyi Rih. 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 The Hill. Russian ballistic missiles ripped through the busy center of Ukraines northeastern city of Sumy on Sunday, officials said, killing at least 35 people and striking terror into residents who were out enjoying Palm Sunday and attending morning church services. It was the deadliest attack of the conflict this year. Two children were among the scores of people killed in the strikes on the citys center, while 117 people were wounded, according to Ukraines State Emergency Service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were carried out by ballistic missiles; one hit a university building and another exploded right over (a) street, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also called for a strong response from the world to the attack, which came two days after top Trump administration official Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with video showing the two warmly shaking hands before a four hour meeting. Ukrainian officials said that preliminary information indicates cluster munitions were used in the attack. The second of the two explosions was described as being likely filled with munitions that exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people, according to the head of the regions military administration. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war, Zelensky said. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs. We need to treat Russia as a terrorist deserves. When asked about the attack, Moscow maintained that the Russian military strikes exclusively at military and near-military targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can only repeat and remind you of the repeated statements of both our president (Vladimir Putin) and our army representatives, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday. The attacks targeted Ukrainian commanding officers, Russias Ministry of Defense said on Telegram. It claimed that Kyiv continues to use the Ukrainian population as a human shield by holding events with the participation of military personnel in the center of a densely populated city. International condemnation of the strikes from Ukraines allies was swift. The Trump administrations special envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg questioned the targeting of the attack, which he said crosses any line of decency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he was told Russia made a mistake. I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think its a horrible thing, he told reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday. When asked to elaborate on Monday, Trump said: the mistake was letting the war happen. While he acknowledged that Putin started the war against Ukraine, he also continued to cast blame on Zelensky and former US President Joe Biden. When you start a war you got to know that you can win the war, Trump said referring to Zelensky. You dont start a war against somebody thats 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles. Strikes on Palm Sunday The strikes hit the city center on Palm Sunday as residents were attending church services on one of the busiest church-going days of the year, according to Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natalia Pihul, a 52-year-old Sumy resident, told Reuters that her mother was hospitalized after suffering a head injury. (My mother) was in the kitchen cooking some food, lunch A cupboard was right here, now it lies here on the floor. It fell and its doors cut her head, she said as she walked around her mothers damaged apartment. The explosion blew out the units window frames, scattering glass shards all across the kitchen and living room. Outside the building, footage from Reuters showed charred vehicles next to piles of rubble and personal belongings littering the street. Where is a military base here? Where is it? Please have a look. A woman lived here. Look at this! How is this even possible? It is unacceptable, Pihul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 20 buildings were damaged, including apartments, cafes, shops and the district court, Zelensky later wrote on X. Of the more than 100 people wounded in the attack, he said 68 were in hospitals, eight of whom were in serious condition. Volodymyr Artyukh, head of the military administration in the region, said that at that time, a lot of people were on the street. The enemy was hoping to inflict the greatest damage on people in the city of Sumy, Artyuk added. The attack is also the worst single attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023, when 51 people were killed in strikes on Kupiansk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from the scene shows destroyed buildings, blown-out windows and piles of rubble in the Sumy city center. Bodies covered in emergency blankets can be seen on the ground. Cluster munitions used, say Ukrainian officials Cluster munitions contain multiple explosives that are released over a wide area up to the size of several football fields and are particularly dangerous to civilians when fired near populated areas. A missile with cluster munitions is something Russians do to kill as many civilians as possible, said Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidents office, calling the strike a deliberate targeting of civilians. It was a two-pronged attack, with the second of two missiles likely filled with munitions that exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people and caused large numbers of casualties, the head of the regions military administration said. The second explosion happened about 200 meters from the site of the first, hitting an area with residential buildings, educational institutions and shops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sumy resident Iryna Pryykhodko told Reuters that the first explosion was strong, but the second one was even stronger. First, I saw shattered windows. Then, before the second strike, we took cover inside the residential building, she said. After the second strike, it was all covered with smoke and I could not see anything. Among those killed was Olena Kohut, an artist with the Sumy National Theatres orchestra, who died from her injuries in the attack. Liudmyla Hordiienko, a deputy head in the regions state tax service, was also killed. Two men comfort each other as Ukrainian police psychologists provide assistance to local residents. - Oleg Voronenko/AFP via Getty Images The city center in the aftermath of the Russia's missile attack. - AP CNN has verified social media videos of the moment the strike hit Sumy. A loud noise can be heard as large plumes of black smoke rise in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shared by the regions military administration also registers a loud boom, showing the moment a Russian missile hit a building. Emergency sirens can be heard as people run in panic, while others can be seen lying on the ground. The face of one woman being helped is covered in blood in a different video shared by Zelensky. Footage also shows body bags on the ground and a blown-out trolleybus that appears to have bodies inside, as emergency workers respond to the attack. Artyukh, the head of the military administration, later said that most people on the trolleybus were killed. Global condemnation Kaja Kallas, the European Unions foreign policy chief, called the incident a horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted, saying strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been two months since Putin ignored Americas proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, Zelensky said Sunday, referring to Ukraines acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States in March, which Russia refused. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences to victims of the horrifying Russian missile attack. Speaking to CBS News 60 Minutes in an interview published Sunday, Zelensky said he believes that Russian narratives are prevailing in the US. How is it possible to witness our losses and our suffering, to understand what the Russians are doing, and to still believe that they are not the aggressors, that they did not start this war? he said. This speaks to the enormous influence of Russias information policy on America, on US politics, and US politicians. The UNs Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale condemned the strike on Sumys city center in the strongest possible terms and noted that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russia has increased air attacks and missile strikes on the Sumy region in recent weeks as it has pushed Ukrainian forces out of much of the adjoining Russian territory of Kursk. Its forces have also occupied a few small settlements just inside the Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, other Russian attacks in Ukraines Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson regions killed eight people and wounded at least 18. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Anna Chernova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editor's Note: This is a developing story. A Russian ballistic missile strike killed dozens of people in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on the morning of Palm Sunday, Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar reported on April 13. At the time of publication, 34 people were killed in the attack, including two children, and at least 117 were injured, including 15 children, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines Air Force warned of a ballistic missile threat in Sumy Oblast at 10:17 am. By 10:52 am, Kobzar announced that the city had been hit with many dead as a result of a missile strike. "Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street... And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel after the attack. "Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. We need the kind of attitude towards Russia that a terrorist deserves," he added. Videos circulating on social media after the attack show bodies strewn across the street, and several vehicles, including a bus, having suffered heavy damage from the attack, with one car engulfed in flames. Aftermath of a Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy that killed dozens of civilians on April 13, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Telegram) Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians on the Sunday before Easter. Many people in Ukraine attend church on the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes as Washington attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, but Moscow has so far refused and has continued to launch attacks on Ukraine's civilian centers. The day before the attack, President Donald Trump said that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine," but emphasized that a resolution must come soon. "Theres a point at which you have to either put up or shut up. Well see what happens, but I think its going fine," he told reporters. Moscow launched its spring offensive targeting Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, located in northeastern Ukraine on the border with Russia, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on April 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, more than 67,000 Russian soldiers are located in the Kursk direction. (Russia) completed the relocation for an attack in the Sumy direction," Zelensky said on April 9. Read also: These parents and children were killed by Russia after Kyiv agreed to 30-day ceasefire Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The News A Russian missile strike Sunday killed dozens in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Kyiv said, in what appeared to be the deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians this year. The strike, which hit crowds celebrating Palm Sunday, came just days after a US envoy traveled to St. Petersburg in an effort to rekindle peace talks: Ukrainian officials said it marked the latest indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in negotiating a truce. US President Donald Trump urged Moscow to get moving on ending the war, with negotiations still apparently in a stalemate. That may be Putins strategy; one Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that the Russian leader is clearly playing with Trump. Apr. 13"In Israel right now, there is a lot of sadness. This is a tough Passover," Rabbi Larry Kaplan said as about 80 members and friends of the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston gathered on Saturday evening for a Passover Seder dinner. "We have one empty table here where nobody is sitting. In Israel, do you know how many empty tables there are? With sons or daughters killed in battle? Or they're hostages? I think people there are dumping their whole cup of wine out." The part about spilling wine was a reference to a custom that is part of the annual Seder dinner, and the Kingston crowd took part in it as usual not dumping but gently dipping a finger 10 times into their glass of wine or grape juice to draw out a drop and lay it on a plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ritual marks one drop for each of the 10 plagues from lice to boils to the death of firstborn children that influenced the Egyptian leader, Pharaoh, to release the ancient Jewish people from slavery hundreds of years ago. And it was a symbol, Rabbi Larry Kaplan explained, "that our joy is diminished" at the knowledge of anyone suffering, even the Egyptians who had kept their ancestors in bondage. "We don't gloat," he said. Despite the acknowledged tough times, joy was evident at the Passover dinner too, with singing in both Hebrew and English, with children encouraged to jump around like frogs (because an infestation of amphibians was also one of the plagues in ancient Egypt) and with people simply enjoying being together. "It's tradition," Patti Heller of Kingston said with a smile. "I've always felt it's not Passover without a Seder. My parents, my grandparents, my husband, we always had a Seder. But now my family has dwindled. So here I am with friends." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At another table, Melanie Franco of West Pittston said her family is in the process of converting to Judaism. "The community is so beautiful, so welcoming," she said. She added that she grew up in a church that discouraged questions, but she has found that questions of all kinds are welcome in the Jewish faith. During the Seder meal, there are ritual questions to ask and answer, among them, Why is this night different from all other nights? and Why are we eating matzah (unleavened bread)? The answers reflect the story from ancient Scripture about "Adonai, our God, ruler of the universe," bringing the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt, where they left in such haste they did not have time to wait for bread to rise. Some of the other symbolic foods include a roasted egg, maror, which sometimes can get its bitterness from horseradish, and charoset, which typically gets its sweetness from apples, nuts and wine. One piece of matzah bread, traditionally hidden during the meal so that it can emerge and be dessert, is called Afikomen, which is a Greek word. Another way to refer to matzah is Halachma Anya, which Kaplan said translates to "this is the bread of poverty" in Aramaic. "Do you know who else spoke Aramaic?" the rabbi said with a knowing smile for some of the Christians in the audience. "This nice Jewish boy? The carpenter?" Following the ritual meal, guests feasted on a more substantial meal of chicken soup with matzoh balls followed by chicken schnitzel with lemon sauce, eggplant shakshuka, rosemary roasted potatoes, carrot souffle and roasted vegetables. Dessert was sorbet with fruit compote and streusel. Two new Salish welcome figures were installed in the passenger walkway at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal earlier this week. The 10-foot-tall hand-carved red cedar welcome poles, carved by Native American artist Andy Wilbur-Peterson and titled Crossing the Water, will wish passengers a warm welcome and safe travels. I started carving when I was 19, Andy said. Before that, I was making baskets. The designs on these poles combine several marine elements, such as orcas and waves. The male has a strawberry tattoo on his arm for the islands strawberries. According to an article from Washington State Ferry (WSF), Andy grew up in Shelton, Washington, before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American studies from Evergreen State College in Olympia. Hes taught carving and painting classes to all ages through various tribes and local schools. Now, Andy and his wife Ruth Peterson run their carving studio and gallery from Skokomish, Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WSF consults with federally recognized tribes with treaty rights where our projects are located to include tribal cultural design elements at our terminals. While these pieces add beauty, their presence signals something deeper, read the article from WSF. Story poles like these are an integral part of Native American culture in the Salish Sea. Often, they tell a story of the place or history of the tribe. And they remind travelers that local tribes and their customs live on here. By showcasing their thriving and vibrant culture to the traveling public, we also honor tribal treaties. The story of the poles, as told by Ruth Peterson: A long time ago, after the humans were created, the Creator gave power to the humans to rule the land. When humans came to the water, they wanted to cross to the other side. So, they created a canoe to help them get to where they wanted to go. One day as they were crossing the water they looked down and saw life, so they jumped in and caught Salmon and Octopus and took them to the other side of the water. When they got to the other side, they fed everyone. Eagle was so appreciative that she gave them some of her feathers so that they could travel far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salmon gave them power to cross the water with great ease. Octopus gave them the ability to go wherever they needed to be. These poles represent the ability that all humans may travel and have great strength to go wherever they desire and have protection and power within. Visit the Washington State Ferries Facebook page to view one of the two welcome poles being installed and unveiled. It's nearly summer and in San Diego that typically means an increase in ocean activity and great white shark sightings. With this in mind Im showcasing images I captured in 2022 and 2023, without a drone, from a cliff-top trail at Torrey Pines State Beach. The stretch of coast between Del Mar and La Jolla was, at the time, a major aggregation site for juvenile white sharks, typically measuring 10 feet or less. (Torrey Pines is in the middle of this zone.) Great white shark beneath a wave at Torrey Pines State Beach. Several sharks that utilized this tranquil stretch as a nursery had been tagged by researchers with the Shark Lab at Cal State University Long Beach. In October 2023, Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe told me that as many as 40 white sharks were in this area at a given time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO: Can you spot the Yellowstone grizzly bear family in images captured last spring? Sightings for me were down in 2024 and itll be interesting to see whether this area will rebound as a top aggregation site this summer and fall. Great white shark in surf zone at Torrey Pines State Beach. During the winter, according to the Shark Lab, juvenile sharks from this site probably migrated south after the water temperature dropped below 60 degrees. The water is beginning to warm, however, so Ill be on the lookout in the coming weeks. Great white shark leaving surf zone. For prospective visitors who want to look for sharks, youll want to wear polarized sunglasses and bring binoculars. Sunny days before noon are best because the ocean is usually calm and the sun is behind you so theres no glare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I found that an incoming tide and a small to moderate swell improve the likelihood of sightings because sharks swim closer to shore while hunting for stingrays and other fishes, and can be easily spotted in wave faces. Great white shark near buoy at Torrey Pines. All images accompanying this post were captured from the Guy Fleming Trail with a 400-millimeter lens. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Great white sharks easily spotted from cliffs at San Diego beach SANTA FE, New Mexico (KMID/KPEJ)- A Santa Fe man is facing a murder charge after New Mexico State Police say he fatally stabbed his wife during an argument Saturday afternoon. According to State Police, the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on April 12 at a mobile home on Agua Fria Road in Santa Fe. Investigators said, 46-year-old Minerva Marquez Dominguez was babysitting a family members child when an argument broke out between her and her husband, 47-year-old Servando Castillo Lujan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the argument, police say Lujan allegedly grabbed a knife and stabbed Marquez Dominguez while the child sat nearby in a stroller. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Marquez Dominguez died from her injuries. The Office of the Medical Investigator pronounced her dead at the scene. Shortly after the stabbing, officers say Lujan called a family member and admitted to killing his wife. Responding officers were given a description of the suspect and quickly located Lujan nearby with what appeared to be blood on his hands, according to police. Lujan was arrested and booked into the Santa Fe County Detention Center. He is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse for placing a child in a dangerous situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was not harmed, police said. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau continues to 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 Yourbasin. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) As hundreds gathered in downtown Evansville Saturday as a part of the national Hands Off! rallies, those protests against the Trump administration also took place across the river in Henderson. A handful of demonstrators stood along US-41. Janyna Russelburg at the protest believes many of the current administrations policies favor authoritarianism and therefore un-American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All human beings have rights fundamental rights. All human beings in America are entitled to due process, and all of us can work together to find the common ground with out fellow citizens to make our communities better and therefore actually make America better, Russelburg says. The group plans to protest again at the 1900 block of Highway 41 again next Saturday, April 19 between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. More from Ben Walls Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). By Pesha Magid RIYADH (Reuters) - The United States and Saudi Arabia will sign a preliminary agreement to cooperate over the kingdom's ambitions to develop a civil nuclear industry, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told reporters in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Sunday. Wright, who had met with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman earlier on Sunday, said Riyadh and Washington were on a "a pathway" to reaching an agreement to work together to develop a Saudi civil nuclear programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright, on his first visit to the kingdom as secretary as part of tour of energy-producing Gulf states, said further details over a memorandum detailing the energy cooperation between Riyadh and Washington would come later this year. "For a U.S. partnership and involvement in nuclear here, there will definitely be a 123 agreement ... there's lots of ways to structure a deal that will accomplish both the Saudi objectives and the American objectives," he said. A so-called 123 agreement with Riyadh refers to Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and is required to permit the U.S. government and American companies to work with entities in the kingdom to develop a civil nuclear industry. Saudi authorities have not agreed to the requirements under the act, Wright said. It specifies nine non-proliferation criteria a state must meet to keep it from using the technology to develop nuclear arms or transfer sensitive materials to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress on the discussions had previously been difficult because Saudi Arabia did not want to sign a deal that would rule out the possibility of enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel - both potential paths to a bomb. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has long said that if Iran developed a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would follow suit, a stance that has fuelled deep concern among arms control advocates and some U.S. lawmakers over a possible U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear deal. Wright did not mention a wider arrangement with the kingdom, which the previous administration of U.S. president Joe Biden had been seeking and included a civil nuclear agreement and security guarantees in the hopes it would lead to normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, is seeking to generate substantial renewable energy and reduce emissions, under the crown prince's Vision 2030 reform plan. At least some of this is expected to come from nuclear energy. (Reporting by Pesha Magid; Writing by Andrew Mills; Editing by David Goodman and David Evans) Savage cuts to UK foreign aid will leave 55.5 million of the worlds poorest people without access to basic resources, The Independent can reveal. Analysis by Save the Children, shared exclusively with this publication, lays bare the true impact of repeated cuts to the budget, the latest of which will see spending fall to just 0.3 per cent of gross national income (GNI) the lowest level in 25 years. Women and girls will suffer the most as the government is likely forced to scale back programmes across global education, family planning, water and food aid. British aid for maternal healthcare has been essential in countries like Nigeria, where projects supported the fight against pregnancy-related deaths (Lindsay Mgbor/DFID) This could leave 12 million people without access to clean water or sanitation and result in 2.9 million fewer children in education, compared to 2019 when aid spending was at its peak at 0.7 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Save the Children warned the loss of funding would devastate lives across the world, while MPs from across the political divide condemned the government for abandoning the worlds poorest people. Labour MP Sarah Champion, the chair of the Commons international development select committee, told The Independent: The cuts made to UK aid over recent years are nothing short of savage. The prime minister told me at the liaison committee that his recent decision to slash the aid budget even further wasnt a choice he wanted to make. But is he fully aware of the true cost of that decision? The latest cuts announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves to pay for a boost in defence spending will reduce the foreign aid spend to just 9.22bn by 2027, a substantial drop from 15.3bn in 2023. But the scale of the cuts is worsened by the fact that the UKs asylum-seeker housing costs continue to come out of the same budget. The latest cuts come despite a Labour manifesto pledge to return spending to 0.7 per cent after pressure on public finances during the Covid pandemic saw it reduced to 0.5 per cent, in what the Tory government of the time said was a temporary measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Reevess announcement prompted outrage among Labour MPs and saw international development minister Anneliese Dodds quit, saying it would be impossible to maintain [key] priorities given the depth of the cut. When Labour unveiled the plans, Sir Keir Starmer promised support for Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan would be protected. However, the cost of keeping that pledge is around 6.98bn of the total 9.2bn budget. This includes, among others, 520m in aid and development spending for the three countries if current levels are maintained; at least 1.1bn for global health initiatives; and 1.6bn for climate change and environmental protection projects. That figure also includes areas that are highly unlikely to be cut, such as legally binding multilateral funding (365m), Gift Aid (165m), and the UK Integrated Security Fund (406m) which tackles high-priority national security threats overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the cost of housing asylum seekers in the UK, which also comes out of the foreign aid budget, is forecast to sit around 3bn in 2027, according to the Center for Global Development. That is a third of the total budget, so on top of the 6.98bn to keep Sir Keirs Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza commitments, the government will be left with a black hole of at least 750m. That leaves no room for the 1.1bn across other projects meaning tens of millions of people will lose out. Breaking promises is baked into slashing the aid budget, said Dan Paskins, director of policy at Save the Children. But even the pledges Keir Starmer made in the same breath as announcing these cuts are at best back-of-the-envelope and at worst, disingenuous. These cuts cannot be made without delivering a hammer blow to his stated global priorities. The charitys analysis found that 32.8 million women and girls could miss out on family planning support, due to a reduction in sexual health and other programmes, which will have major implications for maternal health, population growth, and even the spread of HIV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Womens Integrated Sexual Health programme (Wish) is one such project at risk. The programme, which is currently budgeted to receive 49m in 2027, aims to reduce maternal deaths and prevent the use and access to unsafe abortion, including for marginalised and young women. When approached for comment, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) did not dispute the estimates, saying that the specific cuts have not yet been decided ahead of the governments June spending review. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensuring all ODA [official development assistance] delivers value for money, an FCDO spokesperson told The Independent. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing spending review process, based on various factors including impact assessments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, unless the government significantly slashes the projected cost of asylum-seeker housing, it is difficult to see how it can keep its promises. Home secretary Yvette Cooper is taking measures to reduce the asylum backlog and tackle the cost of hotels but it is unclear how quickly costs will drop, with figures at 4.3bn in 2023; it is unlikely that they will get significantly lower than 3bn by 2027. Based on Save the Childrens analysis, the aid budget will only have around 2.25bn for housing refugees in 2027, or 1.1bn if other budgeted funding for projects such as education is kept. Steep asylum costs leave little room for aid Charities and development organisations have argued that home-based asylum seeker costs should not be taken from the shrinking aid budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should not fund our response to one crisis at the expense of others, said Mr Paskins. The UK is absolutely right to be supporting refugees here in the UK, but those costs do not belong in the aid budget. Foreign secretary David Lammy previously argued that the costs should not be taken out of the aid budget, calling it the definition of the ill use of taxpayers money. Ms Champion called for clarity on where the cuts will land. She said: We urgently need more detail on how these cuts will fall. Which programmes will be cut, which will be protected, and who is ultimately holding the reins? Without answers, I remain alarmed that we are retreating from our once influential position without a backup plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former international development secretary Sir Andrew Mitchell said: Sadly it is clear that these terrible cuts will diminish Britains reputation and influence in important parts of the world which matter to our country. But it will also mean that desperate people go hungry, dangerous diseases wont secure vaccinations and the causes of illegal immigration into the UK will not be addressed. Liberal Democrat international development spokesperson Monica Harding said the cuts represented a staggering withdrawal of the UKs global responsibilities. Millions more of the worlds poorest will face further deprivation because of these cuts. It will squeeze access to food and medicines for children and axe support and protection for them in conflict zones, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By cutting overseas aid, Labour is allowing instability abroad to fester which will only leave us less secure at home. Its a strategic as well as a moral failure. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) A bill gaining traction in the State House could impact your childs education. The Educator Assistance Act has unanimously passed in the House for years, but has never been voted on in the Senate. But in 2025, the measure is headed to the Senate floor. There are really important provisions in this bill that would enhance educator working conditions immediately at the start of the next school year and improve learning conditions for students, said Patrick Kelly with the Palmetto State Teachers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill is passed, schools would be required to notify teachers about their class assignments and salaries at least 14 days before the school year begins. The bill would allow teachers to be reassigned to a different school if the superintendent can prove need, a board of education gives a majority vote, and a written five days notice is given to the teacher. Under current law, a teachers license could be suspended if they request to move during the school year. If passed, that would change, and Kelly said he believes the bill will help schools retain educators. I think that thats an action that is appropriate, Kelly explained. It also demonstrates respect for the profession, and thats a critically important part of enhancing educator retention in South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers receive contracts for the next academic year between April 15 and May 1, but have until May 10 to sign and return it. During the committee meeting, senators discussed fining school districts $10,000 if they failed to abide by those rules. The purpose of putting in the financial penalty to, to force them to say, all right, weve got to sit down and, you know, thoughtfully consider these contracts and these employees, because from our standpoint, they didnt, said Senator Greg Hembree (R Horry). Senators expressed concerns about how a this could impact teacher shortages. I guess one of the issues there would be whether theyve got enough of a pool, to get rid of the poor performing or just people who just didnt do what they are cut out to be, said Senator Shane Massey (R Edgefield). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said teachers he spoke with believe the legislation should be a top priority for state legislature, as retention is crucial. I dont think its a shortage of teachers, I think its a shortage of really high-quality teachers, Hembree replied. The first year of a two-year legislative session is almost over, and if the senate does not vote on this bill, it will be picked up next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Residents of a small town that injected an unapproved water treatment compound into local drinking water are eligible for a payout from a class action lawsuit. Parties reached a settlement agreement for damages related to the city of Denmarks use of HaloSan, a compound not approved by the federal government to treat drinking water, in a town well. The insurance company for Berry Systems, Inc., which installed the HaloSan system, will pay $1 million under the settlement.. Denmark is a small city of about 3,000 residents who for years had complained about discolored water and inconsistent service. They later found out the town used a chemical unauthorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to treat a drinking water well. Its not known how HaloSan may have affected residents health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After attorneys fees and other expenses, about $600,000 will be disbursed to those included in the lawsuit. While payments depend on an individuals water bill, the final payout to individual residents and businesses may total up to hundreds of dollars, Bakari Sellers, an attorney representing local residents, said. In addition to Berry Systems Inc., the states environmental agency and the city of Denmark are also named in the lawsuit, though they will not contribute funds to the settlement, according to the notice. Officials with both DES, Berry Systems Inc. and Denmark were unavailable for comment. The lawsuit settlement does not address any personal injury damages associated with the use of HaloSan in the municipal water. Instead its intended to give people some money back for the water they bought while the town was using the chemical, A. Gibson Solomons, III, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said. The city of Denmark, SC, has four wells that supply water for the citys 3,300 residents. One of the wells was recently taken off line because the use of a chemical used to purify the water wasnt approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sellers, who grew up in Denmark, and Mario Pacella, lawyers with the Strom Law firm in Columbia, said they are pleased with the settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Denmark has been through a lot with their water system, Sellers, a commentator on CNN and former state representative, said. They have through policy and funding attempted to upgrade that system. However, there was still damage done to individuals who have been paying. We are happy to get them some relief. Although the city of Denmark and the state environmental department have liability for the use of the unapproved chemical, Sellers said it would have been difficult to get money from either government, particularly cash-strapped Denmark. The small community is in a rural area about an hour south of Columbia. We are happy the citizens of Denmark are not paying this settlement out, Sellers said. The Department of Environmental Services, formerly known as the Department of Health and Environmental Control, approved the use of the HaloSan despite the fact that it lacked federal approval. The city of Denmark used the chemical to manage bacteria that create red, slimy deposits in the town well, though the chemical is most often used in pools and spas. The city injected a well with HaloSan for 10 years before federal regulators suspended use of the chemical in 2018, according to previous reporting by The State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of the town had complained for years about the poor quality of its drinking water and attracted the attention of national politicians, including Bernie Sanders, in their efforts. The States Sammy Fretwell contributed reporting to this story Denmark residents pick up bottled water at Denmark Furniture during a water distribution drive Friday Nov. 23, 2018, in Denmark, SC. Concerns about problems with the city water prompted the distribution. Acting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that the war must end and Russia must finally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire following the Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy on 13 April. Source: Scholz on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Scholz said the footage from Sumy, where Russian missiles killed civilians on Palm Sunday, is "horrifying". He noted that this Russian attack shows the reality of Moscows supposed willingness to seek peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Instead, we see that Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine with brutal determination. This war must end and Russia must finally accept a comprehensive ceasefire." More details: The German chancellor, who is set to leave office in early May, added that Germany is working towards this goal with European and international partners. Background: On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 32 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated after the Russian missile strike on civilians in Sumy that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without any preconditions. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was now clear that Russia is choosing to continue the war despite Trumps proposals. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russias strike on civilian targets in Sumy crossed all acceptable lines and demonstrated why Donald Trump is committed to ending the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A 20-year-old man was arrested Friday night after police say he planned a coordinated school shooting at State High for later this month, according to a criminal complaint that also alleged the suspect was planning for incendiary devices. Braeden Phillips, of Milroy and formerly State College, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and for carrying a handgun without a license. Bail was denied at a preliminary arraignment Saturday because District Judge Casey McClain ruled he was an extreme danger to the community. Phillips preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Hes being held at the Centre County Correctional Facility, and no defense lawyer was immediately listed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, Phillips along with, potentially, an unnamed juvenile planned to execute a school shooting around 8:40 a.m. on Monday, April 21, a day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. Per the complaint, the event was to take place near the high schools main staircase, and bombs were to be placed inside the school bathrooms. Police said they were also informed a hit list, a term used to identify individuals to be attacked or killed, was also already made. In a letter Saturday afternoon to the State College community, SCASD Superintendent Curtis Johnson said there was no active threat and school will be held as normal Monday. He also thanked law enforcement for its quick action. With the potential threat thwarted, we wish to express our gratitude to our school resource officer, Matt Hertlein, and the State College police for their swift response and coordination to protect our high school community, Johnson wrote. School safety is imperative for us, and along with various security measures, the close relationship we have with local law enforcement enables us to maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Its times like this when we must rely on their guidance and expertise, and we are grateful for their partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, State College police first learned of the plans Thursday. A resident under the umbrella of the Centre Youth Service Bureau told staff there of the plans, and the staff in turn called police. Officers then interviewed witnesses and others aware of the event a few of whom were unnamed juveniles in the complaint and Phillips was arrested by Friday night. State College Police would like to recognize that the success of this investigation would not have been possible without the initial report made by a concerned citizen, read a press release from the police department. This illustrates the importance of see something, say something. Based on the complaint, plans for the April shooting were allegedly formulated as far back as Feb. 20, if not earlier. One witness told police that Phillips had aired grievances about State High, saying the school failed him. The investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials said. Anyone with information is urged to contact State College police at 814-234-7150, by email or submitting an anonymous tip through the departments website. According to State College police, among those who assisted in the investigation were the State College Area School District, the Centre County District Attorneys Office, the Pennsylvania State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. NEW YORK (AP) The Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday that the helicopter tour company whose sightseeing chopper broke apart in flight and crashed in New York, killing the pilot and a family of five visitors from Spain, is shutting down operations immediately. The FAA, in a statement posted on X, also said it would launch an immediate review of New York Helicopter Tours' operating license and safety record. The move came hours after New York Sen. Chuck Schumer had called on federal authorities to revoke the operating permits of New York Helicopter Tours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company's sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair and plunged into the Hudson River Thursday, killing the tourists from Spain and the pilot, a Navy SEAL veteran. At a news conference Sunday, before the announcement by the FAA, Schumer said the company should be required to halt all flights as the National Transportation Safety Board investigates the deadly crash. The Senate Democrat minority leader also called on the Federal Aviation Administration to ramp up safety inspections for other helicopter tour companies, accusing them of cutting corners and putting profits over people. The victims included passengers Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, 39, and their three children, Victor, 4, Mercedes, 8, and Agustin, 10. The pilot was Seankese Johnson, 36, a U.S. Navy veteran who received his commercial pilots license in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things we can do to honor those lives and try to save others is to make sure it doesnt happen again, Schumer said. We know there is one thing for sure about New York Citys helicopter tour companies: they have a deadly track record. Thursday's crash has renewed safety concerns about New York's sightseeing excursions, a popular tourist draw that whisks passengers high above the city, offering soaring views of the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center and other landmarks. In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have fallen into the Hudson and East rivers as a result of mechanical failures, pilot errors or collisions, killing 20 people. The president of New York Helicopter Tours, Michael Roth, did not respond to phone and email inquiries. The company said in a statement published on its website that it was cooperating with authorities in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Schumer's calls for more oversight, an industry group, Eastern Region Helicopter Council, said Manhattans sightseeing choppers "already operate under the most stringent of regulations. We stand ready to work with leaders on finding ways to ensure the safety and preservation of our businesses and aviation community, the group said. Critics of the industry have long sought to limit or entirely ban nonessential helicopter flights from taking off above the city, though they have had limited success. After New York City capped the number of flights that could take off from Manhattan heliports at 30,000 annually in 2016, many companies moved operations to New Jersey. Two years later, in 2018, five people died when a helicopter offering open door flights crashed in the East River after a passengers restraint tether snagged on a fuel switch, stopping the engine. The cause of Thursdays crash is not yet determined. According to Schumer, rescue divers were continuing to search for the helicopter's main rotor and assembly gear box, which would give clues about what happened. On right, the City of Hammond's assimilation wetland on the northern coast of Pass Manchac. The wastewater effluent flows to the right of the pipeline, labeled for clarity in the image. (Photo: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Opposing views among environmental groups and coastal scientists in Louisiana have spurred intense debates over the use of treated sewage to restore Louisianas wetlands. The conflicts could jeopardize some decades-long efforts to restore the states collapsing coast. Wetlands are sometimes referred to as the kidneys of the earth and for good reason. They keep water clean by filtering out pollutants and managing the amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that can lead to the harmful algae blooms that create dead zones without the oxygen needed to support aquatic life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wetlands can even be created to treat wastewater processed from sewage treatment plants. The practice can avoid polluting rivers and streams while providing valuable habitat. But in Louisiana, the use of natural wetlands for wastewater treatment is a topic rife with controversy. Originally pitched as a method of coastal restoration, a natural assimilation wetland is typically an area of degraded forested swamp or marshland where disinfected treated sewage water is pumped in an effort to push away saltwater, provide nutrients for the growth of plants and trees, and reverse the sinking and eroding of the land. Louisianas 3 million acres of wetlands, which include coastal marshes and swamps, are lost at the rate of roughly 75 square kilometers annually and are on pace to entire destruction within 200 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Both federal and state regulators permit local wastewater utilities to use natural wetlands for assimilation. One of the sites, located in Breaux Bridge, began in the 1940s as the citys solution to discharging its treated wastewater. But it wasnt until around the 1980s when LSU scientists began using and studying assimilation wetlands as a way to rebuild Louisianas coast. There are now 15 such assimilation sites across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local utilities and scientists, led by wetlands ecologist John Day, believe assimilation sites have been largely successful in restoring wetlands. Day is one of the LSU researchers who spearheaded their use for coastal restoration. He founded Comite Resources, a company of environmental scientists who work on coastal restoration projects and currently monitor a few of the assimilation wetland sites. On the other side of the debate is Eugene Turner, emeritus professor of coastal sciences at LSU, who says assimilation is killing rather than restoring wetlands. Turner has a vocal public following, including organizations such as the Ponchartrain Conservancy and Louisiana Wildlife Federation, that has rallied around his argument: Feeding treated wastewater to Louisianas wetlands hurts rather than helps. Such disagreements are a normal and even necessary part of science, but Day and his colleagues say Turners side is venturing outside the scientific process and lobbying state lawmakers to halt the projects in an undemocratic manner. On March 18, Turner gave a presentation to the Louisiana House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, claiming assimilation is a failure. He urged lawmakers to defund work on the South Slough Wetland project, just south of Ponchatoula. Much of the money for it comes from federal grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six out of the nine assimilation areas LDEQ monitors passed their long-term health assessments, according to the agencys 2024 report. Wetland health is determined in the report solely by the amount of vegetation growth at the site, called net primary productivity, evaluated over a period of five years. The South Slough Wetland is one of the six sites that passed its evaluation. Chart of Louisianas natural wetlands used for assimilation projects. Six of the 9 sites evaluated passed their DEQ health metrics, measured by vegetation growth. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator) Turners claims received no pushback at the time because, according to Day, no other coastal scientists were invited to the hearing or even aware that the wetlands projects were up for discussion. Turner did the same thing at a legislative hearing last year, catching the scientific community by surprise with misleading testimony that no one got a chance to refute, Day said in an interview. Its happened twice, and its undemocratic, he said. They never alert the larger scientific community thats interested in this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner disputed the idea hes doing anything underhanded and accused Day of trying to protect his funding source. Comite Resources provides the monitoring services for the site, though Day said he hasnt received a paycheck from the company in nearly 20 years. What is undemocratic? Testifying at a legislative session? Speaking up with facts? Turner said in an interview. Is publishing in open access scientific journals undemocratic? Democracy includes public discourse in this country. Representatives from the Ponchartrain Conservancy and Louisiana Wildlife Federation also attended the March 18 meeting and gave testimony supporting Turners position to pull money back from wetland assimilation projects. While the organizations supported the idea in the past, they have since changed their stance. Ponchartrain Conservancy executive director Kristi Trail said she thinks Louisiana should stop issuing permits for new assimilation projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both organizations cite many of Turners arguments and are calling for treatment plants associated with assimilation projects to improve the quality level of the water they discharge into manufactured wetland areas. They also argue that the water may need to be mixed between assimilation wetlands and an open water body in an effort to protect wetlands against long periods of exposure to extra nutrients. Ponchatoula state Rep. Kim Coates asked Louisiana Department of Equality Secretary Aurelia Giacometto, who was also at the March hearing, to respond to Turners claims. Giacometto told Coates the agency could get back to her later if she submits her questions in writing. Coates expressed some frustration with Giacomettos lack of response during the hearing. She reiterated that in a phone interview several days later, saying she was disappointed LDEQ came to the hearing unprepared to discuss the work it has been doing. Giacometto was at the hearing to discuss the agencys waste tire program. No one from the committee had asked LDEQ to prepare for a discussion on wastewater wetlands, the agencys communications division said in an email. Coates had not yet sent questions to the agency as of April 13, according to LDEQ. Why Louisianas wetlands are being destroyed Coastal researchers say one of Louisianas greatest environmental threats is coastal erosion. The state has experienced significant deterioration of wetlands along its coast, eroding barrier islands that provide natural hurricane protection, threatening vital habitat for fish and wildlife and losing an ecosystem that absorbs greenhouse gases and is one of the earths greatest carbon sinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers have found geological evidence that the Mississippi River went through natural cycles of flooding and course meandering prior to the construction of levees. Like the tail of a snake, the river would frequently whip back and forth, changing its position and forming new deltas across the coast roughly every millennium. These natural cycles created the wetlands along Louisianas coast, and humans are destroying them, scientists say. The building of levees locked the Mississippi River in place, preventing it from depositing its nutrient-rich freshwater and sediments across the regions natural coastal plain, according to studies by LSU coastal scientists Harry Roberts and Irv Mendelssohn. Through their research, Day and Turner have made significant contributions to sciences general consensus on Louisianas land loss, which points to climate change, sea-level rise, hurricanes and various human activities such as oil drilling, canal dredging and perhaps most significantly, the building of levees. However, Turner agrees with only part of this theory and has spent much of his research arguing that canal dredging, above all else, is the primary cause of land loss. He points to more than 35,000 canals that have lacerated Louisianas coastal wetlands, with massive amounts of soil dredged away for oil and gas operations and shipping lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner has positioned himself against the consensus view of how to solve Louisianas coastal crisis, criticizing river diversion and wetland assimilation projects as costly and ignorant. He has published papers pointing out the large amounts of taxpayer money spent on such work and arguing that backfilling dredged canals is an easier and more cost-effective solution to restore the coast. Day agrees that canal dredging has had a detrimental effect on the coast, but he said Turner has taken an extreme position by dismissing all the other causes of wetland loss. The City of Hammonds South Slough Assimilation Wetland on the northern coast of Pass Manchac is designed to rebuild eroding marsh. The wastewater effluent flows to the right of the pipeline. (Photo: Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Real or fake Part of the controversy surrounding Louisianas wetland assimilation projects lies in the difference between natural wetlands and artificial ones constructed for sewage assimilation. Constructed wetlands are usually contained within a perimeter of concrete walls, making it easier for people to control the exact amount of water and nutrients that enters and exits a system. These engineered areas are used much more commonly around the world to treat wastewater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana is one of few places that sends wastewater effluent to natural wetlands. Florida has a similar program intended to reuse wastewater and, in some capacity, restore wetland health. Both constructed and natural wetlands are used to treat the wastewater, but natural wetlands have stricter monitoring rules and allow smaller amounts of nutrients to be discharged. Assimilation wetlands are similar to river diversions but on a smaller and less expensive scale, proponents say. In theory, both methods rebuild wetlands by introducing freshwater, nutrients and sediment into a degrading marsh, encouraging more plants to take root and allowing soil to accumulate over time. Day and other supporters of natural assimilation wetlands argue resources shouldnt be spent on expensive artificial wetland systems when those resources can be used to save the states natural wetlands. With the Mississippi River delta sinking and the sea level rising, Louisianas wetlands need to rise at at least the same rate to stop from disappearing, Day said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Rachel Hunter, a wetlands ecologist with Comite Resources, said the method provides nutrients and freshwater to a hydrologically isolated wetland. So normally, where that water may be stagnant, youre getting water flowing through the area, and those nutrients and that fresh water will stimulate primary productivity, Hunter said. If regulators were to require sewage treatment plants to provide cleaner water for assimilation wastewater, proponents say it could cause the projects to fail. Increasing treatment reduces the amount of sediment pumped into a site to rebuild the land. One of the most controversial assimilation sites is the South Slough Wetland just north of Pass Manchac, in Coates district. Owned by the city of Hammond, it opened in 2006 and almost immediately generated public suspicion because marsh deterioration occurred at the site the following year, leaving mostly standing water in the area. The initial deterioration at the Hammond site was attributed to nutria eating the vegetation, but the site rebounded after the project managers killed more than 2,000 nutria there, Day said. Turner, a natural assimilation wetlands critic, argues wastewater overloaded with nutrients inundates the marsh. That weakens its soil strength and speeds up the rate of plant decomposition, causing wetlands to break apart, he said. He dismissed claims that nutria are responsible for destroying new wetlands and doubled down on the unpredictability of a natural wetland making it hard to manage nutrient overload. Its very undefined, Turner said, adding that without restraints on how effluent enters and leaves the marsh, wastewater nutrients have overloaded the system. In his presentation to lawmakers on March 18, he displayed a photo of the site that showed what he said were dying trees and vegetation. Healthier looking vegetation was growing in the adjacent area north of the discharge pipe that does not receive any effluent. The picture was taken in 2009, however, and Day accused Turner of using an outdated photograph and said he hasnt cited any data to show that effluent or nutrients are being affected by a lack of artificial containment structures. The Illuminator visited the South Slough Wetland on March 20 and 25 and took drone photographs that show what appears to be thriving vegetation in the assimilation site, in contrast to mostly brown vegetation in the area north of the pipeline that does not receive wastewater. Proponents say this is a sign of the projects success. The pipeline at Hammonds assimilation wetland site pumps treated wastewater effluent to restore the marsh. (Photo: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Where wastewater goes Those on either side of the issue can present convincing arguments, but often lost in the debate is what might happen if the projects are shuttered. Charles Borchers IV, Hammonds director of administration, said the opponents of the assimilation site never talk about alternatives for disposing the citys treated wastewater. A lot of people dont understand where wastewater goes after they flush their toilet It has to go somewhere, Borchers said. Its not like it just sits at the wastewater treatment plant and just goes away. If not for the assimilation wetland, the city would be discharging its wastewater into a river, lake or some other body of water, he said. Borchers was also upset when he learned lawmakers had a hearing in which Hammonds project was criticized and no one was there to defend it. Like Day and Hunter, city officials only learned about the hearing when they received calls from the Illuminator. The citys position is that the science is on our side, Borchers said. He considers the site healthy and growing and said the city has its own scientist who monitors the water quality and reports the data to LDEQ on a regular basis. You can go to Google Earth and look at that area evolve over time, Borchers said. Its got more vegetation, and its more green now than it was in 2005. Turner, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Ponchartrain Conservancy called for a full review of the natural wetland assimilation program at the legislative meeting in March, urging LDEQ to discontinue permits for natural wetlands assimilation projects. Day supported the idea of a review, saying the science supports the projects. Im all in favor of it, but lets have full involvement of everybody in there, Day said. The City of Hammonds South Slough Assimilation Wetland on the northern coast of Pass Manchac is designed to rebuild eroding marsh. The wastewater effluent flows to the right of the pipeline. (Photo: Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. 'The Dying Tecumseh,' a marble sculpture at the Smithsonian, depicts the Shawnee leader in a heroic light. | Credit: Frederick Pettrich, Smithsonian American Art Museum, CC In the recent flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump, one warned of " a distorted narrative " about race "driven by ideology rather than truth." It singled out a current exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum titled " The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture " as an example. The exhibit displays over two centuries of sculptures that show how art has produced and reproduced racial attitudes and ideologies. The executive order condemns the exhibition because it "promotes the view that race is not a biological reality but a social construct, stating 'Race is a human invention.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive order apparently objects to sentiments such as this: "Although a person's genetics influences their phenotypic characteristics , and self-identified race might be influenced by physical appearance, race itself is a social construct." But those words are not from the Smithsonian; they are from the American Society of Human Genetics . Scientists reject the idea that race is biologically real . The claim that race is a "biological reality" cuts against modern scientific knowledge. I'm a historian who specializes in the scientific study of race. The executive order places "social construct" in opposition to "biological reality." The history of both concepts reveals how modern science landed at the idea that race was invented by people, not nature. Related: What's the difference between race and ethnicity? Race exists, but what is it? At the turn of the 20th century, scientists believed humans could be divided into distinct races based on physical features. According to this idea, a scientist could identify physical differences in groups of people, and if those differences were passed on to succeeding generations, the scientist had correctly identified a racial " type ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results of this " typological " method were chaotic. A frustrated Charles Darwin in 1871 listed 13 scientists who identified anywhere between two and 63 races, a confusion that persisted for the next six decades . There were almost as many racial classifications as racial classifiers because no two scientists could seem to agree on what physical characteristics were best to measure, or how to measure them. One intractable problem with racial classifications was that the differences in human physical traits were tiny, so scientists struggled to use them to differentiate between groups. The pioneering African American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois noted in 1906 , "It is impossible to draw a color line between black and other races in all physical characteristics the Negro race cannot be set off by itself." But scientists tried. In an 1899 anthropological study, William Ripley classified people using head shape, hair type, pigmentation and stature. In 1926, Harvard anthropologist Earnest Hooton , the leading racial typologist in the world, listed 24 anatomical traits, such as "the presence or absence of a postglenoid tubercle and a pharyngeal fossa or tubercle" and "the degree of bowing of the radius and ulna" while admitting "this list is not, of course, exhaustive." All this confusion was the opposite of how science should operate: As the tools improved and as measurements became more precise, the object of study race became more and more muddled. When sculptor Malvina Hoffman's "Races of Mankind " exhibit opened at Chicago's Field Museum in 1933 , it characterized race as a biological reality, despite its elusive definition. World-renowned anthropologist Sir Arthur Keith wrote the introduction to the exhibition's catalog . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith dismissed science as the surest method to distinguish race; one knows a person's race because "a single glance, picks out the racial features more certainly than could a band of trained anthropologists." Keith's view perfectly captured the view that race must be real, for he saw it all around him, even though science could never establish that reality. In the scientific study of race, however, things were about to change. Turning to culture to explain difference By 1933, the rise of Nazism had added urgency to the scientific study of race. As anthropologist Sherwood Washburn wrote in 1944, "If we are to discuss racial matters with the Nazis, we had better be right ." In the late 1930s and early 1940s, two new scientific ideas came to fruition. First, scientists began looking to culture rather than biology as the driver of differences among groups of people. Second, the rise of population genetics challenged the biological reality of race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1943, anthropologists Ruth Benedict and Gene Weltfish wrote a short work also titled The Races of Mankind . Writing for a popular audience, they argued that people are far more alike than different, and our differences owe to culture and learning, not biology. An animated cartoon short later gave these ideas wider circulation. Benedict and Weltfish argued that while people did, indeed, differ physically, those differences were meaningless in that all races could learn and all were capable. "Progress in civilization is not the monopoly of one race or subrace," they wrote . "Negroes made iron tools and wove fine cloth for their clothing when fair-skinned Europeans wore skins and knew nothing of iron." The cultural explanation for different human lifestyles was more robust than confused appeals to an elusive biological race. The turn to culture was consistent with a deep change in biological knowledge. A tool to understand evolution Theodosius Dobzhansky was a preeminent biologist of the 20th century . He and other biologists were interested in evolutionary changes . Races, which supposedly didn't change over time, were therefore useless for understanding how organisms evolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new tool, what scientists called a "genetic population," was much more valuable. The geneticist, Dobzhansky held, identified a population based on the genes it shared in order to study change in organisms. Over time natural selection would shape how the population evolved. But if that population didn't shed light on natural selection, the geneticist must abandon it and work with a new population based on a different set of shared genes. The important point is that, whatever population the geneticist chose, it was changing over time. No population was a fixed and stable entity, as human races were supposed to be. Sherwood Washburn, who happened to be Dobzhansky's close friend , brought those ideas into anthropology. He recognized that the point of genetics was not classifying people into fixed groups. The point was to understand the process of human evolution. This change reversed everything taught by Hooton, his old teacher. Writing in 1951, Washburn argued , "There is no way to justify the division of a population into a series of racial types" because doing so would be pointless. Presuming any group to be unchanging stood in the way of understanding evolutionary changes. A genetic population was not "real"; it was an invention of the scientist using it as a lens to understand organic change. A good way to understand this profound difference relates to roller coasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who's been to an amusement park has seen signs that precisely define who is tall enough to ride a given roller coaster. But no one would say they define a "real" category of "tall" or "short" people, as another roller coaster might have a different height requirement. The signs define who is tall enough only for riding this particular roller coaster, and that's all. It's a tool for keeping people safe, not a category defining who is "really" tall. Similarly, geneticists use genetic populations as "an important tool for inferring the evolutionary history of modern humans " or because they have "fundamental implications for understanding the genetic basis of diseases ." RELATED STORIES Scientific research is the lifeblood of our economy. Now, a wrecking ball has come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'It is a dangerous strategy, and one for which we all may pay dearly': Dismantling USAID leaves the US more exposed to pandemics than ever Trump executive order calls mental health prescriptions a 'threat' why? Anyone trying to pound a nail with a screwdriver soon realizes that tools are good for tasks they were designed for and useless for anything else. Genetic populations are tools for specific biological uses, not for classifying people into "real" groups by race. Whoever wanted to classify people, Washburn argued, must give the " important reasons for subdividing our whole species ." The Smithsonian's exhibit shows how racialized sculpture was " both a tool of oppression and domination and one of liberation and empowerment ." Science agrees with its claim that race is a human invention and not a biological reality. The Conversation U.S. receives funding from the Smithsonian Institution. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A remarkable fossilized larva has been discovered by scientists with its brain and guts still intact. The fossilized creature is one of the earliest ancestors of a group known as arthropods, which includes insects, crabs, and lobsters. A unique window into the past, the ancient critter has allowed experts a chance to better understand evolutionary links between the arthropods of the past and those of the present day. We know what fossils look like. For example, typical dinosaur fossils are bones turned to stone and preserved from the passage of time located, if were particularly lucky, in large collections that can be reassembled to represent the beast they used to prop up in their entirety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, not all fossils are like that. Some are just impressions of small creatures or animals left in rocks, but most have something in commonits just the hard stuff left behind. With the exception of those found in environments particularly adept at preservation, the soft tissues degrade over time and all were left with is stony bone. But not always. Sometimes we get luckylike a team did when it located a fossil of a 520-million-year-old worm larva that still had its brain and guts intact. Its always interesting to see whats inside a sample using 3D imaging, Katherine Dobson, one of the co-authors of a study centered on this remarkable find, said in a press release, but in this incredible tiny larva, natural fossilization has achieved almost perfect preservation. That almost perfect preservation made the specimen an absolute gold mine for evolutionary biologists. According to the press release, the structures observed within the creaturewhich were studied via 3D images generated from scans made using a technique known as synchrotron X-ray tomographyinclude a brain, digestive glands, a primitive circulatory system and even traces of the nerves supplying the larvas simple legs and eyes. The incredible amount of detail preserved in this ancient fossil showed scientists that we had previously dramatically underestimated the complexity of early arthropodsa group that came into being during the Cambrian Explosion and includes creatures like crabs, lobsters, insects, and millipedes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That detail also allowed scientists to draw evolutionary connections between the critters of the ancient past and those scuttling around today. For example, preserved in the larva was a region of the brain known as the protocerebrum. Now that scientists have seen it, they can see that it evolved into the nub of arthropod heads that has allowed them to thrive in such a wide variety of environmentsfrom the depths of the ocean to every single continent on Earth (yes, including Antarctica). When I used to daydream about the one fossil Id most like to discover, Martin Smith, the lead researcher on the study, said in a press release, Id always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to understanding their evolution. But larvae are so tiny and fragile, the chances of finding one fossilized are practically zeroor so I thought! I already knew that this simple worm-like fossil was something special, but when I saw the amazing structures preserved under its skin, my jaw just droppedhow could these intricate features have avoided decay and still be here to see half a billion years later? Right now, the scientists are happily counting themselves lucky that the creature was preserved at all, giving us a unique window into what life looked like in our distant past. You Might Also Like For trees, lightning strikes are the great leveller. Stick your neck out by growing taller than the rest, and you risk getting zapped into oblivion. Hundreds of millions of trees suffer this fate every year. But the opposite appears to be the case for the towering tonka bean tree (Dipteryx oleifera), a native of the rainforests of Panama that grows up to 130 feet tall and lives for hundreds of years. Lightning is a weapon in its arsenal, and it wields it masterfully. When an opportune lightning strike comes, the tonka tree survives unscathed while clinging-on parasites and its competing neighbors are vanquished, according to a recent study published in the journal New Phytologist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We started doing this work 10 years ago, and it became really apparent that lightning kills a lot of trees, especially a lot of very big trees," lead author Evan Gora, a forest ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, told Live Science. "But Dipteryx oleifera consistently showed no damage." The work explores how lightning shapes forests and the lives of the trees that inhabit them. Compared to other causes of tree mortality, like drought and fire, which are known to have crucial roles in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, lightning's positive influence is largely understudied, according to the researchers. To dig in, the researchers created a system to pinpoint lightning strikes in Panama's Barro Colorado Nature Monument, using an antenna array and an ensemble of drones. Combined with four decades of tree plot records of the extensively studied rainforest, the researchers were able to form a clear picture of how lightning affected the specific areas that it struck. In all, between 2014 and 2019, the researchers documented nearly 100 instances of various species of trees being directly struck by lightning. More than half of these trees were killed. But strikingly pun intended all ten tonka bean trees that were hit by the powerful electric discharges survived, showing negligible damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same could not be said for the tonka bean trees' parasites, a species of woody vine known as lianas: 78 percent of them were wiped out by the lightning purges. And woe befell the neighbors, too, with over two metric tons of competing trees' biomass annihilated in each strike. "There's a quantifiable, detectable hazard of living next to Dipteryx oleifera," Gora told Live Science. "[As a tree], you are substantially more likely to die than living next to any other big old large tree in that forest." As tonka bean trees can live for centuries, the researchers estimate that on average, one will be struck at least five times over its lifespan, providing substantial benefits that rise above mere fluke. In fact, with a height some 30 percent taller and a crown 50 percent wider than others, it seemingly dares the heavens above to unleash their fury. Relative to trees with a trunk of similar diameter, the researchers found, the tonka bean tree boasted 68 percent higher odds of being struck by lightning. "It seems to have an architecture that is potentially selecting to be struck more often," Gora told the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so, virtually bending lightning to its will to take care of its enemies, the tonka bean trees see a fourteen times boost to their fecundity a stunning reproductive advantage. More on nature: Behold This Bonkers Photo of a 2,800-Pound Rhino Dangling Upside Down From a Helicopter LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly a week after a video showing a man kicking a horse sparked outrage online, the search for a Las Vegas veterinarian remains ongoing, according to officials at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Dr. Shawn Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead Recreation Area through the Boulder entrance. His truck was later found parked at Hemmenway Harbor with his keys, wallet, and cellphone inside, officials said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Las Vegas veterinarian missing following apology for kicking horse in head Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, the search was still active, and investigators said, You dont have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead recreation area through the Boulder entrance. (Lake Mead NPS) Frehner is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. According to a missing person report, Frehners father told investigators he doesnt believe his son would harm himself. Earlier this month, Frehner apologized and admitted to kicking a horse he had been paid to administer anesthetic shots to at a Nevada property. Father of missing Las Vegas veterinarian doesnt believe his son would harm himself Shawna Gonzalez, the property owner, previously told Nexstars KLAS that she witnessed Frehner kicking one of her horses in the head. Gonzalez said the injured horse was taken to the Desert Pines Equine Center, suffering abrasions to the skull and unnecessary injuries from gelding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Frehner] left my property before my horse was even up, she said. My horse was still down for a good 45 minutes after he left and before he left, theres several people that were there, and even they can state that he was kind of in a rush off my property. The alleged incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral online. Shawna Gonzalez witnessed Frehner kick the horse in the head, leaving an abrasion. (Courtesy Shawna Gonzalez) Frehner responded online, posting that he did not blatantly haul off and kick this horse as it appears in the video. That was not my intention at all, Frehner wrote. It was done simply to get the horse in a better position so that he could breathe and get up and move so I could again try to anesthetize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frehner did end the post with an apology and admitted to kicking the horse, adding that he wished this never happened. On April 7, the Nye County Sheriffs Office confirmed a criminal investigation into the incident had been launched. The same day, multiple agencies began searching for a missing person in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Sources confirmed to KLAS that they were searching for Frehner. As of Sunday morning, authorities have not provided any additional details about the search for Frehner. Records KLAS obtained showed the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners placed Frehners license on probation in 2016. He agreed to a year-long license suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nye County Sheriffs office is investigating him for animal cruelty following a complaint from the horses owner. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009 or 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 PIX11. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly a week after a video showing a man kicking a horse sparked outrage online, the search for a Las Vegas veterinarian remains ongoing, according to officials at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Dr. Shawn Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead Recreation Area through the Boulder entrance. His truck was later found parked at Hemmenway Harbor with his keys, wallet, and cellphone inside, officials said. PREVIOUS: Las Vegas veterinarian missing after apology for kicking horse in head Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Friday, the search was still active, and investigators said, You dont have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. Frehner, 56, was last seen around 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, entering the Lake Mead recreation area through the Boulder entrance. (Lake Mead NPS) Frehner is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. According to a missing person report, Frehners father told investigators he doesnt believe his son would harm himself. Earlier this month, Frehner apologized and admitted to kicking a horse he had been paid to administer anesthetic shots to at a Nevada property. Father of missing Las Vegas veterinarian doesnt believe his son would harm himself Shawna Gonzalez, the property owner, previously told Nexstars KLAS that she witnessed Frehner kicking one of her horses in the head. Gonzalez said the injured horse was taken to the Desert Pines Equine Center, suffering abrasions to the skull and unnecessary injuries from gelding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Frehner] left my property before my horse was even up, she said. My horse was still down for a good 45 minutes after he left and before he left, theres several people that were there, and even they can state that he was kind of in a rush off my property. The alleged incident was caught on video, which quickly went viral online. Shawna Gonzalez witnessed Frehner kick the horse in the head, leaving an abrasion. (Courtesy Shawna Gonzalez) Frehner responded online, posting that he did not blatantly haul off and kick this horse as it appears in the video. That was not my intention at all, Frehner wrote. It was done simply to get the horse in a better position so that he could breathe and get up and move so I could again try to anesthetize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frehner did end the post with an apology and admitted to kicking the horse, adding that he wished this never happened. On April 7, the Nye County Sheriffs Office confirmed a criminal investigation into the incident had been launched. The same day, multiple agencies began searching for a missing person in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Sources confirmed to KLAS that they were searching for Frehner. As of Sunday morning, authorities have not provided any additional details about the search for Frehner. Records KLAS obtained showed the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners placed Frehners license on probation in 2016. He agreed to a year-long license suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nye County Sheriffs office is investigating him for animal cruelty following a complaint from the horses owner. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009 or 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 Queen City News. Second home owners stung by the double council tax raid could challenge the new law in court, lawyers have said. Many Telegraph readers were blindsided by increased council tax bills landing on their doorsteps after local authorities were given the power to add a 100pc premium on second home owners from April 1. But legal experts and campaigners said serious question marks loom over how councils interpreted Government-issued guidance meaning some could be forced to reverse the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph is campaigning to abolish the second home council tax raid after readers told us: The policy amounted to taxation without representation as they have no right to vote in their local elections. They were not consulted on the changes or given any notice beyond an advert in the local paper. They are effectively being billed twice for services that they do not use. Jenny Wigley KC, of Landmark Chambers, said: Depending on the circumstances, what the council did, the reasons it set out and what they took into account before implementing the premium could be scope for judicial review. While the cost might be prohibitive, if a few owners club together it might be a viable option to challenge it in the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to a law change in 2013, second home owners in England were given a 10pc discount on their council tax bills. The deduction was based on the premise they use council services less than somebody whose main home is in the region. But in recent decades, concerns have grown that second home owners push up house prices and block first-time buyers from getting on the property ladder. In 2023, the then-Conservative government brought in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act which gave councils the power to add a 100pc premium to the tax bill of second home owners. Over two thirds have since taken advantage of the policy, which came into effect on April 1. A neighbour thought the bill was a scam Royston Davis, a retired lawyer, accused his local authority of breaching its duty of care after he was slapped with a double council tax bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 57-year-old lives in Aylesford, Kent, with his wife, Alison. They have a second home in Broadstairs, a seaside town they have known and loved since childhood. His council tax bill on the Broadstairs home has now doubled to 313 a month. He only knew the change was coming after chancing upon a tiny clipping in the local paper but added many of his fellow second home owners did not know about it. He said: One friend thought the council tax bill was a scam because he had no idea the change was coming. But there was no communication whatsoever with local communities, local businesses or second home owners. This must be unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other second home owners have pointed out the premium is especially unfair, as they have no representation in local politics. I have no right to vote, but they can spend my money One Telegraph reader said: The most annoying part of the legislation is that I have no right to vote in local elections to influence where the council spends my taxes. Essentially this amounts to a situation of taxation without representation. Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, councils were told they must make its first determination to charge a second homes premium at least one year before, and ensure owners have sufficient notice to make any changes. Controversially, the legislation deemed at least one local newspaper advertisement enough notice. This is despite the fact many second home owners do not live permanently in the areas where their properties are, and so are unlikely to read the local newspaper regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A footnote in the guidance also said a councils failure to meet these criteria would not render the charge invalid. Parminder Sidhu, property solicitor at Wedlake Bell, said: There is a responsibility on councils to take reasonable steps to notify second home owners at least a year in advance and conduct proper impact assessments as well as carry out consultations. Failing to fully comply with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act could leave councils facing legal challenges, scrutiny from oversight bodies, and potentially pressure to review their processes. Councils can expect to face judicial reviews, reputational damage, and potential reversals of the tax increase if found to have acted unlawfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Serious question marks loom over how well councils communicated the recent changes to rates on second homes. Households in every corner of the country are now being hit with devastating hikes on their bills, and anecdotal evidence is suggesting that many were completely unaware of the measures. A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: We are clear that local authorities must give residents appropriate notice before introducing this. Thanet Council and the Local Government Association were also contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A helicopter tour company behind a fatal 2018 New York City crash is slashing prices after another chopper wreck rocked the Big Apple last week and its not the first time the company has offered massive discounts in the wake of an aviation disaster. FlyNYON is offering up to 70% off the various tours it offers around the city including trips just like the one offered by another company that killed a pilot and a family of five visiting from Spain when their helicopter split in half and plummeted into the Hudson Thursday. The company has no involvement with last weeks crash which was operated by New York Helicopter but FlyNYONs discounts mirror the 40%-off deals it offered after a chopper of its own went down in the East River seven years ago and killed five passengers who couldnt escape their harnesses. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaking at a press conference in Manhattan on April 13, 2025 about the helicopter crash last week in the Hudson River. Michael Nigro And the tours kept flying on Sunday. The Post observed numerous groups excitedly leaving FlyNYONs New Jersey landing pad, where one thrill-seeker said their trip was great and another said they couldnt cancel and get their money back even with the latest accident fresh on New Yorkers minds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the latest discount outrageous during a Big Apple press conference Sunday, and called on operations from FlyNYON and New York Helicopter to be halted until a full Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation is completed. Listen to this. [FlyNYON] is offering the same kind of flights that just took the lives of these six people, but now, because of the crash, theyre giving a 70% discount special, outrageous, outrageous, Schumer said. In the days since the crash, FlyNYON has continued advertising its tours with posts on social media showing passengers dangling their legs out of open chopper doors on controversial flights the company was previously exposed for exploiting regulatory loopholes to operate. Stay up to date on the Hudson River helicopter crash: Looking for something to check off the bucket list? A doors off helicopter flight over NYC, read the caption on a post from Thursday, before another one was posted Saturday with no mention of the latest deadly crash in between. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Happy Sunday, read the companys Instagram story Sunday, alongside a sunny picture of the Freedom Tower. Schumer called on the FAA to revoke the license given to FlyNYON the company that operated the chopper that crashed last week and killed six people. Michael Nigro Schumer said it is outrageous that FlyNYON is still booking helicopter tours with a 70% discount following last weeks tragedy. Michael Nigro New York Helicopter, meanwhile, released a statement saying it was profoundly saddened by the tragic accident and loss of life, but that it wouldnt be responding to any press inquiries until federal investigations are complete. It remains unclear whether New York Helicopter will continue to operate its own flights. Schumer slammed the companys 70% discount special in the wake of the tragedy. Schumer focused his wrath Sunday on a Part 91 license that both New York Helicopter and FLyNYON operate with, which he said allowed the companies to fly without the same strict mechanical and pilot trainings that other types of commercial licenses do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now New York Helicopter Tours is under investigation, under federal investigation, for these deaths, but first, I am urging the FAA to pull their operating certificate immediately and cease flights until their full investigation is concluded, at the very least, the FAA can take some action in the name of safety, we definitely should, Schumer said. The New York senator has previously sought to tighten regulations on commercial helicopter tours. Just last year, FlyNYON was found primarily responsible for the fatal 2018 crash along with the company that owned that chopper, with jurors awarding $116 million in damages to the family of one victim, the New York Times reported. A top executive of the global technology company Siemens and his family were identified as five of the victims who were killed in Thursdays New York Helicopter crash. The sixth victim was the pilot, 36-year-old Navy veteran Sean Johnson. The helicopter was carrying five tourists visiting the Big Apple from Spain. Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children who authorities identified Friday as Augustin, 10; Mercedes, 8; and Victor, 4 had just arrived in the Big Apple from Barcelona earlier in the day, according to law enforcement sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chilling footage captured the moment the helicopter spiraled out of the sky before plummeting into the Hudson. Other clips showed the rotors splashing down into various parts of the water. Flight Tracker data showed the aircraft, carrying five passengers and a pilot, was in the air for roughly 15 minutes before going down. An NYPD boat transfers a helicopter door after it was retrieved by a diver near the crash site in the Hudson River on Saturday afternoon, April 12, 2025. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post Schumer called on the federal government to increase ramp inspections at all chopper tour companies. Facebook/New York Helicopter The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the probe into Thursdays incident, the latest in a series of deadly aircraft emergencies in the past few months. The Post reached out to New York Helicopter and FlyNYON for comment. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Several fires broke out around Central New York on Saturday, April 12. Just before 3:30 p.m., a fire broke out at an apartment complex off of East Manlius St. and North Center St., right next to the Redwood Diner. DeWitt Police and East Syracuse firefighters blocked off the road while they worked to put out the fire. Dispatchers told NewsChannel 9 that there were no injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews were also called to a house fire on the 100 Block of Herriman St. at 2:37 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. The fire started on the houses front porch and made its way inside. It also spread to a neighboring house, damaging the outside of it. It took almost 50 minutes to extinguish the fire. The fire displaced at least six people, who are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Multiple pets were also rescued from the house. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Firefighters were also called at 11:34 a.m. to a house fire on Harding Pl. just off South Salina St. in the Valley. Most of the fire was extinguished after about 20 minutes. No one was home at the time of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews said the fire started on the first floor in the dining room and traveled to the second floor and attic. The cause is still under investigation. No injuries were reported. Well make sure to update this story with the latest details as we find out more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. The former leader of Edinburgh council has said he was a victim of a coordinated political attack after being cleared of sending inappropriate messages to Ukrainian refugees. Police have said no evidence of criminality was found in an investigation into Cammy Day, who was forced to step down as leader of the Labour-led local authority in December after allegations that he bombarded Ukrainian refugees with messages, including asking sexually explicit questions. He resigned following a story in the Sunday Mail and said he would cooperate with a police investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four months after resigning, Mr Day said he was not interviewed by police. He said he has sought legal advice, and attributed the allegations to SNP figures. A coordinated political attack Mr Day said: I was not contacted or interviewed by the police but many of my friends, family and colleagues were questioned for hours about claims that were never put directly to me. Im also hugely frustrated that thousands of hours of police and council officers time have been wasted investigating what would seem to be nothing more than a coordinated political attack. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Day said he has used apps for a gay man like me but denied doing anything offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told the newspaper: Ive chatted with gay men on an app. The content of that chat I dont think is relevant. Ive had a chat with another gay man, weve exchanged pictures together, weve had chats. Weve maybe met and had a drink, or maybe not. Thats what people do. Cllr Jason Rust, chairman of the Conservative group of councillors, said: The defenestration of Cllr Day was damaging not only personally for Cammy, but for the council. I am extremely concerned about the reputation of our council and the selective leaking of information. If this was a political hit-job, then serious questions now have to be asked. An attempt to evade accountability Simita Kumar, Edinburgh councils SNP group leader, told The Sunday Times that Mr Days claims were a gross distortion and offensive to complainants, including Ukrainian refugees who had come forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: Lets be clear: what Cllr Day chooses to do in his personal life is his business. His sexuality is not and has never been the issue. What is at issue is the serious allegations that he used his position of public trust to target and intimidate vulnerable people. It is a desperate attempt to evade accountability to the very serious complaints that have been made about his behaviour. Day should feel ashamed for trying to spin this as a political conspiracy. A Police Scotland spokesman said: Following a report relating to inappropriate behaviour, extensive inquiries have been carried out, no criminality has been established and no one has been arrested. Time is no barrier to our inquiries and any further information received will be assessed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force said a previous report had been made about Mr Day last year, but no criminality had been established in that case. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Several members of the group Gays without Borders protested in San Francisco on Saturday. Theyre demanding the release of a Venezuelan man seeking U.S. asylum who reportedly ended up in a prison in El Salvador. The group now worries hes unsafe there where many gang members are being held. US wont say whether its facilitating return of mistakenly deported man, despite judges order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andry Hernandez Romero reportedly wanted to come to the U.S. because hes gay and was facing prosecution at home. The group says Romero was detained at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego. Andry Romero is a gay man. He is not a member of a gang, said Michael Petrelis of Gays without Borders. He was illegally deported. With signs in support of Romero and others targeting the Trump administration the group stood in front of the Consulate of El Salvador near Civic Center Plaza while chanting, Gay hairdressers arent terrorists. The organization Gays without Borders says Andry Hernandez Romero was detained at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego. Patrick Connors wore a crown to the protest. He said thats what Romero was arrested over that his tattoos of crowns made the U.S. government suspicious he was in a Venezuelan gang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a lot of talk about whats going on in the country, and now were getting concrete examples, said Connors. Andry is being tortured. Romeros case has sparked national interest, including in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom asked the Trump administration in a letter to revisit and revise its asylum-seeking procedures. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Governor Newsom demanded Romeros release and a review of his case. Jenny Worley, a teacher in San Francisco, said Romeros story resonates with her. If we dont stand up for each other than none of us feel safe, said Worley. So many of them come here for a better life and I just feel like he could have been one of the kids sitting in my classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KRON4 reached out to immigration representatives Saturday about Romeros case but did not hear back in time for this report. Once the new work week starts, we will be coming back here, said Petrelis. Until then, this group has no plans of slowing down. When a gay person is harmed around the world, it is the duty of gays in San Francisco to make a loud noise and demand justice, added Petrelis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue rushed out to Everglades National Park Saturday afternoon to aid a person whod been bitten by a shark, authorities said. Around 2:50 p.m., firefighters got the rescue call and promptly took the shark bite victim from the national park to a local hospital, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. Authorities did not say in what condition they were in, where the shark bit them or the identity of the victim. NBC 6 South Florida reported the victim, a man, was seen on a gurney with his hand bandaged. This is a breaking news story that will be updated. PERSHING, Wis. (WFRV) Deputies in central Wisconsin say the search for a 15-year-old person of interest connected to the deaths of two adults is over after he was found dead in Price County. The Taylor County Sheriffs Office provided an update around 7:05 p.m. Saturday, April 12, after earlier in the morning, 15-year-old Kadyn D. Hadden was identified as a person of interest relating to what has since been labeled a double homicide. Deputies stated in Saturday evenings release that around 12:40 p.m. earlier that day, law enforcement found the Chevrolet Impala that was tied to Hadden on a private property in Price County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man from Green Bay sentenced to decade in prison stemming from 2023 fentanyl overdose death Hadden was found dead inside the vehicle. Autopsy results were also completed on the two victims found dead inside the Town of Pershing home on April 9. The results showed that Josh R. Mann, 44, and Rebecca L. Mann, 43, died as a result of a homicide. Sheriff Corey J. Dassow of the Taylor County Sheriffs Office stated that the investigation revealed that Hadden was responsible for the death of Josh and Rebecca Mann and [he] acted alone during the homicide. 22-year-old Wisconsin man held at $300,000 cash bond on several felony child porn charges and incest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following agencies assisted the Taylor County Sheriffs Office during the investigation: Barron County Sheriffs Office Chippewa County Sheriffs Office Clark County Sheriffs Office Gilman Police Department Medford Police Department Price County Sheriffs Office Rice Lake Police Department Stanley Police Department Taylor County District Attorneys Office Taylor County Medical Examiners Office Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation Wisconsin DNR Wisconsin State Crime Lab Wisconsin State Patrol Wood County Sheriffs Office No additional information was provided. Local 5 will continue to follow this story and provide updates when new details are 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. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) A 2018 Tesla Model 3, once belonged to Sheryl Crow, was sold in Evansville. Roy Waynes Auto Group from Russellville, Kentucky purchased the Grammy-winning artists car for around $24,000. In February, Crow sold the vehicle and donated the proceeds to NPR in protest of Elon Musks political affiliations. As previously reported, the vehicle had been sitting in the river city at Wolfes Evansville Auto Auction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were told the dealership did now know if belonged to her until the Tesla came down the lane. Roy Waynes Auto Group anticipates selling the car on its lot. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman is fighting for her life and a man was injured following a shooting on I-240, Memphis Police confirmed. Police responded to a shooting at I-240W and Walnut Grove. A female victim was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. According to the police report, she had injuries to her leg and a possible gunshot wound to her head. Aftermath of I-240 shooting. (TDOT) Officers spoke to the male victim, who told them he was traveling southbound on 240W in his Jeep with his girlfriend (the female victim) when another vehicle began shooting at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim said he then lost control of the vehicle, struck the median with its front end and spun before coming to a stop facing northbound on 240W. I hate to let him go: Family honors toddler killed in Orange Mound The female victim told officers that she and the male victim had just dropped off family members downtown. As they got onto the interstate, another vehicle pulled up next to them and started firing shots. She said she wasnt sure how many shots were fired, but remembered hearing shots as the vehicle came to a stop. Neither victim could tell police the reason for the shooting. Police say that at this time, there is no suspect information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will update this story 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. Whatever political party you belong to, it is orthodoxy now to disparage Britain: we are spineless, poor, impotent, woke, amoral, racist, politically bankrupt. If we were once the worlds great power, it is now forbidden to refer to those days without a heavy dose of scornful irony declinism is in, exceptionalism is firmly out. I get it. But Im afraid I do nonetheless feel the stirrings not only of pride in Britain but the naughty belief that we might just be, as we were (economically) in the days of naval and imperial supremacy and (morally) during World War Two, the best and most important country in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Kremlin-admiring yellow-headed maniac in charge across the pond making America chaotic, poor and internationally unreliable, the US is over for now. Europe is, on numerous counts, a basketcase. Australia is polluted with insane levels of wokeness, and so is Canada. Israel is embattled. Which leaves us. We are already the leader where the all-important fight for Ukraine against Russia is concerned. And our tradition of peerless science seems to still be intact. Take, for instance, the breast cancer drug capivasertib, developed by AstraZeneca and the Institute of Cancer Research. It doubles the time a patient can live without a tumour growing and is the first drug of its kind, now available for NHS patients. Our Armed Forces are in a parlous state, but that doesnt mean we arent leading on military tech. Countries including Australia and Canada are queuing up to join Britains sixth-generation fighter jet programme. Known as the Tempest, this cutting-edge piece of military hardware led by Blighty is set to feature optional manning, an augmented-reality cockpit, Loyal Wingmen support, and possibly directed-energy weapons and AI co-pilots. You see? We might just be saving the world again. 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. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Medical student Christopher Nmai discusses his article, Leaving medicine is not a failure: It might be the change you always needed. Christopher shares his deeply personal decision to forgo residency and explore non-clinical paths, highlighting the toll that chronic illness and burnout took during his training. He contextualizes his story within a broader trendrising rates of physician dissatisfaction and exits from clinical practiceciting stress, administrative burdens, and mental health stigma as driving forces. Christopher advocates for systemic reform, increased flexibility, and destigmatizing alternative careers, arguing that true success in medicine includes honoring ones well-being and passionseven if that means stepping off the traditional path. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Want to streamline your clinical documentation and take advantage of customizations that put you in control? What about the ability to surface information right at the point of care or automate tasks with just a click? Now, you can. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Offering an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform, Dragon Copilot can help you unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise and its part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcareand its built on a foundation of trust. Ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Christopher Nmai. He is a medical student. Todays KevinMD article is Leaving medicine is not a failure. It might be the change you always needed. Christopher, welcome to the show. Christopher Nmai: Thank you for having me. Kevin Pho: Alright, so your story is really contained in your KevinMD article. So just briefly tell us about your article and your story for those who didnt get a chance to read it. ADVERTISEMENT Christopher Nmai: So, essentially, you know, my story kind of begins with my own personal career. I originally was born in Cleveland, Ohio. You know, grew up in that area, went to Harvard for undergrad, where I studied history and science within the medicine and society track. I would say going into my senior year of high school, I was really invested in a medical career and wanting to practice clinically down the line. This originally started out within interventional cardiology. You know, fast forward several years, and I now find myself actually applying to jobs and, you know, looking into the job market, wanting to impact health care, but not from a clinical lens. And so I think, you know, theres a lot of detail within that story itself that influenced it. I think, for me, one of the main reasons was that between my first and second years of medical school, I had to take some time off as a research year. But, you know, I say its a research year, but it was honestly a year for me to heal due to some health issues. And so from there, my trajectory really changed. I started to appreciate, you know, some of the other aspects of life that, you know, sometimes medicine doesnt really afford you. And that really influenced my article. Speaking specifically about my article, I talked about how theres a rising rate of burnout within the medical profession, which is something thats been growing significantly from year to year, causing physicians to leave, you know, explore other career options. And, you know, its become a pretty significant event thats been taking place. And so I wanted to draw attention to some of the other options that do exist for individuals who, you know, are feeling a little bit burnt out or feeling dissatisfied with the way that their medical career has been going so far. And I wanted to offer, you know, hope and perspective and, you know, give people a way to channel these emotions and really be able to figure out what is best for them moving forward. Kevin Pho: So you mentioned that you took a year off or a year away from medical school between first and second year, and it was in that year where you got a perspective outside that medical education journey bubble, and it really changed your perspective in terms of what you want to do in medicine. Talk more about that year and what about being outside that medical bubble made you change your perspective and made you see what life may be like outside of medical school and clinical medicine. Christopher Nmai: So, like I said, a lot of the year was really focused on treatment. You know, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you know, kind of during my medical school career, and I think that was something that was a big shock to my systemhaving more or less good health throughout growing up and continuing throughout school. And so this was something that, you know, I was able to see the perspective of a patient a bit more. And, you know, having my medical background, or at least that limited first-year background, I was able to really say, you know, what do I value in my life? You know, is it my career? Is it my own well-being and my health? My mental health? And I think that was a really profound experience where I needed to reassess some of my options. You know, I had mentioned that I was interested in interventional cardiology leading up until that point. And I realized that thats a career that demands so much from you, and just given the circumstances that I was going through, I wasnt necessarily sure if that was something that I would still want to pursue moving forward. Kevin Pho: So when you made the decision not to pursue clinical medicineso youre going to finish medical school and look for a nonclinical job, likely within medicinewhat was the reaction of people around you, whether its your mentors, professors, colleagues, family? What was the reaction? Christopher Nmai: So it was really varied. I think from the school perspective, it was quite supportive. You know, they understood my story; they had been with me for all of these years, and they felt that, you know, just my rationale and justification for doing so made a lot of sense. And so they were supportive in me not pursuing the match and wanting to go forward with residency applications. From my family perspective, I think it was a little bit tougher. Both of my parents are Ghanaian immigrants, and so I think academics are very, very strong within the household. But, you know, after I really explained to them my reasoning for not wanting to pursue residency and a career in clinical medicine, I think, you know, slowly but surely, they began to understand and realize that, you know, this is my life that Im living, and the best way to proceed forward is to be supportive in that process. Kevin Pho: How common is it for medical students not to pursue clinical medicine and not go through the match after they graduate? Christopher Nmai: So its definitely a rarity. I would say that out of my graduating class, the majority of students went into the match. I know there are schoolsfor example, I believe theres a statistic out of Stanford that I saw where maybe 10 to 20 percent of students actually go into other careers, given the impact of Silicon Valley and other finance-type careers in that area. So its very variable across the board, but I would say the overwhelming majority of students do pursue residency. Kevin Pho: And what kind of options are typically available for students who dont go through the match and want to pursue a career outside of clinical medicine? Christopher Nmai: So thats definitelythere are a wide variety of different options. I think some of the common ones that you frequently see are consulting, private equity, venture capital. But there are a lot of options within the startup space, especially with medical devices and new AI technologies that are coming in to try and assist with administrative burden and other types of aspects that have been plaguing medicine for a while. Medical writing is another option thats highly sought after. And then also just general project management work is another option, where you can work within either a health care space or a nonhealth care space and be able to utilize some of the skills that youve developed in medical school, such as critical thinking, to advance health initiatives. Kevin Pho: Now, where did you turn to for guidance? Because, as you said, the vast majority dont do the path that youre taking now. Did you have any mentors or guidance in terms of how to steer you to the right path? Christopher Nmai: Yeah, so there was actually a student who graduated from our school a handful of years before me. We overlapped just briefly my first year. Ive had his contact information, and hes currently in the pharmaceutical industry. So he has definitely been someone Ive reached out to in terms of advice, wanting to get perspective on how that journey has looked for him. Outside of that, honestly, I think, you know, one area that I believe medical schools could do better is in terms of actually providing more robust career-options services for students who dont decide to pursue the match. Because, you know, I think while each schools goal is to have as many people match as possible, there needs to be an anticipation that there will be some students who decide not to do so. And being able to support them in the same way is critical. Kevin Pho: Do you ever feel that theres a possibility that you may regret not going into clinical medicine? Because not going into the match certainly seems like a final decision thats very hard to come back from. Do you ever think that you may change your mind going forward? Christopher Nmai: You know, thats definitely something that Ive thought about recently, especially going through the arduous nature of the job search. I catch myself because I think I need to remind myself of the original reasons why I didnt pursue residency to begin with, and recognize that those reasons arent necessarily going to change. I dont envision myself coming back into clinical medicine in the same capacity. Research, on the other hand, I think thats something that is up for debate. I actually applied to some PhD programs this past cycle and have a research passion that Im still very interested in. So, you know, thats definitely something that could be on the cards in the future. Kevin Pho: So you mentioned one of the factors earlier that influenced your decision was the rate of burnout, certainly within medical school. Talk about that. We always talk on the podcast and on my site about burnout within attending physicians, but even within medical school, medical students burnout is rampant, right? Christopher Nmai: I think definitely burnout. You know, we often see the physician statistics, but I think its really understudied how medical students fare when it comes to burnout. And, you know, I think it really depends on the nature of the support systems within the medical school, but regardless of that, just the nature of the work that we are doing day in and day outconstantly switching rotations, juggling our clerkship year, for example, which is one of the most stressful times of the process, handling our step exams, financing our step exams and our studying, and just trying also to be humans outside of itis something that takes a toll at the end of the day. And I think that for me, I found myself doing well in my medical school coursework, but still not feeling like I was living my fullest, most complete life. And this was something that really spurred me to want to reconsider my decision to pursue medicine and see what else lay on the horizon. Kevin Pho: Now, do you think its plausible that going forward there may be more medical students who may follow your path and opt out of clinical medicine, opt out of the match, and pursue nonclinical careers? Christopher Nmai: You know, I think one of the main reasons that I actually considered it heavily was because of the student who previously did not pursue residency. And so I think just having examples of individuals who are able to leave medicinestill have their very robust clinical training but then utilize it in a different wayserves as an example to other students to show them that this is possible for you, this is something you would be able to do if the circumstances ended up panning out that way for your life. And I think its really just normalizing the practice that it doesnt have to be a one-stop shop in terms of coming to medical school, going to residency, becoming an attending physician, and then staying in the career for however many years. There are a variety of different things that you can do, and I think there are ways that you can enrich your life outside of just being a practicing physician. Kevin Pho: So now with your unique lens, tell us what are some of the ways that you would like to see medical schools perhaps supporting nonclinical careers. Like if you were in charge of a medical education program, what would you like to see happen? Christopher Nmai: Yeah, I think definitely embedding within the curriculumprotect the first, second years, do the clerkship year, do all of that. But I think as youre entering into the late stages of the medical school experienceyour third, your fourth yearreally having a diverse variety of electives for students to be able to partake in. One of the main reasons that I wrote this op-ed was that I was on a medical journalism elective hosted by Dr. Mark Siegel, who does Doctor Radio. And I think that experience was one of the most enlightening ones that Ive had in all of medical school. I got to meet with journalists, other people within publication, doctors who are on TV, things along those lines. And I saw that theres so much more that exists beyond just being a practicing physician, but that you can actually utilize those skills in a meaningful way and disseminate information in countless ways. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Christopher Nmai. Hes a medical student. Todays KevinMD article is Leaving medicine is not a failure. It might be the change you always needed. Christopher, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Christopher Nmai: So I think primarily, you know, as a medical professional, as a medical student, really take a look at your life. You know, ask yourself, what do you truly value? What are the things that get you up in the morning? What are the things that make you excited? What are the things youre really passionate about? And I think have a perspective where, if where you are currently isnt necessarily fulfilling all of those buckets, take a step back and try and evaluate what exactly it is that you might be able to do or switch within your career to allow you to feel more fulfilled. Because at the end of the day, we only do have one life that were living, and we need to prioritize it may sound selfish, but I think we need to prioritize our health and our well-being more than anything. Because regardless of whether you decide to stay in medicine or not, we can only be the best individuals possible if were truly taking care of ourselves. And so I think that, you know, really take burnout seriously. Burnout kills at the end of the day, and its something that shouldnt necessarily be tolerated if youre truly, truly struggling. I think also medical schools can do better by offering a diverse array of electives and selectives for students to really explore what else is possible out there, whether it be policy, finance, medical writing, journalismthings along those lines. They really are enriching experiences, and they allow students to explore other interests that they may have come into medical school with but havent had the time to address, given the nature of the curriculum. Kevin Pho: Christopher, thank you so much for sharing your story, time, and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show. Christopher Nmai: Thank you for having me. Jheri curls and waves to dreadlocks and braids three sisters have been trusted with a whole lot of hairstyles at a Mt. Juliet salon that celebrates 57 years in business this spring. Nells Beauty Salon opened in May 1968 on Lebanon Road where Jenkins Nursery & Landscaping now sits. Owner Donna Fay Bragg, 73, and operator Patsy Malone, 78, continue to operate the salon in the Midway Center on Lebanon Road, where Nells moved in 1977 and remains. Donna Fay Bragg, left, and Patsy Malone in front of Nell's Beauty Salon in Mt. Juliet. I know we need to retire, but we just hate to give it up, said Bragg, working inside the simple salon with white walls and a variety of pictures, hair products and a row of hair driers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flat-screen TV above a Bible in the front window has replaced a radio that once was the media companion at the shop, which has a retro atmosphere, loose with plenty of joking, recipe talk and no gossip. Bragg and Malone say they are so connected to their clientele that they've accounted for 364 customers who have died since opening. Donna Fay Bragg, left, and Patsy Malone at Nell's Beauty Salon in Mt. Juliet. Their sister Nell McFarland started Nells Beauty Salon, working out of her basement. Nell died in 2000 at age 64. Both Bragg and Malone live in Lebanon. The original Nells Beauty Salon sign still hangs in front of the shop as something we have left from Nell, Bragg said. And as Mt. Juliet has changed around them with flashy new buildings, Nell's has stayed with a simple business model that may include providing services without a tab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not about the money, Bragg said. I feel like were rich in customers. If it was about the money we wouldnt be here. Bragg described Nells as a beauty shop that serves Black women, but men and white people have also been customers, some coming from Kentucky, Cookeville, Nashville and other locales, including Wilson County. Beverly Staten is a customer who moved to Georgia in 2001 but continued to come back to get her hair done at Nell's at least once a month for five years before moving back to the area. Its a family environment, said Linda Martin, one of many customers who have been coming to Nells for decades. And they do a fantastic job. Patsy Malone works on a customer's hair at Nell's Beauty Salon in Mt. Juliet. Nells now opens only on Thursdays and Fridays instead of five days a week. And if customers are one motivator for Bragg and Malone to continue, so is sisterhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All siblings cant work together, Bragg said. And we dont always see eye to eye. But at the end of the day we come together. Its kept us closer. "It's been a good ride. It's been a good living. It's been an honest living. It's God's grace and mercy that has kept us here. Without him we couldn't have done it." Some other longstanding Mt. Juliet businesses Larry's Barber Shop in Mt. Juliet has been in business since 1964. Larry's Barber Shop: Larry Capps continues to work at the business he opened in 1964, located in the Midway Center shopping complex on Lebanon Road. Capps was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Gov. Bill Lee's office last year for 60 years in business. Capps, 87, still cuts hair, though not as regularly as he used to. His daughter Robbie Capps also works at the barber shop. Moss's Flower Shop & Flower Delivery: Opened in 1972 and now located at 3690 N. Mt. Juliet Road. Moss's originally began primarily as a feed and fertilizer store started by brothers Charles, John and Louis Moss. Moss's was previously located on Lebanon Road, just east of Nonaville Road. Rice's Country Hams in Mt. Juliet. Rice's Country Hams: The family business has been curing hams since the early 1940s, owner Ginny Rice Dabbs said. Rice's operates a retail store that opens seasonally on the northeast corner of Lebanon and Nonaville roads, a landmark in Mt. Juliet that dates back to 1886. Dabbs grandparents Edward Rice Sr. and Mamie Rice bought the building that was formerly a county grocery store in 1933. At some point the building had to be moved from somewhere in the middle of Highway 70 due to road widening, Dabbs said. The Rice's started curing country hams in the 1940s when the larger grocery chains took the place of small country stores and have been in business for more than 90 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle Tennessee's Nell's Beauty Salon in business for 57 years Six school districts in New Hampshire and Vermont are joining the federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Educations threats to cut the federal funding of educational institutions nationwide for engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion in their curriculums and programming. The five Granite State school districts joining the lawsuit are Dover, Hanover, Oyster River, Portsmouth and Somersworth. Norwich, Vermont, is also joining. The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Educations directive preventing them from taking part in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a hearing on the plaintiffs motion for emergency relief on Wednesday, the parties announced they reached an agreement that temporarily prevents federal education officials from taking any enforcement action until the court rules on their legality. The agreement ensures no school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to certify that DEI efforts do not exist within their curriculums. The agreement also clarifies that any certifications submitted by states or local education agencies will not become effective prior to April 24 and may not be used for any investigation or enforcement actions. The department agreed it will not initiate any enforcement actions or investigations based on the Feb. 14 directive or any actions implementing it until after April 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine Boston, assistant superintendent for the Dover School District, said diversity, equity and inclusion are important pillars of public education. We strive to support all students every day, Boston said. In Dover, our core values include diversity, opportunity, voice, engagement and rigor and we work tirelessly to empower all learners regardless of race, disability, socioeconomic status or gender. John Shea, superintendent for the Somersworth School District, said hes proud to stand alongside districts throughout New Hampshire to ensure that the educators in our schools can provide the equitable opportunities that all of our students deserve and to which they are entitled. The lawsuit was filed March 5 by the the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of New Hampshire, the ACLU of Massachusetts, the National Education Association, and the National Education AssociationNew Hampshire. The parties will be back in court on April 17 at 10 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit argues the Department of Education overstepped its legal authority by imposing unfounded and vague legal restrictions that violate due process and the First Amendment, limit academic freedom, and dictate what educators can teach and what students are allowed to learn. The plaintiffs say the Department of Education claims the directive misrepresents the Supreme Courts 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. Advocates say the decision in that case only addressed race as a formal admissions factor in higher education, and did not ban curriculum, student groups, DEI programming, or race-neutral diversity initiatives. The lawsuit argues the DOE has no authority to dictate curriculum or educational programs, and that federal law protects educational institutions ability to shape their own curriculum, including programs that reflect and celebrate diversity. pfeely@unionleader.com President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini has called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia to bring it to the negotiating table instead of letting it continue killing innocent people with missile strikes. Source: Pellegrini on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Quote: "I condemn todays brutal attack on Ukrainian city of Sumy that resulted in 32 deaths and 84 injuries, including children. While talks of peace continue, innocent lives are still being lost. The international community must exert all diplomatic efforts and pressure to end this slaughter, urging Russia to seek peace at the negotiating table, not through missiles that kill innocent people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico has not yet reacted to the Russian attack. Background: As of 18:00, the number of people killed in Russias ballistic missile attack on Sumy on the morning of 13 April has reached 34, including two children. A total of 117 people have been injured, including 15 children. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, said that Russias strike on civilian targets in Sumy crossed all acceptable lines and demonstrated why Donald Trump is committed to ending the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following the Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, urged the world particularly the United States and Europe to issue a strong response. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US President Donald Trump's administration has announced that smartphones and computers have been excluded from Trump's 10% baseline global reciprocal tariffs. The move could help keep the prices down for popular consumer electronics that arent usually made in the US. A notice shared by US Customs and Border Protection said the exemption also applies to the 145% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, and includes other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would benefit American tech giants like Apple, which has 90% of its iPhone production and assembly based in China, according to Wedbush Securities. The new exemption applies to products that entered the United States or were removed from warehouses from 5 April. It's the latest tariff change by the Trump administration, which has made several U-turns in their massive plan to put tariffs in place on goods from most countries. The goal is to encourage more domestic manufacturing. But the exemptions seem to acknowledge that the current electronics supply chain is virtually all in Asia and it will be challenging to shift that to the US. President Donald Trump's administration has been predicting its barrage of tariffs targeting China will push Apple into manufacturing the iPhone in the United States for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that's an unlikely scenario even with US tariffs now standing at 145% on products made in China Apple has manufactured most of its iPhones there since the first model hit the market 18 years ago. The disincentives for Apple shifting its production domestically include a complex supply chain that it began building in China during the 1990s. It would take several years and cost billions of dollars to build new plants in the US, and then confront Apple with economic forces that could triple the price of an iPhone, threatening to torpedo sales of its marquee product. HARRISBURG, Pa. A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governors mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday. The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said. Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governors residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the mans motive, but an emotional Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he is unbowed. Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then hell work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith. When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device he would not describe what kind and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said. Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer or where he was being held and calls to people believed to be relatives went unanswered or unreturned. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022. Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online criminal court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where he and his family celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburgs Jewish community on Saturday night. We dont know the persons specific motive yet, Shapiro told the news conference. But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this. The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred. Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorneys office, as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others. Yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway on the residences south side, where investigators dogs outside the iron security fence and sawed off a section from the top of the security fence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle. Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, Montgomery County, about 100 miles east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the familys Passover Seder table at the residence. Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack, Vice President JD Vance posted to X. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a despicable act of cowardice and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers. Former Gov. Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were heartbreaking and said the attack on the official residence was shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth must be held to account, Ridge said. DENVER (KDVR) South Metro Fire Rescue is on the scene of a small brush fire, according to a post on X from the agency. SMFR said that the Douglas County Sheriffs Office is assisting in preventing the spread. SMFR provided an update at 5:05 p.m. that the fire was contained at around an acre of size and crews are searching for hot spots. Colorado high schoolers invent device for NASA The fire was located near 16022 Parkside Dr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SMFR said the fire was about 50 feet long and slowly spread toward residences. No structures were threatened. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. MADRID (Reuters) -Homes were flooded and roads turned into muddy rivers after torrential rainfall over the Spanish Canary Island of Lanzarote, a popular year-round tourist destination. A state of emergency was declared after 6 cm (2.4 inches) of rain fell in two hours on Saturday, emergency services said on Sunday. Dramatic video footage showed a surge of brown flood water streaming under a bridge while bystanders took pictures and cars were stuck on flooded roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enrique Espinosa, head of emergency services for the Lanzarote government, said some homes had been submerged. "We have been working all night, attending 300 calls overnight, many of them in Arrecife and Teguise. Some houses are flooded and what remains is a great quantity of mud," Espinosa told RTVE state television on Sunday. No one has been injured in the flooding, authorities said. (Reporting by Graham Keeley, Silvio Castellanos; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) The Columbus Promise is getting even more promising. Learn about new funding that will guarantee more Columbus schools graduates get a debt-free education. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Spirit of Springfield held its 30th Air Force Academy Concert Band event on Sunday, honoring the past and present of the military through music. The concert is held annually at Springfield Symphony Hall, drawing in large crowds to support troops both locally and across the country. The Air Force Academy Concert Band came from their base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to perform at this special event. Thousands of fans attend AEW Collision in Springfield Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 22News own Julia OKeefe served as the MC for this concert, and she shared what this opportunity meant to her. Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield do such a great job putting on these events to bring the western Massachusetts community together, OKeefe said. And I think this event in particular is so special, because were celebrating the armed forces but also the arts, bringing together two really important pieces of our community. Local officials also spoke at the event, including Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Barnes Air National Guard Base Colonel Michael Shot Glass, and Westover Air Reserve Base Colonel Gregory Buchanan. The Air Force Academy Concert Band, made up of over 50 musicians, has performed all across New England and has two more concerts in Massachusetts after Sundays show. 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. Over 90 small businesses from the region have set up shop at the Bayfront Convention Center. Theyre showing off their best handmade items for the Spring Craft & Gift Festival. Mothers Day is coming up, so you can find that great gift for mom, or if youre just ready to redecorate the house for spring, get ready for summertime, theres lots of great decor and other items here as well, said Ed Snyder, general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing that all these artists have in common is the dedication to their craft. Some take hours, days or even months to produce their merchandise. PennWest Edinboro fair educates on life with disabilities Not only is it important for the customer to be satisfied, but the artists want to be just as proud of the product. This commitment is why Snyder said its important to support small businesses. These vendors and artisans are from the region, so youre supporting local businesses, especially now with Amazon and so much stuff coming from all over the place, its cool to support local folks, said Snyder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a wide variety of unique things to shop for and you might even find something with your name on it. Each candle is handcrafted carefully, and I make sure its good quality, said Danielle Knight, owner of Handcraft Island. Like, coconut and soy and fragrance is phthalid free, so its not like something that can interrupt your hormones. Knight has been making extraordinarily detailed candles, wax melts and room sprays since February of 2022. She began her business when she noticed the joy a fresh lit candle would bring to a room. Her candles range from sugar cookie and almond cupcake to fruity loopz and lavender dreamz. Shes come up with every scent and name on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheetz MTO wins Coolest Thing Made in PA 2025 title I have people that keep it for a year, and they still walk past and smell it, or if you decide to light it right away, it makes the whole room smell good, said Knight. Knight also doubles as a stay-at-home mom. She said the aroma of her candles motivates her to clean her house. I know other women know this feeling when youre cleaning and youve got a candle; its just relaxing, said Knight. If you feel like youre defeated, just take a breather and get right back up; anything can be done. It takes time and dedication. The show continues on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Self-care is often forgotten when youre busy taking care of others, and the Springfield NAACP Health Committee is committed to changing that. The organization hosted the Caregiver Symposium on Saturday afternoon, providing resources and space for those who treat others 24/7 to put themselves first for a change. Last-minute reminders before tax deadline on Tuesday You cant take care of other people if youre not taking care of you, said caregiver and award recipient Kimberly Weir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven individuals who volunteer their time were recognized, including Kimberly Wier. She retired eight years ago from the Department of Corrections in Connecticut, where she worked for 27 years. Now she spends her days helping her mother and older friends in need. According to the CDC, one in five adults in the U.S. provides care for a family member or friend with a disability or health condition. Caregivers are known for their dedication and selflessness, and nearly 20% of them quit work to support others. They do this without getting paid, they do this because its important, and they do this because of love, said Dr. Doris Harris, Chair of the NAACP Health Committee. Resources like the 24/7 Helpline are a free service for those taking care of others. They provide over-the-phone emotional support and crisis assistance. To reach them, dial 800-272-3900. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a full list of resources with the 24/7 Helpline, visit alz.org. 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. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man is behind bars after he allegedly impersonated a police officer and entered a womans apartment without permission while armed. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office has charged Ivan Agustin Fierro, 29, with false impersonation of a law enforcement officer and first-degree trespass. Prosecutors formally filed charges on Saturday, per Missouri court records. According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, on April 2, a suspect later identified as Fierro entered a womans apartment on Delor Street. He reportedly entered through an unlocked door, though he was not invited. Once inside, he falsely claimed he was a police officer and looking for someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family sues youth league after teens suicide following coachs alleged abuse The victim told police that Fierro remained in the apartment for about 10 minutes and observed him in possession of a firearm that was tucked into his waistband. When she told him not to enter without permission, Fierro insisted he was a police officer and could legally enter, adding that he would show her his badge, per court documents. The victim told police that Fierro appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Court documents did not disclose any prior history between the victim and Fierro before the alleged incident. Police say Fierro was arrested Friday with ammunition in plain view. After his arrest, the victim was able to positively identify him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fierro was booked into jail without bond, per Missouri court records. As of Saturday, no court dates have 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 2. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A 13-year-old boy has died after being shot in a drive-by shooting late Saturday night, police say. The St. Petersburg Police Department said officers responded to a call reporting shots fired on 11th St. S. Officers arrived to find the boy, Jaden Hill of Largo, in the driveway with a gunshot wound. Hill was taken to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives are currently investigating the homicide, and police said that the shots came from an unknown car. There is no description of the suspect or vehicle at this time. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call St. Petersburg Police at 727-893-7780. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- West Texans were looking to the skies Saturday night, and many were left wondering: what was that? Around 9:25 p.m. on April 12, a line of bright lights appeared over the Odessa and Midland sky, sparking a wave of social media posts, photos, and videos. It wasnt a UFO. It wasnt a meteor shower. It was a newly launched batch of Starlink satellites, part of Elon Musks SpaceX satellite internet project. What is Starlink? Starlink is a satellite internet service designed to provide high-speed internet access in rural and remote areas, including right here in West Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike traditional satellite systems, Starlink uses thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, allowing for faster speeds and lower lag time. The company has already launched more than 5,000 satellites and continues to add more with frequent rocket launches. The satellites often appear as a train of bright, moving dots in the sky shortly after launch, before they eventually spread out into their positions. Saturdays Sighting Over West Texas At 8:53 p.m. EDT on April 12, SpaceX launched the Starlink Group 12-17 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission deployed 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, into low Earth orbit. According to satellite tracking data, the satellites were visible for about four minutes, moving from the western horizon toward the south, reaching an elevation of up to 43 degrees in the sky. That bright, glowing object with a translucent, expanding cloud or halo around it is a signature visual of a rockets exhaust plume high in the atmosphere, especially around dusk or nighttime. The sunlight reflects off the gases in the upper atmosphere, creating that glowing, bubble-like effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceXs Starlink satellites are often launched in large groups aboard Falcon 9 rockets, and after the initial launch, the exhaust gases can create this kind of dramatic visual in the sky, especially if seen from hundreds of miles away. How to Track Future Starlink Passes If you missed Saturday nights show or want to catch the next one, there are tools available to help you track upcoming Starlink passes over your area. Visit FindStarlink.com to see a real-time schedule of when Starlink satellites will be visible over Odessa, Midland, and the surrounding region. Theres also a Starlink Tracker app available in the App Store for iPhone users and on Google Play for Android devices. The app provides notifications, directions, and visibility information based on your location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on Starlink, visit: https://www.starlink.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 Yourbasin. Sir Keir Starmer has lost control of Britains borders after the number of small-boat crossings surged to a record high, the Tories have said. A total of 656 migrants crossed the English Channel on Saturday, taking the number of those crossing this year to more than 8,000. It is the worst ever start to a year and the total so far is 46 per cent higher than at this point in 2024. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the Prime Ministers pledge to crack down on the gangs lay in tatters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: This news underlines what we all knew Keir Starmer has lost control of our borders. This is the worst start to a year in history for illegal crossings. Starmers claims to smash the gangs lie in tatters. Having cancelled the Rwanda deterrent before it started and with no replacement, Starmers only plan for border protection is to pray for bad weather. Figures published on Sunday show that the 656 people arrived on 11 boats the highest number to arrive in the UK in 2025. On Friday, 180 people arrived in three boats. It brings the total of small-boat crossings so far in 2025 to 8,064. This is already higher than the 7,567 who came in the first four months of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Philp said: We have been badly let down by a weak Prime Minister who is more interested in pleasing his human rights lawyer friends than protecting our borders from illegal immigrants most of whom are young men. These crossings are not only illegal: they are unnecessary, as France is a safe country. A removals deterrent is urgently needed to stop the huge numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel. A Home Office spokesman said: We all want to end dangerous small-boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay, and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why this Government has put forward a serious, credible plan to finally restore order to our asylum system. This includes tougher enforcement powers, ramping up returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade and a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A new state law passed during this years legislative session is expanding who can become law enforcement officers in New Mexico. Its the latest approach to fill law enforcement vacancies and offer a new opportunity to those without American citizenship. It literally turns dreamers into defenders, said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. For years, only American citizens could become law enforcement officers in the state. Now, a new state law that will soon go into effect will change that. This bill will open the door to more than 51,000 more New Mexicans who would now be eligible to apply for law enforcement work, said New Mexico State Senator Cindy Nava. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Misuse of time: Governor slams New Mexico legislature for bills passed this session According to state documents, Senate Bill 364, sponsored by Nava, will allow people who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, or legal permanent residents, to now become a police officer, marshal, or sheriff anywhere in the state. A legal permanent resident is someone who is legally allowed to stay in the country permanently but does not have citizenship. Supporters of the bill say this will help address law enforcement vacancies across New Mexico, as they look to neighboring states, such as Texas and Arizona, to attract new members. Anyone in the country who cannot be a police officer in their home state can then come to New Mexico, said Sen. Antonio Maestas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD highlighted one of their officers success stories, explaining her journey from being born in Mexico to becoming a sworn officer in Albuquerque. Officer Smith dreamt of working in uniform but had to temporarily serve in public service while working to get her citizenship. Paid family medical leave moves forward in the legislature Years later, Officer Smith fulfilled that dream, though a law like this would have made it easier and quicker. New Mexico joins California, Colorado, and Illinois as the only states in the country to do this. This legislation will enable us to not only grow the ranks of the Albuquerque Police Department, but grow the ranks in a way that is reflective [of] the community of Albuquerque, said Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD says this push will help to continue lower crime rates in the metro, as the department looks to further bolster its force. According to APD, homicides have decreased year-over-year by 48%. Violent crime is down 20%, and property crime is down 33%. We have in no way changed our standards, said Mayor Keller. The standards are the exact same for anyone who wants to be a member of our Albuquerque Police Department with respect to qualifications. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill into law on April 7. It will go into effect 90 days from that 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A man is in custody as Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are investigating what they call an act of arson at the home of Governor Josh Shapiro early Sunday morning. PSP and the Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo have confirmed that they have arrested 38-year-old Cody Balmer from Harrisburg in connection with the arson. District Attorney Chardo says Balmer will be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSP states the investigation is ongoing, but they are prepared to say at this time that it was an act of arson. PSP says members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire were called to the Governors house on North Front Street just after 2:00 a.m. for the report of a structure fire. The fire was extinguished successfully, but it did cause a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, according to the release. Chardo states that Balmer gained access to the property by jumping over a fence and acted surreptitiously once on the property. Firefighters battle Scranton structure fire Officials say Balmer acted quickly by starting the fire inside the home within minutes. It is not known at this time how the fire was started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Governor and his family were home at the time, but were safe and unharmed. The Pennsylvania State Police were on-scene and are spearheading a multi-agency investigation. There is a reward of up to $10,000 offered through PSP Tips for the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible. Anyone with information should call 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477). Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also released a statement in part, saying he is glad the family is safe and is ready to provide any resources necessary to find the culprit. Governor Shapiro did release a statement on the attempted arson of his house last night: Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. @PAStatePolice is on the scene leading this investigation and will keep the public updated. Governor Josh Shapiro Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis released a statement saying: Blayre and I are relieved to know the Shapiro family is safe and unharmed, and Im confident the State Police will get to the bottom of who perpetrated this crime. I wont speculate on motivations, but I will say that targeting elected officials and their family members with violence is never acceptable. These sorts of acts deter good people from pursuing public service at a time when we desperately need more Americans to participate in our democracy. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, who lived in that residence for eight years, also released a statement. Today I share the following thoughts in light of the overnight attack on the Pennsylvania State Governors residence in Harrisburg. Michele and I are so thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe after an overnight arson fire at the Governors residence. We are also grateful for the Pennsylvania State Police who alerted the family in the early morning hours. We know well their commitment to protecting Pennsylvanias first families and send our gratitude for their service in the wake of this terribly upsetting event. The images showing the damage to the home we lived in with our children for nearly eight years are heartbreaking. All of us should feel safe in our homes, especially when that home is our states official residence, which makes this particularly shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack, to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth, must be held to account. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge Pennsylvania House Representative of the 9th District, Dan Meuser, stated that: Violence has no place in our politicsnone. Im thankful that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe following last nights terrible incident. No elected official or their loved onesregardless of partyshould ever have their safety threatened for serving the public. We live in a country where we resolve our differences through debate, elections, and the rule of lawnot through fear, intimidation, or violence. What happened last night was not just an attack on one familyit was an attack on the values we all share as Americans. And it is particularly disgraceful that this occurred on Passovera sacred time of faith, freedom, and reflection. Im grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police, Capitol Police, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire for their swift response and for protecting the Governors family. We owe them our thanks and our full support. We must all stand unitedRepublicans and Democrats alikein condemning these acts and making clear they will never be tolerated in our Commonwealth or our country. I look forward to these dangerous criminals being apprehended, prosecuted, and jailed to the fullest extent of the law. Pennsylvania House Representative of the 9th District Dan Meuser Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) also issued a statement. The preliminary details about last nights arson attack at the Governors Residence are beyond disturbing and I condemn this, and every act of political violence, in the strongest terms. I am glad to hear Gov. Shapiro and his family are safe and no injuries resulted from what appears to be a heinous act. I thank Capitol Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Harrisburg Fire Bureau for their swift action and ongoing efforts to bring the arsonists to justice. Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rotham also issued this statement: Todays fire at the Governors Mansion is shocking and troubling. I know I speak for all Republicans in saying we are grateful that Governor Shapiro, his family, and mansion staff are safe. Thank you to the Harrisburg Fire Department, PA State Police and all of the emergency services personnel for their hard work and dedication. If it is determined that this was a criminal act, those responsible should face swift justice. There is no place for violence, arson, and the destruction of property in our society. Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Greg Rotham Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, also issued the following statement in reaction to the incident: My colleagues and I share the disbelief and outrage felt by all Pennsylvanians following the heinous attack on Governor Shapiros family at his residence last evening. On behalf of the Supreme Court, I extend my sincere support and concern for the governor and his family and gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and courageously in the face of violence and hate. This moment calls for unity and resolve in support of those affected by this senseless and disturbing act. Acts of violence targeting our communities, neighbors, first responders and public officials are a stark reminder of the need for us to come together to reject hate and stand in solidarity and support for the institutions that unite us as Pennsylvanians. Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd Holding back tears, Governor Josh Shapiro stood in front of his fire-damaged home to address the media. There is some damage to the outside of the governors residence after the arsonist set fire to it. Shapiro says his family was traumatized, adding that he does not tolerate any violence, especially during a time of Passover celebration. Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and messages of support that we have received from those all over the state. No one will deter me or my family from serving our faith proudly and openly, Governor Shapiro said. First and foremost, Im glad that Governor Shapiro and his family are safe, and violence is never the answer. I hope Governor Shapiro and his family can move through this and the person who is responsible is held accountable, Representative of Pennsylvanias Eighth Congressional District Rob Bresnahan stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WHTM) The Pennsylvania State Police have released the results of their Orange Squeeze traffic detail in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. It was part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and allowed troopers to monitor work zones from construction vehicles to catch violations. The Troop T Eastern Section conducted Orange Squeeze on Wednesday in their eastern section. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that, they filed 116 citations and 47 warnings. One person was arrested for DUI with drug possession. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices Officials said the initiative is critical, as 176 crashes occurred in active Turnpike work zones last year, resulting in two deaths and 48 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 ABC27. CAIRO (Reuters) - Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of a major camp for displaced people in North Darfur, the paramilitary group said on Sunday, after a four-day assault the government and aid groups have said left hundreds dead or wounded. The fighting has centred around the Zamzam camp, which, along with the nearby Abu Shouk camp, hosts some 700,000 people displaced by Sudan's war. The assault has destroyed shelters, markets, and healthcare facilities, aid groups said. The RSF said the camp was being used as a base by what it called "mercenary factions". But humanitarian groups denounced the assault as a targeted attack on vulnerable civilians, including women, children and elderly people, who are already facing famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), a Darfur militia allied to the national army, has been fighting the RSF around the city of al-Fashir, around 15 km (9.3 miles) from Zamzam, with the help of other local armed groups. Tens of thousands of camp residents have fled to al-Fashir on foot, overwhelming shelters, and are now sleeping outdoors without food, water, or medicine, SLA spokesperson El-Sadiq Ali El-Nour said on Sunday. The city - the capital of Sudan's North Darfur province - came under heavy shelling and RSF ground attacks on Sunday, the SLA said, calling for military support from Sudan's armed forces and allied factions. The Sudanese army has a base with several thousand troops in al-Fashir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The leadership of the armed forces must act swiftly to save the lives of approximately 1.5 million people in al-Fashir urgently," the SLA said in a statement. "Darfur must not fight alone." The RSF has denied targeting civilians and, on Saturday, accused its rivals of orchestrating a media campaign using actors and staged scenes within the camp to falsely incriminate it. On Sunday, it said it had organised voluntary evacuations for families fleeing al-Fashir and surrounding camps and welcomed humanitarian agencies to respond to the deteriorating conditions. The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the army and the RSF, shattering hopes for a transition to civilian rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict has since displaced millions and devastated regions like Darfur, where the RSF is now fighting to maintain its stronghold amid army advances in Khartoum. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Mohamed Ezz; Editing by Joe Bavier) Artem Semenikhin, the mayor of the Sumy Oblast city Konotop, accused regional Governor Volodymyr Artiukh of planning an awards ceremony for the 117th Brigade in Sumy on April 13 the same day Russia launched a devastating ballistic missile attack on the city center. The event posed undue risk to civilians and military personnel, Semenikhin claimed. Russia attacked the northeastern city of Sumy with ballistic missiles on the morning of Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people and injuring at least 117 others. Children were among the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Artiukh "helped (Russia) justify their terrorist attack, a genocidal attack on us, Ukrainians," Seminikhin said in a video posted to Facebook. "How did he help? He organized the presentation of certificates and medals to our guys, heroes, here today. From one of the brigades, the 117th brigade. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is writing about it, so it is not a secret." The large gathering of soldiers created a pretense for Russia to attack a "military gathering," Semenikhin said, while needlessly exposing nearby civilians. Semenikhin clarified that the soldiers were not injured and only civilians were harmed by the Russian strike. Russia's primary target was civilians, Semenikhin said, particularly children. The second target was Ukraine's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was happy to learn that a criminal case has been opened not only for the terrorist genocidal attack by the butchers against Ukrainians, but also that a case has been opened to find out who thought of holding events with a gathering of military personnel in the city center 30 kilometers from the butchers," he said. Semenikhin also claimed that the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), Vasyl Maliuk, was maintaining tight control over news of the planned ceremony. The Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainiska Pravda reported that its sources confirmed the awards ceremony honoring the 117th Brigade was scheduled to take place in Sumy the morning of April 13. One source said two soldiers they knew personally had arrived for the ceremony and were waiting for it to begin when the missiles struck. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: A war crime European leaders react to Russias Palm Sunday attack on Sumy that killed dozens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On April 10, Chief Justice John Roberts placed a case on the Supreme Courts docket that could potentially entrench far more devastating and irremediable damage to the global economy than Trumps tariffs; eviscerate American democracy more than the presidents maneuvers to crush critics in academia, law, and business; and undermine rule-of-law governance more than the courts widely covered April 7 procedural finesse of Trump officials defiance of district judges orders to halt unlawful deportations. The potential for catastrophe cannot be dismissed as hysterical fearmongering. It will indeed come to pass, if the court adheres to the letter of the so-called unitary executive theory long treasured by right-wing legal academics and pundits, repeated reflexively by hard-line conservative judges, and recently given nods of approval by various justices on the Supreme Courts rightto justify the claim that the Constitution bars Congress from prescribing that presidents can remove heads of multimember agencies only for cause. Dating back well over a century, courts have interpreted that bar to be so high that presidents refrain from even trying to terminate officeholders enjoying for-cause removal protection. Ideological legal conservatives have long condemned this brake on presidential power because, they insist, by vesting the executive power in a president, the Constitution gave the president all of the executive power not some of it, in the words of their late icon, Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalias reasoning and rhetoric have driven some of the Roberts courts most significant decisions. However, despite this seemingly implacable momentum, reasons exist to expect that a majority of the court, including at least two of the six conservative justices, can be persuaded, however regretfully, to put ideology aside when they reach the merits of the case the chief justice just docketed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case in question consolidates two litigations challenging Trumps firing of commissioners of, respectively, the National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB (Wilcox v. Trump), and the Merit Systems Protection Board, or MSPB (Harris v. [Treasury Secretary Scott] Bessent). Both of the terminated officials are covered by statutory for-cause-only removal safeguards. Trump and his legal minions acknowledge that there was no basis for removing either official in the requirements specified in the applicable statutes; both officials had exemplary performance records, which plainly failed to meet the identical criteria in both statutes that permit removal only for inefficiency, neglect, or malfeasance. Nonetheless, Trumps Justice Department lawyers maintain that he can ignore these strictures because the Constitution bars Congress from placing any limits on his ability to fire agency heads for any reason or no reason. The President, Solicitor General John Sauer told the justices in his brief, should not be forced to delegate his executive power to agency heads who are demonstrably at odds with the Administrations policy objectives for a single day. In 2020, when conservative justices comprised a five-justice majority, the court decided 54, in Seila Law v CFPB, that the Constitution mandated at-will status for single-headed executive agenciesnamely, in that case, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But the decision expressly declined to extend this mandate to multimember independent agencies, such as the NLRB and the MSPB. The justices can no longer dodge that fraught question. On April 7, a 74 majority of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the Trump administrations claim. The majority (consisting of all seven of the courts judges appointed by Democratic presidents) ruled that a 1935 Supreme Court decision upholding for-cause removal protections for heads of multimember agencies remained binding precedent, never mind that it has fallen out of favor with their Republican-appointed colleagues and other legal luminaries on the right. The Court of Appeals majority ordered the reinstatement of both of the agency board members Trump had fired, pending the outcome of the litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, Solicitor General Sauer filed an emergency petition in the Supreme Court seeking reversal of the reinstatement order. Chief Justice Robertss warp-speed grant of Sauers petition, three hours after it was filed, was interpreted as merely giving the justices time to mull the weighty issues at stake, not presaging the result after they complete that process. Sauer asked the court to hear and decide the case in the current term, which expires at the end of June. Why might a critical mass of the Supreme Courts conservative supermajority shrink from letting their ideology propel them to broaden untrammeled presidential firing authority to multiheaded agencies? Two potential reasons spring to mind: the real-world consequences of such an extension and the doctrinal and empirical holes in the undergirding unitary executive theory that scholars have exposed since Justice Antonin Scalia first expounded the current version of that concept in 1988. Of the two, the calamitous-consequences barrier, while as yet only fleetingly acknowledged by the justices, is no doubt the most daunting. In particular, two words give that prospect intimidating force. Those words are the Fed. As legal scholar Stephen Vladeck recently wrote, The not-very-well-kept secret is that the justices are (understandably) wary about handing down a ruling that would allow any President, and perhaps this one in particular, to exercise direct control over U.S. monetary policy by controlling who sits on the Federal Reserve Board. Since the original Framers establishment of the first and, especially, the second Bank of the United States, a broad and bipartisan consensus has hardened, in the U.S. as well as every industrialized nation, that an independent central bank with far-reaching powers is essential to maintaining monetary stability and sustaining economic growth. Conservative legal experts with financial regulatory expertise are well aware of the threat posed by subjecting the Fed to total presidential control. Peter Wallison of the American Enterprise Institute, otherwise a champion of judicially enforced controls on the administrative state, nevertheless wrote, on February 28 of this year, Under no circumstances would it make sense as public policy for the president to have the power to control the Fed. To date, no one has come up with a principled basis for distinguishing multimember agencies like the NLRB or the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC,which conservatives would love to rein infrom the Fed, which they, along with the corporate sectors with which they are often allied, fervently believe requires independence. This poses a dilemma, since, as Wallison observed, If the Court concludes that the president can control a multi-headed independent agency, there will be no Court-approved avenue that clearly makes the Fed immune from presidential control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wallisons acknowledgment of untoward real-world consequences is not the only weakness in conservatives support for unitary executive theory. In 2018, libertarian law professor Ilya Somin announced that unitary executive theory is one of the few issues on which I have changed my mind during the Trump era, a turnabout he confirmed in January of this year. Somins switch appeared on the widely read conservative-libertarian legal blog The Volokh Conspiracy, which has posted other broadsides against the theory. Apart from the Fed, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is another independent agency no oneright, left, or centershould want to be subject to unchecked presidential control. There would seem to be no need to elaborate the existential danger to democracy inherent in giving the White House, especially but by no means exclusively this White House, total control of the FCCs authority to award or withdraw broadcast licenses from owners of, say, The Washington Post, The New York Times, or Rupert Murdochs media empire. Perhaps less dramatic, but hardly unimportant, are the virtues of independence for other such agencies. For example, take the Federal Trade Commission. The FTCs antitrust authority is often dismissed as duplicative of the Department of Justices Antitrust Division. But an unscrupulous president can readily use DOJs antitrust powers to bully corporations big and small into toeing his or her lineas indeed Trump was widely perceived to have done, or attempted, in his first term. Now, in his second term, the willingness to abuse power in this manner is something that Attorney General Pam Bondi has all but overtly proclaimed a linchpin for personnel evaluation. There are unique reasons why the independence of the Merit Systems Protection Board, directly at stake in the pending Supreme Court case, is essential. Independence from White House control is central to the overriding objective of the 1883 Pendleton Act, as refined by the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act, to replace the corruption-saturated spoils system of the nineteenth century, which culminated in the assassination of President James Garfield by Charles Guiteau. Thereafter, the corrupt favor-trading regime was replaced by a merit-based professional civil service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1988, Justice Scalia and his disciples have consistently justified the unitary executive theory, as a matter of law, on originalist groundsspecifically, on the claim that the Framers so understood the Constitution, even though the Constitutions text itself prescribes nothing whatsoever to limit Congresss authority to regulate the mode of removing agency heads. Unitary executive proponents have rested their legal case on the contention that unfettered firing authority was implicit in Article 2s vesting of federal executive power in the president. Given the theorys lack of actual textual basis, unitary executive proponents needed to show that their understanding was borne out by contemporaneous statements and practice. For a considerable time, this claim was widely accepted as true or at worst plausible. But as unitary executive theory took hold on the right, that narrative began to be challenged by (largely liberal) scholars. Over the years, more and more founding-era actions inconsistent with the theory came to light. Recently, research has irrefutably exposed the notion of a founding-era consensus around unitary executive theory as simply bad law-office historydespite its endorsement in opinions of the nations highest court. To take one example, sufficiently persuasive on its own: the First and Second banks of the United States, vastly powerful instrumentalities resembling the twentieth-century Fed, especially the Second bank. As D.C. Circuit Judge Patricia Millett wrote on April 6, when the case was before her court, As for the First and Second Banks of the United States, Congress provided the President no removal authority over members of the First Bank, and gave the President control over only five out of twenty-five members of the Second Bank. Significantly, legislation creating the First Bank, enacted in 1791, was crafted by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamiltonfamously, among all the Founding Fathers, the most ardent champion of an energetic president. The Second Bank legislation was signed into law in 1816 by President James Madison. Recent scholarship has brought to light other founding-era legislation that extensively circumscribed presidential power to fire senior executive officers of federal instrumentalities, including officials equivalent to modern agency heads. In short, we now know that contemporaneous practice demonstrated the opposite of unitary executive proponents claim that there was an original consensus understanding that Article 2 implicitly vested presidents with full authority over the entire executive branch, specifically over removal of all agency heads. With their contemporaneous-practice rationale in tatters, the legal case for extending unitary executive theory to junk over two centuries of federal institutional architecture simply falls apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, the constitutional text that does bear on the issue augurs emphatically in support of the flexibility Congresses and presidents from the founding era forward to the present have shown in crafting institutional arrangements like the central banks, the merit-based civil service system, and the National Labor Relations Acts machinery for settling labor disputes through legal procedures rather than the industrial warfare rampant prior to passage of the 1936 National Labor Relations Act. That text is the necessary and proper clause of Article 1. This clause confers on Congress the power To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing [enumerated] Powers [specifically assigned to Congress], and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. (Emphasis mine.) Famously, that text was (contemporaneously) interpreted by Chief Justice John Marshall to empower future generations to provide for exigencies which, if foreseen at all, must have been seen dimly, and which can be best provided for as they occur. As one of todays most widely respected center-right legal authorities, former Harvard Law dean and current University Provost John Manning, has explained, this clause precludes establish[ing] a constitutional violation simply by showing that Congress has constrained the way executive power is implemented; that is, per Manning, exactly what the Clause gives Congress the power to do. In relevant opinions and oral arguments, the conservative justices have evinced that they feel tugged in opposite directionson the one hand, by the long-held ideological staple that complete presidential control of the executive power is constitutionally compelled and, on the other, by their apparent recognition of the potentially catastrophic consequences of following that line to its logical end point. In their 2020 decision nixing independence for the CFPB, Chief Justice Roberts repeated Scalias bromide that the executive powerall of itis vested in a President. On the other hand, Roberts stressed that a 90-year-old precedent held that expert agencies [were] led by a group of principal officers removable only for good cause. (Emphasis is in the original.) He also observed that the single-director arrangement enacted by Congress differed from the proposals of [then] Professor [Elizabeth] Warren and the Obama administration, for creating a traditional independent agency headed by a multimember board or commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For tea-leaf readers, of particular interest is potential swing justice Brett Kavanaughs lengthy dissenting opinion when he was on the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, regarding an identical 2018 challenge to the validity of the CFPB, just before his elevation to the Supreme Court. On that occasion, Kavanaugh did not merely argue that multimember independent agencies could be distinguished from their single-director cousins; he spelled out positive attributes of the former genre. He stressed, Because of their massive power and the absence of Presidential supervision and direction, [single-director] independent agencies pose a significant threat to [both] individual liberty and to the constitutional system of separation of powers and checks and balances [because of the directors] authority to take action on ones own, subject to no check[unlike] any single commissioner or board member or any other official in the U.S. government, other than the president. He also noted that not only then-Professor and now-Senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as President Obamas administration, but Representative Barney Frank and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi also backed a multimember format for the CFPB. He detailed how presidents retain considerable authority to shape the policy direction of multimember independent agencies because, typically, they can replace the agency chairperson and designate a replacement from among the members, with no requirement to show cause. On the other hand, Kavanaugh referenced another D.C. Circuit opinion of his noting tension between the Supreme Courts 90-year-old precedent upholding independent multimember agencies and more recent decisions, especially the CFPB case, Seila Law v. CFPB. What all this mandates for liberal advocates is that they must mobilize a robust and broad coalition that includes conservatives, economists, business and especially financial leaders, as well as liberal constituencies close to the NLRB and the MSPB, to hammer home to the justices that it is time to shelve an ideological credo unfaithful to the text of the Constitution or the design and actions of its Framers, out of sync with over two centuries of entrenchedand successfultradition, and, most of all, a real threat to economic stability and growth and democratic governance. Editors Note: There were earlier reports that someone had been trampled during the shooting melee which has now been confirmed as false. We have updated this story to reflect latest police information. (KRON) The Davis Police Department is investigating a shooting at Community Park on Saturday afternoon that took place during a large gathering at Picnic Day. Three people were shot, said police. The suspect remains on the loose and no weapons were recovered at the crime scene. Could have ended very differently: Drunk man in traffic stop arrest had fully loaded gun, body armor, say Vallejo police by: Tor Smith Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis police said the incident happened at 2:58 p.m. when several officers patrolling the area heard what sounded like several gunshots coming from within the park. Upon arrival, police located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of those victims are juveniles and are residents from Davis and Sacramento. A third victim is a 24-year-old individual. All three individuals were treated on scene and taken to a nearby hospital. The injuries appear to be non-life threatening, said police. Police said event goers were fleeing in opposite directions when the shooting broke out. The park has since been cleared by police. Davis police said there was a huge law enforcement presence in the area due to its normal procedures for Picnic Day. Investigators remain at the scene. Photo courtesy of KTXL Fox 40. This is really an uncommon event for us, this particular situation said Lieutenant Dan Beck of Davis Police Department. In my 18 years, weve never had anything like this. We do our best to keep this community safe during this event. Its supposed to be a fun event for families, and I think it still is. This is the one-off. Our officers were there quickly. In fact, we had officers on the scene when the incident occurred. We were able to stabilize that scene relatively quickly given the scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC Davis had issued an earlier update on its website, saying The city of Davis Police Department is currently on scene at Community Park, 201 East 14th St., investigating a reported shooting. Please avoid the area due to a heavy police presence until further notice. The park is about a mile north of the UC Davis campus. There is no credible threat to campus. Police said the circumstances and the motive surrounding the shooting are not clear. There may be additional victims and police said they will be monitoring local hospitals for patients tied to the incident. There is no suspect description confirmed at this time. We call it the firehose of information, added Lt. Beck. You have a lot of people out there who are scared and calling the police and were getting a lot of conflicting information that all came in at once. This is very preliminary and what our detectives and our officers are out there doing is really trying to find a congruent indication of what actually happened and who was involved. In an official statement sent to KRON4 on the incident, UC Davis said: The UC Davis community is saddened by the news that individuals enjoying a day at Community Park in Davis were injured in a shooting Saturday afternoon. That the incident occurred as thousands of people were enjoying the universitys annual student-led Picnic Day on campus, is even more disheartening. The on-campus festivities were winding down when news broke about the shooting. Like everyone, UC Davis is learning more from the city of Davis Police, who are leading this investigation. We wish a full recovery for those individuals who were injured. Were grateful for the response from the Davis Police Department and other first responders on scene, including the UC Davis police and fire departments. We are checking in with our students to determine if any of those who were at Community Park today need support. Picnic Day is a day when tens of thousands of visitors join us as we celebrate our people, programs and community. Our hearts go out to our students who organize such a massive effort on campus, and to all those in the city of Davis, where activities often peaceably continue. As the Davis Police continue their investigation, we will cooperate fully. We will provide updates that are pertinent to campus if we have them. A UC Davis spokesperson Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call 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 KRON4. Update: SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Salt Lake City Police Department has provided more information about a barricade situation that happened on Sunday, April 13. Officials said the suspect identified as a 64-year-old man was safely taken into custody after the situation. Officials first responded to an apartment building near 2333 West North Temple around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, according to SLCPD. Officers learned the suspect had allegedly assaulted another resident of the apartment complex and had recently been evicted, police said. The suspect then barricaded himself inside his former apartment unit and refused to communicate with officers or surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several hours of attempted communication, officers obtained a warrant and entered the suspects apartment with a keycard around 1:15 p.m. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident and will be booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The suspects name has not yet been released. The victim was determined to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. No other injuries were reported, and any road closures that were put into effect have since been lifted. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Original story: SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Salt Lake City Polices SWAT Team responded to a barricaded assault suspect early Sunday afternoon. The suspect is now in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SWAT responded to the situation at around 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. The suspect was reportedly barricaded inside an apartment at 2333 West North Temple Street. After multiple callouts, the suspect came to the door and SWAT officers negotiated with him. The suspect then turned himself in. Details surrounding the incident are limited at this time. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To show me just how bad gang crime has become in Sweden, all journalist Diamant Salihu has to do is forward a few mobile phone messages. At first glance, they look like spam, written in garish fonts and promising large sums of money, there to be earned. Its only on closer examination that the purpose of the pistol and skull emojis becomes clear. These are so-called murder ads posted online by gang leaders, offering bounties to anyone willing to carry out the hits. All types of jobs are available, reads one, promising up to one million krona (78,000). Age doesnt matter, adds another explaining why many of Swedens new contract killers arent hardened hitmen, but children. Part of the problem, some say, is that Swedish law dictates anyone aged under 15 is too young to be prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have so many child soldiers that nobody can count anymore, sighs Salihu, an investigative reporter for SVT, Swedens answer to the BBC. There are kids as young as 13 being arrested. Barely a week passes in Sweden today without a teenager being arrested for such a hit, keeping Salihu extremely busy, and the public in the grip of a national crisis like no other before it. A softly-spoken former tabloid journalist, the 41-year-old could be a character from a Scandi-noir novel, shining light in societys darker corners. The body count on his beat, though, is far higher than any Stieg Larsson novel, and holds out little prospect of a satisfactory ending. Journalist and author Diamant Salihu: We have so many child soldiers that nobody can count anymore - Thron Ullberg For the story he has pursued for the last decade is, in effect, one giant, unsolved murder mystery: why has Sweden, long the envy of the rest of Europe for its peace and prosperity, suddenly seeing so many gangland killings? Why, in a land that prides itself on welcoming migrants, are so many gang members from migrant communities? And is it Swedish society that is the ultimate culprit, or the migrant communities themselves? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are questions he has already addressed in two best-selling books of reportage, both kicking a hornets nest that liberal Sweden long preferred to leave well alone. His first, Until Everyone Dies, chronicled a war between two Somali street gangs that left nine young footsoldiers dead. His latest, When Nobodys Listening, charts the upper echelons of Swedish crime, as revealed through the police cracking of Encrochat, the encrypted mobile phone service used by gangsters Europe-wide. A social media post advertising a contract killing for one million Swedish Krone (78k) It is published in translation this month in Britain a place where Salihu, himself a migrant of Kosovan stock, first observed cracks in the multi-cultural model while working as a foreign correspondent for the Swedish tabloid Expressen. During the six months he spent reporting for the newspaper in London, he covered the aftermath of the 2011 riots, in which gangs played a significant role. Two years later, he found himself reporting the same story at home, when riots in broke out in inner-city neighbourhoods across Sweden. Interviewing local youths, Salihu heard the standard complaints about joblessness and alienation, but couldnt help asking himself one awkward question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Swedish areas that have social problems, I didnt see the same bad standard of housing and class differences that I saw in the UK, he tells me by Zoom from Sweden. So why, when we in Sweden have a generally better standard of living, do we have this escalation of violence? It is a question that the rest of Swedens 10 million citizens are now asking too, in the wake of a decade-long surge of violence that peaked at 62 deadly shootings in 2022. That was twice the figure for England and Wales, which have six times the population, and ranked Sweden second only to Albania that year for gun deaths per capita in Europe. Ageing biker clans that were once Swedens best-known street gangs have been supplanted by ethnic mafias from the Balkans and Middle East most notably the Kurdish-led Foxtrot group, which looms large in Salihus new book. Foxtrot is prominent in Swedens drug trade, although much of its activity might more aptly be termed disorganised crime. It pioneered the online bounty system, lending out guns and grenades to any teenager seeking to make a name. With police struggling to keep up, even small provincial towns have witnessed shootings and bombings. Swedish police have decrypted a messaging service used by criminals called Encrochat - AFP Gang kingpins, meanwhile, are eulogised by rappers and so-called gangfluencers, a term that made the Swedish Language Councils list of new words back in 2021. As Ulf Kristersson, the countrys centre-Right prime minister, laments: Sweden has never seen anything like it before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor, Salihu adds, is it just youngsters from migrant ghettos claiming the bounties. We also now see Swedish kids involved some from broken backgrounds, but some whose parents are successful. All theyve maybe done before is steal something or play truant, now theyre getting involved in murder. A video obtained by The Telegraph late last year showed what appeared to be a 14-year-old assassin carrying out a contract killing for a narcotics gang. The footage shows the teen, armed with a Kalashnikov rifle, firing a spray of bullets towards the front door of a property within an apartment block. It was said to have been filmed to prove the killing was carried out. So what has gone wrong? Part of the blame, Salihu says, is down to the social blights common to most of Europes more impoverished multi-racial neighbourhoods. Joblessness and discrimination limit many youngsters sense of prospects. TV gang dramas, meanwhile, often highlight the flashy parts of gang life money, respect, power but leave out the trauma, manipulation, and tragic consequences. Yet the sense of failure is all the more acute in Sweden, long an open door compared to other European nations. Ever since the 1960s, when it first styled itself as a humanitarian superpower, it has taken in those fleeing trouble abroad, be it Americans fleeing the Vietnam war draft, Soviet dissidents, or Iraqis fleeing Saddam Husseins regime. In the 1990s came refugees from the Balkans, and in the last decade asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa have arrived. Anxious not to create parallel societies, Swedish governments have long funded social integration programmes alongside the waves of migration. On the subject of the deadly rise of gang crime, Ulf Kristersson, the countrys centre-Right prime minister has said that Sweden has never seen anything like it before - Getty But parallel societies have sprung up regardless, according to Salihu, who lived until the age of eight on his familys farm in Kosovo, where even cars were a luxury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a horse and cart, like in the Borat movies, he says. The family fled ahead of the war with Serbia in 1998, which saw their home burned down, settling in a provincial town in central Sweden. I remember my mother breaking down in tears when she learned that her brother had been killed while fighting in the war, Salihu recalls. Ive always felt that if Id stayed in Kosovo, I might not be alive today. Even back then, about 20 per cent of his new Swedish classmates were migrants like him. But he also mixed with kids whose parents had college educations and second homes a vision of the Swedish dream to aspire to. Today, he says, his old neighbourhood no longer even glimpses that dream. I went back there in 2014 as a journalist, and basically every kid in the school was now from a migrant background, he says. That makes it harder for them to learn Swedish properly, and they wont see what I saw as a child. Society has become much more segregated. Swedes welcome people from every corner of the world, but dont actually want to live with them as neighbours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salihu doesnt blame it all on racism, however. In his new book, for example, he writes of gang-plagued areas where single mothers are often raising eight children alone. Many gang members he interviews, meanwhile, dont blame society or their parents, but actively choose their lifestyle. Theyve had all the opportunities, with siblings whove graduated and got good jobs, yet still theyve chosen the bad path. The bad path, unfortunately, is open to anyone who chooses to answer a murder ad. Recruits are sometimes directed to their targets via live smart-phone feeds, and then ordered to film their handiwork. Last December, a killer using Go Pro footage filmed himself gunning down a Syrian-born rapper, Ninos Khouri, in a multi-storey car-park. Gang leaders also cultivate cult presences on social media, their followers often taking exception to less-than-flattering coverage by journalists like Salihu. When one former Foxtrot affiliate, Mustapha al-Jubouri, broadcast a video revealing he had faked his own death waving a golden Kalashnikov around to prove he was still alive his acolytes singled out Salihu for criticism on a live Instagram feed. It was being watched by 20,000 people, says Salihu, who keeps his home address secret. How could Instagram not do something about that, knowing what kind of people are involved, inciting murder and threatening journalists? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swedens gang menace is also spreading overseas, including to Britain. In 2022, Anis Hemissi, a kickboxer of Tunisian descent, was jailed in the UK for murdering Flamur Beqiri, a Swedish-Albanian drug kingpin gunned down outside his home in Battersea. Anis Hemissi, a kickboxer of Tunisian descent, was jailed in the UK for murdering Flamur Beqiri Swedish police are also hunting a 25-year-old gangster suspected of murdering two British travel agents, Juan Cifuentes and Farooq Abdulrazak, shot dead during a business trip to the city of Malmo last July. Their families insist they had no gang connections. To complicate matters, many gangsters also have bolt-holes in the Middle East, where family connections sometimes shield them from arrest. Al-Jubouri issued his comeback video from Iraq, while Foxtrots leader, Rawa The Fox Majid, fled to Turkey six years ago, taking citizenship to avoid extradition. He reportedly owned a luxury flat in Istanbul, from where he continued to wage gang feuds remotely before then apparently fleeing to Iran. With the far-Right, anti-immigrant Swedish Democrats now attracting one in five of Swedish voters, the government has been trying to push back on the gang problem. Jail terms have been increased significantly for juveniles, who used to get away with as little as three years custody for murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the cracking of Encrochat which let police forces all over Europe eavesdrop on gangsters plans around 400 Swedish criminals have been jailed. Lawyers pictured during a drug trial that followed the decryption of encryption softwares Encrochat and Sky ECC - AFP Swedish politicians are also calling for curbs on social media use to stop the murder ads something Salihu warns could also spread to the UK. You too may end up with British child soldiers, just as we are facing this crisis in Sweden, he says. He points out that while Britains tougher firearms laws mean shootings are less frequent, knife crime is almost as bad: in the 12 months to March 2024, 57 under-25s died in stabbings, 17 of them under 16. But while Swedens gun killings have now dipped last year saw 45 Salihu fears the underlying cause for the violence continues to lurk. He also points out that the gang footsoldiers are now attracting far more dangerous paymasters than common criminals. A year ago, Swedish officials accused Iran of recruiting local gang members for attacks on Israeli interests in Europe, including Israels Stockholm Embassy, where a live grenade was found in the grounds. Last month, Washington sanctioned the Foxtrot network over the attacks, saying The Fox had specifically cooperated with Tehran. With that in mind, Salihu fears it may one day not just be gangsters who live in fear of being targeted by murder ads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we allow these criminals to become more powerful, I fear that our democratic institutions will come under pressure, be it prosecutors, or journalists I myself would feel much more afraid, Salihu adds. These guys are predators. You have to stand up to them, not back off. When Nobodys Listening: Inside Swedens Drug Gangs is published by Polity Press and available for purchase (25.00) from April 18 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. BEIRUT (AP) Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa made his first visit Sunday to the United Arab Emirates, whose leaders have been circumspect about the new leadership in Damascus in the four months since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive. The state-run Emirates News Agency, or WAM, reported that the UAE's president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Sharaa in Abu Dhabi and wished him success in leading Syria through the coming period and in fulfilling the Syrian peoples hopes for development, security, and stability. The statement said the two leaders discussed a number of issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional and international developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many other Arab countries, the UAE cut off relations with Assads government after its brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011 that escalated into a civil war. However, the UAE was one of the first to restore ties, reopening its embassy in Damascus in December 2018. In 2022, Assad visited the UAE in his first visit to an Arab country after the war erupted. Other Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, were quick to welcome Syrias new rulers led by al-Sharaa, an Islamist former insurgent who led the charge that unseated Assad. But the UAE, which has historically been anxious about Islamist political movements, has taken a more cautious approach to the new authorities in Damascus. Syrias new rulers have sought to bolster their regional ties as they struggle to rebuild the country's economy and infrastructure after nearly 14 years of war, consolidate control over the territory and bring together a patchwork of armed groups with their own leadership into a national army. They are also facing challenges from Israel, which has launched a campaign of airstrikes and moved ground troops in to seize a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone on Syrian territory since the fall of Assad. The zone was set up under a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrias new authorities and U.N. officials have said Israel is violating the agreement and called for it to withdraw. Israeli officials say they are protecting their borders and plan to stay indefinitely. The UAE, as one of a handful of Arab countries that has normalized ties with Israel, could play a role in mediating between the two countries. CAIRO (Reuters) -Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met his United Arab Emirates counterpart in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, the Syrian leader's office said, on his second visit to a Gulf state as the country's new Islamist rulers seek to reassure foreign partners they will create an inclusive political system. Sharaa, who met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was accompanied by Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani. Syrian state news agency SANA said earlier on Sunday that Sharaa and Shibani were expected to discuss issues of mutual interest with Emirati officials, without giving details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia in February on his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency in January. The new Syrian leadership is seeking to strengthen ties with Arab and Western leaders following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December at the hands of Sharaa's Sunni Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Abu Dhabi has been a fierce opponent of Islamist groups across the region, including in Egypt, Sudan and Libya. It has said in the past that extremism and terrorism were a major concern in Syria following the fall of Assad. The Emirati president affirmed UAE support for Syria in rebuilding Syria "in a way that meets the aspirations of its people for a future of security, stability and prosperity", according to the UAE state news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western countries are also watching Syria's leaders closely to ensure they create an inclusive government, maintain order in a country fractured by civil war and prevent a resurgence of Islamic State or al Qaeda. Syria is in desperate need of sanctions relief to revive its economy after 14 years of war, during which the United States and Europe imposed wide-ranging sanctions to squeeze Assad. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Jaidaa TahaWriting by Menna Alaa El-Din;Editing by David Goodman, Giles Elgood and Frances Kerry) Turkish media outlets, citing Turkiyes Ministry of Defence, have reported that a meeting on Black Sea security is scheduled to take place in Ankara next week, with representatives from both Ukraine and Russia expected to attend. Source: Turkish news outlets CNN Turk and TGRT Details: Sources in the Turkish Ministry of National Defence reported that Russian and Ukrainian officials will meet at the headquarters of the Turkish Navy Command in Ankara on 15-16 April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting will reportedly focus on maintaining peace in the Black Sea after a possible ceasefire. The meeting will also be attended by military representatives of foreign countries, though it has not been specified. It will discuss military plans that can be implemented to maintain peace in the Black Sea. Background: Following the talks held in Saudi Arabia from 23 to 25 March, Russia and Ukraine agreed to hold discussions on the security of shipping in the Black Sea. However, Russia later issued a list of demands, including the easing of several sanctions on its agricultural sector. The United States stated it would consider these demands, while European countries have rejected any easing of sanctions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) Tanzania's main opposition party faces exclusion from general elections set for October after its leader was charged with treason last week. The CHADEMA party on Saturday boycotted an event for all parties to sign a code of ethics, violating a legal requirement for parties to participate in polls, Ramadhani Kailima, a director with the Independent National Electoral Commission, told reporters. Any party that did not come today will not be given the opportunity tomorrow, Kailima said. Therefore, if there is a party that has not submitted its declaration, it will not participate in this years 2025 elections or in any other by-election that may arise within the five-year period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tundu Lissu, the leader of CHADEMA, was charged with treason on Thursday following his arrest at a public rally in which he called for electoral reforms ahead of elections. The opposition leader was forced into a police vehicle late Wednesday following a speech at a rally in the southern town of Mbinga, which is more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital. Tanzania will elect the president and members of parliament in the October elections. The opposition in Tanzania has been calling for electoral reforms to ensure the upcoming vote is free and fair. In statement Saturday, CHADEMA said it opposed elections without fundamental electoral reforms. Human rights activists have accused the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims. In 2017, three years before the last election, Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times. His party has been critical of laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzanias independence in 1961. Teddi Mellencamp is fighting for her life. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 43, revealed on Nightline Thursday that her doctors have given her 50/50 odds of surviving her stage 4 cancer battle. I learned this isnt the best question to ask if youre doing immunotherapy, because immunotherapy has only been around 10 years, Mellencamp said during the sit-down interview. Teddi Mellencamp during her interview on Nightline. ABC Teddi Mellencamp talking about her cancer battle on Nightline. Nightline Its one of my favorite things to ask is How long I got? What are my chances? she shared. And they oftentimes say 50/50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mellencamp recalled telling doctors, 50/50? I wouldnt buy a car thats only gonna drive 50 percent of the time. I dont want this. And [the doctors] like, No, its only because thats how long immunotherapy has been around so thats how long the study has worked. So thats when I then try to find the positive, she added. Teddi Mellencamp in the hospital. teddimellencamp/Instagram The reality star, who was initially diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, announced in February that there were tumors discovered in her brain and she would undergo surgery to remove them. Mellencamp has since revealed the cancer metastasized to her brain and lungs. Teddi Mellencamp at EA Sports presents The Madden Bowl at Orpheum Theater in Feb. 2025. Getty Images Teddi Mellencamp shows off her shaved head in a selfie. Instatgram/@teddimellencamp Teddi Mellencamps brain scan after her tumor surgery. teddimellencamp/Instagram Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Nightline interview, Mellencamp opened up about how her radiation and immunotherapy have taken a toll on her body. I would say the hardest thing for me is Ive always been a super active person, and, like, I cannot do the things I was used to doing, she explained, adding that her treatments have taught her to not take anything for granted Normally, Im used to running seven miles, today Im barely walking one. But you know what? Im here and that makes me feel good, she said. These are special times that we get to do any of this. Teddi Mellencamp after shaving her head. teddimellencamp/Instagram But Mellencamp admitted, This is completely out of my control, and for the first time, Im like really scared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also spoke about how shes relied on humor during this trying time, saying, Even with my kids, the other day, we kept forgetting something and we often go, The tumors! Its kind of the only way. Mellencamp shares three children, Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5, with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave. Mellencamp and her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave. edwinarroyaveofficial/Instagram During a recent episode of her Two Ts in a Pod podcast, Mellencamp revealed that her famous father, rocker John Mellencamp, is already planning her burial in their familys mausoleum in Indiana. In an Instagram statement, Mellencamp clarified that her grim chat with her father was merely a light-hearted conversation where they were laughing the whole time. John Mellencamp, Teddi Mellencamp on Watch What Happens Live in 2022. Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images I am personally doing well right now, and yes, having to deal with things I wouldnt otherwise, she wrote, adding, but the way this is being portrayed isnt accurate. The mom of three also insisted that she was joking when she said that her tombstone would read, Hot girls never die. DENVER (KDVR) Aurora police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection to a Saturday evening shooting involving a vehicle that had three children in it. Police released new details Sunday morning about what led up to the shooting and also updated information about the victims injuries. A man and woman in the vehicle were injured, and one of the children police had initially said was uninjured actually did suffer a superficial graze wound. Initial coverage: Three kids in moving car where driver, passenger were shot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in a press release said the shooting happened at about 7:20 p.m. on Saturday. The man and woman, along with the three children, were in Aurora to meet people for a suspected transaction, but the suspects took the items and left without paying, police said. When the suspects took the items without paying and fled, the victims began following them, police said. While traveling southbound on Airport Boulevard near E. Colfax Avenue, someone in the suspect vehicle opened fire, striking the man and woman. The man and woman waved down medical personnel near Alameda Parkway and Chambers Boulevard. The man had serious injuries, and the woman had minor injuries, police said. All three children and both adults were taken to a hospital, though police said only one of the children, a 12-year-old, had been injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Campos-Anguiano, 18, was arrested later that night after police located the suspect vehicle, a GMC Acadia. Campos Anguiano was booked into the Aurora Detention Center for five counts of attempted second-degree murder and will be formally charged by the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Police are still investigating if more people were involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or submit tips anonymously online. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said this shooting was not related to an online marketplace transaction but is the second shooting in a month involving a transaction meetup of some kind in Aurora. Two people were arrested in March in connection to a deadly Aurora shooting where a man was killed after he met up with the suspects to complete an online marketplace transaction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Officers are investigating after a teenage boy was injured in a Northwest shooting overnight, D.C. police said. Just after 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, officers responded to the intersection of 14th and R streets, NW, for a reported shooting. There, officers said they found a 14-year-old boy who had been shot. Police added that he was conscious and breathing and that medics took him to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC-area business share impact of US-China tariff battle A preliminary investigation showed that the boy was shot up the street, in the 1700 block of 14th St. NW, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. As of Sunday morning, there is no word on any arrests; however, police said they were searching for three suspects in connection to the shooting, two of which were wearing black ski masks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 17-year-old boy was blasted in the chest inside a Bronx smoke shop Saturday afternoon when he was confronted by a duo dressed in all black and wearing masks who then took off on a scooter, cops said. The teen was in Za Convenience at 1740 Lafayette Ave. in Soundview when he was shot once in the chest just before 1 p.m., cops said. The teen was rushed to Jacobi Hospital in stable condition, police said. Police were looking for the assailants, cops said. A gunman blasted a 17-year-old in the chest at Za Convenience in the Bronx, cops said. TOMAS E. GASTON Police officers searching a vehicle outside Za Convenience after a broad daylight shooting. TOMAS E. GASTON The shop had been temporarily closed in 2023 for the alleged unlicensed sale of marijuana and later agreed not to sell pot, according to a civil complaint filed by the city in Bronx County Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt immediately clear if the shooting had anything to do with marijuana, cops said. The shop was the scene of a similar 2012 shooting in an incident that involved two masked men, News 12 reported reported in November 2023. The teen who was shot was in stable condition, cops said. TOMAS E. GASTON Za Convenience was the scene of a prior shooting in 2023, according to a report. TOMAS E. GASTON In that incident, two men went inside the shop around 2 a.m. and opened fire on a 22-year-old man, the station reported. He was struck in the leg. Police were canvassing the area for surveillance video Saturday, police said. Private property rights and pro-business principles are under siege while government overreach looms in Texas and, ironically, its at the hands of a small group of conservative lawmakers. Senate Bill 819 targets wind and solar energy development with a subjective, arbitrary review process, additional costs, and setbacks that can be changed at the stroke of a pen. The bill hands the Public Utility Commission of Texas the power to dictate what private landowners can do with their property, eroding both landowner rights and free enterprise. If passed, SB 819 will drive investment in both renewables and the energy-intensive industries that fuel the Texas Miracle elsewhere, raise electricity costs and increase the risk of power outages. Worse, it sets a dangerous precedent for centralized control in a state known for its pro-business, limited-government approach. Wind and solar power generation helped cement Texas' status as the energy capital of the world, but SB 819 would make it harder for those renewable resources to be developed. For a few so-called conservatives to weaponize the state against landowners hosting renewable energy projects is a stunning reversal of sacred Texas values such as limited government and individual liberty. Considering the fact that Gov. Greg Abbott has called private property rights a cornerstone of our values and our legal system, how did we get here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the turn of the century, Republican leaders welcomed renewables, allowing Texans to harness the states affordable, God-given resources. The results speak for themselves: Texas leads the nation in renewable energy, installing nearly 80% more wind, solar and battery capacity than any other state; renewables produced about one-third of the power consumed in Texas last year; and ratepayers are estimated to save about $1 billion per month in wholesale electricity prices. Recently, Abbott championed Texas as number one in both wind and utility-scale solar power generation capacity, cement[ing] Texas as the energy capital of the world. These projects inject billions into local communities an estimated $20.2 billion benefiting over 75% of counties, and landowner lease payments estimated at $29.5 billion. This impact is especially profound in rural Texas, where such projects are often the only opportunity for large-scale capital investment. For nearly three decades, renewables have helped economies and landowners thrive. Somewhere along the way, however, energy became politicized. Instead of embracing Texas signature bigger is better mentality, some have sought to dismantle renewable energy success for partisan gain. This misguided effort to undo energy progress comes at the worst possible time. In a presentation released April 7, ERCOT updated its load growth projections, estimating that demand for power will nearly double by 2030. Fortunately, Texas diverse generation mix of solar, wind and battery storage all of which have reached record grid contributions this year and plentiful natural gas can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 819 now awaits a Senate vote and echoes a similar bill from 2023, dubbed an industry killer. Lawmakers would do well to reject this dangerous proposal again. Passage of SB 819 would effectively end the development of new renewable energy projects in Texas. For large commercial or industrial power consumers utilizing long-term, fixed-price contracts, it would mean operating costs would skyrocket, and additional investments under consideration would fall by the wayside. The biggest losers? Texans. By stifling the development of renewables, SB 819 would bring higher electricity prices, more power shortages, lost economic development and a blow to the most sacred right in Texas: private property rights. And whats next? Will we empower Austin bureaucrats to determine if Texans can raise cattle, grow crops, hunt or drill for oil? No one knows the land better than its owner, and when landowners lose the right to decide their lands future, they are no longer truly landowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas stands on the edge of government overreach. If we allow politicians to target one industry and strip one group of its rights, every Texan should fear for their own. Texans cannot afford nor should they tolerate this betrayal of our core values. Judd Messer is the Texas vice president of Advanced Power Alliance, an industry trade association promoting the development of wind, solar and energy storage resources. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Property rights under attack with bill stifling renewables | Opinion FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) With Franklin County community members in need of supplies and food after disastrous flooding, a local Thai restaurant took the opportunity to feed their neighbors on Saturday. Thai Smile announced on social media that they would be giving away 500 meals to visitors on Saturday morning, leading to crowds out the door. Restaurant staff called the giveaway the Frankfort Community Blessing Event. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce noticed the appeal of the event, sharing a handful of photos of crowds gathered in a line out the door waiting to pick up a generously donated meal, including a donut from Poppys Bakery. Thai Smile hosted an event on Saturday donating free meals to Frankfort residents. (Thai Smile) The Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce caught photos of the crowd gathered to get a meal. (Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce) The free meals included a donut from Poppys Bakery in Frankfort. (Thai Smile) Thank you for always feeding our community! Chamber members wrote. Thai Smiles staff said the restaurant would be closed on Monday, April 14, to honor the celebration of the Thai New 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 FOX 56 News. BANGKOK (Reuters) -Revellers dressed in colourful shirts and goggles fired water guns at each other at the start of the Thai New Year on Sunday, a festival that is marked with water as a symbol of renewal, cleansing and a fresh start. Some sprayed water from the back of pickup trunks, and everyone expected to get soaked as the Songkran festival got underway. "Today I came well-prepared. I have my weapons four (water) guns. Ive got goggles and a hat for protection, and a waterproof phone pouch ready to go," said Teera Rachapol, 50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrations are a bright spot for the country's tourism industry, with the government expecting an 8% increase in foreign visitors for the week. "This is totally different. And we didn't know what to expect, but it's very fun. I love it. I love the water," said Tinke Stockman, 20, from the Netherlands. The festivities are taking place just weeks after a powerful earthquake rattled neighbouring Myanmar in March, killing more than 3,500 people and flattening communities. The quake also caused the deadly collapse of a building under construction in Thailand. Some revellers in Bangkok said they were hesitant to join large crowds, but others said it felt safer than they had expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As long as you have your guard up, theres not going to be any problem," said Zhang, a tourist from China. (Reporting by Thomas Suen and Napat WerhcasterWriting by Chayut SetboonsarngEditing by Frances Kerry) Long before Jesus ever knew of the existence of America, as he wandered through different lands preaching the word of God, he proclaimed, America First! At least, this is what right-wing Christian forces want you to believe. In one breath, they claim to be guided by their core faith values. But in the next breath, these same voices purport that we need to prioritize Americans and forget about people in other countries. Now, this line of thinking is fueling some of the most abhorrent, unChristian policymaking this nation has ever seen. The hypocrisy is disgusting. And on top of that, these policies are also hurting Americans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its painfully apparent that rightwing forces love to refer to Jesus when it supports their radical interests. Theyve constantly used a twisted version of Christianity to justify dismantling DEI policies, undermining LGBTQ+ rights, destroying womens right to choose, and dismantling federal institutions that serve vulnerable communities. At the National Prayer Breakfast, for instance, President Trump proclaimed that we need to bring God back into our lives. Apparently, these principles stop at the border. Take for example, the Trump administrations careless destruction of USAID an agency that has received staunch bipartisan support for more than sixty years. In one foul swoop, the administration severed tens of billions in foreign aid contracts, leaving troves of life-saving programs in grave danger. Now, programs that feed malnourished children, prevent HIV and malaria, improve access to health care, protect women from violence, and assist disabled children are all in jeopardy wreaking havoc across the globe. Myanmar, for example, which was recently struck by a massive earthquake that killed thousands and toppled buildings, has been deprived of life-saving recovery materials. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, millions are losing access to crucial humanitarian support including food and sanitation services. And globally, more than 20 million people, including almost 600,000 children, might lose HIV treatment. Nearly 50 million women could lose access to contraception. The question isnt whether these policies will kill people. Thats inevitable. The question is how many lives will be cut short far too early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then theres the Trump administrations cruel treatment of Ukraine. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has begged for support from the United States to combat Russias bloody, brutal, and unwarranted assault. In response, President Trump has demanded that President Zelensky instead be grateful for the support hed already received, and accept major concessions. Many rightwing supporters who purport to be guided by Christianity have followed suit and falsely painted Ukraine as the aggressor. The list of awful, purportedly America First! policymaking goes on. ICE agents are rounding up undocumented immigrants who came to the United States for a better life tearing families and communities apart. The Trump administration also allegedly coordinated with Israel to block aid to Gaza, where more than 100,000 innocent people have perished. As I watch the Trump administration and his cronies continue to make references to God through their policy decisions, I cant help but be disgusted. How can someone possibly cite the Bible and still claim they are acting in accordance with this sacred text? The very same Bible that says, You shall open wide your hand to your sibling, to the needy and to the poor, in your land." And Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." And Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been thinking a lot about how Jesus would have responded if one of the most powerful nations in the world decided to cut off aid to marginalized, vulnerable countries. Or if the president of a war-torn country cried out for help from a violent aggressor. Or if a leader decided people didnt deserve a chance at a prosperous life, simply because of the country they were born in. Jesus would have told us to care for the poor and oppressed. He would have told us to show decent, fundamental humanity in a world that is full of all kinds of tragedy. And he would have warned us to avoid forces that claim to act in the interest of God, but clearly do the opposite. And theres an even grander irony in all of this: These alleged America First! policies dont even benefit Americans. Case in point: American businesses that produced products to support international aid projects have reported significant financial losses and reducing their workforces. And immigration raids are destroying local businesses, families, and communities. All the while, international hatred of America is growing. Right-wing voices are certainly allowed to cheer, America First! But theyd better leave the Bible out of their mouths. Thousands attend 2nd annual Ames Renaissance Faire AMES, Iowa Two Iowa State University students came up with the idea of a local Renaissance faire last year, and its growth is beyond what they couldve imagined. Kaley McCombs, an organizer, was just a freshman when they hosted the first Ames Renaissance Faire last spring. Last year, they sold around 700 tickets just before the opening day. Now, the event is bigger and better with over 40 vendors and four performance areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the performances is called Bawdy Buccaneers, where three pirates showcase stage combat with real swords. Attendees may recall seeing the Bawdy Buccaneers at the Sleepy Hallow Renaissance Faire in previous years. Buddy Jackson said hes proud to call the Ames Renaissance Faire his home faire. Their show also likes to spread the message that women can be pirates, too. Women can do everything, thats our message, he said. They perform at the Captains Quarter stage on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Archer Flynn is another performer at the Ames Renaissance Faire. His set showcases music and comedy, and he likes to involve his audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho-based performer was scouted by the faire this year. A performance he did in Idaho went viral, garnering millions of views online. This caught the attention of the faire organizers, who asked him to come to Iowa. While this is his first visit to the Hawkeye State, he said hes had a great experience at the faire. [My favorite thing about the faire has] been the people Here, I have found friends and comrades, alike, he said. Food vendors are also a popular stand at the faire. This year there are three different food vendors, including Mucky Duck. The pub has been an Ames staple for over a decade, and they love to be out in community events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the big things for the pub is supporting local, said Alesdair McGhee. McGhee said their best-sellers are the fish and chips. There are also plenty of vendors who sell medieval props. Sigr is one of the vikings who attendees can see tunics, cloaks, hand-torched blades, headpieces with horns, and more. Sigr said he attended the event during its inaugural year last year and loved the community. Last years event was also his single most successful weekend in his career at that time. He was excited to return to Ames for another year. The event kicked off on Saturday, with over 1,500 people attending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are still welcomed to travel back in time to the medieval era on Sunday from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. One-day tickets are $15. The Ames Renaissance Faire is located at the Haunted Forest, at 1400 South Fourth Street in Ames. More information can be found 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 who13.com. DENVER (KDVR) Three Colorado teenagers formed an incredible bond, battling the same type of cancer together. Now, they reunite to celebrate two major milestones in the same week, the end of their treatments. Colorado high schoolers invent device for NASA Arcie Lovato and Anna Reed are two 16-year-olds who were both diagnosed with osteosarcoma. They met at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Childrens and quickly formed a strong friendship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really helpful having somebody that my age that I can talk to also going through cancer because they understand the struggles and the pain that takes and how much energy it takes out of you and they know that youre not always going to be able to do stuff like them, Lovato said. Throughout their treatment, Arcie and Anna provided each other with unwavering support, finding strength in their shared journey. They also became friends with another teenage girl in the same boat as them. Brianna Carrasco who came from Vail to celebrate her two friends this week. Arcie Lovato, Anna Reed and Brianna Carrasco formed an incredible bond, battling the same type of cancer together. Arcie Lovato, Anna Reed and Brianna Carrasco formed an incredible bond, battling the same type of cancer together. Arcie Lovato, Anna Reed and Brianna Carrasco formed an incredible bond, battling the same type of cancer together. I really love Arcie and I think this is a really important day and I really wanted to be here to show her that Im here always, Carrasco said. No matter how far away I have to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arcie has basically been my therapy the whole way through everything, Reed said. And just over the course of the months, we became closer, and weve been on trips together. Were just very close with each other and seeing Arcie happy after months of everything that shes gone through just brings joy to my heart. The three teens reunited first for Arcies bell ringing marking the end of her treatment. Next, theyll be together for Annas days after. The weekend of April 11 marks this special occasion. It means a lot because they were here for me during treatment and to still be friends with them after, Im really thankful to have met them, Lovato 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 FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) Two people were shot in a moving vehicle on Saturday at 7:22 p.m., according to the Aurora Police Department. A man was driving a vehicle with a woman in the front passenger seat and three children in the rear of the vehicle. Police said a vehicle pulled up beside them, matching their speed, and shot the man driving and the woman in the passenger seat. An Englewood man who went missing last week was found after spending several days on the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred going southbound on Airport Boulevard near East Colfax Avenue. After being shot, the man drove the car to the area of East Alameda Parkway and South Chambers Road, where they were able to flag down medical responders. The two victims were transported to a local hospital and police said they are expected to survive their injuries. The three children were uninjured but were also transported as a precaution. No suspect information has been developed, and no motive has been determined. Investigators are in the area where the shooting happened and near where the medical personnel was contacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. An investigation is underway after three men were injured in a shooting on Interstate 29 in the Northland early Sunday morning. The Kansas City Police Department reported that just after 4:30 a.m., officers were called to I-29 and North Oak Trafficway on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, KCPD reported finding five men, three of whom had been shot. Motorcyclist killed in overnight crash in Independence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the three victims were taken to a hospital where they are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. The other two men were not injured in the shooting. KCPD reported that some of the victims told officers that they had been driving on the highway when the shots were fired. Police did not release any details about a potential suspect or the events that led up to the shooting. This is a developing story. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. (FOX40.COM) The Davis Police Department is investigating after three people who were shot at the Community Park in Davis on Saturday afternoon. According to DPD, the incident happened on the 200 block of East 14th Street around 2:58 p.m., with a large gathering at the park. At this time, the suspect remains outstanding with a large police presence searching for the suspect. The shooting happened during UC Davis annual Picnic Day event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived at the scene they found three gunshot victims, said DPD. All victims have been transported to a local hospital after being treated on scene by medical personnel. Police had initially received reports that someone had been trampled when shots were fired, but later confirmed that this information was unverified. Beckwith stated they will continue to monitor local hospital admissions for any additional injuries. Lt. Dan Beckwith, a spokesperson with Davis Police said that two of the victims are teenagers. One of them is a Davis resident and the other is believed to be a Sacramento resident. Another victim is 24 years old. Beckwith spoke to FOX40 and said this is an uncommon situation for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my 18 years, weve never had anything like this. We do our best to keep this community safe during this event. Its supposed to be a fun event for families, and I think it still is. This is the one-off. Our officers were there quickly, said Beckwith. In fact, we had officers on (the) scene when the incident occurred. We were able to stabilize that scene relatively quickly given the scale. I believe this event is still very family-friendly and safe for folks to go out and have a good time. DPD stated that due to the Picnic Day event, mutual aid law enforcement was already in the city and also assisted in the shooting. Authorities said that officers have concluded at their research 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 FOX40 News. Lets give credit where credit is due: Elon Musk and Peter Navarro are mostly right about each other, that is. Their recent round of MAGA-world backstabbing and catfighting offers a textbook example of what happens when talented or intelligent people (suspending our disbelief here) get sucked into the vortex of He Who Demands the Front Page, the would-be dictator and accomplished attention-whore who once again, and to the entire worlds bewilderment, occupies the White House. Partway through the dizzying and appalling last two weeks of trade wars, courtroom battles, street abductions and social media posturing, these two Trump factotums wound up in a war of words. The administrations official position seemed to be Let them fight, which is certainly on brand. Musk, whose band of roving nerd-assassins is conducting something like a large-scale Stalinist show trial of the entire federal bureaucracy, called Navarro a moron who was dumber than a sack of bricks. That came after Navarro who holds the same ill-defined trade adviser position he held in the first Trump administration, making him one of the few 2017 holdovers derided Musk as a car assembler who relies on insidious foreign suppliers and is incapable of understanding the sweeping Liberation Day tariffs that Navarro may or may not have authored, and which Trump may or may not have recanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that all seems like too much to process, I hear you. If deciding which of those guys you like less seems pointless or impossible, I feel you. I actually do want to make a case that Navarro is not quite as bad as Musk, or at least is more deeply pathetic. Its a flimsy case, I must admit, and rests in large part on the inarguable fact that its hard for anyone to be worse than Elon Musk. It certainly doesnt imply any endorsement of Navarros disastrous trade-war policies, although theres no telling how far his ideas got hijacked or mistranslated on their way through Donald Trumps brain. The larger lesson here, which applies both to the pro-tariff moron and the feckless car assembler, is a familiar one: People who may at some point if viewed through the hypothetical long lens of history have made useful contributions of some kind have thoroughly debased themselves for temporary access to illusory power. More mystifying still, the person before whom they have prostrated themselves and who now enjoys watching them snarl at each other like caged and tormented animals is the most blatantly untrustworthy political leader in the recent history of the world, utterly impervious to reason and driven only by his own whims and impulses. To say that none of this will end well is beyond banal. It didnt start well either, and at no point on the journey did any of it seem like a good idea. If we ask why Musk and Navarro have played themselves to such an enormous extent attaching themselves, limpet-style, to someone who is guaranteed to betray them and to an enterprise guaranteed to end in Hindenburg-scale disaster Im afraid that the moral blindness associated with outsized male ego is clearly involved. (I know that sounds woke. Remind me to erase this article from my history before my next plane trip.) All three of these people meaning Musk, Navarro and their malicious puppetmaster have convinced themselves that theyre right and everyone else is wrong. Its a relatively common syndrome, but Trumps flatulent self-confidence is on a different scale than anyone elses, which may be why he overpowers and absorbs so many lesser egos. Musk and Navarro, deluded as they may be, are self-anointed geniuses in specific areas of commerce, economics and technology. Trump feels certain, in the face of all available evidence, that hes the ultimate expert in literally everything: aviation, microbiology, flush toilets and, of course, the ecstatic perfection of tariff policy. If those guys have the misplaced confidence of a couple of bright 12-year-olds, Trump has the limitless confidence of a particularly stupid five-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its noteworthy that both Musk and Navarro are, at least nominally, former Democrats who have recently converted transitioned, we might say! into MAGA Republicans. The same thing is almost true of Trump himself; he supported abortion rights for decades and donated money to Bill and Hillary Clinton, among other mainstream liberals. But as Ive suggested, beneath the superficial details these cases are quite different, or at least I believe one of them is. Trump and Musk are grandiose, self-inflating blimps fueled by massive narcissism and perceived self-interest. Neither of them manifested any perceptible ideology when they supposedly supported liberal candidates or causes, and their right-wing reinvention while arguably a more natural fit is in both cases mostly about personal grievance and a lust for power. Their stories, or myths, are well known, deeply unpleasant and at this point largely uninteresting. Navarro is something else again: Hes highly educated and not especially rich. He lacks any showbiz charisma or personal charm (even of the flesh-crawling Trump-Musk variety) and he doesnt seem interested in acquiring personal power. Hes a true believer, which may be more dangerous or at least dangerous in a different way. My only explanation for how Navarro ended up where he is today and remember, he has already gone to prison for Trump, something Musk will absolutely never do is that hes kind of a crank and probably has no friends. He didnt make friends when he was approximately identified with the pro-labor center-left, so he switched sides and made exactly the worst kind of new friend, the kind a doomed protagonist makes in a vampire film or a mean-girl high school melodrama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I encountered Navarro in 2012, when he made a minor splash on the documentary film circuit with Death by China, a provocative if overwrought manifesto based on his book of the same title. He was a Harvard-educated economist with a faculty gig at the University of California, Irvine, who had run for Congress three times and lost (as a Democrat) and was building a reputation as an early and strident critic of free trade with China. His film was narrated, believe it or not, by Martin Sheen yes, President West Wing, or whatever the hell his character was called and in a number of alarming ways it was well ahead of its time. "Death by China" and its creator who struck me in person as disagreeable, stubborn and clearly intelligent stuck with me for two reasons. On one hand, its narrative was built from unassailable facts and an argument worth taking seriously: A superpower that has outsourced most of its industrial production to a global rival is doomed. On the other hand, Navarros attempt to draw analogies between the rising economic power of 2010s China and the industrial buildup of Nazi Germany in the 1930s (!) felt like deranged warmonger propaganda, completely at odds with his modest policy proposals, which were along the lines of renegotiating trade agreements, calling out Chinese human rights abuses and insisting on higher mutual labor standards. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The whole project felt like a sincere but inelegant effort to build a bridge between Cold War-style hysteria, lib-left rights discourse and Springsteen-style post-industrial lament. I wrote at the time that there was no way U.S. manufacturing could be restored to its 1975 levels with the stroke of a pen, never imagining that the filmmaker might find himself in position to try it. Navarro's interview subjects, I wrote, largely come from the same unusual left-right coalition that opposed the 1990s wave of neoliberal globalization in the first place (perhaps the only occasion when Pat Buchanan and Jesse Jackson have ever agreed on anything). We see labor leaders, Rust Belt Democrats, right-wing Republicans, Chinese human-rights activists and a somewhat fringey array of economists, all lamenting the fact that most of the stuff we wear and use every day, from shoes and jeans to laptops, iPhones and TV sets, was made in China. One can reasonably argue, in retrospect, that Democrats should have taken Navarros arguments more seriously, while also acknowledging that his message was contaminated with too much paleocon weirdness. In any case, it took him less than four years to gravitate from Martin Sheen to Donald Trump, which suggests the infection was well advanced. He has been a silent but faithful courtier ever since, and his fingerprints are all over Trumps incoherent trade war, especially the current 145 percent tariff on most Chinese-made products although, as of this writing, phones, computers and other electronics have been exempted, which seems like yet another helter-skelter retreat. No good outcome is imaginable from here, and I dont just mean for him: To posterity, if there is any, Navarro will be the slavish MAGA loyalist who served time as an election denier, helped cause a global economic recession and got publicly pantsed by Elon Musk. Im not suggesting anyone should feel sorry for him, and if his story has a moral its one weve all heard before. Apr. 13In June 2022, acting Commander of Internal Affairs Mark Landavazo who started in the DWI Unit before rising to the upper echelons of the Albuquerque Police Department was forwarded a civilian complaint from the FBI. The allegations, if true, were damning, explosive and specific. "Possible corruption involving an Albuquerque Police Department officer and Attorney's Office in Albuquerque," read the subject line of the complaint, which described bribery and extortion involving DWI officer Joshua Montano, attorney Thomas Clear III and his right-hand man Rick Mendez all familiar faces to Landavazo. Recently obtained APD records state that Landavazo "had seemingly not done anything" with the complaint, which gave an account from a 21-year-old college student arrested by Montano. Investigators say the tip, at the very least, should have gone to the desk of Police Chief Harold Medina and into an Internal Affairs (IA) file for open investigations. And, they say, Landavazo knew better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the corruption, which had gone on for nearly three decades, would continue another 18 months until January 2024, when the FBI raided Clear's office and the homes of Mendez and several officers, including Montano. Numerous policy violations uncovered during an internal APD probe into what happened with the FBI's tip led to Landavazo being disciplined for mishandling the complaint and eventually fired for violating confidentiality. He was also deemed to have been "untruthful" about a friendly relationship with Mendez, one that continued long after the FBI complaint came in. Landavazo, who has not been criminally charged, declined to comment for this story through his attorney, Thomas Grover. On Friday, Grover denied Landavazo deliberately quashed an investigation into the complaint, noting he didn't know the details or who was being accused and consulted with his supervisor, Maj. Zak Cottrell, before telling an FBI agent to send the tip to the city's Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They (APD officials) want a fall guy," Grover added. Investigators said during interviews with APD, Landavazo made it clear he was "aware of the details of the complaint." Landavazo said he told Cottrell about the tip. Cottrell denied being made aware. "The investigation found that Cmdr. Landavazo did not, truthfully nor fully, answer questions specifically directed at him ... Landavazo's answers were inconsistent from one interview to the next and even within the same interview," according to the investigation findings. Grover said his client followed procedure but has been "framed" by the department. Grover said Landavazo isn't contemplating a lawsuit "at this time" to contest his termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The main thing Mark wants to do is clear his name," Grover said. DWI to IA pipeline In what has turned out to be one of the biggest public corruption cases in New Mexico history, federal authorities have secured guilty pleas from Clear, Mendez, a former Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy and several former APD officers, including Montano. All have admitted they were part of the criminal conspiracy masterminded by Clear, who paid off law enforcement to get his client's DWI cases dismissed. Mendez admitted in his agreement that he, Clear and officers involved in the criminal enterprise asked "more senior APD members to use their positions and influence within the APD to try to ensure DWI officers were never investigated or disciplined in connection with their illegal activity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Medina said the only evidence they have of superiors possibly hiding the corruption came out of the investigation into Landavazo. "Landavazo, we feel, protected the scheme," Medina told the Journal in a recent interview. "... We know there's a relationship to Mendez, and we have the complaint that died." He added, "It makes you wonder, did they always have somebody in IA? I don't know that. ... That is still stuff we're trying to get through and to see who's involved. I'll be 100% honest; I don't think we've gotten everybody." Four former DWI Unit officers had moved to Internal Affairs since 2015: Landavazo, Daren DeAguero, Zak Cottrell and Dominic Martinez. Only Landavazo and DeAguero have been tied to the decades-long bribery scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeAguero, who had previously served as an APD spokesperson, resigned before a planned interview with IA on the case. Cottrell was responsible for promoting Landavazo to acting commander in early 2022 after Cottrell was elevated to major. During the internal investigation, a group text from Landavazo's phone revealed a conversation in which he, Cottrell and Martinez expressed frustration with the lead investigator in the DWI corruption case Cmdr. Kyle Hartsock calling him "a pussy" and another investigator a "knuckle draggin monkey." It is unclear why the FBI waited a few months to pass the 2022 tip to APD and whether the federal agency did anything after the initial tip went nowhere. Albuquerque attorney Daymon Ely contacted the FBI on behalf of the tipster and took a sworn affidavit from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tipster told the Journal he received a phone call from an FBI agent seeking an interview more than a year later, in September 2023. In response to several Journal questions, an FBI spokesperson from the Albuquerque office replied in an email, "It's common for the FBI to refer complaints to the appropriate tribal, state and local agencies. However, due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, at this time, we cannot comment on the factors that dictated the timeline." Medina said he couldn't blame the agency for not doing more at the time. "They gave it to a commander for God's sake, that is a high rank," he said. "You would assume, 'Hey, this person is passing it off.' I don't think anyone could have imagined how big this truly was." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The probe According to documents obtained by the Journal that relate to two separate Internal Affairs investigations: A month after the FBI raids, on Feb. 12, an investigation was opened into Landavazo after the complaint resurfaced. He was placed on paid leave and IA investigators interviewed him about how the tip was handled. Investigators had the FBI send the email chain between the agent and Landavazo, in which the agent reached out with "a referral from a citizen," adding, "however, given the nature of the referral (I) want to confirm you are the correct individual to send it to." The complaint is not attached to the email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landavazo responded that he would be "more than happy to assist" but told the agent that citizen complaints must go through the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board. He added, "feel free to give me a call." Investigators say Landavazo told them the agent did speak with him on the phone, and the email chain shows the agent sent the complaint minutes later. But when asked for the email chain, Landavazo turned over a printed copy that didn't include the final email with the complaint attached. "It's clear that Landavazo chose to omit this email from his interview with IA as it was so clearly a possible policy violation that the DWI officers were involved in, and a criminal matter, that any other employee would have known to initiate a case and notify the Chief of Police immediately," according to the case file. Investigators say Landavazo told them he informed Cottrell of the complaint, but Cottrell said he was never informed. Eric Garcia, superintendent of Police Reform, wrote, "This is a 'he said/he said' situation that cannot be verified to determine credibility for either party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Commander Landavazo's actions do not rise to the level of untruthfulness, they do cast doubt on his intergity and honesty," Garcia concluded, imposing a 48-hour suspension for three policy violations related to mishandling the complaint. The investigation uncovered messages and content on Landavazo's phone that spurred a second investigation, one that focused on his relationship with Mendez. The revelations would ultimately get him fired. 'Gullible and naive' The second IA investigation was opened before the first had wrapped up. Through interviews, text messages and investigation, it was found that Landavazo discussed a confidential IA case with Mendez in 2023 and was dishonest about their relationship. "Upon reading the text exchanges that Commander Landavazo had with Mr. Mendez, it is clear that they had more than just a professional relationship," Garcia wrote in the IA filings. Grover said his client never communicated confidential information to anyone and only knew Mendez from his days as a DWI officer attending pretrial hearings on cases. According to the investigation, Landavazo met Mendez outside police headquarters on Feb. 27, 2023. Mendez brought up a misconduct case against Sgt. Brian Johnson and called Johnson to tell him "the case had been settled." Johnson has not been tied to the corruption scheme or accused of any wrongdoing. It is unclear why Mendez wanted to be the one to tell Johnson the IA case, which had nothing to do with DWI corruption, had been settled. When Mendez called, Johnson "expressed confusion, questioning why Mr. Mendez knew about his case and why he was calling." Landavazo got on the phone "and confirmed the case, saying, 'Everything's good,'" the investigation found. An hour later, Mendez texted Landavazo saying thanks and "you made me sound like the hero" with a superhero emoji. Landavazo replied, "only cuz it was you." "Landavazo confirmed this conversation was regarding Cmdr. Landavazo, having made Mr. Mendez look good in front of Sgt. Johnson," according to the investigation. Johnson turned over his phone to investigators, who found Mendez's number saved as "Apd Rick Lawyer Tom." Landavazo told investigators "it was inappropriate" to have discussed Johnson's case with Mendez, according to the files. He "could not explain why he had done so, other than to say Mr. Mendez was the first to ever ask and that he was gullible and naive." Landavazo told investigators he had not seen Mendez in eight to 10 years prior to that. He said he knew Mendez and Clear through going to Clear's office for pretrial interviews as a DWI officer "and that they had no relationship outside of that." In other messages with Mendez, the pair set up lunch dates, wished each other happy holidays, and discussed their families. Landavazo initially told investigators he had lunch with Mendez only once and did not mention a second occasion. Landavazo declined to provide a receipt from the second lunch with Mendez and wouldn't cooperate further. "Landavazo also was aware of the seriousness of the criminal allegations against Mr. Mendez at the time of his first interview, and his lack of candor raises questions about his motivations and relationship with Mr. Mendez," according to the files. The messages between the two concluded with Mendez sending Landavazo a Happy New Year gif on Jan. 1, 2024. A few weeks later FBI agents would raid Mendez's home and the homes of several officers with whom Landavazo once worked. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentuckians continue to be the target of unlawful robocalls, which can be everything from annoying to downright predatory, Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a news release on Saturday. Along with attorneys general across the country, were fighting back against those who try to take advantage of Kentuckians. The office of the attorney general announced just around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday that Coleman joined a coalition of 51 other bipartisan attorneys general known as the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force. Frankfort launches one-stop shop site for flood relief, information Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group issued warning notices to multiple voice service providers saying they could be violating state and federal laws by routing robocalls across their networks, according to Colemans office. The task force also shared information about the providers they warned to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), officials said. Which companies were warnings issued to? The task force reportedly sent warning letters to nine companies detailing how investigators found them to be allegedly conducting illegal or suspicious robocall activity, per a news release. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters were sent to the following companies: The federal robocall investigation remains ongoing with the participation of the Kentucky attorney generals 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 FOX 56 News. Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 13, according to the Tribunes archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) High temperature: 83 degrees (2023) Low temperature: 21 degrees (1950) Precipitation: 1.33 inches (1983) Snowfall: 1.2 inches (1907) 1992: The Great Chicago Loop Flood paralyzed downtown shutting down power and prompting an evacuation that would affect financial markets and bring business to a halt for days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who were there vividly recall that spring day when 124 million gallons of water from the Chicago River flowed into the citys maze of underground freight tunnels and building basements, turning the Loop into a ghost town. It has become one of these critical stories of Chicago, John Russick, former senior vice president at the Chicago History Museum, later told the Tribune. If you call yourself a Chicagoan, you know whats on a Chicago-style hot dog, you know who Shoeless Joe Jackson was and you know when the Chicago flood happened. The flood marked a turning point for the city and downtown building owners. The unexpected crisis prompted officials to put emergency plans and other safety measures in place that have kept the tunnels in use and avoided other disasters. What caused it? Mayor Richard M. Daley Someone dropped ball on leak The disastrous flood that hit downtown Chicago began as a small and seemingly harmless leak that was detected at least a week earlier by city workers. The seepage was considered routine at the time it was spotted, and plans were made to make repairs from within the tunnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But before the work began, the leak grew into a flood that sent more than 250 million gallons of murky Chicago River water coursing through a turn-of-the-century underground tunnel system and up into the subgrade levels of buildings throughout downtown. The flood caused at least $1 billion in damage and business losses. Today, the dark tunnels in the bowels of the city are closed to the public but remain in use A Tribune tour of the tunnels in 2017 provided a rare look into the world below the city. Want more vintage Chicago? Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com As divers continue to use "side-scanning sonar" to search the Hudson River for wreckage from the helicopter crash that killed six people, the National Transportation Safety Board said the aircraft was not equipped with any flight recorders. "No onboard video recorders or camera recorders have been recovered and none of the helicopter avionics onboard recorded information that could be used for the investigation," the agency said in an investigation update Saturday evening. According to the NTSB, the helicopter had its last major inspection on March 1. On the day of the crash, the helicopter had performed seven tour flights, and was on its eighth flight when the accident occurred, per the NTSB. PHOTO: NTSB team surveying the wreckage recovered from the Bell 206 L-4 helicopter that crashed into Hudson River on April 10 near Jersey City, New Jersey. (NTSB) MORE: New York City helicopter crash latest: Authorities search for answers after 6 killed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main fuselage, including the cockpit and cabin, the forward portion of the tail boom, the horizontal stabilizer finlets and the vertical fin have all been recovered, according to the agency. Some of these will be sent to the NTSB lab in Washington, D.C., for further inspection, the agency said. PHOTO: NTSB team surveying the wreckage recovered from the Bell 206 L-4 helicopter that crashed into Hudson River on April 10 near Jersey City, New Jersey. (NTSB) Divers on Saturday were still working to recover more pieces of the helicopter, including the main rotor, main gearbox, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom. Recovery operations in the river will continue on Sunday, the NTSB said. The family on board was Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, 49; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, 39; and their children, ages 4, 8 and 10, officials said. PHOTO: Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal. (Facebook) The family came to New York City to join Escobar, who was in the U.S. for a business trip, according to Jersey City Mayor Fulop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Siemens exec and his family identified as victims in deadly Hudson helicopter crash The family died one day before the 8-year-old's birthday, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Also killed was the pilot, 36-year-old Seankese "Sam" Johnson, officials said. PHOTO: Helicopter pilot Sean Johnson in a photo posted to his Facebook page. (Sean Johnson / Facebook) Johnson, who had served in the military, accumulated 788 hours of total flight time, the NTSB said. Johnson was "an amazing man," said Matt Klier, his friend from the Navy and a fellow helicopter pilot. Thursday's deadly crash occurred at 3:17 p.m., just over 15 minutes into the flight, officials said. The helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge before turning south and crashing, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News' Leah Sarnoff, Sam Sweeney and Erin Murtha contributed to this report. Tourist helicopter that crashed into the Hudson did not have a flight recorder: NTSB originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Update 4/13/25, 12:03 p.m.: SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4) According to Springville Fire & Rescue, a citizen hero helped the driver exit the vehicle just before it was struck and carried around 100 yards in Saturday nights train collision. Additionally, the trains locomotive engineer took quick action and feathered five engine brakes to slow the train prior to the collision. Shout out to swift action by Locomotive Engineer and Springville PD, a Facebook post from Springville Fire & Rescue states. The train engineers swift action resulted in sufficient time for the occupant to escape the vehicle. We discovered that even Fire Engine Engineers have heros, Locomotive Engineers! Officials said it was not normal for a locomotive engineer to slow a train as fast and as safely as he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robynn Tysver, a spokesperson for Union Pacific Railroad, told ABC4.com that the train involved in the incident was a BNSF train, and not a Union Pacific train as originally believed. The crew was uninjured in the event. No further information is available at this time. Original Story: SPRINGVILLE, Utah (ABC4) A train collided with a vehicle in Springville on Saturday night, according to police. There were no reported injuries. The Springville Police Department posted on social media Saturday night to ask drivers to avoid the railroad crossings at 400 West and 400 North, as well as Center Street. Lt. Warren Foster with the Springville Police Department told ABC4.com that a vehicle had stalled on the railroad tracks. When the driver called the police, they were instructed to exit the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver exited and a short time later the vehicle was struck by the train, Foster told ABC4.com. Officials said the type of vehicle that was on the tracks is unknown at this time. Further details were not initially provided, but ABC4.com is heading to the scene to learn more. Connor Comeau 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. Travel businesses are missing out on millions in revenue because their websites are nearly impossible for disabled people to use. Accessibility in online environments has been assessed by two key players - WebAIM, a nonprofit focused on enhancing the web experience for users with disabilities, and AudioEye, a company specialising in digital accessibility. Both reports cite travel websites as some of the worst offenders when it comes to accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WebAIMs Million report assessed accessibility across the top 1,000,000 websites and found that, overall, travel websites had almost 60 errors on their homepage, a 17 per cent increase from last year. AudioEyes Digital Accessibility Index identified issues too, with poor colour contrast, vague links and inaccessible forms cited as the most common errors. The World Health Organisation says one in six of the global population lives with some form of disability. At least 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, with almost 400 million estimated to have a severe challenge with vision. An estimated 43 million people are registered as blind. With around 20 per cent of the population reporting a disability, ignoring accessibility barriers can have a negative impact on a large population of potential customers and site visitors, Jared Smith, executive director of WebAIM, explains to Euronews Travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much research has been done on the value of catering to disabled travelers. In the UK, the spending power of those with disabilities, known as the purple pound, is estimated to exceed 50 billion (58) in 2025. Web accessibility is not only the right thing to do, it is also required by law, Smith notes. Because most travel websites have significant accessibility barriers, users with disabilities will spend their time and money at sites that have addressed accessibility issues. The best and worst travel websites for accessibility Booking.com is the most visited travel website in the world, with over 500 million monthly visits. Yet it ranked 712,074th out of the million websites assessed, by far the lowest ranking out of all the major travel companies. Booking.com did not respond to a request for comment. Airbnb and Trip.com came in around halfway down the ranking, while Agoda ranked 377,532nd. The travel companies doing the best included Uber, ranking just over 8,000th, and Skyscanner, coming in at 1,113th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most of the errors detected, the most common problem was low contrast text, detected on 79.1 per cent of the homepages checked. Not providing alternative text on images - a sentence describing what the image contains - was a problem for more than half the websites. Other common issues included missing labels for form inputs, empty links and empty buttons, all of which can make it hard for a visually impaired person to understand the content. Research from AudioEye found that 41 per cent of travel and hospitality websites made it hard for keyboard-only users to navigate, find information and make bookings. The report also found that colour contrast issues were highest in travel and hospitality across all business segments. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visually impaired users find it almost impossible to book travel online Lucy Edwards lost sight in her right eye at age 11 due to a genetic condition. She lost the remainder of her sight at 17. Today, shes an award-winning presenter, author and disability activist, committed to inclusivity across all industries. Lucy describes the experience of trying to book travel online as 'frustrating'. - Lucy Edwards Travel websites are almost always inaccessible, Lucy tells Euronews Travel. Images are not described via text, so I rely on my friends, family, and Husband to describe the beautiful scenes to me. But its not just the beautiful travel images that people like Lucy miss out on. Problems arise when it comes to booking the trip when websites arent formatted for accessible reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its so infrequent that I can book a holiday independently, Lucy says. Im always afraid I will book something wrong because there are so many pop-ups that disable my screen reader. Screen readers are pieces of software that convert the text displayed on a computer screen into speech or, in some cases, even Braille. Its a crucial piece of technology in enabling users with visual impairments or learning disabilities to access and interact with digital content. Websites as a whole do not cater for screen reader users, Lucy explains. As a blind person, I feel frustrated every single day browsing the web. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is changing around website accessibility The European Accessibility Act (EEA) will come into force on 28 June this year. It sets out standards across EU member states, aiming to remove barriers and ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully in society. While the EEA applies to more than just websites, a key component is making all websites trading in the EU accessible to everyone. Any company either based in the EU or that does business within the EU with at least 10 employees and a 2 million plus turnover will be expected to comply. Specifically, the law requires all websites to be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for every user. It uses standards set out by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, commonly called WCAG, as a minimum requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its most basic form of implementation, WCAG requires readable fonts with high contrast colour schemes, clear navigation with descriptive links, alternative text to be included for all images and video captions, and ensuring all interactive elements are keyboard accessible. Noncompliant companies could face fines and legal action, exclusion from procurement activities and negative publicity. Overall the [web] experience has left me in tears, Lucy confides to Euronews Travel. Im so lucky that I have sighted help, but it shouldnt have to be this way. Clearly, the EU agrees with this and is poised to make it uncomfortable for nonconforming businesses. With the EEA just weeks away, its time for travel firms to step up their game and make planning, booking and experiencing travel something everyone can enjoy. April 13 (UPI) -- Attorneys for a Maryland man erroneously deported to El Salvador are calling for his return to the United States using President Donald Trump's own words, as El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele is set to visit the White House. The government accused Kilmar Armanda Abrego Garcia of being a member of MS-13, a criminal gang that the United States has designated a terrorist organization. In an update on his status, the government said in court documents that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He is alive and secure in that facility," Michael G. Kozak, an official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, wrote in the filing to the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. "He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador." President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would follow the orders of the Supreme Court and "bring somebody back" to the United States if they were found to have been mistakenly deported. The high court said Thursday that the United States should facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the United States. "I respect the Supreme Court," Trump said, and told reporters that if "the Supreme Court said bring somebody back, I would do that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia's lawyers said that the administration continues to resist bringing their client back to the United States, however. They said in a motion filed Saturday that the administration has the power to "facilitate the release and return" of a wrongly deported person back to the United States, but has remained defiant. "The Government should be required to comply with the Supreme Court order that it ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador, by taking all available steps to release and return Abrego Garcia to the United States," the lawyers said in their filing. The uncertainty surrounding the Abrego Garcia case comes against the backdrop of a scheduled visit Monday to the White House by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, whom Trump has applauded for accepting deported criminals into the detention center in his country. "President Bukele has graciously accepted into his Nation's custody some of the most violent alien enemies of the World and, in particular, the United States," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign nation, and their future is up to President B and his government. They will never threaten or menace our citizens again!" The Trump administration began deporting migrants thought to be criminals earlier this year, with many of them being taken to the prison camp in El Salvador but some to other Latin American countries, as well. In one high-profile instance, Colombia refused to accept two military plane loads of migrants from the United States, and a U.S. federal judge ruled mid-flight that the planes must turn around and head back to the United States. The move set of a tit-for-trade tariff war between the two countries, which was later settled. Colombian President Gustavo Petro sent his presidential plane to retrieve the migrants and bring them home "with dignity," he said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States deported another 10 migrants Saturday night. Days after the Supreme Court ordered Donald Trump to facilitate the return of a man his administration illegally shipped to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador allegedly the result of an administrative error Trumps administration is saying it has no responsibility to actually bring him home. Trump said last week he would follow the high courts order: If the Supreme Court said bring somebody back, I would do that. I respect the Supreme Court, he said. On Saturday, he appeared to walk back that pledge, claiming on Truth Social that the migrants his administration is paying El Salvador to hold in prison are now in the sole custody of the Central American nation, adding that their fate is in the hands of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele who is visiting the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who fled gang violence in El Salvador to the U.S. in 2011, was previously granted a protection from removal order prohibiting the government from deporting him back to that country. In a district court filing today, the Justice Department claimed that Abrego Garcias family has no right to ask the judge to demand the Trump administration secure his release in El Salvador and bring him back to the U.S. The DOJ argued that such a directive would be unconstitutional and a misunderstanding of the Supreme Courts order to facilitate his return. Defendants understand facilitate to mean what that term has long meant in the immigration context, namely actions allowing an alien to enter the United States, lawyers for Trumps Justice Department wrote in the filing. Taking all available steps to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia is thus best read as taking all available steps to remove any domestic obstacles that would otherwise impede the aliens ability to return here. Indeed, no other reading of facilitate is tenable or constitutional here. The administration further rejected any demands that it share copies or details of its agreements with El Salvador to hold the migrants the U.S. sent there claiming that this information is either classified, subject to attorney-client privilege, or subject to the State Secrets privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported last month that El Salvador had agreed, in a memo, to house migrants from the U.S. for one year pending the United States decision on their long term disposition. The memo has not been publicly released. While the Supreme Court flatly noted that Abrego Garcias deportation to El Salvador was illegal based on a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, Trumps Department of Homeland Security argued in a separate filing today that this protective order is null and void because it claims Abrego Garcia is a member of a gang, MS-13, which Trump has designated as a terrorist organization. A DHS official wrote that Abrego Garcia is no longer eligible for withholding of removal because of his membership in MS-13 which is now a designated foreign terrorist organization. The filings were submitted to District Judge Paula Xinis court in Maryland. The Supreme Court sent Abrego Garcias case back to her court on Thursday, writing that Xinis original order demanding his return properly requires the government to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xinis has requested daily updates on what the Trump administration is doing to bring him back to the U.S. On Saturday, a State Department official told the court Abrego Garcia is alive and secure at the Central American countrys infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, the notorious mega-prison known as CECOT. As Rolling Stone recently reported, El Salvadors prison system is effectively a judicial black hole rife with systematic torture. The Trump administration has shipped hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to CECOT without due process. The administration has offered only specious claims that the deported men have ties to gangs claims that were apparently based on their fully unrelated tattoos and apparel choices. The vast majority of migrants whom Trump sent to El Salvador have no criminal records or previous criminal charges, according to reporting by CBS News 60 Minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration just sent 10 more criminals to El Salvador. 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. President Donald Trump and White House officials walked back a Friday announcement that there would be tariff exemptions on imported electronics. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump directly denied the tariff exemption announcement. NOBODY is getting off the hook for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff exception announced on Friday, he said, adding that Americans can look forward to more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us as a result of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said that the National Security Tariff Investigations will be reviewing the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN. Correspondingly, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that semiconductor tariffs were not really an exception, in an interview on CBS News Face The Nation. We certainly need to have semiconductors, and the downstream electronics supply chain move to the United States. What happened is- its not really an exception. Thats not even the right word for it, Greer said. So, its not that they wont be subject to tariffs geared at reshoring. Theyll just be under a different regime. Its shifting from one bucket of tariffs to a different bucket of potential tariffs. On the other hand, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Trumps tariff exemption on imported electronics is only temporary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lutnick in a Sunday interview on This Week with Jonathan Karl, electronics will be included in semiconductor tariffs, which will likely be enforced within a month or two. Trump, Greer and Lutnicks remarks on Sunday come in direct contrast with communication from U.S. Customs and Border Protection late on Friday that claimed imported electronics, such as smartphones, laptops and more, would be exempt from Trumps tariffs. We cant be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need, Lutnick added. So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption. [Trump is] just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries. These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America. The exemption would have been great news for big tech companies that manufacture many of their products abroad as Apple does in China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, These companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible. President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops. Thats why the President has secured trillions of dollars in U.S. investments from the largest tech companies in the world, including Apple, (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), and Nvidia, Leavitt said in the statement, according to CNN on Saturday. The news is the latest in Trumps tariff back and forth with dozens of other countries. Trump announced a bulk of his so-called reciprocal tariffs on April 2, a day which he dubbed Liberation Day. Days later, however, he then implemented a 90-day pause on the Liberation Day tariffs, leaving behind a basic 10% tariff on most countries. But Trump has put 145% tariffs on China. People in the business world took to social media in response to Lutnicks interview and Trumps ever-evolving tariff policies, according to Mediaite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox Business correspondent Charles Gasparino said on X that CEOs and investors he has talked to have called Trumps tariff policies a sad, scary and at times, silly spectacle. Plus they will say Howard Lutnick is a horrible spokesman for whatever trade regime the White House comes up with, Gasparino added. So Lutnick says we are zigging and zagging on the electronic and technology tariffs, Anthony Scaramucci, entrepreneur and former White House Director of Communications, wrote on X. Its ok to admit at this point that they have no idea what they are doing. This is really mind-boggling. If this was serious industrial policy, the main thing you want is certainty: Heres the tariff, it will be in place for the indefinite future, and you should plan accordingly, Dean Baker, an economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a left-leaning think tank, said, according to The Washington Post. Here, its basically: Come back next week and see what weve got. Thats no way to run an economy. Related... The Trump administration insisted Sunday that it has no legal obligation to arrange for the return of a Maryland man illegally deported from the United States, arguing that a Supreme Court ruling last week only requires officials to admit him into the country if he makes it back from a high-security prison in El Salvador. Justice Department lawyers told a federal judge that they dont interpret the Supreme Courts Thursday ruling that the administration facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias release as obligating the administration to do anything more than adjust his immigration status to admit him if El Salvadors government chooses to release him. With El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele set to meet President Donald Trump Monday, DOJ attorneys argued the courts have no power to require the administration to engage with the Salvadoran government to reach a diplomatic solution. They contend such a potential order would amount to a violation of the separation of powers and an intrusion into what they allege is unfettered presidential power to conduct foreign relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of those requested orders involve interactions with a foreign sovereign and potential violations of that sovereignty, Justice Department attorneys wrote in a seven-page submission to U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis. [A] federal court cannot compel the Executive Branch to engage in any mandated act of diplomacy or incursion upon the sovereignty of another nation. The administrations position suggests officials do not view the Supreme Courts order as compelling them to seek Abrego Garcias return. The Salvadoran native entered the country illegally around 2011 and had been living in Maryland. The Trump administration has admitted it deported him to El Salvador in violation of a 2019 immigration court order barring his deportation to that country. Though Abrego Garcia was denied asylum, a judge found he could not be sent to his home country because of a legitimate fear of persecution by a local gang. The administration continued Sunday to flout a Friday order from Xinis to deliver daily updates to the court describing its efforts to return Abrego Garcia to the United States. Sundays update from Evan Katz, the assistant director of removal operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the administration had no updates for the judge. A day earlier, in a similarly threadbare update, the administration turned to Michael Kozak, the State Departments senior bureau official in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, who said Abrego Garcia was still alive in El Salvadors CECOT prison. The administration is also bucking demands from Abrego Garcias attorneys that officials detail the arrangement to ship hundreds of foreign nationals to a notorious prison in El Salvador. One of the Sunday filings insists those details are classified and could be subject to attorney-client and state secrets privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be inappropriate for this Court to hastily order production of these sensitive documents, Justice Department lawyer Drew Ensign wrote. The administration also said it would resist efforts by Xinis to demand testimony from officials about their thinking on Abrego Garcias potential return, saying such disclosures could interfere with ongoing diplomatic discussions particularly in the context of President Bukeles ongoing trip to the United States. Still, the administrations narrow view of its obligations under the Supreme Courts ruling appears to up the stakes of a hearing Xinis has scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to assess the steps officials are taking to arrange for Abrego Garcias return. Video above: SCOTUS says Trump admin must facilitate return of mistakenly deported man (The Hill) The Trump administration provided a Saturday wellness report for the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in its first daily update mandated by a court order. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the White House to document reports on the status of Kilmar Abrego Garcia on Friday in an effort to determine if the administration is complying with her order to facilitate the mans return to U.S. soil. He is currently being detained in the countrys maximum security CECOT prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador, Michael Kozack, a senior bureau official at the State Department, wrote in a Saturday filing. He said the information was based on official reporting from the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador. Republicans fear Trumps trade war could lead to political wipeout Lawyers representing Abrego Garcia have proposed the federal government be held in contempt for prolonging efforts to have their client returned. The Trump administration acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was removed in an administrative error but continues to argue the president cannot be forced to orchestrate his return since he is now in the hands of Salvadoran authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their claim being submitted through a series of appeals, the Supreme Court upheld Xinis ruling declaring that U.S. officials must facilitate the Maryland mans return. Abrego Garcia received a 2019 judgment from a United States immigration court granting him protection from removal to El Salvador citing threats of violence and persecution from gangs in his home country if returned. While his legal battle plays out in court, Abrego Garcias attorneys submitted a proposed order Saturday requesting that Xinis direct the federal government to formally request their clients release to U.S. custody through CECOT, prepare all paperwork required for his return, dispatch personnel to accompany Abrego Garcia during his travel and provide air transportation for Abrego Garcia to return to Maryland, because he may not be in current possession of sufficient identification to board a commercial flight. Xinis was exasperated Friday with the governments lack of information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where is he and under whose authority? the judge asked during the hearing. Im not asking for state secrets. All I know is that hes not here. The government was prohibited from sending him to El Salvador, and now Im asking a very simple question: Where is he? The judge repeatedly asked a government attorney about what has been done to return Abrego Garcia, asking pointedly: Have they done anything? SNL roasts Trump tariffs in Easter Cold Open: Stock market did a Jesus Drew Ensign, a deputy assistant attorney general, told Xinis that he had no personal knowledge about any actions or plans to return Abrego Garcia. But he told the judge the government was actively considering what could be done and said that Abrego Garcias case involved three Cabinet agencies and significant coordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the hearing ended, Xinis ordered the U.S. to provide daily status updates on plans to return Abrego Garcia. The Justice Department did not immediately respond Saturday evening to an Associated Press request for comment. Abrego Garcia has lived in the U.S. for roughly 14 years, during which he worked construction, got married and was raising three children with disabilities, according to court records. If he is returned, he will get to face the allegations that prompted his expulsion: a 2019 accusation from local police in Maryland that he was an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia denied the allegation and was never charged with a crime, his attorneys said. A U.S. immigration judge subsequently shielded him from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that terrorized his family. 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 PIX11. Donald Trump is said to want to deport one million illegal migrants this year in the largest operation of its kind in US history. US officials told The Washington Post that the presidents team keeps bringing up a goal of deporting one million people, which would break past records, including Barack Obamas, which at 400,000, is the highest so far. Mr Trump made cutting immigration a key pledge in the lead-up to his election victory last year, with polls showing it is the issue where he draws his greatest level of support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Miller, the White House adviser, has been meeting almost daily with Homeland Security and other agencies to plan the deportations, according to the newspaper. Mr Trump made cutting immigration a key pledge in the lead-up to his election victory - Nathan Howard/REUTERS One idea is to focus on the 1.4 million people already ordered to be deported but stuck in the US because their countries will not take them back. The administration is talking to around 30 countries about accepting deportees who are not their own citizens. In a recent court filing, Mr Trumps officials said they hope to send thousands of migrants to the so-called third countries. While past administrations have tried this before, Mr Trumps team is pushing the biggest effort yet as they aim for the largest deportation operation in US history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have already started sending people to countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama even if theyre not from there. Demonstrators in New York protest against deportations - Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS One person was sent to Rwanda this month after long talks between his lawyers and the Joe Biden administration. During his campaign, Mr Trump promised to deport millions of migrants, and JD Vance, the vice-president, suggested last year they could begin with one million. Responding to the Washington Posts request for comment, Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, did not say what the administrations goal is but said voters want them to fix how former president Biden handled the borders and migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire Trump administration is aligned on delivering on this mandate, not on arbitrary goals, with a full-of-government approach to ensure the efficient mass deportation of terrorist and criminal illegal aliens, he said. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to fine migrants under deportation orders up to $998 (762) a day if they fail to leave the United States and to seize their property if they do not pay. If they dont, they will face the consequences, Ms McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security said. This includes a fine of $998 per day for every day that the illegal alien overstayed their final deportation order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fines stem from a 1996 law that was enforced for the first time in 2018, during Mr Trumps first term in office. The Trump administration plans to apply the penalties retroactively for up to five years, which could result in fines of more than $1 million. It comes as a federal judge said on Thursday that she will prevent the Trump administration from ordering hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans with temporary legal status to leave the country later this month. US District Judge Indira Talwani said she would issue a stay on an order for more than 500,000 migrants to leave the country, sparing them until the case advances to the next phase. Their permits were to be cancelled on April 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a hearing, Ms Talwani repeatedly questioned the governments assertion that it could end humanitarian parole for the four nationalities. She said migrants in the programme who are in the US legally now face an option of fleeing the country or staying and risk losing everything. 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. Even the educated mind, or perhaps especially the educated mind, is skilled at deflecting harsh realities. Thats why so many white-shoe lawyers have failed to publicly support their colleagues in firms that President Donald Trump has targeted. Its why universities have barely fought him in court, even as he has butchered their funding. Law partners and university presidents like to talk their way out of problems, and they apparently believe that they can ultimately evade the fate that befalls those who resist Trump. They assume that he merely craves gestures of submissionand that once obeisance has been paid, he will move on to his next target. That, however, underestimates the social revolution that the Trump administration is trying to unleash. Its goal isnt just to shatter a few institutions. It intends to crush the power and authority of whole professions, to severely weaken, if not purge, a social class. The target of the administrations campaign is a stratum of society thats sometimes called the professional managerial class, or the PMC, although theres not one universal moniker that MAGA applies to the group it is now crushing. That group includes societys knowledge workers, its cognitive elite, the winners of the tournament that is the American meritocracy. It covers not only lawyers, university administrators, and professors, but also consultants, investment bankers, scientists, journalists, and other white-collar workers who have prospered in the information age. Back in the 1990s, as the group began to emerge in its current form, the liberal economics commentator Robert Reich hailed its members as symbolic analystspeople who identify and solve problems by thinking through ideas rather than via physical labor. A decade later, the urbanist Richard Florida put forth an even more triumphalist term: the creative class. That is, its members had the academic training to master the complexities of a globalized economy, the intellectual skills to conquer the digital world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [John Bolton: The only question Trump asks himself] Not so long ago, the upper-middle-class Americans who exemplify the PMC would have filled the ranks of both parties. But beginning in the 1990s, professionals began migrating in large numbers to the Democrats. Many affluent people with a cosmopolitan outlook were repelled by the GOPs social stances and drawn to the economic moderation of politicians such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. As the group made this partisan turn, the right zeroed in on the PMC as the enemy within. Conservative populists didnt just disagree with the PMCs political preferences; they accused an institutional elite of conniving to extend its own power. By inculcating a worldview hatched on university campusescall it progressive or wokethis elite hopes to assert its dominion over the rest of society. It masquerades as the purveyor of science and objectivity, but it really is a hegemonic caste. Animosity to the PMC is a propulsive force in Trumps second term. Rather than merely replacing its ideological foesby installing its own appointees in federal agenciesthe administration is bent on destroying their institutional homes, and the basis for their livelihood. Thats the lesson of the Department of Government Efficiency. In short order, DOGE has engaged in mass firingssweeping attacks on the civil service as an autonomous bastion of power. The administration has moved to uproot the diversity, equity, and inclusion bureaucracy that sprawls across corporations and nonprofits. Although the federal government cannot crush entire universities and law firms outright, Trump has attempted to undermine their business models. The administration has eliminated many of the grants that fund research at major universitiesand Republicans in Congress have proposed taxing these institutions endowments as well. Trump has stigmatized law firms by reprimanding them in executive orders, signaling to clients and potential clients that these firms will always be at a disadvantage in dealings with the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its strange inversion of American politics, the Trump administration has come far closer to executing a Marxist theory of power than any of its progressive predecessors. It has waged class warfare, not against billionaires but against a far more ubiquitous enemy. And it has done so with a certainty that justifies terrible excesses, a desire to purge that it has only just begun to realize. When Donald Trump first entered presidential politics, his attitude toward the elite was comically inconsistent. One lobe of his brain equated Ivy League degrees with intelligence. I went to Wharton School of Business, he once said. Im like, a really smart person. He would extol his son-in-law Jared Kushner as a Harvard man. But another lobe of his brain processed the world in the blunt dichotomies of populism: The elites were shafting the people; the globalists were lining their pockets at the expense of real Americans; there was a swamp and a deep state. [Franklin Foer: The good son] The American rights version of populism has always been the product of a divided mind. In the 1960s, William F. Buckley Jr., a Yale graduate and the child of an oil magnate, famously quipped, I should sooner live in a society governed by the first two thousand names in the Boston telephone directory than in a society governed by the two thousand faculty members of Harvard University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the ideological roots of the Trump administrations campaign against the PMC can be traced back decades further. In the 1930s, the political theorist James Burnham was a disciple of the exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Burnham absorbed Trotskys core complaint with the Soviet Union: that it had been hijacked by a clique of bureaucrats who tended to their own interests at the expense of society, and had veered from the righteous path. Accepting that critique of the Soviet state set Burnham on a path of apostasy. In 1940, he broke ranks with Trotsky, rejected socialism altogether, and turned rightward. But in the course of his conversion, he retained a strain of his former idols old analysis. Nearly everywhere he turned, he saw the danger of a domineering bureaucratic caste, even in the United States, the heart of the free-market economy. In his 1941 book, The Managerial Revolution, Burnham argued that within the American corporation, power actually resided with managers, the experts who mastered the sprawling, technically intricate means of industrial production, not with the men who owned companies. The same dynamic held in government. It was bureaucrats, not members of Congress, who determined the path of democracy. The bureaucrats were an authoritarian cabal in the making. The book became an unlikely hit, selling more than 100,000 copies. Burnhams critique of the managerial elite also became a canonical text for young conservatives such as Buckley. Over time, Burnhams idea thrived and morphed to keep pace with the zeitgeist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to the Baby Boom, universities were exploding by the late 1960s, creating a huge new professoriate. Thanks to Lyndon Johnsons Great Society, the federal bureaucracy was expanding too, creating an army of social workers, government lawyers, and economists. Society showed the influence of what Irving Kristol described as the new class. To Kristol, an intellectual who had followed Burnhams trajectory from Trotskyism to conservatism, this new class seemed nefarious because it showed little interest in making money. Instead, it craved power and exploited progressive ideas as a guise for achieving it. By Kristols account, the new class leveraged its control of the media, the academy, and the government to implant its self-serving ideas in the nation. [Matthew Cooper: Why the left should miss Irving Kristol] Conservatives werent the only ones who perceived the power of the PMC; indeed, the term professional-managerial class was popularized by the liberal intellectuals Barbara and John Ehrenreich. But arguments such as Burnhams and Kristols have made a deeper impression on the modern right than on the left. As conservatives gained control over the levers of government, especially in the George W. Bush administration, an ever more overt disdain for expertise guided policy, as the White House eschewed opinions emanating from CIA analysts and mainstream economists. By 2016, Peter Thiel, the Trump booster and Silicon Valley investor, was fuming that America was now dominated by very unelected, technocratic agencies. During Trumps first term, American Affairs, the most rarefied of the MAGA-adjacent outlets, ran essay after essay about the pernicious power of the professional managerial class. But the theories of new class and managerial caste didnt truly become the guiding ideology of the state until the second Trump term. In the battle between the warring lobes of Trumps brain, his sense of grievance ultimately prevailed. Subjected to media criticism and legal investigations during his first term, he not only raged against his PMC adversaries but also began to fantasize about exacting retribution against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the rights own intelligentsia, two major developments that gathered force during Trumps first presidency seemingly vindicated Burnham as a prophet who foresaw how the PMC would flex its power. One was the institutional embrace of left-wing identity politics. Corporations had spawned whole new bureaucracies devoted to DEI. Workers at Google, Nike, and The New York Times prodded the owners to shift politically in a progressive direction, ousting employees who allegedly held retrograde opinions on race and gender, propelling firms to promote minorities and invest in Black businesses. The PMC was flexing the power it had clawed away from corporate overlords. The other development was COVID-19. At the behest of public-health authorities, societies ground to a halt. The shutdown exposed the entitlements of life in the PMC, whose members holed up in their homes, streaming movies and baking bread, as others exposed themselves to the disease in the course of packing meat and delivering groceries. The opinions issued by the likes of Anthony Fauci became the basis for a new gripe: that arrogant experts were using a once-in-a-century pandemic as a pretext for stifling reasonable policy debate and exerting their own control over the country. Many titans of Silicon Valley, not just Thiel, were attracted to this critique, although they were arguably members of the PMC themselves, or at least had attended elite universities and frequented fancy conferences in mountain resorts. But they resented how the underlings in their own companies forced them to adopt progressive politics as corporate policy. And as engineers, who believed in the gospel of tinkering, they never considered themselves card-carrying members of the PMC establishment. Elon Musk, for one, adopted a Burnham-like disdain for the PMC as a business plan. When he took over Twitter in 2022, he laid off 80 percent of the workforce, including the Trust and Safety Council and a chunk of the companys content moderators. As the Silicon Valley entrepreneur Antonio Garcia Martinez put it, Musk was taking a stand against the professional-managerial class regime that otherwise elsewhere dominates. Not only did he treat this caste with disdain; he implied that it was doomed to the dustbin of history, because its members functions could be so easily subsumed by artificial intelligence. A shared hatred of the PMC drew Musk to Trump, and the Twitter purge foreshadowed Musks approach in government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Rumman Chowdhury: I watched Elon Musk kill Twitters culture from the inside] Even before Musk attached himself and his fortune to Trump, MAGA types were making bold plans for the wholesale eradication of the PMC from American institutions during a second Trump term. Contempt for the unaccountable bureaucratic managerial class was a dominant theme of Project 2025, the playbook produced by the Heritage Foundation. The attack on the PMC has proceeded with astonishing velocity. Thousands of federal employees have been fired since Trumps inauguration, and many others have fled oppressive workplaces of their own accord. Once-thriving institutionsthe Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Voice of America, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to name a fewhave been either eliminated or reduced to ineffectual nubs of their former selves. Hatred for the PMC burns so intensely that it becomes the justification for sacrificing research into cures for cancer and ignoring accumulated expertise about the workings of the economy. In a way, Trump is practicing his very own form of Maoism, a cultural revolution against the intelligentsiawhat the Communist Party of China memorably deemed the stinking ninth class. Although Trumps purges have been tame by comparison, there are parallels. Like Trump, Mao wanted to create manufacturing jobs in the homeland. Defying expert opinion and shunning economic common sense, Mao launched his Great Leap Forwarda disastrously unsuccessful policy of rapid industrializationin the late 50s. During that period and the subsequent Cultural Revolution, he resorted to scapegoating his own PMC, especially the professoriate and other cultural elites. (Better red than expert was a rallying cry.) His minions subjected its members to public humiliation and horrifying violence; the state exiled members of the urban bourgeoisie to the countryside for reeducation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a stretch to imagine such a scenario unfolding on American soil. But voices in MAGA are floating versions of these ideas. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently told Tucker Carlson that fired federal workers could supply the labor we need for new manufacturing. That is reeducation, Trump-style. The lesson of the Cultural Revolution is that purging the PMC culminates in economic stagnation at best. In the aftermath of Maoism, social distrust flourished; anti-intellectualism resulted in historical amnesia and conformist thinking. Even if the United States avoids those outcomes, the global economic turmoil that has followed Trumps tariff announcements hints at the perils of banishing and stigmatizing expertise. This is the dark reality of the Trump projecta vision far more comprehensive, and therefore far more corrosive, than an autocratic presidents mere thirst for vengeance. Article originally published at The Atlantic Computers, chips, smartphones and other electronic goods will be exempt from some reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A CBP notice posted late Friday provided a list of 20 electronic devices and components that will be exempt from import duties including computers, flat panel monitors, smartphones, laptops, hard drives, memory chips and more. The notice said the exemption applies to products entering the U.S. or removed from warehouses starting on April 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the tariff exemptions for electronics could be temporary, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Electronic devices and components could be subject to semiconductor tariffs that will likely come in a month or two, Lutnick said. All those products are going to come under semiconductors, and theyre going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored. We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels we need to have these things made in America. We cant be reliant on Southeast Asia for all of the things that operate for us, Lutnick told ABC News This Week on Sunday. The electronics exemption imposed on Friday could at least temporarily provide some tariff relief for international shippers amid a back-and-forth tariff escalation between the U.S. and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration launched its broad reciprocal tariff plan for about 90 U.S. trade partners April 2, including a baseline 10% tariff on trade partners, as well as 25% tariffs on certain imported vehicles and auto parts. A few hours after the reciprocal tariffs went into effect, Trump announced he was pausing the higher tariffs but leaving the 10% baseline levies intact for all countries, except for Canada and Mexico. The CBP exemption announced Friday excludes the electronic devices and components from the 10% baseline tariff, according to the notice. Trump also raised tariffs on all imports from China to 145% last week. China retaliated early Friday against the increased tariffs by imposing 125% levies on all U.S. goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBP notice paused the 145% tariffs against China, but import taxes of 20% are still in place, White House officials said. Trump signed an executive order Feb. 1 putting 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, while Chinese products were slapped with an additional 10% tariff, bringing their import levies to 20%. These products are subject to the tariff under the original IEEPA on China of 20 percent, said a social media post on Saturday by Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy. The post Trump exempts smartphones, chips, computers from tariffs appeared first on FreightWaves. President Trump clarified Sunday that new supposed exemptions on some tech products to tariffs are in fact not exemptions as they are subject to an existing 20% tariff and are part of a different tariff bucket. Politico White House reporter Myah Ward and Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason join Alex Witt to discuss the mixed messaging from the administration on tariffs and Democratic calls to investigate potential insider trading within the White House before the announced 9 On the American presidential campaign trail, Donald Trump boasted more than once that he would be able to end the war between Russia and Ukraine in 24 hours. Nearly three months into his second term, that clearly hasnt happened. By March, as the scale of the challenge dawned on them, the tune coming from his administration quietly changed: meeting with delegations from Moscow and Kyiv in the Middle East, Trumps representatives declared they were optimistic that a truce now could materialise in weeks. The White House was reportedly aiming to get a peace deal signed by Easter. For Trump, a vain man with a weak spot for pomp and ceremony, the symbolism of such an achievement would be very neat indeed and perhaps, he may have hoped, bring the Nobel peace prize he dreams of that little bit closer. This year, the celebration of Easter coincides in both the Western and Orthodox Christian church calendars; Easter Sunday will also mark exactly three months since Trump returned to the White House. Ending the war between Russia and Ukraine in this way would clearly have been a major win for the President. But, with less than a week to go, we already know Trumps ambition for an Easter peace deal was little more than wishful thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has just launched a new spring offensive in the north of Ukraine, amassing over 67,000 troops in their efforts to take over the city of Sumy. Over the weekend at least 31 people were killed in Russian missile strikes on the city. Vladimir Putin has shown few signs that he is willing to end the fighting or budge on his maximalist conditions for agreeing to a truce: namely that Ukraine be demilitarised and banned from joining Nato, and that the Ukrainian territories occupied by his troops are legally recognised as Russian. Ukraine has repeatedly said it will never accept such terms as part of a ceasefire with Moscow. Despite claiming to have secured Russias agreement to a 30-day partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure in March (which Ukraine accused them of breaking almost immediately), the reality is that Trump is no closer to forcing Putin to the negotiating table. On Friday, the Presidents special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, returned from a meeting with Putin in St Petersburg with seemingly little to show for it. While Witkoffs meeting was ongoing, Trump took to Truth Social to tell Russia to get moving on a deal. Speaking on Air Force One on Saturday, the President revealed that he thought discussions were going fine, although theres a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up. Its clear that Trump is becoming frustrated with Russia stalling talks. It is also becoming increasingly clear that Trump seems more concerned with sealing any deal at all with Putin, than with what the specific contents of that deal may be or the consequences it holds for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, over the weekend Keith Kellogg, Trumps envoy to Ukraine, suggested that as part of a peace deal, the country could be carved up almost like Berlin after World War Two. Britain and France but crucially not the US could control the west of the country in order to enforce the ceasefire, he suggested, while Ukraine would be handed its own zone and Russia given control over the countrys eastern territories. An 18-mile wide demilitarised zone would keep Moscow and Kyivs troops apart. What Kellogg didnt say out loud was that such a plan to partition Ukraine would by default mean accepting Putins demand to recognise Russian sovereignty over the four regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. He is just the latest in a line of those close to Trump publicly conceding to the Russian Presidents demands: in February US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was unrealistic to think Ukraine would be joining Nato. Tellingly, Witkoff also reportedly told Trump last week that the fastest way to end the war in Ukraine would be to hand these four territories to Putin. Are these carrots that Trumps team are hoping to dangle in front of Putin to lure him to the negotiating table? If so, they are unlikely to work: showing your best negotiating cards before discussions have even begun is unlikely to win you any concessions from your opponent. For a man who prides himself on supposedly perfecting the art of the deal, this is a bizarre misstep by Trump. Far from enticing Putin to sign on the dotted line of a ceasefire deal, Trumps top team are more likely to push the Russian President into seeing what more he can squeeze out of them. The conflict in Ukraine is currently still going in Putins favour; he not Ukraine, and certainly not America is in the position of strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without doubt Trump does still hold some cards: he is reportedly thinking of imposing sanctions on Russias shadow fleet of illegal oil tankers crucial to funding Putins invasion over the past three years if no ceasefire comes before the end of the month. But if it means pushing Putin further away from the negotiating table, will he dare? Im not so sure. 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. President Trumps sweeping clemency for Jan. 6 defendants have taken a number of surprising twists and turns nearly three months after the Capitol attack prosecution was abruptly upended. On his first day back in the White House, Trump made good on his campaign pledge to absolve those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, granting full pardons to more than 1,500 rioters and commuting the sentences of extremist group leaders accused of spearheading the attack. Since then, the presidents order has spurred a series of unforeseen ramifications, including a backlash by some defendants against Attorney General Pam Bondi and other Trump administration officials, pushback from judges and calls for money to be returned for some of those convicted on rioting charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court filings this week, the Justice Department (DOJ) suggested that some Jan. 6 defendants might be entitled to a refund of the restitution they paid for Capitol repairs. The Capitol riot inflicted an estimated $3 million in damage to the building. Rioters have typically been ordered to pay $500 if found guilty of a misdemeanor or $2,000 if convicted of a felony to the Architect of the Capitol to recompense for the damage. In response to a Jan. 6 defendants February request for reimbursement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Dreher said Tuesday that the government agrees the rioter is entitled to the return of those funds. The refunds wouldnt apply to all rioters, Dreher said. But for rioters whose cases were actively being appealed when Trump issued the pardons resulting in appeals courts wiping out those convictions a reimbursement is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments new position, which could prompt financial returns for hundreds of defendants, comes as Trump has signaled support for compensating the pardoned rioters, suggesting in an interview last month theres been talk about a compensation fund. Meanwhile, Jan. 6 defendants facing charges unrelated to the riot, who have mounted efforts to drop the counts under the guise that Trumps pardons covered them, have received continued support from the Justice Department. At least four rioters facing gun charges received backing from the Justice Department in their bids to toss the counts, citing further consultation with DOJ leadership. One of those bids was successful: Jeremy Brown, who was convicted of weapons charges after law enforcement found stolen grenades and classified information in his home while investigating his role in the Capitol attack, saw those counts dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But judges have otherwise pushed back. A federal judge in Maryland said Thursday he could not act as a rubber stamp by dismissing a rioters unrelated gun charge as consistent with Trumps pardon, and last month, a different federal judge in Tennessee questioned the DOJs change in position on such matters. An appeals court weighed in on the matter earlier this month, finding in the gun case of a Kentucky Jan. 6 defendant that Trumps pardon plainly applies to related offenses, not those uncovered by happenstance while investigating Jan. 6 offenses. Since Trump returned to office, the Justice Department has also indicated changing positions in various lawsuits and criminal cases that stemmed from the riot. It signaled in court filings Thursday that settlement negotiations are underway in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed as she attempted to climb through a barricaded door to the Speakers lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is reviewing its position in Trump trade adviser Peter Navarros appeal of his contempt of Congress conviction, which stemmed from his efforts to evade a House Jan. 6 committee subpoena, and is seeking to take over as Trumps lawyer in a civil case over his role in the riot, as well. But Trumps pardons and overall reframing of the Capitol attack have also spurred unexpected drawbacks. The Chicago City Council on Tuesday advanced a measure that would bar Jan. 6 defendants from working in city jobs. Alderman Gilbert Villegas, an author of the measure, said you should not be allowed to work for the government you tried to overthrow. And some rioters have started to bite the hand that fed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trumps exhaustive pardons, Jan. 6 defendants celebrated the new administrations efforts to clear their names. But the honeymoon period seems to have ended. Several Jan. 6 defendants angrily took to social media this week after FBI Director Kash Patel promoted agency veteran Steven Jensen to oversee the agencys Washington, D.C., field office, despite his participation in the Jan. 6 probe. Richard Bigo Barnett, a rioter who lounged in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis (D-Calif.) office during the riot, wrote on social platform X that Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stabbed us in the back with the promotion. William Pope, a Kansas Jan. 6 defendant whos influential on X, cast skepticism on Patel and Bongino, implying their support for the rioters might not be so legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy but was then granted a full pardon by Trump, suggested protesting outside the Washington Field Office until Jensen was fired or Patel and Bongino took a meeting to discuss the issue. Tarrio has also taken aim at Bondi for failing to terminate specific Jan. 6 prosecutors or drop fellow Proud Boys members charges. He at one point called for her firing. I am loyal to the President because he has given me my life back and I support his policies, Tarrio wrote Monday in a post to X. This loyalty does not extend to his appointees or endorsements. If they f up I WILL call them out, 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 The Hill. Surrounded by coal miners, President Donald Trump signed an executive order vowing to roll back his predecessors policies limiting lung-damaging, climate-changing pollution from power plants that burn the planets dirtiest source of energy. Cmon fellas, you know what this says? Trump said to the men in hard hats. Youre going back to work! During the four years after the Republican president signed that 2017 order, and attempted to roll back dozens of clean air and water protections, 79 coal plants closed and 13,000 industry workers lost their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of plant closures and layoffs under Trump far exceeded those during President Barack Obamas second term and President Joe Bidens tenure in the White House, even as Trump and his allies accused both Democrats of waging a war on coal. Like a TV networks summer reruns, Trump is back with a pro-coal agenda. Among his targets are Illinois and other states with their own clean energy laws, which promise to end the nations use of coal to generate electricity and wean the nation from gas-fired power. This is a very important day to me because were bringing back an industry that was abandoned despite the fact that it was the best, certainly the best in terms of power, real power, Trump said last week while flanked again by coal miners and corporate executives wearing hard hats at the White House. Industry data tell another story. Coal, once a dominant sector of the economy, is in steep decline because it cant compete against cleaner, less-expensive energy sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year coal plants generated just 15% of the nations electricity, down from nearly half in 2011, according to the Energy Information Administration. Most of whats left of Illinois coal fleet is scheduled to shut down within the next five years. One of Michigans biggest utilities, Consumers Energy, is closing the last three of its coal plants this year. Lower prices for natural gas have prompted investor-owned companies to close scores of coal plants. Moreover, the costs of wind and solar power have dropped dramatically during the past decade and a half. Building a new wind farm now costs 45% less than operating a coal plant with the same capacity, according to the investment firm Lazard. Solar energy is almost as cost-competitive. Renewable energy now generates more electricity nationwide than coal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think you have to raise the question, is (what Trump is doing) serious? said Barry Rabe, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan. Especially given the other energy sources we have available, including gas and renewables, including the interest in more nuclear (energy). Left unmentioned during Trumps latest appearance with miners were the health and environmental consequences of coal. When burned, it emits more carbon dioxide than any other fuel source. Levels of the heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere are higher than at any point during the past 800,000 years. If emissions arent dramatically reduced soon, decades of research show, climate-influenced catastrophes could kill millions of people and devastate the global economy. Burning coal also creates lung-damaging smog and emits brain-damaging mercury and soot pollution that triggers respiratory ailments and shaves years off lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps response is a renewed attempt to eliminate limits adopted by Biden and Obama on mercury, soot, smog-forming and climate-changing pollution. Related Articles Throughout his orders, Trump cites the growing number of power-hungry data centers, though it remains unclear how much electricity the industry will need in coming years. Tech companies already are moving toward nuclear energy, and wind and solar power combined with batteries for when the wind doesnt blow or the sun doesnt shine. A key roadblock is the long waitlist for wind and solar companies seeking to join regional electrical grids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grid operators have requested delayed closures of a few coal plants as they work through concerns about reliability. But an executive at PJM Interconnection, the nations largest grid operator, said at a conference last month that he wasnt sure if the market was sending the signal right now that coal should actually stick around. Nevertheless, the latest Trump-appointed administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, former New York Republican congressman Lee Zeldin, is encouraging polluters to seek exemptions from clean air regulations. Zeldin also is moving to absolve industries from telling the public what they emit into the atmosphere a priority in Project 2025, the far-right blueprint for Trumps second term. Theyre basically offering polluters get-out-of-jail-free cards, said Howard Learner, president and executive director of the nonprofit Environmental Law and Policy Center. The White House is keeping secret which companies have requested exemptions. Based on industries listed in the regulations targeted by Trump, owners of coal plants are among the potential benefactors. So are steel mills in northwest Indiana owned by U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs and oil refineries, including BPs in Whiting, Exxon-Mobils outside Joliet and Citgos in Lemont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade groups for oil companies and chemical manufacturers have asked for blanket exemptions. None of the oil companies or steel manufacturers contacted by the Chicago Tribune returned phone calls or emails. Two downstate coal plant operators, the Prairie State Generating Co. and the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, confirmed they did not ask Trump for exemptions. One of the chief bugaboos for fossil fuel interests is a movement among the states to create Superfund-like programs that would require polluters to pay for damages caused by climate change disasters. Trump ordered his attorney general, Pam Bondi, to block those programs and state-specific laws requiring more clean energy, including one in Illinois that bans coal- and gas-fired electricity by 2045. Directing the Department of Justice to address this state overreach will help restore the rule of law and ensure activist-driven campaigns do not stand in the way of ensuring the nation has access to an affordable and reliable energy supply, Ryan Meyers, senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute, said in a statement. Governors and attorneys general from Democratic-led states are fighting back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia Kuncio, a spokeswoman for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, said Trumps attempts to roll back environmental regulations threaten to undo or delay programs that have secured more than $4 billion in clean energy investments and created nearly 129,000 jobs. Trump claims to want to return rights to the states, but then acts like a dictator when state policies dont benefit him or his cronies, Kuncio said in an email. If Trump and (Elon) Musk want to rail against climate policies that grow our economy while helping the environment, theyre once again proving that they care more about their rich friends than American families. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined colleagues suing the Trump administration for withholding environmental grants approved during Bidens term. The recent executive orders could offer a free pass for coal power plants to inflict mercury, arsenic, other toxic pollutants on our population, including environmental justice communities, said April McLaren, a Raoul spokeswoman who vowed he will continue to defend our states protections on clean air and a healthy environment against federal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If history is a guide, many of Trumps pro-industry moves wont survive court challenges. Federal courts blocked a vast majority of environmental rollbacks attempted during Trumps first term. His administration won just 23% of cases, compared to an average success rate of 70% during previous presidencies, according to a New York University analysis. But the far-right Supreme Court, including three justices appointed by Trump, appears increasingly hostile to environmental regulations. Last year the court reduced the power of the EPA and other federal agencies to adopt regulations unless lawmakers spell out the details. Several cases pending before the court could further hamstring the EPAs ability to combat climate change and industrial pollution. Many of Trumps pronouncements are a rehash of things his aides dissuaded him from following through on during his first four years in office. This time it appears there is nobody in the White House willing to tell him no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Walke, an EPA lawyer in the Clinton administration who now directs clean air policies at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council, noted another difference: During the past three months Trump has repeatedly threatened major law firms, several of which have agreed to work for free on causes the president cares about, including gutting climate regulations. Trump is more radicalized across the board than he was in his first term, Walke said. Whether its trying to repeal the (legal finding that climate change threatens humanity) or sending tanks down Pennsylvania Avenue on his birthday, hes still resentful that a lot of these things were blocked by people from his first term who he now calls never-Trumpers. Just as there is no coherent, consistent organizing principle or explanation for how he is dealing with tariffs and global trade, its the same with coal, Walke said. I think he has these gauzy, atavistic beliefs that hes going to bring back 1870s America coal and trade because those are the glory days of the country. A Trump official is coming after the real menace plaguing America: those gosh-darn freeloaders moping around the endangered species list. On Monday, interior secretary Doug Burgum suggested that the list, which is maintained by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is a cornerstone of the nation's conservation efforts, needs cleaning out. We should celebrate removing species, not adding them, he said. "The Endangered Species List has become like the Hotel California: once a species enters, they never leave," wrote Burgum in a statement on X. "In fact, 97 percent of species that are added to the endangered list remain there. This is because the status quo is focused on regulation more than innovation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His reason for why is stupefying: the advent of "de-extinction" technology and in particular the latest blockbuster claim from the startup Colossal that it's resurrected the long dead dire wolf which has supposedly exposed how the conventional wisdom behind conservation efforts is outdated. "The revival of the Dire Wolf heralds the advent of a thrilling new era of scientific wonder, showcasing how the concept of 'de-extinction' can serve as a bedrock for modern species conservation," Burgum proclaimed. Now, Burgum adds, we should start thinking how it could strengthen biodiversity protection efforts by using genetic technology to ressurect dying species. That's a pretty bold claim. And the thing about the "dire wolves" brought back from extinction is that they're not really dire wolves. They're modern gray wolves born from gene-edited embryos designed to imitate certain dire wolf traits. (In fact, some research suggests that the dire wolf isn't even an ancestor of the gray wolf, Science notes.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colossal, which has also vowed to bring back the dodo, used the same trick to create "woolly mice" possessing fur that resembled the shaggy pelt of the wooly mammoth. DNA samples from the extinct creatures were used to identify the genes targeted in the edits, but no actual dire wolf or wooly mammoth genetic material was implanted into the modern analogs. "The reality is we can't de-extinct extinct creatures because we can't use cloning the DNA is just not well enough preserved," Nic Rawlence, an associate professor and director of the Palaeogenetics Laboratory at New Zealand's University of Otago, told the Washington Post. "What Colossal is trying to do is genetically engineering animals to look like extinct creatures," Rawlence added. "They look cute and cuddly but... they're not a dire wolf." In short, hinging the future of thousands of endangered species whose survival already sits on a knife's edge on an unproven technology that is yet to come anywhere near to delivering on its premise is, charitably put, extremely reckless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's assuming Burgum, whose environmental track record is pretty suspect, has the critters' best interests in mind in the first place. The former North Dakota governor is cozy with the oil and gas industry, not to mention close friends with several petroleum executives. Burgum also endorsed Trump's plan to fire back up coal plants that were shuttered by the Biden administration a plan that finally came to fruition this week. More on wildlife: Behold This Bonkers Photo of a 2,800-Pound Rhino Dangling Upside Down From a Helicopter North Carolina has long been a testing ground for efforts to silence voters. From extreme gerrymandering to relentless and restrictive voter ID laws, weve seen lawmakers chip away at our freedom to vote under the false guise of election integrity. Now, were witnessing it again with the Trump Administrations newest attempted power grab an unconstitutional Executive Order that would do nothing to protect elections but would do plenty to strip eligible voters of their constitutional right to vote. Its the latest move in an authoritarian playbook designed to make voting harder all while masquerading as an effort to protect the security of our elections. This Executive Order is blatantly unconstitutional and is a clear distraction from the real issue at hand: the SAVE Act which, if enacted, would disenfranchise millions of voters by requiring proof of citizenship. Melissa Price Kromm is Executive Director of North Carolina For the People and N.C. For the People Action, formerly NC Voters for Clean Elections. Proof of citizenship to vote is a solution in search of a problem At first glance, requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote might seem like common sense, but in reality, it throws up unnecessary roadblocks for eligible voters, disproportionately impacting people of color, naturalized citizens and elderly residents. North Carolina lawmakers have been playing this game for years, throwing up obstacles, creating confusion and manufacturing fear to keep certain voices out of the process. This order is just the latest chapter in that shameful playbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion I was a Duke University student athlete. NIL needs reform, and that's what I told Congress. Opinion Letter: Fayetteville protest gave me a sense of community. Hateful comments shattered it. As the data have shown, time and again: noncitizen voting is not a widespread problem. In fact, multiple studies and election audits have confirmed that such cases are virtually nonexistent. Yet lawmakers keep pushing this myth to justify proposed ballot measures and laws that would make it harder for eligible citizens to vote. This bill isnt about protecting elections its about creating barriers, fueling fear and silencing voters who dont fit their agenda. Ive spoken with naturalized citizens who have spent years navigating our immigration system, proudly earning their right to vote only to now face another bureaucratic nightmare to prove their citizenship. Ive heard from elderly Black voters born in the Jim Crow South, whose births were never formally recorded, and who now fear theyll be turned away at the polls. And I know working mothers, like myself, who have changed their last names after marriage, only to find that mismatched documents could threaten their ability to vote. These arent hypotheticals; they are real people, our neighbors, who will be disenfranchised. More voters will face obstacles like I did I experienced these complications firsthand when I voted in the 2016 primary. I walked into my polling place with my three-month-old baby, having just legally changed my name. I did everything right I updated my name with the DMV and changed my voter registration to match. But when I arrived, I learned that my registration hadnt been processed due to an error. The only way I could vote was under my maiden name, which was allowed under the law at the time. This wasnt my mistake it was a failure of the system. With this executive order, even more voters will face similar obstacles except they might not be so fortunate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its shameful and disheartening to see our North Carolina legislators and elected leaders, like Rep. Don Davis, working against voters best interests by actively supporting legislation that would make it harder for North Carolinians to make their voices heard. If our leaders truly cared about election security, theyd be working to expand voter access, modernize our election systems and ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without jumping through unnecessary hoops. Instead, our elected leaders are resorting to fear-mongering and deception to push an agenda that serves their own interests, not the American people nor the people of North Carolina. North Carolinians must stand against the SAVE Act, the Executive Order, and any other efforts to make voting harder. Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely and fairly. We cannot allow self-serving lawmakers to strip away our rights under the pretense of security. Its time to push back against these attacks and demand a system that works for all of usnot just those in power. Melissa Price Kromm is Executive Director of North Carolina For the People and N.C. For the People Action, formerly NC Voters for Clean Elections. This column is republished under a Creative Commons license and was originally published at NC Newsline, ipart of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: SAVE Act, Trump order new threats to voting in NC | Opinion The Trump administration stated on Saturday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is alive and secure at a terrorism confinement center there. A U.S. judge demanded updates on the Trump administration's efforts to facilitate his return, per a Supreme Court ruling. Just hours later on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador on Monday at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite an earlier statement claiming he would bring Abrego Garcia back if instructed by the Supreme Court, Trump appeared to deflect, saying that those deported are now in the sole custody of El Salvador ... their future is up to President B and his Government. A government court filing provided the update on Abrego Garcia, who was sent to El Salvador on March 15 despite an order protecting him from deportation, after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis demanded daily updates on Friday. The filing from Michael Kozak of the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs did not, however, specify what steps the government was taking to bring Abrego Garcia home, as Xinis had also insisted. I am aware that the instant lawsuit has been filed seeking the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States from El Salvador, Kozak's filing said. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia of Maryland, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador (APTOPIX) It is my understanding, based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador, that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, it said. He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xinis issued her demand a day after the Supreme Court upheld her order directing the administration to facilitate and effectuate Abrego Garcia's return. However, the Supreme Court stated that the term "effectuate" was unclear and might exceed the judge's authority. The Trump administration has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in Maryland and has held a work permit since 2019, was mistakenly deported. However, it stated that it could not immediately bring him back and that diplomatic relations could not operate at the speed demanded by the courts. This handout picture released on March 16, 2025, by El Salvador's Presidency press office shows the arrival of ICE deportees from the United States (EL SALVADOR'S PRESIDENCY PRESS O) Trump has told reporters he would comply with a Supreme Court order directing him to return the Maryland resident to the U.S. When asked on Friday if Trump would seek the return of Abrego Garcia during his meeting with Bukele, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the courts ruling made clear the administrations responsibility to facilitate Abrego Garcias return, not to effectuate the return. The president is saying he can unlawfully send people to a foreign nation and then wipe his hands of responsibility for them. Dangerous stuff pic.twitter.com/pPHQZzYKJ9 Sam Stein (@samstein) April 12, 2025 In his Saturday social media post, Trump praised Bukele for accepting enemy aliens from the U.S. He said the two countries were working closely together to eradicate terrorist organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what has been framed on social media as the president washing his hands of the issue, Trump remarked: These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President B and his Government. They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again! With reporting by Reuters US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 145% tariffs on all Chinese imports despite pausing his reciprocal levies on all other countries in a stunning reversal last week. But China is not backing down, saying it will fight to the end if Trump continues to escalate what is already becoming a full-blown trade war. On Friday, China also significantly ramped up its own duties on US imports into the country. To analyze which nation might blink first, CNN examined Chinas largest imports from the United States soybeans to see if and how that demand could be met elsewhere, what US farmers stand to lose and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both countries are deeply intertwined with each other on trade, though China sells about three times more to the US than it buys. The result is a significant trade deficit amounting to almost $300 billion in Chinas favor, a gap that Trump wants to close with tariffs. China buys mainly agricultural products from the US, including soybeans, oilseeds and grains. Soybean imports, mostly used for animal feed, already took a hit during Trumps first term when the two countries sparred in an earlier trade war. At the time, China sought to diversify the source of its imports and looked to other countries for agricultural products. Its set to do that again after imposing 125% tariff on all US imports a move analysts expect could send Chinas imports of American agricultural commodities like soybeans close to zero. US soybean exports to China are now subject to a total tariff of 135%, resulting from 10% tariff imposed on certain agricultural products in March plus the 125% levy announced on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first US-China trade war, Brazil the worlds leading soybean exporter emerged as a winner, with Chinas imports of the legume surging over the years. Brazilian soybean exports to China have grown by more than 280% since 2010 while US exports have remained flat. Last November, Xi went on a state visit to Brazil, which was meant to strengthen ties between the two countries. In 2024, China was the main destination for Brazilian soybeans, accounting for more than 73% of the countrys total soybean exports. With production expected to rise the Brazilian soybean crop is projected to reach record levels this year China could increase its imports from Brazil and other South American countries like Argentina, which is currently the worlds third-largest soybean producer after Brazil and the US. What this means for US farmers The US agricultural sector lost around $27 billion during the 2018 trade war, with 71% of the losses being soybean-related, according to the American Soybean Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And farmers, many of whom live in states that went for Trump in the 2024 election, are still struggling with the fallout. Only Illinois, the top soybean producer, and Minnesota, the third-largest soybean producing state, went for former Vice President Kamala Harris last November. China is looking for more allies beyond Brazil to counter US tariffs and expand trade cooperation. On Thursday, China announced that it was willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries to strengthen communication and coordination. Earlier this week Chinas Commerce Minister discussed with EU officials restarting talks on trade relief and negotiations on electric vehicles. CNNs Simone McCarthy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that, in his view, negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are progressing well, but stressed that "theres a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up". Source: Trump aboard Air Force One, as quoted by Reuters Details: Reuters noted that Trump made this remark to journalists a day after expressing frustration with Russia and urging it to "get moving" towards reaching a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Trump: "I think Ukraine-Russia might be going OK, and youre going to be finding out pretty soon. Theres a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up and we'll see what happens, but I think its going fine." Details: On Friday, Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin on "aspects of a Ukrainian settlement". The talks took place as US-Russia dialogue aimed at securing a ceasefire ahead of a potential peace deal appeared to have stalled due to disagreements over the terms for a full cessation of hostilities. Quote from Reuters: "Trump has shown signs of losing patience and has spoken of imposing secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil if he feels Moscow is dragging its feet on a deal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: The Cambridge Dictionary explains the idiom "put up or shut up", used by Trump, as meaning that someone should either take action to do what theyve been talking about or stop talking about it altogether. Background: Trump urged Russia to take steps to end its full-scale war against Ukraine. Trump, who has promised a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, has been increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with Moscow's actions in recent days. In particular, he said he was "very angry" after Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin questioned the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and was outraged by Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, media reports suggested that senior Trump administration officials have begun to acknowledge that the US may not be able to reach a peace deal on Ukraine in the next few months due to additional conditions imposed by Moscow during negotiations. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Community Shred Day on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bryant Bank. The event is free to the community but limited to personal use onlyno businesses allowed. Participants can bring up to two boxes or bags of paper, weighing no more than 50 lbs. Film industry on the rise in Alabama Gone for Good will be providing the shredding service, and the event is made possible by presenting sponsors BBB of Central and South Alabama and Bryant Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more details, visit the chambers website or call (205) 655-7535. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An arrest warrant has been issued for Tulip Siddiq over allegations she illegally received a plot of land from her despot aunts government. Sheikh Hasina, Ms Siddiqs aunt, and several others face possible detention after charges filed by Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC believe the former City minister received a 7,200 sq ft plot in the diplomatic zone of the capital Dhaka through abuse of power and influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is part of a wider investigation into the alleged unlawful allocation of state-owned land to Ms Hasina, the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh, her children and close relatives. The case is separate from a 4 billion embezzlement investigation by the ACC into a nuclear deal struck by Ms Hasina, in which Ms Siddiq had also been named. Ms Siddiq, who resigned from the UK Government in January amid scrutiny of her links to Ms Hasina, has been named in three Bangladeshi inquiries. She has denied the charges and accused the Bangladeshi government of a targeted and baseless campaign against her and asked why it had briefed the media but not put its allegations to her directly. It is understood that Ms Siddiq has not heard directly from the Bangladeshi authorities and that she first became aware of the warrant after it was reported on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Sunday afternoon, a spokesman for Ms Siddiq said the allegations made against her were completely false and politically motivated. The spokesman said: The ACC has made various allegations against Ms Siddiq through the media in the last few months. The allegations are completely false and have been dealt with in writing by Ms Siddiqs lawyers. The ACC has not responded to Ms Siddiq or put any allegations to her directly or through her lawyers. Ms Siddiq knows nothing about a hearing in Dhaka relating to her and she has no knowledge of any arrest warrant that is said to have been issued. The ACC petitioned the Bangladeshi courts on March 10, asking for a travel ban to be imposed on Ms Hasina, Ms Siddiq and other family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same court had earlier issued arrest warrants against Ms Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed and 16 others in another corruption case involving plot allocation. There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Bangladesh. Tulip Siddiq, left, with her aunt Sheikh Hasina - Mikhail Metzel On Sunday, the Conservatives called on Ms Siddiq to step down as an MP and Sir Keir Starmer to suspend her from Labour. A Conservative spokesman said: If it is the case that Keir Starmers choice for anti-corruption minister is the subject of an international arrest warrant for corruption, she should immediately stand down as Labour MP. It is shocking that Keir Starmer believes the door remains open for Ms Siddiq returning to a government position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keir Starmer must put his close friendship and association with Ms Siddiq aside and take the action he should have months ago. Ben Obese-Jecty, the Tory MP for Huntingdon, added: Keir Starmer has previously suggested that he would welcome her back. How can she return to a government role with persistent questions regarding her conduct? In his response to Ms Siddiqs resignation letter in January, Sir Keir told her that she had made a difficult decision, before adding: The door remains open for you going forward. Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, said: This is obviously a very serious allegation from the Bangladeshi Government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Government should urgently engage with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities to secure more details. Transparency from the Bangladeshi Government and Tulip Siddiq on the allegations and evidence is absolutely vital. After years of Conservative sleaze and scandal, people rightly expected better from this government. So its gravely concerning that the governments former corruption minister now has new questions to answer in this deepening corruption scandal. Forged signatures The ACC says Ms Siddiq illegally acquired a flat and then used forged signatures in an attempt to transfer it to Azmina Siddiq Ruponti, her sister. Investigators claim Ms Siddiq made the transfer to become eligible for a plot in the Purbachal New Town Project, which she later obtained. Under Bangladeshs Allotment of Land Rules, applicants for the scheme must not own any residential property or land in Dhaka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also allege that she hid the property from her income tax records from 2015 onwards. Seeking to have the flat seized, the ACC argued that members of Ms Hasinas family, including Ms Siddiq, were attempting to transfer or conceal their assets. Ms Siddiqs spokesman said: To be clear, there is no basis at all for any charges to be made against her and there is absolutely no truth in any allegation that she received a plot of land in Dhaka through illegal means. She has never had a plot of land in Bangladesh, and she has never influenced any allocation of plots of land to her family members or anyone else. No evidence has been provided by the ACC to support this or any other allegation made against Ms Siddiq, and it is clear to us that the charges are politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest warrant places renewed focus on the absence of an extradition treaty between Bangladesh and the UK. Bangladeshi authorities were pressing Britain to formalise an agreement. In 2023, Anisul Huq, the then Bangladeshi law minister, confirmed that discussions had been held with the British High Commissioner. Dhaka seeks the return of several high-profile fugitives, including army officers implicated in the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, talks stalled after Ms Hasinas government was toppled in a civilian uprising. 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. Turkey will host a Black Sea security meeting with Russian and Ukrainian representatives on April 15-16, Turkish media outlets reported on April 13. The meeting in Ankara will take place less than a month after the U.S. on March 25 announced an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to "eliminate the use of force" in the Black Sea. Russian and Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet at the Turkish Navy Command headquarters in Ankara on April 15-16, Turkish news outlets CNN Turk and TGRT reported, citing sources from Turkey's defense ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting will focus on upholding peace in the Black Sea after a potential ceasefire. Military representatives from other countries are also expected to attend, although details regarding specific participants have not been disclosed yet. Turkey has positioned itself as a potential mediator in Russia's all-out war against Ukraine by maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with both nations. Leveraging its strategic position and influence in the Black Sea region, Turkey has facilitated negotiations and grain exports, while expressing willingness to participate in ceasefire monitoring. Along with the United Nations, Turkey brokered the Black Sea grain deal, which enabled Ukraine to continue exporting agricultural products until Russia withdrew from the initiative in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Kyiv on March 11 immediately agreed to accept a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire without conditions, Russia refused the terms. Following additional talks with the U.S., Russia nominally agreed to a partial truce on the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure attacks. Kyiv has accused Russia of violating the energy infrastructure ceasefire on multiple occasions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 6 that the Kremlin will not accept an unconditional ceasefire because Russia wants to keep launching missile strikes from the Black Sea. Amid the so-called ceasefire, Russia has continued to attack Ukrainian cities and kill civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian strike kills at least 34, injures 117 in Sumy on Palm Sunday Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Two Caseys General Stores were robbed within about 24 hours of each other. After investigating, the Champaign County Sheriffs Office arrested two suspects and recovered over $8,000. The two individuals arrested were later identified as 37-year-old Ryan Valencia and 36-year-old Joseph Caldwell of Grayville, Illinois. Champaign PD responds to unknown situation, finds no major incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early hours of April 12, unknown suspects broke into the Caseys General Store in Philo. The sheriffs office said they stole various items, including an undisclosed amount of money. The next day around 1:23 a.m., deputies responded to an alarm at the Caseys General Store in Thomasboro. When the deputies arrived, they discovered that someone broke into the business. The Rantoul Police Department responded to assist in the investigation. Within minutes, they saw a vehicle which they believed to be connected to the burglary in Philo. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle, and when they approached, they noted items that linked the cars occupants to both burglaries inside. Both occupants tried to flee on foot. Valencia was apprehended without an incident, while Caldwell resisted arrest. A responding deputy received minor injuries but was treated and later released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign smoke alarm foundation receives grant to support safety efforts After investigating further, deputies visited a motel in Urbana where the two suspects had rented a room. The sheriffs office obtained a search warrant, and over $8,000 in was recovered. Valencia and Caldwell were charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. Caldwell also faces a charge of aggravated battery to a police officer. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Champaign County Sheriffs Office at 217-384-1213. To make an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (TIPS), visit them online, or on the P3 Tips mobile 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 WCIA.com. CAMDENTON, Mo. Rhys and Maverick Callahan, two brothers from Camdenton, will be competing in the Mini Bull Series Mexico Invitational Mexico vs USA. Rhys will compete in the Junior Mini division, and Maverick in Senior Mini. Before the brothers head to Mexico, theyll be in Australia for two weeks riding bulls. Massive community garage sale draws in local businesses and residents to buy and sell items Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone wants to support their journey, mention Callahan Boys Fundraiser at Heritage Bank of the Ozarks to make a donation. You can also follow their Facebook page, Team USA Youth Rodeo, to follow their events leading up to their competition in Mexico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) He was sent to state prison for a 2022 overdose death in northern Michigan, and now, Leland A. MacQuarrie Jr. has a federal sentence awaiting him for his role in yet another deadly overdose. A federal judge last week sentenced MacQuarrie to 20 years in prison for conduct a prosecutor called especially repugnant. The first overdose death attributed to MacQuarrie occurred in Kalkaska County in January 2022. He was handed a 12- to 40-year sentence for delivery of a controlled substance causing death in that case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is especially repugnant about MacQuarries behavior is that even after his drug trafficking claimed a first victim in an entirely separate incident, it served as no wake-up call to him, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Fauson wrote in a sentencing memorandum. A month after that death, investigators said MacQuarrie continued dealing drugs, which led to the February 2022 overdose death of a woman found unresponsive in her backyard. The victim in the February case messaged a friend that she had picked up some amazing stuff, court records show. She died later that day. After learning of the death, MacQuarries text messages reveal that he simply continued to traffic drugs, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was undeterred, Fauson wrote. MacQuarries trafficking is a threat to the public. He needs to be deterred. MacQuarrie, 33, in December, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl, conceding the woman he sold it to would not have died but for her use of the fentanyl distributed to her by Defendant. MacQuarries sentence was the maximum for distribution of fentanyl. Hell also spend five years on supervised release once he gets out of prison. The federal sentence will begin after he is discharged from state custody. This offense arises out of his own addiction, MacQuarries attorney wrote in a sentencing memorandum. No matter how unintentional the death, Mr. MacQuarrie is haunted by his actions and clearly misses his friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MacQuarrie has a history of drug offenses, including cooking methamphetamine in Antrim County in 2013. That conviction led to prison 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 WOODTV.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Two people are dead after a two-vehicle crash in Clark County on Saturday night. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash happened in the 800 block of E. County Line Road at approximately 10:54 p.m. The two vehicles were going in opposite directions before crashing head-on. OHSP said Robert Thomas, 20, from Urbana, and passenger Megan Branam, 26, from Springfield, were pronounced dead on the scene. An unnamed passenger from this vehicle was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital with serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the driver of the second vehicle was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. OSHP is still investigating to determine if speeding or impaired driving were factors in the crash. E. County Line Road was reopened at 3:10 a.m. 2 NEWS is following 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 WDTN.com. MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) A Vietnam veteran from Mitchell has been reunited with a woman he met all the way back in 1969. The two reconnected after he found a book he had been waiting for her to publish for over five decades. Update: crews control large grassfire in Dewey County Their reunion has been one big twist of fate. About 56 years ago, Jim Anderson was serving in Vietnam but was granted a rest and relaxation trip to Australia. Thats where he met Australian native Robyn Wood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I persuaded her to spend some time with me. We went to a movie, Romeo and Juliet, Anderson said. During their time together, Wood mentioned that her father, Stanley Bond, was writing a memoir of his time as a prisoner of war in World War II. Bond was a medic in the New Zealand Army before being captured by the Germans. The story piqued Andersons curiosity because hes always had an interest in World War II. His uncle was killed while serving in the war. Eventually, Anderson and Wood went their separate ways, but Anderson spent over 50 years waiting for the memoir to be published. I would guess that I looked, when the computers got a little better, I had a total of, 15-20 times I probably looked for this book over this period of time, Anderson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until I retired that I was in a position to be able to spend some time putting the book together, Wood said. Wood estimates it took her six to seven years to edit the book called Twists of Fate. The book covers her fathers life before, during and after the war and came out in August of last year. Finally, Anderson had what he was looking for. I had hit the jackpot, Anderson said. Then, Anderson reached out to Wood. In an email I sent to her, I said I think itd be fun to compare life stories over this past 56 years, Anderson said. Well, at first, I was a little bit suspicious of someone saying that they had met me 55 years ago and waiting for the publication of a book, but then, when Jim sent me the photo of the two of us in Sydney, I was thrilled, Wood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson and his wife, Joan, invited Wood to South Dakota. The trio has visited the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and the Corn Palace, among other places. Its been an experience that Wood wont soon forget. Its meant a lot to me to feel that someone has really appreciated my fathers story but also just two lovely people whose company Ive really enjoyed, Wood said. You can find details about Woods book Twists of Fate 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 KELOLAND.com. (FOX40.COM) Officers responded to reports of a shooting in Old Sacramento on Saturday night. Video above: What happens when you call 911? According to the Sacramento Police Department, the shooting happened in the 200 block of K Street just before 10:15 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they found an adult female who had sustained one gunshot wound. SPD said, a second victim, an adult male, was also located nearby with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, this remains to be an active investigation. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Apr. 12AUGUSTA Vivian Myers-Jones crossed from New Brunswick into Maine at the Calais entry point on April 4, holding her breath slightly as the Border Patrol agent checked her passport. A small check on the passport identifies her as female, but she knows many officials in the United States do not see her that way. Myers-Jones drove four hours to join thousands of people protesting President Donald Trump's administration at the Hands Off rally April 5 at the Maine State House. A U.S. Navy veteran and transgender woman living in Canada, she said her dual citizenship is not an excuse to stop fighting for American rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can exercise a lot of privilege being over on this side, and knowing I'm safer here in Canada," Myers-Jones said. "But that's not the way I roll. We are all part of the same family, and I will use what resources I have to be visible and just try to do what I can." Dressed in a decorated U.S. Navy suit jacket, a sequined transgender pride belt and a fanny pack, the 51-year-old Myers-Jones stood in contrast to the gray State House. She was in Augusta to protest the Trump administration as a whole but said she is especially concerned about policies targeting gender-affirming health care and identity documents for transgender people. "That's the big concern: Our health care is gone," Myers-Jones said. "We're not going to be able to live much longer. And on top of that, with things like our legal documentation, our identity documents rendering it impossible for us to get our documents corrected to reflect us as we truly are." Myers-Jones was born into a military family in North Carolina. She joined the U.S. Navy and fought in the Iraq War before being honorably discharged in 2010 and moving to New Brunswick with her ex-partner. She has three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After she came out as transgender in 2020, she began attending protests, drag shows and queer community events around Canada. She joined the board of Saint John Pride, a pride organization in New Brunswick. Alex Saunders, president of Saint John Pride, said Myers-Jones, herself a drag performer, would drive two hours late at night to support another drag performer. "She'd show up at a show in Fredericton that doesn't start until 10 p.m. and then she'd drive home that same night," Saunders said. "So she really started out to me as this super supporter of the community, because as a trans woman, she's getting herself out there, she's getting herself involved. And then as I got to know her and I uncovered the story of Vivian." Myers-Jones crosses the border once a week to receive gender-affirming health care and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder through a Veteran Affairs clinic in Washington County. She said Trump's executive orders targeting gender-affirming health care are a death sentence for some individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're starting with our health care access, and for those of us who are trans, who do need resources like (hormone replacement therapy) and affirming surgeries, it's the agenda that Trump and Musk and this whole MAGA cult embraces," she said. "If you eliminate that, then that's a step to eliminating us as a people." After Trump was elected for his second term, Myers-Jones spoke at a Feb. 17 protest at the Maine State House. She drove down state Route 9 primarily rural roads in the middle of an ice storm to be there. For some, crossing the border has become similarly treacherous. Myers-Jones changed the gender marker on her passport to female after she transitioned, but Trump's Jan. 20 order stating the federal government only recognizes two sexes and will no longer permit gender updates to passports leaves transgender, intersex and nonbinary people in limbo. Myers-Jones said she and other transgender and nonbinary people fear being stopped, questioned or held at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's been a bit of a test run, every single time I cross the border," Myers-Jones said. "Because my gender marker is actually in place and everything, and so far, it's been good. But I don't know what's going to happen each time." Samantha White, co-lead organizer of Bangor Pride, said she expects more queer people will move to Canada in the coming months and years. "I think a lot of queer people are probably now realizing that Canada would be a safer place to be able to immigrate to, if needed," White said. One vulnerable demographic is transgender kids, Myers-Jones said. Transgender high school athletes have become the focus of national attention in Maine. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to halt federal funds because Maine allows transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada has had similar fights. Policy 713, also called the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, was originally enacted in New Brunswick to require school personnel to use students' chosen pronouns and names, but was revised by former New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs in 2023. The changes forbade New Brunswick teachers from using the preferred names and pronouns of students under 16 without parental consent. At a protest in Fredericton against the revision, Saunders watched Myers-Jones respond with grace after being verbally attacked by a group of people. "I've stood next to Vivian in those situations in Canada and watched her fight for us," Saunders said. "She always talks about how she's going to shoot her mouth off, and I always laugh, because you'd think that shooting her mouth off would be rude, but nothing she ever says is rude unless the person is against her existing or her human rights. So I don't really look at that as rudeness, as much as I look at it as truth." Saunders said Myers-Jones rallies against the odds in every way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transgender people make up 1.6% of United States adults, according to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center. Only 0.3% were 50 years and older. "It's so rare to even have a trans person make it to 50," Saunders said. "So to have this trans elder that widely supports literally every community event she can in our province, and then to cross the border and also somehow make it to just about every event in (Maine), is amazing." Bangor Pride will happen in June, and Saint John Pride is set for August. Leaders from the two organizations will march and ride floats in each other's parades. Myers-Jones plans to march in both pride festivals while continuing to speak out across Canada and Maine. She said attending protests makes a difference, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think it really is making a huge difference," Myers-Jones said. "It's one of those things: If it gives one person pause to maybe rethink about things and understand just why we're out there, but also why things need to change, then it's all been worth it for me." Copy the Story Link Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Following the Russian missile attack on civilians in Sumy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without any conditions. Source: Starmer on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda. Details: The British Prime Minister said he was shocked by Russia's horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy. Quote: "I'm appalled at Russias horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions." Background: French President Emmanuel Macron said it was now clear that Russia is choosing to continue the war despite Trumps proposals. Following the Russian missile strike on Sumy, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that only force can compel Russia to stop its war of aggression. On the morning of 13 April, the Russian missile attack on the centre of Sumy killed at least 32 people, including 2 children. More than 80 people have been injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LONDON (AP) Chinese companies will have to clear a high trust bar when investing in key sectors in the U.K., the country's business secretary said Sunday, a day after he took effective control of Britains last remaining factory that makes steel from scratch from its Chinese owners. Jonathan Reynolds said Jingye Group, which has owned British Steel since 2020, had not been negotiating in good faith with the government in recent months over the future of the heavily loss-making steel works in Scunthorpe in the north of England. Reynolds said it had become clear on Thursday that Jingye would not accept any financial offer from the government and that it was the company's intention to close the blast furnaces come what may, while keeping the more profitable steel mill operations and supplying them from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, he declined to accuse the company of deliberately sabotaging the business at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party, but did accept that there is now a high trust bar to bringing Chinese investment into the U.K. I personally wouldn't bring a Chinese company into our steel sector, he said. I think steel is a very sensitive area. Prime Minister Keir Starmer summoned lawmakers back to Parliament on Saturday to back a bill primarily aimed at blocking Jingye from closing the two blast furnaces. The bill, which is now law, gives Reynolds the power to direct British Steel's board and workforce, ensure its 3,000 workers get paid and order the raw materials necessary to keep the blast furnaces running. The British government had been under pressure to act after Jingyes recent decision to cancel orders for the iron pellets used in the blast furnaces. Without them and other raw materials, such as coking coal, the furnaces would likely have to shut for good, potentially within days, as they are extremely difficult and expensive to restart once cooled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would mean the U.K., which in the late 19th century was the worlds steelmaking powerhouse, would be the only country in the Group of Seven industrial nations without the capacity to make its own steel from scratch rather than from recycled material, which use greener electric arc furnaces rather than blast furnaces. The repercussions would be huge for industries like construction, defense and rail and make the country dependent on foreign sources for so-called virgin steel, a vulnerability that lawmakers from all political parties balked at. In a separate interview with the BBC, Reynolds declined to give a full guarantee that British Steel will be able to secure enough raw materials in time to keep the blast furnaces going. He said he would not make my situation or the nations situation more difficult by commenting on specific commercial details. If we hadnt acted, the blast furnaces were gone, steel production in the U.K., primary steel producing, would have gone," he said. "So weve given ourselves the opportunity, we are in control of the site, my officials are on site right now to give us a chance to do that. Designated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Ukraine will be able to become a member of the EU or NATO only after the war is over. Source: Merz in an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt; Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service Quote: "Ukraine is a major European country, but it's a European country in a state of war." Details: A country at war cannot become a member of NATO or the European Union, the politician said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasised that the commitment to join the European Union and the prospect of NATO membership remain intact. "But for both of these events to happen, the war must first end," Merz said. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine has accused Moscow of targeting civilians after Russian missiles killed 34 people in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, according to authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that two children were among the dead. The strikes also left 117 people injured, including 15 children, authorities said. "Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. He said the attack occurred while people were on their way to church for Palm Sunday celebrations ahead of the Easter holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the people injured were in the street, with others in cars, on public transport and inside residential buildings, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said, accusing Russia of deliberately attacking civilians. Images showed lifeless bodies on the streets, burning vehicles and widespread destruction. City authorities announced that a crisis team had been set up in response to the attack. Sumy, located near the Russian Kursk and Belgorod border regions, has been repeatedly targeted since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion more than three years ago. The missiles carried explosives with cluster munitions, enabling Russia to hit as many civilians as possible, said Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha spoke of a "war crime" and criticized Russia for dragging its feet on accepting a US proposal made in March for a ceasefire in Ukraine. "Instead, Russia is expanding its terror," Sybiha wrote. He called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with additional anti-aircraft capabilities. "Strength is the only language they understand, and the only way to put an end to the terrible terror," he said. "Our response will be harsh," the Ukrainian General Staff said, while Zelensky called for "a tough reaction" from international allies. Attack prompts international outrage The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the scenes from Sumy "heartbreaking." She described the attack on X as a "horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the strike a "barbaric attack," and said such attacks underscore the lack of sincerity behind Russia's claimed willingness to seek peace with Ukraine. "This war must end, and Russia must finally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire. We are working toward that goal together with our European and international partners," Scholz said. French President Emmanuel Macron also strongly condemned the attack and called for increased pressure to push Russia towards a ceasefire, writing on X: "Everyone knows that Russia, alone, wanted this war. Today, it is clear that Russia, alone, is choosing to continue it." US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg posted on X: "Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency," adding that such attacks on civilians are the reason US President Donald Trump is "working hard to end this war." The United States has tried to broker a 30-day ceasefire in the war, but while Kiev agreed to the proposal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a number of preconditions. Ukraine has accused Moscow of targeting civilians after Russian missiles killed 34 people in the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, according to authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that two children were among the dead. The strikes also left 117 people injured, including 15 children, authorities said. "Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. He said the attack occurred while people were on their way to church for Palm Sunday celebrations ahead of the Easter holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the people injured were in the street, with others in cars, on public transport and inside residential buildings, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said, accusing Russia of deliberately attacking civilians. Images showed lifeless bodies on the streets, burning vehicles and widespread destruction. City authorities announced that a crisis team had been set up in response to the attack. Sumy, located near the Russian Kursk and Belgorod border regions, has been repeatedly targeted since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion more than three years ago. The missiles carried explosives with cluster munitions, enabling Russia to hit as many civilians as possible, said Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha spoke of a "war crime" and criticized Russia for dragging its feet on accepting a US proposal made in March for a ceasefire in Ukraine. "Instead, Russia is expanding its terror," Sybiha wrote. He called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with additional anti-aircraft capabilities. "Strength is the only language they understand, and the only way to put an end to the terrible terror," he said. "Our response will be harsh," the Ukrainian General Staff said, while Zelensky called for "a tough reaction" from international allies. Attack prompts international outrage The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the scenes from Sumy "heartbreaking." She described the attack on X as a "horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the strike a "barbaric attack," and said such attacks underscore the lack of sincerity behind Russia's claimed willingness to seek peace with Ukraine. "This war must end, and Russia must finally agree to a comprehensive ceasefire. We are working toward that goal together with our European and international partners," Scholz said. French President Emmanuel Macron also strongly condemned the attack and called for increased pressure to push Russia towards a ceasefire, writing on X: "Everyone knows that Russia, alone, wanted this war. Today, it is clear that Russia, alone, is choosing to continue it." Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of committing a grave war crime, describing the attack as deliberate and brutal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He used the move to address those in Germany who "naively" continue to call for peace talks with Putin, telling public broadcaster ARD that "this is what Putin does to those who talk to him about a ceasefire." US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg posted on X: "Today's Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency," adding that such attacks on civilians are the reason US President Donald Trump is "working hard to end this war." The United States has tried to broker a 30-day ceasefire in the war, but while Kiev agreed to the proposal, Putin has set a number of preconditions. Key developments on April 12-13: Russian strike kills at least 34, injures 117 in Sumy on Palm Sunday 'Theres a point at which you have to either put up or shut up' Trump says on Russia-Ukraine talks Chinese military officers have been present behind Russian lines with Beijing's approval, Reuters reports Russians preparing for assault in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian military warns Domestic missile production increases eightfold in 2024 A Russian ballistic missile strike killed dozens of people in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on the morning of Palm Sunday, Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar reported on April 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of publication, 34 people were killed in the attack, including two children, and at least 117 were injured, including 15 children, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported. Ukraines Air Force warned of a ballistic missile threat in Sumy Oblast at 10:17 am. By 10:52 am, Kobzar announced that the city had been hit with many dead as a result of a missile strike. "Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street... And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel after the attack. "Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. We need the kind of attitude towards Russia that a terrorist deserves," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos circulating on social media after the attack show bodies strewn across the street, and several vehicles, including a bus, having suffered heavy damage from the attack, with one car engulfed in flames. Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians on the Sunday before Easter. Many people in Ukraine attend church on the holiday. The attack comes as Washington attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, but Moscow has so far refused and has continued to launch attacks on Ukraine's civilian centers. Read also: Everything was black Russias Palm Sunday attack on Sumy kills over 30, injures 117 amid ceasefire talks 'Theres a point at which you have to either put up or shut up' Trump says on Russia-Ukraine talks U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 12 that negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine," but emphasized that a resolution must come soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump added that "theres a point at which you have to either put up or shut up. We'll see what happens, but I think it's going fine." Trump's comments followed a high-level meeting in Russia, where his envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 11. The visit was part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker a ceasefire between the two countries. "I think Ukraine-Russia (talks) might be going OK. And you're going to be finding out pretty soon," Trump said. One month ago, Ukraine agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in the U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah. In the meantime, Russia has not only refused a full ceasefire, but has also continued to barrage Ukrainian cities with attacks and repeatedly violated the partial truce established in mid-March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some critics say Moscow is stalling and has no real interest in halting the fighting, especially as it continues advancing on the battlefield. The Kremlin has not publicly committed to the terms agreed to by Ukraine. While Trump has at times criticized Zelensky and Ukrainian leadership, he has also recently expressed frustration with Russia. In a social media post on April 11, Trump said Russia "has to get moving." "Too many people are dying thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war A war that should have never happened, and wouldnt have happened, if I were President!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 10, Trump extended the national emergency and the associated sanctions against the Russian government for another year, according to a document from the U.S. Federal Register. Read also: A war crime European leaders react to Russias Palm Sunday attack on Sumy that killed dozens Reuters: Chinese military officers have been present behind Russian lines with Beijings approval More than 100 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are acting as mercenaries and do not appear to have direct ties to Beijing, according to two U.S. officials familiar with intelligence reports and a former Western intelligence official, Reuters reported on April 11. The U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, described the fighters as poorly trained and having little impact on the battlefield. They do not believe the Chinese government has officially deployed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the former intelligence official told Reuters that Chinese military officers have been present behind Russian lines with Beijings approval to observe and draw tactical lessons from the war. On April 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that at least "several hundred" Chinese citizens are fighting on Russia's side in Ukraine. Two Chinese fighters were captured by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk Oblast. One captured soldier reportedly paid 300,000 rubles (roughly $3,500) to a middleman in China in exchange for the promise of Russian citizenship, according to Ukrainian military sources cited by Ukrainian Pravda. Beijing has denied direct involvement in the war and says it has urged its citizens to avoid armed conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although China claims neutrality, it remains Russias leading supplier of dual-use components vital for weapons production and a key economic ally. Russia has also recruited foreign fighters from countries including India, Nepal, and Syria. Additionally, some 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed by Pyongyang to assist Russia in defending its territory in Kursk Oblast. Read also: Dont come, theres nothing good here Chinese soldiers warn against following Russian propaganda to fight in Ukraine Russians preparing for assault in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian military warns Russian forces are regrouping and preparing for renewed assault in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Ukraine's Operational-Strategic Group of Forces "Khortytsia." In an official statement from April 12, "Khortytsia" reported that although no offensive actions were carried out by Russian troops in the Kharkiv direction over the last day, Russians are actively replenishing their units and getting ready to resume offensive operations in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Kupiansk area, Ukrainian troops thwarted Russian assault attempts near Kindrashivka, Kamianka and Zahryzove. A mechanized assault involving five armored vehicles near Lozova and Nova Kruhliakivka was stopped. Russian forces also launched attacks in the Lyman sector on the border of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, targeting areas around Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Olhivka, Ridkodub, Hlushchenkove, Novomykhailivka, Yampolivka, Torske and Nove. All Russian advances were repelled. Russian units also failed to gain ground in the Serebryansky forest. In the Kramatorsk and Toretsk directions in Donetsk Oblast, assault actions of varying intensity took place near Predtechyne, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Chasiv Yar, Druzhba, Dyliivka and Toretsk, with no loss of Ukrainian positions. The Russian forces continued attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses in the Pokrovsk direction, attacking toward Yelyzavetivka, Zvirove, Preobrazhenka, Kotliarivka, Oleksiivka, Pishchane, Udachne, Lysivka, Novosergiivka and Andriivka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukraines Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russian personnel losses have exceeded 140,000 troops (140,650), since the beginning of the war. The Kyiv Independent couldn't independently verify Syrskyi's statement. Read also: These parents and children were killed by Russia after Kyiv agreed to 30-day ceasefire Domestic missile production increases eightfold in 2024, Ukrainian minister says Ukraine has significantly ramped up weapons manufacturing over the past year and is using domestically produced ballistic and cruise missiles every month, the countrys Minister for Strategic Industries said. At a briefing marking Ukraine's Gunsmith Day, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said the country increased cruise missile production eightfold in 2024 compared to the previous year. He highlighted the progress since 2022, when Ukraine was only able to manufacture a single type of cruise missile, the Neptune. "Last year, we introduced many new models, allowing us to grow production eightfold compared to 2023," Smetanin said. Ukraine has also more than doubled its production of long-range drones in 2024 compared to the previous year, which is a 22-fold increase compared to 2022. In total, 324 new types of weapons were developed in Ukraine by the end of 2024. Smetanin said Ukraine produced $9 billion worth of arms in 2024, and the defense industry is on track to nearly quadruple that amount by the end of 2025. "We already foresee growth this year," he said. "By the end of 2025, we will have the capacity to produce $35 billion worth of military equipment domestically." Presidential Advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin added that Ukraine can now supply its armed forces with nearly the full range of necessary military goods. "Today, according to various estimates, 30% to 40% of what our troops use on the front lines is made in Ukraine," Kamyshin said. "Its not only about war it's about our economy. As of last year, defense manufacturing made up a significant share of our GDP. After our victory, Im confident we'll be exporting Ukrainian-made weapons to the world." Read also: Forget Ovechkin and Washington. The Kyiv Capitals are playing for the survival of Ukrainian hockey 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. Ukraine is working to repair damage to the containment structure at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant following a Russian drone strike in February, Environment Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said on April 12. Speaking at the site of the decommissioned plant, Hrynchuk noted that the strike had compromised the functionality of the massive protective arch installed in 2019 to prevent radioactive leaks. The minister commented during the launch of a new 0.8-megawatt solar power station near Chornobyl ahead of two upcoming nuclear safety and energy conferences. She said that Ukraine is cooperating with international experts to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary steps to restore the arch's integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, after the attack, the arch partially lost its functionality. And now, I think, already in May, we will have the results of the analysis that we are currently conducting ...," Hrynchuk said. "We are actively working on this ... We, of course, need to restore the "arch" so that there are no leaks under any circumstances because ensuring nuclear and radiation safety is the main task." She added that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as scientific institutions and companies involved in the archs original installation, are contributing to the analysis. Read also: Plokhy argues in Chornobyl occupation book that Russias nuclear blackmail is warning for the future According to plant officials, the February 14 drone attack created a hole in the containment vessels outer layer and exploded inside. The Russian Foreign Ministry dismissed the incident as "a provocation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The structure was designed to enclose the unstable sarcophagus hastily built after the 1986 reactor explosionthe worst nuclear accident in history. Hrynchuk also emphasized the importance of renewable energy in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, saying the new solar facility would support the site's power needs. "We have been saying for many years that the exclusion zone needs to be transformed into a zone of renewal," she said. "And this territory, like no other in Ukraine, is suitable for developing renewable energy projects." Read also: These parents and children were killed by Russia after Kyiv agreed to 30-day ceasefire Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), published the identities of the Russian military brigades responsible for the deadly attack on Sumy on April 13. Budanov reported that the Russian 112th and 448th missile brigades attacked the city of Sumy with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles. "Another war crime of Russia ballistic strike on Sumy, killing of Ukrainian civilians. Many people went to church on Palm Sunday, some were returning home," Budanov wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian military launched an attack on the city of Sumy the morning of Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 and injuring another 117 people. Two children were killed in the attack. The attacks were launched from Russia's Voronezh and Kursk oblasts, specifically from the Liski and Lezhenski settlements, respectively, Budanov said. Multiple officials, including Presidential Office Head Andrii Yermak and U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink, reported that Russia used cluster munitions in the attack on Sumy. The use of cluster munitions in civilian areas is considered a violation of international humanitarian law. Many international leaders have denounced Russia's attack, calling it a war crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budanov further expressed his condolences to the victims of Russia's attack, and vowed "to ensure that no war criminal from those who gave orders to those who launched the missiles escapes retribution." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian strike kills at least 34, injures 117 in Sumy on Palm Sunday Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 55 loitering munitions on the night of 12-13 April. Ukraine's Air Force has reported that 43 have been shot down, while 12 disappeared from radar. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Details: The drones were launched from the areas of the Russian cities of Oryol, Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Shahed-type loitering munitions are confirmed to have been shot down in Ukraine's north, south and centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian military did not specify whether any regions have been affected. Updated: The Air Force later changed the number of drones launched by Russia from 43 to 55. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LAWRENCE, Mass. (WWLP) An illegally present Ecuadoran man was arrested in Lawrence at the beginning of April by members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over 20 charges of child sexual assault and rape. ICE Boston said that they worked alongside federal partners from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to arrest 64-year-old Gilberto Avila-Jara. Courtesy of ICE Boston. Charging documents stated that Avila illegally entered the U.S. on February 10, 1996, near San Ysidro, California. He was caught by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officials on March 2, 1996, at the Los Angeles International Airport. On March 11 during the same year, an immigration judge ordered that Avila be sent back to Ecuador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass. man charged with DUI in Vermont after crashing into brick wall On July 2, 1996, the INS returned Avila from the U.S. to Ecuador. He illegally reentered the U.S. on an unknown date and from an unknown location. Avila was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on December 18, 2020, for over 20 offenses, including indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, rape of a child with force, and aggravated statutory rape of a child. Later that day, ICE Boston lodged an immigration detainer with the Lawrence Police Department against Avila, but the Lawrence District Court refused to honor the detainer. Avila was released from custody on bail on March 17, 2021. On April 22, 2021, Avila was arraigned in Essex County Superior Court for six counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, eight counts of rape of a child with force, and eight counts of aggravated statutory rape of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 1, 2025, ICE Boston, DEA New England agents, and ATF Boston arrested Avila in Lawrence. There are no appropriate words to describe the amount of damage Gilberto Avila-Jara has allegedly done to our Massachusetts community, said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. Children are the most precious and most vulnerable members of our communities, and we will do everything in our power to protect them from illegal sex offenders. ICE Boston remains committed to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing alien sexual predators from New England. 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. Pew Research Center's data suggested that of college graduates, 48% identify as Democrats or lean Democratic while 43% affiliate with the GOP or lean Republican. However, those with postgraduate degrees widen that margin to 57% and 35%, respectively. A study published in The British Journal of Sociology, meanwhile, suggested a less direct link, reporting that higher education has only "a small direct causal effect on British individuals' adult attitudes." Pew Research Center's data also suggested that 79% of Republican-identifying people claim higher education is headed in the wrong direction because of "professors bringing their political and social views" to the classroom. Claims purporting that holding a degree from a higher education institution, such as a university or postgraduate program, is directly linked to the likelihood of being aligned with liberal-leaning political policies have circulated online for years. Most recently, a Reddit thread posted in April 2025 resurfaced the claim as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration took aim at the U.S. Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Reddit threads posted in late 2024 and as far back as 2017 posed a similar question, suggesting that liberalism is tied to higher education because learning more about how the world works leads to a better understanding of political policy. The threads in which the claims surfaced appeared to reference studies performed by the Pew Research Center in the U.S., a self-described "nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world," published in 2015 and 2016. While data exists to suggest some truth to this claim, Pew's studies are specific to the American two-party system of Republicans and Democrats. An alternative study published in 2022 by The British Journal of Sociology found less of a link between higher education and liberalism. What Pew research shows Pew's 2016 study, titled, "A Wider Ideological Gap Between More and Less Educated Adults," states, "Highly educated adults particularly those who have attended graduate school are far more likely than those with less education to take predominantly liberal positions across a range of political values. And these differences have increased over the past two decades." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pew's 2015 report tracking trends in party identification from 1992 through 2014 offered further insight by stating that the higher the level of education, the more likely a person will identify with liberal policies. For example, "among those who have received a college degree but have no postgraduate experience," the gap between those identifying as a Democrat or Republican is "narrower" than that of those with higher education. "48% identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, while 43% affiliate with the GOP or lean Republican," Pew wrote of college-level education, while the difference for those with postgraduate degrees widened to "57% [Democratic] to 35% [Republican]." This aligns with claims that higher education does indeed lead to a higher rate of identification with left-leaning policies. Further, Pew stated, "Across all educational categories, women are more likely than men to affiliate with the Democratic Party or lean Democratic. The Democrats' advantage is 35 points (64%-29%) among women with postgraduate degrees, but only eight points (50%-42%) among post-grad men." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for people who top out at a high-school education, Pew reported, "Roughly half of those with no more than a high school education (48%) are ideologically mixed, along with 36% of those with some college experience. By contrast, only about a quarter of more educated Americans have ideologically mixed views." (Pew Research Center) Pew's research also offered insight on peoples' views in general of higher education from the position of American ideologies, with a 12% increase in negative views of such education since 2012, predominantly among Republicans. Additionally, Pew reported that "Republicans and independents who lean Republican" who declared colleges were having "a negative effect on the country" increased from "37% to 59%" from 2015 to 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report continued: Roughly eight-in-ten Republicans (79%) say professors bringing their political and social views into the classroom is a major reason the higher education system is headed in the wrong direction (only 17% of Democrats say the same). Republicans focused more on political and ideological factors: 32% said colleges and universities are too political or too liberal (only 1% of Democrats volunteered this type of response). And 21% of Republicans pointed to colleges not allowing students to think for themselves and pushing their own agenda as reasons they didn't have a lot of confidence in them. In comparison, a study of the link between higher education and liberal values from 1994 through 2020 by The British Journal of Sociology concluded that the results were not so clear-cut, at least in Great Britain. The authors wrote, "Apart from economic attitudes, where graduates take a statistically significantly more conservative position than non-graduates, graduates typically have attitudes which are significantly more 'liberal' than non-graduates they are more environmentally friendly and gender egalitarian." The report emphasized the role a person's life outside of education plays in the data, suggesting that it is not necessarily the university itself impacting the political viewpoint but rather that more people who are in a position to attend college in the first place are predisposed to liberal values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report read: This paper offers novel insights in showing that obtaining a HE [higher education] qualification only has a small direct causal effect on British individuals' adult attitudes, and that this effect is not always liberalizing. Universities are not institutions of left-liberal bias which encourage the development of distinctive political values. Rather, the well-established association of HE with economic and cultural attitudes is largely spurious materializing mostly because those who experience pre-adult environments conducive to the formation of certain values disproportionately enroll in universities. Scholars should now expand the scope of this enquiry by using novel quasi-experimental methods to identify how, and to what extent, educational attainment is causally linked with a range of adult outcomes. The report concludes other factors must be taken into account to determine the effect of higher education on liberal views, such as whether the subject grew up with siblings, and asserts that conservative concerns that colleges have a left-leaning bias are "greatly exaggerated." In sum, there is data to support the claim as it pertains to American politics, but it is not as straightforward as it might seem. Many factors must be considered about a person's life experience that could impact political viewpoints, but those same factors could also determine whether a person attends higher education in the first place. Snopes has covered other claims regarding the relationship between education and the United States, including the rumor that the U.S. dropped from first to 24th in education since 1979. Sources: "A Deep Dive Into Party Affiliation." Pew Research Center, 7 Apr. 2015, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2015/04/07/a-deep-dive-into-party-affiliation/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Beyond Distrust: How Americans View Their Government." Pew Research Center, 23 Nov. 2015, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2015/11/23/beyond-distrust-how-americans-view-their-government/. Geiger, Abigail. "A Wider Ideological Gap Between More and Less Educated Adults." Pew Research Center, 26 Apr. 2016, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2016/04/26/a-wider-ideological-gap-between-more-and-less-educated-adults/. ---. "Political Polarization in the American Public." Pew Research Center, 12 June 2014, https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2014/06/12/political-polarization-in-the-american-public/. Inc, Gallup. "Confidence in Higher Education Down Since 2015." Gallup.Com, 9 Oct. 2018, https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/242441/confidence-higher-education-down-2015.aspx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiley, Carroll Doherty and Jocelyn. "Americans Have Become Much Less Positive about Tech Companies' Impact on the U.S." Pew Research Center, 29 July 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/29/americans-have-become-much-less-positive-about-tech-companies-impact-on-the-u-s/. Parker, Kim. "The Growing Partisan Divide in Views of Higher Education." Pew Research Center, 19 Aug. 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/08/19/the-growing-partisan-divide-in-views-of-higher-education-2/. Simon, Elizabeth. "Demystifying the Link between Higher Education and Liberal Values: A Withinsibship Analysis of British Individuals' Attitudes from 19942020." The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 73, no. 5, Dec. 2022, pp. 96784. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.12972. ---. "Demystifying the Link between Higher Education and Liberal Values: A Withinsibship Analysis of British Individuals' Attitudes from 19942020." The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 73, no. 5, Dec. 2022, pp. 96784. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.12972. Bridget Brink, the outgoing US Ambassador to Ukraine, has responded to the Russian missile attack on the city of Sumy that occurred on the morning of 13 April. Source: Brink on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Brink noted that Russia launched ballistic missiles at Sumy, killing 32 Ukrainian civilians and injuring another 99. She added that reports indicated the use of cluster munitions in Sumy, as in Kryvyi Rih, which only increased the scale of destruction and harm to civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our prayers are with the people of Sumy," Brink concluded in her statement, which did not include any condemnation or criticism of Russia. Background: Recently, Brink faced public criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after she failed to mention Russia in a post about the deadly Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on 4 April. Shortly after, media outlets reported that Brink was considering resigning from her post. On 10 April, the US State Department confirmed her departure. The Financial Times said the ambassador faced increasing pressure from senior officials in the Trump administration who questioned her willingness to support their strategy on Ukraine. An FT analysis of Brinks posts on platform X (Twitter) before and after Trumps inauguration on 20 January revealed a marked shift in her public messaging, especially regarding Russia. In the 75 days before Trump took office, Brink criticised Russia and its war in Ukraine 53 times. In the 75 days after, she posted only five messages mentioning Russia none of which directly blamed it for the attacks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday in an interview with ABC's "This Week" that smartphones, computers and some other electronics will come under separate tariffs, along with semiconductors that may be imposed in a month or so. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration late on Friday granted exclusions from steep tariffs on such products, imported largely from China, providing a big break to tech firms like Apple that rely on imported products. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Scott Malone) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. has deported another 10 people that it alleges are gang members to El Salvador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday, a day before that country's president is due to visit the White House. "Last night, another 10 criminals from the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua Foreign Terrorist Organizations arrived in El Salvador," Rubio said in an X post. The alliance between President Donald Trump and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele "has become an example for security and prosperity in our hemisphere," Rubio added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is due to meet Bukele at the White House on Monday. Trump said on Saturday he was looking forward to meeting Bukele and praised him for taking "enemy aliens" from the United States. He said the two countries were working closely to "eradicate terrorist organizations." Administration officials have repeatedly made public statements alleging that detained immigrants are gang members that they have not backed up in court. The Trump administration has deported hundreds of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. Lawyers and relatives of the migrants held in El Salvador say they are not gang members and had no opportunity to contest the U.S. government assertion that they were. The Trump administration says it vetted migrants to ensure they belonged to Tren de Aragua, which it labels a terrorist organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deportations have been challenged in federal court. The U.S. Supreme Court said the U.S. government must give sufficient notice to immigrant detainees to allow them to contest their deportations. It did not say how those already in El Salvador could seek judicial review of their removals. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. officials gained the release on Sunday of an American detained in Tunisia, Robert Vieira, U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler said. Vieira was detained 13 months ago while doing missionary work in Tunisia and was suspected by Tunisian authorities of espionage, Boehler told Reuters. He said Vieira was flying home to the U.S. with his family after his release. "We appreciate the government of Tunisias decision to resolve this case and allow Mr. Vieira to reunite with his family after more than 13 months of pre-trial detention," Boehler said. Boehler said he worked closely with the Tunisian foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti, on gaining the release of the detainee. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Scott Malone) Damage to the inside of the governors mansion after fire broke out at 2am on Sunday - Pennsylvania State Police A man has been charged with the attempted murder of Josh Shapiro after the Pennsylvania governors mansion was set alight while he and his family slept. Cody Balmer, 38, was charged with attempted criminal homicide along with seven other offences including terrorism affecting the government and prowling at nighttime. He told police he harboured hatred towards Shapiro, who is Jewish, and earlier in the night had marked the first night of the Passover holiday with friends and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Shapiro has said he would not be intimidated in observing his faith following what prosecutors called a homemade Molotov cocktails attack. Asked what he would have done had he encountered Mr Shapiro in the residence, Mr Balmer told investigators he would have beaten him with his hammer. Cody Balmer has been charged with attempted criminal homicide along with seven other offences Mr Balmer stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes as he arrived at his arraignment hearing on Monday. He remained silent as he was led into the building by officers through a large crowd of press with his hands handcuffed in front of him. Mr Balmer was denied bail by the hearing judge. Mr Shapiro, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, was inside his house with his family when the fire broke out in a different part of the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday, state police said earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, the force said in a statement. No casualties were reported. Mr Shapiro said that he and his sleeping family were woken up by a police trooper who banged on our door at around 2am local time and that they were evacuated from the building. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished, he said. Damaged windows seen at Josh Shapiros residence caused by the arson on Sunday - Sean Simmers/Patriot-News via AP Plates damaged in the fire - Commonwealth Media Services Speaking to reporters outside the residence, a broken window blackened by the fire visible behind him, Mr Shapiro made a forceful appeal for an end to political violence. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other... it is not OK, and it has to stop, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said in charging documents released on Monday that Mr Balmer was captured on surveillance cameras climbing a perimeter fence, breaking a window and throwing a gasoline-filled Heineken beer bottle, before breaking another window, entering the residence and igniting another bottle. Part of the structure is blackened by the fire at the residence - Sean Simmers/Patriot-News via AP The suspect allegedly used a gasoline-filled Heineken beer bottle to start the fire - Anadolu The attack happened hours after he shared a photo on social media of him and his family preparing to celebrate the first night of Passover. From the Shapiro familys Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach, the post said. Lieutenant Jane Smith, speaking for Pennsylvania state police, described the fire as clearly an act of arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania state police troop H is leading a multi-agency investigation into the attack. State officials have not announced where the governor and his family will live while repairs are being made. He added: Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside his home - Getty Images Speaking in the Oval Office, Donald Trump suggested the alleged attacker was probably just a whack job. He said ..the attacker was not a fan of Trump. I understand, just from what I read, from what Ive been told, the attacker basically wasnt a fan of anybody whos probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Biden, the former president, added his voice to those condemning the attack on Mr Shapiros property. Jill and I are disgusted by the attack on the Shapiro family and their home during the first night of Passover, the 82-year-old wrote on X, referring to former first lady Jill Biden. We are relieved that they are safe and grateful to the first responders. There is no place for this type of evil in America, and as I told the governor yesterday, we must stand united against hatred and violence. Mr Shapiro, 52, has served as Pennsylvanias 48th governor since January 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the states attorney general from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of the Montgomery county board of commissioners from 2012 to 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As attorney general, Mr Shapiro gained national attention for his offices investigation into child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church across Pennsylvania, which revealed widespread abuse and institutional cover-ups. In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Mr Shapiro defeated Republican Doug Mastriano by a substantial margin after running unopposed in the Democratic primary. Mr Shapiro was also shortlisted as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election before the Democrat candidate chose Tim Walz. 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 News The US and Iran are set to hold a second round of nuclear talks this week after an initial meeting over the weekend that both sides described as productive. The negotiations in Oman on Saturday, the highest-level discussion between Washington and Tehran in years, displayed an effort to avoid what neither side wants, another war in the Middle East, The New York Times wrote. The next meeting could see progress on short-term agreements, like Iran pausing uranium enrichment in exchange for relief from some maximum pressure sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran is motivated to sustain the forward momentum, The Wall Street Journal wrote: Irans economy is hobbled by international restrictions, and public discontent is rising fast. Money is like ice, it melts very fast, one Shiraz resident said. U.S. officials responded to Russia's deadly Palm Sunday attack on Sumy with condolences for Ukraine, but no calls for increased pressure on Moscow. Russia targeted Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy with ballistic missiles the morning of April 13, as many civilians gathered for religious observances on Palm Sunday. The attack killed at least 34 people and injured 117, including children. "The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today's horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace." Rubio's statement echoed earlier remarks by Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, who also said the attack demonstrated the importance of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts. Kellogg went a step further than Rubio by denouncing Russia's attack on civilians, saying it "crosses any line of decency." "There are scores of civilian dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong," he said. Like Rubio, Kellogg did not explicitly call for increased pressure or sanctions on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The omission is notable compared to responses from European leaders, who condemned the attack as a war crime and demanded intensified pressure on Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire. "Russia shows that it has no respect for international law or humanitarian law," Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on X. "We must end this war. An unconditional ceasefire must begin at once. To make it commit seriously to negotiations, sanctions against Russia need to be further strengthened." U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said he was "appalled at Russia's horrific attacks" and called for Russia to accept a full ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions," he said. The European response widely acknowledged that Ukraine has already agreed to accept Washington's proposal for a complete ceasefire of 30 days, while Russia continues to refuse the terms. A day before the attack on Sumy, Trump said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine were "going fine." His comments came a day after Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11 to discuss "aspects of the Ukrainian settlement." While Trump has expressed some public frustration with the Kremlin's stalling, he has not followed through on threats to impose new punitive tariffs and sanctions on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Everything was black Russia strikes downtown Sumy filled with people on Palm Sunday, killing dozens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A geology professor and his student at Rogers State University (RSU) made a remarkable discovery just before spring break. Dr. Chris Shelton and student Kolby Dooling unearthed a rare, well-preserved ammonite fossil at a site in Oklahoma, and it wasnt an ordinary fossil. This particular find shimmered with the colorful glow of a gemstone. Just before spring break, I took one of my students, Kolby Dooling, to a site that Id taken other students to before, one that had always been a good place to explore, explained Shelton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wed noticed these fossils before, but this time, Kolby brought a very large iridescent piece to me. It was clear he had discovered something extraordinary with this ammonite fossil. The fossil, according to Shelton, shows signs of preservation that give it a pearl-like iridescence, a feature rarely found in fossils this old. These types of fossils are called ammolite in Canada, where they are better known. Ammolite is a rare gemstone that forms from the fossilized shells of ammonites, an extinct group of shelled marine animals related to squids. Ammolite: A rare biological gemstone from ancient seas Shelton believes the fossil they found is a true ammolite, even though it was found far from known ammolite-rich areas like Alberta, Canada. He explained that these types of fossils are made from the mineral aragonite, which retains a dazzling iridescence due to its microscopic structure. Ammolite is very unique as its a biological gemstone, similar to pearls, formed from the fossilized shells of ancient cephalopodsmollusks related to modern squidsthat exhibit vibrant, iridescent colors and patterns due to the microstructure of the original aragonite. Theyre particularly rare and sought after by collectors, explained Shelton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes this discovery even more significant is the fossils age. It dates back to the Carboniferous Period, which was over 300 million years agolong before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Most iridescent ammonite fossils known today come from the Mesozoic Era, the age of dinosaurs. Theres only one other known location in the world where aragonite of this age has been found intactat the Buckhorn Asphalt Lagerstatte in Oklahomas Arbuckle Mountains. That site is known for preserving some of the oldest aragonite fossils ever discovered. This new discovery adds to the rarity and importance of the find. Dr. Chris Shelton (left) and RSU student Kolby Dooling examine a rare fossil they discovered on a recent expedition. Image Credit: RSU More fossils, more tests, and a scientific paper ahead After the initial discovery, Shelton and Dooling returned to the same site and collected additional samples. These included fossilized shark remains and other ancient invertebrates. The goal now is to conduct more research and analysis to better understand the fossils theyve found. We plan to do more expeditions, more collection trips to the site to gather more samples, said Shelton. From there, well run many more analytical tests on the fossils to confirm our belief and based on the findings, Kolby and I will write and submit a peer-reviewed paper for acknowledgement of our discovery within the scientific community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dooling, who is still a student, was thrilled by the experience and the opportunity to contribute to real scientific work. In the press release, Shelton stated, This will be a significant discovery. Its important that Kolby also get credit for helping me make it and its always good for me to take students out of the classroom and into the field, from the theoretical to the practical, to find fossils for themselves and to get to uncover their own piece of history. Shelton hopes to have the scientific paper detailing their findings ready by the end of this year. If confirmed, this discovery could offer new insights into fossil preservation and add to the limited number of known ammonite fossils from the Carboniferous Period that exhibit gemstone-quality iridescence. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Saturday a Maryland resident deported to El Salvador is "alive and secure" in a terrorism confinement center there, after a U.S. Judge demanded updates on the Trump administration's efforts to secure his return. A State Department court filing gave the update on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was sent to El Salvador on March 15 despite an order protecting him from deportation, after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis made the demand for daily updates on Friday. The filing from Michael Kozak, of the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, did not, however, say what steps the government was taking to bring Abrego Garcia home, as Xinis had also demanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am aware that the instant lawsuit has been filed seeking the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the United States from El Salvador," Kozak's filing said. "It is my understanding based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador," it said. "He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador." Xinis issued her demand a day after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an order from her directing the administration to "facilitate and effectuate" Abrego Garcia's return. However, the Supreme Court said the term "effectuate" was unclear and might exceed judge's authority. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who was living in Maryland and has had a work permit since 2019, was deported by mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it has said it cannot immediately bring him back and that diplomatic relations cannot operate at the speed with which the courts are demanding. Trump is due to meet El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele at the White House on Monday. Trump told reporters on Friday his administration would bring Abrego Garcia back if the Supreme Court directed it to. Asked on Friday if Trump would seek the return of Abrego Garcia when he meets Bukele, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the Supreme Court ruling made clear the administrations responsibility was to "facilitate Abrego Garcias return, not to effectuate the return." Trump said on Saturday he was looking forward to meeting Bukele and praised him for taking "enemy aliens" from the United States. He said the two countries were working closely to "eradicate terrorist organizations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These barbarians are now in the sole custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign Nation, and their future is up to President B and his Government. They will never threaten or menace our Citizens again!" Trump wrote. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Marguerita Choy) AUSTIN (KXAN) KXAN spoke with students after University of Texas at Austin leaders published a statement Friday, which says families, students, faculty, staff and visitors are rightly frustrated with safety concerns. When individuals threaten student safety with violent and criminal behavior, our law enforcement have been steadfast in making necessary arrests to remove these threats. But arrests are not enough, said UT Austin Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife in the statement. Arrests are not enough: UT leaders call out prosecutors, judicial system in letter about campus safety What the students say UT Austin students who live in West Campus walk through the blocks to get to campus. A recent series of assaults in the area has made some, such as UT Austin freshman Ina Weber, nervous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I actually saw the suspected guy just out of my window. I just thought it was odd that he was walking around with a helmet on and like a suit, Weber said. Makes me a bit nervous, but I am not too shocked about it. I think a lot of similar incidents happen on Guadalupe. Other UT Austin students said that they share Webers concerns. Its like scary that we walk these streets, but theres people like that [who] could do anything at any time, said Kapil Taspsa, another UT Austin student. I live on West Campus at the Castilian, and anytime I want to walk back from my classes, Jester, the library, I have to walk through [the Drag], said Aahil Sukhyani, another UT Austin student. It can be three, four a.m., and theres some dude tweaking out in front of Chipotle or something like that. I think its gotten to the point where most people will say dont walk alone at night.' Data: Reported crime mostly the same year-over-year There have been 31 assaults within a 2000-foot radius from the University Co-op since 2025 began, according to Austin Police Department crime data. Three of the 31 assaults were aggravated assaults, which means a weapon was used or serious bodily harm was caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the same time in 2024, 30 assaults occurred, three of which were aggravated assaults and one was deadly conduct. APDs data also shows that total crime, so far in 2025 (245 incidents), is roughly on par with the same range in 2024 (240 incidents). Joell McNew, president of student safety advocacy nonprofit SafeHorns, said more needs to be done to make the area safer. We hear things on a daily basis, McNew said. There are so many students that have come forward, and other citizens in the communitynon-student, non-UT affiliatedthat have come forward, who have been victimized. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS (AP) After his arrest, the boy's mother was stunned to discover that her 12-year-old had been learning how to kill and gorging on videos of decapitation and torture so gruesome they made even case-hardened French court officials look away. The mother told criminal investigators that she'd thought her son had been playing video games and doing homework during the hours he spent in his room. The child's descent into the internet's darkest recesses started innocently enough, with online searches about Islam after an aunt gave him a Quran as a gift, says the boy's lawyer. From there, more searching, automated algorithms that steer users' online experiences and the boy's curiosity ultimately led him to encrypted chats and ultraviolent propaganda pumped out by Islamic State militants and other extremist groups that are worming their way via apps, video gaming and social media into the minds of the very young. Paul-Edouard Lallois, the French prosecutor who secured the boy's conviction on two terror-related charges last August, says the thousands of images and other extreme content that the child viewed so warped his understanding of the world and of right and wrong that "it will take years and years of work to enable this kid to recover normal bearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor believes that left unstopped, the boy was on a trajectory to possibly becoming a completely dehumanized soldier who risked joining the ranks of digitally radicalized teenagers in France and beyond who are hatching terror plots and expressing support for extremism. The huge library of violent content, several terabytes of data, that the boy amassed included video tutorials on bomb-making, the prosecutor said. It is possible to completely upend the mental bearings of such a young child, he said. "Do that for a few years and, even before he has turned 18, he's already capable of, yes, committing an attack and the worst things with just a knife. An emerging global threat Across Europe and further afield, the picture is similar: Counterterrorism agencies are grappling with a new generation of attackers, plotters and acolytes of extremism who are younger than ever and have fed on ultraviolent and potentially radicalizing content largely behind their screens. Some are appearing on police radars only when it's already too late with knife in hand, as they're carrying out an attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivier Christen, France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor who handles the country's most serious terror investigations, has a firsthand view of the surging threat. His unit handed terror-related preliminary charges to just two minors in 2022. That number leapt to 15 in 2023 and again last year, to 19. Some are really very, very young, around 15 years old, which was something that was almost unheard of no more than two years ago, Christen said in an interview with The Associated Press. It demonstrates the strong effectiveness of the propaganda disseminated by terrorist organizations, which are quite good at targeting this age group. The so-called Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing network that usually shuns the limelight, comprising U.S., U.K., Canadian, Australian and New Zealand security agencies, is so alarmed that it took the unusual step in December of calling publicly for collective action, saying: Radicalized minors can pose the same credible terrorist threat as adults. In Germany, an Interior Ministry task force launched after deadly mass stabbings last year is focusing on teenagers social networks, aiming to counter their growing role in radicalization. In France, the domestic DGSI security agency says 70% of suspects detained for involvement in alleged terror plots are under the age of 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Austria, security services say a 19-year-old suspect arrested in August, with an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, for an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to slaughter Taylor Swift concertgoers, was radicalized online. So, too, was a suspected ISIS supporter, aged 14, detained this February for an alleged plan to attack a Vienna train station, Austrian authorities say. The VSSE intelligence agency in Belgium says almost a third of suspects detained there for plotting attacks from 2022 to 2024 were minors the youngest only 13. Extremist propaganda is just a click away for young people in search of an identity or a purpose, it said in a report in January, with radicalization occurring at speeds that are nothing short of meteoric." A path from porn to jihadi propaganda Counterterror investigators say the online radicalization of a child can sometimes take just months. Digitally nimble, kids are adept at covering their tracks and skirting parental controls. The 12-year-old's mother had no inkling that her boy was consulting extremist content, the familys lawyer, Kamel Aissaoui, told The AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unlike previous generations of militants who were easier for police to track and monitor because they interacted in the real world, their successors are often interacting only in digital spaces, including on encrypted chats to mask their identities and activities, investigators say. "They live on their phones, their tablets, their computers, in contact with people they dont know," said a senior official from a European intelligence agency who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity to discuss its work combatting illegal extremist activity. Some start "to imagine who they would attack, how they would go about it, doing actual reconnaissance, hunting for a weapon, consulting tutorials on how to make explosives, the official said. For some kids, the process starts with violent pornography or a fascination for gory images, counterterrorism investigators say. From there, more clicks can lead to grisly murder videos from Mexican drug cartels and ultimately to jihadi decapitations, throat-slitting and torture, in videos that are sometimes slickly produced with music and are shared on chat groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often theyre heavy consumers of everything that is broadcast on the Web and especially things that are forbidden, said Christen, the French national anti-terror prosecutor. "Its something of a chain reaction that gets them to the ultra-violence disseminated by jihadi movements. Kids from all backgrounds Aissaoui, the child's lawyer, said the trial was so tough on the 12-year-old that the hearing had to be paused twice because he was so distraught. He says the boy isn't violent and was simply a victim of apps and other digital tools that expose kids to extremist content. He was directed from site to site, and so on and so forth, until he came across things he should never have seen, the lawyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy is now in residential care without access to social networks, with specialized educators and regular visitation rights for his parents, the prosecutor told AP. Counterterrorism investigators say they're dealing with kids from an array of backgrounds. Some have behavioral difficulties and some tend to be loners whose social interactions are largely virtual, but others raise no concerns with their behavior before it draws police attention. Police analysis of the 12-year-old boys computer and phone found 1,739 jihadi videos, a phenomenal quantity of scenes of decapitation, throat-slitting, shootings, the prosecutor said. He also had how-to videos on bomb-making and killing, including one that appeared to show the real-life death of a tied-down man being methodically chopped into pieces. I have seen some horrible things in my career, he said. But this goes beyond all comprehension. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Loved ones honored the life of a 2-year-old shooting victim who was killed in Orange Mound on Friday. Blue and orange balloons were released into the sky on Saturday, a day after the fatal shooting of 2-year-old Jamarion Payne. Jamarion Payne. Jamarion Payne. Jamarion Payne. The vigil and balloon release were held in the 700 block of Josephine Street, where Jamarion was killed. ORIGINAL STORY: 2-year-old dead in Orange Mound shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members tell WREG the toddler was shot while playing catch outside with his uncle. The toddler was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he sadly died from his injuries. Its careless, and they dont care about innocent lives, they dont care who they take out, who they shoot, and its senseless, to me it is, Jamarions aunt Rittie Marshall told WREG on Friday. At the vigil, Jamarions mother, Kermiracle Futrell, spoke about the pain shes now living with. I hate to let him go. Im not ready to let him go, she said. Im angry, Im frustrated, Im hurt. Im so hurt. I just want whoever did this to my baby to pay. I just want them to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, no one has been arrested for the deadly shooting. Memphis Police are asking anyone with nearby surveillance videos to contact them. On Friday, Colonel Willie Mathena called on the community to stop the gun violence. During a public forum on Saturday, Mayor Paul Young shared a similar message. This has been a bad week with regards to violence in our city. Two young people [were] tragically lost, Young said. I mean one, I think was a drowning incident, the other was a baby that was shot in a drive-by shooting and its unacceptable. Its something that our community is fighting hard against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The toddlers family has set up a GoFundMe for his funeral expenses. To donate, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. VIRGINIA BEACH More than two dozen Princess Anne High School students were taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital on Thursday morning. But they werent patients. The Central Business District Association in Virginia Beach hosted its 33rd Internship Day, when students are matched with careers and businesses based on their interests. The CBDA organized more than 100 students and businesses to best match them for the program, and businesses hosted the students for the entire morning to discuss career options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeanne Evans-Cox, executive director for the CBDA, said students fill out applications and rank the top three jobs they might be interested in pursuing. Then, she and school counselors come together to match them with local businesses. The Internship Day supports a variety of interests and career paths, she said. From law and health care to architecture and construction, theres a place for everybody. Its really fun to see how creative the companies get, she said. Some of the lawyers will take the kids to court, and some of them have actually sat in on criminal cases. The kids come back, and theyre just so excited, which is cool. Theyve had hard-hat tours of construction sites. One of (the businesses) got up on a crane and put them on the top of a building. Theyve laid out buildings and interior design. Weve taken them to restaurants, so they get to watch the culinary world. Weve even had chocolate-making. During Sentaras Internship Day, more than two dozen students interested in health care were divided into small groups and visited various departments, including operating rooms, the maintenance department, labs, the pharmacy and the emergency division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerald Guzman, 18,and three of his classmates were led to the operating room for their first rotation Thursday. After donning hair nets, shoe covers and bunny suits sterile coveralls to prevent contamination they toured two operating rooms. In the first, hospital staff showed them a da Vinci Surgical System, or robotic-assisted surgical platform that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with small incisions. In the other, students received hands-on instruction for keeping an operating room sterile and how certain instruments are used during surgeries. Its very immersive, Guzman said. We were actually able to touch the tools and see how they are applied when they are actually operating on people. Its just interesting to me that its such a complex process. It probably takes a while to learn, but in the end, it must be very gratifying for your patients and for yourself to know how much hard work you just put in to help someone. Over the years, the interest in health care jobs has grown, and that was the largest group of CDBAs Internship Day. Bernie Boone, president of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, said his career in hospital administration started in a similar program, and Internship Day allows students to get an inside look at how the hospital functions and insight into occupations not as well known as physicians or nurses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what attracted me to the field of health service administration just the vast diversity of health professions that exist, Boone said. Opportunities like this hopefully will open their eyes that there are many opportunities that are broader than just more popular professions in regards to nursing or physicians. Whether its speech pathology, occupational therapy, laboratory technicians, health therapists, radiation (or) radiology technicians, theres just a whole host of other health care professionals that make up the care team. Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com The Trump administrations revocation of student visas and, in separate action, termination of students from a tracking system for foreign scholars, has spread to the South. Public and private colleges and universities across the Sun Belt have reported that at least a few of their students have had their status as welcome scholars revoked or otherwise changed. Some university representatives said the institutions found out some of their students had their visas revoked or their immigration status changed by checking the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal tracking system for exchange visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida International University spokesperson Dianne Fernandez said 18 foreign students at the institution have had their F-1 student visas revoked. Texas A&M spokesperson Megan Lacy said 23 international students have had their SEVIS record terminated. A SEVIS record termination essentially terminates the individuals legal status in the country, Lacy said via email. Other institutions with foreign students who have experienced changes in their tracking or status include New Mexico State, where nine scholars had their visas revoked, a spokesperson said; the University of North Carolina, where six students had their visas terminated, according to the Carolina Alumni Review; Middle Tennessee State, where the status of six students also changed in the federal immigration database, a spokesperson said; and Rice University in Houston, where the visas of three students and two recent graduates were revoked, a spokesperson said. The University of Texas at Austin has said only that multiple foreign students have had their immigration status changed in recent days, according to NBC affiliate KXAN of Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lacy said Texas A&M was unaware of any affected student there who had participated in political activism. The other schools did not cite a specific reason for the change of students immigration status. The recent developments come as the administration of President Donald Trump has sought to revoke the visas of hundreds of college and university scholars. Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio estimated that 300 foreign college and university students had their visas revoked. The revocation policy gained attention after March 8, when a former Columbia University postgraduate who helped lead 2024 student protests against Israels actions in Gaza and who was living on campus with his wife was arrested outside his home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who said his student visa had been revoked, according to wife Noor Abdallas account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of his lawyers, Amy Greer, said Abdalla told ICE agents Khalil was a permanent resident with a green card, but they took him away and, according his legal team, have yet to produce an arrest warrant. On Friday, a judge ruled the Trump administration can deport Khalil. Khalils arrest and continued detention at a federal facility in Louisiana have become a cause celebre, with protesters fanning out across the nation to decry what they argue is a lack of due process and a clear intention by the Trump administration to silence free speech with which it disagrees. The Trump administration has been steadfast in its campaign against campus protesters critical of Israel and its war against Hamas militants following the latters Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the warfare has taken place in Gaza, which neighbors Israel, and civilians have been displaced and killed in massive numbers, with Palestinian health officials estimating Israeli attacks have killed 50,500 people there. The Trump administration has said it has the authority to deport Khalil because he led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. His attorneys, however, have argued there is no evidence that Khalil has provided any type of support to terror groups. Rubio also supported deporting Khalil in a letter that cited an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 that allows the secretary of state alone to personally determine whether an immigrant should remain in the country. An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday said Rubios explanation was all he needed to see and ruled that Khalil can be deported. He has until April 23 to file for relief. At the same time, hes challenging the basis of his arrest in federal court in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the governments arguments against Khalils presence have expanded to include reasons not initially given, including alleged failure to disclose material information on his residency application, White House has increasingly targeted foreign-born students whose main transgression seems to be activism. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas, Rubio said in Guyana last month. CORRECTION (April 13, 2025, 12:41 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the immigration status change of 23 Texas A&M students. Their records were terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; their student visas were not revoked. A previous version also misidentified a Texas A&M spokesperson. She is Megan Lacy, not Megan Bennett. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Apr. 12When there is an emergency and somebody needs help from law enforcement, fire department or ambulance, there is generally one voice a caller will hear first a public safety telecommunicator (PST). For years the PST has been the calming voice on the other end of an emergency whose job it is to get help to the caller as quickly as possible, but the span of that work is much broader than people likely realize. "We have a lot of things that are being thrown at us constantly," said Tracy Hauschildt, Mower County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) supervisor. "There is radio traffic and there are at least seven different talk groups we're constantly monitoring. And then we have the happy people, angry people, sad people and those are constantly coming at us too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSTs generally work behind the scenes, taking calls and distributing information from the PSAP, or hub of the law enforcement network. Overseen by the Mower County Sheriff's Department, there are currently 11 PSTs, though the aim is to have 12 at the end of the day. However, Hauschildt, along with Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik, are hoping to highlight the work that the PSTs do each day with a new pitch to bring them more fully into the public eye. April 13-19 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and serves as a reminder of how important the PST is. While the week itself isn't new, having originated in the 1980s, it does coincide nicely with the effort locally to get PSTs recognized by the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For me, I think it would be important to get them out there more," Hauschildt said. "I do think it's important for them to have more of a face out there. They're not appreciated the way they should be. They're the unsung heroes of this community and I really do stand by that. Were we only able to get them out there more there would be more of an understanding of why they do the things that they do." Broadly speaking, it's a lot. Calls for assistance in one way or another come into the PSAP hub on a fairly steady basis and can involve everything from animal complaints to a variety of 911 calls. But it's the numbers themselves that can tell the story as easily as anything. In 2023, Mower's PSAP administration line received 34,555 calls, a number that more than tripled in 2024 when telecommunicators received 105,398 calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the 911 line, calls again tripled from 12,967 calls in 2023 to 35,474 in 2024. "It's so much information constantly being given to us," Hauschildt said. "We have so much of a time frame that we want to get that help to you as quickly as possible. Our actual goal is to get in the first two minutes of the phone call your location, name, what's going on and get your first response sent to you." Even for those who are responding to the calls telecommunicators dispatch out, the work can seem at times as overwhelming. For years, Sandvik re membered when it was just one person taking calls and how they would stop in to relieve the person if a break was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would go in and take the microphone for them," Sandvik said. "I have done that for years and years until probably the last four, five years. You go in and look at those six screens: I can't do what you do and I can't provide ancillary information. It just can't be done without that high level training and competency in the multi-tasking environment." "Their ability to calmly multi-task within the incident and everything else that is going on at the time is absolutely unbelievable," he continued. "I'm in awe every time I see it or hear it." A telecommunicator herself, Hauschildt knows what that volume of calls can be like on a daily basis. She came to the position after spending time as an ER tech at Mayo Clinic Health Care System-Austin. She remembers hearing the calls come across the line at the hospital and how intrigued she was about becoming a part of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I wanted to know what all of those 10-codes were," she said. "I think that was when my first interest peaked." Even after she has become the supervisor, Hauschildt said she is impressed each day by what the telecommunicators work through. She went on to say that the position comes with a never-ending need to continue learning. "It's been interesting," she said. "It's been a lot of learning. I'm constantly learning on a daily basis." A change of title, a change in job outline For years, those working within the PSAP were known as dispatchers, but that's been changing over the years simply because the word "dispatch" has been too broad of term and didn't rightly identify what it was that telecommunicators were doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't like that phrase," Hauschildt said. "I think until that mindset changes, things aren't going to change." A survey done in Minnesota identified that it was too vague a term and so the move was made to focus on the public safety aspect of their jobs. Now work has shifted to try and bring PSTs fully into the law enforcement circle and identify them as first responders. "They are vitally important," Sandvik said. "They are our first responders. They are our first contact on every emergency, every call for service whether it's an emergency or a question. They are that contact voice for everyone, whether they reside here or are traveling through to get the help they need or alert people to an emergency situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last few years, efforts have been focused on both the state and federal levels to get telecommunicators recognized as first responders, meaning in part, their pensions would be categorized the same as fire, law enforcement and ambulance. For Sandvik, it's a matter of recognizing their importance. "They are part of my sheriff's office team and I consider no part of the team any less important than any other one," he said. "Each and every aspect of our office has very difficult jobs. Theirs is unique. You don't get to see the person, you only hear them." A part of team Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the aspects of being a telecommunicator is the unknown detail. The PSTs will get the call, dispatch accordingly and then often can be left out of the final resolution of whatever situation that may entail. That's despite dealing with much of what responders are facing. "Stress and mental health studies show how mental health and stress is the same for telecommunicators as it is for the officers on scene," Hauschildt said. "The only thing is that the telecommunicators don't have the pictures. They don't have the story in front of them to actually get the closure they need." When you add the information of what is flowing through the PSAP, the work can become even more daunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their job is so difficult," Sandvik said. "They have to glean information on your worst day. All the while other phones are ringing, there's multiple 911 lines going on and multiple administrative lines." At the same time there is an enormous sense of pride. "Now seeing the other side of it, I see truly how much work it is on their side," Hauschildt said. "Yes, I did it at one point, but now I see as I'm trying to teach others as well just what it takes for them to do it and how steady they have to be and how quick they have to be in doing it all." "I can honestly say, when I go to other PSAP centers and speak about my own center, I do have a lot of pride and joy in my crew," she added. Hawaii Tourism Authority board Chair Todd Apo was way premature in urging the board to put to bed and move on from concerns raised by a state audit about questionable discounts given by the Hawai i Convention Center to two nonprofits associated with former HTA board Chair Mufi Hannemann. As reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, there are too many unresolved questions about justification for the discounts and the thoroughness of the boards investigation. The Hawai i Lodging & Tourism Association, which Hannemann runs, and the Pacific Century Fellows he founded are reputable organizations, but its fair to ask how the discounts they received served the state or its taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There should be no moving on until theres full public airing of how the discounts were decided, what payments are due and how comping policy is being tightened. Apos attempted short-circuit looks like one member of the old-boy network taking care of another. Hawaii has a history of prematurely moving on from controversy by sweeping details under the rug to shield responsible officials without taking time to learn what went wrong and fix it. In the Kamehameha Schools /Bishop Estate scandals of the 1990s, millions of dollars in misappropriated trust funds likely went unrecovered as authorities rushed to move on after the IRS forced the removal of trustees who mismanaged the $10 billion estate. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. More recently, the Honolulu Police Commission was so eager to move on from Chief Louis Kealohas federal criminal problems that it rammed through a $250, 000 retirement payout for the chief without public input or required City Council approval. Kealoha and his prosecutor wife, Katherine, are now doing prison time for fraud and conspiracy. Former Police Commission Chair Max Sword, former city Corporation Counsel Donna Leong and former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya reached plea agreements on federal misdemeanor conspiracy charges and agreed to fines totaling the $250, 000 they gave Kealoha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rushing to move on is always dangerous for the taxpaying publicand often for officials seeking to evade scrutiny, as well. Which segues us to another kind of scrutiny evasion by the Hawaii Legislature, the epicenter of repeated mistakes. Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Nadine Nakamura last week quietly locked in 44 % raises to $114, 348 for their members, issuing muted announcements that they wont hold public hearings or a vote on a Republican resolution to reject the raises proposed by the state Salary Commission. Doing nothing means the massive hikes automatically kick in next year for our part-time lawmakers as the economy sinks from the craziness in Washington. They follow a pattern of big legislative raises at economically inopportune times, such as 33 % during the Great Recession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salary Commission members told Honolulu Civil Beat that state judges badly needed raises, and since their raises are tied to those of legislators and state executives, the judges lifted all boats. All boats except cash-strapped taxpayers, who are hostage to economic chaos and frustrated they cant strike back against oversize raises because of campaign finance laws that protect incumbents with lavish special-interest money. Now so richly paid, lawmakers will cling to their jobs more than ever and be even less willing to pass reforms that would bring them more competition.------------Reach David Shapiro at.------------ TUPELO Elections and voting are the bedrock of American democracy, from the presidential election down to local representation, and Tupelo is one of many municipalities that held municipal primaries on April 1 with low participation. With a population of 37,652 and 29,333 registered voters, just 14.68% of Tupelos voting population took part in the municipal primary election, which decided most of the citys races. Just 4,305 individuals, 3,680 of whom were Republican, decided who would serve as mayor. There were no Democrat or independent candidates in this years mayoral race. There will be no vote for the seat in the general election on June 3, meaning those who voted in the Democratic Party primaries to decide their council representation had no voice in the mayoral race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We always try to encourage as much turnout as possible, Tupelo Municipal Republican Committee Chair Richard Stone said. The Republican Club and any entity encourages people to go out and vote. We want to make sure the masters of our government are actively having a say in how the government moves. Charles Penson, Tupelo Municipal Democrat Committee chair, said turnout was light among both Democrats and Republicans, which is never ideal. I think part of it had to do with a lack of motivation, stemming from the federal (government) all the way down to federal elections, Penson said. There is not a lot of motivation thats been driven by a party or a candidate in this local election. Participation in the Lee County presidential and gubernatorial primary was at 20% last March, with a total turnout of 62% in the November general election. In the primary, 3,791 Tupelo residents voted, which comes out to about 15%, which is in line with last Tuesdays primary. The city had a 57% turnout in the general election last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interesting data point shown in the numbers provided by the city is that the three precincts with the highest turnout did not have candidates running for council. Ward 1 Councilman Chad Mims and Ward 6 Councilwoman Janet Gaston were both unopposed. Precinct 1, which is in Ward 1, had about 32% turnout. Precinct 2, also in Ward 1, had a 24% turnout. Precinct 10, in Ward 6, got about 22% turnout. Precinct 10 had the largest volume of voters with 807 ballots counted out of 3,767 voters. Penson said the fact that those voting in the Democratic primary could not vote in the Republican mayoral race was less an issue of the system and more of a problem of the local Democratic party being unable to bring forth a candidate for the race. I look at it as more of a failure of the Democrats to field a candidate in the mayoral race, he said. Stone noted that Mississippi law allows people to vote in whichever primary they choose regardless of party affiliation, which allows for crossover that other states with closed primaries, in which voters must register with a party, do not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ward 4, between its two precincts, there were a total of 387 votes from a potential of 5,726 combined registered voters, leading to a 7% turnout. Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis secured a seventh term in office with a combined total of 161 votes, which was 66% of the total votes cast. Those 161 voters represent 2% of the potential voters in Ward 7. Penson said the reason for this low turnout can't be placed on one specific issue, but he noted it pointed to two things: residents being satisfied with Daviss performance and a lack of door-to-door campaigning. Meanwhile, in Ward 7, which has the highest number of registered voters, turnout was about 9%. Out of 6,272 registered voters, only 536 individuals cast a ballot for mayor or Ward 7 council person. The distinction is that if a voter wanted to vote for their council representation, they couldnt vote for their mayoral candidate because no Republican candidates ran in Ward 7. Standing in the middle of the pack was Ward 5, which got close to 18% voter turnout, or 559 votes out of a potential 3,140. This race has no incumbent and three candidates: Steven Coon, Mike Horton and Bentley Nolan, vying for the Republican ticket in the June 3 general election against unopposed Democrat Candria Lewis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nolan received 261 votes, or 47%, of the total votes cast. Coon earned 200 votes, or 36%. Horton earned 93 votes, or 16%. This triggered a runoff election because no candidate gained a clear majority. On April 22, Coon and Nolan will face each other again. Outgoing Incumbent Ward 5 Councilman Buddy Palmer said he believed the turnout was "much too low" for him and worries that turnout may be an even bigger issue in the upcoming runoff. He said that he has spoken to both candidates and believes they are doing a great job of getting out there to energize the voter base. Stone, who is also the vice president of the Lee County Republican Club, echoed Palmers sentiment, adding that every organization in which hes a part is actively encouraging individuals to vote in the primary and in the general election. Stone noted while low turnout is an issue, it can make races more competitive, leading to situations where a handful of votes can change the course of an election. Because of the tightness of low turnout races, he said, it pushes candidates to get more involved and activate their base of support. It comes down to how much interface the candidates have with their constituents it comes down to who can motivate their people to come out and vote, he said. The (local Republican) party will be doing everything we can on Facebook and avenues like that, but it comes down to the folks that have a stake in it and feel they need to come out and participate. LIBREVILLE, Gabon (AP) Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabons interim president who staged a 2023 coup that ended a decadeslong political dynasty, has been elected president, according to provisional results announced by the countrys interior ministry. Oligui Nguema, 50, recorded a landslide victory with 90.35% of votes cast, defeating seven other candidates, including immediate past Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze. He came in a distant second with 3% of votes cast, Interior Minister Hermann Immongault said as he announced the provisional results. The Interior Ministry announced a turnout of 87.21% in the election in which some 920,000 voters, including over 28,000 overseas, were registered to participate across more than 3,000 polling stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its Gabons first election since the 2023 military coup that ended a political dynasty that lasted over 50 years. It was seen as a crucial election for the central African nations 2.3 million people, a third of whom live in poverty despite its vast oil wealth. Bilie-By-Nze recently told The Associated Press that Oligui Nguema took advantage of state resources to support his campaign. The government denies this. Local observers deemed the conduct of the election satisfactory in nearly all the polling stations monitored. At least 94.8% of the polling stations observed operated under satisfactory conditions, while the transparency of operations was deemed satisfactory in 98.6% of cases, the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Observation Mission said late Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oligui Nguema, who has been serving as interim president, had his representatives present in 69.6% of the polling stations observed while Bilie-By-Nze's representation stood at just 8.2%, the observers said. Oligui Nguema, the former head of the country's Republican Guard, toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba nearly two years ago. He hopes to consolidate his grip on power for a seven-year term in office. After casting his ballot on Saturday in the capital, Libreville, the interim president said he felt proud of the citizens seeking to "turn the page to join the new Republic. In a video message shared after he voted in the north of the country, Bilie-By-Nze said he was concerned that unused voting cards could be used for potential electoral fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters who spoke to the AP were divided on how the military has performed since taking over power in 2023, with most saying they have failed in their promises. Im telling you that for me, the military has failed, said Antoine Nkili, a 27-year-old unemployed man with a masters degree in law. They promised to reform the institutions, but they havent. Instead, theyve enriched themselves. Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria. A strike sign is seen on display as Boeing workers gather on a picket line near the entrance to a Boeing facility during an ongoing strike on October 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) Organized labor secured a major win Saturday as Democrats in the state House pushed through legislation to provide striking workers in Washington with unemployment benefits. But union leaders were not all smiles afterward. The bill was amended on the floor to impose a four-week limit on receiving benefits, eight weeks less than the version approved in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 5041 passed the House on a 52-43 vote with seven Democrats joining Republicans in voting against the measure. The Senate must now decide if it will agree with the revisions or insist on its position. When the bill came up for a vote last month, Senate Democrats narrowly defeated an amendment for a four-week limit before passing the bill 28-21. New Jersey and New York are the only states with such provisions for striking workers. Oregon lawmakers are debating legislation this year that would offer unemployment benefits to striking workers there. On Saturday, Democratic lawmakers said the bill ensures workers who choose to walk off the job will be less stressed about going without pay and seeing their finances erode in a lengthy dispute. With the threat of economic hardship eased, workers will be in a better position to endure lengthy negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fundamentally, this takes a step to level the playing field for striking workers, said Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia. Republicans argued that providing benefits would be an incentive for union workers to strike. They tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill to exclude public school teachers and hospital workers. If you are paying people to strike, you will have more strikes, said Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Selah. The policy only assures a level of benefits is available for workers when they do go on strike, said Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek. The state is not paying workers to strike. Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, said the bill is unfair because taxpayers and businesses with no involvement in a labor disagreement will have their contributions to the unemployment insurance fund go to striking workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who are not a party to the disagreement will pay for it, he said. As written, a striking worker would become eligible for benefits on the second Sunday following the first day of a strike, provided that the strike is not found to be prohibited by federal or state law. Workers would be subject to a one-week waiting period after they become eligible for benefits. If a strike is determined to be prohibited by state or federal law, any benefits paid are liable for repayment. Employees would also qualify for unemployment insurance during employer-initiated labor lockouts. Lockouts are one way management can pressure a striking workforce during contract negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, authored the amendment for the four-week limit on receiving benefits. It passed on a voice vote. Normally, unemployment insurance is available for up to 26 weeks in a one-year period. If the bill becomes law, the changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and last through Dec. 31, 2035. European leaders have condemned Russia's deadly missile strike on Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy an attack that killed at least 34 people, including two children, and injured 117. Russia on April 13 launched two ballistic missiles at the city in northeastern Ukraine on the morning of Palm Sunday, when many citizens were celebrating the religious holiday in the leadup to Easter. The attack took place just two days after U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it with blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X. Macron called for strong measures to "impose a ceasefire on Russia" and noted that France is working towards that goal with allies. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "appalled" by the attack on civilians. "President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace. Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions," he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas wrote on X that the attack was "heartbreaking" as citizens gathered for Palm Sunday "only to be met by Russian missiles." "Horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire," she added, referencing Kyiv's agreement to a full 30-day ceasefire after U.S.-mediated talks in Jeddah on March 11. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the attack was a "grim reminder" of Russia's role as the aggressor in the full-scale war against Ukraine. "Strong measures are urgently needed to enforce a ceasefire," von der Leyen said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe will continue to reach out to partners and maintain strong pressure on Russia until the bloodshed ends and a just and lasting peace is achieved, on Ukraine's terms and conditions." European Council President and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the strike on Sumy as "horrible and cowardly." "I strongly condemn this unacceptable violence, which contradicts any real commitment to peace, promoted by President Trump and supported wholeheartedly by Italy, together with Europe and other international partners," Meloni said in a statement provided by the Italian Embassy. Meloni pledged to work with allies to "stop this barbarism." Emergency workers respond to a fire after a Russian missile attack on Sumy on April 13, 2025. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Telegram) The EU's ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, called the attack on churchgoers during Palm Sunday a "war crime" and said that Europe is "increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine in every possible way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing seems to be sacred to the Russians neither churches, nor Ukrainian children," she added. Finnish President Alexander Stubb condemned Russia for "slaughtering innocent civilians in Sumy" and called for increased sanctions against Moscow. "Russia shows that it has no respect for international law or humanitarian law," he wrote on X. "We must end this war. An unconditional ceasefire must begin at once. To make it commit seriously to negotiations, sanctions against Russia need to be further strengthened." Moldova's President Maia Sandu called for more air defense for Ukraine and added that Moldova "mourns with Ukraine." She said that "Palm Sunday is a day of peace," emphasizing that Russia "must be held accountable" and that "there is no justification for such evil." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leader of the exiled Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wrote on X that "Putins regime shows once again that it does not want peace." Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the attack proves that "Russia's goal is erasing Ukraine." He stressed that aid to Ukraine cannot be delayed, adding that "no pressure on Russia means no peace." Read also: Putin is pure evil Trumps spiritual advisor on Russias war against Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HARKERS ISLAND, N.C. (WNCN) Officials at the North Carolina coast are warning about a new problem at a tiny island with a phantom sandbar that can vanish trapping visitors as the tide quickly rises. The warning at the Outer Banks came from the Cape Lookout National Seashore, where a small sandbar sometimes forms at Point of Cape Lookout. The sandbar connects to a very small island called Shark Island which is just outside the national seashore limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been incidents where visitors have attempted to cross to Shark Island during low tide, only to become trapped as the tide rises, Cape Lookout officials warned ahead of the summer season. The area at Cape Lookout where the sandbar sometimes appears, leading to Shark Island. Google Maps image Shark Island has been a concern for a couple of years as the intermittent sandbar has slowly formed tempting folks to walk out and explore the tiny island. Individuals traveling on foot through this narrow sandbar may be at risk of being swept away by a rising tide, officials said. RELATED: Outer Banks bluefin tuna catches off pier stop after officials step in, manager says The area is at the southern end of the Outer Banks, just east of Morehead City. Google Maps images. Left image from National Park Service. The waters south of Cape Lookout can pose significant dangers due to shifting currents, Cape Lookout officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: NC visitors warned from Shark Island after Outer Banks tides reveal sandbar The new warning for 2025 is surprising it turns out some folks are tempted to drive across the temporary sandbar. If you are considering driving your vehicle at Cape Lookout National Seashore this year, please refrain from driving to Shark Island, the new message from Cape Lookout National Seashore said. RELATED: Outer Banks bluefin tuna catches off pier end after officials step in, manager says Officials say people venturing onto Shark Island had led to past rescues. Cape Lookout National Seashore image showing the limit of the seashore where a sandbar sometimes forms to Shark Island. Cape Lookout National Seashore warned folks not to go past this marker. PREVIOUS: New NC sandbar tempts Outer Banks visitors to tiny island, trapping them as tide rises Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These situations have required multiple first responder agencies to conduct complex rescues, Cape Lookout said. The warning also noted that very soft sand leading to Shark Island makes it difficult to navigate and increasing the risk of becoming stuck. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) noted that she believes tariffs can be a tool for U.S. trade but thinks President Trumps implementation of sweeping tariffs has caused chaos and corruption. Warren joined CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, where host Jake Tapper asked her about her previous support for tariffs but recent criticism of the administrations push for them. Lets keep in mind tariffs can be an important tool in the toolbox when used in targeted ways, but right now, what weve got is chaos and corruption, she said. Donald Trump has imposed a tariff on everyone, everywhere, on all products. Thats the 10 percent tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren noted that Trump has walked back the higher reciprocal tariffs on many countries for a 90-day pause, leveling the playing field to 10 percent tariffs on every country except China, which had its tariff level increased. The Massachusetts Democrat argued that Trump is playing red light, green light with countries by pausing tariffs and allowing exemptions on some goods from some countries. She noted that people make investment plans years in advance, and right now, nobody can figure out what the rules will be five days from now, much less five years from now. Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, has called for the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate if Trump intentionally manipulated the markets when he walked back some of the tariffs, causing the markets to fluctuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear with the back-and-forth here. Thats what investigations are for, and its entirely appropriate to have an investigation to make sure that Donald Trump, Donald Trumps family, Donald Trumps inner circle, didnt get advanced information and trade on that information, she said. Warren later added the American people shouldnt have to worry about whether the president and his officials are making decisions that are beneficial for the country or for the good of their own bank account. She highlighted a common concern that if Trump continues to toy with tariffs, it could lead to a recession. She said those warning lights are flashing red right now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Dems playing pension games On April 3, hours after the S&P 500 plummeted 5%, the Washington State House Appropriations Committee voted to raise the expected investment returns of public employee pension assets. This budget gimmick was not motivated by economic optimism, but rather to enable House Democrats to move $1.7 billion in state investments away from supporting public employee retirement accounts to spend on other state programs. This action will erase $5.9 billion in future assets that are needed to support retirees. In the same meeting, the committee also advanced a bill that transfers another $3.3 billion of pension assets into the general fund. As global markets tumble, the House Appropriations Committee is wiping $9.2 billion of pension assets off the books. Rather than balancing the budget, House Democrats are raiding money from accounts designated for Washingtons retirees. This will dramatically increase pension obligations for future state budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a better proposal on the table. The State Senate Democrats budget eliminates all pension debt by merging underfunded and overfunded pension plans, saving taxpayers billions of dollars in the long-term. As the final budget is negotiated, we urge you to support the State Senate Democrats pension proposal. Barbara Church, Tacoma Phone coupons discriminate Blind, older and poor people are being eliminated from sales prices by stores using E-coupons. I have bad eyesight and a cell phone for me is out of the question. Imagine my surprise when getting to the checkout and finding out I couldnt get the sales price. This discriminatory program should be eliminated and illegal. Jim Maloner, Puyallup Oppose fire merger The Graham Fire Department plans to merge with Central Pierce Fire. Voting No is the appropriate response in the forthcoming election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No new efficiency exists by merging the two fire departments. We do not vote against fire levies. We support our firefighters. Serving on the Graham Community Planning Board, I came to appreciate the importance of community in an area not well served by the county. During two monthly meetings over four years, we heard what was important to our citizens. Sessions were held in a Graham Fire Station. A Fire Commissioner served on the Board. Where is Graham? You find the Graham Library, Graham Elementary School, Graham-Kapowsin High School, Graham Town Center, the Graham Post Office. Smith Graham, a Maine native, was a logging company foreman in the local area back in 1901. Over time, incoming mail carried by the Tacoma Eastern Railroad cars often had just the name Graham as the place for delivery since logging camps were moved frequently. When a post office was established in 1908, the name Graham remained. Grahams name is symbolic of our shared historic community which the fire departments current leadership simply ignores. James Halmo, Graham DES MOINES, Iowa Roughly 24 hours after Gov. Kim Reynolds made the announcement that she wont be seeking a third term, she took time to speak to reporters during Saturdays annual Egg Hunt on the Hill. For more than 10 minutes, Governor Reynolds fielded questions about her family, past accomplishments and the future of the Republican party. These are the highlights from the conversation. You can watch the interview in its entirety below. On the future of the Republican Party: The Governor said she is going to do everything she can to ensure her successor is a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, weve done a lot. I feel really Im really proud of what weve gotten done in eight years, she said. I really think its been transformative. But Ive also worked with a lot of very talented people, and we do have a deep bench, and Im proud of that. And so that helps when you know, you know, that there are all kinds of people that can step in and continue to do, you know, conservative, bold things. Kim Reynolds stepping away after accomplishing her agenda as governor On endorsing a future candidate: I wont be involved in the primary because I think primaries are healthy. You know, I think thats one of the things that weve done different than the Democratic Party. And I think thats why they continue to lose they pick, she said. Well go through a primary, and I hope its, you know, whoever it is, you know, will build. Theyll talk about their ideas and whats important. And then whoever comes out of that primary, I will be working every single day to do everything I can to help them get across the finish line. On her biggest accomplishments as Governor: First of all, the fact that we were able to get through COVID. I think honestly, thats one of the most fundamental things that I was able to do to- to really talk to Iowans every single day. Be honest with them, tell them what we were facing, but ultimately to put my trust in them, to do what was right, she said. Because we feed and fuel the world, we had to keep the food chain moving. Ten percent of the nations food supply comes from right here in Iowa. So we were essential. And, you know, so we kept it open, you know, not at first, because nobody knew what was going on. But we got our kids back in school quicker than anybody. We let parents decide what was best for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like with education, Ive made a lot of promising things. With literacy and math, and really, parental choice, all of that. But really, you know, getting our educational system back on track, cutting taxes, growing the economy, all of that. And so, you lay the foundation, but it doesnt flip overnight. So, it takes some time to continue to build on those. We were not competitive as far as our tax structure at all. And I think we were one of the six-highest in the country when it comes to an individual income tax rate. And were the sixth-lowest right now, she said. The movement has been incredible. And were not done. And so and now the thing is no longer taxing retirement income. A lot of people that were down in Florida and Arizona and Texas that have come up and said, Im coming back, or I changed my plans, and so, theyre such a valuable asset for Iowa. We want them here. On what she will miss the most: Reynolds, who was born in St. Charles, a small town in Madison County, said she is still amazed at having grown up to become the first female governor of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people. Honestly, the hugs. Traveling the state, she said. The state fair. Im still going to probably be there all 11 days, you know. you know, doing my stick at the at the state fair because, you know, where else am I going to wear that big bling buckle, you know? That bling belt and my jeans and cowboy boots, she said. Theres nothing else I can do where I can see as many Iowans as I can at the Iowa State Fair. So, I love that. On her decision to step away: The Governor fought back tears as she spoke about the hard decision that she said she thought about for months. She said ultimately, she wants to step away from the demands that the position holds and focus more on her family. Her husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 and on Saturday alone, she said she had four obligations to attend, in addition to events with her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would be lying if I didnt say, I love serving Iowans as the Governor, And so its hard to walk away from something that you love. But family comes first, and they are everything to me, and theyre growing up so fast, she said. My oldest grand, our oldest granddaughter, will be a senior next year, and I cant even believe how that happened. And so its just its time. And I miss them. I miss my family, and I want to spend more time with them. So thats really at the heart of it. With nearly two years left to serve, the Governor was quick to quell any concerns that she may be considered a lame duck for the duration of her term. I am all in, she said. Always have been and Im going to sprint hard right across the finish 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 who13.com. (WHTM) On This Week in Pennsylvania, Dennis Owens talks to multiple powerbrokers in Pennsylvania politics about the biggest stories of the week. State Representative Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) joined the show to discuss his legislation that would limit the number of gifts and amount of cash lawmakers can receive. Similar legislation has been introduced by lawmakers in Pennsylvania, but they have not come up for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Lewis, CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, joined this weeks show to discuss several issues, including school funding and energy in Pennsylvania. State Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll also joined the show to discuss the Real ID deadline on May 7. Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Check your local listings for weekly air times. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw adjourns the House of Delegates sine die on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the end of the regular session of the West Virginia Legislature. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) West Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session Saturday, completing action on 247 of the 2,460 bills that were introduced over 60 days. Overall, the 2025 legislative session was marked by party disagreements within the GOP supermajority as well as tension between lawmakers and Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Lawmakers and Morrisey first disagreed on whether the state was facing a $400 million budget deficit, then many of his priority bills were shot down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that, in a news release hours before sine die, Morrisey said his agenda was approved by the West Virginia Legislature. When I took office just three months ago, I promised to address West Virginias challenges head on, bringing the type of change that moves the needle and invigorates our state, the Republican governor said. Morriseys State of the State address as well as multiple executive orders levied in his first few days in office gave lawmakers pretty clear insight into what policy priorities like religious exemptions to the states strict childhood vaccine laws and a ban on diversity programs in state government the new governor wanted to see passed in his first legislative session. But getting those policies across the finish line proved challenging and, in some cases, unsuccessful. Swift action on defining gender bill The GOP-led Legislature swiftly passed Morriseys bill that will for the first time define the terms man and woman in state code by a persons biological sex. It was the first priority to make it the governors desk, and he held a ceremonial bill signing with former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who has spoken out against trans women in sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, Senate Bill 456, will also restrict transgender individuals access to spaces like bathrooms or locker rooms that align with their gender identity. There is no empirical evidence to support claims that trans people commit harassment or assault against others when using bathrooms or facilities that align with their gender identity. Instead, people who are trans are more likely to be victims of such attacks when forced to use facilities that dont match their gender identity. Certificate of Need repeal dies early Morriseys push for repealing the Certificate of Need process in the state died early in the session when the House Committee on Health and Human Resources on Feb. 24 voted against House Bill 2007, meaning it never went to the floor for a full vote. HB 2007 was one of the first tests for Morriseys influence in the Legislature, and specifically among members of the House. Several lawmakers who held concerns about repealing the certificate of need process told members of the media, in interviews and elsewhere, that they did not appreciate the strategies employed by the governor and his staff while they attempted to whip votes in support of the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Completely repealing CON] is one of the governors priority bills, but the governor is trying to, for lack of better words, force people to vote his way just because its his way and sending people around, pulling people out of committees to talk to them, to try to get them to switch their vote weve gotten off to a bad start, said Del. Scot Heckert, R-Wood, said on HD Medias Outside the Echo Chamber in February. When you start telling people what to do or else especially West Virginia people that doesnt go very well. A month later, Del. Chris Anders, R-Berkeley, attempted to discharge the bill from the Health Committee and to the House floor. After a brief fight over rules and constitutionality of that motion, the full House voted in support of discharging the bill. Ultimately, however, members voted 74-16, effectively killing repeal of CON a second and final time this session. Meanwhile, the Senate never moved on their version of a bill to do the same. Childhood vaccines most controversial issue this session Like CON, Morriseys attempt to water down the states vaccine requirements petered out, dealing another blow to the governors list of priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SBl 460 would have allowed religious exemptions for the states school vaccine requirements and revised the process by which families get medical exemptions for the requirements. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 20-12, but the House of Delegates voted it down 42 to 56. The Senate Health Committee earlier this week amended the language of the bill into HB 2776, which requires the state to report positive tests for Alpha-gal, a tickborne allergic condition, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The amendment was withdrawn Thursday. The state has been one of only five that allow only medical exemptions to school immunization requirements. Morrisey issued an executive order requiring the state to allow religious exemptions on his second day in office. The state health department has said it will comply with Morriseys executive order even though the Legislature didnt pass the bill. Diversity, equity and inclusion ban passed in final minutes The bill to ban nearly all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in West Virginia state government passed the House and Senate in the final hours of the session, with the Senate making its final decision on the bill with less than minutes to go Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 474, which is the legislative side of an executive order posed by Morrisey that bans offering specific services or opportunities to people based on their race, color, ethnicity, country of origin and, in some instances, sex. Its reflective of a trend spearheaded by Republicans nationwide meant to undermine and end DEI in all its forms. The bill only applies to DEI policies and initiatives in state and local governments and schools, including institutions of higher education. It passed the state Senate 32-2 on March 26, when Republican proponents for it alleged that such services shouldnt exist because we dont need [them] anymore. They said that while issues like racism may be real, they are no longer a problem in West Virginia. Systemic racism and sexism, however, are unequivocally still present in West Virginia and the United States as a whole. When the bill came up for consideration in the House on Saturday evening, there were 27 amendments 24 filed by Democrats and three from Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, were pending on the legislation awaiting consideration. After hours of going through the amendments the House eventually signed off on the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Senate went to concur on the Houses amendments, Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, filed multiple amendments on the bill, but the Senate enacted unclear parliamentary procedures to side-step the typical process of taking up amendments. Garcia and Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, attempted to speak on the bill but their efforts were blocked. The Senate passed the bill in the last 10 minutes of the session. Garcia and Woelfel voted no on the measure. Bill for microgrids, data centers sparks long debates HB 2014, which would create a certified microgrid program in the state for data centers that lawmakers hope will locate here, was a late addition to Morriseys legislative agenda. The bill was introduced by request of Morrisey on March 18 more than halfway through the 2025 regular session. The bill was subject to dozens of amendments as it made its way through both the House and the Senate, including changes to how taxes collected on data centers would be distributed, policies regarding how microgrids would operate and requirements for those microgrids as well as other utilities. The bill initially passed the House on April 1. After more changes in the Senate, lawmakers there approved their version on April 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who voted against HB 2014 in both chambers shared concerns over the potential for electric rate increases if the bill were to pass. They also voiced discontent with measures that removed local control and enforcement of certain regulations for counties and municipalities where data centers could be built. On the last night of session, even more adjustments came in the legislation, which changed the tax structure for any data centers that are located in West Virginia, among other things. The two chambers did find compromise on that version of the bill, with the House passing the amended version 82-16 with two members absent and not voting. The Senate concurred with the Houses changes to the legislation Saturday evening and voted yet again to pass the legislation, sending it to Morriseys desk for signage. The Legislature also completed legislation on SB 458, which allows licensed and certified professionals to practice in West Virginia without taking additional examinations to attain local licensure or certification. Morrisey signed the bill, calling it a huge step forward to make West Virginia more competitive, attract jobs and workers, and grow opportunities for both current and future residents. Lawmakers approve Morriseys classroom cell phone ban In his State of State, Morrisey called for teacher pay raises as West Virginias public school teachers are the least paid in the nation. He never requested a bill that could have implemented a raise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did, however, push a measure passed by both chambers, HB 2003, that would limit the use of personal electronic devices like cell phones in school classrooms during instructional time. If counties permit students to bring a cell phone on school property, counties are tasked with developing their own policies. Students may be required to store the devices in containers or pouches provided by the county. Lawmakers also passed HB2755 that would give lawmakers the ability to review or challenge West Virginia Board of Education polices even though citizens soundly rejected that in a statewide vote in 2022. Opponents of the legislation have said it is unconstitutional and likely to be challenged before the state Supreme Court. Another high-profile education measure, SB 199, would bolster elementary school teachers ability to remove disruptive and violent students passed the Senate and House. The measure, two years in the making, was a top request from West Virginia teachers who said worsening student behavior particularly among the states youngest learners impeded their ability to teach. Other bills Bills targeted election fraud, voting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous bills relating to campaigns and elections, as well as governmental functions generally, were considered by lawmakers this session. Some related to financing in elections while others implemented changes on how residents can vote and who, under certain terms, is allowed to run for office. The state is poised to tighten its laws on acceptable forms of photo identification that can be used at West Virginia polling places. HB 3016, meant to address voter fraud and bolster secure elections, would require a photo ID typically a drivers license, passport or a resident identification card to vote in-person. Lawmakers completed legislation on SB 50, requiring municipalities to hold their elections on the same date as statewide elections, on Saturday night. In the final version, cities would have until 2032 to align their elections with those by the state. They also enacted SB 490, which prohibits rank-choice voting in the state. The bill was marked by Republican Secretary of State Kris Warner as a priority for his office before session began in February, even though rank-choice voting does not occur in the state.. A bill regarding absentee ballots HB 2117 died after passing in the House when the Senate did not take it up. The bill would have set a deadline of 7:30 p.m. on Election Day for absentee ballots to be received and prohibited people or entities from sending absentee ballot applications to people who did not ask for them. And in a rare move this session Republican lawmakers in the House joined with Democrats in rejecting HB 2719, which would have allowed businesses and corporations in the state to directly donate up to $2,800 to political candidates. The body voted 54-41 against the bill. HB 3412, a bill that would have revised the states Freedom of Information Act, passed in both chambers, but died after the House of Delegates did not take up a message to concur on the Senates changes to the legislation. Most foster care, substance abuse bills died There were a number of foster care bills, many a year in the making, that were meant to address widespread problems in the states overburdened child welfare system currently serving more than 6,000 kids. The majority of those measures never made it up for a vote or failed to complete legislative action, but HB 2880 an omnibus bill that brought together several foster care measures passed the House and Senate through negotiations Saturday night. A part of the bill would create a Parent Resource Navigator to assist a parent to be unified or reunified with their child. A slew of bills were introduced this year that would have drastically changed what services are available to people who use drugs or who are in recovery from substance use disorder. Despite early movement, most of those ended up stalling out in committees without being taken up for serious consideration including two bills to ban and limit syringe service programs, a bill to ban opioid treatment programs and add a tax to lifesaving Narcan in order to fund a tip line for people who provide tips that allow law enforcement to prosecute trafficking crimes. Perhaps the most impactful piece of drug legislation that was adopted this year was SB 196, which introduces mandatory minimum sentences into state code for transporting cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into West Virginia. The bill also removes alternative sentencing options like probation or home confinement for those who are jailed on those charges. The legislation was adopted by the Senate on March 11. Lawmakers in the House amended the bill, changing how drugs would be weighed to determine penalties and also removing a provision saying someone would have to be aware of fentanyl being present in their drugs to be charged under certain parts of the code. The amended version passed the House on April 11 and the Senate accepted the Houses changes to the law the next day. While abortion in the state is already illegal except in rare circumstances, the Senate passed SB 85, which would have targeted out-of-state health care providers and others who send abortion-causing medication to people in West Virginia, except when its legal. The bill died after the House of Delegates did not take it up. The House Health and Human Resources Committee considered but never passed HB 2350, which would have prohibited food stamp recipients from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks and candy. Morrisey signed a bill that will ban a list of artificial food dyes from being included in food items sold in grocery stores or in school lunches. The measure, HB 2354 received heavy pushback from the food and beverage industry, who say it will raise prices for many drinks and shelf-stable foods. The ban on dyes in school food is set to take effect in August, and the rest of the ban will take effect in 2028. Camping ban bill failed An attempt to pass a statewide camping ban aimed at homeless people failed after the Senate moved HB 2382 to the rules committee and never put it back on the calendar for a vote. The legislation passed in the House with a 89 to 9 vote. The bill, which wasnt a priority for Morrisey, would have imposed fines of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail for people who use camping paraphernalia including tarps, cots, beds, sleeping bags, blankets, mattresses, hammocks or portable cooking facilities and similar equipment on governmental or public property, grounds or lawns. The Senate Health Committee considered but never passed SB 614, which would have allowed pharmacists in the state to sell ivermectin for human use over the counter and without a prescription. The bill hinged upon the federal Food and Drug Administration approving the drug which is commonly prescribed for animals to treat some parasites for human use in wider circumstances than currently allowed. Weakening child labor laws The Legislature completed legislation on SB 427, which would repeal the requirement that 14- and 15-year-olds seeking employment have a work permit. The minimum legal age to work in West Virginia is 14. Current state law requires 14- and 15-year-olds who want to work to get a permit from their school superintendent. Under the bill, employers seeking to hire the teenagers would be required to obtain an age certificate verifying the childs age from the state Division of Labor and the written consent of the childs parent or guardian. Proponents of the legislation say it simplifies the process for teens seeking employment. Opponents say that work permits are important to help ensure compliance with child labor laws. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). On the plate is what looks like a fist-sized, deep-fried wonton, perched on a dollop of deep red paste and paired with a wedge of lime. I crack open the golden pastry shell to reveal a just-cooked egg on a bed of spiced potatoes studded with capers and strewn with luscious flakes of confit tuna. Here at Marseilles Les Rigoles restaurant, chef Johann Barichasse draws upon the flavours, ingredients and dishes of his Jewish-Algerian and -Moroccan heritage. That wonton is his take on brik, a fried pastry found across North Africa. Hes tweaked the presentation (the dish is typically served as a triangle or half-moon rather than a bundle, as it is here) but the filling and the harissa are distinctly North African. The Brik pastry served at Les Rigoles restaurant is reminiscent of a deep-fried wonton. Photograph by Annie Etheridge Its crispy, it has an egg its comforting, Johann says, explaining a key reason why he serves this dish. Another, he tells me, is because the pastry is familiar to people in Marseille, where an estimated third of the population is Muslim predominantly of Algerian and Tunisian heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France colonised much of North Africa, starting in the mid-18th century, and when it lost possession of the region in the 1950s and 60s, those loyal to France predominantly Algerians and Tunisians sought an escape, and Marseille, located just north across the Mediterranean Sea, was the logical choice, being the biggest city on Frances southern coast. Theres been a steady stream of migration ever since, and today the city is considered one of the most multicultural in Europe. These North African immigrants brought their cuisine along with them, and brik is one of a handful of dishes that have become popular among Marseillais with French heritage, too. According to Johann, young people from North African backgrounds are starting to take a more active interest in their roots. My parents were exiles, so they didnt have a connection to their culture, the French-born chef tells me. But the younger generation is more interested. As a result, in addition to French-leaning dishes such as veal tartare and deep-fried sardines with aioli, Johanns menu at Les Rigoles includes the likes of chreime, a tomatoey Jewish-Tunisian fish stew, which he reduces and serves on a bed of couscous, and kefteji, a ratatouille-like dish of chopped vegetables topped with merguez sausage and a fried egg. Chef Maeva Hocini is the mind behind Bistrot Baya. Photograph by Annie Etheridge The next day, I seek out lunch in the leafy Longchamp neighbourhood, where, at Bistrot Baya, French-Algerian chef-owner Maeva Hocini is taking her familys culinary legacy in a direction her ancestors might not have recognised. Her take on the French dish chou farci features the cabbage stuffed with an Algerian-leaning mix of rice, chopped anchovies and merguez. Its served in a dish that has the cabbage bundle isolated at its centre, surrounded by a moat of tomato veloute. This rich soup is what brings those disparate stuffing elements together, a generous spoonful seemingly uniting Provence and North Africa. My grandmother spoke a different language, Kabyle, which I didnt speak, Maeva tells me after lunch. But at the table, our language was food. Bistrot Baya is the chefs effort to connect with her Algerian roots, as well as her first experience cooking professionally. The restaurant has a charming DIY aesthetic that stems from mismatched vintage furniture and kitsch paintings on the wall. The short, hand-scribbled menu is just as eclectic, with dishes that have North African links, but that are also inspired by Maevas and her business partners travels, such as a Croatian ajvar a chunky, pepper-based dip, which is boosted here with Algerian spices and a topping of toasted pine nuts. I want to cook my origins, says Maeva, who confesses shes never been to Algeria. Its my only link with my story. Entering the belly Another person reconnecting with her origins is Boutheina Ben Salem. Born in Tunisia and raised in Southern France, Boutheina ditched a life as a lawyer to cook seven years ago, and these days hosts North African food events in London and Marseille. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I catch her at the end of a stint in Marseille, just as shes preparing to host a supper club dinner, and we meet at the market that unfolds every Sunday in the Old Port. Dating as far back as the Ancient Greek era, Marseilles iconic anchorage today surrounds a busy yacht harbour. Its guarded by two forts and is towered over by the 19th-century, hilltop Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. At a market stall selling organic local fruit and vegetables, Boutheina sniffs herbs, scrutinises tomatoes and picks bunches of grapes. Clutching a basket filled to the brim with produce, she turns to me and asks, Are you ready to enter the belly? Tunisian-born Boutheina Ben Salem hosts supper clubs and other food events in Marseille. Photograph by Annie Etheridge Noailles Market, in the belly of Marseille, is a vibrant orchestra of produce and trade. Photograph by Peter Horree, Alamy Noailles known colloquially as the belly of Marseille is the citys predominantly North African neighbourhood. And although its only a five-minute walk from the Old Port, it feels as if weve crossed the Mediterranean. At another open-air market, which serves as the districts heart, buyers squeeze fruit and haggle, and vendors bark prices. The narrow lanes that extend from the square are home to halal butchers, street vendors, food stalls, bakeries and shops fronted by huge trays loaded with dozens of varieties of olive and other preserved items. Arabic and Kabyle can be heard more than French. In one such lane, Boutheina leads me through a shop doorway that opens to reveal the largest selection of dried spices Ive ever seen. I like this shop because he buys whole spices and grinds them in the back, she says, selecting a mix that was ground just yesterday. A vendor offers me a sample of the house-made harissa, and I taste a dollop large enough to make both staff and customers gasp in terror. It does pack some heat, but thats balanced by bitter flavours and fragrant aromas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our final stop is Boutheinas Marseille pied-a-terre, also in Noailles, where shes agreed to show me how to make her take on brik. I just do my thing I dont call it upscale, I dont call it traditional, she says, when I ask about the origins of her recipe. In the sunny top-floor apartment, she spreads harissa over a thin sheet of filo pastry, topping it with a ring of potatoes boiled in turmeric, capers and minced preserved lemon zest. She drops an egg yolk in the ring, folds the pastry sheet in half and fries the half-moon-shaped package in olive oil until its golden and crispy. In Arabic, we have something called nafas, Boutheina tells me while frying. It means breath or it can mean the thing that gives deliciousness to whatever you make. You can follow the same recipe and use the same ingredients as someone else, but without the nafas, it wont taste right. I tear into the brik, scattering flakes of pastry across the table. Its delicious, the preserved lemon providing a citrussy, funky counterpoint to the starchy, rich filling; the nafas providing something thats a bit harder to articulate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In search of more nafas, I meet Alexis Steinman. Originally from upstate New York, shes a travel writer and food-based tour guide with Culinary Backstreets. I realised that nobody was writing about Marseille in English, says the fluent French speaker of her motives for moving to a place that previously was associated less with cuisine and more with crime. And food was an entry point to a city thats very hard to understand. Bread is made fresh and by hand at Chez Sofiane. Photograph by Annie Etheridge What follows is a whirlwind tour of Marseilles North African highlights. At Maison Journo, a Jewish-Tunisian bakery and snack bar, Alexis orders fricassee, a savoury doughnut, sliced open, smeared with harissa and stuffed with tuna, fresh chilli, pickled vegetables, salted lemon, a spiced carrot paste and olives. At Chez Sofiane, an Algerian-run bakery in Noailles, I have my first encounter with karantika, a name Alexis tells me stems from the Spanish caliente, meaning hot. The dish takes the form of a chickpea quiche dusted with dried spices and served with a dollop of the ubiquitous harissa. A plate of spice-rubbed, deep-fried sardines, french fries and a mixed salad seems to bridge North Africa and Marseille at Le Comptoir des Beaux Arts, a decades-old Algerian-run restaurant a few blocks away. At Chez Yassine, a beloved Tunisian restaurant, also located in Noailles, I tear off chunks of fluffy baguette and toss them into a vast bowl of lablabi, a luscious, aromatic broth studded with tender chickpeas and topped with a poached egg. I pair this with a bottle of Tunisian citronnade: an unctuous and pleasantly bitter drink made from lemons peel and all that are simmered with sugar then strained. Lablabi, a chickpea soup, can be found on the menu of Chez Yassine. Photograph by Annie Etheridge The tour reaches its crescendo at Le Femina. Founded in 1921, its one of Marseilles oldest restaurants and the speciality here is couscous made from barley a dish originating in the predominantly Berber Kabylia region of Algeria. Its subtly sweet and nutty, fragrant with cumin and rich with smen (salted, fermented butter). I feel like Im eating couscous for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dish is served alongside various others, including a spiced stew combining chunky vegetables, lentils, chickpeas and black-eyed beans; and a leg of lamb, coated in spices and baked low and slow, for seven hours, until its pleasantly charred on the outside and perfectly tender inside. Theres also a nicely oily harissa made in-house with French espelette pepper, plus a single green, spicy grilled chilli. Its all outstanding, but a plate of that couscous, perhaps with a drizzle of broth, wouldve been just as satisfying. As we eat, Le Feminas fourth-generation owner, Mustapha Kachetel sporting a goatee and traditional Algerian straw hat sits down and pours us glasses of an Algerian rose. Hes an exuberant, warm host, snapping selfies rather than eating, and I wonder aloud whether this type of food has broad appeal. Mustapha seems confused by my question, and after a flurry of French, Alexis summarises his thoughts on the matter. If all the politicians ate couscous, the world would be a better place, she says. After my time in the belly, I think I have to agree. Published in Issue 27 (spring 2025) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). (NewsNation) The newest effort from the Trump administration to secure the southern border includes authorizing the military to take control of public land along the border. The complexity of the current situation requires that our military take a more direct role in securing our southern border than in the recent past, a White House memorandum said. In a historic move, the Department of Defense now has control of the Roosevelt Reservation, a narrow, 60-foot-wide federal strip that runs along parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico that originally was set aside by former President Theodore Roosevelt for border security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a new national security memorandum signed by President Trump that land will fall under the control of the DoD. The goal is to ensure military enforcement of the border and zero unlawful entry. This memo gives the Pentagon full authority to build barriers, install detection equipment and even create what are now being called National Defense Areas along that strip, treating it like active-duty military space. Trump administration says it will exclude some electronics from reciprocal tariffs The Secretary of Defense has 45 days to assess this first phase and could expand it at any time. That means even more land, more troops and more federal force possibly coming to the southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation spoke with Victor Avila, a retired ICE supervisory special agent, who shared why he believes these military resources are being sent to the border. This is a supplemental help that they need down the border, Avila said. We dont have enough people to you know, secure 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 NewsNation. Apr. 13A woman suffering an apparent mental health crisis in Whitefish earlier this month is facing a felony assault with a weapon charge in Flathead County District Court. Mia Yvette Webber, 28, remains in the county jail with bail set at $75,000 following the alleged April 1 attack. She is scheduled to appear before Judge Amy Eddy in Flathead County District Court for her arraignment on April 17. Authorities became involved after Webber's boyfriend told Whitefish Police officers he was worried about her about 5:30 a.m., April 1, according to court documents. The boyfriend later told investigators that Webber had attacked him with a knife earlier that morning, cutting him on the arm and drawing blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boyfriend said he was trying to sleep that night while Webber played video games. When his alarm went off for work about 3:30 a.m., she allegedly got on top of him and pinned him down. Pulling out a knife, she told him he was not going to work that day, according to court documents. After pushing her off, the boyfriend went into the laundry room. Webber followed and pulled his mobile phone from his pocket, court documents said. She allegedly stabbed it several times with the knife. After he took it back, she began taunting him with a knife, making small swings with it, court documents said. At least one struck home, hitting him on the shoulder and drawing blood, court documents alleged. The boyfriend later turned over photos of the wound to investigators. Officers picked up Webber at a Whitefish bowling alley and initially took her to Logan Health Whitefish, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has two prior domestic violence convictions out of California, prosecutors wrote in charging documents. Assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images On April 9, Prince Harry attended the final day of hearings in the appeal regarding a U.K. court's decision to remove his taxpayer-funded security . According to a royal expert, King Charles didn't meet with his youngest son, Prince Harry, for a very important reason. Prince Harry's lawyer recently shared that the Duke of Sussex felt "forced to step back" from royal life because of the removal of his security team. Speaking to the Daily Mail's "Palace Confidential" show, royal biographer Robert Hardman opened up about King Charles's decision to not see Harry during his time in London. Hardman explained, "There is legal jeopardy which is the simple fact that here you have the son of The King suing The King's ministers in The King's court and that just creates all sorts of legal problems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biographer continued, "It would only need Harry to have a conversation with his father and then afterwards let slip, 'Oh, my dad said this or my dad said that'...That could lead to all sorts of problems. It could actually bring down a court case because The King is the fount of justice. He has got to be very careful." Prince Harry walking outside court in London on April 9, 2025. | Credit: Getty Images Hardman also admitted that, aside from any legal complications, "there may be other reasons why The King doesn't want to see Harry right now." The royal expert explained, "Let's not forget, there is a lot of stress...[Charles] is someone undergoing medical treatment so people are trying to keep the stress levels down, but his legal advice is, you can't have a conversation until all this is sorted out." King Charles and Queen Camilla recently visited Pope Francis at the Vatican. | Credit: Getty Images Harry's barrister, Shaheed Fatima KC, previously explained that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "felt forced to step back from the role of full-time official working members of the Royal Family as they considered they were not being protected by the institution." Chag Pesach Sameach! Or Happy Passover! Our Jewish friends and neighbors may be hearing these words as we enter the weeklong Passover festival. While enjoying their Seder plates and matzos, they may also remember what this important Jewish holiday is about: the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Hebrew Bible, especially in the book of Exodus. Meanwhile, our Christian friends and neighbors may relate to Passover from a different angle: This Jewish holiday serves as a foundation for understanding the last supper and the sacrifice of Jesusmetaphorically referred in Christian theology as the Passover Lamb. Yet there is another religion whose founding narratives are also deeply connected to the story of Passover, though this third leg of the Abrahamic triangle has received far less attention in the West: Islam, my own faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the central theme of Passover is so fundamental to Islam that it is the most frequently mentioned story in the entire Quran. As a student of the Quran, I had my aha! moment about this Judeo-Islamic connection many years ago when a Christian friend asked my advice for a good English translation of the Islamic scripture. I was happy to see my friends interest in my faith, and advised him to get his hands on The Quran: A New Translation by Muhammad Abdel Haleem. Several weeks later, my friend wrote back. He had indeed bought a copy of that translation and read much of it. He was touched by the teachings of piety and ethics he came across, while puzzled by some other themes. He was also, as he put frankly, a bit troubled by some combative versesbut only to recall, in fairness, that his own scripture, particularly the Old Testament, had similarly harsh passages. But do you know what the biggest surprise was? my friend wrote at the end of his long email. That I was expecting to read about the life of Muhammad. But, instead, I read about the life of Moses more than anything else. He wasnt exaggerating. The Quran indeed narrates very little about its own messenger, the Prophet Muhammad, at least in an explicit way. In more than 6,000 verses that make up 114 surahs, or chapters as we will call them, the name Muhammad appears only four times. When you read the whole Quran, you learn almost nothing about his birth, his upbringing, his early life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, Moses dominates the Quran. His name is mentioned 137 timesby far more than any other human. His story is narrated in some 70 passages dispersed throughout 34 chapters. They touch on so many Mosaic themesfrom his birth in peril, to his leadership of the Israelites, to his defiance of Pharaoh, to his amazing miracles. And, after Moses, guess who may be the second most mentioned human being in the whole Quran? I ask this question to friends, and they come with good guesses: Maybe it is Abraham? Or perhaps Jesus, or Noah? No, no, and no. While these biblical figures are indeed narrated and praised in the Quran, the second most mentioned human being in the Islamic scripture is Moses nemesis: Pharaoh. That is because the struggle between the two men, and the liberation of the Israelites from the yoke of Pharaoh, is a story that the Quran narrates in great detail and even repeatedlymost noticeably in chapters such as Al-Araf (7), Ta-Ha (20), and Al-Qasas (28). In these passages, we read a story that is largely similar to the biblical story of Exodus: Israelites, the quintessential monotheists, were enslaved in Egypt. They were tormented by Pharaoh, who was slaughtering their sons and sparing their women. But God wished to favor those who were oppressed in that land, to make them leaders, the ones to survive (28:4-5). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why God, the Quran also tells us, raised Moses as prophet for the Israelites, to lead them and save them from the Pharaoh. Moses is born at a time when the Egyptian tyrant has ordered the killing of all male Israelite infants. To protect him, his mother places him in a basket and sets it afloat on the Nile river. He is found and adopted by Pharaohs wife, who raises him as her own. Then the Quranic Moses grows up, and accidentally kills an Egyptian man. Fearing for his life, he flees to Midian, where he marries and lives in exile. Years later, he sees a fire on a mountaintop, where God speaks to him, and commands him to return to Egypt. Moses, along with his brother Aaron (Harun), is tasked with confronting Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelites. God tells them: Go and tell him: We are your Lords messengers, so send the Children of Israel with us and do not oppress them. We have brought you a sign from your Lord (20:47). It is interesting that in the Quran, while speaking to Pharaoh, Moses calls God your Lord. He makes this point emphatically: He is your Lord, and the Lord of your forefathers Lord of the East and West and everything between them (26:24-26). That is a different emphasis from the Bible, which speaks repeatedly of Lord, the God of the Hebrews. As the Pulitzer-winning theologian Jack Miles pointed out in God in the Quran, the difference between the two scriptures here reveals two different conceptions of GodYahweh and Allah: Yahweh does not want to convert Pharaoh into a Yahweh-worshipper. He does not want to tell Pharaoh anything through Moses [In contrast] Allah wants to convert him. And that difference, in my view, also reflects the fundamental difference between Judaism and Islam. They are both Abrahamic religions built on staunch, unitarian monotheism. But while the former addresses the Jewish people, the other one addresses all people. One is a national monotheism, the other is a proselytizing one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biblical and quranic stories of Exodus have other parallels: In both, Pharaohs rejection of Moses call brings divine wrath on Egypt. So We let loose on them the flood, locusts, lice, frogs, blood, says the Qurans divine voice (7:133). Conspicuously, however, the Quran does not mention the 10th plague, from which the very word Passover is derived: the killing of the firstborns of the Egyptians, during which the Israelites were spared thanks to the lambs blood on their doorposts, causing death to pass over them. That is why Passover itself is actually not recognized in the Islamic tradition if merely understood as a reference to the 10th plaguethe death of all the firstborn sons in Egypt But the rest of the biblical story of Exodus is remarkably present in the Quran. The latter also narrates the Israelites escape from Pharaohs army, and the latters destruction in the sea after its miraculous parting by Moses. That is how, the Quran says, God finally saved the Israelites: Your Lords good promise to the Children of Israel was fulfilled, because of their patience. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people were making and what they were building. (7:137) One can wonder, at this point, why this biblical story of the Israelites was so important for the Quran, which emerged almost 2,000 years later, in seventh-century Arabia, addressing a totally different people: the Arabs. The answer that I offer in my book The Islamic Moses, is that those first Muslims, the followers of Muhammad, identified themselves with the Israelites. They, also, were monotheists who were persecuted by a pagan peoplethe polytheists of Meccaand they also yearned for liberation. Thus the biblical story of Moses became an archetype for their own journey. And the Israelite exodus from Egypt became a template for their own hijrah, or migration, from Mecca. Which points to a greater truth: Islam, just like Christianity, is deeply intertwined with Judaism. As the late, great Jewish historian Shelomo Dov Goitein once put it, Islam is even from the very flesh and bone of Judaism. It is, to say, a recast, an enlargement. This is also why, just as there is a Judeo-Christian tradition familiar to most Americans, there is also a Judeo-Islamic tradition, as dubbed by another esteemed Jewish historian, Bernard Lewis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, unfortunately, the Judeo-Islamic tradition is much forgotten. Instead, many people can imagine only enmity between Jews and Muslims. The painfully obvious reason is the Arab-Israeli conflict, which caused much pain to both sides for three quarters of a century, and escalated to its worst phase since that doomed day of October 7, 2023. But the Arab-Israeli conflict is a political struggle over landnot a war of two religions. If we merely looked at those religions, Judaism and Islam, we would find fascinating parallels. We could even find inspirations for finally achieving, somedayif God grants us His mercypeace. 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. The 15-year-old boy whom Wisconsin authorities were searching for following the discovery of two dead people in a rural home was found dead Saturday. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office found two bodies in a home in the town of Pershing on Thursday, April, and around 3 a.m. Saturday the department issued a notice to the public to "immediately call 911" if they see 15-year-old Kadyn D. Hadden, who was determined to be a person of interest in the case. On Saturday evening, the sheriff's office announced that it had found the 2012 Chevy Impala the boy was believed to be driving. It was found around 12:40 p.m. at private property in Price County one county north of Taylor County and Hadden was dead inside the vehicle. Kadyn Hadden and the 2012 silver Chevy Impala.Taylor County Sheriff's Office The sheriff's office, citing its investigation, said Hadden "is responsible" and "acted alone" in the killings of the two people found inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homicide victims have been identified as 44-year-old Josh R. Mann and 43-year-old Rebecca L. Mann. The obituary for the Manns says they died April 9, one day before their bodies were discovered. Police discovered the victims inside a home on the 1400 block of County Road M in the small town northwest of Gilman. They were responding to a 911 caller who reported two individuals were "severely injured" in the home and needed medical assistance. An investigation is ongoing and additional details are expected to be released in the coming days. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Related: Eagan mother tragically dies after breast cancer worsens on Mexico vacation Recently, the Journal Sentinel published a lengthy letter to the editor that was filled with misconceptions about what the significant reduction in the size of the Department of Education by President Trump will result in. On the other hand, even if Donald Trump and Elon Musk make you uncomfortable, you should welcome a downsizing to the Department of Education. In fact, removing federal bureaucrats from the process of educating America's children may usher in a new era of innovation in American education that will benefit students with disabilities in particular. Even with the drastic downsizing of the department, no student-facing services have been cut. Rather, services for these students will now be handled by the Department of Health and Human Services rather than the Department of Education. The funding for essential programs will still be maintained without the unnecessary bureaucratic layers imposed by Washington. States responsible for ensuring disabled students supported Whats more, implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of the program that protects students with disabilities, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA does not come from the Department of Education, but rather, from the individual states themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the hearings to determine whether a school district is complying, the Department of Education does not have to be involved. Anyone in the federal government can oversee these hearings, and in fact, the person appointed to conduct the hearing cannot be someone connected with administering the program. Opinion: Changes to Social Security would cost average Wisconsin resident $7,000 a year While the changes to the Department of Education haven't altered the IDEA, the reality is we all should welcome a greater role for states and locally driven solutions. An outsized role for the federal government can often lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that stifles creative solutions that tailor support to the unique needs of a community or individual student. For instance, some have argued that IDEAs focus on what students can't do, instead of what they can do, may unintentionally hinder growth and development for children with disabilities. By empowering states to take the lead, we can encourage more adaptive programs and responsive support systems something Washingtons one-size-fits-all approach has struggled to deliver. Local control delivers better educational results We saw several states use federal COVID money to implement programs that focus on learning plans for students with disabilities that go beyond the rigid structures imposed by federal mandates. These state-driven initiatives, in many cases, have led to improved academic and developmental outcomes for students with disabilities. By encouraging more local control, parents and educators can have a greater say in shaping programs that work best for their students rather than being forced to conform to national standards that may not reflect their unique needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same is true for the Department of Educations largest program student loans. Previously, the Department of Education oversaw more than $1.6 trillion in student loan debt for over 43 million borrowers, and also the FAFSA process for new applicants. This program has been moved to the Small Business Administration. By transitioning student loan oversight to the SBA, the government is acknowledging that student debt is an economic issue rather than purely an educational one. The SBA, which has experience in handling loans and financial assistance programs, is better equipped to manage these responsibilities. This shift may lead to improved efficiency in loan processing, better support for borrowers, and potentially more creative solutions to tackling the student debt crisis. Since the Department of Education was created, America has experienced stagnant or declining performance on national tests like the National Assessment of Educational Progress, with 4th and 8th grade reading scores dropping 5 points since 2019. Opinion: Wake surfing done responsibly is fine. Don't restrict Wisconsin boaters like me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, U.S. scores on the Program for International Student Assessment are at an all-time low, ranking just 26th in math performance globally. There is little reason to believe the Department has done much of use to improve student performance. The way our Department of Education has been overseeing education in this country is failing our kids. If we are to truly fix it, we must set aside the divisive politics and rhetoric that mislead and confuse parents and families. It is high time that America try something different when it comes to public education, and allowing our fifty "laboratories of democracy" the freedom to experiment and innovate seems like a viable path forward. Let's all move beyond the scare tactics and hyperbole that divisive politics bring in order to focus on what is most important: improving educational outcomes for Wisconsin's kids. Will Flanders is a research director at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. Lauren Greuel is an associate counsel. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: States are best equipped to oversee public schools | Opinion MILWAUKEE (AP) A Wisconsin teenager charged in the deaths of his parents faces wider allegations that he killed them to obtain the financial means to assassinate President Donald Trump and overthrow the government, according to a recently unsealed federal warrant. Nikita Casap, 17, was charged last month by Waukesha County authorities with first-degree murder, theft and other crimes in the deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer. Authorities allege the teenager fatally shot them at their home outside Milwaukee in February and lived with the decomposing bodies for weeks before fleeing with $14,000 cash, passports and the family dog. He was arrested last month in Kansas. Casap, in custody at the Waukesha County jail on a $1 million bond, is due in court next month to enter a plea. County prosecutors have offered a glimpse of the federal allegations, which were outlined in an FBI warrant unsealed Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal authorities accuse Casap of planning his parents murders, buying a drone and explosives, and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. His intentions are detailed in a three-page antisemitic manifesto praising Adolf Hitler. The warrant filed at the federal court in Milwaukee also contains excerpts of communications on TikTok and the Telegram messenger app. Casap appears to have written a manifest calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States, the search warrant says. The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan. In court, prosecutors alleged Casap was in touch with a person who speaks Russian and shared a plan to flee to Ukraine. Authorities found him in Kansas with money, passports, a car and the familys dog. Federal prosecutors alleged Casap's manifesto outlined his reasons for wanting to kill Trump and included ideas about how he would live in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing Casap's writings, the federal warrant said the teenager wanted to spur governmental collapse by by getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president. Phone and online messages seeking comment were left Sunday for Casaps public defender, Nicole Ostrowski. In court last month, she moved to dismiss some of the charges against her client, including theft, arguing that prosecutors had not laid out their case. She's also noted her client's age during court proceedings. He is young, he is still in high school, she said on March 12. County authorities also charged Casap with hiding a corpse, theft and misappropriating identification to obtain money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found the bodies of Tatiana Casap, 35; and Mayer, 51, on Feb. 28. Family members requested a well-being check after Mayer didnt report for work and Nikita Casap skipped school for about two weeks. Authorities believe the parents were killed weeks earlier. Prosecutors said in court that the couples bodies were so badly decomposed that they had to be identified through dental records. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police are seeking assistance in the 2017 homicide of a woman who was found dead in northeast Columbus. According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, medics were dispatched to the Oakland Village Townhomes on the morning of June 22, 2017, near the 1900 block of Oakland Park Avenue. Officers arrived to find a woman who was lying unresponsive near the side of a building. All about six new laws in Ohio that go into effect this week The death of 35-year-old Patricia Alexander was ruled a homicide, though police still have not named a suspect in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A woman was arrested and charged with DUI after being involved in a two vehicle crash on Saturday evening. According to police, they were called to the area of 114 Crescent View Ave. around 10 p.m. for a report of a head-on crash involving two vehicles. The driver of one of the vehicles, only identified as a 44-year-old woman, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. She was later charged with DUI, first offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people in the other vehicle involved suffered minor injuries. 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. Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, speaks in the chamber of the House of Delegates on the final day of the regular session on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in Charleston, W.Va. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography) Lawmakers have approved nearly eliminating gender-affirming care for children in West Virginia, removing a narrow exemption in current state law that allows minors at risk for suicide to access hormone therapy and other medications. Medical professionals warned lawmakers that it would increase the risk of self-harm and suicide in children who are currently receiving care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House of Delegates signed off on the measure Saturday on the final day of the legislative session. West Virginia already has a strict ban on gender-affirming care for minors, which prohibits gender reassignment surgeries. There is a narrow exemption under that current law allowing children diagnosed with severe gender dysphoria by two medical providers to access pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy under guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some supporters said Senate Bill 299 would close a loophole left open in 2023 when the near total ban passed. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Chris Rose, R-Monongalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, supported the bill on the House floor, saying, Theres no charity and good will in destroying the identity of a child and doing it for profit. Roughly 100 youth in the state are currently receiving gender-affirming care under that provision, according to testimony from medical professionals shared with lawmakers. This measure would halt their medical care Aug. 1 if signed into law. Dr. Katie Waldeck, a pediatric critical care physician in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital, treats about two dozen children who are eligible within the state laws exemption to receive gender-affirming care. She spoke before House Health Committee members last week, sharing emotional testimony that she worried about childrens well-being if their care was banned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not want to see them back in my unit with asphyxiation marks. I dont want to see them overdosing. This is not about an agenda other than patient care. So thats why Im here, said Dr. Katie Waldeck, a pediatric critical care physician in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Republican tries to extend date for treatment cutoff Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, attempted to amend the bill to allow children currently receiving pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy as permitted in the states narrow exemption to continue with their treatment until July 1, 2026, to help them taper off medication. He said the bills effective date of this summer could be too soon for these children. These medications do take some time to come down from it would give us an opportunity for these children to either possibly move to another state or find another form of assistance for what theyre going through, Flanigan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Del. Eric Brooks, R-Raleigh, urged a no vote, saying it was partially due to political motivations having promised voters hed end gender-affirming medication. For those of you that run on this issue or talk to your constituents and said, I will support doing away with these drugs for these children, this is your time and this is your opportunity. Its a good bill, Brooks said. In response, Del. Hollis Lewis, D-Kanawha, said, This [amendment] is about empathy. This isnt about you winning a race. Del. David Kelly, R-Tyler, said, Its not a political issue for me We love to talk about love in here But I think the greatest level of love we can show in here today is to care about kids who will be transitioning down, to give them the extra time that they may need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a lengthy debate on the amendment, it was rejected with a vote of 28-71. Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, then urged members to reject the bill itself, saying, I would listen to the doctors on this and err on the side of caution when it comes to the prevention of suicide in children. Following Pushkins speech, Del. Charles Sheedy, R-Marshall, successfully called for members to move straight to voting on the bill, bypassing any other debate. In parliamentary procedure, its known as point to question. Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, said that Republicans had dominated debate time during an amendment, but, when it was finally time for Democrats to voice our concerns, they cut it off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a cruel bill, and especially without adopting Flanigans amendment, its going to harm people, Hansen said. This is a campaign bill, the mailer bill. In some situations, several of those delegates voted for the bill because theyre scared of the mailers and theyre afraid to stand up. Three Republicans joined all nine Democratic members of the House to oppose the measure in an 86-12 vote. The Senate will have to concur with the Houses vote before the bill would go to Gov. Patrick Morriseys desk for consideration. Bill would require teachers to out students gender identity to parents The House also passed Senate Bill 154, which would prohibit instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. It also mandates that teachers tell parents when a child requests to be referred to by a different name or pronouns that are different from the students biological sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers struck out a provision of the bill that would have allowed parents to take legal action against schools that violated the bill. The session adjourns Saturday, April 12 at midnight. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Canton legend and World War II veteran celebrated his birthday Saturday with a surprise party organized by generations of family and friends. Howard Hanson, 100, walked into Brookmeadow Country Club Saturday night to a cheering crowd. His Canton American Legion Band also played him in. Oh boy, am I surprised, Hanson told Boston 25. Unbelievable! Hanson was born in Canton in 1925 as the youngest of eight siblings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1943, at the age of 18, he was sworn into the Navy as a third-class petty officer coxswain. During his service at the height of World War II, he landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, after the storm on D-Day. His family says he spent the next three nights in a foxhole on the island. In the years following his service, he received many awards for his heroism, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for Extraordinary Heroism, the Croix de Guerre, and more. After the war, he studied the saxophone and clarinet at Schillinger House, which is currently known as Berklee College of Music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cindy Gillis and Eric Hanson, two of Howards children, were waiting for him at Brookmeadow Country Club in Canton while his son led him inside. Gillis explained, He will do anything for anybody. Eric Hanson added, I often question, Is he the longest consecutive citizen in the town? To this day, the 100-year-old still lives in Canton and is an active member of the local American Legion band, where he rehearses six times a week. His conductor, Gary Good, told Boston 25, Its incredible ... He has a lot of energy when he comes to band. He shakes hands with all of us, says hello, jokes around, and really plays and plays well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, during the pandemic, family and friends could only drive by the veterans house to celebrate his 95th birthday. Today, they celebrated his 100th in style, and in-person. Howard Hanson finished, Wonderful! Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Dylans House hosted its third annual Sunday Funday at Penguin City Brewing Co. The organization raises money to build houses for adults with autism. Theyre inching closer to their first build in Struthers and a second in Boardman. On Sunday, they showed what one of the homes would look like. First News evening anchor Lindsey Watson was the emcee for the event. Founder Amy Shope is grateful for the growing community support over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been unbelievable. Our very first fundraiser, we werent sure if anyone would show up, and really, ever since then, people have been packing the house every time we have something, Shope said. All money from the event goes toward building more homes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. SYDNEY (Reuters) - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Sunday his country needed the United States as an "active" partner in the Indo-Pacific region, after a trip to Washington last month to bolster ties with the Trump administration. New Zealand and the U.S. have worked together in the Pacific to offset the growing influence of China, but there are concerns among some lawmakers in New Zealand about what the change in administration in Washington and its suspension of aid funding will mean for the region. Speaking in Honolulu, Hawaii, on a week-long Pacific trip by a group of New Zealand politicians, Peters said the message he took to the U.S. was that "New Zealand wants, indeed needs, for the United States to remain an active, engaged and constructive partner in the Indo-Pacific". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We look forward to more constructive dialogue in the days ahead," Winston said, according to a transcript. In Washington, Peters met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, director of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assistance Peter Marocco, and a range of other administration and Congressional representatives. After the meetings, Peters said New Zealand's relationship with the U.S. was on a "strong footing amid what he called "the most challenging strategic environment in at least half a century". (Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Sonali Paul) The international community must increase pressure on Russia following its deadly Palm Sunday attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on April 13. Russia attacked Sumy with ballistic missiles armed with cluster munitions on the morning of Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 and injuring another 117 people. Two children were killed in the attack. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has targeted civilian infrastructure during major religious or national holidays more than 160 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky thanked the "many world leaders, diplomats, (and) ordinary people" who expressed their condolences to Ukraine and "condemned the Russian strike." At the same time, he remarked on the lack of "pressure" on Russia, which has enabled its continued attacks on Ukraine. "I would like to thank everyone who remembers that wars end when the crimes of war are not forgotten and when the aggressor is met with enough pressure. And that's exactly whats missing right now," Zelensky said, adding that the strike on Sumy demonstrates that Russia is deliberately targeting civilians and called for the immediate strengthening of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine. While many world leaders called for increased sanctions and pressure against Moscow in the wake of the missile strike, American officials omitted such demands from their response, instead highlighting the importance of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts. The attack hit Sumy amid Washington's ongoing attempts to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. While Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, Moscow has refused and has continued to attack Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This Friday marked exactly one month since Russia spurned the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid," Zelensky said. "That's why they keep launching ballistic missiles. That's why there are nearly a hundred attack drones every night most of them Shaheds targeting ordinary Ukrainian cities. Only pressure only decisive action can change this." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian strike kills at least 34, injures 117 in Sumy on Palm Sunday Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. 22:31 Man accused of throwing meat inside Agra mosque to be taken on police remand File image The police will take on remand the man who allegedly threw meat pieces at the historic Jama Masjid in Agra, an officer said on Sunday.So far, only Nazruddin's involvement has come to light in the investigation. However, we suspect that others may also be involved. Their roles will be probed... Read more > 22:07 Waqf Act: 'Gaddar' posters against Digvijaya in MP Congress MP Digvijaya Singh/File image Posters labelling Congress MP Digvijaya Singh as gaddar (traitor) following his opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha triggered a war of words between him and the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. After such posters surfaced in Guna, Singh responded by asking... Read more > 21:35 Former SC judge Dinesh Maheshwari likely to head law panel Former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd) Dinesh Maheshwari is likely to head the law commission, sources said on Sunday. A formal notification announcing his appointment as chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission is expected to be issued this week, sources in the know said. The 23rd law... Read more > 21:22 'Situation fully under control': Bengal DGP on violence File image Days after violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad, DGP Rajeev Kumar said that the situation is under control. The situation is fully under control, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar told reporters on Sunday. Three people were killed in the Murshidabad district following... Read more > 21:16 Curfew extended in Nepal town after clashes during Hanuman Jayanti celebration File image The curfew imposed in the Birgunj Municipality of Nepal's Parsa district following violent clashes during a Hanuman Jayanti procession has been extended till midnight Sunday, officials said. The curfew was imposed on Saturday after dozens of people, including policemen and residents, were... Read more > 20:19 2 operatives of terror module held with IED in Punjab File image The Punjab police on Sunday claimed to have foiled plans of Pakistan-based ISI to disturb peace and harmony in the region following the arrest of two terror operatives with an improvised explosive device containing RDX. The two accused, Jagga Singh and Manjinder Singh, both residents of... Read more > 20:15 Manipur Cong to file petition with SC against Waqf Act: Ex-CM Ibobi Singh Senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday said that the Manipur unit of the party will file a petition with the Supreme Court against the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act. The former three-time chief minister claimed that the Act is a gross violation of the Constitution. We are... Read more > 19:57 TMC MLA Humayun Kabir condemns violence in Murshidabad Ruling TMC MLA Humayun Kabir on Sunday condemned the violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal's Murshidabad district where three people have died, and asserted that the attacks are against the spirit of Islam. Stressing the need for strong action against the... Read more > 19:29 Kalyan girl's rape-murder: Accused found hanging in Navi Mumbai jail A man accused of raping and murdering a minor girl in Kalyan town here, a case that had hit national headlines, allegedly committed suicide at Taloja Central Jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai early on Sunday, the police said. The accused, Vishal Gawli (35), was found hanging in the prison... Read more > 19:14 Now actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act Actor Vijay Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president and actor Vijay has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated... Read more > 18:45 Five missing as vehicle plunges into canal in Chhattisgarh's Korba File image Five persons, including three children, are missing after a mini goods vehicle fell into a canal in Chhattisgarh's Korba district on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred around 12.30 pm between Mukundpur and Madwarani villages under Urga police station limits when a vehicle with 12... Read more > 18:22 Israel strikes Gaza hospital, claims it housed Hamas control centre File image Israel on Sunday launched missiles at Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital, causing damage to its emergency unit and putting the only remaining operational hospital in northern Gaza inoperative, Al Jazeera reported. Health officials evacuated patients, with some, including those in critical... Read more > 17:56 Former Bihar minister joins Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party Prashant Kishor Former Bihar minister Brishin Patel on Sunday disclosed that he has joined the Jan Suraaj Party founded by former election strategist Prashant Kishor. Patel was talking to reporters in his native district of Vaishali, a day after he met Kishor and became a member of the newly floated... Read more > 17:39 Row as TN Guv asks students to chant 'Jai Sri Ram' Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi/File image Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked a row by asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' during an event in Madurai. At an event held at a private engineering college in Madurai on Saturday, Ravi, who was the chief guest, at the end of his address, asked students to chant after him... Read more > 17:25 Protestors, police clash during anti-Waqf Act agitation in Assam File image Protestors threw stones while the police used batons at a rally held against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on Sunday when agitators and the police clashed in Cachar district of Assam, a senior official said. The official told PTI that several hundred people hit the streets in Berenga area of... Read more > 17:09 21 killed in Russian missile strike on Ukrainian city File image A Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has resulted in the deadliest attack of the year, leaving at least 21 people dead, CNN reported, citing local authorities. The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services. Ukraine's... Read more > 17:09 21 killed in Russian missile strike on Ukrainian city File image A Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has resulted in the deadliest attack of the year, leaving at least 21 people dead, CNN reported, citing local authorities. The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services. Ukraine's... Read more > 16:31 BJP-AIADMK alliance will oust DMK regime from power: Nainar Nagenthran It is the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance that is going to dislodge the DMK regime from power following a win in the 2026 assembly election, newly elect Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran said on Sunday. Nagenthran, without naming anyone said... Read more > 15:54 Punjab cops quiz Cong leader Bajwa over bomb remark Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa/ANI Photo The Punjab police on Sunday questioned senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa over his purported statement that 50 bombs have reached Punjab, of which 18 have exploded. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also questioned the particulars of Bajwa's statement, saying neither Punjab police... Read more > 15:40 Engineering student at Vadodara university dies by suicide in hostel A 19-year-old engineering student at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Gujarat's Vadodara city allegedly committed suicide in a hostel on Sunday morning, the police said. Abhishek Sharma, who hailed from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, recently lost his father due to which he had... Read more > 15:36 AIMPLB to hold protest meeting against Waqf Act in Hyderabad on Apr 19 File image All India Muslim Personal Law Board will conduct a protest meeting against the Waqf (Amendment) Act here on April 19, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said on Sunday. The meeting will be held at Darussalam (AIMIM's headquarters) under the leadership of AIMPLB president Khalid Saifullah... Read more > 14:47 No hasty decision caste census: DK Shivakumar Karnataka deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Karnataka deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said that the government will not take any hasty decision regarding the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, popularly known as the 'caste census', that was recently tabled before the state cabinet. He said the cabinet will go... Read more > 14:39 Cong seeks all-party meeting to tackle violence in Murshidabad File image Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury on Sunday urged the TMC government to organise an all-party meeting to restore peace in the violence-hit Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Choudhury is the MP of Maldaha Dakshin constituency, a part of which is Murshidabad district's Samserganj assembly... Read more > 14:30 Randeep Hooda wants to direct an action film Acting is his first love, but he wants to play a bit of a God again as a director, says Randeep Hooda, who is currently developing the script of an action film. Hooda turned director with 2024's Swatantra Veer Savarkar, a biopic on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar in which he played the title... Read more > 14:06 Court finds lapses in drugs case probe against Malayalam actor Shine Tom Actor Shine Tom Chacko/Courtesy Instagram A court in Kochi has found serious lapses in the police inquiry into a 2015 drug case involving actor Shine Tom Chacko and six others. Ernakulam first additional district and sessions judge Sulekha M acquitted the actor and four women-- Reshma Rangaswamy, assistant director Blessy Sylvester,... Read more > 13:37 Odisha varsity VC loses Rs 14 lakh in 'digital arrest' Two persons were arrested from Gujarat for allegedly defrauding the vice chancellor of Odisha's Berhampur University, Geetanjali Dash, of Rs 14 lakh, police said on Sunday. Identifying themselves as Enforcement Directorate officers, the accused reached out to Dash, claiming that she was involved... Read more > 13:19 US: One person dead after small plane crashes near New York's Copake File image One person died after a plane crashed in a field near the town of Copake, New York, on Saturday, The New York Times reported, citing the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Two passengers were onboard the plane, a Mitsubishi MU-2B heading to Columbia County Airport near Hudson, New York,... Read more > 13:11 'Jaat' starring Sunny Deol earns over Rs 30 cr at box office in three days Sunny Deol-starrer Jaat has collected Rs 32.2 crore at the domestic box office (gross) during its opening weekend, the makers announced on Sunday. Written and directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film is produced by People Media Factory and Mythri Movie Makers. It released in theatres on... Read more > 12:58 150 held in Murshidabad violence, police deployed Charred remains of vehicles torched during a violent protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, at Jangipur in Murshidabad/ANI Photo The West Bengal police arrested a total of 150 individuals in connection with the recent violence in the Murshidabad district, which was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas to... Read more > 12:54 Heat waves forecast for 30 mandals across Andhra on Sunday File image The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has forecast severe heat wave conditions in 30 mandals across the state on Sunday. Out of the 30 mandals, seven in Vizianagaram, 11 in Parvathipuram Manyam, 10 in Srikakulam, and one each in Eluru and NTR districts are expected to suffer... Read more > 12:27 Forces seize arms, medicines after J-K encounter File image Security forces on Sunday seized caches of 1 M4 rifle, two AK47s with some of their bullets along with medicines, after three terrorists were killed in Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir. 1 M4 rifle, 2 AK 47s, 11 magazines, 65 M4 bullets, 56 AK47 bullets have been seized. Apart... Read more > 12:11 IPS officer booked for raping doctor under pretext of marriage The police registered a case against a 30-year-old IPS officer for allegedly raping a woman doctor in Maharashtra's Nagpur after promising to marry her, officials said on Sunday. The woman approached the Imamwada Police Station in Nagpur with a complaint recently, they said. According... Read more > 11:53 9 held after stone-pelting during Hanuman Jayanti procession in MP The police apprehended nine persons in connection with stone-pelting during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Madhya Pradesh's Guna city, officials said on Sunday. The incident took place at around 7.45 pm on Saturday near a mosque in Colonelganj area when members of two communities came... Read more > 11:19 Glenmark, Sun Pharma, Zydus recall products in US Drug makers Glenmark, Sun Pharma and Zydus are recalling products in the US for manufacturing issues, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) said in its latest Enforcement Report.As per the US health regulator, Mumbai-based Glenmark is recalling over 25 products in the US market due to... Read more > 10:36 Karnataka caste census reports recommends 51% quotas for BCs Image only for representation The caste census report, submitted to the Karnataka cabinet, has recommended enhancing the reservation for Backward Communities from the existing 32 per cent to 51 per cent.According to government sources, the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, caste census in short, also highlighted that the... Read more > 09:14 Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.A bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice... Read more > 09:07 Suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma meets Delhi CM Suspended Bharatiya Janata Party functionary Nupur Sharma met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday in the national capital.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was seen chanting 'Jai Shree Ram (Hail Lord Ram)' while holding Nupur Sharma.Sharma was suspended in June 2022 as the spokesperson for BJP... Read more > 09:04 Group of people force entry into temple in MP, thrash priest A group of people forcibly entered the famous Mata Tekri temple in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas city after it had closed for the night and allegedly beat up its priest as he refused to let them in, police said.While the opposition Congress claimed the son of a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA was part of... Read more > 08:40 Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar share dais at Satara event File photo Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar head Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar shared the dais at an event in Satara on Saturday.This was the second time this week that the two leaders were seen together. Sharad Pawar on Thursday attended the engagement... Read more > Following a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city of Sumy on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the international community particularly the United States and Europe to respond firmly. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The president stated that the Russian strike on a street in Sumy resulted in dozens of civilians killed and wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones [of those who were killed ed.]. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene. The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end." Details: Zelenksyy emphasised that Russia seeks this kind of terror and is deliberately prolonging the war. Quote: "Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. Whats needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life." Background: Artem Kobzar, acting Mayor of Sumy, reported that more than 20 civilians were killed in the Russian missile strike on the centre of Sumy on the morning of 13 April. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Leer en Espanol. (Read in Spanish). Hurst & Son is a mobile home park landlord with properties across Washington. The company, owned by Caleb and Kristina Romack, was investigated by the state attorney general after residents raised concerns in multiple mobile home parks over the past several years. The Port Orchard-based company voluntarily agreed to take corrective steps with the state Attorney Generals Office Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program, or MHDRP. The agreement included more than $5.5 million in refunds distributed to residents for improper rent increases and excessive charges for utilities and other penalties. Hurst & Son also promised to set up a portal for tenants to submit questions and concerns, and allow residents to sell their mobile homes to who they want. But what does that mean for residents at Hurst & Son parks? And what rights do all mobile home owners have when it comes to their leases? How do they enforce those rights? Here are answers to those questions. What did Hurst & Son agree to? The mobile home park landlord agreed to take steps to remedy a series of problems raised by its residents from across the state and a subsequent investigation. Those steps are spelled out in a five-page notice of corrective action that is available on the resolution program website and attached to this article online. The issues the state addressed are all related to the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord Tenant Act (MHLTA). Hurst & Son agreed to reimburse residents for rent increases from 2021 onward that did not comply with the law. Those refunds stretched into the thousands of dollars for many residents. The landlord also agreed to stop charging $65 fees for violations of park rules and excessive utility charges and to refund residents for those costs. Moving forward, Hurst & Son can only change residents lease renewal dates through mutual agreement. Hurst & Son also created an email, compliance@hurstsonLLC.com, where residents can submit concerns, complaints or issues. What about the refunds? The amount of the refunds is tied to each tenant's individual billing history with Hurst & Son, said Mike Faulk, the attorney generals deputy communications director. The refunds primarily covered three areas: 1) non-compliant rent increases, 2) excessive or unenforceable fees, or 3) private utilities or other utility charges that commenced during the term of a rental agreement, not to be confused with new utility charges that were properly assessed. Refunds will go to residents who qualify and are not solely based on complaints submitted to the Attorney General's Office. Residents who submitted and did not submit complaints were eligible to receive refunds. In some cases, residents who submitted a complaint may not have received refunds if they did not qualify. Refunds were distributed in two ways, according to the agreement. Current residents received a credit on their rental statement that went toward rent. If a resident moved out or is planning to move out, they should receive their remaining reimbursement in the form of a check. What about the refunds for rent increases? Under the state laws that govern mobile home parks, landlords can only raise rents once a year, on the anniversary of the day residents moved in. They must notify mobile home park residents in advance and the lease usually automatically renews. That date can be changed if both the landlord and the resident agree. Hurst & Son had been changing those dates for some residents unilaterally and adding rent increases to new, non-compliant leases. Cases where Hurst & Son raised the rent twice within 12 months probably fall into this category, unless a resident signed an agreement to set a new lease renewal date. Landlords cannot raise rent twice in a year unless a resident signs a waiver. Under the agreement with the state Attorney General's Office, any rent increases that Hurst & Son put in place through those non-compliant lease changes had to be reimbursed. Faulk said Hurst & Son also had to reduce rent to whatever it was before a non-compliant rent increase. That means if Hurst & Son improperly raised a residents rent in 2022, the person's rent reverts to that 2022 level. However, there is no rule against Hurst & Son bringing rents back up again. The landlord did this for many residents, who saw their rents fall briefly in 2024 and then climb back up in 2025. What are excessive fees and private utilities? Hurst & Son charged many residents $65 fees along with comply-or-vacate notices for violating minor park rules, like having items in their yard or on their porch. Some residents paid hundreds of dollars in these fees, worried they would be evicted for having a refrigerator on their porch. The agreement with the state required Hurst & Son to stop charging these fees and to reimburse residents who had been charged. Hurst & Son is also not allowed to charge excessive fees for utilities. It can only charge for its actual utility costs at mobile home parks. Any excessive charges or charges for so-called private utilities are not allowed and were refunded. Can Hurst & Son charge late fees or for extra cars? Yes, according to the Faulk, Hurst & Son can still charge fees for extra cars. According to the agreement, Hurst & Son can also charge late fees. Those fees have both been reduced. How do I check my refund? Residents are allowed to contact the MHDRP (MHDR@atg.wa.gov or 1-866-924-6458) or the tenant relations portal (compliance@hurstsonLLC.com) to request a ledger explaining their refund. If there are any issues or discrepancies, residents can submit those to the MHDRP for review. What else can I contact compliance@hurstsonLLC.com about? Residents can contact the tenant relations portal for questions or concerns about their park, the rules, rent payments or other charges. According to the agreement, that email should be residents first point of contact when they have issues. What else will Hurst & Son change going forward? Hurst & Son agreed to a variety of changes to fix problems going forward. To change lease renewal dates, residents must sign a separate waiver acknowledging the change. The landlord also agreed to better maintain permanent structures and common areas and infrastructure, including roads and utilities. Hurst & Son can no longer refuse a residents request to sell their mobile home to whom they choose. The agreement does not release Hurst & Son of liability, so residents can still pursue further legal action if they choose. I dont live in a Hurst & Son park. What should I know? The rights of residents and responsibilities of landlords are outlined in the Manufactured Housing Landlord Tenant Act, or MHLTA, state law that all mobile home parks must follow. They include rules about providing water and utilities, when rent increases can take place, what is legal in a lease and what landlords and residents are allowed to do. The law is available online. What do I do if I think someone is breaking the law? Residents and landlords can call or email the Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program for help resolving issues (MHDR@atg.wa.gov or 1-866-924-6458). Residents can file complaints through the mail or online. Forms can be found online for free. The program provides assistance in English and Spanish. What can I do if there are issues with the property manager? Faulk said the Attorney General's Office can only get involved in situations where state law is being broken. Residents can submit complaints to the Attorney General's Office if they are concerned about that. At Hurst & Son parks, residents can reach out to the landlord directly with concerns by emailing compliance@hurstsonLLC.com. Hundreds of people gather at the corner of East Yakima Avenue and First Street to protest deportations and other activities by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Yakima, Wash. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. New Delhi: Emraan Hashmi's highly anticipated film Ground Zero is making headline for its gripping trailer as the film is packed with With powerful posters and a trailer packed with patriotic intensity, Amid the onging Buzz the makers have now revealed the first song, So Lene De, which is releasing tomorrow (March 14). The newly revealed motion poster gives a glimpse into the emotional core of the film. Set to be a stirring tribute to the spirit of the nation, 'So Lene De' promises to be a heartfelt blend of patriotism and soul. Taking to Instagram official handle the maker captioned the post, ''A soldiers courage is seen but not his scars. #SoLeneDe Song out tomorrow.'' Take A Look At The Post: Heard at the end of the trailer, the song is beautifully rendered by Jubin Nautiyal and Afsana Khan, with poignant lyrics by Vayu. The music is composed by Tanishk Bagchi and Aakash Rajan, adding another compelling layer to the films sonic landscape. From the makers of Lakshya, Ground Zero follows the real life story of BSF Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, portrayed by Emraan Hashmi who led one of the most daring anti-terror operations in Border Security Force history. His mission, which culminated in the elimination of the dreaded terrorist Ghazi Baba, was hailed as the BSFs finest operation in the last 50 years and earned him the prestigious Kirti Chakra in 2005. The film marks Emraan Hashmi's debut as an Indian Army officer, sparking curiosity among fans who are eager to see what new dimension he brings to the role. In a proud moment for the films team, BSF India shared the trailer of Ground Zero on X official handle and wrote, ''Based on the true events from the life story of Shri NND Dubey, DIG (Retd), Kirti Chakra, BSF. A faceless enemy, a fearless officer. The hunt begins.'' Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. The film also features Sai Tamhankar, Mukesh Tiwari, and Zoya Hussain in crucial roles. Ground Zero will hit theatres on April 25, 2025. New Delhi: In a cheer for the global electronics industry, including in India, the US government on Saturday announced to exempt smartphones and computers imported to the country from the latest tariffs. According to a US Customs and Border Protection notice, the smartphones and computers would be excluded from US President Donald Trump's 10 per cent global tariff on most countries, and the much larger Chinese tariffs of 145 per cent. The exemption applies to products entering the US or removed from warehouses as early as April 5, according to the notice. The exemptions also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards. The move will help tech giants like Apple, which make iPhones and other products in China. The announcement comes after the Trump administration imposed a minimum tariff rate of 145 per cent on Chinese goods imported to the United States. Earlier, President Trump said he could offer some exemptions to his 10 per cent tariff on most US trading partners. There could be a couple of exceptions for obvious reasons, but I would say 10 per cent is a floor, Trump told reporters on Friday aboard Air Force One en route to Florida. Meanwhile, the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between India and the US is likely to be concluded within the tariff-pause period of 90 days fixed by the Donald Trump administration, according to official sources. The terms of reference for the agreement have been finalised and further negotiations are scheduled to take place primarily through video conferencing, although if required, Indian negotiators may visit Washington or US officials can come to Delhi, senior officials said. As rainfall continues across several states, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty wind in West Bengal. Meanwhile, a yellow alert was raised for Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and other regions on Sunday, April 13. On the other hand, heat wave-like conditions are likely to prevail over the coastal area of Andhra Pradesh, according to the statement released by IMD. Delhi Weather Update A day after the national capital and nearby areas were hit by strong winds and light rain from the last few days, the weather turned pleasant on Saturday. The maximum temperature in the national capital dropped to between 36 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was recorded between 19 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius. The weather forecaster released a statement stating that the national capital is likely to witness a partly cloudy sky today. Weather Prediction For Coming Day As per IMD predictions, heavy rainfall is expected to continue in several states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Kerala, and Assam. Meanwhile, some regions of Rajasthan are likely to experience a heatwave in the coming days. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers on Sunday staged a protest in Kolkata, targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the recent violence in Murshidabad and the alleged corruption in the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, and other senior BJP leaders participated in the protest, which marched from College Square to Dharmatala. Addressing the gathering, Suvendu Adhikari said, "In recent days, the state has witnessed violence worse than what we saw in 2019 during the anti-CAA protests. Hindus are being targeted and killed, shops looted, temples vandalised, and the police are mere spectators. What was the fault of Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das, who were brutally murdered? Was it simply that they were Hindus?" Earlier BJP MP from Purulia Jyotirmay Singh Mahato wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, citing a deteriorating security situation and alleging targeted violence against the Hindu community. In a letter sent this week, Mahato requested that Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas be declared 'disturbed areas' under AFSPA. "For the last many days, a 'Jammu & Kashmir type' situation - when Hindus were forced to migrate in the 1990s - has been created, especially in these four districts of Bengal," Mahato said while speaking to ANI. He added, "I have requested the Union Home Minister to implement AFSPA and hand over control to the central forces. Otherwise, what happened in Syria or is happening in Bangladesh, what happened in Jammu & Kashmir - a similar situation is unfolding here now." Mahato thanked Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the Calcutta High Court for the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad, but insisted it was not enough. "This area must be declared a 'disturbed area'," he said. Violence erupted recently in Murshidabad and Jangipur during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, with demonstrators clashing with police, pelting stones, and torching police vehicles. According to West Bengal Police, three people were killed on Friday night in Murshidabad following the violent clashes linked to protests against the new Waqf law Following a Calcutta High Court order, the Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday. Karnataka Horror: The man who allegedly kidnapped and murdered a five-year-old girl in Hubballi, Karnataka, was killed in an encounter with the police, said the Hubballi Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar. Talking to the reporters, the Commissioner said that the accused tried to assault the police, and in the encounter, one of the officers opened fire to stop him. He was admitted to a hospital where he was declared dead. There was an incident where the body of a 5-year-old was found... The accused tried to assault the police and pelted stones. Our officer opened fire to stop him and two rounds at him. He was admitted for medical aid and was declared dead in the hospital, said the Commissioner. VIDEO | Karnataka: There was an incident where a body of a 5-year-old was found... The accused tried assaulting the police and pelted stones. Our one officer opened fire to stop him and 2 rounds at him. He was admitted l for medical aid and was declared dead in the hospital, pic.twitter.com/q7PIOqCJa3 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 13, 2025 Union Minister Pralhad Joshi visited the officers injured in the encounter at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute in Hubballi. VIDEO | Union Minister Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) visits injured officer at Karnataka Medical college and Research Institute in Hubballi. The Karnataka police shot and killed a man accused of kidnapping and murdering a five-year-old girl in Hubballi. One police officer got pic.twitter.com/X2zZdZc5qQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 13, 2025 Child Kidnapped, Killed In Hubballi According to PTI, the child was allegedly kidnapped and killed by a man in Hubballi on Sunday. The incident occurred at the Ashok Nagar police station limits, and her body was found in an abandoned building, the police had said. Though there were reports of sexual assault, police did not confirm it, and said that a medical examination was underway. According to PTI, the Commissioner said that the victim's family is from Koppal district, and her mother worked as a house help and as an assistant at a beauty parlor. The child's father worked as a painter. He added that the mother had taken her daughter to work and a man had taken the girl from there. Upon search, the girl was found in a sheet-roofed building in front of the house from where she had gone missing. The victim was immediately shifted to the hospital, where she was declared dead. "The mother had taken her daughter to work, as she was working at the houses in the locality. An unidentified man had taken the girl from there. On searching, the girl was found in the bathroom of a small sheet-roofed building in front of the House from where she had gone missing. She was immediately shifted to the hospital, where she was declared brought dead," he said. When asked if there any rape attempt or sexual assault, the Commissioner replied that there was no information till then. #WATCH | Hubbali, Karnataka: N Shashi Kumar, Police Commissioner, Hubbali, Dharwad, says, " In the Ashok Nagar PS area, a 5-year-old girl was found in one of the abandoned buildings. She was shifted to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival...we have taken up the complaint pic.twitter.com/VfD2XUwHYa ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025 Protest In Hubballis Ashok Nagar The residents of the Ashok Nagar area in Hubbali protested outside the police station after the girl was found dead in the area. #WATCH | Karnataka: Residents of Ashok Nagar area in Hubbali, protest outside the police station after a 5-year-old girl was found dead in the area; parents allege rape. https://t.co/yTmSt2cvB7 pic.twitter.com/czVpUAxs4B ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025 (with agencies inputs) Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 13-04-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-697" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-697, April 13, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Akshaya AK-697" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Akshaya AK-697 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-697 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 13-04-2025 April: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-697 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: AM 659096 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS: AM 567198 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AA 282957 AB 582798 AC 771840 AD 644800 AE 451501 AF 161077 AG 322188 AH 667797 AJ 633158 AK 560450 AL 657950 AM 724352 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AA 659096 AB 659096 AC 659096 AD 659096 AE 659096 AF 659096 AG 659096 AH 659096 AJ 659096 AK 659096 AL 659096 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 1582 1875 2003 2781 3837 4394 4512 4800 5472 6653 6654 6659 7225 7328 8336 8564 8812 9193 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 0856 2362 4121 5027 6220 6277 7383 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0207 0727 0835 0839 1214 1466 1515 2232 2902 3221 3707 3740 5431 5546 5689 5913 6902 7088 7602 8070 8520 8790 8805 9091 9525 9702 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: To Be Announced LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To Be Announced KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 13-04-2025 April TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-697 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) In a landmark move, the Indian Army has brought round-the-clock electricity to Simari, the first village on the Line of Control (LoC) in Karnah Valley, Kupwara district. Simari, which also holds the unique identity of being Indias Polling Booth No 1, has now seen electricity for the first time since Independence. Perched right on the LoC, with half its houses visible from across the border in Pakistan, Simari was long cut off from basic amenities. The village had survived for decades without electricity, relying on kerosene lamps, firewood, and fading daylight. Power cuts were not occasionalthey were permanent. Everything changed when the villagers reached out to the Indian Army for help. The Armys Chinar Corps took the request seriously and, under Operation Sadbhavana, partnered with the Pune-based Aseem Foundation to bring a permanent solution. Together, they installed solar micro-gridsfour clusters of high-efficiency solar panels, inverters, and battery banks. Now, all 53 homes, housing 347 residents, have 24x7 electricity. Each household has LED lights, secure sockets, and overload limiters for safety. In a move to ensure long-term sustainability, engineers from Aseem Foundation also trained local youth to operate and maintain the system. The Army dedicated the project to Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra awardee, who was martyred while fighting terrorists in Kupwara on November 17, 2015. Simari now has light, not just in homes, but in the hopes of its people, a senior Army official said. With clean energy powering homes and smokeless stoves replacing firewood, the transformation has also helped reduce health issues and protect the local environment. For the villagers, life has taken a turnfrom darkness and isolation to light and hope. Madhya Pradesh Stone-Pelting: At least nine people were apprehended in connection with stone-pelting during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Madhya Pradesh's Guna city, police officials said on Sunday. The stone-pelting incident took place at around 7.45 pm on Saturday near a mosque in the Colonelganj area when members of two communities came face-to-face, following which the authorities rushed to the site to bring the situation under control, they said. The situation was currently peaceful, the officials said. "Eight or nine persons from among those involved in the stone-pelting have been taken into custody. They will be charged on the basis of videos and CCTV footage of the incident. More persons are being identified," Additional Superintendent of Police Man Singh Thakur told PTI. The police were searching for the other accused, and they will be arrested, he said. VIDEO | Security remains tightened in Madhya Pradesh's Guna after a stone-pelting incident during a Hanuman Jayanti procession yesterday. Heres what Guna Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Sinha said: We received information about stone-pelting incident during a pic.twitter.com/j7zQGDdZ5n Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 13, 2025 The incident took place at a time when the procession was passing in front of a mosque. There was some communication gap during which the two groups came face-to-face, leading to stone-pelting, Guna Collector Kishore Kanyal said. There was no permission to take out the procession in that area, he said. However, Ranjeet Khatik, one of the procession organisers, said, "The administration is saying that there was no permission, but I have all the proof of the permission." Stones were pelted when some boys raised slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram,' while the other group, in retaliation, raised the 'Allahhu Akbar' slogan, he claimed. The information about the stone-pelting at a procession was received at around 7.45 pm on Saturday, when members of two communities came face-to-face, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Sinha said. The police force, posted at Tekri Dham, rushed to the spot, he said. Based on a complaint by a local corporator, a case has been registered in which four or five persons have been named while 15-20 others are unidentified, the official said. Security forces from neighbouring districts have been deployed here, he said. Thakur said police personnel from three districts arrived, and they were deployed in different areas. The situation is under control now, the collector said. (With PTI Inputs) Murshidabad Violence: Twelve more people were arrested in connection with the violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, where three people lost their lives, police said on Sunday, as reported by news agency PTI. No new incident of violence was reported from anywhere in the Muslim-majority district, with security forces keeping a close vigil, they said. "The situation in Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj and Jangipur areas of the district is peaceful. Raids continued overnight, and 12 more people were arrested. With this, 150 people have been arrested so far," PTI quoted a senior police officer as saying. Prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in the violence-hit areas, and the internet has been suspended, he said. The security forces are checking vehicles on the main roads, and patrolling the sensitive pockets, he added. "An investigation is underway into the incidents of violence. More arrests are likely," the officer said. Here Are Top Updates 1. Shekhawat reached the violence-hit area after the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces in the affected area. 2. In a recent development, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed concern over the riots in West Bengal's Murshidabad and said that he was glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and gave an appropriate decision. 3. Three persons, including a father-son duo, were killed in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following clashes allegedly linked to ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, an IPS officer said on Saturday. 4. The father-son duo Harogobindo Das and Chandan were found with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Jafrabad, located in the violence-hit Samserganj area, he said. The third victim, identified as 21-year-old Ijaz Momin, sustained bullet wounds during clashes at Sajur More in Suti on Friday. "He succumbed to his injuries at the Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital on Saturday evening," the officer added. 5. The officer confirmed that post-mortem examinations had been conducted on the father and son. 6. On Saturday, a special bench of Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that have resulted in three deaths so far. 7. Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who has filed a PIL seeking deployment of central forces and an NIA probe, said, "For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district." 8. The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. 9. Several vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, stones were hurled at security forces, and roads were blocked as violence rocked various parts of the state, particularly Murshidabad, during protests over the new legislation on Friday. Some flare-ups were also reported on Saturday. 10. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 8. After a 12-hour discussion, the Upper House cleared the bill with 128 members voting in favour, whereas 95 members voted against the legislation. (With agencies Inputs) Punjab Police on Sunday questioned senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa over his purported statement that "50 bombs have reached Punjab, of which 18 have exploded". Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also questioned the particulars of Bajwa's statement, saying neither Punjab Police Intelligence nor a Central Intelligence agency has shared any information. Mann said strict action will be taken if Bajwa's statement was meant only to create panic. The Leader of Opposition in the Punjab assembly, in an interview to a private television channel, had claimed, "I have come to know that 50 bombs have reached Punjab. Of this, 18 have exploded, 32 are yet to go off." On the chief minister's direction, a Punjab Police team led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Ravjot Kaur Grewal visited Bajwa's residence on Sunday and questioned him. AIG Grewal, speaking to reporters outside Bajwa's residence, said the police team arrived to find the source of Bajwa's information since it was a matter of national security. "So far, he has not given any input useful to us," she said. Meanwhile, Mann said in a video message on Sunday, "Bajwa gave a statement, saying 50 bombs have reached Punjab. Neither the Punjab Police Intelligence Office nor any other Intelligence agency in the country has shared such information. Then how did Bajwa make such a statement? Does he have a direct connection with Pakistan? Did any agency in Pakistan call him up and share the information?" Mann said it is Bajwa's responsibility to share the details. "Are you waiting for the bombs to explode and people to die?" he asked. "If you do not have the information and gave the statement only to create panic in Punjab, then it is a serious crime. Strict action will be taken," he said. Mann sought clarification from the Congress party as well. "Is Congress party hand-in-glove with anti-national forces? Does it know how many bombs have reached Punjab and exploded? The party's national leaders and Bajwa should clarify," the chief minister said. Lashing out at Bajwa for his "irresponsible" statement, Mann said, "Be ready for strict action." Tamil Nadu Pastor Arrest: A pastor from Coimbatore who was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Polices special team on Sunday. The accused, John Jebaraj, is a pastor of Kings Generation Church on Coimbatore's Cross Cut Road and had been absconding and was apprehended from Munnar, Kerala. He was remanded to judicial custody till April 25. John Jebaraj Arrested In Kerala According to news agency IANS, a special team led by Inspector R. Arjun Kumar was acting on a tip-off when they tracked down Jebaraj and brought him back to Coimbatore on Sunday. The 37-year-old pastor was booked by the All Women Police Station, Coimbatore Central, under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This case after he was accused of sexual assault of two girls, 17 and 14 years old. Tamil Nadu: A Christian priest, John Jebaraj, was arrested under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually abusing two minor girls in Coimbatore. The incident occurred 11 months ago, and he was caught in Munnar after a special police search operation pic.twitter.com/Cn9lbNHJ20 IANS (@ians_india) April 13, 2025 John Jebaraj Sexual Assault Allegations According to the allegations, the incident took place on May 21 in 2024, during a function at the accused's residence in GN Mills. The victims are both minors, and one of them, 17, was adopted by Jebaraj's father-in-law. She reportedly confided in a relative about the incident, and then a complaint was filed. The other victim, 14, is the pastor's neighbour, as per IANS. The pastor, known for his Christian devotional concerts and youth following on social media, was associated with a prominent Christian organisation. A lookout notice was also issued to prevent him from fleeing the country. After the arrest, Jebaraj was taken to the Gandhipuram Central Women's Police Station for interrogation. Later, he was produced before a judicial magistrate. Pastor Bajinder Singh Life Imprisonment Earlier, Punjab's Mohali court had sentenced the 'Yeshu Yeshu' pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case. Singh was found guilty on March 28 under sections 376 (rape), 323 (causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and was sent to Patiala jail after his conviction, as per reports. (with IANS inputs) Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has stirred controversy after urging students to chant "Jai Shri Ram" during an event at a private engineering college in Madurai on Saturday. Ravi, who was attending the event as chief guest, concluded his speech by asking the students to repeat the religious slogan after him. The move drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, with Congress MLA JMH Hassan Maulaana calling the Governor's actions "highly condemnable." "The Governor is occupying one of the highest posts in the country but he is speaking like a religious leader... He has become a propaganda master of the RSS and the BJP. See, this is not the way the Governor can act," the Velachery MLA told ANI. "What the TN Governor is doing is highly condemnable, he is acting like an RSS face in Tamil Nadu and spreading its ideology. The position he holds is a constitutional post, so he has to remain neutral," Maulaana added. He also referred to a recent Supreme Court observation, stating that the Governor had already been pulled up by the top court for acting in an "unconstitutional, illegal, and erroneous" manner by delaying assent to 10 bills passed by the State Assembly. Meanwhile, during the same event, Governor Ravi also criticised a senior DMK leader for using "vulgar and contemptuous" language. We recently witnessed an individual holding a high position in the ruling government use deeply vulgar, mocking, and offensive language towards women. Such behaviour is not only unbecoming of a public figure but is utterly unacceptable and shameful, he said. It is deeply disturbing that we have come to a point where someone in a position of authority can speak about women in such derogatory terms. This is not just unacceptable--it is a dangerous trend, he added. Without naming the leader, the Governor said, The gentlemanI use that term with great reluctancehas not only humiliated and insulted women but has also directed contemptuous remarks at devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The comments came in the wake of the DMK removing State Forest Minister K Ponmudy from his post as deputy general secretary after his controversial remarks targeting women and two major Hindu sects, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Kolkata: Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday lashed out at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the recent violence in Murshidabad district, saying that if the BJP forms the government in the state, strict action will be taken against the perpetrators. "The situation has improved a bit (in Murshidabad) after the deployment of central forces, but the situation is still not such that Hindus can live freely with their heads held high. People who fled from the Murshidabad district and went to Malda as refugees are still not ready to return," Majumdar said. He further alleged that Mamata Banerjee has succeeded in turning West Bengal into a "light version of Bangladesh." "Hindus of Bengal have understood that Mamata Banerjee has succeeded in making West Bengal a light version of Bangladesh," he said. Majumdar thanked the special bench of the Calcutta High Court for ordering the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad, which he said helped bring the situation under some control. He also urged the Hindu community to unite and fight democratically in the upcoming Assembly elections to prevent West Bengal from becoming "like Bangladesh." "Hindus will have to unite and fight democratically. We promise that after the BJP government is formed, the BJP government and the police will take action against those who carry out such incidents. We will bring such a law that the rioters who destroy the temples and houses of Hindus will be made to compensate for the loss, their houses will be auctioned and that amount will be given to the Hindus. If someone instigates violence from a religious place, that place will be closed. If the present government makes this law, our MLAs will support it," he further said. Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday assured that strict law and order would be maintained in violence-hit areas and warned that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Bose said in a video message, said, "Let the miscreants and their godfathers realise that nobody will be allowed to take the law into their own hands." Governor Bose said that Raj Bhavan's core group is monitoring the situation in Murshidabad and other violence-hit areas in real time. "Raj Bhavan's core group has been monitoring the situation in Murshidabad and other violence-hit areas in real time. Discussions have been held between the governor and the chief Minister. The government of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, is watching the situation diligently and effectively. Situation reports have been gathered from the law enforcement authorities, including the BSF and the local police," Bose said. Three people were killed in the Murshidabad district following violent clashes linked to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, the police said on Saturday. West Bengal Police have arrested 150 individuals in connection with the Murshidabad violence. According to a police statement, adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, Suti, and other affected areas to maintain order. BJP MP from Purulia Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, citing a deteriorating security situation and alleging targeted violence against the Hindu community. On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. Mumbai: Today marks a special day in Neetu Kapoors heart, as she fondly remembers the day she got engaged to the love of her life, the legendary actor Rishi Kapoor. Their engagement, a moment filled with love and promise, holds a cherished place in Neetu's memories. As she takes a trip down memory lane, Neetu shares a beautiful black-and-white photo from their engagement. On April 13, the veteran actress took to her Instagram stories and dropped a monochrome picture of her posing with Rishi Kapoor. Alongside it, she wrote, Was engaged on tis day in 1979 time flies.(sic) In the candid throwback picture, the couple could be seen smiling while posing together. Neetu Kapoor frequently shares photos and memories of her late husband, Rishi, keeping their cherished moments alive. Earlier, on May 29, the Jugjugg Jeeyo actress celebrated 45 years of the film "Karz," which featured Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim in the lead roles. Sharing a video, Neetu wrote, Some memories get even better with time. The Karz reunion was beautiful and evoked so many special moments from such a beautiful chapter of my life. Thank you for the beautiful comments and love! Its wonderful to note that #Karz touched a chord in your lives too. Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai also shared a picture of Neetu Kapoor receiving the trophy on behalf of her late husband Rishi as the film Karz clocked 45 years. The director also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, When Neetu Rishi Kapoor paid her tribute to her husband Rishi Kapoor looking up to God. While receiving the Karz trophy in celebration of its 45 years of glory at the Red Lorry Film Festival. It was really an emotional moment for all of us n we remembered n paid our sincere tribute to rishi kapoor as an actor star and person. Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He had initially traveled to New York in 2018 for treatment and, after eight months of intensive care, was declared cancer-free. The veteran actor returned to Mumbai in September 2019. Unfortunately, his health took another turn, and he fell ill again, ultimately succumbing to the illness the following year. New Delhi: Global star Nora Fatehi and international pop icon Jason Derulo have officially climbed to the No. 1 spot on the UK British Asian Music Charts with their smashing hit Snake. Blending Eastern vibes with Western beats, the tracks hypnotic rhythm has struck a chord with listeners worldwide. BBC Asian Network shared the exciting update on Instagram, writing, 'We have a new number one! Congratulations to @norafatehi and @jasonderulo who top the chart this week with 'Snake'. Nora Fatehi also reshared the post, joining in on the celebration and thanking fans globally for helping Snake rise to the top. Take A Look At The Post: A vibrant blend of global pop, Latin rhythms, and Middle Eastern influences, 'Snake' is wrapped in high-energy production and catchy Western hooks. The track's infectious beat, commanding visuals, and slick choreography have sparked viral dance trends and crossed 130 million views, cementing its status as a cross-cultural anthem making waves across continents. A dynamic fusion of global pop, Latin grooves, and Middle Eastern flair, Snake pulses with high-energy beats, infectious Western hooks, and slick visuals. Its vibrant choreography has gone viral, racking up over 130 million views and solidifying the track as a cross-cultural sensation resonating across continents. On the professional front, Nora Fatehi is reportedly in talks for an exciting musical collaboration with Theron Billie Thomasthe mind behind APT, performed by Bruno Mars and Rose. As for her acting journey, Nora earned applause for her heartfelt performance in Be Happy, proving her emotional range. With Kanchana 4 and Netflixs The Royals lined up, she continues to conquer global screens and music charts with unstoppable momentum. New Delhi: Apple India has recorded a 60 per cent jump in iPhone production from its Indian supply chain with a turnover close to Rs 1.89 lakh crore during the financial year ended March 31, 2025, according to industry data. Of this total output, Apple exported Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth iPhones from India during 2024-25, Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Ashwini Vaishnaw Ashwinin Vasihnaw has stated. Apples production in India is expected to accelerate further with the US-China tariff war breaking out, as a result of which the American tech giants exports from the communist country will take a hit.Since US duties are much lower on India-made smartphones, Apple has a distinct advantage in further expanding its production base in the country. Indias smartphone exports crossed a staggering Rs 1.75 lakh crore ($21 billion) in 11 months of 2024-25 (April-February), which constitutes a 54 per cent jump over the corresponding figure for the same period of 2023-24, according to the India Cellular and Electronics Association. Around 70 per cent of the exports were contributed by Apples iPhone supply chain with Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn, accounting for close to 50 per cent of the overseas shipments. Exports from the Foxconn factory registered an over 40 per cent jump over the same period of the previous financial year. Another 22 per cent of the exports came from iPhone vendor Tata Electronics, which has acquired the Wistron smartphone manufacturing factory in Karnataka. Another 12 per cent of the export consignments came from the Pegatron facility in Tamil Nadu, in which Tata Electronics acquired a 60 per cent stake towards the end of January. With the acquisition of the two Taiwanese companies, the Tata group has also emerged as a major producer of iPhones in the country. South Korean tech giant Samsung contributed around 20 per cent of the total smartphone exports from India. Vaishnaw earlier said that he expected smartphone exports to reach $20 billion (Rs 1.68 lakh crore) during 2024-25, but the estimate has already been exceeded in 11 months of the current financial year. Indias electronics goods exports, led by smartphones, have been accelerating in recent years on the back of governments Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme which has succeeded in attracting foreign tech giants such as Apple and its suppliers, looking to set up alternative supply chains outside China after the Communist country came under US sanctions. The Centres production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has boosted exports and reduced imports, as domestic production now meets 99 per cent of domestic demand. The Production Linked Scheme (PLI) for electronics manufacturing has succeeded in attracting a cumulative investment to the tune of Rs 10,213 crore till December 2024, leading to the creation of over 1.37 lakh direct jobs and boosting the country's exports, according to information tabled in Parliament. A court in Bangladesh on Sunday issued arrest warrants against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 others in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition of land by abusing political power. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain passed the order after considering three separate charge sheets filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. Judge Hossain fixed April 27 to review reports on the execution of the arrest orders, the newspaper quoted ACC Assistant Director (Prosecution) Aminul Islam as saying. Citing court sources, Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo reported that the ACC recently submitted chargesheets to the court against 53 people in three separate cases on corruption charges in plot allocation. As all 53 accused, including Hasina, were absconding, the court issued arrest warrants against them, the paper said. On April 10, the same court issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 17 others in a separate corruption case related to Rajuk plot allotments. Putul has been serving as the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) based in New Delhi since November 1, 2023. On January 13, ACC filed a case against Rehana for allegedly acquiring a 10-katha plot in the Purbachal New Town Project through abuse of authority. The case named 15 accused, including Hasina and Rehana's daughter British lawmaker Tulip Rizwana Siddiq. Rehana did not hold any official position in the past regime. After the investigation, ACC submitted a chargesheet on March 10 against 17 individuals, adding two more names. In a second case, ACC filed charges against Azmina Siddiq for similar irregularities in acquiring a 10-katha plot in Purbachal. This case initially listed 16 accused, including Tulip Siddiq and Sheikh Hasina. The final chargesheet, submitted on March 10, named 18 people. The ACC filed a third case the same day against Rehana's son, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, accused of obtaining a plot using political influence. Tulip Siddiq and Sheikh Hasina were among the 16 named in the initial complaint. The final chargesheet also included 18 accused. Hasina is also accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, while these cases were being filed with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal. Hasinas 16-year-long Awami League regime was toppled on August 5 last year in a student-led violent mass uprising. Since then, 77-year-old Hasina has been living in India. Iran and the US will hold the second round of negotiations on April 19 after the two sides concluded their "indirect" talks on Saturday in the Omani capital of Muscat in a "constructive" atmosphere, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The two-and-a-half-hour talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff centered on Tehran's nuclear issue and sanctions relief, said the ministry in a statement. It added that the two sides agreed to continue the talks next week, noting that when leaving the negotiations venue, the heads of the two countries' delegations spoke for a few minutes in the presence of the Omani foreign minister. In an address to reporters in Muscat following the talks, Araghchi said the first round of the talks was "constructive and held in a calm and very respectful atmosphere," Xinhua news agency reported. "No inappropriate language was used and the two sides demonstrated their commitment to advancing the talks until the achievement of a mutually favorable agreement from an equal position," he added. The minister revealed that the second round of the talks "are scheduled to be held at the same level next Saturday, but the venue will probably not be here (Muscat)." The two sides had decided to enter a general framework needed for an agreement in the next round, Araghchi said, noting that both sides favored an agreement that would be reached as soon as possible. He added that in the next round of the talks, "we will try to enter the negotiations' agenda, which will of course have a timetable alongside it," expressing hope that in the upcoming negotiations, the two sides would be able to finalise a basis for starting "real talks." The talks in Muscat came after US President Donald Trump stated in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders -- via the United Arab Emirates -- proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran later confirmed receiving the letter and left the door open for indirect engagement. Trumps aid freeze and tariffs would not lead to African credit downgrades, Fitch Ratings said in a recent analysis, citing low integration of most African economies to global supply chains. African credit ratings could absorb the pressure from U.S. aid freezes and global trade tensions without widespread downgrades, it said, noting that the resilience of African economies is attributed to the regions export composition and weaker integration into global supply chains compared to regions like Asia. Diversified economies like Morocco with a BB+ stable outlook will not suffer the impact given very low dependence on US aid and low tariff of 10%. Countries like Namibia, and Cote dIvoire are relatively shielded from the recent US decisions due to ongoing reforms and stronger economic fundamentals Nigeria and the Seychelles hold positive credit outlooks from Fitch Ratings, indicating potential future upgrades due to ongoing reforms. However, some of the poorest nations, such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, and Lesotho, are at risk due to the abrupt end of U.S. aid projects, which could pressure their fiscal stability, according to the ratings agency. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has stated that foreign nationals who remain in the United States for more than 30 days are required to register with the federal government, and failure to comply could result in fines and imprisonment. In a post on X, the DHS emphasized the consequences of non-compliance, tagging President Donald Trump's official handle and Secretary Krisi Noem. The post stated that foreign nationals present in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with the federal government. "Foreign nationals present in the US longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport," the department said in a post on X, tagging President Trump's office and Krishi Noem, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025 The department emphasizes that "self-deportation is safe," allowing individuals to leave the country on their own terms by selecting their departure flight. "Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight. Keep money earned in the US if you self-deport as a non-criminal illegal alien," the department said in a statement. Khartoum: More than 114 civilians were killed in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two displacement camps over the past two days in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in western Sudan, a local official announced. "More than 100 civilians were killed as a result of the brutal attack launched by the RSF militia on the Zamzam displacement camp yesterday (Friday), with dozens injured," Ibrahim Khatir, director general of North Darfur State's health authority, told Xinhua. "Today (Saturday), 14 civilians were also killed due to another militia attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp, with dozens more injured," he added. Khatir revealed that among the dead in the Zamzam camp were nine employees of Relief International, a non-governmental organisation operating a field hospital in the camp, Xinhua news agency reported. Emergency Room, a volunteer group, said in a statement that 40 civilians were killed and hundreds injured on Saturday as a result of heavy shelling by the RSF on the Abu Shouk camp. The RSF issued no immediate comment regarding the attacks. Since May 10, 2024, fierce fighting has been raging in El Fasher between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023, which has claimed more than 29,600 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations. US Tariffs: Smartphones, computers, and a few other electronics will come under "separate tariffs", along with semiconductors, the United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday in an interview with ABC, Reuters reported. These separate tariffs may come into effect in around a month, he added. This information on separate sector-based tariffs comes after the Trump administration on Friday said it would exclude electronics like smartphones and laptops from reciprocal tariffs. As per PTI, tariff exemption could help keep the prices down for popular consumer electronics that are not made in the US. In addition, it would also benefit tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Nvidia. According to media reports, Lutnick said in the interview that the government's decision to exempt a few electronic items from tariffs that was announced earlier was temporary. He informed about the electronics being excluded from the reciprocal tariffs and into separate 'semiconductor tariffs' that could come into effect in the coming months. He also asserted that the US needs electronic items to be made in America itself, which would make them less reliant on countries in Southeast Asia like China. Smartphones, Computers, Laptops Exempted From US 'Reciprocal' Tariffs The US Customs and Border Protection said items like smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-panel monitors, and some chips would qualify for the exemption. Machines used to make semiconductors are excluded as well. PTI reported, this exclusion means that they would not be subject to the current 145 percent tariffs levied on China or the 10 percent baseline tariffs elsewhere. US Reciprocal Tariffs Since assuming office for his second term, Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the US will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade. Following this, in early April, Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on several countries. He had alleged that there was an imbalance between the said countries and the US. VIDEO | Indian PM is a very good friend of mine, 26% concessional reciprocal tariffs have been imposed on India: US President Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump). (Source: Third party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/2fcIruTHDe Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 2, 2025 Later, the US President paused the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on dozens of countries that have engaged in negotiations with the countrys administration for a trade deal. However, the high reciprocal tariffs levied on China continued, as per ANI. (with agencies inputs) After Russian ballistic missile strike hit Sumy in Ukraine on Palm Sunday, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and called President Vladimir Putin a "filthy scum" who took the lives of ordinary people. The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services, targeting residential areas, educational institutions, and streets, causing widespread destruction. The strike has left at least 31 people dead, including two children, and over 84 wounded, with 10 of the injured being children, marking it as the most severe attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023. Sharing the video of the horrific strike on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life - residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street... And that's on the day when people go to church - Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem." "According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this - taking the lives of ordinary people." He expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and emphasized the need for a strong international response to Russia's actions. "My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene," he said. Zelenskyy urged the global community, including the United States and Europe, to take a firm stance against Russia's terror tactics. "The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end," he said. "Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What's needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life," he added. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha said that Russia has rejected a US-backed proposal for a complete ceasefire for the second consecutive month. This attack is part of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy consistently calling for stronger international action to protect his country's sovereignty and citizens. 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: Childrens' Access, Watch and Reserve resistance death burden in WHO regions in 2022. Credit: ESCMID A study presented at ESCMID Global 2025 reveals that over 3 million children worldwide lost their lives in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related infections. The study underscores the urgent need for both regional and global strategies to control pediatric AMR, particularly in high-burden areas such as South-East Asia and Africa. AMR poses a critical threat to children, who are highly vulnerable to infections. Access to new antibiotic formulations is often much more limited for children because of product development delays. The study data found that in 2022 alone, more than 752,000 children in Southeast Asia and 659,000 children in Africa died of AMR-associated complications. Many of these deaths were linked to the use of Watch antibiotics (drugs with a high risk of resistance) and Reserve antibiotics (last-resort treatments for severe, multidrug-resistant infections). Watch and Reserve antibiotics are not intended for first-line treatment and their use should be limited only for those who need them to preserve their effectiveness and reduce the development of resistance. In contrast, Access antibiotics are those that are more widely available and used to treat common infections due to their lower potential for increasing resistance. Between 2019 and 2021, the use of Watch antibiotics increased by 160% in Southeast Asia and 126% in Africa. During the same period, the use of Reserve antibiotics rose by 45% in Southeast Asia and 125% in Africa. Globally, of the more than 3 million children's deaths, 2 million were associated with the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics. "While the rise in the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics may be necessary in response to the concurrent rise in drug-resistant infections, the sharp rise in use of these drugs presents several serious long-term risks", commented Professor Joseph Harwell, study co-author. "Their increased use, especially without careful oversight, elevates the risk of resistance and limits future treatment options. If bacteria develop resistance to these antibiotics, there will be few, if any, alternatives for treating multi-drug-resistance infections." Several factors contribute to the severity of AMR in low- and middle-income countries, including overcrowded hospitals, poor sanitation, and weak infection prevention measures that facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens within health care settings and communities. Due to a lack of diagnostic tools and concerns over misdiagnosis, overuse and misuse of antibiotics are also widespread in these regions. Additionally, many low- and middle-income countries lack effective national surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs, making it difficult to track resistance trends and establish effective treatment protocols. "Rising resistance to Watch and Reserve antibiotics will ultimately lead to higher treatment failure," said Professor Harwell. "Mortality rates, which are already alarmingly high, will continue to rise significantly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to alternative treatments and advanced medical interventions may be limited." Professor Harwell furthered, "Addressing this issue requires urgent and coordinated action at both the regional and global levels. Global and national surveillance on AMR must adopt a 'One Health' approach, with cost-effective systems that can inform treatment guidelines and measure the impact of control interventions." "On a regional level, we call on policymakers to mandate hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programs in all pediatric health care facilities. Improved age classifications in surveillance data will also enhance our understanding of important differences in resistance rates across the age categories, as well as pediatric-specific resistance mechanisms. Additionally, we urge the implementation of national guidelines to ensure routine surveillance informs antibiotic use," concludes Professor Harwell. More information: Hu, Y., Harwell, J. Global Trends and Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance in Paediatric Populations: An Analysis Using WHO AWaRe Classification and Priority Pathogens. Oral presentation. ESCMID Global 2025. Provided by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Two years ago, at a carnival in Billings, two boys not even old enough to carry drivers licenses picked up handguns and killed a man. In Yellowstone County District Court, the families of Kian Manuel Banderas and Dominic Roundstone wept over what those shots snuffed out. Banderas was a 20-year-old father of two children. Dominic will turn 21 years old in custody. Even then, a court will decide where he spends the rest of his 65-year sentence. In her role as the presiding judge over the case, Colette B. Davies said nothing she did on March 31 could erase or change that pain. All she could offer, she said, was a sense of justice for Kian Banderass family and a sense of hope for Dominic's. Two weeks later, Banderass mother and father again had to sit in court and listen to a recording of the shots that killed their son. Across from them in the gallery sat the friends and family of Kannon Sekavec, who was 13 years old when he joined Dominic in the shooting near downtown Billings. Sekavec was sentenced to 45 years with 20 years suspended. Like most of the country, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred an increase in assaults and homicides in Billings. The most brutal crime, homicide, reached an unprecedented level in 2020, with the Billings Police Department investigating 22 cases. While homicide cases on an annual basis have not reached the peak set that year, cases have remained well above normal rates from before the pandemic. From 2022 through 2024, there were 51 homicide victims in Yellowstone County, according to the county coroner. About a quarter of those killed were ages 25 and younger. The youngest was a boy just a day short of his first birthday. The average age of homicide victims in that three-year period was 36 years old. Native Americans were staggeringly over-represented among the countys homicide victims. Billings is home to the largest population of Indigenous in Montana outside of the reservations, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, but they still only make up about 4.5% of the Magic Citys total population. However, 28 of the 51 homicide victims from 2022 through 2024 were people of color, the vast majority of whom were Indigenous. In that same three-year period, six people were killed by law officers. Five were people of color, and four were Native Americans. In the past month, multiple homicide cases have been resolved in Yellowstone County District Court. The case resolution time for charges of deliberate homicide, from the time of the crime to a suspect being sentenced, takes at least a year, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said. The investigation into the shooting death of Kian Banderas started in April 2023, and Dominic Roundstone wasnt sentenced until March 2025. Kannon received his sentence Friday. While criminal homicide cases for BPD were at their highest in 2020, the Yellowstone County Attorneys Office filed more homicide cases in 2023 and 2024. Those included cases of deliberate, negligent and attempted deliberate homicide, and 27 such cases were filed in both years. What drove that spike in homicides? Guns, Twito said. Twito and other officials have spoken adamantly several times about the wave of gun thefts in the city and county, particularly guns being stolen from unlocked vehicles. From 2020 through 2024, BPD opened 1,571 investigations into stolen firearms, according to data provided by the Yellowstone County Attorneys Office. During that same stretch, officers recovered or seized 673 guns. Twenty-two of our pending homicide (cases) are gun homicides, Twito said. Of those, all except for five were from stolen firearms. Those guns went from hand to hand in Billings until they were fired, like a coal seam always threatening wildfire. Steven Gaertner, the primary BPD investigator assigned to the shooting at Berrys Cherries, testified at Dominic Roundstone's sentencing that officers interviewed hundreds of witnesses in the fallout of the homicide. One of them was an 8-year-old at the carnival. That investigation resulted in criminal charges against Dominic and four others, including Kannon. During his testimony, Gaertner and the rest of the court watched body camera footage taken the night Dominic shot Banderas. A woman was in the middle of explaining to an officer that kids were threatening violence when shots were fired. In the chaos caught on camera, parents at the carnival screamed their childrens names. Kannon and Dominic had drawn handguns and fired on a sedan driven by Banderas. Although Dominic fired the shot that killed Banderas, both boys would eventually plead guilty to deliberate homicide. Police found the stolen magnum used by Dominic, Gaertner said. Before it reached him, it had been exchanged between over a dozen people. Dominic posted photos of himself posing with the gun online. After the shooting, it changed hands another eight times. Most of those who passed the gun around were juveniles, he said. Testifying during Kannon's sentencing Friday, Gaertner said BPD investigators uncovered an entire underground network in Billings for guns. Through social media, teens like Kannon and Dominic bought, sold and traded stolen firearms. They also made arrangements for straw purchases, a federal crime in which someone buys a gun for someone who can't legally own one. In the weeks after Dominic and Kannon opened fire on Banderas's vehicle, Gaertner said online messages showed Kannon was trying to sell or trade the gun. Kannon's sentenced marked the final criminal case connected to the death of Banderas to be resolved in court. In January, Dano-koo Jaysin Hoaglen, the sole adult among the five people charged, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in obstructing the homicide investigation. Coinciding with gun violence in Billings was a rash of gang activity carried out by juveniles, Twito told the Gazette. At Dominics sentencing last month, Yellowstone County Deputy Attorney Hallie Bishop noted that Kian Banderas was the first innocent victim in that violence, but he wasnt the last. The deaths that followed instigated a major effort on the part of the law enforcement to focus on two specific groups connected to gang activity. Those efforts seem to have paid off. As of April 11, it has been roughly four months since the last homicide in Billings, the longest the city has gone since the start of 2020 without one of its citizens dying violently. Last year, criminal homicides in the city dropped to nine, the lowest since 2021. Stolen firearms reported to police also dropped significantly when compared to 2020, going from 379 reports to 234. Maybe thats a positive, Twito said. Maybe were going to see less gun crime, because there will be less guns out there. Twito recently testified in Helena in support of a bill making its way through the State Legislature centered specifically on carrying stolen firearms. If passed, those found to be in possession of a stolen gun could face up to 10 years in prison. President Donald Trump's administration withdrew 11 pieces of guidance last month related to the Americans with Disabilities Act that helped stores, hotels and other businesses understand their obligation to the law. The guidance included tips on how to create accessible parking and fitting rooms, talk to hotel guests about accessible features and decide when a person with a disability could be assisted by a family member during hospitals' COVID-19 no-visitor bans. Five pieces of guidance were from the pandemic, while the oldest two were issued in 1999. The Department of Justice said removing the guidance was part of a broader effort to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. "Putting money back into the pockets of business owners helps everyone by allowing those businesses to pass on cost savings to consumers and bolster the economy," U.S. deputy assistant attorney general Mac Warner said in a statement. Disability rights advocates criticized the move, saying it may signal that the federal government is less likely to enforce the ADA and will leave it up to businesses on how to comply. Experts in disability law said the guidance, which was not legally binding, also helped prevent lawsuits. They say removing helpful guidance can lead to more lawsuits and less access for disabled people. What was withdrawn? There's no change to the ADA itself, and businesses still have to make sure customers with disabilities can access services. Five pieces of guidance specifically addressed COVID-19 concerns, including modifying visitor bans at hospitals to allow for interpreters or caregivers. Another document provided a "maintenance list" for retail stores for ensuring aisles, entrances, parking spaces, elevators and restrooms were accessible for disabled customers. Two pieces of hotel and lodging guidance were pulled back. One detailed how hotel workers should be "informed and attentive to details" that affect disabled customers, as well as making sure objects in rooms like remote controls or adjustable shower heads are placed appropriately. The other document provided five steps to help new hotels comply with the ADA. Other guidance included inclusive means of getting feedback from customers, like providing surveys in Braille or electronic formats or having real-time captions in focus groups; as well as letting people know how they can get help pumping at self-serve gas stations. ADA consultant and lawyer Marc Dubin said though business owners weren't legally required to read the guidance, it was meant to help them avoid lawsuits and encourage voluntary compliance. It is routine for guidance to be withdrawn, he said, but what's important to watch is what the government will replace it with, if anything. Is compliance expensive? Renovating businesses built before the ADA was passed in 1990, adding ramps or widening doorways can be expensive. Many of the suggestions in the guidance were low-cost, though, like keeping a parking lot free of obstacles. Some lawyers say that without the guidance, it might be easier for businesses to defend themselves against expensive and what some small business advocates would consider frivolous lawsuits alleging they didn't comply with the ADA. However, complying with the ADA is a good business investment, said Theo Braddy, executive director of the advocacy group the National Council on Independent Living. "When your business is fully accessible to all people with all types of disabilities, they're going to come. They're going to spend their money," he said. Will this cause problems? Disability rights advocates said withdrawing the guidance fits with the Trump administration's broader effort to get rid of equity initiatives. Businesses also might see it as a green light to lower accessibility standards or avoid making necessary accommodations, advocates said. "To the business owners, it's saying, 'You ain't got to do all of this stuff,'" Braddy said. "It's going to turn the clock back." Will enforcement change? The Department of Justice is a key enforcer of the ADA, launching investigations and filing lawsuits against businesses it alleges violated the law. Advocates say they're not sure how much Trump's justice department will enforce the ADA, adding private lawyers may not be able to pick up the slack. "It's very clear to me that nothing can substitute for a strong, vigorous Department of Justice," said Chai Feldblum, who served as the vice chair of President Joe Biden's AbilityOne Commission, which created job opportunities for disabled people. "And not having that will be consequential for the rights of people with disabilities." Actor Colman Domingo has expressed his support for fellow HBO series 'Euphoria' actor Eric Dane following the latter's ALS diagnosis. "I haven't been able to speak with him yet," Colman told People magazine, adding, "I just got the news yesterday too, and I'm wishing him well. I look forward to working with him." Dane, who plays Cal Jacobs on 'Euphoria', shared his diagnosis while speaking to People magazine on April 10, "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter." Despite the diagnosis, Dane plans to continue working, including returning to 'Euphoria' for season three. "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week," Dane said, adding, "I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time." The actor, 52, is married to Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple shares two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13. According to People magazine, Dane, who currently stars as Cal Jacobs in the series Euphoria, will begin production of season 3 of the hit HBO show on April 14. 'Euphoria' season 3 went into production in 2025 after long delays on the third installment of the HBO drama series. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive muscle paralysis. Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, which is often followed by slurred speech, as reported by People magazine. According to the Mayo Clinic, as quoted by People magazine, ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement. Patients gradually lose their ability to speak, eat, walk, and breathe independently. According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, there's no cure for ALS, and people usually live three to five years after diagnosis. However, some patients can live for decades. In addition to Dane, other notable stars who have been diagnosed with ALS include Aaron Lazar, John Driskell Hopkins, Eric Stevens, Joe Bonsall, Roberta Flack, Kenneth Mitchell, and Stephen Hawking. (ANI) Amid the ongoing violence in Murshidabad over the amended Waqf law, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has handed over the state to "Jihadis" for vote bank politics. He further said that if she remains in power, the state could witness another incident like the Great Calcutta Killings. Speaking to ANI, Majumdar said, "The situation is very terrible. The special bench of the High Court has given the verdict, and we welcome it. The situation has become like this because of Mamata Banerjee's incompetence. The verdict of the High Court today is a big slap on Mamata Banerjee's cheek that she is not ready to rule the state. She is not eligible to rule the state." Accusing the state police of being inactive during the communal violence, Majumdar claimed that law enforcement officers "sit idle" under Banerjee's watch. "The police come under her control. Mamata Banerjee's police are allowing free periods for Muslims. During that time, they can loot, misbehave with women, break the houses of Hindus and do whatever they want. The police sit idle. There was an attack on the police; the vehicle was burn," he said. He further added, "Today, Mamata Banerjee has handed over the entire West Bengal in the hands of Jihadis for vote bank politics. If Mamata Banerjee stays, there will be another incident like the Great Calcutta Killings." Earlier on Saturday, Bengal Frontier IG Karni Singh Shekhawat said that they had deployed five companies to support state police operations. He said that BSF will act in coordination with police and is prepared to send more forces if needed to help restore peace in the region. On Saturday, a special bench of Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 8. After a 12-hour discussion, the Upper House cleared the bill with 128 members voting in favour, whereas 95 members voted against the legislation. (ANI) Additionally, on Saturday, a Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 was flagged off by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Faridabad. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that his government is promoting an awareness campaign against drugs through this initiative. "We are promoting an awareness campaign for a drug-free Haryana through this cyclathon. This is not just a cyclathon, but a revolution against drugs," Saini said. "This cyclathon began on 5 April from Hisar, which, going through Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Narnaul, Rewari, and Palwal, has now reached Faridabad, and from here, it will proceed to Gurugram," he added. The Cyclothon will cover every village in Haryana over the next three weeks, spreading the message of a drug-free society. The previous cyclothon, which spanned 25 days and witnessed the participation of over 1.77 lakh cyclists and more than 5.25 lakh citizens. Inspired by that achievement, Cyclothon 2.0 has been launched with renewed energy and purpose. The Haryana government has a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the drug menace through the state action plan. The plan focuses on three pillars--public awareness, de-addiction and rehabilitation, and stringent action against drug traffickers. The government has also formed a dedicated Special Task Force to crack down on drug smuggling. 52 de-addiction centres have been established across Haryana, with dedicated wards in government medical colleges and civil hospitals in 13 districts. To support those affected and encourage public participation, the government has launched a toll-free helpline (90508-91508) and the 'Manas Portal' where citizens can confidentially report drug-related activities. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday shared a social media post about a Made-in-India robotic surgery machine, Medi JARVIS, which will be launched at the State Cancer Institute today. Taking to social media, X, the Assam Chief Minister, wrote, "Medi JARVIS to aid the Iron Men and Women of real-life--doctors!" https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1911102043848073440 "We are all set to dedicate the Made in India Robotic Surgery Machine at the State Cancer Institute tomorrow which can execute complex surgeries with ease," the post read. He said the machine will help doctors perform complex surgeries more easily. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday lauded the efforts of the Assam Police and leaders from the minority community for ensuring peace across the state amid intelligence inputs warning of possible unrest over the protest on the Waqf Amendment Act. Speaking to the media, CM Sarma emphasized that despite apprehensions of protests on Friday, the situation remained largely calm, with only minor demonstrations reported at three locations. "Yesterday was Friday, and we had strong intelligence that Assam is going to witness some kind of disturbance as a result of protest by the minority community. We received that input five days ago. Assam Police has worked with and approached every single leader of the minority community. Our SPs got in touch with various Masjid communities and various important persons from the minority community," the Assam Chief Minister said. Chief Minister Sarma said the peaceful situation in the state is the result of the extensive outreach carried out by the Assam Police. "Assam Police extensively worked for the last five days. Yesterday was a day of immense satisfaction that Assam did not witness any kind of protest. We only witnessed protests in three places, with 150 people at each venue. This is a result of extensive outreach by the Assam Police," CM Sarma said. (ANI) In yet another major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, with the support of Central Agencies and Delhi Police, has successfully arrested Uttar Pradesh (UP)-based Saidul Ameen. According to the release, he is the prime accused involved in the grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Saturday. As per the information, an explosion occurred at the residence of Senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, located in Central Town Jalandhar, on the intervening night of April 7. Preliminary investigations had revealed a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI to disrupt communal harmony in Punjab. The release stated that the development came close on the heels of the arrest of two local associates identified as Satish alias Kaka alias Lucky of Bhargo Camp in Jalandhar and Harry of Garha Road in Jalandhar, who provided logistical support to the accused Saidul Ameen. The plot was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shahzad Bhatti, while, role of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is also being probed. DGP Gaurav Yadav, accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, addressed a press conference in Jalandhar and said that the accused, Saidul Ameen, a resident of Amroha in UP, was apprehended in Delhi after an intensive multi-state manhunt. "This arrest is a testament to the seamless coordination between Punjab Police, Central Agencies, and Delhi Police in dismantling terror networks," he said. The DGP said that the ongoing probe has also revealed the financial link to the executors of the grenade attack, under which the role of the Haryana-based accused, identified as Abhijot, who was arrested by the Haryana Police on Friday after an exchange of fire in Kurukshetra, has also come under the light. Jalandhar Commissionerate Police will bring him on a production warrant for further investigations, he added. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that further investigations are ongoing to uncover the handlers, financial backers, and potential foreign connections linked to the attack. A case FIR has already been registered under sections 109, 324(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act have been registered at Police Station Division number 3 in Jalandhar. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the 'Mahanatya Samrat Vikramaditya' program on Saturday. Vice President Dhankar stated that with India's constant progress in development, it was natural that the country's attachment towards cultural programs would increase. "When India is progressing so much in development, emerging as a superpower, the world's eyes are on India. It is natural that our attachment towards cultural programs should increase...The huge change that has come due to the progress made in the last 10 years is a pleasant sign," Dhankar said, addressing the event. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said it was inspiring for such a grand event to be organised in the national capital, further stating that it reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.' "It is indeed an inspiring moment for us that such a grand event is being organised in Delhi, the capital of the country, away from the boundaries of states. It shows 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' which is the vision of our PM Modi," said Gupta. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said that heroes and great men brought the country pride and glory, further stating that Santana culture would always flow like the bright and pure water of the Ganges. "We are fortunate. The heroes and great men of this place always brought India's pride and glory in their era. They established the fact in front of the world that this culture can never end. This Sanatana culture will always flow like the bright and pure water of the Ganges," the Madhya Pradesh CM said. The grand cultural production, which was based on the life of the legendary emperor Samrat Vikramaditya, was held at Madhavdas Park at the historic Red Fort. 'Mahanatya' is a spectacular theatrical presentation that brings to life the inspiring saga of Samrat Vikramaditya- the iconic emperor of Ujjain, renowned for his valour, sense of justice, and patronage of arts and learning. (ANI) Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to Turkiye has been posted on his social media accounts. According to Azernews, the post reads: "President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to the Republic of Turkiye (05.03.2025)". The Manipur Police on Saturday arrested Kammalsawm Singson (21), a resident of Songsang village in Pherzawl district, in connection with the murder of a minor girl that occurred on April 11 in Leljanghai village under Thanlon police station. The accused was arrested from Khoken village. The security forces in Manipur carried out search operations and area domination in the "fringe and vulnerable areas" of hill and valley districts and recovered three pumpi guns, the Manipur police said. "During the last 24 hours, the situation in the state was tense but under control. 03(three) nos. of Pumpl from General area Changplkot, Siden, H Kotlian and Dampi hill area under Churachandpur-PS, Churachandpur District," police said in a press note. Another operation led to the arrest of an active member of the proscribed outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) from Sangakpham Bazar under Heingang police station in Imphal East District. The individual, identified as Thangjam Amujao Meitei (37) of Brahmapur Nahabam, was arrested with a mobile phone in his possession. "A total of 110 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and three persons were detained by police in connection with violation in different districts of the state," the police said. "Further, appeal is made to the public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately," it added. Manipur has witnessed a significant boost in security operations, with forces conducting search and area domination exercises in vulnerable hill and valley districts in the last 24 hours. According to an official press note from the Manipur Police, the security forces have made key recoveries across the state. "One INSAS Rifle with magazine, one modified AK Rifle with magazine, two nos. of .303 Bolt Action Rifle (without magazines), seven nos. of 12 Bore Bolt Action Rifle, one 12 Bore Double Barrel Rifle, five nos. of Flare Gun ammunition, one IED weighing approximately 890 grams, two nos. of empty 12 Bore ammunition, one live 12 Bore cartridge, five nos. of live 5.56 mm ammunition, five nos. of.303 live ammunition, one Boafeng Walkie-Talkie Set, five nos. of BP jacket, five nos. of Headgear from the adjoining areas of Saiton Khunou and Saiton Haiyaikon under Phougakchao Ikhai-PS, Bishnupur District," the press note stated on Friday. (ANI) Devotees offered prayers and took a holy dip at the spiritual Har ki Pauri ghat in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday to mark the celebration of Baisakhi. Aarti was also performed at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on the occasion of Baisakhi. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also extended wishes on the occasion of Baisakhi. Taking to social media post on X, the Chief Minister said, "The tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, endowed us with a distinct identity from the entire world by creating the Khalsa, free from caste and color discrimination, on the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Congratulations to all the devotees who are bowing down at the feet of the Guru today on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi." Earlier on Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the eve of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu, which are being celebrated on April 13, 14 and 15, an official statement released by the President's Secretariat. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his warm wishes and congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion of Baisakhi. In his message, the Chief Minister said that Baisakhi is a festival of enthusiasm, brotherhood, joy and gaiety. He said that this festival, associated with the harvesting of the new crop, is also a symbol of our rich cultural traditions and farmer and agricultural culture. It is also a symbol of folk faith and prosperity. CM also wished that this holy festival brings happiness, peace and prosperity in the lives of the people of the state. Baisakhi, traditionally celebrated in the northern states commemorating the harvest season, is associated with the establishment of the Khalsa Pant. It is a time to gather, pray, and celebrate with love and happiness. (ANI) Amid speculations regarding Pattali Makkal Katchi's (PMK) leadership, party president Anbumani Ramadoss issued a clear and firm statement reaffirming his position and dedication to the party's growth and core values. Addressing members of the PMK and the wider Pattali family, Anbumani said, "There have been unexpected confusions about our party's leadership. I wish to clarify the situation to ensure that these do not affect our progress or the upcoming Vanniyar Youth Full Moon Grand Conference in Mamallapuram." He recalled Dr Ramadoss's founding of PMK on July 16, 1989, with the aim of empowering voiceless communities with social justice and political representation. "According to the party's constitution, only members of the General Council can elect the president. In line with this, I was elected as the president during the General Council meeting held in Chennai on May 28, 2022, with the blessings of Dr Ramadoss and the support of our cadres. The Election Commission of India has also officially recognized my election," he emphasized. Dr Anbumani reaffirmed his commitment to the principles on which the party was founded. "I will continue to function as the President of the PMK, working tirelessly towards the vision laid out by Dr Ramadoss, with the continued support of our party members." He also outlined two immediate goals for the party: to successfully organize the Vanniyar Youth Full Moon Grand Conference on May 11 in Mamallapuram and to achieve greater electoral victories in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections compared to past performances. "I am confident that with the unity and support of our dedicated Pattali family, we will realize these goals and elevate our party to greater heights," Dr Anbumani concluded. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, President of PMK, announced that he has been entrusted with the responsibility of organizing the Vanniyar Youth Full Moon Grand Conference to be held in Mamallapuram, fulfilling a long-standing dream of the Pattali community. "The dream of hosting this historic conference in Mamallapuram during the Chithirai full moon has been cherished by our Pattali family for the past 12 years. To make this dream a reality, Ramadoss has appointed me as the Chairman of the Conference Committee and entrusted me with the responsibility to lead it to success," said Dr Anbumani. He emphasised that it is the collective duty of all PMK members to execute this mission assigned by Dr Ramadoss successfully. "The preparations for the conference are progressing at full speed, in a well-coordinated and planned manner. I am personally overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the arrangements. Likewise, all our party leaders and cadres must engage in full-fledged fieldwork to ensure maximum mobilization of participants for the event," he stated. Addressing the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, Dr Anbumani said, "It is my foremost duty to form a strong alliance, as desired by our Pattali family, under the guidance of Dr Ramadoss. I will fulfill this responsibility at the right time, in a manner that will bring satisfaction and pride to all. As the President of the PMK, this is my primary mission." He urged all levels of party leadership to actively contribute to conference preparations and the party's strengthening ahead of the elections. "I repeat--my foremost commitment is to uphold the ideals of Dr Ayya in the political field and to lead the Pattali Makkal Katchi in a way that brings honor to him. I will soon come to meet you all in person as part of this journey," he stated. (ANI) According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mandir Sagar Chander, the tourist bus en route to Kasol Kasol in Parvati Valley of Kullu district overturned around 4:00 AM this morning. A total of 31 passengers, including the driver and conductor, sustained injuries. Of them, two have been critically injured. They were rushed to Nerchowk Medical College for advanced treatment. Six others suffered serious injuries, while the remaining passengers sustained minor injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that over-speeding may have been the primary cause of the accident. (ANI) BJP leader and Chairperson of Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, said that Waqf Boards across the nation will progress after the amendments made into the Waqf Act, adding that these amendments are meant for development. "They should think that when the government brings a bill, and it is passed in the Parliament, no one can stop it, because these amendments are always meant for development and for the good... Waqf Boards across the country will progress with this Act..." Andrabi told ANI. Taking a swipe at the ruling National Conference, the BJP leader accused them of cheating people, saying, "When has the National Conference not cheated the people? They are doing the same even today... If they had done the work that was given to them, then people would have been applauding them today..." However, several cities, including Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, are witnessing protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. Several political and religious leaders, including Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM MP Asaddudin Owaisi, President of the Islamic cleric's body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani, etc, have filed petitions in the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Act, challenging the validity of the Act. Meanwhile, violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Tuesday during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in stone-pelting and torched police vehicles. However, West Bengal Police announced on Saturday that the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur, Murshidabad district, is now under control. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 8 (Tuesday). After a 12-hour discussion, the Upper House cleared the bill with 128 members voting in favour, whereas 95 members voted against the legislation. The act aims to modify the Waqf Act, 1995 and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013. The 1995 act and the 2013 amendment laid out rules to govern the Waqf properties in India; created special courts (called Waqf Tribunals) with powers similar to civil courts (Tribunal decisions cannot be challenged in civil courts); and prohibited the sale of Waqf properties. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended wishes on the occasion of the Baisakhi festival, calling it a symbol of "prosperity" and "public faith." The Chief Minister hoped that this festival would bring new consciousness, enthusiasm and excitement in the life of all. In a social media post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all of you on the occasion of Baisakhi festival, a symbol of prosperity and public faith. May this holy festival bring new consciousness, enthusiasm and excitement in the life of all of you, this is my prayer to God. #HappyBaisakhi." https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1911256181529518441?s=48 Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Baisakhi. He wished everyone joy, hope, and prosperity. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Wishing everyone a joyous Baisakhi! May this festival bring new hope, happiness and abundance into your life. May we always celebrate the spirit of togetherness, gratitude and renewal." Devotees offered prayers and took a holy dip at the spiritual Har ki Pauri ghat in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to mark the celebration of Baisakhi. Aarti was also performed at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on the occasion of Baisakhi. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also extended wishes on the occasion of Baisakhi. Taking to social media post on X, the Chief Minister said, "The tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, endowed us with a distinct identity from the entire world by creating the Khalsa, free from caste and color discrimination, on the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Congratulations to all the devotees who are bowing down at the feet of the Guru today on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi." Earlier on Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the eve of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu, which are being celebrated on April 13, 14 and 15, an official statement released by the President's Secretariat. Baisakhi is a harvest festival that also marks the beginning of the New Year in some parts of India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional joy. The festival is known for bringing prosperity and success and for bringing people together through rituals and celebrations. This year, Baisakhi is being celebrated on April 13. Also called Vaisakhi, the festival marks the beginning of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year and is mainly celebrated in North India, especially in Punjab. It also signals the start of the harvest season. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday offered prayers at Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara on the occasion of Baisakhi. Baisakhi is a harvest festival that also marks the beginning of the New Year in some parts of India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional joy. The festival is known for bringing prosperity and success and for bringing people together through rituals and celebrations. This year, Baisakhi is being celebrated on April 13. Also called Vaisakhi, the festival marks the beginning of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year and is mainly celebrated in North India, especially in Punjab. It also signals the start of the harvest season. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Baisakhi. He wished everyone joy, hope, and prosperity. In a post on X, Prime minister Narendra Modi wrote, "Wishing everyone a joyous Baisakhi! May this festival bring new hope, happiness and abundance into your life. May we always celebrate the spirit of togetherness, gratitude and renewal." Devotees offered prayers and took a holy dip at the spiritual Har ki Pauri ghat in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to mark the celebration of Baisakhi. Aarti was also performed at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on the occasion of Baisakhi. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also extended wishes on the occasion of Baisakhi. Taking to social media post on X, the Chief Minister said, "The tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, endowed us with a distinct identity from the entire world by creating the Khalsa, free from caste and color discrimination, on the holy land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Congratulations to all the devotees who are bowing down at the feet of the Guru today on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Baisakhi. "Earlier on Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the eve of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu, which are being celebrated on April 13, 14 and 15, an official statement released by the President's Secretariat. (ANI) Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, visited the police station in Chheharta and Gharinda in Amritsar as part of the state police's night domination exercise. Posting about the visit on X, DGP Yadav said he interacted with the on-duty personnel, inspected surveillance infrastructure, and checked preparedness for effective monitoring. "Interacted with the on-duty personnel and conducted an impromptu review of the functioning of both police stations. Inspected surveillance infrastructure to assess preparedness for effective monitoring. Ensuring public safety remains our foremost priority," the DGP's post read. He highlighted how the morale of the Punjab Police has remained high throughout. https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1911258837182542240 During the DGP's visit, he told reporters how officials are conducting checks across the state and highlighted how work has been going on to counter Pakistan "breaching the peace" from the border. "Senior officials are conducting checks across the state. Pakistan is continuously moving to breach the peace of the state, and we are working continuously to prevent them from succeeding in their plans," he told reporters. Yadav further added, "Our team is alert against fighting the drugs issue in the state. Our efforts are to keep the state safe and secure. We are also installing CCTV cameras, to monitor things more closely. The DGP's visit comes amidst the Punjab Police's ongoing campaign against drug abuse, 'Operation Satark.' On April 12, senior police officials patrolled areas in the state to ensure the safety of the public. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal, while speaking to ANI, said, "Operation Satark has been launched across Punjab on the directions of Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav...The operations have been planned to ensure the safety of the public...Police personnel have been deployed at Bathinda Junction railway station...We will be conducting a search operation at the Bathinda Junction railway station." In the past few days, Punjab Police have arrested multiple drug peddlers and smugglers in various districts of the state, seizing drugs and money worth lakhs of rupees. (ANI) West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday criticized TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's statement, alleging that Hindus have been marginalised due to "secularism" and accusing the government of favoring certain groups. Majumdar demanded the arrest of Siddiqullah Chowdhury, citing provocative comments against Hindus. He also highlighted a local incident where a father-son duo died, questioning the state's governance. Speaking to ANI, West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said, "Hindus have been hearing this dialogue for the last 75 years since Independence...By feeding the tablets of secularism, the entire Hindu society has been marginalized...Hargovind Das and his son Chandan Das, both father and son, died. What is happening? Is there a government or not? This government has completely sold itself to Jihadis." He questioned the law and order situation in the state and accused the government of ignoring violence and said that the West Bengal government has completely sold itself to Jihadis. "Abhishek Banerjee, who neither knows about West Bengal nor about Murshidabad, is jumping and saying big things...The kind of provoking words Siddiqullah Chowdhury has used against Hindus while being a minister, he should be arrested," Majumdar said. Majumdar launched a scathing attack on Abhishek Banerjee, saying he knows nothing about West Bengal or Murshidabad yet makes big statements without understanding the ground reality. Earlier, on Saturday, Trinamool Congress general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee said that "some people want to set Bengal on fire." He urged the people to maintain peace in the state and not fall prey to rumours. Banerjee further said that many people want to create unrest in West Bengal "by sowing seeds of division in the name of religion". He appealed to maintain peace and preserve Bengal's legacy of harmony. "Some people want to set Bengal on fire. We should maintain peace and not fall prey to rumours... Many people are trying to create unrest in Bengal by sowing seeds of division in the name of religion. I appeal to everyone today to maintain peace and preserve Bengal's legacy of harmony. We should all be alert and aware. Some people want Bengal to burn", Abhishek Banerjee said. Violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district and Jangipur during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in stone-pelting and torched police vehicles. After the Calcutta High Court order, BSF has deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday. Three people were killed on Friday night in Murshidabad in the aftermath of mob violence in the district, West Bengal Police said. (ANI) Union Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X on Sunday, remembered the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling it "a dark chapter" in India's freedom struggle that shook the entire nation. https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1911250654703526255 Paying homage, Shah wrote, "The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a dark chapter in India's freedom struggle that shook the entire country. The anger that arose among the countrymen due to the cruelty of the British rule, which had reached the pinnacle of inhumanity, turned the freedom movement into a struggle of the masses. I pay my tribute to the martyrs who were martyred in Jallianwala Bagh. The country will always cherish the immortal martyrs in its memories." Several other leaders also remembered the victims and the impact of the brutal massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, during British colonial rule. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling it a "dark chapter" in India's history and a "major turning point" in the country's freedom struggle. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nation's history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in India's freedom struggle. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, remains one of the darkest chapters in India's colonial history. According to the Ministry of Culture, the massacre marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle and is remembered as a symbol of courage and resistance. The massacre occurred in Amritsar, Punjab, where thousands had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh during the festival of Baisakhi. The gathering was also meant to peacefully protest against the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of leaders Dr Satyapal and Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew. British officer Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, without issuing any warning, ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed crowd. According to the Ministry of Culture, "1650 rounds were fired. The firing ceased only after the ammunition had run out." While official British records put the death toll at 291, Indian leaders like Madan Mohan Malviya estimated over 500 deaths. According to the Ministry of Culture, Brigadier General Dyer showed no remorse for his actions during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. (ANI) The police have arrested five accused in connection with a gruesome incident of gang rape. The victim was gang raped in broad daylight in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh, police said, adding that the victim had come to visit a picnic point, Nadrai Aqueduct, at Hazara Canal with her fiance. According to the police, more than half a dozen people have been accused of gang rape. The victim was dragged into a room by the accused while her fiance was beaten up outside. The victim visited her family after her health deteriorated, after which the incident of gang rape was reported to the police helpline. The police have arrested five people in connection with the incident and are on the lookout for others involved in the crime. "The accused dragged the girl to a room built on Hazara Canal. The accused kept threatening the fiance by beating him outside. The accused raped the victim one by one inside the room," the police said. Further investigation is ongoing into the matter. Meanwhile, three more accused were arrested in the Varanasi gangrape case on Friday, taking the total number of arrests to 12, police officials said. They were brought to the court and sent to district jail on the order of the court. ACP Vidush Saxena said, "A total of 12 accused have been arrested and are being sent to judicial custody. The remaining accused are being identified and will be accounted for soon. The victim and the family are being provided aid under the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scheme. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. Three more accused have been arrested and sent to jail." Earlier, on April 9, nine accused were sent to judicial custody by the District and Sessions Court. The police found the victim on April 4 in an unconscious state. The lawyer of one of the accused said that a total of 23 people have been accused in the case. The victim's father narrated the ordeal that his daughter had to undergo. (ANI) On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, thousands of devotees thronged Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar on Sunday. Offering fervent prayers and taking a holy dip in the sacred Sarovar, pilgrims marked the festival with deep reverence. Devotees will offer prayers in Gurudwara throughout the day. The festival of Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and is a spring harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and other parts of north India. One devotee, Sukminder, reflected on the spiritual significance of the day and said, "Today is Vaisakhi, the sacred day on which Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa in 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Revered as 'Sarbans Dani' -- the one who gave everything for dharma -- Guru Gobind Singh Ji is honoured as a spiritual father to the Khalsa Panth. Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib is the birthplace of the Khalsa, established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Vaisakhi in 1699. On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees also pay homage at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. For Sikhs and many other spiritual seekers around the world, the Harmandir Sahib remains a cherished place of devotion." Bobby Singh, a devotee from the UK, shared his joy of visiting the holy shrine. "I'm from Fazilka, along with his family, and accompanied by representatives from Nidana and a Vice-Chancellor (or other dignitary), paid a visit to Sri Harmandir Sahib," he said. Another devotee from the UK, Catalina Lopez, expressed her gratitude and said, "My name is Catalina Lopez, and we're here with our entire family to celebrate Vaisakhi. It's a moment of great joy for us. The children are truly fortunate to be part of this experience -- we feel incredibly blessed to be here." To celebrate the festival, people visit Gurudwaras, seek blessings, and participate in Nagar Kirtan. 'Kada prasad' is distributed among the devotees. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1699. On this day, Guru Gobind Singh abolished the distinction between higher and lower caste communities. (ANI) Delhi Police busted a drug syndicate after receiving secret information and arrested four people, including a woman. A total of 79 grams of heroin, worth lakhs of rupees, was recovered from their possession. The Vijay Vihar Police Station got a tip about drug peddlers in the area on March 24. Accordingly, a team laid a trap in the area for the arrest of the target. The team intercepted the suspected person and arrested one drug peddler. The accused was later identified as Gori Shankar resident of Raghubir Nagar, Delhi, aged 35 years, who was carrying illegal drugs in his possession. On searching, a total of 44.55 gms of illegal heroin was recovered from his possession. During further investigation, the police arrested another man, Akram, 46, from Vivek Vihar on March 26. He had a criminal record with two past cases under the NDPS Act for causing grievous hurt. Akram then revealed the name of another person involved, Kamal Yadav, 29, from Gamri Extension. Kamal was arrested on March 28, and police recovered 35 grams of heroin from him. He had previously been involved in 10 cases of theft and robbery. Later, on April 10, the main supplier, a woman named Reetu (name changed), 29, was also arrested from Raghubir Nagar. Police found that she used to supply drugs to the other three accused in different parts of Rohini. She had also been involved in two earlier cases under the Excise Act and NDPS Act. Further information on the case is still awaited. Recently, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), the Anti-Narcotics Cell and AATS/North District of Delhi apprehended two individuals involved in drug trafficking, police said on Tuesday. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, North District Raja Banthia, on the evening of April 4, acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted near Vasudev Ghat in Civil Lines, leading to the recovery of over 10 kilograms of high-quality Ganja. (ANI) West Bengal Police have arrested a total of 150 individuals in connection with the recent violence in the Murshidabad district, which was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas to maintain order, according to a statement by the police. On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, filed a PIL seeking deployment of central forces and an NIA probe. He said, "For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district." The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. Security was also heightened in Jangipur following violent protests that damaged public property. According to a police official, the demonstrations were in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, but the situation has now stabilised. On Friday, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose directed the Mamata Banerjee-led State government to take strict action against the miscreants responsible for disturbances in several areas of the state, including Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and other places in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas. Similarly, a Muslim organisation in Siliguri protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. A protester urged the central government to repeal the Act. Earlier, Students from Aliah University on Friday staged a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Kolkata. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively. It was passed in both Houses and later received the President's assent, after which it became a law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. While the Opposition has been protesting against the Waqf Act, the BJP has launched a 'Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign', which will run from April 20 to May 5. The initiative will tell the benefits of the Waqf Act to the Muslim community. (ANI) BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the recent violence in Murshidabad. Poonawalla accused the State of enabling "state-sponsored, state-protected, and state-encouraged targeted violence against Hindus." Poonawalla claimed that Hindus are being forced to migrate, with temples vandalized and idols demolished. "Bengal is burning, and Mamata Banerjee's govt is completely responsible for this. This is state-sponsored, state-protected, State-encouraged targeted violence against Hindus. Hindus are being forced to migrate, and idols in temples are being demolished. We also saw how the saffron flag was taken down. This is happening in the land of Swami Vivekananda. We saw that Hindu houses are being set on fire, and selectively, their shops are being set on fire. The way Hindus are being harassed, Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed that she is still engaged in appeasement...," he said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Police have arrested a total of 150 individuals in connection with the recent violence in the Murshidabad district, which was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas to maintain order, according to a statement by the police. On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, filed a PIL seeking the deployment of central forces and an NIA probe. He said, "For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district." The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. Security was also heightened in Jangipur following violent protests that damaged public property. According to a police official, the demonstrations were in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, but the situation has now stabilised. (ANI) Trinamool MP Khalilur Rahaman on Sunday condemned the recent violence in Murshidabad terming it "unwanted" and expressing deep sadness over the incident. Speaking to ANI, Rahaman clarified that no political leader or organization was involved in the agitation. "Some teenagers gathered, and a stone pelting incident occurred, injuring a few police officials," he said. The MP emphasized efforts to restore calm, stating, "I urged everyone to maintain peace. We conducted a route march with MLAs and respected locals to appeal for harmony." He added that police are actively monitoring the situation and expressed hope for unity, saying, "We pray we all stay together like brothers." Yesterday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces "immediately" in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far. Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who has filed a PIL seeking deployment of central forces and an NIA probe, said, "For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district." The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17. Security was also heightened in Jangipur following violent protests that damaged public property. According to a police official, the demonstrations were in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, but the situation has now stabilised. On Friday, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose directed the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to take strict action against the miscreants responsible for disturbances in several areas of the state, including Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and other places in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas. Similarly, a Muslim organisation in Siliguri protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. A protester urged the central government to repeal the Act. Earlier, Students from Aliah University on Friday staged a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Kolkata. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively. It was passed in both Houses and later received the President's assent, after which it became a law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. While the Opposition has been protesting against the Waqf Act, the BJP has launched a 'Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign', which will run from April 20 to May 5. The initiative will tell the benefits of the Waqf Act to the Muslim community. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma expressed confidence that Naxalism will be eradicated from the Bastar region within the next year. In a podcast with ANI, the Deputy Chief Minister, who holds the portfolio of Home Ministry in the state, emphasised that Naxalites lack specific demands, instead aiming to form a government through violent means, at gunpoint in Chhattisgarh. "Protests occur all over the world and in countries on certain demands, and the government fulfils them if they come under constitutional limitations. There is nothing in it. PM Modi had also made a farmers' law which was good for them, but the government repealed it because farmers wanted to do it so. But in Chhattisgarh, what are the demands of Naxalism? What do they want? They haven't ever given any demand form or letter to the government. They just want to form their government on the gunpoint and end democracy. They want Maoism here, similar to what China had. This is not possible. This is the reason why it is taking time to end Naxalism here. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took resolutions to end insurgency in the northeastern states. Our party had a resolution of abrogating Article 370, and we did it wonderfully in 2019. Previously, there were also bomb attacks in the country, but now, it doesn't happen. There was a time when terrorists were fed with Biryani. But now, Modi-government won't let this happen now," Sharma said. The Chhattisgarh Deputy CM said that the government is committed to bringing development and infrastructure to Bastar, addressing the lack of basic facilities such as water, roads, electricity, and connectivity. Deputy CM Sharma said, "Now, Bastar wants to end Naxalism from roots. I have met thousands of people of Bastar, and they want to end it now. We bring youths from Bastar to Raipur and show them the development and infrastructure. These youths haven't even seen TV. There is no development in the villages of Bastar, no method of irrigation, no electricity, no water, no school, no mobile, no connectivity, no roads, etc. These situations cannot be tolerated. The government is dedicated to bringing developments there. There are no chances of negotiation as they have no demands; they just want to form a government at gunpoint. But still, our government is ready to rehabilitate them and help them come into the mainstream and have discussions with the government. I am saying with confidence that in the next one year, Naxalism will end from Bastar..." Sharma mentioned that the government is willing to rehabilitate Naxalites who want to join the mainstream and has a surrender policy in place. "Many times, various states and governments tried to negotiate, formed committees, but all failed. If they (Naxals) want to negotiate, they can, if they want to send an associate for talks, the government will take full responsibility of its safety," he added. Naxalites have been accused of violent tactics, including taking children from villages to train them. Citing examples of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China and the Errabore violence in India, Sharma emphasized that such actions are not revolutionary but rather a means to impose their ideology through force. "I don't want to call it a revolution, as there is nothing revolutionary in it. They want to form a government on gunpoint. Where in the world can Maoism find a place? They killed their own students with tanks and at Tiananmen Square. Errabore is one such example in India, where Naxalites killed several tribals in groups. We will work on these. They didn't kill security forces; they burnt the village and killed tribals in groups. It is a tactic of those who work on the principle of Maoism," the Deputy CM said. When asked about children being taken away and trained by Naxalites, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Sharma said, "Some people might claim that Police Intelligence report is fabricated, but it is clearly mentioned in their letter that Naxalites have taken away a 9-year-old child and are training him." The government is working to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Bastar, showcasing development and progress to local youths. Initiatives like the 'Niyad Nellanar Yojana' aim to bring positive change to the region. "We have that letter with us... the government's 'Niyad Nellanar Yojana' is going on. So, now, people in the nearby villages say that the (Police) camp should not be removed from there or else they (Naxals) will come again. Naxals have decided that from every house in those villages, they will take away a boy and girl...," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to eradicate Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026, with significant progress already made in the fight against Naxalism. There has been an 81 per cent reduction in Naxal violence in the last 14 years, since the 2010 menace touched its peak with a maximum of 1,936 such incidents, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Rajya Sabha earlier. Citing data collated by the ministry, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the number of incidents of naxal violence was reduced to 374 in 2024. The number of "deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85 per cent during this period from 1,005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024." MoS Rai further said, "Incidents of violence by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), which were 501 in 2019 have reduced to 374 in 2024-- a reduction of 25 per cent." (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while virtually addressing the Katyur Mahotsav on Sunday, announced that the urban drinking water scheme would be approved in Garud. He also stated that science classes will be recognised at Inter College Gagrigol. Additionally, a ghat and an assembly hall will be constructed and beautified at the Chakravarteshwar temple in K.D., according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. A tin shed will be constructed at the Pandey Ramlila Ground, and Rs2 lakh will be provided for organising the Katyur Mahotsav. In his address, the Chief Minister said that the historic land of Baijnath served as the capital of the Katyur dynasty in the 7th century. The Katyuri rulers were renowned for their rich art, glorious culture, religious devotion, and just governance. He added that the ancient Baijnath temple, built during the Katyuri reign, is a significant centre of faith in Uttarakhand and across India. This shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as a fine example of Katyuri-era architecture. The Chief Minister described the Katyur Mahotsav as a commendable effort to bring broader recognition to the region's rich cultural heritage. Events like these play a crucial role in preserving traditions and passing them on to future generations. He emphasised that Uttarakhand's folk culture is its true identity, and residents should take pride in their traditional art, attire, food, and customs. The statement added that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is committed to Uttarakhand's comprehensive development, revival of religious sites, and the preservation of cultural identity. The Chief Minister also mentioned efforts to revive and beautify mythological temples in Kumaon, under the Manaskhand circuit, similar to Kedarkhand. As part of this initiative, Baijnath Dham and the Maa Kot Bhramari Temple are being developed. Several schemes are being implemented to prevent migration from the hills and to promote the local economy and tourism. The 'One District, Two Products' scheme has helped enhance local livelihood opportunities, while the 'House of Himalayas' brand has brought global recognition to local products. Additionally, the state's local economy is being strengthened through initiatives such as the State Millet Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, New Tourism Policy, New Film Policy, Homestay Scheme, and the 'Wade in Uttarakhand' initiative. These schemes are creating new employment opportunities and opening up possibilities in the tourism and agriculture sectors. The Chief Minister further noted that a helicopter service has recently been launched for Bageshwar, which will boost tourism and the regional economy. He said the long-pending dream of connecting Bageshwar by rail, unfulfilled for generations, is now moving forward. The survey for the railway line has been completed, and construction will begin soon. This project is expected to open up new avenues for development in the Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts. Speaking at the festival, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta said that such events are vital for passing historical heritage on to future generations. He emphasised the responsibility of preserving the Katyur region's rich culture. He highlighted the significance of the Baijnath temple and Rani Jiya Rani, stating that the area's cultural diversity has enriched it over time. The Union Minister also discussed the government's plan to connect 'Kedarkhand to Manaskhand' through a tourism circuit spanning Gwaldam, Baijnath, Bageshwar, Munsiyari, Dharchula, Adi Kailash, and Purnagiri. He said this will help increase pilgrimage and tourism. With the support of PM Modi, road networks are being rapidly developed nationwide, including in the Himalayan region, which is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and tourism. Shiv Singh Bisht, who attended the programme, described Katyur Valley as a historic area and praised the festival for showcasing the region's culture and traditions. He called it a symbol of unity and enthusiasm among the local people. MLA Parvati Das said that such festivals are essential for preserving and promoting culture. Other speakers--including Kapkot MLA Suresh Gadhiya, District Panchayat Administrator Basanti Dev, and former MLA Lalit Farswan--also commended the event for its role in promoting cultural awareness. District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgain said that events like this allow the younger generation to connect with their roots and understand the culture more deeply. He noted that such programmes not only preserve cultural values but also strengthen social harmony and mutual understanding. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday announced that Rs 1400 crore of work funded by the World Bank is currently underway in Tripura to improve the livelihoods and socio-economic status of the Janajati people, said the CMO statement. While inaugurating the 51st State Level Bizu Mela at Lamindar Para, Chawmanu, in the Dhalai District, Dr. Saha said the Chakma community's Bizu festival would be held for five days. "I am really happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his message on the occasion of the Bizu festival. I want to congratulate PM Modi from the state. We are bidding adieu to this year and welcoming the new year at the end of Chaitra. On this day, we must take a pledge that the works which were not fulfilled and not done have to be taken up after discussion in the coming year, and we must move forward to develop the state," CM Saha. He further added, "Chakmas will celebrate Bizu, Bihu of the Assamese, Boisu of the Tripuri people, Garia of the Jamatia, Gajan and Naba Barsha of Bengalis, which have been celebrated year after year. We have 19 Janajati communities in our state. The main aim of the present state government is to preserve the culture, tradition, and history of the Janajati people. We can't let such things be erased. I am really happy to know that the Chakma community has introduced their own script, and I want to thank them. Having our own script is a big matter." He said that earlier, no government thought about the Janajati people. "However, when PM Modi came, they saw significant development, and around seven Janajati personalities have received Padma Shri Awards. We have given due respect to the Manikya Dynasty and have declared many things. Before coming here, I chaired a meeting on the Aspirational District and reviewed the development works. What I observed is that Aspirational Districts are working better than other districts on various parameters. We have signed an agreement, and the World Bank has given us Rs 1400 crore under the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP) to improve the livelihoods and socio-economic status of Janajati people," he added. During the event, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma, Dhalai DM Saju Vahid, Dhalai SP Mihir Lal Das, and others were present, said in a statement. (ANI) BJP MLA from Siliguri, Shankar Ghosh, led a protest on Sunday against the alleged assault on two Hindu devotees during Charak Puja rituals at the Mahananda River. Ghosh accused a Trinamool Congress government (TMC) member of being the main accused and criticised the state government for inaction. Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said, "The main culprit of this incident is a member of TMC. That is why no order has been given yet to arrest him. If the arrest doesn't happen within two days, I will request the whole Charak Puja Committee to protest. Our Hindustan gave shelter to everyone in West Bengal. And the same West Bengal is attacking Hindus today. Despite our Chief Minister being a Hindu, she is staying silent on Hindus being attacked in West Bengal." Earlier on Sunday, he alleged that the TMC government has created such an environment that it is a sin to be born as a Hindu in West Bengal. "Yesterday, two boys from Ward 4 had gone to the Mahananda River to fulfil worship rituals of the Charak Puja. Five boys sitting next to the river threw a bottle at the two boys. When the two boys protested against it, they were beaten up badly. This proves that it is a sin to be born as a Hindu in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee's government has created such an environment here. In Samserganj, Das's family members were killed because their crime was that they were Hindus. Police vehicles are being torched. The BDO office is being vandalised," Ghosh said. Charak Puja is observed on Chaitra Sankranti, the final day of the Bengali calendar year. It is a ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, during which male devotees perform a traditional act of swinging from a pole with hooks fastened to their backs. Meanwhile, Violence erupted recently in Murshidabad and Jangipur during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, with demonstrators clashing with police, pelting stones, and torching police vehicles. According to West Bengal Police, three people were killed on Friday night in Murshidabad following the violent clashes linked to protests against the new Waqf law. Following a Calcutta High Court order, the Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed five companies to support state police operations, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said on Saturday. (ANI) Karnataka government's Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed on Sunday stated that the police firing in Hubballi, which resulted in the death of an accused in a POCSO and murder case, was carried out in self-defence after the man tried to assault a woman police officer. Clarifying that there was no lapse in law and order, Ahmed said the police handled the situation efficiently. "The commissioner has given me the information that the accused tried to hit the lady inspector, and in self-defence, she had to fire at him. It is not a failure of law and order. Our police are competent enough to take action, so have they," he said. In a recent development, Hubballi Police Commissioner N Shashikumar said, "This morning in the Vijayanagara area under the Ashoknagar police station of Hubballi-Dharwad, there was an incident where a 4- to 5-year-old girl's body was found in an abandoned shed. The accused was traced and confessed to having committed the offence. On the basis of the complaint from the parents of the deceased girl, a case of murder and POCSO was registered." He further detailed the information about the incidents that happened during the interrogation. The accused was identified as Ritesh Kumar, 35 years old, a native of Patna, Bihar. He tried to assault the police and ran away from police custody. In the process, he damaged the police vehicle and pelted stones at police staff. One of our PSIs opened fire in the air to prevent the accused from escaping. She also fired two rounds at the accused, injuring him in his leg and chest. He was brought to KMC (Karnataka Medical Council) for medical treatment, but he was declared dead. Earlier, a massive protest was held for a whole day at various places in Hubballi by various organisations. (ANI) In a proud moment for Assam and the rich cultural heritage of India, Mukunda Saikia Borbayan, an esteemed Vaishnavite from the historic North Kamalabari Satra in Majuli, will perform the centuries-old Satriya Nritya at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Satriya Nritya, a classical dance form of Assam, was introduced in the 15th century by the Neo-Vaishnavite saint and reformer Shrimanta Shankar Dev. It was envisioned as a medium to spread the Vaishnava faith and has since been preserved and performed within the sattras (monastic institutions) of Assam. This devotional art form continues to thrive through generations of dedicated practitioners like Borbayan. Representing the spiritual and cultural teachings of both Shrimanta Shankar Dev and his disciple Madhav Dev, Mukunda Saikia Borbayan's performance in Japan is more than just a dance--it is a showcase of the living heritage of Assamese culture. His participation is part of a delegation of 25 artists from across India, including three from Assam, who have been selected to represent the country at the prestigious global event. The World Expo 2025, set to take place in Osaka, promises to be a global confluence of culture, innovation, and exchange. As Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, prepares to host the world, Borbayan's performance is expected to cast a spotlight on the rich spiritual traditions and artistic excellence of India's Northeast. Mukunda Madhab Borbayan told ANI, "On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, the Government of India (Bharat Sarkar Sanskritik Mantralay) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, 25 artists, including myself, are preparing to perform at the Osaka Festival, which will be held in Japan. Artists from 14 countries are participating in this international event. We will be showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India." He added, "Three of us are representing Assam. I have been selected to perform Sattriya Nritya (dance), and the other two artists from Assam will present folk dances. We have been allotted 10 minutes for our performance. After the performance, we will return on April 20." This opportunity marks a significant step in promoting and preserving indigenous art forms on an international platform, ensuring that the legacy of Shrimanta Shankar Dev and the vibrant tradition of Satriya continue to inspire across borders. (ANI) As the US and China engage in a tariff war, Tanvi Madan, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, said on the sidelines of the Carnegie Global Tech Summit that India is going to be carefully watching these developments. She also spoke about the increasing Indo-US partnership across areas such as security cooperation. Speaking to ANI on the impact of the trade war between the US and China, Tanvi Madan said, "I think India is going to be watching very carefully what the developments are in US-China trade war. Some have even called it a trade embargo given the nature and the scale of the tariffs." She said that as a result of this, there would emerge both opportunities and challenges for India. "There will be places where there is an opportunity for India. For example, there are certain Indian products that if there's a US-India deal, might actually get better access to the market or even replace certain Chinese products." Speaking on the challenges for India, she noted that "India exports a lot to the US and it imports a lot from China." She noted that issues such as dumping of goods, could take place. "If China can't export to the US, where are those products going to go? Either they'll come to places like India or they'll go to other markets, Europe, the global South, where India also has markets and so we'll have to compete at a different level. So I think watching very carefully, but I think on India, China, it's going to open up certain opportunities and certain challenges. India." Speaking about the Indo-US cooperation, she noted that since the 26/11 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of both Indians and Americans, there has been increased collaboration between the law enforcement, homeland security, counterterrorism collaboration, working Groups on terrorism designation, legal work in terms of how to actually reconcile the extradition requests, amongst others. "So I think you're seeing the signs of both a broader cooperation, cooperative relationship and the benefits of that, but also very specific counterintelligence, counterterrorism and intelligence cooperation and homeland security cooperation over the ages," Madan said. (ANI) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said that the allegations made by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were "baseless" and firmly rejected these during a hearing before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. As per the Foreign Ministry, the SAF failed to present any credible evidence, thereby exposing a weak and illegitimate case with no legal basis, and failed to meet any evidentiary standard. The UAE strongly addressed the allegations during the hearing, demonstrating that the claims brought in front of the ICJ have no factual basis. The foreign ministry cited UAE delegation's statement during the hearing, where it said, "We [the UAE] should not be here today. There is clearly no basis for the Court's jurisdiction in this case. The UAE's reservation to Article IX of the Genocide Convention is a legitimate exercise of state sovereignty. The country participates today out of respect for the Court and the principles of international law and justice, even as it firmly maintains a consistent position on jurisdiction." Furthermore, the UAE reaffirmed, "Since the very beginning of this conflict, the UAE has worked tirelessly to try to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. The UAE has engaged with partners, including the United Nations, to deliver over USD 600 million of assistance. It has established field hospitals in the neighboring states of Chad and South Sudan to assist those fleeing the fighting with doctors and nurses treating all of those in need, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or political affiliation." As per the Foreign Ministry, the delegation further stressed that the UAE has been clear and consistent in its position on Sudan: "There is no military solution to this conflict. The UAE has called for a ceasefire; for humanitarian pauses to facilitate the delivery of aid; and for accountability for violations of international law by the two warring factions, the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. Moreover, the UAE has called for a political process to transition to civilian rule, and it supported and engaged in regional and international mediation efforts to bring an end to the fighting, from Jeddah, to Manama, to US-led mediation efforts last year in Switzerland." The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs further added, "In stark contrast, the applicant [the SAF] has single-mindedly pursued a military victory at the expense of a peaceful resolution to this conflict. They rejected calls to return to talks in Jeddah. They walked away from discussions in Manama. They refused to attend the US-led mediation in Switzerland. The SAF rushes to this podium in The Hague, but for two years it has left its seat at the negotiation table empty." As per the Foreign Ministry, speaking immediately after the hearing concluded, Reem Ketait, Deputy Assistant Minister of Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Co-Agent, said, "Today, we addressed the misleading application by the SAF which was completely devoid of evidence and without legal basis, completely distorting the Genocide Convention and the requirements of State responsibility. This is not a legitimate legal action; it is a cynical PR stunt, designed to distract from the SAF's own record of atrocities. We reiterate, this is a war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, we support no party. We support peace, humanitarian aid, and a return to civilian government." According to the Foreign Ministry, Ameirah Obaid AlHefeiti, UAE's Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and UAE Court Agent, added, "The Sudanese Armed Forces' application to the ICJ is an attempt to divert attention from its own legal and moral responsibility for its criminal acts and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the country. Atrocities credibly attributed to the SAF over the past two years include widespread extrajudicial and targeted killings of civilians, indiscriminate attacks on populated areas, including with chemical weapons, and the obstruction of humanitarian access. It is clear that the SAF seeks to instrumentalise the Court for its own political self-interest, rather than committing to international efforts towards peace in Sudan. The Sudanese people deserve peace and dignity, and deserve a civilian-led government that puts their interests and their priorities first and foremost." (ANI) Indian envoy Anupam Ray lauded the Government of India's space policy and said that the recent changes will leverage the expertise of the private sector, the ingenuity of Indian engineers and scientists, thereby placing India on a much higher growth trajectory in the domain of space. He made the remarks on the sidelines of the Carnegie Global Tech Summit. Speaking to ANI about India's strides in the space sector, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, Anupam Ray, said, "We are a major space-faring nation. What that means is the ability to launch objects in space, fabricate and operate satellites, manage satellite applications and space situational awareness. In all of these, we have an unusually high degree of capacity, particularly for a country that belongs to the Global South." He highlighted that with this set of capabilities, India is amongst the only few countries in the world to be a part of this group. "The recent changes in space policy by the government of India, which try to leverage the expertise of the private sector, the ingenuity of Indian engineers and scientists--I think these will place India on a much higher growth trajectory in space at a time when space is taking off with a new space economy. I believe the potential is huge," he told ANI. Speaking about India's transparency and confidence-building measures in the space sector, Ambassador Ray said that India is a responsible participant and also responsibly observes all rules, such as avoiding and mitigating debris.Noting that space is a common domain, Ambassador Ray said, "It belongs to all of humanity, so everybody has a stake and a say, and these are complicated and technical conversations. So both as a country with space faring capacity and as a country which believes in international diplomacy, I think we have led by example and with a determination to do what is good for everyone." He also brought attention to the rapid commercialisation of the space sector and said, "India is one of the major players in this new space economy. We have a vibrant startup sector." Noting that India has a growing body of expertise in the private sector and the government sector, which deals with space on a day-to-day basis, "so this gives us capability, confidence, knowledge, and most importantly, desire to create the rules and regulations that will be adequate to the new space economy." (ANI) Senior research fellow Shruti Rajagopalan welcomed America's decision to pause the trade tariffs for a window of 90 days and expressed her views on the global trade order. She also spoke about the steps Indian policymakers can adopt to make exports more competitive. Rajagopalan made the remarks on the sidelines of the Carnegie Global Tech Summit. Speaking to ANI about the pause on Trump Tariffs, Rajagopalan said, "A 90-day pause is a welcome announcement from the United States, but overall, cooler heads need to prevail. There needs to be a systemic solution. I don't think it is a good idea to walk away from the old global trade order." She said that people are needed at the table "who will actually negotiate low certain tariff rates across most goods and services, except very few that threaten the security and sovereignty of individual nations." Speaking about India, she said, "I think India needs to have very clear free trade agreements bilaterally with individual countries, but other than that, I think India needs to systematically reduce its tariffs and protectionism. The reason is that it directly impacts our export competitiveness." She underscored that if 'Make in India' and 'Manufacture in India' have to be promoted, then the need of the hour is to "have very strong trading relationships". She said, "We need to dramatically reduce tariffs from our import partners so that we avoid tariff inversion so that we can increase our export competitiveness, and actually start increasing our overall global trade, which is also in India's domestic interest, irrespective of what the other countries do." In her concluding remarks, she said, "My advice to Indian policymakers is just to lower protectionism and have low specific certain tariffs across the long term so that all individual businesses can actually figure out their supply chains and become very competitive exports." (ANI) Isaac E Vasquez Montilla, Director of Public Innovation at Dominican Republic's Ministry of Public Administration hailed the digital transformation taking place in India and highlighted the positive aspects of digital services to enhance efficiency in public services' delivery. Making the remarks on the sidelines of the Carnegie Global Tech Summit, Montilla told ANI that technology is being used to provide public services in a quick and easy manner. "Digital platform is the best way for the benefit of all the citizens." He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can be put together for the best. Montilla shared examples of how platforms are being built in the Dominican Republic for integrating services into one platform for access to services like health and education. He noted that apart from the government financing these projects, there is a need for other players to step in for bringing the digital revolution faster. Speaking about the digital landscape of India, he said, "India is an amazing example." Referring to previous session, he said that "DPI plus AI is the bridge for 1 billion of Indian people, so it's amazing." He called the financial sector digitisation as another amazing step in India's digital transformation. Comparing the population of the Dominican Republic to Delhi, Isaac E Vasquez Montilla said, "We are 10 million people in Dominican Republic. In just Delhi, I believe that you are 30 million people, so you know it's amazing what you are doing for the digital inclusion for all the people here in India and of course it's a really good example for all the countries around the world." (ANI) Opposition parties have intensified pressure on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), urging prosecutors to identify any of its members allegedly colluding with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) amid a growing national security scandal involving espionage, Taipei Times reported. The call came as Ho Jen-chieh, a former assistant to National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu during his tenure as foreign minister, was detained yesterday in connection with an espionage case. His arrest adds to a string of national security-related detentions involving individuals linked to the DPP. In February, Presidential Office consultant Wu Shang-yu, former DPP staffer Chiu Shih-yuan, and councilor assistant Huang Chu-jing were also detained over similar allegations. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu responded to the developments by demanding that the DPP take responsibility for rooting out any spies within its ranks, regardless of political affiliation. "Colluding with the CCP and betraying Taiwan is a severe matter," Chu said. "The KMT undoubtedly loves Taiwan and would strive for the Republic of China's benefits." The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) caucus echoed the criticism in a Facebook post, claiming the DPP frequently accuses others of aiding the CCP while itself acting as a "national team of Chinese spies," reported Taipei Times. The post accused the CCP of infiltrating the government at the highest levels, including the Presidential Office and national security and foreign affairs agencies. It alleged that the DPP, despite calling for the public to recall opposition lawmakers, has itself been infiltrated by numerous spies and is steering Taiwan toward a "single-party regime like China." The TPP further urged President William Lai, who also serves as DPP chairman, to investigate how long the infiltration has persisted and how many party members may be secretly working for Beijing. Meanwhile, KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin, who earlier this week mistakenly accused a National Security Council specialist of espionage and later apologised, clarified that she was referring to a different individual, Ho Jen-chieh, who had served as Wu's assistant, Taipei Times reported. Hsu said prosecutors had obtained information about Ho's alleged spying activities as early as February but failed to act swiftly, potentially giving him time to coordinate with others or flee. (ANI) In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry said, "6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 am (UTC+8) today. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1911223191185580168 The latest development follows heightened activity recorded just a day earlier. On Saturday, the MND said it had detected 34 sorties of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan by 6 a.m. that day. Of the 34 aircraft, 19 crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ), underscoring increased Chinese military presence in the region. These frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence with strong public support and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI) Taiwan is seeking to deepen its ties with Fiji through long-term development and community engagement, Taiwan's representative to Fiji, Joseph Chow, said in an interview with Duavata News. Emphasising a people-centred approach, Chow underscored that Taiwan's relationship with Fiji extends far beyond traditional diplomacy. "Taiwan's relations with Fiji go beyond diplomacy," Chow said, highlighting the emphasis on capacity building and community outreach. He noted that these ties are not one-sided but built on collaboration, Taiwan News reported. "We're not just talking about diplomatic exchanges between two governments; we're talking about a long-standing relationship with the Fijian people," he said. "Our focus has always been on the well-being of the people of Fiji and sustainable development." The Taiwan Technical Mission plays a key role in this engagement, supporting Fiji's agricultural sector by boosting vegetable production and enhancing the yield and quality of tropical fruits. In addition, Taiwan offers scholarships for Fijian students to pursue higher education in Taiwan across sectors such as agriculture, technology, and medicine. "Our scholarship programs are designed to equip young Fijians with the knowledge and skills to contribute to Fiji's future development," Chow said as per reports by Taiwan News. According to Duavata News, Taiwan positions its cooperation model as distinct from the more "forceful approaches" sometimes used by larger powers. Chow reaffirmed that Taiwan's initiatives are rooted in mutual respect. "We believe that Fiji, like other Pacific nations, benefits from a diversified network of partners," he said. "We are not here to pressure Fiji or to dictate their foreign policy. We are here to help, to collaborate, and to work together in areas where we have expertise." Chow's remarks come amid heightened diplomatic competition in the Pacific. China has ramped up its presence in the region, drawing away several of Taiwan's allies, including Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, and most recently, Nauru, Taiwan News reported. In contrast, some countries are reaffirming their commitment to Taipei. At a Lowy Institute event last week, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr declared: "until death do us part," asserting his nation's enduring alliance with Taiwan despite pressure from Beijing. (ANI) In response to a formal request from the Government of Myanmar, a specialist team of Indian Army Engineers arrived in the country on 6 April 2025 under Operation Brahma, further reaffirming India's ongoing commitment to regional support and humanitarian relief. According to the Indian Army, the Engineer Recce Team--led by the unit's Commanding Officer and comprising one officer and five personnel--has been deployed to assess earthquake-affected infrastructure in the Mandalay and Naypyitaw regions. The deployment marks a crucial phase in India's continued efforts to support Myanmar following the deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on 28 March. The team has been conducting a comprehensive assessment of damaged structures and facilities, providing critical technical input to guide ongoing relief and reconstruction measures. Operation Brahma has been India's dedicated humanitarian outreach to Myanmar in the wake of the disaster. As part of this initiative, India has also extended aid to the Indian diaspora in the Yangon region. The Embassy of India in Myanmar stated that Ambassador Abhay Thakur handed over 15 tonnes of rice, cooking oil, and foodstuff to a local community relief group. The Consulate General of India in Mandalay similarly contributed by providing a generator set, water purifier, and cooking oil to the Ambika temple kitchen, which is currently serving meals to 4,000 people daily. "Giving a helping hand to our diaspora. This week, Ambassador Abhay Thakur handed over 15 T rice, cooking oil & foodstuff to the community Relief Group in Yangon, and the Consulate General of India in Mandalay gave a genset, water purifier & cooking oil for Ambika temple kitchen serving 4000 pax daily," the embassy said on X. In Mandalay, India has also set up a Field Hospital to treat the injured. As of 9 April, the Indian Army reported that a total of 1,651 patients had been treated at the facility, including 281 on that day alone. Medical teams have performed seven major surgeries and 38 minor procedures. India also delivered 442 tonnes of food aid last Friday, part of a cumulative 625 metric tonnes of humanitarian supplies sent under Operation Brahma. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 80 personnel and four specially trained canine units, has also been deployed to support rescue operations on the ground. According to Myanmar's State Administration Council, the earthquake has claimed 3,645 lives, injured 5,017 people, and left 148 missing. With damage spread across six regions--including the capital--and critical infrastructure disrupted, the situation remains dire. The disaster has compounded an already severe humanitarian crisis from the ongoing civil war, which has displaced over three million people and left nearly 20 million in need of aid, according to UN figures cited by Al Jazeera. (ANI) The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has sought clarification from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over its attempts to establish contact with the establishment, Geo News reported. Speaking on Geo News programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath" on Friday, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza said that his party has reservations if PTI seeks to ally with them and has contacts with the establishment simultaneously. He noted that JUI-F wants any contacts and talks to be on behalf of the alliance platform and that an understanding needs to be reached if his party and PTI are moving forward together. Murtaza said that PTI leader Humayun Mohmand has denied the party's contacts with the establishment. However, he said that JUI-F still wants PTI leader Asad Qasier's clarification on the issue. He said, "We have no issues with their [PTI's] contacts [with establishment], but we will step back from [any] alliance [if that's the case]," Geo News reported. Murtaza's remarks come after PTI Senator Azam Swati said that he has started contacting the establishment after PTI founder Imran Khan allowed him to do so. In a video statement, Azam Swati said that Imran Khan had asked him to hold talks with the establishment and directed him to keep the details regarding the discussions confidential, ARY News reported. He said that although Imran Khan has publicly criticised the establishment on social media, behind-the-scenes efforts were being made to hold talks. Azam Swati said that Imran Khan had asked him to be well-prepared for such discussions, similar to previous instances where sensitive matters had been addressed, ARY News reported. The JUI-F and the PTI who share a bitter political past have found common ground against "rigged" elections held on February 8 last year. The two parties have held multiple meetings and have been in talks to forge an anti-government alliance for some time now. However, issues and reservations continue between the two parties who have yet to settle their differences and reach a consensus on any alliance framework. (ANI) The opposition alliance operating under the banner of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced the launch of its protest campaign, beginning with a public rally in Islamabad on April 20, the Express Tribune reported. The move signals the start of a renewed political showdown with the ruling PML-N-led coalition. According to TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Yousafzai, the rally will be hosted by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and held in the G-9 sector of the capital. Yousafzai confirmed that key opposition leaders, including TTAP and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and senior figures from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), will address the gathering. He also said that invitations would be extended to other opposition parties to join the event. This announcement comes just weeks after the conclusion of a two-day multi-party opposition conference that laid the foundation for the protest drive. The conference ended with a joint declaration calling for the supremacy of the Constitution, the immediate release of political prisoners, fresh elections, and the repeal of what the alliance described as "unconstitutional amendments" introduced by the government, reported the Express Tribune. Despite the growing momentum, internal disagreements persist within the alliance--most notably the reluctance of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) to formally join the protest movement. JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has withheld support, citing concerns about PTI's leadership structure in the absence of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. PTI leaders had expressed optimism that JUI-F might commit to the alliance following Eid, but no agreement has yet materialised. Sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that while most disputes between PTI and JUI-F have been settled, the key issue remains leadership, the Express Tribune reported. Fazl is reportedly firm in his demand that any PTI representative leading the movement must have full authority--an assurance PTI is struggling to provide due to limited communication with Khan, who remains incarcerated. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 13 (ANI/WAM): Under the patronage of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, the Behavioural Science Group (BSG) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the globally renowned Behavioural Exchange (BX2025) conference in a first for the MENA region, from 30th April to 1st May 2025, under the theme "New Frontiers in Behavioural Science". Ahead of the event, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the importance the UAE places on behavioural science to inform decisions on complex challenges and deliver better outcomes for society. The discipline is based on a deep understanding of human decision-making and offers insight into how people might respond to policies or initiatives. He also emphasised that by understanding the motivational drivers of behaviour, individuals can be empowered to pursue their personal goals while contributing to the wellbeing of their wider communities. Such behavioural shifts are central to development - supporting improvements in public health and nutrition, encouraging more sustainable consumption, and aligning individual choices with national and global policy objectives. Behavioural science also plays a key role in simplifying government processes and improving the effectiveness of social programmes. Now in its seventh global edition, BX2025 will bring together world-leading policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss topics including the ethical use of AI and digital technologies, sustainable urban design, health equity, early education and sustainable development. (ANI/WAM) One person died after a plane crashed in a field near the town of Copake, New York, on Saturday, The New York Times reported, citing the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Two passengers were onboard the plane, a Mitsubishi MU-2B heading to Columbia County Airport near Hudson, New York, which crashed a little after noon, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. While addressing a news conference on Saturday afternoon, Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore said that the aircraft came down near Two Town Road and did not cause damage to any structure. She did not reveal how many people had been killed or if there were any survivors. The two passengers have not been identified yet. According to the tracking site Flightradar24, a private aircraft of the same model departed from Westchester County Airport in New York's White Plains shortly after 11:30 am, flying north toward Hudson before turning east at about noon. A few minutes later, the plane disappeared from the site near Copake, The New York Times reported. According to FAA records, the plane was registered to a company based outside Boston. Salvatore said that in addition to the sheriff's officers, personnel from the New York State Police and a local fire department also responded to the incident. She said that law enforcement officials received a 911 call about the crash at around noon. Salvatore said that snow and moisture on the ground were impacting response efforts. She said, "It's in the middle of a field and it's pretty muddy, so accessibility is difficult." It was not immediately clear what had caused the plane to crash. She stated that local law enforcement planned to conduct interviews in the neighbourhood to learn more about the incident. According to the aviation agency's statement, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting an investigation into the crash, The New York Times reported. In November last year, a small plane carrying a pilot and four rescue dogs crashed roughly 50 miles west of Copake. In June, five members of a family were killed after a small plane crashed near Binghamton while it was heading from Cooperstown to Georgia. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi and shared the details of the conversation in a post on X on Sunday. In a post on X, the EAM said that the two leaders discussed the regional developments taking place. The EAM wrote on X, "Appreciate the telecon with FM @badralbusaidi of Oman today. Discussed recent regional developments." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1911423893270675648 Previously, Al Jazeera reported that the United States and Iran had concluded "indirect" negotiations in Muscat, Oman, and agreed to hold further talks next week. The discussions, mediated by Oman, aimed to address key issues between the two countries. The talks were described as being conducted in a "constructive atmosphere and based on mutual respect." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff led their respective delegations, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi acting as chief mediator, as per Al Jazeera. The conversation between EAM Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Oman come after the two had held a bilateral meeting in February earlier this year. During the meeting, both leaders had reviewed the full spectrum of India-Oman relations. The EAM conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the Indian Ocean Conference and for their steadfast support in strengthening India-Oman ties. Discussions also focused on avenues for further enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, the MEA noted in its statement. According to the Ministry, EAM Jaishankar also unveiled the specially designed logo celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, along with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. As both countries prepare to commemorate this in 2025, the logo symbolises the long-standing partnership built on history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties. Notably, EAM Jaishankar also launched the book, Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman, along with the Foreign Minister of Oman. Brought out by the Embassy of India in Muscat, the book highlights the rich history of the Indian diaspora in Oman and the centuries-old people-to-people ties that continue to shape bilateral relations. (ANI) Leading Baloch human rights body, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held protests and demonstrations across several places in Balochistan to express its anguish over the arrest of its leadership and raised voice against the ongoing state violence. The details of the protests were shared by BYC in a series of posts on X. In the city of Naal, a protest rally was held against the unlawful detention of BYC leadership. BYC wrote on X, "On the call of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a protest rally was held today in Naal. Protesters gathered in large numbers to denounce the ongoing state violence, enforced disappearances, and the unlawful detention of BYC leadership." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1911476324071260509 In Nokundi, protestors raised slogans against ongoing state repression. BYC wrote on X, "On the call of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a protest rally was held today in Nokundi. Participants raised slogans against the state's ongoing repression and demanded the release of BYC's detained leadership." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1911474866555175037 A massive rally was held in Gwadar where people gathered in large numbers to raise their demands. Protestors were seen carrying images of BYC leader Mahrang Baloch. BYC wrote on X, "On the call of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a massive rally was held today in Gwadar. Protesters gathered in large numbers to raise their voices against the ongoing crackdown on BYC and the illegal detention of its leadership. Gwadar stands firm in the struggle for justice and refuses to bow before oppression." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1911443427805307022 In Khuzdar, the masses took to the streets to condemn the violent repression of BYC and people demanded the release of its leadership. BYC noted on X, "On the call of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a massive rally was held today in Khuzdar. A huge number of people took to the streets to condemn the violent repression of BYC and demand the release of its leadership." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1911441993458213097 Balochistan region remains plagued by a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances, with some victims eventually released, while others endure long-term detention or fall prey to targeted killings. These violations of fundamental rights have fuelled growing insecurity and mistrust among locals. The persistent fear of arbitrary arrests and the absence of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan, undermining efforts to restore peace, justice, and public confidence in state institutions. (ANI) Lynchburg has long embraced the practice of repurposing old buildings rather than funding the construction of new ones. Many of Lynchburgs repurposed buildings blend a combination of historic preservation with modern elements. Examples include City Hall on Church Street, a building that was previously a post office, and the renovated Miller Center, which houses the citys Parks & Recreation headquarters in a former school built in the early 1900s. Recent exceptions to this cost-saving strategy include the new $50 million Lynchburg Police Department headquarters, which is scheduled to open this spring, and the new $80 million Heritage High School, which opened in 2016. In the case of Lynchburgs main library, the city decided more than 40 years ago to repurpose a closed-down Sears Roebuck & Co. department store, built in the late 1950s, rather than construct a new building to meet the growing demand among residents for library services. Repurposing of buildings can be easier in older cities such as Lynchburg, which have a large inventory to adapt for other uses. Last year, the city moved the downtown branch of the library from the basement of City Hall into the former visitor center on the corner of Church and 12th streets. Since its opening last June, the relocated downtown branch has seen significant growth in the number of users, according to city officials. In less densely populated areas, the construction of new buildings is often the best option because its difficult for local jurisdictions to find the right kind of building to repurpose. Campbell Countys main library branch in Rustburg was built in the mid-1980s as a library. The countys school administration is housed on the top level, and the library is on the lower level. As with the main library in Lynchburg, the Rustburg library is beginning to require improvements, Jordan Welborn, director of the Campbell County Department of Citizen Engagement and Quality of Life, said in an email to The News & Advance. Last year, the buildings HVAC system was replaced, and a project to replace the roof started this week, Welborn said. At recent Lynchburg City Council meetings, residents have been telling their elected representatives they appreciate the wealth of books, programming and services provided by the library. But residents also are saying theyre looking forward to the $12.5 million in upgrades to the library proposed by city staff. In the words of a Lynchburg resident who grew up going to the main library with his family in the 1990s, visiting the library today fills me with nostalgia but also concern. Besides the removal of the old card catalog, the building looks remarkably similar to how I knew it as a child, not surprising given the minimal updates over the last four decades, Thomas Brennan said during the public comment period at city councils April 8 meeting. In 1981, Lynchburg City Council voted in favor of allocating $2 million to transform the Sears department store into the citys main public library. By 1984, the city completed the renovations, allowing the main library to move from its smaller location in a warehouse tucked behind Main Street in downtown to the more centrally located site at Pittman Plaza. Over the past 40 years, though, the library has seen few updates. Despite significant issues with its roof, pipes and sewer system, the library continues to welcome and serve the community at a clip of almost 500 patrons a day, Brennan said. City council will be voting later this spring on the plan to make the long-awaited renovations to the library. As part of its capital improvement program (CIP), the city has proposed $11.1 million in funding for the library in fiscal year 2026 and $1.4 million in fiscal year 2027. These essential renovations are critical to ensuring the library remains modern, responsive, and vital to the community it serves, the city says in its proposed CIP for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Along with addressing critical infrastructure needs, key highlights of the proposed library renovations include an updated community meeting room that will be relocated to the front of the building; public meetings rooms in the youth and adult areas for individual and small study groups and meetings; youth programming rooms; digital media lab with public computers and presentation capability for technology classes; and better visibility, including lower shelving, better lighting and more natural light. During a discussion of the citys proposed CIP at a council work session meeting on March 11, Library Director Beverly Blair told councilmembers the library had 150,000 visitors and circulated more than 325,000 materials in fiscal year 2024. Usage of the librarys public computers totaled about 17,000 sessions during that year, while 10,000 people attended library programs. In her presentation, Blair emphasized the proposed renovations at the main library will address failing infrastructure. After 40 years of service in a makeshift space, the library is showing its age, she said. Wiring, for example, is at capacity in the building, which is preventing the library from expanding its technology services. According to data compiled by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, Lynchburg ranks second to last in per-capita expenditures on its library system among the 14 largest cities in the state. Alexandria ranks first, while Harrisonburg ranks last. Among nearby cities, Roanoke and Charlottesville rank fourth and fifth, respectively, while Danville ranks 11th in per-capita spending on its libraries. At the March 11 work session, Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi asked about the possibility of looking at other commercial properties, possibly along Timberlake Road, to move part or all of the main librarys operations as a way to save money and extend the reach of the library into other areas of the city. City Manager Wynter Benda responded the city owns the former Sears building and that its better to be the owner of a property to avoid the potential negative financial impact of leasing a building. Benda also said the city has spent money to create a modern design for a renovated main library in the old Sears building. Were leaning to that, but that doesnt mean its to the exclusion of other ideas or other opportunities, he said. As for other councilmembers views on the proposed renovations, At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns complained in a March 28 Facebook post that the city is too focused on unnecessary projects like remodeling the functional public library to the detriment of upgrades to the citys fire stations. Brennan, the Lynchburg resident, said that allocating the $12.5 million in CIP funds for the library is a safe bet, with significant concrete economic upsides. Public libraries boost reading test scores, provide job skills training and boost property values in the neighborhoods where they are located, according to Brennan. Studies have shown that public libraries return $5 to the community for every dollar invested in them, he said. On April 22, Lynchburg City Council will conduct a public hearing to receive feedback and give citizens an opportunity to express their views about the citys proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and capital expenditures. BEDFORD A mix of single-family houses and townhomes totaling 269 residential units have the greenlight from Town of Bedford officials to begin construction near Burks Hill Road and adjacent to the Governors Hill subdivision. Bedford Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a zoning amendment from low density residential, R-1, to high density residential, R-3, for the development at the end of Crest Ridge Drive in Bedford for land owned by Ranbowellen, LLC. The council also approved a conditional use permit for the portion of the development on land owned by Kevin Venhorst for the townhomes. The new subdivision by Ranbowellen, LLC consists of 44 acres between Crest Ridge Drive and Burks Hill Road, or Virginia 122, and consisting of 149 single-family detached homes on lots with a minimum size of 6,000 square feet, or 0.137 acres, and 50 feet of road frontage. The new subdivision will include 120 townhomes on land near Burks Hill Road, 23 of which are on a third lot with a separate business zoning designation. A previous request for a single-family development on the same property received councils denial in November based on having only a single entrance proposed through the existing Governors Hill subdivision. The revised request adds a new entrance from Burks Hill Road and townhouse units to better meet the intent of the R-3 zoning district for a mix of housing types, according to a staff report to councilors. Jamey White, of White Engineering and Design in Forest, who represents the applicant, said the main change to satisfy some concerns of residents with the project is adding the entrance from Burks Hill Road that alleviates traffic through Governors Hill. He said the development has two deals in place with landowners that will allow a second entrance. That has been one of the main stumbling blocks that we tried to get through on this parcel to get it rezoned, White said. Im happy to say as of last week we have both contracts in place our plan is to make that connection to Burks Hill Road as part of this development. White estimates about 75% of the traffic will come through the Burks Hill Road entrance. The applicant has worked hard to alleviate the traffic concerns, he said. Stormwater runoff in the Governors Hill neighborhood has been another concern some residents have voiced. White said some inlets should have been placed in a section of that subdivision to divert some of the water and the developer is willing to work with the town on that. White said the new development will mimic much of the existing Governors Hill neighborhood with comparable lots. The look and feel of this neighborhood will be very similar to whats there, he said. Cindy Watson, president of the Governors Hill Homeowners Association, said during a public hearing the big thing residents would like is to see Crest Ridge Drive be used as an emergency entrance. A concern is motorists from Virginia 122 will zoom down the road and through Governors Hill to avoid traffic congestion in getting to U.S. 460, Watson said. She said some residents near where Crest Ridge Drive ends have flooding in their backyards after many trees were cut down recently. Dale Breunig, of Emerald Crest Drive, said he sees no need for R-3 zoning. He said he appreciates the progress on the new entrance but feels the project should proceed with R-1 zoning. Councilor Stacey Hailey said the property has a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mayor C.G. Stanley said he was glad the new entrance was secured and thanked White and the developer for their persistence in multiple attempts at zoning requests before council. This has been a long road to get to this point for sure, White said. He said the developer strives to be a good neighbor to the surrounding area. Were hoping to start construction in about 60 days from now, he said. Councilor Jai Ippolito said he understands Breunigs request for R-1 zoning but feels the townhomes are needed. We keep building all these $300,000 and $400,000 houses, but there are people in Bedford who cant afford $300,000 to $400,000 houses who can afford a condo, and we need to make space for those people Ippolito said. The developer has agreed to give a 33-foot-deep area of land at the adjacent lots along Emerald Crest Ridge and along Emerald View Court, and an additional 33 feet of land beside 1200 Crest Ridge Drive to provide a buffer between developments, according to the staff report. With the addition of an entrance to Burks Hill Road, density is directed toward an area of non-residential development, which would encourage development traffic to use the higher volume travel route, the report states. The density of the housing on the two parcels is 5.56 units per acre. In contrast to R-3 standards, the R-1 zoning district requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and 100 feet of road frontage for each lot, and it does not permit multifamily townhouses. With the R-1 limitations, roughly 173 single-family units could be developed by right on 44 acres, a density of 3.9 units per acre. Were not trying to get high-density development here, White said. Were trying to create an extension of a development, grow the area for a housing need and we think that having homes that are similar in lot sizes, price points and things of that nature, we think will be a benefit to the community. SAPPORO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - As the new school term begins, a concerning trend is emerging with whooping coughcaused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteriumspreading across Japan and posing a potentially life-threatening risk, especially to infants who may suffer severe complications or even death from persistent coughing fits. The infection spreads via airborne droplets and can affect not only children but also adolescents and adults. According to the National Institute for Health Crisis Management, the number of reported cases has been rising since around June 2024. Between March 24th and 30th alone, 578 new cases were recorded nationwidemarking the highest weekly total on record. In Hokkaido, 162 cases were confirmed from January to March 2025, up by 22 compared to the same period last year. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a steady number of whooping cough cases, but infections plummeted during the pandemic yearslikely due to widespread mask use and other preventive measures. However, cases have been on the rise again since June 2024. To better understand the causes and prevention measures, Dr. Jun Tame of Maruyama Tame Pediatrics offered the following insights: "The vaccine administered during infancy may be losing its effectiveness over time. It might be advisable for elementary and junior high school students to receive booster vaccinations," Tame said. "As schools reopen and people gather in enclosed spaces, the risk of transmission increases significantly." The Japan Pediatric Society also advises wearing masks when coughing persists and seeking medical attention as early as possible. With adults also susceptible to infection, public health officials are urging people of all ages to take preventive measures seriously. Source: UHB OSAKA, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - As Japan sees a record surge in foreign residents and tourists, hospitals across the country are facing a growing challenge: how to communicate effectively with patients who do not speak Japanese. At the heart of this issue are medical interpreters, whose role is becoming increasingly essential in ensuring that foreign patients receive proper care and understand complex medical explanations. Medical interpreters are trained to bridge the communication gap between foreign patients and Japanese medical professionals, particularly in high-stress, high-stakes environments such as hospitals. Their job goes far beyond basic translationthey must accurately convey technical medical terms, symptoms, and treatment plans, often in situations where miscommunication can have serious consequences. At Rinku General Medical Center in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture, located near Kansai International Airport, the demand for medical interpreters is especially high. On a recent day, a Filipina woman living in Japan visited the hospital ahead of a scheduled throat surgery, concerned about a persistent cough. While she speaks some Japanese, she explained that medical terminology is too complex to grasp on her own. "Even translation apps can be wrong. Having a human interpreter really helps," she said, expressing her appreciation for the service. The hospital currently employs 17 interpreters covering five languagesEnglish, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Many interpreters have personal reasons for entering the field. Some are retirees who want to use their language skills for good; others, like Miyu Ishibashi, are long-time residents of Japan with overseas experience. Ishibashi, a veteran English interpreter, lived in the United States for ten years. She emphasized the emotional aspect of her work, noting that hospitals can be intimidating places even for native speakers, and that interpreters also provide psychological support. During one consultation, Ishibashi assisted an Australian patient who was experiencing irregular heartbeats. She interpreted detailed medical terminology, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and explained the cardiologists recommendation that the patient wear an electrocardiogram monitor for a week. The patient later remarked that without her help, he would not have been able to fully understand the diagnosis or treatment. With foreign patient numbers rising, the hospital handled nearly 2,000 interpretation cases in fiscal 2023, the highest figure to date. When in-house interpreters are unavailable, remote interpretation services are used, but the overall shortage of qualified personnel remains a serious issue. One of the underlying problems is that medical interpretation is still not widely recognized as a formal profession in Japan. Most interpreters work part-time or volunteer, and few earn enough to make a living solely from the role. Among the most in-demand languages is Chinese, due to the increasing number of Chinese-speaking patients. Li Xiangsheng, originally from Taiwan, is the only full-time Chinese interpreter at the hospital. With seven years of experience, he said his goal is to provide not only linguistic support but also emotional reassurance to patients. His ability to establish trust and understanding has earned him heartfelt gratitude, including letters from patients families, especially in cases where he supported them through end-of-life care. One patient Li supported was Sho Sho, a Chinese woman preparing to give birth in Japan. Nervous about the unfamiliar environment, Sho said that having a Chinese-speaking interpreter by her side made her feel much more confident. A month later, she safely delivered a healthy baby girl, and thanked the hospital staff and Li for their support. "Im so happy. Im grateful from the bottom of my heart," she said. For many interpreters, such moments are deeply fulfilling. Whether it is helping a patient understand a serious diagnosis or celebrating the birth of a child, medical interpreters play a crucial yet often overlooked role in Japans healthcare system. As the country becomes more diverse, their importance will only continue to grow. Source: ABCTVnews HOKKAIDO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - The Ground Self-Defense Force is preparing to conduct Japans first-ever domestic live-fire test of an anti-ship missile this June, with a site in Hokkaido under consideration for the landmark drill. According to the GSDF, the exercise will involve the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile, which is designed to launch attacks on naval vessels from land. The test will be carried out by the Northern Army, one of the GSDFs regional units. Sources within the GSDF say the Shin-Hidaka-based Shizunai Anti-Aircraft Firing Range has been identified as a candidate site for the drill. The missiles to be used in the exercise will be inert, containing no explosives, and are expected to be launched toward the open sea. While live-fire training with anti-ship missiles has previously been conducted overseas, this will mark the first time such an exercise is held on Japanese soil. The GSDF said it aims to "secure domestic training opportunities in light of the increasingly severe security environment in recent years." Source: HBC TOKYO, Apr 14 (News On Japan) - Mitsubishi Motors has suspended shipments of new vehicles to its dealerships in the United States, citing uncertainty over the impact of new U.S. tariffs on imported cars imposed by the Trump administration. Last year, Mitsubishi sold more than 109,000 vehicles in the U.S., all of which were imported from Japan and other countries. In response to the 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles announced by the Trump administration, a U.S.-based spokesperson for Mitsubishi said on April 11th that the company has halted vehicle transport at U.S. ports "until further details on the tariffs and future decisions become clear." As a result, shipments to local dealers have been suspended. The company emphasized that dealerships currently have sufficient inventory, and customer service will not be affected for the time being. However, depending on how future U.S. trade policies unfold, Mitsubishi may be forced to consider additional measures regarding its vehicle imports. Source: TBS Chocolate prices are set to surge further as Cote dIvoire warns prices of key ingredient cocoa are set to skyrocket following Trumps tariffs. The US proposed 21% tariffs on Cote dIvoire imports, the highest among West African nations. However, Washington said the new tariff would enter into force after 90 days. When you tax our product that we export to your country, we will increase the price of cocoa and that will have a repercussion on the price to the consumer, the countrys agriculture minister Kouassi Adjoumani said. Observers expect Cote dIvoire to increase export tax on cocoa, whose price is determined by the global market. Cote dIvoire exports between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tons of cocoa to the U.S. each year, according to data from the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC). Last month, Cote dIvoire plans to slash its exports of cocoa in view of prospects of a bad harvest. Cote dIvoire, the worlds second largest producer of the main chocolate ingredient, has experienced heavy rainfall that threaten to compromise crops for the second year in a row Cocoa represents 50% of Cote dIvoires export revenue and employs a fifth of the population. The countrys cocoa farmers have also been struggling for years with the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) which reduced yields in some areas by as much as 50%. It seems that there will be no end to diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria. Just as the two countries were trying to mend their months-long strained relations, following Frances clear-cut support to Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, French anti-terror prosecutors have indicted three men in connection with the April 2024 kidnapping of Algerian dissident and influencer Amir Boukhors, judicial sources said Saturday. The indicted individuals include an employee at an Algerian consulate in France, who reportedly holds a service passport rather than a diplomatic one. The three men were charged Friday in Paris with kidnapping and unlawful detention in relation to a terrorist organization, as well as participation in a criminal terrorist conspiracy, according to the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Office (PNAT). All three have been placed in pre-trial detention. Amir Boukhors, a well-known critic of the Algerian regime, had previously survived two serious attacks one in 2022 and another on the evening of April 29, 2024, according to his lawyer, Eric Plouvier. The kidnapping, which initially fell under the jurisdiction of the Creteil prosecutors office, was later taken over by PNAT in February 2025, indicated the French news agency AFP. This shift to an anti-terror investigation shows that a foreign power, Algeria, did not hesitate to carry out violent acts on French soil acts of intimidation and terror that threaten lives, Plouvier who called the case a state affair was quoted by AFP as saying. Boukhors name had surfaced in a separate probe by the Paris prosecutors office. In that case, a French Economy Ministry employee was indicted in December for allegedly providing classified information about Algerian dissidents including Boukhors to an Algerian national working at the Algerian consulate in Creteil. Boukhors, known online as Amir DZ, is a 41-year-old Algerian influencer and government critic who was granted political asylum in France in 2023. He has a large number of followers on YouTube and TikTok for his sharp criticism of Algerias leadership. And of course, as expected, Algeria hurried to protest the decision of the French judicial authorities. The protest was made during a meeting on Saturday between the Secretary-General of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the French Ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet. In a statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed its rejection of the reasons presented by the French anti-terrorism public prosecutors office to justify the decision to place a consular employee in pretrial detention. The statement speaks of a blatant violation of the immunity and privileges linked to the employees role at the Algerian consulate in Creteil, as well as of the established practices in such matters between Algeria and France, and emphasizes the fragility and weakness of the arguments presented by the French Interior Ministrys security services during the investigation. Algeria, which described the incident as an unprecedented judicial turning point in the history of Algerian-French relations, demanded the immediate release of the consular employee and called for full respect for the rights associated with his function. For Algeria, this new, unacceptable, and unjustified development is likely to cause serious harm to Algerian-French relations and will not contribute to easing tensions, outlined the statement, adding that Algeria intends not to let this matter go without consequences. The Rabat-based Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency launched a humanitarian initiative on Saturday to support orphaned and amputee Palestinian children in Gaza, part of Moroccos broader effort to aid Palestinians amid the ongoing crisis. The initiative, unveiled at the agencys headquarters in Rabat, will provide care for 300 amputee childrenselected from 800 cases identified by the Palestinian Ministry of Healthand 500 orphaned children through Al-Quds Orphans Care project, launched in 2008. The initiative includes the establishment of a psychological clinic staffed by volunteer Moroccan and Palestinian specialists to assist children suffering from trauma. The Moroccan Association for the Support of Reconstruction in Palestine will contribute to the implementation of the initiative with MAD 3 million ($300,000). Palestinian Minister of Social Development Samah Hamad, who attended the announcement meeting via videoconference, welcomed the humanitarian initiatives to support the resilience of Palestinians, particularly Al-Quds inhabitants and vulnerable groups affected in war-torn Gaza. The Palestinian official emphasized that the Agency is one of the most important levers of effective and permanent support in Palestine, particularly in the Holy City. The Minister affirmed that the partnership agreement recently signed between the Palestinian Ministry of Social Development and the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency to care for orphaned and amputee children in Gaza will undoubtedly contribute to supporting and providing care for this segment of society suffering from dire conditions due to the repercussions of the war. The Agencys director Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, on his part, stressed Moroccos continued commitment to the Palestinian cause, noting that this initiative complements Moroccos wider aid efforts, including a recent emergency shipment of 230 tons of foodstuffs and water and 40 tons of medical supplies to hospitals in Gaza. He also recalled that during the holy month of Ramadan, the agency distributed 3,300 food baskets, 30,000 hot meals, and 4 tons of medicines and medical supplies to Palestinians in Al-Quds, alongside equipment for the Al Hilal Al-Quds Hospitals emergency coordination unit. Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco Jamal Choubki, and representatives of the Arab diplomatic corps in Rabat attended the meeting. Genre: Drama, Historical, Medical, Mystery OP: ED: Kusushiki by Mrs. GREEN APPLE Hitorigoto by Omoinotake [ Spoiler (click to open) ] When a favored concubine becomes pregnant, Maomao is put to the test as her food taster. She must keep her wits sharp, not only to protect the concubine but also against rising dangers in the palace. A new concubine with powerful ties, an unsolved attempt at Jinshis life, and a foreign envoy with impossible demands hint at a grand conspiracy poised to engulf the empire. FUN FACT: Jinshi's voice actor was originally Sakurai Takahiro, but after Otsuka Takeo instead. Jinshi's voice actor was originally, but after the cheating fiasco , the role went toinstead. Genre: Action, Delinquents [ Spoiler (click to open) ] 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! FUN FACT: There are indeed classes in Furin High School. Genre: Action, Sci-Fi OP: ED: VORTEX by Kamasi Washington Lazarus by The Boo Radleys [ Spoiler (click to open) ] The year is 2052 an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for this: mankind has been freed from sickness and pain. Nobel Prize winning neuroscientist Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure-all drug with no apparent drawbacks called Hapuna. Hapuna soon becomes ubiquitous and essential. However, soon after Hapuna is officially introduced, Dr. Skinner vanishes. Three years later, the world has moved on. But Dr. Skinner has returned this time, as a harbinger of doom. Skinner announces that Hapuna has a short half-life. Everyone who has taken it will die approximately three years later. Death is coming for this sinful world and coming soon. As a response to this threat, a special task force of 5 agents is gathered from across the world to save humanity from Skinners plan. This group is called Lazarus. Can they find Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out? FUN FACT: This is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, who has directed masterpieces such as Cowboy Bebop (1998), Samurai Champloo (2004), Kids on the Slope (2012) and more. Genre: Comedy, Supernatural [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Morihito Otogi, a high school student who comes from a lineage of ogres, enjoys a peaceful, ordinary life until his childhood friend, Nico, moves in with him. Nico is a witch-in-training, and chooses Morihito to be her familiar. While Nico is thrilled to reunite with her old friend and crush, Morihito is tasked with the perilous duty to protect her from a foretold calamity. Between the unpredictable chaos caused by Nicos magic, and the awkwardness of sharing a home, their lives become a whirlwind of supernatural hijinks and threats. FUN FACT: Shinohara Kenta, the mangaka of this story, used to be Sorachi Hideaki's (Gintama) pupil. His wife is also a sister of Yabuki Kentaro's (Black Cat, To LOVE Ru) wife. Genre: Action, Superpower [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Koichi Haimawari is a dull college student who aspires to be a hero but has given up on his dream. Although 80% of the worlds population has superhuman powers called Quirks, few are chosen to become heroes and protect people. Everything changes for Koichi when he and PopStep are saved by the vigilante Knuckleduster and get recruited to become vigilantes themselves! FUN FACT: Izuku's mother made a cameo in the first episode! Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Real estate agents Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudo work in the nostalgic Kowloon Walled City. As they spend more time together, Reikos feelings for Hajime grow. But when she finds a photo of him and his former fiancee, shes shocked to see the woman looks exactly like her. Reiko then realizes a chilling truth: she has no memory of her past. FUN FACT: The anime and and the movie adaptations were announced at the same time! The movie will be in theater this August. Genre: Mystery, Comedy OP: ED: MONTAGE by Nakajima Kento Rhapsody by BILLY BOO [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Rich heiress Reiko Hosho lives a double life as a novice detective, fighting crime under Inspector Kazamatsurialso from a wealthy family. After work, Reiko sheds her pantsuit to don a lovely dress for dinner each day. Difficult cases force her to confide in her butler Kageyama, who proceeds to savagely ridicule her inability to solve mysteries, all while brilliantly unraveling each case himself. FUN FACT: This was originally a novel series. The jackets were illustrated by Nakamura Yusuke, who also did all ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION's CD jackets. Genre: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Amate Yuzuriha is a high-school student living peacefully in a space colony floating in outer space. When she meets a war refugee named Nyaan, Amate is drawn into the illegal mobile suit dueling sport known as Clan Battle. Under the entry name "Machu," she throws herself into fierce battle day after day, piloting the GQuuuuuuX. Then an unidentified Gundam mobile suit pursued by both the space force and the police appears before her, along with its pilot, a boy named Shuji. Now their world is about to enter a new era. FUN FACT: This is Studio Khara's fifth movie, the first four were all Evangelion movies. Genre: Drama, Historical, Slice of Life OP: ED: Yokan by Tota heart by Laura day romance [ Spoiler (click to open) ] On the beautiful Prince Edward Island in Canada, an orphan named Anne Shirley is mistakenly sent to Green Gables, the home of Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They choose to adopt her anyway, as Anne finds friendship, love, and happiness in her new home. Come along for the story of a purehearted and imaginative girl growing up, leaving for college, and returning home a changed woman. FUN FACT: Apparently there's a drama going down in JP community. Matsumoto Yuko, who translated Anne of Green Gables, was Apparently there's a drama going down in JP community., who translated, was direct quoting official anime account with "Redheaded people cant wear pink, not even in imagination.", and many other points about differences between the novels and the anime. Genre: Action, Adventure [ Spoiler (click to open) ] Yaiba Kurogane has spent his days training in the jungle in order to attain his goal of becoming a real samurai. By a twist of fate, he returns to Japan and starts living with the Mine family, who are connected to his father, Kenjuro. Yaiba constantly baffles the Mines daughter Sayaka as she witnesses his wild and reckless ways. One day, Yaiba tags along with Sayaka to school and has a fateful encounter with Takeshi Onimaru, a kendo expert. Yaiba and Onimaru repeatedly clash, and as if in response to their search for strength, two ancient powers are unleashed: the Fujinken,the Wind Gods Sword, and the Raijinken, the Thunder Gods Sword. Both supernatural blades that have jolted the world since ancient days have reawakenedand the truth behind them is revealed! FUN FACT: The manga was first published in 1988, so this took 37 years to get animated! Hi ONTD, yesterday after writing about what anime Ive been watching recently , I was like hmm why not making a post about it because theres so many gems this season, so here I am!Sources: LiveChart , Youtube 1 Newly discovered offshore oil and gas deposits in Pakistans territorial seas could be brought to surface by Pakistan and Turkey. The two countries this week signed an agreement at the 2025 Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad to jointly bid on 40 offshore blocks. A bidding round for the granting of exploration licenses for the blocks, located in the Makran and Indus basins, was announced by the Pakistan government in February. According to News.AZ, Pakistans Mari Energies Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited and Pakistan Petroleum Limited will jointly participate in the offshore bidding round with Turkish state-owned enterprise Turkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortakl??? (TPAO). Modern Diplomacy said the finding, made during a three-year survey, compiled data that suggests it is the fourth biggest oil and gas reservoir in the world. Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Canada are the three countries with the largest proven oil reserves. The cache is reportedly so large it could change the economic direction of Pakistan, where one in four people live in poverty. If Pakistans offshore reserves are that big, the obvious question is why havent the oil majors been pestering the Pakistan government to drill them? In a January 2024 article, Oilprice said Shell announced it was selling its Pakistan business stake to Saudi Aramco in June 2023, and an auction for 18 oil and gas blocks got a muted response from international bidders, at best. No international companies even bid on 15 of the blocks, according to The Nation. In July [2024], the countrys Petroleum Minister, Musadik Malik, told a parliamentary committee that no international companies were interested in offshore oil and gas exploration in Pakistan,and those in the country largely had the exit door in view. It comes down to security, and risk versus reward with Malik explaining to the committee that the cost of security is a major deal-breaker because in areas where companies search for oil and gas, they have to spend a significant amount to maintain security for their employees and assets. And security is provided by Pakistan, which has not been up to the task. In March [2024], five Chinese engineers were killed in a suicide attack in Pakistans northeast, when a vehicle rigged with explosives rammed into a bus transporting staff from Islamabad to the giant Dasu dam project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The project is part of the $62-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This incident sparked a series of temporary shut-downs across other projects, as well. Earlier that same month, insurgents attacked Chinese assets in Pakistans southwest, storming the Gwadar Port Authority complex, which is run by China. The attacks were perpetrated by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), separatists fighting for an independent Balochistan, as reported by the Lowy Institute. According to Pakistans Energy Minister Mohammad Ali, Pakistan has 235 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas reserves, and an investment of $25 billion to $30 billion would be enough to extract 10% of those reserves over the next decade to reverse the current declining gas production and replace the import of energy. The oil and gas discovery could yield additional benefits. Modern Diplomacy notes that Pakistans marine areas are rich in natural resources including minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements. The idea is to leverage its blue water economy. The potential here goes beyond electricity, encompassing businesses such as fishing, marine biotechnology, and even ecotourism. A coordinated effort to expand these industries might give Pakistan a variety of revenue streams and employment generation, therefore strengthening its economy, the publication stated. While Pakistan may not have the technological capabilities for deep-sea mining, there is a growing global interest in this area, with some companies exploring the potential for mining polymetallic nodules that contain valuable metals. By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Mongolia has become Chinas leading coking coal supplier, and this new rail link will further solidify its position in the market. The rail project aims to eliminate the need for coal transfers at the border due to differing rail gauges, thus streamlining the transportation process. A new dual-gauge rail line is planned to connect Mongolias Tavan Tolgoi mines with China, significantly boosting coking coal transport by an estimated 30%. Via Metal Miner Construction work is tentatively due to start on a dual-gauge rail line between China and the Republic of Mongolia. Reports indicate that the rail line will increase coking coal transport by up to 30%. Current estimates say the project will begin in April, with completion scheduled for 2028. Dual-Gauge Rail System to Solve Major Problems Mid-February reports noted that the 240-kilometer, dual-gauge line will run from mines at Tavan Tolgoi in Mongolia to the town of Gashuun Sukhait on the border with China. It is important to note that rail gauges, or the width between rails, differ between the two countries. While Mongolias network uses Russian gauge (1520mm), China utilizes the European standard of 1,435mm. Because of this difference, workers need to transfer coal shipments from Mongolian trains to Chinese trains at the border. However, a dual-gauge line would negate that need and allow a seamless connection over the border. A Big Step Forward for Mongolian-Chinese Trade Reports stated that the Mongolian government announced the agreement after talks between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. Mongolias Tavan Tolgoi is one of the worlds largest coal deposits, with an estimated total resource of 6.4 billion metric tons. Of that, up to 40% is coking-quality coal. Mongolian Mining Journal (MMJ) stated that the country exported over 34.5 million metric tons of coking coal to China in the first seven months of 2024, a significant increase from the 26.6 million metric tons shipped over the same period in 2023. Mongolia Now Chinas Leading Coking Coal Supplier In addition to representing a 30% increase on the year, the 2024 volume makes Mongolia the primary supplier of coking coal to China, at 51.1% of total imports. Meanwhile, China resumed coking coal imports from Australia in early 2023, following its initial ban in late 2020. However, MMJ noted that physical volume remains several times lower than pre-ban levels. Steelmakers use coking coal to produce coke, which they then charge into blast furnaces as part of pig iron production to reduce iron ore into molten iron. The feedstock also acts as a carbon-reducing agent during pig iron production. On February 25, the World Steel Association reported that Chinese steelmakers poured an estimated 81.9 million metric tons of crude steel in January, down 5.6% year on year from 86.8 million metric tons. However, the latest volume is nonetheless up 7.76% from the 76 million metric tons poured in December. By Christopher Rivituso More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. oil major Chevron has been ordered to pay $745 million over Louisiana wetland damage caused by its energy operations in the region. This is not the first time Big Oil has been forced to pay damages for the negative environmental impact of oil and gas operations, with states and government bodies calling on oil firms to take responsibility for their actions. A jury ruled in April that Chevron must pay damages to Louisiana to restore its coastal wetlands, including $575 million for land loss compensation, $161 million in response to contamination, and $8 million for abandoned equipment. The lawsuit was filed in 2013 by the rural district of Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana, seeking $2.6 billion in damages. It cited the Louisiana 1980 coastal laws that require all mineral and exploration sites used by energy companies to be cleared, revegetated, detoxified, and otherwise restored as near as practicable to their original condition upon termination of operations. Jurors decided that Texaco, a Chevron-owned company at the time, had violated Louisianas state regulations on coast resources because it did not restore wetlands that had been affected by oil activities, such as dredging canals, drilling wells, and dumping billions of gallons of wastewater into the marsh. It was found that Chevron did not obtain the necessary permits at its Breton Sound oil field operations, located southeast of New Orleans, and failed to clean up its mess, which led the environment to be contaminated by the poor storing of wastewater or wastewater being dumped in the marsh. However, Chevron argues that it is not the cause of the land loss occurring in Breton Sound. The company suggests that decades of land degradation cannot be blamed on the oil operations of one company alone. Nevertheless, Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of land, due to rising sea levels and sediment loss, with Plaquemines Parish particularly affected. The state has plans for a 50-year, $50 billion coastal restoration strategy aimed at saving as much land as possible from the rising Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana has also received billions of dollars from a settlement from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The court decision could set the basis for similar legal battles from other parishes and counties. Another 39 lawsuits have been launched against fossil fuels companies by coastal parishes since 2013. This action is not only restricted to U.S. coastal regions, with several towns, cities, and states blaming oil companies for environmental degradation. For example, in Los Angeles, residents affected by the recent wildfires are calling for oil companies to be made to pay damages for the role they played in the current climate disaster. Scientists are currently working to understand how much of an impact the climate crisis had on the L.A. wildfires. In January, UCLA climate scientists determined that it was likely responsible for a quarter of the dryness that fuelled the rapid spread of the fires. In addition, there is growing evidence that Big Oil was aware of the damage being caused by fossil fuel operations despite spending decades denying global heating and encouraging consumers to support projects. This has led cities and states, including California, to file litigation aimed at holding oil companies accountable for the alleged disinformation campaign and forcing them to pay damages. Meanwhile, in 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Justice Department ordered Holly Energy Partners-Operating and Osage Pipe Line Company to pay $7.4 million in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act, as well as implement corrective measures to settle claims associated with the Osage pipeline rupture and crude oil spill on tribal land owned by members of the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma. The companies were also ordered to take additional steps to prepare for and prevent future spills. David Uhlmann from the EPAs Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance stated, The pipeline spill in this case dumped nearly 300,000 gallons of crude oil, contaminating Skull Creek and severely hampering water quality and the aquatic environment in the creek EPA and its federal partners are requiring the oil companies who caused the spill to restore Skull Creek, operate safely, and take steps to prevent future spills. Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division said, Oil companies have a responsibility to prevent harmful oil spills, and todays settlement demonstrates that those who violate this duty will be held accountable under the law. The Trump administration has been known to side with oil and gas companies in the past, but the Plaquemines Parish court outcome gives hope to communities going up against big oil over environmental damages. However, it will be much more difficult to win a lawsuit over the role that oil companies had in exacerbating the current climate crisis. Nevertheless, oil and gas companies are gradually being held more accountable for their actions, which may help encourage them to follow regulations and environmental standards more closely in the future. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Last week, eight OPEC+ countries unveiled plans to advance their planned phase-out of voluntary oil output cuts by ramping up output by 411,000 barrels per day in May--equivalent to three monthly increments. The announcement of the accelerated unwinding clip comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on trading partners, deepening the shock to oil markets. Brent crude for June delivery was up 0.1% to trade at $63.32 per barrel at 9.45 am ET on Friday while WTI crude was flat at $60.12 per barrel. The move confirms previous rumors that Saudi Arabia could be willing to abandon its traditional role as OPECs swing producer as it looks to make a strong statement against production-cut violators such as Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Last September, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia was ready to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude oil as it prepares to increase output, effectively signaling that it is resigned to a prolonged period of lower oil prices. Saudi Arabia currently accounts for 2 mb/d out of 2.8 mb/d output cuts from OPEC members and a total of 3.15 from OPEC+. Essentially, the Saudi contribution is double that of the entire group, with only the Kingdom and Kuwait currently cutting production by a double-digit percentage. In fact, a big part of lower output by other OPEC+ members is not voluntary but rather reflects their inability to meet their quotas. Related: Turkey, Pakistan To Explore Worlds Fourth Largest Oil & Gas Reservoir However, dumping more oil on the markets comes at great cost for OPECs biggest producer. According to the IMF, Saudi Arabia, the GCCs biggest economy, needs an oil price of $96.20 per barrel to balance its books, thanks in large part to MBS ambitious Vision 2030. The situation is not helped by the fact that over the past few years, the oil-rich nation has borne the lions share of OPEC+ production cuts. The kingdom is currently pumping 8.9mn b/d, the lowest level since 2011. In effect, Saudi Arabia has been selling less oil at lower prices, thus compounding the revenue shortfall. That said, the Saudis can still afford to inflict some pain on oil markets. As OilPrice.com contributor Irina Slav has noted, Saudi Arabia can simply slam the brakes on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Vision 2030 economic plan, maybe turn it into Vision 2040 or even Vision 2050 if oil markets refuse to cooperate. Further, Saudi Arabia has enough alternative funding options to weather a period of lower prices, including tapping foreign exchange reserves or issuing sovereign debt. And now the experts have suggested that Saudi Arabia could also take advantage of the low tariff rates that Trump slapped on GCC nations by becoming a regional manufacturing powerhouse. All six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman will only pay 10% tariffs. "As tariffs rise in certain countries, we are likely to see a growing shift of business to the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], whether through nearshoring or friendshoring," Adel Hamaizia, a Gulf expert at the Harvard Belfer Center Middle East Initiative, told Middle East Eye. Saudi Arabia should be sending their trade representatives to the Trump administration right now, asking, What was China providing you. Tell us what it is and we will make it in Saudi Arabia and provide a great trade deal', Ellen Wald, founder of the energy consulting firm, Transversal Consulting, told MEE. Incidentally, manufacturing is part of Vision 2030. The oil giant has a major advantage here: unlike Europe, Saudi Arabia is endowed with lots of cheap energy, plenty of open space and minimal regulations. Further, Saudi Arabia is accelerating its $2.5 trillion mining plans to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil, while simultaneously investing in technologies to optimize oil production and reduce carbon emissions. Mining now plays a central role in Riyadhs strategy to reduce oil dependency, with the country looking to exploit its significant reserves of phosphate, gold, copper and bauxite. Last year, Saudi Arabias mining minister, Bandar Al-Khorayef, revealed that the Kingdoms reserve potential had grown by nearly 90% from the $1.3 trillion forecasted eight years ago to $2.5 trillion. Saudi Arabia has set a goal to increase the mining industrys GDP contribution from $17 billion to $75 billion by 2035. Last year, the Kingdom signed nine investment deals in metals and mining worth more than 35 billion riyals ($9.32 billion) as it looks to build domestic supply chains for critical metals. The countrys Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative unveiled the deals with Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta and China's Zijin Group. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will see their paychecks rise by nearly 5% this year following a successful negotiation by the union representing those employees. On Friday, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approved a collective bargaining agreement with the UNO American Association of University Professors (AAUP) for the 2025-27 biennium. Eligible UNO faculty members will receive 4.9% more in salary for the 2025-26 academic year and 4.8% more in 2026-27 the largest pay increase at the universitys metropolitan campus in nearly a quarter century. Faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will also see their pay go up next year by 4% and the year following by 3%. Those increases are also some of the largest over the last two decades. The Board of Regents has not yet set salary increases for employees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln the largest campus in the system or the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Those decisions will likely be made at the regents June meeting. The win for UNOs faculty follows a hard-fought and lengthy negotiation that saw the union scour the country for salary data to show its employees were being paid less than state law says they were owed. Under the 2011 statute enacted by the Legislature, the university is required to use peer institutions with similar enrollments and similar educational missions to calculate a midpoint for salary negotiations, and keep faculty pay between 98% and 102% of that level. But, for several rounds of negotiations, the university has not shared its list of comparable institutions with union negotiators, said Shannon Cummins, a professor of marketing and entrepreneurship who led UNOs effort. While NU is not required under the law to share its peer group, the university had previously communicated the universities it believed were comparable to UNO. It was the same for the University of Nebraska at Kearney Education Association, the faculty union representing the universitys regional campus, according to Will Aviles, the union president. We had sought this information for multiple rounds, but they historically refused, so we could only speculate in terms of the data they were looking at, Aviles said. As it explored the issue, the UNO AAUP found that NU, in addition to not sharing the schools it was comparing UNO to, had also moved away from using the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a database maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics used in collective bargaining negotiations across the country. They said they had better data than we had, but they wouldnt share it, Cummins said. So, in preparation for this cycle, we took a different tact: We would find the data ourselves. The UNO union filed dozens of public records requests last summer for salary information at universities across the country Cummins said could be considered comparable under Nebraska statute. Cummins said the salary information turned over to UNO AAUP from other institutions was clear: We told the university that our data showed we were under paid, but they refused to budge. The two sides began negotiations last fall but they went nowhere, Cummins said. A federal mediator met with UNO AAUP and NUs negotiator over the winter break, but the talks reached an impasse, leading the union to seek remedy through the Commission on Industrial Relations, the states labor court. Ahead of the Feb. 14 date, both sides were required to share their data. The UNO union eagerly turned its over, but Cummins said NU provided nothing in return. The university didnt have any data to share with us, she said. Had the case progressed to the CIR, the court would have set an array of peer institutions and then determined the salary owed to UNOs faculty based upon comparable universities. Instead, NU agreed to negotiate a partial list of peers with the UNO union. State law requires an array of seven to nine comparable institutions. UNO and NU agreed to five: Cleveland State University, Eastern Michigan University, Akron University, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The agreement also stipulates both sides may add up to two more peer schools during future negotiations. A deal being struck on Feb. 7, the CIR said both sides agreed to have the case dismissed. Aviles said the union reached an agreement before UNOs faculty representatives, so its unclear whether or not UNO AAUPs efforts had an effect on UNKs collective bargaining agreement. But he said he suspects NU realized UNK was also well below the midpoint of its comparison universities as well, which caused them to agree to a higher increase than has been agreed to in recent rounds of negotiations. To UNOs credit, they called them on it, Aviles said. Im thankful they were able to achieve what they were able to achieve. Aviles said UNOs action may ultimately benefit UNK moving forward. Since Legislative Bill 397 was passed in 2011, striking a balance between state lawmakers who wanted to effectively end public sector unions and those who wanted more predictability in negotiations, the UNK Education Association had been relatively cautious in its approach, Aviles said. I am heartened by what UNO has accomplished and were hopeful it will help UNK come to an agreement on its peer group, he said. It could have a positive consequence for us, too. According to a university spokeswoman, this years faculty pay increases at UNO and UNK followed several years of relatively small salary adjustments. After reviewing compensation trends over the last decade, the university determined that an increase was warranted, the spokeswoman said. The resulting increase reflects a compromise reached through the bargaining process between university leadership and the faculty union, consistent with state statute. As part of its negotiations, the UNK Education Association also secured additional parental leave for new fathers, as well as reforms to the process faculty use to file grievances against the faculty. Under the new contract, faculty who become fathers or adopt children can now receive up to eight weeks of paid leave. They previously received less than one week. The changes to the grievance procedure make it clearer who faculty need to speak with and extend the amount of time for those faculty to make a decision about filing a grievance or appealing a decision, Aviles said. Cummins said the UNO union also sought to add those changes to its union contract and had reached an agreement with the administration on both, but abandoned expanded leave and changes to its grievance procedure when it opted to pursue the salary increase. All we could take to the CIR was salary, so we had to walk away from all those other things that had been negotiated, she said. We just wanted the law to be enforced. The increases in salary to eligible faculty at both UNO and UNK come as the university system is wrestling with a lower-than-requested increase to its state appropriation. NU had sought a 3.5% increase in state funding over the next biennium. Gov. Jim Pillen recommended cutting NUs budget 2% over the biennium. Earlier this week, the Legislatures Appropriations Committee approved hiking its support by 1.25%. The increase would put about $8 million more into NUs state appropriation over the biennium. The increase to UNOs salary pool alone will amount to roughly $2.7 million. Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk said along with a marginal boost to state aid, the increases to salaries and health benefits for university employees may result in higher tuition rates for students this year. Its always a concern of mine to put the burden back on students and their families, Scheer said. But this is just one example of what were going to be looking at for the next year and having to try to close that gap. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Independent reporter Andy Ngo revealed that Davis Loren Nafshun, who according to authorities attempted to harm and blind a Tesla dealership employee in downtown Portland, was employed by a federally funded nonprofit organization. In his report, Ngo noted that Nafshun worked at Do Good Multnomah, a taxpayer-funded homeless NGO. In 2023, this nonprofit received over $16.3 million in government funding, which included more than $3 million in federal funds. Andy also shared his story on X, where he summarizes it. . We strongly recommend that you support Andys work, check out his story, and follow him on X. by Oregon State Senator Suzanne Weber April 10, 2025 The Oregon Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 463, legislation introduced by Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), which requires the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to give a detailed report every two years on the financial health of the states insurance fund. The state insurance fund helps cover things like workplace injury claims, damage to state-owned property, and lawsuits against state agencies. However, recent reports have raised serious concerns about the funds ability to meet future needs. As of January 2024, the states insurance fund had only $96.8 million available to cover liabilities. Since then, Oregon has paid over $58 million in additional settlements and legal costs. Worse, the fund could face even bigger challenges in the near future, as lawsuits seeking more than $345 million in damages are currently in progress. The states insurance fund is in trouble, and we need to act now to avoid a financial crisis down the road, said Senator Weber. This bill makes sure we can track how the fund is being managed, spot any problems early, and take action before things get worse. Passing this bill is a big step toward protecting Oregons future and making sure we dont end up having to pull money from other services just to cover a shortfall. SB 463 is essential for ensuring Oregon can responsibly manage its financial obligations, assess the performance of state agencies, and address potential risks, added Senator Gelser Blouin, a chief sponsor of the bill. By tracking the solvency of our state insurance fund, we can better prepare for future challenges and safeguard critical services for Oregonians. SB 463 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. By Representative E. Werner Reschke The attacks on Second Amendment rights continue with three major bills that attack our constitutional right to bear arms. The only thing these bills do is give is punish law-abiding gun owners and small businesses that are in full compliance with federal law. On Tuesday, two of the bills that significantly reduce the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms, while doing nothing to reduce crime, passed out of the Judiciary Committee. House Bill 3075 makes it harder to lawfully obtain a firearm by increasing the firearm permit provisions in Ballot Measure 114, including adding additional eligibility requirements, fees, and doubling the wait time to issue permits to 60 days. House Bill 3076 directs the Department of Justice to create a state licensure program, adding additional, unnecessary oversight to an industry that already follows extensive federal regulations, including background checks, ATF licensing, and strict compliance laws. These bills are an absurd attempt to target law-abiding Oregon gun-owners with expensive regulations on law-abiding citizens that many of them cannot afford. They will ban standard size magazines, impose fees on the exercise of a constitutional right, and place prohibitive regulations on every local gunsmith and gun store, forcing these small businesses to close. Furthermore, HB 3076 writes a blank check to the Department of Justice to enforce whats already codified in federal law is bad policy. The attack continued on Wednesday, as work session was held for Senate Bill 243 in the Senate. This bill would establish a 72-hour waiting period on gun purchases, raise the age to purchase a gun to 21 years old with exceptions from some hunting riffles and shotguns, ban switch devices, and allow city and counties to bar people, including people with concealed gun licenses, from carrying guns in certain public buildings and adjacent grounds. 977 people voiced opposition to the bill while 165 people supported it. I will stand steadfastly opposed to any form of these bills that diminishes your Second Amendment rights. By Oregon State Representative Jami Cate Newsletter excerpt Legislative Short List HB 2138: One of the Governors housing bills, which expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands. Heading to the Ways & Means Committee. HB 2251: Directs schools to ban the use of cellphones from bell-to-bell. Heading to the House Floor. HB 2528: Gives the Oregon Health Authority sweeping power to create or raise taxes on any nicotine products they choose, or even ban them outright. Sent to the House Committee on Revenue. HB 3075: Makes it harder to lawfully obtain a firearm by increasing the firearm permit provisions in Ballot Measure 114, including adding additional eligibility requirements, fees, and doubling the wait time to issue permits to 60 days. Heading to the House Floor. HB 3076: Directs the Department of Justice to create a state licensure program, adding additional, unnecessary oversight to an industry that already follows extensive federal regulations, including background checks, ATF licensing, and strict compliance laws. Heading to the Ways & Means Committee. HB 3934: Allows surviving spouses to elect an additional Estate Tax exclusion based on the unused amount of a prior deceased spouses exclusion up to $1 million. SB 83-9: Repeals Oregons wildfire maps created by 2021s SB 762. Heading to Senate Floor. SB 1189: Allows construction of the North Santiam Canyon Wastewater Project to begin while DEQ clears up red tape. Without this, Marion County and its partners were at risk of losing $50 million in funding that was secured in the wake of the 2020 Wildfires. Passed the Senate! 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: When an energetic quark or gluon gets knocked free during a proton-proton collision, this free "parton" first generates a shower of other partons, which then "fragment" to form hadrons (h) such as kaons (K), pions (), and protons (p). The higher the energy of the initial quark or gluon, the higher the number of hadrons. When the entropy of the hadrons equals the entropy of the fragmentation process the system is maximally entangled. Credit: Charles Joseph Naim/Stony Brook University Physicists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University (SBU) have shown that particles produced in collimated sprays called jets retain information about their origins in subatomic particle smashups. The study was recently published as an Editor's Suggestion in the journal Physical Review Letters. "Despite extensive research, the connection between a jet's initial conditions and its final particle distribution has remained elusive," said Charles Joseph Naim, a research associate at the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science (CFNS) in SBU's Department of Physics and Astronomy. "This study, for the first time, establishes a direct connection between the 'entanglement entropy' at the earliest stage of jet formation and the particles that emerge as a jet evolves." The evidence comes from an analysis of jet particles emerging from proton-proton collisions captured by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, a 17-mile-circumference circular collider located at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. In these powerful collisions, the individual building blocks of the colliding protons, known as quarks and gluons, scatter off one another and sometimes get knocked free with enormous amounts of energy. But quarks can't stay free for long. They and the gluons that normally hold them together immediately begin to split and reconnect through a branching process called fragmentation. The result is the formation of many new composite particles made of pairs or triplicates of quarkscollectively known as hadronsthat spray out of the collision in a coordinated way, that is, as a jet. "We wanted to see if the distribution of the hadrons in the jet was influenced by the level of entanglement among the quarks and gluons at the time the jet first formed," said Abhay Deshpande, a distinguished professor at SBU. Deshpande holds a joint appointment as director of science for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a new nuclear physics research facility under construction at Brookhaven Lab, and he is also currently serving as Brookhaven Lab's interim associate laboratory director for nuclear and particle physics. Study co-authors Dmitri Kharzeev, Charles Joseph Naim, Zhoumunding Tu, Jaydeep Datta, and Abhay Deshpande at the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science at Stony Brook University. Credit: Rachel Rodriguez/Stony Brook University The analysis was motivated in part by earlier research by study co-authors Zhoudunming Tu and Dmitri Kharzeev, both with faculty roles at SBU and appointments at Brookhaven Lab. Their study, published last year, revealed a connection between entanglement among quarks and gluons within protons and the overall distribution of particles emerging from proton-proton and electron-proton smashups. In that work, the higher the entanglement entropy among the quarks and gluons, the greater the entropy, or "messiness," in the distribution of particles produced. "This earlier study revealed that there is maximal entanglement among the quarks and gluons within the high-energy proton," said Tu. "In this work, we extend this approach to the production of jets, which form from the fragmentation of those quarks and gluons. Will there also be maximal entanglement 'inside' these fragmenting high-energy quarks and gluons?" Such a state of maximal entanglement among the jet-forming quarks and gluons predicts a connection between the jet fragmentation function and the entropy, or disorder, of hadrons emerging from the jet. This entropy would be observed as a large number of different types of hadronsmainly pions, kaons, and protonsstriking the detector. Conversely, such an observation of a high degree of disorder among jet particles and its correlation with the initial fragmentation predictions would be evidence of this maximal entanglement in the fragmenting quarks and gluons. When the scientists looked at the data from the LHC's proton-proton collisions, the distribution of jet hadrons matched this prediction based on maximal entanglement in the earliest stage of jet formation. "This new study offers a novel quantum-level perspective on the fragmentation process," said Kharzeev. Study co-author Jaydeep Datta, a research scientist at SBU, added, "This study paves the way for further exploration of how quantum entanglement influences hadron formation, including at the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider." The EIC will have active participation from many Stony Brook University faculty and students, and it promises unprecedented precision in studying quantum entanglement effects in high-energy collisions. Among other things, the EIC will compare jets emerging from electron-proton collisions with jets emerging from electron-nucleus collisions. These experiments will explore how far the quantum effects extend within nucleiand potentially modify the microcosm within protons. More information: Jaydeep Datta et al, Entanglement as a Probe of Hadronization, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.111902 Journal information: Physical Review Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Three Scottish brothers embark on a journey hoping become the fastest people to row across the Pacific Ocean. Three Scottish brothers have embarked on a mammoth journey from Peru hoping to set a record time for rowing across the Pacific Ocean. Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan MacLean set off in a carbon fiber dinghy from Lima, aiming to reach Sydney in Australia 9,000 miles (14,500 kilometers) away in about four months. The trio from Edinburgh, who previously rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, are hoping to raise more than $1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar in the process. "We're going to be rowing non-stop with no outside support, so we'll be on our own," Lachlan MacLean told AFP before boarding. They departed shortly after 4:00 pm (2100 GMT) on Saturday after a brief ceremony during which youngest brother Jamie played the bagpipes accompanied by the Peruvian Navy band. "One of the real challenges is the sleep deprivation. You're rowing through the day and through the night continuously and shifts," eldest brother Ewan said. "It's absolutely relentless." The brothers plan to sleep five to six hours every 24 hours and row 12 to 14 hours a day for 120 to 150 days. "This project is all to raise money for clean water projects in Madagascar" through their charity, the MacLean Foundation, Lachlan said. "Clean water is the most basic human need on the planet but 10% of people worldwide don't have access to it," they said on their website. Only 14% of Madagascar's rural population has access to a clean water source, they said. "ocean conservation and keeping our oceans clean, it's all part of the same parcel," Lachlan said. The brothers broke three world records crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, without ever having rowed professionally, raising more than $260,000 for charity. 2025 AFP WASHINGTON Thanks to a mouse watching clips from The Matrix, scientists have created the largest functional map of a brain to date a diagram of the wiring connecting 84,000 neurons as they fire off messages. Using a piece of the mouses brain about the size of a poppy seed, the researchers identified those neurons and traced how they communicated via branch-like fibers through a surprising 500 million junctions called synapses. The massive dataset, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, marks a step toward unraveling the mystery of how our brains work. The data, assembled in a 3D reconstruction colored to delineate different brain circuitry, is open to scientists worldwide for additional research and for the simply curious to take a peek. It definitely inspires a sense of awe, just like looking at pictures of the galaxies, said Forrest Collman of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, one of the projects leading researchers. You get a sense of how complicated you are. Were looking at one tiny part ... of a mouses brain and the beauty and complexity that you can see in these actual neurons and the hundreds of millions of connections between them. How we think, feel, see, talk and move are due to neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain how theyre activated and send messages to each other. Scientists have long known those signals move from one neuron along fibers called axons and dendrites, using synapses to jump to the next neuron. But theres less known about the networks of neurons that perform certain tasks and how disruptions of that wiring could play a role in Alzheimer's, autism or other disorders. You can make a thousand hypotheses about how brain cells might do their job but you cant test those hypotheses unless you know perhaps the most fundamental thing how are those cells wired together, said Allen Institute scientist Clay Reid, who helped pioneer electron microscopy to study neural connections. With the new project, a global team of more than 150 researchers mapped neural connections that Collman compares to tangled pieces of spaghetti winding through part of the mouse brain responsible for vision. The first step: Show a mouse video snippets of sci-fi movies, sports, animation and nature. A team at Baylor College of Medicine did just that, using a mouse engineered with a gene that makes its neurons glow when theyre active. The researchers used a laser-powered microscope to record how individual cells in the animals visual cortex lit up as they processed the images flashing by. Next, scientists at the Allen Institute analyzed that small piece of brain tissue, using a special tool to shave it into more than 25,000 layers, each far thinner than a human hair. With electron microscopes, they took nearly 100 million high-resolution images of those sections, illuminating those spaghetti-like fibers and painstakingly reassembling the data in 3D. Finally, Princeton University scientists used artificial intelligence to trace all of the wiring and paint each of the individual wires a different color so that we can identify them individually, Collman explained. They estimated that microscopic wiring, if laid out, would measure more than 3 miles. Importantly, matching up all that anatomy with the activity in the mouse's brain as it watched movies allowed researchers to trace how the circuitry worked. The Princeton researchers also created digital 3D copies of the data that other scientists can use in developing new studies. Could this kind of mapping help scientists eventually find treatments for brain diseases? The researchers call it a foundational step, like how the Human Genome Project that provided the first gene mapping eventually led to gene-based treatments. Mapping a full mouse brain is one next goal. The technologies developed by this project will give us our first chance to really identify some kind of abnormal pattern of connectivity that gives rise to a disorder, another of the project's leading researchers, Princeton neuroscientist and computer scientist Sebastian Seung, said in a statement. The work marks a major leap forwards and offers an invaluable community resource for future discoveries, wrote Harvard neuroscientists Mariela Petkova and Gregor Schuhknecht, who werent involved in the project. The huge and publicly shared data will help to unravel the complex neural networks underlying cognition and behavior, they added. The Machine Intelligence from Cortical Networks, or MICrONS, consortium was funded by the National Institutes of Healths BRAIN Initiative and IARPA, the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. ___ Marty Two Bulls Sr. has had an incredible career since he left Central High School in 1981. The Oglala Lakota artist was a 2021 Pulitzer finalist, and now he's the recipient of the 2025 Herblock Prize for editorial cartooning. "The reason I do these things, is for my people, Pine Ridge, the Oglalas," Two Bulls said in an interview. From South Dakota to Santa Fe, Two Bulls has left his mark on Indian Country and the world with witty and eye catching cartoons. His work resonates with people, and he uses it as a way to bridge gaps. Humor is an effective tool in swaying opinions, he said. Marty Two-Bulls Sr.'s bold and assertive cartoons, drawn in a style distinctly influenced by underground cartoonists, demonstrate courageous and independent thinking," the Herb Block foundation said in a statement. "Two-Bulls' commentary from his unique perspective as one of Americas few Native American political cartoonists addresses local, national and international issues in a powerful and incisive way. Two Bulls, who's from the Red Shirt community on Pine Ridge, began cartooning as a child, it was a way to make his uncles laugh. His uncles, World War II and Korean War veterans, would often draw cartoons of each other and hang them on the walls as a way to make each other laugh. "If I could draw something to make them laugh, then that was something special," he said. Growing up in Rapid City, Two Bulls kept drawing. At Central High School Two Bulls continued to draw for the student newspaper the first place his work was ever published before moving on to a career in local journalism. After high school Two Bulls attended the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver and The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe before returning to Rapid City to work. During the recession in the 1980s it was extremely difficult to find a job and at some points he considered joining the military. But eventually he scored a job as the assistant art director at KOTA and then moved the Rapid City Journal. Two Bulls spent 7 years at the Journal, from 1993 to 2000, as part of the editorial team and as an in-house graphics editor. After that he moved on to the Sioux falls Argus Leader and has now settled on freelancing and focusing on fine arts from his home in Santa Fe. Two Bulls freelances his work with various publications and has been featured in the Lakota Times, Indian Country Today, the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Times, Cherokee One Feather and News from Indian Country. "I like cartooning because it's a combination of writing and pictures," he said. "I used to write editorials for the Journal and no one read them, but if I did a cartoon people would react to it and it was an easier way for my views to be out there, noticed. The medium is so powerful." Cartoons are an effective way to bridge gaps and make others understand things they may not have been previously sympathetic to, Two Bulls said. "The way people remember things is by laughing, it's through humor," Two Bulls said. "By getting a laugh out of it they can see it through a different point of view." At his core, Two Bulls is a news guy, he said. His work focuses on political themes, recently many pieces have focused on the Trump Administration and former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Two Bulls said his inspiration often comes from reading the news. From there, he begins to draw. Sometimes that's digitally, other times it's old school style pen to paper with digital edits and coloring. Cartooning is complicated, he said. You need to center the viewers eye flow throughout the piece, gradually bringing them to the punchline dialogue needs to switch in and out, the mood and timing needs to be just right. From his experience with newspapers Two Bulls has adapted to meeting deadlines quickly, on average he can get a cartoon done in roughly three hours, he said. In 2021 Two Bulls and two other cartoonists were named Pulitzer Prize Finalists in Editorial Cartooning. It was the first time in 48 years a decision wasn't made, and no reason was given as to why. A few weeks ago, Two Bulls found out he'd won the Herblock Prize a prestigious award named for famous cartoonist Herb Block, whose work was featured in the Washington Post and now resides in the Library of Congress. As the recipient of the Herblock Prize, Two Bulls will receive a $20,000 prize and a sterling silver trophy. And on May 28, he'll get to receive his award in Washington D.C. And after decades of cartooning, Two Bulls has no plans of stopping. It's a vital way to spread the truth, he said. "As journalists, our job is to take the truth and put it on a pedestal for everybody to see," he said. "The medium of cartoons can irritate people, can make people laugh when things get hard, but it all goes back to what I wanted to do make my uncles laugh." The city of Richmond wants to ban new tobacco, nicotine and hemp stores from the vast majority of the city. Leaders have developed a plan that would prohibit new stores from opening near homes, schools and day cares. Add up all those spaces, and about 80% of the city would be off limits for new establishments. Richmonds planning department is working to present an amendment to Richmonds zoning ordinances to City Council this spring. The new rules would serve an additional purpose. Should the state legalize recreational sales of cannabis, Richmond would already have a mechanism to limit those stores, too. Though the sale of recreational marijuana is illegal in Virginia, some tobacco stores are selling it anyway, industry experts said. The only legal method of buying cannabis in the state is through licensed providers of medical marijuana. Jason Amatucci, president of the Virginia Hemp Coalition, said the idea of banning cannabis stores, if they are ever legalized, is misguided. He said people who want cannabis will seek it out on the internet, on a street corner or at a friends house. Its safer, he said, to legalize the sale of cannabis and regulate it. The crackdown on the market is not the answer, Amatucci added. Kevin Vonck, Richmonds director of planning, said limiting the proliferation of tobacco, nicotine and hemp stores would improve the health, safety and welfare of city residents. Among adults who are daily smokers, almost all of them started by age 18, according to a study published in Cambridge University Press. Plus a high number of tobacco stores near a school is associated with higher rates of smoking among youth, according to another study. It would not be the first industry restricted in the city, which also limits the placement of nightclubs and liquor distilleries with retail sales. City leaders are not sure how many tobacco, nicotine and vape stores exist within Richmonds limits, given there is no licensing or permitting currently required for them. The city would consider a store as tobacco, nicotine or hemp if 10% or more of its merchandise, floor space or signage is devoted to one or more of those products. If the plan is approved, a new store could open only if it is 1,000 feet or more from a residential lot, day care or school. The city is also considering adding parks and places of worship to the list. That means in about 80% of the city, new stores would not be allowed. Only business and manufacturing districts, such as downtown and the Commerce Road corridor in South Richmond, are left. And even if a company tried to open a store in an approved district, it would still need a conditional use permit from the city. Existing stores would not be affected. Tobacco stores have proliferated in Richmond, and some residents have become concerned. Mark Olinger, of the Church Hill Central Civic Association, told the citys Planning Commission that tobacco, nicotine and hemp stores are the single largest topic of conversation in his neighborhood. Residents want these stores distanced from schools, parks and neighborhood interiors. Other localities already have made similar restrictions. In 2023, Chesterfield County required that new tobacco, nicotine and hemp stores be at least 2,000 feet from a school, and they can open only in commercial zoning districts. Last year, Henrico County passed an ordinance restricting vape shops to 1,000 feet from a school or 2,000 feet from a religious institution, day care, park or existing vape shop. Vaping involves inhaling liquid, smokeless nicotine, and at the time, the county estimated it had about 60 stores that sold vape products. If the state legalizes cannabis sales, Richmond would have a mechanism for limiting new stores selling marijuana products. Currently, adults in Virginia can legally purchase cannabis through a medicinal marijuana provider. The licensed provider in central Virginia is called Cannabist. Its important for us to have that framework in place, Vonck said. The planning director added that the city might consider exemptions for providers of medical cannabis. While concerns about health and safety are a factor for limiting tobacco stores, crime is another. Some tobacco stores sell cannabis illegally, hemp and vape experts said. In December, Richmond police raided a store in the Fairmount neighborhood of east Richmond, not far from Martin Luther King Middle School. Police seized 22 pounds of marijuana and arrested a person for possession with the intent to distribute. Its unclear how widespread the problem is. A deputy chief for Richmond police declined to be interviewed. Noelle Pryor, who founded RVA Vapes across the city line in Henrico, said she agrees that such stores should be kept away from kids. But some stores dont play by the rules, selling to underage customers, offering illegal hemp products or cannabis edibles, she said. It looks bad on the whole industry, Pryor said. Were definitely trying to keep it out of the hands of the youth ... We ID everyone that comes in. Amatucci said the idea of banning cannabis stores is misdirected. Buyers can already order illegal cannabis online and have it delivered to their homes. An 18-year-old can purchase medical marijuana and share it with friends. If legal stores are pushed out, he said, people will go to street corners and dealers. The demand for cannabis products is not going away, Amatucci said. Prohibition is not the answer. In each of the past two sessions of the General Assembly, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed Democratic-led bills to legalize the commercial sale of marijuana. In the absence of a legal market, a black market has continued to grow. New Frontier Data, which studies cannabis consumption, said in 2023 that illegal cannabis sellers in the state made $2.4 billion. Instead of pushing out stores, Amatucci recommends the state legalize cannabis and regulate it by keeping it away from children, making sure products are free of toxins or mold and limiting what can be sold. He said stores that break the law should be shut down. He added that cannabis could help drive tourism and economic development the way wine and breweries do. Theres no black market wine, Amatucci said. Marcie Rice Robertson was monitoring students transition between classes at Mountain View High School near Garrisonville in Stafford County, when she noticed a half dozen students clustered in the hallway. Robertson, executive director of high school leadership for Stafford public schools, said she immediately thought the students were sharing a video on one of their cellphones, so she glanced inside the circle as she walked past. This group of students was simply standing in the hall, briefly, and having a conversation, she said, acknowledging that she felt a little foolish and judgmental about her mistake. But Robertson also said she felt deeply gratified over the otherwise unremarkable hallway conversation because it reflected a policy the public school system had been developing since the end of the previous school year to require high school students to put away their cellphones from the moment the first bell rings that morning until the last bell in the afternoon. I truly believe we made the right decision, she said. Gov. Glenn Youngkin thinks so, too, and so does the General Assembly, which passed legislation this year to put into Virginia law the policy that the governor put in place by executive order last summer. In his July 2024 executive order Youngkin said widespread use of cellphones and social media is contributing to an alarming mental health crisis among adolescents and detracting from learning. Youngkins education department called for cellphone restrictions from bell to bell and called on localities to implement their own policies by Jan. 1. School systems in the city of Richmond and Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties restrict students cellphone use during the school day. Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-7th, wants to take that policy nationwide through the UNPLUGGED Act, which he introduced last week to ban cellphones from school classrooms. His measure would include the same exceptions as the legislation that Youngkin signed on April 2 for students with disabilities or other needs, such as lack of English language proficiency, that could require technical aids. Vindman, whose district is based in Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, has a daughter in Prince William County public schools and a son who graduated from the system. Vindman convened a roundtable discussion late last month that included educators and other leaders from his district, including Robertson. I know how hard it can be to unplug, but the results Ive heard from local Virginia leaders and students speak for themselves, Vindman said. Across the Seventh District, school communities are seeing real benefits from keeping phones out of the classroom: more conversations between students, less social anxiety, longer attention spans, and even higher attendance. Virginia House Education Chairman Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, said legislators had been discussing a potential ban on school cellphones since convening an educational summit after legislative elections at the end of 2023. It is clearly an addiction that we have collectively, said Rasoul, who sponsored one of the two bills that the assembly adopted this year on cellphones in schools. It is one we need to take on, especially at a young age. Youngkins executive order on July 9 took us by surprise in that there was not a conversation, he said. However, Democrats who control both chambers of the General Assembly adopted legislation to require all elementary and secondary schools to develop policies on student cellphones during regular school hours. Defining when the policy must apply was the primary sticking point between the legislature and the Republican governor, who insisted that it apply from bell to bell. Earlier this month, the legislature agreed to his amendments. Since Governor Youngkins executive order last July, Virginia has been leading the nation on bell-to-bell phone-free education, Youngkin spokesman Rob Damschen said on Friday. He welcomes bipartisan support for the actions that he started in Virginia, but has not reviewed and cannot comment the legislation. Vindman, like Youngkin, relied on advice from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation and a prominent national advocate for getting cellphones out of school classrooms. Haidt appeared with Virginia first lady Suzanne Youngkin at a public fireside chat last fall in eastern Prince William County, where the congressman and his family live. The governor recently posted on X that he had shared copies of Haidts book with all 140 members of the General Assembly. No other policy change would confer as big and as rapid a benefit to American schools as freeing students from the constant distractions of the buzzing phones in their pockets, Haidt said in the news release that Vindmans office issued on April 7 to announce the newly elected congressmans legislation. To support kids mental health, educational success, and ability to pay attention, all schools in America should go bell-to-bell phone free. Vindman said hes also been talking to students who support the policy. This phone policy has helped me become a better student this year, Stafford High School senior Dominic Smith said in Vindmans announcement. I have the best grades since I started school my freshman year. Ive accomplished so much this last year because I havent always been on my phone and its been amazing to realize how distracting my phone has really been. Robertson said Stafford began working on the policy months before Youngkin issued his executive order. The school system was hearing parents and teachers express concerns about the negative effects of cellphones in classrooms. We were ahead of the curve with our policy, she said. Staffords policy does not take away anyones phone. Instead, the policy initially leaves it to students to turn off their phones and put them away for the school day. We really put the onus on the students, Robertson said. We really give them the opportunity to make the right decision. When students violate the policy and 3% to 4% do each month the teacher alerts the school administration and security, which handles the situation away from the classroom and involving the students parents. The school requires the student to put the phone in a locked bag, but does not take it away. Some students dont take the message to heart after the first violation, she acknowledged. We do have some students, unfortunately, who make the wrong decision more than once. However, Robertson said students generally have embraced the policy, which she said has reduced absenteeism, improved grades and led to greater involvement in clubs and other student activities. The level of resistance was not at all what we expected, she said. Authorities inaugurate new National Guard base at Tulum airport Tulum, Q.R. The new National Guard base built to provide Maya Train security has been inaugurated. The new facility was inaugurated Friday in Tulum. Federal, state and municipal authorities participated in the inauguration at the Tulum Airport Station base. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Commissioner Juan Carlos Guzman Giadans, Territorial Coordinator of the National Guard in the Southeast Region who pointed out that the National Guard base is key in ensuring Maya Train security in the south. Guzman Giadans said that Sedena (Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional), played a fundamental role in consolidating the federal governments priority infrastructure projects, including the Maya Train. The new National Guard base is intended to provide permanent surveillance of the section of the Maya Train that runs from Tulum International Airport, safeguarding both travelers and employees. Strengthening security institutions is key to guaranteeing justice, peace and the countrys social and economic development, Guzman Giadans stated. He said that the new base not only symbolizes institutional commitment, but also establishes essential conditions for the functioning of the railway system and the protection of those who travel on it. PDC Civil Protection launches rescue operation in search of stranded paddleboarders Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A pair of paddleboarding tourists stranded at sea off Playa 88 Saturday morning were recused in Playa del Carmen. The pair were rescued by Civil Protection after being located 14 kilometers out to sea. While paddleboarding around 7:30 a.m., the pair were pushed out by the strong winds and unable to return to the coast. Both the 26 year old man and 24 year old woman requested rescue assistance from emergency 9-1-1 after realizing they were stranded. The couple from Argentina were located during a search operation that included a boat and jet ski. They were returned to shore at Playa Xcalacoco Saturday afternoon where they were met by paramedics. In a statement, the Secretary of Proteccion Civil, Prevencion de Riesgos y Bomberos de Playa del Carmen said members of the Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Fire Department of Playa del Carmen rescued a tourist couple who were stranded 14 kilometers adrift due to wind and waves while paddleboarding. The woman and man, ages 24 and 26, respectively, originally from Argentina, entered the sea around 7:30 a.m. at the beach located at 88th Street. However, the wind and waves dragged them out to sea, making it difficult to return, so they requested assistance from the 911 emergency number. After receiving the report, the rescue teams launched a search operation with support from local service providers aboard a boat and a jet ski. The couple was located and transported to the shore in the Xcalacoco area where they received pre-hospital care from Civil Protection paramedics. These actions are the result of ongoing training promoted by Mayor Estefania Mercados administration to professionalize all personnel at the Civil Protection, Risk Prevention and Fire Department, headed by Secretary Darwin Covarrubias, in order to provide dignified and efficient care to the population. Michael Sweat, Ph.D., faculty director of the Medical University of South Carolina Center for Global Health, is about to get a measles vaccine. He had one as a child, but his vaccination fell within a window of time when he said protocols and the types of vaccine used were not as effective as now. Theres just a question during that period from around 1957 to 1989. So normally, the guideline is not to get a booster. I mean, it hadnt been recommended unless youre in an endemic area or traveling internationally. But when there are outbreaks like this occurring, theres a lot more concern. My physician suggested I get one. Sweat said people who want to check their immunity levels can also ask a doctor about getting tested for measles antibodies. His comments come as the number of measles cases for 2025 in the United States has risen to more than 480, based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No cases have been reported as of the start of April in South Carolina, but they have been in 20 other states. A child died from measles in Texas in late February, the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. Gaines County, in west Texas, has been especially hard hit by the virus. Sweat has been keeping an eye on the situation. When it first was reported, it got a lot of attention that that outbreak occurred in West Texas. And I was kind of in the mindset of many people that most years, theres some little outbreak. But this spread has been dramatic, and its more worrying now. Worrying, and a reminder that weve had relatively large outbreaks in the past, even after vaccines were available. In 1989, there was an outbreak that occurred, and it lasted for a couple of years and about 55,000 people got the measles. There were 11,000 hospitalizations, and 123 people died. So it can happen. Its so infectious. And if it finds pockets of unvaccinated people, it can spread very quickly, as its considered the most infectious pathogen, Sweat said. That concerns him because vaccination rates have gone down in recent years. If you look nationwide, weve got a lot of anti-vax sentiment, low vaccination rates among kids who are really the most vulnerable and a weakened public health system. So Im concerned. I think it could really take off. Doctors recommend that children get two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects not only against measles but also mumps and rubella. Most kids get them when theyre a year old and when theyre 4 to 6 years old. Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. It can cause a fever, a cough and a runny nose and a rash that lasts several days. Measles also causes complications about 30% of the time and can include pneumonia and encephalitis. People at highest risk of getting severely sick and suffering from complications include kids under the age of 5, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Sweat said people born before 1957 can assume they had the measles its that contagious and have immunity from that. But he encouraged everyone to be aware of current measles case numbers and locations. Every time you turn around, there seems to be another case. Actress Elizabeth Hurley is no stranger to sharing photos of herself in her favorite swimwear. This week, she shared a video wearing a bikini on a beach in the Maldives. "The most glorious sunset in the glorious Maldives," Hurley wrote in the caption of the video, where she smiles in front of an idyllic sunset wearing a taupe two-piece swim set that featured gold-link accents throughout. Getty Images Elizabeth Hurley In a 2022 interview with Yahoo, she spoke about feeling comfortable about what she shares online. "Yes, I still wear bikinis on holidays and because Ive got a bikini company, Im happy to share those pictures," the actress said. "But I expect if I didnt have a bikini company, I probably wouldnt share these pictures. As it happens, but Im very comfortable doing that. ADVERTISEMENT She added, "Theres plenty of women my age who really love going on vacation, prancing around the beach, wearing whatever they want to wear and not being afraid of other people making sneering comments. So I think its just about really saying, work out what youre comfortable with, work out what you believe in. And whilst always being open to new opportunities and to change, stick to your guns when you know something you feel strong about. Getty Images Elizabeth Hurley She made headlines last year when rumors began to circulate that she and Prince Harry had a sexual relationship. The actress, who is 19 years older than Prince Harry addressed the speculation during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. "That was ludicrous!" she said. Hurley also clarified that she has never met the Duke of Sussex. Read the original article on InStyle https://sputnikglobe.com/20250413/iran-ready-to-return-to-2015-nuclear-deal-enrichment-levels---but-with-key-conditions-for-the-us-1121864990.html Iran Ready to Return to 2015 Nuclear Deal Enrichment Levels - But With Key Conditions for the US Iran Ready to Return to 2015 Nuclear Deal Enrichment Levels - But With Key Conditions for the US Sputnik International Iran is ready to return to the levels of uranium enrichment envisaged by the 2015 nuclear deal, subject to certain conditions from the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Iranian and European officials. 2025-04-13T10:32+0000 2025-04-13T10:32+0000 2025-04-13T10:32+0000 world iran abbas araghchi donald trump ayatollah ali khamenei wall street journal joint comprehensive plan of action (jcpoa) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/0c/02/1081337820_0:104:2000:1229_1920x0_80_0_0_bda6966b2e7ebe6d5d96244a5f2f2e4e.jpg According to the newspaper, in exchange, Iran wants a rapid easing of nuclear-related sanctions from the United States, access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, and an end to US pressure on Chinese buyers of Iranian oil. On Saturday, indirect talks were held in the Omani capital of Muscat between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special presidential envoy Steven Witkoff. According to Witkoff, the talks between Iran and the United States in Oman were positive and constructive. Araghchi also called the atmosphere of these talks constructive and calm, thanked the Omani foreign minister for his efforts in exchanging views between the Iranian and US delegations, and announced that the second round of talks between Iran and the US would be held on Saturday, April 19. In early March, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he said that he would prefer to conclude a deal with Tehran on the Iranian nuclear program, threatening a military response otherwise. According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tehran in a response letter refused the US direct talks on the nuclear program, the window for negotiations is open only with the mediation of third countries. In 2015, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, France and Iran concluded a nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) that provided for the lifting of sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program. During Trump's previous presidential term, the United States withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions against Tehran. In response, Iran announced a gradual reduction in its obligations under the agreement, abandoning, in particular, restrictions on nuclear research and the level of uranium enrichment.US special presidential envoy Steven Witkoff did not offer Tehran to abandon its uranium enrichment program during talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman, the New York Times reported, citing a senior US official.The talks were broad and aimed at maintaining dialogue, the focus was on preventing the country from turning its existing material into weapons, the source told the publication.On Saturday, Araghchi and Witkoff held indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat. According to Witkoff, the talks between Iran and the US in Oman were positive and constructive. Araghchi also described the atmosphere of these talks as constructive and calm, thanked the Omani foreign minister for his efforts in exchanging views between the Iranian and US delegations, and announced that the second round of talks between Iran and the US would be held on Saturday, April 19. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250323/irans-master-stroke-new-island-missile-deployment-could-blockade-us-forces-in-the-gulf-1121675792.html iran 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 mideast politics, middle east conflict, mideast crisis, iran jcpoa, iran nuclear deal https://sputnikglobe.com/20250413/russian-troops-take-control-of-yelyzavetovka-in-dpr---defense-ministry-1121864776.html Russian Forces Liberate Yelizavetovka in Donetsk Region Russian Forces Liberate Yelizavetovka in Donetsk Region Sputnik International Russia's Tsentr group of forces has taken control of the village of Yelizavetovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. 2025-04-13T10:17+0000 2025-04-13T10:17+0000 2025-04-13T11:40+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis russian defense ministry dpr https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/1c/1120698716_0:232:3153:2006_1920x0_80_0_0_0b7942882c5370333887b025ed71ec6e.jpg "Units of the Tsentr group of forces liberated the village of Yelyzavetovka in the Donetsk People's Republic as the result of active and decisive actions," the ministry said.More statements from the Russian MoD daily briefing on the special military operation's progress: Among the Ukrainian losses are two Kozak armored fighting vehicles, a US-made Paladin 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzer, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled gun-howitzer, as well as other units of military equipment. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250412/ukraines-kursk-incursion-robbed-western-taxpayers-of-78bln-in-lost-military-equipment-1121861273.html dpr 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' special military operation, ukraine crisis, ukraine conflict, ukraine hostilities, russia hammers ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20250413/us-iran-talks-who-holds-all-the-cards-and-might-it-go-1121866498.html US-Iran Talks: Who Holds All the Cards and Might It Go? US-Iran Talks: Who Holds All the Cards and Might It Go? Sputnik International Both the US and Iran described their indirect talks in Oman this week as positive. What concessions did each side make? What leverage do they hold? 2025-04-13T18:41+0000 2025-04-13T18:41+0000 2025-04-13T18:41+0000 analysis iran us negotiations https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/04/0d/1121866658_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_15e651c5948321dc3403028e37461772.jpg sa Blumi, associate professor of the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Stockholm University, explains.Irans ConcessionsTehran agreeing to negotiate with the United States is a concession in itself. This suggests that more people within the Iranian complex political scene were willing to accept the talks.US ConcessionsThe US participation in the talks, with Donald Trumps main representative Steve Witkoff involved, is a significant concession, even if overshadowed by the ongoing US military buildup in the region.Irans LeverageIrans biggest leverage is its control over the flow of commerce through the Persian Gulf and the ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran does not seem eager to initiate military action in the region, unlike certain countries on the other side of the Atlantic.US LeverageEconomic sanctions are the United States biggest leverage over Iran. Trump might use them to divide Iranian society, alienating the traditional merchant class and liberals from the more traditional radicals of the Iranian Republican Guard and those close to the Ayatollah.Witkoffs RoleWitkoffs role as a representative of the Trump administration is one hes certainly capable of negotiating, says Blumi.There's probably a lot of money at stake for those people who are quietly supporting Witkoff's effort, he adds.The Israeli FactorIsraels repeated threats to attack Irans nuclear facilities shouldnt be ignored, but there's only so much their power can do against Iran's defense mechanisms. The US still holds considerable sway over Israel, guaranteeing its economic liquidity, and Tel Aviv doesn't operate independently of American politics at this stage. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250413/iran-ready-to-return-to-2015-nuclear-deal-enrichment-levels---but-with-key-conditions-for-the-us-1121864990.html iran 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 us iran talks, iran us negotiations, united states iran relations By Qabil Ashirov The Azerbaijani delegation, led by President Ilham Aliyev, participated in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum for the fourth time this year. Our delegation, and I personally, have participated in all the forums. It is gratifying to witness the growing interest in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum every year. It is, of course, gratifying for us to observe that this event has become one of the most important platforms in the world, with the number of participants and the scope of the discussions increasing year by year. I believe that Azerbaijan participated here with the largest number of representatives after the Turkish delegation. In addition to our state representatives, our deputies, think tanks, experts, and the Azerbaijani media were also very widely represented. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed these views in an interview with Azerbaijani media in Antalya, according to Azernews. Noting that our delegation also actively participated in various panel discussions held within the framework of the forum, the minister said: "In the panel dedicated to the South Caucasus, where we participated together with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Georgia, I provided the participants with fairly extensive information about the current state of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the agreement reached on the text of the draft agreement on interstate peace and normalization of relations, as well as Azerbaijan's expectations in this regard. At the panel, we first of all talked about the elimination of claims to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the Armenian constitution, our expectations regarding the abolition of the Minsk Group, the development prospects in the South Caucasus in general, the positive role Azerbaijan has played in the region for many years, and the measures it has taken with other regional countries." Speaking about his bilateral meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Jeyhun Bayramov said: "Our meeting was very important and comprehensive. With this meeting, we once again had the opportunity to discuss in detail the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey covering various areas, including within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). These exchanges of views were also held at a number of other important meetings." The Minister said that the forum also included a panel discussion reflecting the processes taking place within the framework of the TDT, as well as expectations from the organization. Our country was represented in this panel by the President's Special Representative for Missions Elchin Amirbekov. The TDT is the most important organization for us. As our head of state said, this is our family organization. In this regard, the TDT is of particular importance to us. The next, informal Summit of the organization is planned to be held in Hungary soon. In the autumn of this year, an official TDT Summit is planned to be organized in Baku. (TBTCO) - Mot trong linh vuc ang uoc nha au tu quan tam la cong cuoc sap xep lai on vi hanh chinh khong chi la cai cach hanh chinh on thuan, ma con huong en muc tieu tao ra nhung on vi hanh chinh co quy mo u lon, u tam phat trien va ket noi. oi voi TP. Ho Chi Minh, ay chinh la co so e thanh pho tro thanh manh at mau mo cho von au tu truc tiep nuoc ngoai (FDI). FULL BLOWNS music isnt made for one time of year. You can listen to it at the gym, the office, the bedroom, on rainy days, during break-ups, and as a pick-me-up. In a genre driven by the cyclical rush to Carnival, the Hart brothers are among a growing group of deliberate outliers. Theyve always made music that lives beyond the season. That very philosophy inspired their latest single, Castaway. 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. In December 2024, I travelled to New York City, not as a tourist, but as a journalist on a mission. For more than two decades, I have been chronicling the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001. That was the day terrorists flew the planes and passengers into the Pentagon, a Pennsylvania field, and the towers of the World Trade Center in New York. When you make your way through the pastel green door that lines up against the building of the historic train depot, youll notice crowds of people sitting around with slate boards in front of them. Five small glasses filled with dark red and white liquid are neatly placed on the boards. Next to them sits a beaker that people meticulously pour the liquids into, swishing them around and taking a sip before jotting down notes and moving onto the next combination. Dont let the beakers and glass jars fool you, this isnt a scene out of Breaking Bad. This is just another Friday night at Vertigo Wines. Vertigo Wines, located at 410 N. Toole Ave., is not only Tucsons newest urban wine bar, its also one of the only places in the United States that offers wine blending and a barrel-to-glass experience. We wanted to do something different, as opposed to a traditional tasting room that pours from the bottle, owner Kristel Johnson said. Before Vertigo Wines was a thing, Johnson and her husband owned Isabellas Ice Cream, which later merged with Hub Ice Cream during the pandemic. While working with Hub Ice Cream, she began to branch out, offering ice cream pairings with different beers and wines and she even made a frozen rose. After leaving Hub Ice Cream, Johnson landed a job with Sand-Reckoner, an Arizona-based vineyard that had a tasting room in Tucson at the time. I started working at Sand-Reckoner Wines doing business management, marketing and growing the wholesale side of the business, Johnson said. But of course, with wine you get sucked into all aspects of it. So, then I started working in everything from helping with harvest, helping crush, helping down at the winery at Willcox, bottling, barrel tasting and all the fun things. Wine was always something Johnson romanticized, but one experience in specific is what really sealed the deal for her. When she lived in a tiny town in Italy, people would visit a local place to fill up whatever apparatus they had with wine that came straight out of the barrel. It was something Johnson had never seen in America, which prompted her to start toying with the idea of making her own spot where people could serve themselves straight from the barrel. Barrel tasting at vineyards is usually something very exclusive. Youre invited and theres something kind of really special and romantic about it, Ive always loved that, Johnson said. Tasting wine directly from the barrel is so different than tasting it in the bottle and I wanted to make that accessible to everyone. Johnson took that little part of Italy with her and brought it to Tucsons historic train depot. She transformed the space into a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Pink, white and green floral wallpaper covers the back wall light hits each petal thanks to the bejeweled chandelier that hangs on the ceiling. Couches, stools and chairs are found throughout the space, ensuring everyone is comfortable while they sip on their burgundy-colored wine. The final touch is a marble bar that has the bottoms of glass wine bottles incorporated throughout. But what really draws your eyes are the barrels and barrels of wine displayed on the walls, each with its own spout that comes out the front. Each of these barrels holds 59 gallons, which weighs about 600 pounds when full. That meant Johnson had to use forklifts just to get them mounted on the wall. Not only is it difficult to get these barrels through the doors, the real issues come to play when oxygen gets involved. One of the reasons we dont see many barrel-to-glass wineries is because oxygen oxidizes wine. Once that bunghole comes out and the spout goes in, its already been exposed to oxygen, Johnson said. Johnson spoke to several local wineries about her vision and many told her they thought it would be an impossible task. But Johnson was determined: shed seen it work in Europe and knew she could make it happen. Thats when her research led her to a fourth-generation winemaker from South Africa who owned a winery in La Jolla, California. He had developed a system that he had been using for more than a decade that solved the oxygen issue. Johnson reached out to the winemaker who later became her mentor. With that problem solved, now Johnson got to do the fun part: choose which wines she wanted. At Vertigo Wines, Johnson said the wine selection will be 80% local. As you scan the barrels on the wall, youll notice many of them come from Cochise County, with one lonely Napa barrel sandwiched between. I love focusing on local, Johnson said. Thats what I want to do: be able to provide varietals that we can grow in Southern Arizona to everyone and have them have some cool exposure for it. One of the most important things for me as well is making sure that all of the grapes are sustainably farmed. Not only can you get your wine served straight from the barrel, but you also have the opportunity to come up with your own blend. A special tasting gives customers a board with five carafes that each come with two ounces of the wines you choose. From there, you get to mix and match those wines in a beaker, figuring out what tastes good and what doesnt. You can even buy a bottle of your wine creation, which comes with your very own Vertigo Wines label that lets you check off which wines you combined together kind of like a Build-A-Bear Workshop but for adults! So, the next time youre hosting a dinner party, dont forget to show off your very own Vertigo Wines bottle, boasting to all your friends that you made your own wine through a very scientific process. Its so funny. Everyones like, oh my gosh, I feel like Im playing with science, Johnson said. Non-alcoholic spritzers, various cheese boards and light snacks are also on the menu here. Vertigo Wines officially made its big debut last month. Three minutes after opening, Johnson thought no one was coming by to celebrate their big day. Fifteen minutes later, the space was completely full. That same enthusiasm was seen all opening weekend. In fact, it was so busy, they are already working on getting their patio up and running so more people can enjoy the Vertigo Wines experience. The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund raises money so children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona can attend summer camp on scholarships funded by Star readers. We send local kids to weeklong YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout overnight camps, as well as overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for school-age children with special needs. Our goal is to raise $225,000 to send at least 500 kids to overnight camp. So far, weve received 479 donations totaling $93,972.25, or just over 40% of our goal. Since 1947, the Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,391 children to go to camp. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp. Your contribution to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund Send a Kid to Camp Fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450. Joint filers can donate up to $938 for 2024 taxes or $987 for 2025 taxes. All others can donate up to $470 for 2024 taxes or $495 for $2025. Donations made during 2024 or from Jan. 1, 2025, through April 15, 2025, to be claimed on the 2024 Arizona income tax return. Credit-card donations and details on the camps we sponsor: azsendakidtocamp.org Send checks, payable to Sportsmens Fund, to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141 For more information: Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or info@azsendakidtocamp.org Donations are welcome throughout the year. Recent donations include: Drew Colenbrander, $104.70. Donald Eager, $52.51. Jim Elder, $104.70. Lenny Fieber, $100. Martin Kahn, $100. Connie Lauth, $50. Alfred and Sandra Luckau, $50. Dave Maher, $261.27. JoAnne Mallie, $10.72. Ryan Mihalyi, $300. Joan T. Newman, $200. John Nord, to help send a children to Camp Tatiyee, $100. Nancy Odegaard, $50. Judie Paryl, $100. Bruce Phillips, $100. Judy Pickrell, $100. Sheri Pingry, $100. Richad and Rosemary Rice, in memory of Jake Rowden, $938. Barbara Sattler, $517.01. William Stulbarg, $26.41. Two anonymous donations totaling $513.47. Three University of Arizona faculty members have been named Regents Professors, in recognition of achievements in teaching, research and scholarship. Regents Professor is the universitys highest faculty rank, awarded to full professors whose accomplishments warrant national and international distinction, UA said in a news release. The title is limited to no more than 3% of the universitys tenured and tenure-track faculty members. Janko Nikolich, Jiang Wu and Dennis Zaritsky are the latest professors to earn the honor, confirmed Thursday by the Arizona Board of Regents at its meeting in Flagstaff. Nikolich is also Bowman Professor, head of the Department of Immunobiology in the College of Medicine Tucson, and co-director of the universitys Center on Aging. His research has transformed the understanding of how the immune system changes over time and has contributed to the development of new strategies for strengthening immune resilience in older adults, the UA news release said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nikolich developed a precise and effective blood test that helped track COVID-19 exposure and immunity. Wu is a professor in the Department of East Asian Studies in the College of Humanities and director of the universitys Center for Buddhist Studies. Wu is a leading scholar of Chinese and East Asian Buddhism whose research focuses on how the religion spread and how it has changed over many centuries. He has written multiple books on Chinese history and received a prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship in 2023. Zaritsky serves as deputy director of the universitys Steward Observatory and recently completed a six-year term as chair of the Giant Magellan Telescope Science Advisory Council. He is recognized as one of the most innovative thinkers and researchers in astronomy. His accomplishments include using dwarf galaxies to map the distribution of dark matter in the Milky Way and other galaxies. His most influential work includes co-authoring the paper A Direct Empirical Proof of the Existence of Dark Matter, the UA release said. About 59% of all national forest lands in the U.S., including some in southern and central Arizona, would be open to logging under far fewer environmental restrictions than exist today, under a new directive from the Trump administration. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins released a memo April 3 calling for the new rules as a way to combat wildfire risk and disease. The memo designated an emergency situation. It said National forests are in crisis due to uncharacteristically severe wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, invasive species, and other stressors whose impacts have been compounded by too little active management. The same day, a letter from the U.S. Forest Services national office called for regional Forest Service offices to develop plans in about 90 days to increase timber production nationally by 25% over five years. The department is the Forest Services parent agency and the letter was written by Christopher French, the services acting associate chief. A map issued by the Forest Service shows large chunks of the West, including parts of southern and central Arizona, that fall under the Agriculture Departments emergency classification. There, logging of federal lands could at least theoretically be done with fewer environmental reviews under the new directives. Environmentalists, however, are already strongly opposed to these measures. They'll lead to an environmental disaster by streamlining or outright bypassing environmental rules aimed at protecting endangered species, clean water and historic sites, among other things, they say. Overall, Rollins new directive classifies 112,646,000 acres of forest lands as being in an emergency situation due to wildfire risk and insect or disease infestations. The service wont be specifying which lands it wishes to prioritize for timber-cutting until its new plans are done. But a number of small sections of Coronado National Forest, stretching as far south as the Nogales area, would be among the Arizona lands where the liberalized rules and guidelines would apply, the Forest Service map shows. A much larger swath of central Arizona is also shown on that map as open to logging under the slimmed-down timber-cutting rules. Those lands include a large area in which a wide variety of interest groups have spent more than a decade preparing compromise plans under a program known as the Four Forest Restoration Initiative that are aimed at thinning of forests for wildfire prevention while trying to protect the most sensitive stands of trees that are havens for endangered species. In his letter, French wrote, Today, we enter a new era marked by pressing issues like a growing demand for domestic lumber and wildfire resilience. To address these challenges, we need to increase our active forest management to improve both the prosperity of rural America and the health of our forests. Our efforts will lead to an increase in Americas wood independence, a thriving wood products economy, and the protection of our water supply. Southern Arizona forests at risk Environmentalists in southern and central Arizona criticized the agencies new timber-cutting efforts, saying they could lead to major amounts of clear-cutting that could damage old-growth and other large trees. Measures outlined in Rollins memo point to a very clear direction to focus solely on the extraction of merchantable timber at the greatest possible scale, said Brian Nowicki of the Center for Biological Diversity in Albuquerque. This would be a disaster for our national forests and is entirely contradictory to the work that Arizona has been doing for two decades to reduce fire risk and reintroduce beneficial fire on the landscape. Southern Arizona forests are absolutely at risk from the Trump administration, said Nowicki, whose group is involved in the forest restoration initiative, also known as 4FRI. Particularly, the Sky Island forests with some of the last remaining large trees in these areas, and where expanded timber extraction would be highly damaging to those isolated habitats. The Coronado forest has very sensitive forest ecosystems that are suffering from climate change (increasing aridity) and an accelerating fire regime, said Emily Burns of the Sky Island Alliance in Tucson. Cutting wood commercially on the Coronado would be costly and impractical due to lack of infrastructure and would threaten the overall survival of the coniferous forests of southeastern Arizona. Most of the large trees and certainly all the old-growth forests left in Arizona are places where its impossible to take them out of the forest without harming wildlife, Nowicki added. As far as it becoming open season on large trees, theres no way to do that in Arizona without seriously degrading our forests, he said. But Jay Smith, forest restoration director of the Coconino County Flood Control District, said, Im cautiously optimistic that the new federal guidelines and directives wont lead to clear-cutting in his area. Coconino is one of several counties involved in the 4FRI effort. The county, weve been involved in Forest Service restoration work on federal lands since 2018. We know and understand the need to increase the scale of restoration. More concern is, do we have enough industry to consume all these acres logged if they increase them quickly? Smith said. We dont have a concern the Forest Service is going to change the way they treat the forest. We dont do clear cutting here. We remove small trees to restore forests to their natural state. Were looking to reduce the wildfire threat, not to start cutting the forest to produce lumber. Lumber mills in that area are designed to deal with small diameter trees, and if they start cutting old-growth trees, we would definitely have concerns about that, Smith said. There are too many ecological benefits with the old-growth trees to our area and our forests. Tabi Bolton of Campbell Global, a forest investment company involved in the 4FRI effort, declined to comment on the Forest Service and Agriculture secretary letter and memo. The company, based in Portland, Oregon, calls itself a leading global investment manager focused on forest land. Steps to be taken Specifically, Rollins memo and Frenchs letter outlined steps they want the service to take to expand timber-cutting: Exemptions, waivers, and expedited mechanisms for emergency programs on joint efforts with other Agriculture Department agencies and tribes; Emergency consulting with various agencies, that could presumably bypass normal timetables to complete these efforts, to comply with the federal Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Clean Water Act. Expedited permitting, certification, and qualification processes for timber-clearing, as defined in Forest Service directives or as directed by the Forest Service chief. To the maximum extent practicable, agencies should employ whats known as categorical exclusions for timber stand improvement, salvage, and other site preparation activities for reforestation, consistent with applicable law. A categorical exclusion is a class of actions that a federal agency determines wont have a significant environmental effect and therefore dont require an environmental analysis, let alone a full-fledged environmental impact statement. French directed the services national deputy chief to release direction for using emergency provisions of various environmental laws to streamline and simplify our permitting processes. French also directed the National Forest systems natural resources director to streamline or reduce certification requirements and processes. Similarly, Agriculture Secretary Rollins directed the Forest Service to streamline, to the extent allowable by law, all processes related to timber production, including project planning, decision-making, implementation and required certifications. Speaking of the threats from wildfires and insect infestations, Rollins wrote, These threats combined with overgrown forests, a growing number of homes in the wildland-urban interface, and more than a century of rigorous fire suppression have all contributed to what is now a full-blown wildfire and forest health crisis. Immediate action is needed to mitigate risk, protect public health and safety and critical infrastructure, support local and rural economies, and mitigate threats to natural resources on national forest lands. We can do more to contribute to American prosperity and protect our national and economic security, Rollins wrote. They clear a path to bulldoze Grand Canyon Trust Executive Director Ethan Aumack called Rollins orders misguided. His group, like the Center for Biological Diversity and Coconino County, has been a key stakeholder in the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, a 2.4 million-acre forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction effort across four national forests in northern Arizona, in collaboration with industry, state and local representatives, other government agencies, and others. They clear a path to bulldoze our national forests, including old-growth trees that for centuries have filtered our drinking water and provided habitat for wildlife. Here in northern Arizona, we simply cannot afford to lose these forests to logging it will make climate change and wildfires much worse, Aumack said. The measure of success for forest management should not be board foot volume, it should be acres restored and an increase in resilience to mitigate wildfire risk. Authorized steps for dealing with "emergencies" Here's a list of specific actions that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins authorized to deal with what she calls emergency situations on national forests: Salvage of dead or dying trees; Harvest of trees damaged by wind, ice or natural disasters; Commercial and noncommercial sanitation harvest of trees to control insects or disease, including trees already infested with insects or disease; Reforestation or replanting of fire impacted areas through planting, control of competing vegetation, or other activities that enhance natural regeneration and restore forest species. Removal of hazardous trees in close proximity to roads and trails; Removal of hazardous fuels; Restoration of water sources or infrastructure (note: the restoration of water sources includes watersheds); Reconstruction of existing utility lines and replacement of underground cables. The University of Arizona is being ridiculously and obstinately opaque at a time when transparency has never been more important. During the U of As long-playing financial crisis, administrators up to and including President Robert Robbins chose non-disclosure, or selective disclosure, and routinely ignored official public information requests. As the Star did its best to set out the meaning and ramifications of the crisis, as well as its origins, it was consistently hampered by the universitys passive refusal to process public information requests. To this day dozens of such official requests from the Star are still pending. Absurd. The Star is only asking for the university to follow state law in releasing information to the public. No state entity is immune from public-records law, We had hoped that with a new president in place, things would improve. So far, six months into Suresh Garimellas tenure, that seems increasingly unlikely. In an initial meeting with Garimella, the Stars leadership brought up the universitys culture of nondisclosure, and asked that the new president take action to change that culture. Last week, another frustrating refusal to release information left the Star disappointed and, frankly, puzzled. Star reporter Prerana Sannappanavar asked a relatively innocuous question: How many international students at the university have had their visas revoked by the Trump Administration? This was a question asked by journalists of their hometown colleges and universities across the country. Arizona State University, for example, willingly divulged the number of foreign students it had been notified that had visas revoked. The University of Arizona declined to release the number of students with revoked visas on privacy grounds. All the Star asked for is the number of students affected. No names, just the number. How can that number intrude on anyones privacy? U of A officials werent able to answer that question to our satisfaction, saying merely that the university had decided to take a conservative approach to information release. Conservative, in this case, appears to be a euphemism for illegal. The university has fallen all over itself to cleanse itself of any taint of DEI, falling in line with the misguided dictates of the current federal administration faster than you can say Mr. President, were not Columbia or Harvard. Contrast that with its indifferent and largely unsuccessful response to the requirements of public-information law. If complying with records requests is not within the universitys resources, the administration needs to inform the Regents that it is in violation of the law and needs funding to rectify the situation. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of Vietnams negotiation team, which will work with its U.S. counterpart, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on a reciprocal trade agreement addressing Washingtons 46-percent tariff on imports from Vietnam. Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has been appointed head of the negotiation team, with Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan serving as deputy head, according to the decision announced on Saturday. The team also includes Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Pham Quang Dung, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan, and Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will serve as the standing agency for the team, supported by a working group of senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies. The team is responsible for developing negotiation plans and strategies that safeguard national interests while ensuring balanced benefits and shared risks between both countries. According to the prime minister's directive, the objective of the negotiations is to achieve a fair, stable, sustainable, and mutually beneficial trade agreement based on mutual respect. The team is required to report progress and outcomes to PM Chinh and propose the necessary policy measures for implementing the agreement once it is finalized. The negotiation team was formed following U.S. President Donald Trump's April 9 announcement of a 90-day delay in implementing a new global tariff policy, including a 46-percent duty on Vietnamese imports, previously announced by the U.S. administration and originally scheduled to take effect the same day. Vietnam had earlier requested a postponement of at least 45 days to allow time for trade negotiations and is now among more than 75 countries and territories benefiting from the 90-day delay. On April 6, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, acting as a special envoy of Party General Secretary To Lam, visited the United States, where he met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. These meetings resulted in a mutual agreement to begin formal negotiations on a bilateral trade deal, including discussions on the reciprocal tariff. Treasury Secretary Bessent expressed appreciation for Vietnam's timely and proactive efforts in addressing U.S. concerns, welcomed the agreement to launch talks, and confirmed that he has been appointed head of the U.S. negotiation team. He also conveyed confidence that both countries would soon find appropriate solutions to build a stable and mutually beneficial economic and trade partnership. Commerce Secretary Lutnick reaffirmed the importance of U.S.-Vietnam relations, describing Vietnam as a major economy with significant potential and a key regional partner for the United States. He emphasized that the U.S. is currently prioritizing reindustrialization, reshoring manufacturing, and ensuring fair trade. Lutnick stated that the Department of Commerce will work closely with Vietnam to address outstanding economic and trade issues and help shape a meaningful agreement that benefits both countries. On April 4, one day after the 46-percent tariff was announced, Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam held a phone conversation with President Trump. During the call, Lam expressed Vietnam's readiness to work with the U.S. to reduce tariffs on American goods to zero, increase imports from the U.S., and facilitate American investment in Vietnam. Veteran broadcaster Richard Zachariah, best known for The Home Show and 11AM, has died, aged 80. He passed away on Wednesday, aged 80, just four months after his former partner, co-host and renowned fashion icon Maggie Tabberer. Zachariah has worked in newspapers, radio and television both in Australia and London. He attended Hamilton College in western Victoria, where his father was also headmaster. He began his media career at The Age in 1964 before heading to the BBC. Over the years his columns in The Sunday Telegraph, The Australian, Fairfax Rural Press and there were radio engagements and books. By early 1986 he was hosting Sevens national morning news program, 11 AM and later Seven Nightly News in Sydney with Ann Sanders. With partner Maggie Tabberer, he co-hosted The Home Show on the ABC in the 1990s, a partnership that would last a decade for both. Amongst the more unexpected appearances, was competing on singing show It Takes Two in 2006, performing alongside Karen Knowles. He was first eliminated. Thats why I signed up for the show, to do something that I havent done before and conquer inhibitions I have got and it seems I have done it. He would live in rural Australia for over 20 years, running a beef and dairy operation in East Gippsland, Victoria. A funeral will be held on April 23 at the Eastern Park Chapel at Warrnambool in Victoria. A colourful character, respected journalist and writer, and lover of life, the notice reads. Always remembered. Source: news.com.au, TelevisionAU, If the majority of robberies are considered inside jobs then Andrew Coop Cooper is your man. Its a path down which the sucessful hedge fund manager, played desperately by Jon Hamm, never expected to venture. But circumstance has him on his arse, facing financial oblivion. Echoing his Don Draper success, Cooper lives the high life in New Yorks financial circles. But after splitting with wife Mel (Amanda Peet) a tryst with an attractive colleague Liv (Kitty Hawthorne) leads to him being fired by boss, Jack (Corbin Bernsen). Despite his pleas that sex was consensual, Coop loses his job at a time when he has high alimony and child maintenance costs. Hes also subject to a 2 year non-compete with his business manager warning he will run out of money within 6 months. At first he drowns his sorrows in more drinking and sex, with wealthy bored housewive Samantha (Olivia Munn) at the same time as upwardly failing his teens, son Hunter (Donovan Colan) and daughter Tori (Isabel Gravitt). For much of the first episode our cranky, disillusioned anti-hero wanders aimlessly through affluent neighbourhoods, and a life slipping from his grasp, and who fails to take responsibility -until he does something that surprises him as much as us as audience: he steals from his own kind. For if life has afforded him one thing, it is access to lifestyles of the rich and famous, to homes where an outdoor bbq event is an access all areas to dens of fancy watches, designer handbags and literal rolls of cash. At the same time his troubled younger sister Ali (Lena Hall) needs somewhere to live when she isnt playing folk songs on guitar outside the home of her ex. At least it brings out the softer side to a character proving abrasive at best. Jonathan Troppers 9 part drama is a slow burn essay on the wealthy in which one of its own falls from grace and begins to see his world through a new lens. Thats worth exploring and Hamm is easily up to the task as a convincing hedge fund manager and father in despair. But is he also a convincing thief? Indeed, some of his early escapades seem far-fetched, striding into homes because he can without any alarms going off, leaving finger prints everywhere he turns, without fear of consequence. I suspect it is all part of the series set-up with easy heists likely to be short-lived. Theres a faint whiff of Desperate Housewives, without the comedy, in the dark deeds of the privileged here. Some of the best scenes are fraternising with seedy pawn shops to offload his loot, and stepping reluctantly into a world he has only ever glided by in his black Maserati. Even wife Mel, who works by day as a psychiatrist, is showing signs of discombobulation despite having her new athlete partner (Mark Tallman) and a fancy home. Not to be confused with a 1998 movie of the same name with Amy Brenneman & Aaron Eckhart, Amy Your Friends & Neighbours holds a mirror to the haves (rather than the have-nots) and the turmoil that ensues from an implosion. Coop is going to need to look deep into his soul before the final credits roll and he may not like what he sees. Therein lies the most appeal of a layered series. Your Friends & Neighbours is now screening on Apple TV+ NINH THUAN A high-tech herbal processing factory, worth VN30 billion (US$1.17 million), has opened in the south central province of Ninh Thuan. Developed by LKVN Herbal JSC, the facility spans nearly 1.5ha in Ninh Son District's Quang Son Industrial Cluster. At the inauguration ceremony, Trinh Minh Hoang, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee, praised the companys innovative approach and commitment to overcoming challenges throughout the construction and commissioning of the facility. He expressed confidence in the companys future, highlighting its potential to apply environmentally friendly technologies, improve product quality and build a reputable domestic brand with a vision toward international markets. Hoang also called on relevant agencies and local authorities to continue supporting the investor and other enterprises, ensuring favourable conditions for stable investment and development within the province. The company's director Nguyen Ngoc Binh said the new factory has a designed capacity of 20 million products per year. It will process a variety of herbal products including ginseng tea bags, tablets, pillows and other medicinal plant-based items. This is the first project to be established in the Quang Son Industrial Cluster. Its launch marks a significant step forward in the local herbal industry, aiming to enhance the value of medicinal plants and promote a closed value chain from research and cultivation to processing and product distribution. The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a standardised medicinal value chain that aligns with international standards, while ensuring stable consumption and sustainable product value. VNS HA NOI The European Commission (EC) recently issued a notice of provisional anti-dumping measures on certain hot-rolled steel products imported from Egypt, Japan, and Viet Nam into the European Union (EU), the Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam reported on Saturday. The ECs investigation was initiated on August 8, 2024, based on a complaint filed by the European Steel Association. The goods under investigation are some hot-rolled steel products with the Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes 7208, 7211, 7225, and 7226. The period for the anti-dumping investigation was from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024; the injury investigation period was from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. Based on company data and adjustments as required by regulations, the EC concluded preliminary dumping margins for Vietnamese companies range from 0 to 12.1 per cent. The ECs preliminary conclusion on injury stated that the EU hot-rolled steel coil industry had suffered significantly, reflected in factors such as market share, price impact, profitability, investment, and employment. The Trade Remedies Authority recommends that the Viet Nam Steel Association (VSA), manufacturers and exporters of the investigated products thoroughly study the investigation documents and fully cooperate with the EC during the investigation process. They should also regularly coordinate and provide information to the authority body to receive timely support. During the investigation period, Vietnamese companies imported iron ore and coking coal from various countries due to insufficient domestic supply in both quantity and quality. Therefore, input prices were not influenced by the domestic raw materials market, according to the Trade Remedies Authority. Regarding the complainants allegation that the Vietnamese Government's export tax policies lowered the prices of iron ore and coal which are the primary inputs for hot-rolled steel production and account for up to 40 per cent of production costs and created an unfair advantage for dumped exports to the EU, the EC preliminarily concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support this allegation. Certain goods are excluded from the investigation, including stainless steel or grain-oriented silicon electrical steel; specialty and high-hardness tool steel; stainless steel in coil form, without embossed patterns, with a thickness greater than 10mm and width of 600mm or more; and those with a thickness from 4.75mm to 10mm and width from 2,050mm or more. BIZHUB/VNS BEIJING The state visit to Viet Nam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping from April 14-15 will lift the two countries relations to a new height, contributing to peace and stability in the region, according to a Chinese scholar. In an interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing, Cheng Hanping, director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology, said that as this year marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, the upcoming visit holds significant importance in shaping the future direction of this relationship, especially as the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam is approaching. As two socialist countries, China and Viet Nam need to maintain solidarity and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. In a world of increasing uncertainties and changes, the strategic cooperation between the two neighbours serves as a testament to their commitment to upholding multilateralism and globalisation, while jointly pursuing shared interests, Cheng stated. The expert expressed his belief that the China-Viet Nam relationship will continue to grow stronger and that their "six major orientations" will be further enhanced. He went on to affirm that the two economies are highly complementary, enabling both sides to tap into the potential for collaboration, expand the space for shared interests, and bring tangible benefits to the two countries' people. VNA/VNS HA NOI Institutional obstacles hindering growth must be addressed during the implementation of the Partys policies, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as he chaired the monthly government meeting on lawmaking on Sunday. The Government leader said significant time and efforts have been dedicated to developing and improving the legal and institutional framework, which is considered one of the country's strategic breakthroughs. Since the beginning of the term, the Government has held 35 thematic sessions on lawmaking. Three of these sessions were held in 2025, reviewing and giving feedback on 18 draft laws, ordinances and resolutions. Developing and improving the institutional framework is becoming increasingly systematic, professional, innovative, scientific, practical and effective, PM Chinh noted, with a focus on streamlining administrative procedures promoting decentralisation and delegation of power, alongside resource allocation, inspection and supervision. At the meeting, Government officials reviewed and commented on four law projects and two draft resolutions from the National Assembly (NA). One of the discussion topics was naturalisation and restoration of nationality in the draft amendment to the current Law on Vietnamese Nationality, to make Vietnamese naturalisation more open and convenient. In the draft amendment to the Penal Code, discussions centred on capital punishment and its execution, monetary penalties for violations, and issues related to high-tech crimes and commercial fraud. Officials also mulled over whether to apply criminal procedures for violations arising from new and experimental sci-tech business models. Regarding the draft NA resolution on the establishment of regional and international financial centres (IFCs) in Viet Nam, officials commented on special, breakthrough policies to build and develop leading IFCs that operate according to international standards. They also discussed the operational and management models of these establishments, along with procedures for dispute resolution and mechanisms to attract talent and investment. Discussing the NA resolution on a pilot scheme for social housing development, Government officials focused on how these regulations promote house ownership for low-income individuals and industrial park workers, and the involvement of labour unions in this process. Other topics of discussion include the draft amendments to the Law on Organisation of Criminal Investigation Bodies and the Law on Handling Administrative Violations. Concluding the meeting, PM Chinh gave high regard to the work of the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Construction for their proactive and diligent preparation and submission of the draft laws and resolutions, as well as the constructive feedback of government members during the discussions. He directed the ministries in charge of the law projects and draft resolutions to take into consideration the comments and promptly finalise the legislative dossiers to submit to the NA at its upcoming session next month. Deputy PMs are required to manage relevant agencies in finalising the draft laws and resolutions within their scope. The principle is to address all institutional obstacles hindering national growth and production capacity, and mobilise all social resources for development. The decentralisation and delegation of authority should be carried out to the greatest extent possible, accompanied by inspection and supervision mechanisms as well as resource allocation. In addition to streamlining administrative procedures, authority and regulations to handle administrative violations must be made clear to ensure effective enforcement. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has extended his greetings to the Khmer people on the occasion of their New Year celebrations, Chol Chnam Thmay. With more than 1.3 million people, the Khmer community is an inseparable part of the great national unity bloc, said the PM, adding that their culture, including unique customs, traditions and festivals, holds rich values in the diverse cultural tapestry of Viet Nam. The Khmer people have always placed trust in the leadership of the Party and State, upholding the spirit of patriotism and traditions, uniting with other ethnic groups nationwide and actively contributing to the nations development and defence, he wrote in his message. The Party and the State consistently regard ethnic and religious affairs as fundamental, long-term and urgent strategic issues. Under the Partys leadership and the engagement of the entire political system and people nationwide, the living standards of the Khmer people have been improving while their cultural identity is preserved and promoted. Political security and social order are also maintained, and the great national unity bloc continues to be strengthened. This years Chol Chnam Thmay is celebrated in a special atmosphere as the country welcomes the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, the 135th birth anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh, and the 80th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The year 2025 is also a pivotal year of administrative reforms with the political systems organisational structure streamlined for effective and efficient operation, and marking the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. These strategies lay the foundation for Viet Nams prosperous and strong development in the new era, wrote PM Chinh. He urged all levels of authorities, sectors, and localities to intensify efforts to implement strategies, programmes, projects and policies on ethnic and religious affairs, ensuring timely and effective responses to the legitimate rights and interests of the people. The Government leader also underscored the importance of prioritising resources for comprehensive development and life quality improvement for the Khmer people, with particular attention to health, education and culture. Fostering self-reliance, confidence and national pride among the Khmer people is also an important task to contribute to the collective strength of the great national unity bloc in the new era, he wrote. Despite ongoing challenges, with the Partys direction aligning with the peoples aspirations, PM Chinh expressed confidence that the Khmer community will continue to uphold their rich cultural traditions, patriotic spirit and solidarity, contributing to building a Viet Nam that is prosperous, strong, democratic, equitable and civilised. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam attaches importance to and wishes to further deepen their friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with France, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son during a meeting with visiting French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin in Ha Noi on Saturday. Son expressed his pleasure at the positive progress in bilateral ties, particularly following the upgrade of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary To Lams official visit to France in October 2024. He welcomed the growing exchange of delegations at all levels and the expansion of cooperation mechanisms across various sectors, noting these have helped make the comprehensive strategic partnership deeper and more practical. Minister Saint-Martin congratulated Viet Nam on its dynamic socio-economic development and voiced confidence that the country will fulfill its goals set for the centenary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 2030 and the 100th anniversary of the country's founding in 2045. He reaffirmed Viet Nams status as a key priority partner for France in the Asia-Pacific region and shared Deputy PM Sons view on the positive developments of bilateral relations, particularly in trade-investment, which is regarded as a cornerstone of the comprehensive strategic partnership. Regarding ongoing global economic uncertainties and rising trade tensions, Son highlighted Viet Nams approach, focusing on calmness, mettle, flexibility, and creativity, coupled with a policy of persistent dialogue. He emphasised the Governments commitment to supporting businesses, improving infrastructure, maintaining open and transparent institutions, and advancing smart governance. This is also an opportunity for Viet Nam to restructure its economy towards green and sustainable growth, increase resilience and diversify both markets and supply chains, he noted. Both sides agreed to reinforce collaboration in maintaining and consolidating the multilateral trading system and to expand bilateral trade by increasing market access. They pledged to fully leverage the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and deepen cooperation in priority sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, renewable and green energy, science and technology, innovation, aerospace, and the development of high-quality human resources, particularly for the semiconductor industry. Responding to the Vietnamese official's proposals, minister Saint-Martin vowed to push for the early ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the French Parliament, which would create more favourable conditions for businesses from both countries. He also pledged to support Viet Nams efforts to have the European Commission's yellow card on its seafood exports lifted. Son called for continued cooperation in traditional areas such as health care, culture, and locality-to-locality collaboration. He urged the French government to support the Vietnamese community in France so that they can further promote their role as a vital bridge of friendship between the two nations. He also reiterated Viet Nams readiness to create a favourable environment for French citizens and enterprises investing and operating in the country. The two sides agreed to step up coordination at multilateral forums and international organisations to promote multilateralism, uphold international law, and address global challenges. On the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, Saint-Martin reaffirmed France's support for the stance of Viet Nam and ASEAN regarding the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to peace, stability, security, and safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. VNA/VNS KIEN GIANG Agricultural co-operatives in Kien Giang Province have developed rapidly in terms of both numbers and efficiency. The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province now has more than 470 agricultural co-operatives and 1,500 agricultural co-operative groups with a total membership exceeding 70,000. The adoption of modern co-operative models, which integrate input supply with output linkage for agricultural products, has significantly improved farmers' profits and co-operative performance. The Phu Hoa Youth Agricultural Service Co-operative in Tan Hiep Districts Tan Hoi Commune has more than 320 members with nearly 700ha of rice fields. By adopting modern farming techniques, the co-operative has achieved high profits, particularly over the last five years. Nguyen Van Huynh, its director, said in the past members did not grow an autumn-winter rice crop and only grew in winter-spring and summer-autumn due to uneven field surfaces. Since 2018 the co-operative has used machinery to level the fields, enabling its members to cultivate three high-quality rice crops per year. The co-operative provides them with fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation services at prices around 10 per cent lower than the market rate, helping them increase profits by more than VN3 million (US$120) per hectare per crop. Ho Van Huong, a member of the co-operative, recently harvested the 2024-25 winter-spring rice on his two hectare field, achieving a yield of 9.5 tonnes per hectare and earning VN110 million ($4,300) from selling the paddy. By being part of the co-operative, he benefits from synchronised sowing with other members, centralised irrigation, stable demand, and getting rice prices that are VN200-300 per kilogramme higher than market rates, he said. Climate change has affected rice farming, and the market has fluctuated in recent years. Joining a co-operative for systematic, high-quality rice production with secured input and output channels is now essential for stable rice farming. The Vinacam Hon at Agricultural Co-operative in Hon at Districts Nam Thai Son Commune cultivates 700ha of rice and has transitioned from traditional to modern farming methods. It employs drone-assisted pesticide spraying, smart irrigation monitoring and mechanised rice sowing to optimise productivity. Le Tan uc, its director, said the co-operatives headquarters serve as a venue for transactions and meetings. Its rice fields are protected by a closed dyke system and advanced irrigation infrastructure that regulates water levels and drains excess floodwater. The co-operative now has more than 70 members. To safeguard their benefits, we collaborate with rice companies to provide inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, and to sell rice at the end of each harvest. The co-operative's annual revenues exceed VN120 billion ($4.7 million), while profits are over VN450 million ($17,500), he said. Le Minh Khem, a member of the co-operative and owned of a six-hectare farm, took part in growing high-quality and low-emission rice on a trial basis on 5,000sq.m in the 2024-25 winter-spring crop. The trial achieved a yield of 9.7 tonnes per hectare, matching traditional methods but generating extra profits of VN4 million ($160) per hectare due to reduced fertiliser and pesticide use. The co-operatives large-scale production model already offers great benefits. Now, with this high-quality, low-emission rice farming method, farmers can further cut costs, minimise health risks and sell rice at a premium of VN300 per kg, Khem said. Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environments project to develop one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation linked to green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030, Kien Giang aims to account for 200,000ha. Its agricultural co-operatives have operated efficiently, helping increase farmers incomes, according to Pham Thanh Tram, deputy chairman of the Kien Giang Co-operative Alliance. But some do operate inefficiently because their members are small farming households with limited production capacity, he said. Besides, the agricultural sector faces risks due to climate change and price fluctuations, he said. To enhance their efficiency, co-operatives, especially small and medium-sized ones, should be offered financial, technical and management support, he said. Authorities should invest more in rural infrastructure, including irrigation, roads and electricity for irrigation, and in machinery, technology and training members for co-operatives, he said. Co-operatives should establish linkages with reputed companies to facilitate sales by their members, he added. Kien Giang, the countrys largest rice producer, grows 4.5 million tonnes of paddy annually, according to its Department of Agriculture and Environment. Last year it had large-scale rice fields covering 50,000ha with more than 38,000ha cultivated under farming contracts. Of the 38,000ha, more than 27,000ha meet SRP, organic and Vietnamese and global good agricultural practice standards and their output is exported to the EU, the US, and Japan. VNS BAC NINH National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Sunday urged Bac Ninh Province to develop modern and synchronised digital infrastructure and digital platforms, emphasising that now is a golden and most opportune time to advance the revolution in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Addressing a forum on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation held by the northern province, Man appreciated its organisation, especially in the context of the Party, State, National Assembly, and Government making strong efforts to promote the application and development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This move reflects the determination of the provincial Party Committee, authorities, and people to enhance the application of advanced science and technology in order to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, thereby meeting the localitys development needs in the new phase. He advised Bac Ninh to invest in building a modern data centre, with a particular focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI), to meet the growing demand for data storage and processing, and optimise investment and operational costs while enhancing flexibility, safety, and data security. Regarding digital economic development and supporting business digital transformation, the NA Chairman urged the provincial Peoples Committee, relevant departments, sectors, and associations to develop and implement comprehensive programmes and solution packages to accompany businesses, especially those with small and medium sizes, cooperatives, and household businesses in the province. Priority should be given to researching and providing in-depth digital transformation solutions and applying new technologies to key and advantageous economic sectors such as industrial production, tourism, and high-tech agriculture, Man stated, adding that this will contribute to achieving and surpassing the target for the digital economys share in the GRDP. The leader also recommended the province to develop a science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, including the establishment of high-tech industrial parks; build a high-quality workforce by attracting top-tier software engineers; and focus on developing digital data, building a digital government and digital society, and strongly reforming administrative procedures to better serve people and businesses, especially in the context of a streamlined political system. Information technology must be applied in management and administration to build a clean and strong political system, grounded in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, he added. At the forum, the NA Chairman witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the provincial Peoples Committee and the Korea Chamber of Business in Viet Nam, the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology. VNA/VNS by Luong Thu Huong In a heartfelt homage to Vietnamese culture, London-based filmmaker Le Ngoc Han is set to debut her latest documentary, The Long Dress, this July. The film takes viewers on a journey across various cities and continents, where the ao dai is not just a traditional costume, but also a means of cultural expression. For Han, the project is deeply personal. Its inspiration comes from her strong connection with Vietnamese culture and her desire to share untold stories about the ao dai with the world. Growing up in Ha Noi, she was captivated by its elegant beauty and cultural significance. It is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of history, identity, and resilience, Han said. Filming for The Long Dress began in July last year, bringing together a team of Vietnamese and international filmmakers. It follows three main characters from the US, the UK, and Viet Nam, all of whom share a love for the iconic attire: Thai Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American designer who was the first to bring the ao dai to the Oscar red carpet; Anna Hoang, a teenager in the UK who began creating unique ao dai designs at the age of 10; and a renowned Vietnamese ao dai designer. The film also explores the evolution of the ao dai at international fashion events and on the red carpet, featuring Vietnamese artists such as Ali Wong. As a filmmaker, I recognise the importance of preserving and honouring the ao dai. This film is my personal tribute to Viet Nam and its cultural heritage, and I also hope to introduce the ao dai to audiences around the world, Han told Viet Nam News. She spent months researching archival materials, interviewing designers, historians, and individuals to gain a deeper understanding of its evolution. She also explored how the ao dai is represented in Vietnamese art, literature, and cinema. The Long Dress was filmed in various locations, from Viet Nam to design studios in London and Los Angeles, where Han worked closely with featured designers to capture their creative processes and perspectives on the garment's future. The film combines intimate interviews, historical footage, and artistic cinematography to honour the beauty of the dress. The young filmmaker revealed she faced not only technical challenges but also the emotional weight of maintaining the authenticity of Vietnamese culture while ensuring accessibility for international audiences unfamiliar with the ao dai. "Financial issues were also a significant obstacle. As an independent filmmaker, securing funding for a cultural documentary is no easy task. I overcame this challenge by building strong collaborative relationships and working with individuals truly passionate about the project, Han said. "Additionally, coordinating an international production team across different time zones was complex. However, we maintained close communication thanks to technology. These challenges only strengthened my belief in the film's purpose." One of her most memorable moments was capturing young designer Anna Hoang as she prepared to debut her collection at an international fashion event at just 13 years old. Watching her seamlessly blend tradition with fresh creativity gave me hope that the ao dai will continue to evolve through the younger generation, she recalled. Although The Long Dress highlights the beauty of the ao dai, it aims to convey deeper cultural valuestelling the story of those who have preserved and evolved this national legacy through generations. "I want to highlight the ao dai as a bridge between tradition and modernity. It is not just clothing but a symbol of elegance and grace, and a unique identity for Vietnamese people around the globe. This film invites international audiences to explore the beauty and significance of the dress, embodying the essence of Viet Nam," Han said. I also hope The Long Dress will inspire audiences to cherish and preserve their cultural heritage, no matter where they are in the world. The documentary is expected to be completed in July and will be promoted in Viet Nam and abroad. Han, also a producer and writer, is the founder of Spira Films, an independent production company focusing on untold stories about Vietnamese culture and history. Born and raised in Ha Noi, her passion for filmmaking was shaped by a deep appreciation for Vietnamese traditions and heritage. She earned a bachelor's degree in film directing from the Ha Noi University of Theatre and Cinema and another degree in film & television production from the University of Gloucestershire. She later had a master's with honours in film production at Goldsmiths, University of London. She has worked across various fields, from television and documentaries to multimedia storytelling, leading projects for major organisations and global leaders. She has worked directly with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at the UK Future Conference 2022, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and leaders from major corporations. Han has also produced 15 interactive films for the Science Museum in London and shared her insights at public forums, including TEDx Hanoi, where she presented her vision of cultural expression and its power to inspire meaningful change. VNS by Quynh Hoa Nestled along the gentle curves of the Cau River in Bac Ninh Province, Phu Lang pottery village is where tradition meets novelty. With a history dating back over 700 years, Phu Lang is one of Viet Nams oldest pottery villages, renowned for its distinct reddish-brown earthenware and wood-fired kilns. Once bustling with craftsmen and brimming with the scent of clay and smoke, the village has faced increasing challenges in recent decades, from dwindling interest among younger generations to the pressures of modernisation and mass production. But today, Phu Lang is stirring again, this time with a new generation of potters and a cross-cultural collaboration that may redefine the future of this ancient craft. The legacy of fire and clay With a pottery history dating back to the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400), Phu Lang is one of the most renowned pottery centres in northern Viet Nam. Its products are known for their terracotta, earthy brown glaze, hand-carved patterns, and the unique technique of firing in traditional wood-fired kilns. For generations, Phu Lang potters used local red clay to craft household items such as jars, vases, and water containers. Yet the last few decades have been difficult for Phu Lang. The rise of industrial ceramics, plastic wares, and cheap imports led to declining demand for handmade pottery. Older artisans were retiring, and younger generations were increasingly turning away from the craft, seeking more lucrative careers in cities. "Many young people in my village didn't want to do pottery any more because it seemed rustic and outdated," said Bui Van Huan, a 35-year-old potter. It was hard work, the income was unstable, and the market was shrinking. But rather than giving up on his heritage, Huan decided to take a different approach one that would combine tradition with innovation. According to Le Phu Thanh, vice chairman of Phu Lang Commune People's Committee [commune administration], the vitality of the village lies in both its heritage and its adaptability. Phu Lang pottery was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. We are proud of our ancient craft, but we also understand that preserving it requires transformation. The youth bring innovation and digital literacy that are essential for reaching new markets and redefining Phu Lang's place in the global pottery scene, Thanh said. The young generation steps in Huan is part of a new generation of Phu Lang artisans who are not just preserving the villages heritage but transforming it. Armed with design knowledge, digital skills, and global perspectives, these young potters are reimagining what Phu Lang terracotta can be. After graduating from the Ha Noi University of Industrial Fine Arts, Huan returned to his village with a mission: to modernise Phu Lang pottery without losing its soul. He began experimenting with new glazes, minimalist forms, and functional designs tailored for urban lifestyles. Instead of large jars, he created tea sets, home decor items, and contemporary tableware. He also built an online presence, showcasing his works on social media and connecting with design-savvy customers across Viet Nam and beyond. I realised we couldnt just make the same things our grandparents did, Huan said. We had to innovate new products. His studio, which he named Gom Huan (Huan Pottery), quickly gained a following. By combining traditional firing methods with modern aesthetics, he carved a niche in the growing market for handmade, sustainable goods. Other young artists followed suit, and a quiet revolution began unfolding in Phu Lang. A bridge to Japan: JICA project One major turning point came in 2021, when a development cooperation initiative between Viet Nam and Japan brought new opportunities to the village. According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Viet Nam, Onimaru Setsuzan Kamamoto Company and Toho Village of Japan have coordinated with local authorities and master artisans in Phu Lang Village to launch a multi-phase initiative aimed at revitalising the ancient craft. The project, titled Sustainable Pottery Development in Phu Lang, aims to cultivate ceramic artisans by combining traditional pottery knowledge with advanced techniques, technologies, and experiential expertise adapted to the local context of Phu Lang craft village. "Our project took place in Phu Lang traditional pottery village, with the aim of creating ceramic products related to flower arrangement and high-end dining utensils that are recognised not only in Viet Nam, but also around the world," said Onimaru Hekizan, the project director. "We all wish to work together, in order to protect the natural environment in Phu Lang, one of the best ceramics production sites in the world. Until today, households in Phu Lang have continuously produced ceramics on a large-scale. "Those products, made of clay from the river-bed, give us a warm and familiar, feeling. Moreover, large-sized wood-fired kilns are also an interesting characteristic of the village. However, soil and wood are not unlimited natural resources. Thus, we hope that Phu Lang will prosper as one of the leading ceramic production areas in Viet Nam, by learning methods that use as few resources as possible yet, provide the families with a good income," he added. Naganuma Takehisa, a Japanese master artisan who took part in the project, agreed: "I have been working as a pottery artisan for 40 years. The image of the time when I started the pottery career suddenly appeared when I saw the sincere and energetic pottery making attitude of my learners at the pottery workshop in Phu Lang Village. I would love to express my sincere gratitude to learners who gave me a chance to have such a precious experience." From local to global The results were soon visible. So far, the village boasts over 200 households engaged in pottery production. Around 1,000 workers are directly involved in pottery-making, producing over one million products each year. With support from the project, several local workshops began redesigning their product lines. Colour palettes became more refined, patterns more subtle, and forms more suitable for export markets. Some studios began offering pottery classes for tourists and locals, turning the village into a creative destination. One standout example was the transformation of old family pottery into a multi-functional space part gallery, part workshop where visitors could watch artisans at work and try their hand at making pottery. The space quickly became a favourite stop for culture-loving travellers. Its not just about selling potteries, Huan said. Its about telling a story the story of a village, a tradition, and a new generation. Moreover, under the project, a group of seven Vietnamese trainees have currently come together to form a cooperative that continues to build and develop the ceramic craft in Phu Lang. With support from Japanese experts, they have successfully constructed a new kiln at a new location and produced quality ceramic products, according to JICA Vietnam. From February 22 to 25, 2025, the Phu Lang Pottery Festival and New Kiln Inauguration Ceremony were held, with the participation of the cooperative and nine other ceramic households in the village, supported by the local authorities. Challenges ahead Despite these successes, the road ahead isnt without hurdles. The younger generation still faces pressure from family members who are sceptical of change. The infrastructure in the village, from roads to logistics, remains underdeveloped, making it hard to scale up production or host large numbers of visitors. Environmental concerns also loom large. Traditional wood-fired kilns, though authentic, contribute to air pollution and deforestation. Some young artisans are experimenting with electric kilns or cleaner fuels, but these require investment and technical support. Theres also the challenge of maintaining product quality while increasing output. As demand grows, some workshops are tempted to cut corners or outsource parts of the making process. For artists like Huan, this is a delicate balance. Still, there is a growing sense of optimism in Phu Lang a feeling that the village is on the cusp of something new. Thanks to a mix of youthful energy, cultural pride, and international collaboration, a new chapter is unfolding. What was once seen as a dying craft is now being recognised as a living art form one that reflects not just the past, but the potential of Viet Nams creative future. About 10 years ago, we were afraid the craft would die out, Nguyen Minh Ngoc, chairman of the Phu Lang Pottery and Tourism Cooperative, recalled. There were fewer apprentices, and the market was shrinking. But things started to change when we began encouraging young people to experiment and create new products. Before, each household was doing things their own way. Now, we work together to build a brand that represents Phu Lang as a whole, Ngoc said. Tourists come not just to buy potteries, but to learn, to feel connected. That experience adds value to what we do. VNS Nguyen Xuan Thang, chairman of the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA), will officially open soon a unique art glass museum in Ha Noi's outskirts district of Ba Vi, showcasing more than 1,500 glass objects from his own collection. Viet Nam News reporter Le Huong speaks with Thang about his passion for collecting art glass and his decision to donate his collection to the public after his passing. Inner Sanctum: Why do you want to open your collection of art glass to the public? Once a collection reaches a certain scale, its important to consider how to make meaningful use of it. After years of collecting and working with the UN cultural agency UNESCO, I realised that cultural value is not created by an individual aloneit is shaped by many hands and ultimately belongs to the community. So when my collection grew large enough, I began to feel that it should serve a broader public purpose. Inner Sanctum: How did your passion for collecting begin, and why did you choose art glass? Ive been collecting things since I was young. Im not sure why, but Ive always believed that anything beautiful made by human hands should be treated with care. I started with matchboxes, cigarette packs, special lighters, postal stamps, and photo albums. Eventually, I shifted to more valuable and systematic itemsand developed a deep appreciation for glass. While I was in Europe, I became fascinated by stained glass lamps. Later, when I had better access and resources through the internet, I began collecting art glass intentionally and systematically. Most of the pieces have been collected over the past 40 years, with the majority acquired in the last 25. Despite my government and professional responsibilities, I devoted much of my spare time to collecting, especially through auctions. Today, the collection includes nearly 2,000 piecesabout three-quarters of which are made of glass. Art glass holds a unique charm. Its beauty directly affects human perception. It also carries what I consider positive energythe way it interacts with light creates a powerful visual impact. Development of glass art in Viet Nam is still modest. Although the history of glass stretches back over 5,500 years, it only entered Asiaand particularly Viet Namin the last century or two. My hope is that this collection will help inspire local artists and craftsmen to explore and develop their own glass art traditions. Inner Sanctum: Are there any particularly memorable items in your collection? Every item has a story, because each one was difficult to find, win at auction, and bring back to Viet Nam. There was always excitement and a bit of worryespecially with the more fragile pieces like Tiffany lamps. Acquiring them meant hiring top artisans and seeking out some of the worlds best craftsmen to ensure the items were not only beautiful but museum quality. Many Tiffany style stained glass lamps on the market today are not originals. To achieve a comparable level of artistryor to obtain something even more specialI had to commission custom work. There are only five to seven craftsmen in the world capable of that level of craftsmanship. Some pieces took up to two years to complete, involving long exchanges and careful planning to transport them safely to Viet Nam. One of the most prized items is a Tiffany lamp with stained glass shade depicting an autumn landscape, which took four years to complete with American artisans. Another, called "Summer Memory", also took nearly four years. I also have two stained glass pieces by Mayer of Munich, originally made for a church in New York in the 19th century. Bringing those pieces to Viet Nam was an arduous journey with a long backstory. A particularly meaningful piece is a stained glass version of Raphaels School of Athens, created by young Vietnamese artists. Its the only stained glass rendition of this iconic Renaissance painting in the world. It was a very detailed and thoughtful project, requiring a team of highly skilled artisans trained abroad. The work is respected by international peers. Inner Sanctum: Why did you choose to donate the museum to the VFUA? Art achieves its full value when its shared. Keeping such an intricate and meaningful collection to myself or within my family would limit its impact. I decided to donate my entire Da Vinci farm (on which the museum is located) and a large part of my assets to the general public, under the VFUAs management. The aim is to help raise cultural awareness and aesthetic appreciation among the Vietnamese public. This donation also contributes to the development of a fund for cultural projects and supports the non-governmental activities of UNESCO in Viet Nam. Inner Sanctum: The collection is clearly valuable. How do you handle security at the museum at present? Fortunately, the museum is located in a peaceful and secure area on the outskirts of Ha Noi. The local community is cultured and harmonious, and weve not encountered issues like theft or disturbance. That said, we will still implement formal security measures. Although the museum hasnt officially opened yet, there will be a professional security team in place when it does, equipped with the proper tools, fire safety systems, and trained staffaligned with international museum standards. Inner Sanctum: What are the challenges in preserving glass? Art glass is beautiful and delicate, but also incredibly durable compared to other materials such as wood, textiles, or even metals. The main concern is avoiding moisture and mould. As long as its kept in a dry environment and displayed in protective glass cabinets, it can last for centuries. VNS When To Lam made his first visit to China as Vietnam's top leader in August last year, he started the trip not in Beijing but in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou a special arrangement Chinese President Xi Jinping later hailed as "quite meaningful." It was in Guangzhou, a century earlier, that Ho Chi Minh, the late Vietnamese leader, began his revolutionary activities in China, a period of history Xi described as "a shared red memory" between the two countries' ruling parties. Xi will soon travel to Vietnam for a fourth state visit as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president. The trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam, two socialist neighbors that have forged an enduring bond as "comrades and brothers." Behind the metaphors lies more than a diplomatic formality. Xi sees the enduring China-Vietnam friendship as a living cause to be carried forward. His upcoming visit offers a moment to draw inspiration from the storied past to chart the future course of bilateral relations. "UNCLE HO" During a state visit to Vietnam in 2017, Xi brought along a special national gift 19 issues of The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the CPC Central Committee. Among the newspapers were 16 yellowed copies carrying news reports on Ho Chi Minh. "These newspapers date back to Chairman Ho's visit to China in 1955. It took us quite some effort to find them," Xi explained. One notable edition, dated June 26, 1955, featured a full-column front-page photograph of Ho alongside Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and other first-generation CPC leaders. Ho, who founded the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hong Kong and led Vietnam's liberation, forged close personal ties with CPC leaders during his 12 years of revolutionary activities in China. "He was like a brother for Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and other Chinese leaders," Xi wrote in a signed article published by the major Vietnamese newspaper Nhan Dan (People) ahead of the 2017 visit. Xi holds dear the indelible contributions these great forerunners made to fostering the China-Vietnam friendship. During his first state visit to Vietnam in 2015, in a speech to Vietnam's National Assembly, Xi quoted Ho's own words: "China and Vietnam enjoy comradely and brotherly friendship." Xi once shared his personal regard for Chairman Ho while speaking with Vietnamese youth. "We call him 'Uncle Ho'," Xi said. He noted that in the hearts of the Chinese people of his generation, Chairman Ho is remembered as the best friend of the Chinese people. Back in 2011, Xi, then Chinese vice president, visited Ho's former residence to learn more about his life. Before his departure, Xi left an inscription: "The great man's spirit shall be honored for millennia, and the China-Vietnam friendship shall endure through the ages." Six years later, during the 2017 state visit, Xi once again toured Chairman Ho's former residence. At a pond near the Ban Sao Nak, the wooden house where Ho once lived and worked, Xi learned to clap his hands before feeding fish, the same practice Ho once used to draw fish closer. While there, reflecting on bilateral ties, Xi said, "We should learn from Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou and Chairman Ho, and carry forward and develop China-Vietnam friendship for the benefit of both our peoples." TEA CHATS During To Lam's 2024 China tour, Xi prepared a tea gathering for him at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. The Vietnamese leader chose China as his first overseas destination only two weeks after being confirmed as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee. An editorial from Nhan Dan (People) highlighted the value both countries place on their traditional friendship. Peng Liyuan, Xi's wife, also invited To Lam's wife, Ngo Phuong Ly, to a tea gathering, where they enjoyed traditional Chinese performances, including Chinese Opera. Over the years, tea chats have evolved into a routine yet distinctive tradition during mutual visits between Chinese and Vietnamese leaders, given the two countries' similar tea cultures. "Unlike formal talks, tea talks offer a more intimate and personal form of communication for both leaders," said Pan Jin'e, director of the Department of International Communist Movement, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Gift-giving during tea chats has created lasting memories in bilateral interaction. During Xi's state visit to Vietnam in 2023, then Vietnamese leader Nguyen Phu Trong, in a tea gathering with Xi in Hanoi, presented him with a gift: a painting that depicts a previous tea chat they shared in Beijing. "It might not be particularly remarkable, but the true value lies in the cherished brotherly friendship," Trong told Xi. Back in 2017, after a tea talk in Beijing, Xi presented Trong with a replica of Chairman Ho's handwritten poem in Chinese entitled "Walking." The poem is about Ho's arduous yet determined quest for his nation's liberation. Xi also quoted the poem in his speech to Vietnam's National Assembly in 2015 to encourage both sides to take a far-sighted view for bilateral ties. China and Vietnam are both socialist countries led by communist parties with similar political systems and development paths. Xi once said: "China and Vietnam have achieved what we have today because we have insisted on reform, opening up and innovation, and because we have found a development path that meets our own national conditions." In this era of transformation and challenges, the two neighbors have decided to set their sights higher. During Xi's state visit to Vietnam in 2023, they pledged to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Xi told Trong at the end of this trip, "we should walk along this path together." YOUNG FRONTRUNNERS Also during Xi's 2023 state visit, Trong arranged a special meeting in Hanoi for the Chinese leader. The event brought together young Chinese and Vietnamese representatives, as well as individuals who had contributed to building the friendship between the two countries. Xi encouraged the attendees, particularly young people, to "take the lead" in promoting bilateral friendship as "frontrunners." It was during this occasion that Le Nguyet Quynh, a Vietnamese student, met Xi for the first time. Quynh is now a 19-year-old freshman majoring in economics at Tsinghua University, Xi's alma mater. She described her impression of Xi: "He is kind, tall and dignified." Representing Vietnamese youth, Quynh gave a speech in front of Xi at the event. A picture of that moment has now become the cover image of her profile on WeChat, China's most popular all-in-one messaging app. "Every time a classmate added me on WeChat and saw that I had met Xi Dada, they were all curious about how it happened," Quynh said. The affectionate term Dada refers to uncle in Chinese dialects, and was given to Xi by Chinese netizens. "It was a marvelous experience, indeed," she said. Quynh, whose hometown is Vietnam's Nghe An province, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh, started learning Chinese in junior high. After stumbling upon a video report of Xi's visit to his alma mater, she set her sights on attending Tsinghua University, her dream school. Like Quynh, many Vietnamese students have chosen to pursue higher education in China. Around 20,000 Vietnamese students studied in China during the 2023-2024 academic year. The number of Chinese students in Vietnam is also on the rise. Xi's belief that amity between nations lies in the affinity between their peoples really strikes a chord with Quynh. "No matter where you go, if people from two countries can get along well, they'll naturally start sharing elements of their own cultures with each other," she said. "And that's how friendships grow and last." "And when it comes to maintaining the friendship between our two nations," Quynh said, "it's indeed us the youth who should carry that responsibility forward." XINHUA SHIZUOKA Four baby capybaras born at Izu Animal Kingdom, a zoo in Higashi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, are attracting the attention of visitors with their cute appearance. Two of them were born on March 13. The siblings were named High and Ball, apparently hinting at the name of the popular highball drink. Their gender is not yet known. They weighed about two kilogrammes at birth but now weigh about 2.5 kilogrammes. Another pair of siblings was born on April 4, also weighing about two kilograms. Their gender is also not yet known, and they have not been named yet. The four capybaras are being raised in an outdoor exhibition area of the zoo where visitors can touch them. They are cute and help relieve stress, said a 49-year-old visitor from Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. I hope they grow up healthy. THE JAPAN NEWS/ANN On the heels the most expensive state Supreme Court race in the countys history and rising partisan strife from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., a new bipartisan group proposes a return to a once-popular electoral practice aimed at building coalitions and strengthening minor political parties. Members of United Wisconsin say the process, called fusion voting, provides an incentive for the two major political parties to cater more to voters priorities and bring them closer to the middle of the political spectrum. The goal is to turn down the temperature, because right now its boiling, United Wisconsin co-chair David Mahoney said. Its boiling over and were not getting the peoples work done, which is what government exists for, Mahoney, a former Democratic Dane County Sheriff, told the Wisconsin State Journal. Were spending more time fighting with each other and throwing rocks at each other than we are solving the problems that really make a difference in peoples lives. Fusion voting allows the same candidate to be nominated by more than one political party. Voters would still vote only once in each race, but they can choose their preferred candidate without supporting a party they may disagree with. In practice, that means some candidates would appear more than once on a ballot. For example, Jane Doe, Republican could appear on the same ballot with Jane Doe, Green Party. All votes cast for an individual candidate whether nominated by a major political party or a minor party would then fuse together to create a final vote tally. Organizers with United Wisconsin say the process would provide minor parties, who can oftentimes play spoiler in state and national elections, with more voice in the electoral system. In battleground Wisconsin, where roughly one-third of voters identify as independent and where statewide races are often decided by razor-thin margins, candidates would be forced to cater more to voters issues as opposed to just the extremes of their political party, Mahoney said. I think oftentimes thats what we miss, that when any individual runs for office theyre representing the citizens, Mahoney said. Its not them, its not that candidates singular priorities, its the priorities of the people theyre going to represent. Mahoney said the hope is fusion voting could help tone down the partisan rhetoric and force politicians to focus efforts on issues with broad public support like public education, conservation and water quality and public safety. There might be a difference of opinion in how we get there, and thats where the conversations and the compromises have to take place to achieve what our citizens need and deserve and thats what we hope United Wisconsin will accomplish, he said. System has roots in American history Fusion voting was commonplace across the country in the 19th century and was used as an avenue for anti-slavery parties to force the issue of abolition in the 1840s and 1850s. Later, populist, workingmen, suffragist and temperance parties used the tool to advance their policy priorities. In 1854, Free Soilers, anti-slavery groups and other fringe parties fused their efforts in Wisconsin to create the Republican Party. However, anti-fusion laws to limit electoral competition passed at the turn of the 20th century have largely removed the practice. As of May 2023, some form of fusion voting was allowed or in use in Connecticut, Mississippi, New York, Oregon and Vermont, according to election tracking organization Ballotpedia. Under Wisconsin state law, election clerks may accept nomination papers for the same person in the same election for more than one party. Candidates who file nomination papers under a recognized political party also may not run as an independent candidate for the same office in the same election. State law also requires that candidates nominated to the same office by more than one party only appear on the ballot under the party that first nominated them. In 1991, members of the Labor-Farm Party challenged the law, arguing it infringed on the partys right to free speech and association under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. A federal appeals court upheld the law. A petition for a rehearing was denied, but three circuit judges dissented, writing that a more in depth examination of the associational rights at issue is required by established case law. When a minor party nominates a candidate also nominated by a major party, it does not necessarily leech onto, the larger party for support, the judges wrote. Rather, it may and often does offer the voters a very real and important choice and sends an important message to the candidate. United Wisconsin executive director Kristine Andrews said the organization believes fusion voting is still permissible in Wisconsin because voters have a constitutional right to nominate any candidate they want. We believe the government doesnt have the right to tell us who we can associate with, Andrews said. Were speaking with legal counsel about this. If they believe we should seek to clarify this right in court, before we form an official fusion-based political party, were prepared to do that. Group would support major-party candidates If fusion voting were to return to Wisconsin, leaders of United Wisconsin say, the group would seek not to nominate independent candidates but rather interview and nominate a candidate from one of the two major parties. At that point, the candidate would appear on the ballot twice, once under their major party and again under United Wisconsins banner. The nonprofit group Protect Democracy notes that fusion voting allows a minor party to elevate their policy agenda without the downside risk, offering their ballot line to the competitive candidate willing to advocate for their priorities. Because election results reveal the support a candidate earns from each nominating partys ballot line, a minor party that delivers a meaningful share of the vote total can encourage a candidate to support its policy goals, according to the group. Former Republican state Senate Majority Leader and United Wisconsin co-chair Dale Schultz said he knows voters who are tired of the hyper-partisan nature of recent elections and he remains hopeful the effort can get bipartisan support in Wisconsin. Weve got some green shoots, he said. We just have to nurture them. He also acknowledged such a change likely wont happen overnight. After all, efforts by Schultz and former state Sen. Tim Cullen, who died in December, to toss out Wisconsins previous legislative maps considered some of the most gerrymandered in the nation took more than a decade to achieve. With a newfound 4-3 liberal majority in 2023, the state Supreme Court court ruled the maps were unconstitutional and ordered them redrawn. I hope for the best and plan for the worst, Schultz said. I hope this doesnt take 10 years. Southern Wisconsin neighbors: Obituaries for April 11 Obituaries Wood, Dawn Dawn Dianne Wood Evening of music from the movies to open 2025 Llangollen International Eisteddfod This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 13th, 2025 A concert featuring some of the most unforgettable movie scores of all time by German master composer Hans Zimmer will provide the perfect prelude to this summers Llangollen International Eisteddfod. A world-class orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Anthony Gabriele will present Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer in Concert on Tuesday July 8, the first night of the 2025 festival which runs from July 8-13. The Pavilion audience will have the chance to enjoy a programme of music made famous by a man with over 150 movie scores to his credit, including the powerful and moving backdrops to blockbusters such as Gladiator, The Da Vinci Code, No Time to Die, Dune, The Lion King, Black Hawk Down and The Thin Red Line which have brought Zimmer no less than two Academy Awards from a dozen nominations, two BAFTAs from 10 nominations, five Grammy Awards and a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The evenings conductor, Anthony Gabriele, has led orchestras all over the world, performing in a wide range of genres and his unrivalled expertise as a conductor of film music includes over 30 titles including the world premiere performances of John Williams score for Superman, his Oscar-winning adaption of Jerry Bocks score for Fiddler on the Roof and Thomas Newmans score for the James Bond film Spectre. At the Pavilion Gabriele will conduct the 70-piece Cinematic Sinfonia comprising top-class professional musicians drawn from across the UK specially for the occasion. The Eisteddfods Artistic Director Dave Danford said: Hans Zimmer is without doubt one of the greatest film composers of all time and his incredible record of honours testifies to his genius. We are privileged to be able to start off our 2025 series of evening concerts featuring such incredible performers as KT Tunstall, Il Divo, Bryn Terfel and Fishermens Friends and Sir Karl Jenkins with a fantastic presentation of powerful music which has captivated filmgoers over many decades. It will truly be an evening to remember and one not to be missed. The Hans Zimmer evening has been made possible by the cancellation of the previously billed concert by Roger Daltrey, which was to have been on the same night, due to logistical reasons. Picture Christopher Mason. Wrexham agencies reassure public after city centre office search This article is old - Published: Sunday, Apr 13th, 2025 Police in Wrexham have confirmed that a joint operation was carried out in response to reports of multiple individuals sleeping above an office premises in the city centre. The operation, which involved North Wales Police, Wrexham County Borough Council, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Immigration Enforcement, included a search of the premises in question. A spokesperson for North Wales Police Wrexham Town said: Working together, we conducted a thorough search of the premises. Thankfully, the searches returned negative results. However, we want to make it clear that we take all reports like this extremely seriously, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community remains our top priority. The spokesperson added that close monitoring of the situation will continue, and that any further action required to safeguard the community will be taken. Residents with concerns or relevant information have been encouraged to contact the police. The last event in the City of Renos Biggest Little Spring Cleaning series is scheduled for Saturday, June 14. The final event will take place at Mira Loma Park, located at 3000 S. McCarran Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Since April, the city has worked with HERO Environmental Services and Waste Management of Northern Nevada to provide locations for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste, electronics and large junk items. Now is the time for residents to take advantage to do some spring cleaning by getting rid of any excess waste in and around their homes, said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. Its important for us to do our parts in keeping our city clean and beautiful for years to come and we hope community members participate in this amazing program. Each ward has hosted a clean-up, with hazardous and e-waste disposal offered at select locations, sponsored by councilmembers in their respective wards. The Mira Loma Park event will include collection of hazardous waste and electronics. Organizers advise arriving early, as the event ends once bins are full. Accepted items include: Large trash and debris, limited to one truck bed (3 ft. by 3 ft.) One large appliance per household Household hazardous materials, including paint or oil Bicycles, up to six per household Electronics and batteries Tires, up to six per household Green waste Items not accepted include mercury-containing products such as thermostats or medical equipment, prescription drugs, CRT TVs, asbestos or items containing asbestos, and radioactive smoke detectors. More details are available at reno.gov/community/community-cleanups. The Silver State Fair Housing Council (SSFH) is celebrating 57 years of the federal Fair Housing Act by hosting its first ever Community Resource Fair. According to organizers, the fair brings together social service providers, advocacy groups and government agencies with the common thread of serving groups protected by fair housing laws. The event took place on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McKinley Arts & Cultural Center in Reno. Attendees had a chance to learn about their fair housing rights, find resources, have a snack and network with other area residents. Fore more information about Fair Housing Month and the Silver State Fair Housing Council, check out the SSFH website. The town of Dauphin Island and its partners are proud to present 838 acres of barrier island as a haven for birds, sea turtles, beachcombers and anglers. Dogs, not so much. To look at it, little has changed for the long, low finger of sand stretching miles to the west of the inhabited part of the island: It is, as it was, an isolated and sparse landscape whose main charms for visitors are its sheer remoteness and the fishing along its shorelines. Its no harder to get to than it ever was: Come to the public West End Beach and start walking. Even on a weekday in the off-season, you may see bright canopies set up by beachgoers nearby, and encounter people walking miles down the strand. Or take a boat and pull up where you like. The clues that anything has changed are subtle, but there is new signage warning people to keep out of sensitive nesting areas. And there are Beach Ambassadors roaming the area to advise people of policies (like the no-dogs rule) designed to protect sensitive wildlife. Dauphin Island's West End is a fragile area that was cut in half by the surge from Hurricane Katrina. Portions of it are so low and narrow that water on both sides of it can be seen. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Whats new is that 15 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a vision has been realized: Using funds from penalties imposed on the companies involved in that catastrophe, the West End has not just been set aside as a publicly owned preserve, it has been given a long-term conservation management plan. It was very critical, I think, that we preserved this for perpetuity, said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of Alabamas Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Im really excited about that. Blankenship spoke Thursday, during a tour of the West End that also gave Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier and conservation officials a chance to show off what makes the West End so special. To a great extent, the landscape spoke for itself. Visitors were able to see a rare snowy plover trying to distract attention from her vulnerable nest. Ospreys soared along the shoreline, carrying fish whod just found themselves on the downside of the circle of life. Migratory birds such as sanderlings and red knots, for whom the island is a critical stop between nesting grounds in the Arctic and wintering shores as far away as South America, mingled with gulls and brown Pelicans. An osprey carries an unlucky fish off the shoreline of Dauphin Island's West End. The mainland is visible in the distance. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com As barren as the West End might seem at first glance, its landscape is extensively varied. It includes a lot of low flat land scattered with what Marine Biologist Cortney Weatherby, coastal outreach manager for Alabama Audubon, described as shell hash: mostly broken shells and small bits of driftwood scattered amid clumps of weedy growth. Such terrain is perfectly suited for the nests of snowy plovers, which are just small divots scooped out of the sand. Weatherby showed visitors one such nest, stocked with three precious eggs. While the snowy plovers are not listed as endangered, they are a species of concern, she said, and they are scarce on the island: From 2018 to 2022 scientists found three fledglings on the West End, plus two elsewhere on the island. In 2023 they identified five fledglings on the West End and in 2024, seven. Better yet: This year theyve seen previously banded fledglings who are now adults. It looks like theyre going to try and nest on the island, she said. So its the first time we have that information. So, thats what we want to see, right? Chicks surviving to adulthood, coming back here and nesting. Hopefully as that continues, well see the snowy plover population start to increase. A brown pelican appears to have the attention of a line of royal terns on Dauphin island's West End. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Stretches of relatively bare sand alternate with dunes topped by thicker grasses. Higher ground holds scrubby brush. Especially toward the western boundary, the island holds saltwater tidal pools, brackish ponds and expanses of marsh. The greenery around these provides cover desired by some species, and the water generates an insect population that serves as food. Snowy plovers show why conservation is important. Their nests are out in the open and can be easily destroyed by predators or even accidentally stepped on by people or dogs. (This one had been surrounded by a protective fence, to prevent such occurrences.) The plovers are speedy on the ground, zipping along like miniature road runners. Weatherby said that the tiny hatchlings are born with outsized legs and are ready to run within a day or two. When theyre barely bigger than a couple of cotton balls, she said, their mother might march them miles down the beach to a new home in the marshland. RELATED: Reasons we love Dauphin Island Even adult migratory birds need their peace, she said. It might seem absolutely harmless when a resting flock is stirred up by a person or a romping dog, but these are birds recovering from, or preparing for, a long flight across open water. If theyre trying to eat and build up all that fat, every time someone walks by and disturbs them, they have to fly, she said. Thats time theyre not spending eating and it actually can really add up. It can have effects on their survival or their reproductive success. Pelicans, gulls and other birds flock along the shoreline of Dauphin Island's West End. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Were a dog-friendly community, said Collier, stressing that dogs are welcome almost everywhere else on the island, including the beaches, if they are leashed. Its just the West End where they are forbidden. As much as it looks like a fine place to let them run free, that is particularly unwanted. Its a change in mindset. The West End was privately owned until 2021, when the state bought it using about $8 million from Deepwater Horizon funds, allocated under a process created by the Federal RESTORE Act. More recently, the state transferred it to the town of Dauphin Island. Both Blankenship and Collier spoke of their personal feelings about the West End, which they experienced in their youth, and their pride in the new conservation plan. We used to get down to the end, catch a fish, wed have our little Coleman stoves, wed clean the fish and cook it, said Collier. I grew up here on Dauphin Island like the mayor, said Blankenship. When I got to be 16 years old, I bought me a 4-wheel-drive pickup truck so I could go to the West End of Dauphin Island. There used to be a road that went down through there. It probably wasnt the most conservation-minded, the way that we treated things back then, but when youre 16, you dont think about those kind of things. Youd go down to the West End and fish and, and spending time down there was a big part of my adolescence growing up. So to be able to protect that for perpetuity, personally is a really a big deal for me. Out of the almost $1 billion in projects thats taken place in the Gulf Coast [related to] the Deepwater Horizon, this is probably one of my top 5 favorite projects that that we were able to do, Blankenship said. The 838 acres of the West End that now is owned by the people by the town of Dauphin Island forever. Its not going to be developed. We were glad to be able to acquire that with some of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment funds, NRDA funds, he said. I got the opportunity to be on the lead trustee for Alabama, but the other trustees are NOAA, the Department of the Interior, EPA, and the USDA, and all of us work together to fund this project, to make the acquisition, and then also to fund the long-term conservation and protection plan for the West End. Blankenship and Collier also praised the Mobile County Commission for its support. RELATED: Dawn patrol: To save sea turtles, these volunteers hit the beach early The habitat that it provides for shore birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife is really unparalleled here on the coast between West End of Dauphin Island, the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge and Gulf Coast State Park, Blankenship said. Thats really the only undeveloped areas along the coast and, it was very critical. Its an ongoing effort, he said, with new parcels on the Fort Morgan peninsula taken into conservation as recently as last week. New signs installed in 2025 help get the message across to visitors that portions of Dauphin Island's West End are best left unexplored, for the benefit of nesting birds. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com One of the first things we did on the town council back in the late 80s, early 90s was, we deemed the whole island as a bird sanctuary, said Collier. I dont know that we knew what that would turn into down the road. But birding is a big part of our industry here on the island, our economy. Being on the migratory trail, we, we get them coming and going, spring and fall, and that kind of helps our shoulder seasons a little bit economically as well it all works together. Doing everything we can to make sure that all of that works well together and remains sustainable, that to me is the role that that we have to play as a municipality and I think were doing that and I know we will continue to do that as well, Collier said. What weve got here is something special, he said. Note: As initially published, this story provided numbers for snowy plover nesting pairs seen on Dauphin Island in recent years. Those numbers actually represent the number of snowy plover fledglings observed. The error has been corrected. A Georgia man has been charged in the hit-and-run death of a Dale County man. On Monday, April 7, a passerby notified Midland City police that a person was off the shoulder of U.S. 231 near County Road 75. Officers arrived and found a man dead near the drainage ditch off the northbound lanes of U.S. 231. The victim, identified as Troy L. Williams of Midland City, was pronounced dead on the scene by Dale County Coroner John Cawley. Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum said a bicycle near Williams body had extensive damage to the rear wheel and rim. During the investigation, sheriffs investigators obtained digital evidence leading them to a residence in Cairo, Georgia. With assistance from the Grady County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the suspect vehicle was located, Bynum said. GBI crime scene technicians processed the vehicle and recovered additional evidence. Investigators were able to identify the driver and identified him as Tony Atkins. Thomasville police conducted a traffic stop on Atkins and took him into custody. Bynum said Atkins is charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to render aid. He is being held in the Grady County Jail in Georgia pending extradition to Alabama. Dothan police and ALEA also assisted in the investigation. We hope this arrest provides Mr. Williams wife and family with some sense of closure, the sheriff said. Our thoughts are with them as they continue to process this difficult loss. In Alabama, where crimson red isnt just a team color but a political identity, few things rally voters like Donald Trump or a hot-button constitutional amendment. Back in 2018, voters didnt flinch at making bold statements at the ballot box59% backed a constitutional Right to Life provision, and an overwhelming 71% gave the green light to displaying the Ten Commandments in public spaces. And when Trump is on the ticket? He consistently rakes in over 60% of the votenearly 65% last November alone. However, support for a state lottery eclipses even these strong numbers, suggesting its a less divisive issue. Alabamians likely wont get a chance to vote on legalizing a lottery until after the 2026 statewide elections, when the governors race, other top offices, and legislative seats will be settled. Even with last years headline-grabbing failure of a sweeping lottery and gambling bill, along with another proposal quickly snuffed out this session, political insiders arent sure the issue will catch fire on the campaign trail. Not everything that is popular is a vote-motivating issue, said Brent Buchanan, a Republican pollster. There is not a public groundswell to pass lottery or gaming. The best way to look at the issue is that no one is going to lose an election over passing it or not passing it. Top issues Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey using guns to brush up her conservative bonafide in a campaign ad circulating ahead of the 2022 contests. (Screenshot, Ivey campaign ad) Campaign experts are divided over whether the issue will break through with voters, who were saturated with culture war messaging ahead of the 2022 races. The ads that drew the most attention included those with politicians firing guns and slamming LGBTQ rights. Angi Horn, a Republican strategist based in Montgomery, doesnt see gambling breaking into voters top tier. Youre worried about the economy, education, and youre much more worried about transportation and infrastructure, Horn said. If you ask people for their opinion on gambling, they have one that is for it or against it. But regardless of the opinion on the issue, for the vast majority of Alabama voters, its not the issue that keeps you up at night. Jon Gray, a Mobile-based GOP strategist whose clients included gaming interests last session, said candidates can expect to face voters, and campaign advertising, on their lottery and gambling decisions. He said that senators who voted against the comprehensive gambling and lottery package last year are especially targeted. The plan last year failed to pass the Alabama Senate by one vote the closest the issue had gotten to passage since 1999, when voters were last given an opportunity to weigh in on legalizing a lottery. Every one of these senators better strap it on, Gray said. It will be, 100 percent, a campaign issue. Gray cites a poll taken by former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conways firm that showed 80% backing for lottery in Alabama. The legalization of gambling had close to 60% support, according to last years polling. The polling included 60% of its participants identify as Republican. He described people as furious over a lack of a chance to vote on lottery. Alabama is one of only five states without a lottery. Nevada, which has long had legalized gambling but no lottery, could advance a measure this spring that would bring the list down to four. Related content: Lottery-only bill for Alabama: Political solution or pie in the sky dream? Gray said lawmakers who voted against the package last year but who live near a bordering state with lottery are going to get their lunch eaten on the lottery issue because they didnt do anything on that. Some of those lawmakers who voted no live adjacent to Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi all lottery states. Greg Davis, president & CEO with the Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), a non-profit group representing hundreds of churches in the state, said he cannot see the issue becoming a priority given a lack of grassroots movement. There are people who are not frothing at the mouth to have a casino in every store, said Davis, who argues that a legalized lottery would represent the most pervasive form of gambling in Alabama. Its a top-down special interest for people who are trying to set themselves up for a government partnership to take Alabamians money. Lawmakers view Alabama state Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, talks about his bill to change governance of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Mike Cason/AL.com Some incumbent lawmakers are banking on lottery and gambling to be a topic voters will want more details about during the upcoming campaign. Already, some prospective candidates for 2026 are answering questions about the issue. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, flirting with a governors run, has said he anticipates the public getting a chance to vote on the matter someday. Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, a supporter of a comprehensive gambling package and whose district abuts Georgia, said he believes there will be more repercussions for incumbent lawmakers who voted against the comprehensive plan last session. I think attitudes have shifted in the past decade or so, Jones said about lottery. I have folks who tell me they will never play the lottery or have moral issues (on gambling), and perhaps lottery. But they would support it and want it because they see the money going across the state line to places like Georgia. According to a 2020 report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA), $270 million to $386 million could be generated in annual revenue from an Alabama state lottery. The Alabama Department of Revenues past projections pegged the revenue even higher, at around $354 million to $438 million each year. PARCA also projected casino gambling bringing in more than $400 million each year. Electronic gaming, according to the 2020 figures, could lure in more than $260 million annually. Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, who voted against the gambling package last year, said there are constituents who are very keen on this issue on both sides. I think when you engage with them individually and are able to explain how I voted for this, they seem to understand, said Elliott, who voted down the legislation out of concerns over an expansion of electronic gambling and other items within the legislation he felt were untenable. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, who has carried the past two gambling and lottery packages, said he believes the issue could play out in the campaigns next year. Albritton, who also voted against the plan last year, represents a Senate district that includes Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, which is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI). It comes down to politics and the Big Mules in the state who dont want another mule in the corral, said Albritton, referring to a term utilized by politicians to oppose powerful political coalitions consisting of agricultural and business interests in Alabama. Democratic opening Alabama State Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the State House in Montgomery, Ala. John Sharp Democratic lawmakers and officials, who have long been in the legislative minority, believe gambling and lottery creates a wedge issue within the Alabama GOP, and a possible advantage for their party. The 2026 statewide elections are also occurring during the national midterms regarded as a national referendum on the sitting presidents first two years in office. A lottery is the ever-dangling, never consumed carrot of the Alabama Legislature, said Sheena Gamble, spokesperson with the Alabama Democratic Party. The fact that Alabama refuses to consider lottery while (the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE) massacres our allocated federal dollars already to the tune of $236 million is, at this point, criminal. Gamble said, We cant afford not to expand our state revenue since our reliance on the federal government is coming to an end. Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, said she believes its a pressing issue. Gambling is related to bringing in more revenues to Alabama, she said. It could potentially become a big campaign issue because of the additional revenues brought to the state in light of the revenues being taken from the state. The Passover Seder plate is comprised of six compartments with the traditional maror (bitter herbs), grated white horseradish, symbolizing the bitter lot of the enslaved Israelites; karpas (vegetable), dipped in saltwater; charoset, chopped apples, walnuts and cinnamon moistened with wine and formed into a paste; zeroa (a meat bone), symbolic of the mighty arm of God; baytza, hard-boiled egg symbolic of the festival sacrifice brought in temple times, and chazeret, a vegetable. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti) The eight-day Jewish festival of Passover begins tonight at sundown. A highlight of Passover is gathering for a ritual meal called the Seder. The Seder is usually held in homes on the first and second nights of Passover. The Seder is as much about storytelling and drama as symbolic food. At the Seder, Jews retell the story of Moses challenging Egypts Pharaoh to let my people go, and the escape from bondage by reading a Haggadah (special prayer book for Passover) and partaking of items such as matzo (unleavened bread) and marror (a bitter herb) as symbolic representations of captivity and perseverance. The term Passover refers to the tenth plague of Egypt, when the first-born sons were killed by the angel of death and Jewish homes were passed over by marking their doors with the blood of a lamb. The Seder features unleavened bread, eaten as a reminder of the haste in leaving Egypt during the Exodus. They left so fast the bread didnt have time to rise, according to tradition. Palm branches are distributed ahead of the mass on Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) AP Its Palm Sunday, the beginning of the Christian Holy Week, leading up to the celebration of Easter next Sunday, April 20. Millions of Christians worldwide carry palm leaves in processions today to recall Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem for Passover week nearly 2,000 years ago, when cheering crowds waved palms, hailing what they expected to be a political savior. Jesus was later crucified by the Romans with crowds shouting approval, according to Gospel accounts. Commemorating Palm Sunday with palm branches goes back to the early Christian church. It remains a favorite among parishioners, who are handed palm branches or palm crosses as they enter the church at many services. Wretchardthecat has given us a sage analysis of the MAGA agenda: The reason the MAGA initiatives looked so disjointed to the media is they were component parts of a vast alternative worldview now coming into sight. Like the five blind men and the elephant the progressives are only now realizing the aspects of a single larger foe. Immigration control is a key feature of the MAGA initiatives: closing the border, removing illegal immigrants, keeping non-citizens from voting, and stopping federal funds from going to so-called non-government organizations that were bringing in millions of illegal immigrants who overwhelmed housing, welfare, and educational budgets, committed crimes, and threatened national security. This week, the Administration obtained some substantial victories on this score. The Catholic Church, which was a huge recipient of federal funds fueling the illegal immigrant express, has finally shut down refugee and migrant aid operations. Shutting off this spigot was key to the Administrations immigration policy. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) had to make the gut-wrenching decision this week to end our work with the federal government to resettle refugees and coordinate support services on the governments behalf for unaccompanied children entering the United States. Our programs -- among the nations largest and longest-serving refugee resettlement efforts -- will shut down by the end of the fiscal year. This is a painful end to a life-sustaining partnership the Catholic Church in the U.S. has had with our government and that has spanned decades across administrations of both political parties. The retreat comes after voters -- including many Catholics -- picked President Donald Trump to end the federal governments very unpopular policy of importing workers, renters, and consumers into the nations communities. That ruthless economic policy had imposed poverty, lower wages, higher rents, and chaotic diversity on many American communities which were already suffering from the loss of jobs and investment. The church-backed policy also led to the deaths of thousands of migrants. The Administration now requires illegal immigrants to register and will enforce a law subjecting non-registrants to criminal penalties, fast-track deportations, and permanent bars to adjust to legal status for those who refuse to leave. A federal judge has determined this policy shift is legal because the groups challenging it lacked standing (a personal stake in the outcome) to do so. The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday said the registration requirements take effect on Friday and also mandates those individuals carry documentation. The outlet continued: Judge Trevor Neil McFadden -- a Trump appointee -- sided with the administration, which had argued that officials were simply enforcing a requirement that already existed for everyone who is in the country but isnt an American citizen. McFaddens ruling didnt go into the substance of those arguments but rested largely on the technical issue of whether the groups pushing to stop the requirement had standing to pursue their claims. He ruled they didnt. Immediately after the ruling, Department of Homeland Security officials emphasized in a news release that the deadline to register for those whove already been in the country for 30 days or more is Friday and that going forward, the registration requirement would be enforced to the fullest. In February, Breitbart News reported that Trump was reviving the enforcement of a 1940 law requiring migrants to register their names and fingerprints with federal agencies. If they fail to do so, those individuals could face criminal penalties resulting in a possible fast-track to deportation. They could also be barred from becoming legal. Immigrants ordered deported will now face substantial fines and confiscation of property if they fail to depart in a timely manner: By Reuters The Trump administration plans to fine migrants under deportation orders up to $998 a day if they fail to leave the United States and to seize their property if they do not pay, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. The fines stem from a 1996 law that was enforced for the first time in 2018, during President Donald Trumps first term in office. The Trump administration plans to apply the penalties retroactively for up to five years, which could result in fines of more than $1 million, a senior Trump official said, requesting anonymity to discuss non-public plans. The Trump administration is also considering seizing the property of immigrants who do not pay the fines, according to government emails reviewed by Reuters. In response to questions from Reuters, U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that immigrants in the U.S. illegally should use a mobile app formerly known as CBP One -- rebranded as CBP Home under Trump -- to self deport and leave the country now. If they dont, they will face the consequences, McLaughlin said. This includes a fine of $998 per day for every day that the illegal alien overstayed their final deportation order. The sight of foreign students harassing their classmates, leading anti-American and anti-Israeli demonstrations at colleges, and disrupting speakers and classroom work there is being met with not only clampdowns on funding for schools that have tolerated this, but cancellation of visas for 300 students who were engaged in such actions. The most notorious of these campus disrupters has been Columbia Universitys activist Mahmoud Khalil, for whom the usuals have drummed up support from those who know no better. A federal court this week ruled that he can be deported. Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil can be forced out of the country as a national security risk, an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled Friday after lawyers argued the legality of deporting the activist who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The governments contention that Khalils presence in the U.S. posed potentially serious foreign policy consequences satisfied requirements for deportation, Immigration Judge Jamee E. Comans said at a hearing in Jena. Comans said the government had established by clear and convincing evidence that he is removable. Perhaps the cases that have received the most media attention are those involving Kilmar Garcia and the deportation of Tren de Aragua members, because these cases were considered by the Supreme Court. As Bill Shipley (publishing on X and in his substack as Shipwreckedcrew) so ably notes, the media (on both sides of the aisle) have garbled the rulings and unfairly characterized the work and rationales of Justices John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett. Theres nothing terribly unusual about this. Unless you are a lawyer or, perhaps, a law student, the details of hard-fought cases are less dramatic than reporters would like -- after all, they want to hold your interest and fire you up. Ill link to his work here, but on the assumption you may not want to wade through so much detail, Ill summarize what I consider his most accurate reporting and analysis of these cases. Kilmer Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, which operates in Mexico, the U.S., and Central America. He had been ordered deported after a hearing before an immigration judge, but he had received a withdrawal of removal preventing his deportation in 2019 on the grounds that if he returned to his home country of El Salvador, hed be killed by rivals (the 18th Street Gang) of the MS-13 gang. The Administration overlooked this order when, with others, he was deported to El Salvador and placed in their maximum detention jail. The District Court ordered his return by a date that had passed during a stay of the proceedings, which had been granted (and the stay thus made ineffective) by Chief Justice Roberts. The Supreme Court found unclear the Judges order that the government facilitate and effectuate Garcias release from El Salvadoran custody. Its clear, however, that no matter what youve heard or read, it was not an order requiring that he be returned to the U.S. Shipley suggests the government has two options available to it: Garcia is no longer in danger from MS-13 in El Salvador as Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele has already rounded them up, so the government should move to reopen the case in the immigration court and get the withdrawal of removal order deleted, or it can send a U.S. immigration judge to our embassy in El Salvador, have the hearing there, and delete the order. After that order is no longer in effect, Garcia can then be released into El Salvador as he would have been in 2019, but for the immigration court then accepting his fear of assassination. The second most publicized immigration case is Judge James E. Boasbergs case involving the deportations of members of Tren de Aragua. The Supreme Court halted Boasbergs efforts to stop the removal of these gang members. The issues before the Court were where and how individuals ordered removed under the AEA (Alien Enemies Act) may challenge the deportation. The majority vacated two restraining orders by the Judge, which prevented the U.S. from using the AEA to remove any person in its custody. Instead, the Court said these cases must proceed as habeas corpus proceedings, which must be filed where the claimant is in custody, and that any individual subject to an AEA proclamation as an alien enemy has a due process right to a habeas hearing before removal. Lest you envision this being a long-drawn-out O.J. Simpson-type criminal trial, Shipley sets you straight. These are simple, everyday-type matters, often decided on pleadings alone. The only issues are whether these men are Venezuelan citizens, whether they are at least 14 years old, and whether or not they are members of this gang. Due process in these cases consists of no more than a right to notice and an opportunity to be heard before deportation. I said a while ago that the President will win most, if not all, of these immigration cases, and that prediction seems to be holding up. The Supreme Courts order on Monday granting the Trump administrations emergency request to lift a lower court stay on deportations of certain Venezuelan nationals was unsigned, swift, and unmistakable in its signalor signals. For now, the executive branch retains its sovereign authority to enforce immigration law. And for President Trump, now in his second, non-consecutive term, the ruling marked an early victory in a week that would yield several more. But if constitutionalists interpret this as a decisive turning point, they misread the terrain. The Lefts lawfare brigades remain dug inlaunching salvo after salvowith their campaign of sabotage unfolding in courtrooms and press releases alike, aimed less at justice than at jurisdictional chaos, narrative warfare, and no matter what, thwarting the duly-elected president of the United States. Make no mistake: this is a war of attritionnot waged with ballots or legislation, but with briefs and bench rulings. It aims to nullify the last presidential electionand a statute nearly as old as the Constitution itself. Its arsenal: blunt injunctions and the sharpened blades of ideological jurisprudence. This latest flashpoint emerged from a power grab cloaked in humanitarian concern. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., issued a temporary restraining order halting the deportation of alleged members of Tren de Aragua, Venezuelas most violent criminal syndicatenow embedded within U.S. borders, a legacy of the Biden-eras open-border indulgence. The pretext? A thin, uncorroborated assertion that deportees might suffer mistreatment upon returndespite repeated designations of Tren de Aragua by U.S. and allied authorities as a transnational criminal and terrorist organization. That dubious claim, transformed by judicial alchemy, became a sweeping due process theorycrafted to trigger habeas-like relief without the inconvenience of habeas itself. Yes, you read that paragraph right: the court was seriously entertaining the claim that confirmed members of a violent, terror-affiliated syndicate faced undue risk if returned to El Salvadoror to Venezuela, the failed narco-state that birthed them. It is not merely misguided but absurd to suggest that the United States must offer asylum and sanctuary to such actors under the pretense of civil liberty. This isnt lawits the resistance in judicial vestments, cloaked in authority but animated by politics. The administration responded with emergency filings to the Supreme Courtwarning of dire national security implications and the usurping of the president's core executive authority. In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court lifted Judge Boasbergs stay. Chief Justice Roberts joined Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh. The dissents came from Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, Jacksonand Justice Barrett, who partially dissented on procedural grounds. Her equivocation underscores a sobering reality: even on bedrock questions of executive power, the Courts center-right bloc now hedges where once it would have roared. Reasonable minds can debate whether ACB is center-rightor simply wears a stripe all her own. The spirit of David Souter lives on. The ruling was handed down through what critics deride as the shadow docketa phrase invented not to inform but to impugn decisions that obstruct progressive priorities. Pro tip: If you see those words in coverage, the odds are that the Left lost. But there was nothing shadowy here. Boasbergs order purported to affect individuals beyond his jurisdictionmany of whom were held in Texas, already deported or in international airspace when the order was issued. Boasbergs reach wasnt legalit was imperial. His ruling crossed state lines and national borders, arrogating to a D.C. courtroom powers the Constitution never envisioned. It was judicial maximalism masquerading as executive oversight. Even more telling, the plaintiffs initially filed their case as a habeas petitionthe one legal pathway the Supreme Court recognizes under the Alien Enemies Act. Then they dropped it. Why? Because habeas requires jurisdiction in the district of confinementTexas, not Washington. By dismissing their habeas claims and seeking class-wide declaratory and injunctive relief instead, the plaintiffs and their legal counsel effectively admitted what the Court later confirmed: their filing was forum-shopping disguised as civil rights litigation. Boasberg took the bait and granted provisional class certification for [a]ll noncitizens in U.S. custody who are subject to Presidential Proclamation No. 10903transforming a handful of cases into a nationwide blockade of immigration enforcement. This is imperial lawfare by battering ramassaulting the presidency and dismembering well-settled law, all under the pretense of equitable relief. The Supreme Court made that plain, vacating his order and reminding the bench that under Ludecke and Heikkila, judicial review under the Alien Enemies Act is strictly limitedand venue lies solely in the district of confinement. For these detainees, that means Texas, not Washington. Boasberg had no business taking the case, much less freezing national deportation policy from chambers well beyond the reach of his jurisdiction. Justice Sotomayors dissent claimed the Alien Enemies Act cannot be invoked because the U.S. is not formally at war with Venezuela. That argument may find favor in Ivy League faculty lounges, but it collapses under textual and historical scrutiny. The AEA explicitly applies in cases of invasion. Given the cartel-fueled incursion at our southern borderoverseen and excused by the previous administrationthe threshold has been met. Congress hasnt issued a formal declaration of war since 1942. Are judges now the arbiters of armed conflict and foreign threats? Justice Jacksons dissent was even more revealing. She faulted her fly-by-night colleagues in the majority for failing to demonstrate urgencya strange threshold for a case involving terrorism-linked deportations and foreign affairs. But what, precisely, is more urgent than a federal judge overriding national security deportation protocol? Notwithstanding the dissents, the AEA remains a binding precedent. It is not some dusty relic but a cornerstone of wartime executive authority in times of incursion and national peril. If the Left wishes to repeal it, let them try through legislation. Until then, it governs, and judges who disregard it are not interpreting the law but trespassing into the realm of the two political branches. Yet this case was never truly about Venezuelan gang members. It was about jurisdiction and venue shopping, media manipulation, and the sabotage of immigration law through procedural sleight. The Lefts strategy is tired but effective: file in friendly jurisdictionsD.C., San Francisco, Manhattanseek emergency relief, spin the narrative, and dare the executive to fight back. While limited in scope, the Supreme Courts ruling delivers a necessary check on the wholesale venue shopping that has increasingly defined the Lefts legal strategy. The Lords Temporal of the Legal Left are evolving their playbook, refining old tactics with fresh legal cosmetics and deeper entrenchment. The ACLU has already begun seeking class-action certification in at least one case. It would function as a nationwide injunction in all but name if granted. But federal lawspecifically, 8 U.S.C. 1252(f)(1)forbids lower courts from enjoining immigration enforcement on a class-wide basis. Only the Supreme Court has that power. President Trump understands the institutional battlefield. Every legal victory is met with fresh filings and new injunctions. For the activist bench, defeat is never a setbackits merely the fault of a far-right Supreme Court stacked with flag-waving Republican appointees. Never mind that it falls to the high court to correct the constitutional overreach of the courts below. The left-wing legal cabal will file againsomewhere, anywhereuntil the judiciary finally says no. And when it does, the same crowd that preaches reverence for our sacred institutions will savage them without hesitation or shame. This ruling was a necessary and overdue correction. But if the conservative majority hopes to repel the judicial coup against executive power, one ruling wont suffice. They must hold the lineruling after ruling, challenge after challenge. For now, this is a win. But make no mistake: the war is far from over. It has only just begun. Stay tunedthe next battle is already on the docket. Charlton Allen is an attorney, former chief executive officer, and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and the host of the Modern Federalist podcast. X: @CharltonAllenNC Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Image: City of Washington from Beyond the Navy Yard (George Cooke, 1833) In the Middle Ages, like rats in a burned-down barn, wayfarers sought refuge in the oversized ruins of the Roman Empire. In such places as the Forum and the Palatine Hill, shepherds roamed with their flocks. Although preoccupied with simple survival in an anarchic world, they might occasionally have glanced at the derelict, overgrown marble temples and wondered what gods once walked the earth and created such magnificent beauty. In terms of pure sensory experience, of course, they were never worse off than scholars with historical or philosophical knowledge. The classical ideals of architectural beauty, based on organic motifs, symmetry, and balanced proportions, have like the anatomical (and natural) beauty of the human body itself always been for everybody to recognize and appreciate. Eventually, Westerners broke out of the darkness and rediscovered the Greco-Roman world. As it is usually phrased, the aesthetic ideals of antiquity were reborn in fourteenth-century Italy. The change was particularly noticeable in the plastic arts and architecture. Andrea Palladio (150880) is celebrated as one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance. With his strict, tradition-conscious demands for monumental construction and proper use of decorative elements, but also very much an innovator with a rare sense of architectural grandeur and harmony, it is difficult to overstate his importance for the architectural idiom in the West. Himself inspired by Vitruvius (ca. 80/7015 B.C.), his practical influence lasted for several centuries. It was not until the breakthrough of modernism after WWI that he was finally relegated to the history books. His hugely influential treatise, The Four Books of Architecture, has long been excluded as a mandatory part of the curriculum at Western schools of architecture. Deeply fascinated by classical culture, Venetian humanist Gian Giorgio Trissino, his patron and personal friend, first showed Palladio around Rome on a study tour in 1541. In addition to several return visits to Rome, in the following years he conducted field studies at Hadrians villa in Tivoli. Trissino had originally hired him to build his villa but ended up becoming his mentor in the exploration of Roman architecture and mythology. Some buildings have been lost, but for those who truly honor the idea and the historical past of the West and dare to embrace a spontaneously captivating beauty that encapsulates everything that we used to be and believe in, there are numerous villas (e.g. Villa Rotonda), palaces, and churches to visit in Veneto. Fortunately, beauty, true to its original essence, despite the widespread fetishism of ugliness, continues to exist and inspire, whether it finds immediate expression in opera and ballet or is immortalized in oil painting and sculpture. Perhaps it is not way off the mark to claim that, after the end of WWI, we have gone back to the Middle Ages, groping in the dark. Having departed with the aesthetic ideals of antiquity and Judeo-Christian religiosity, it is increasingly clear that we find ourselves in a crippling identity crisis. This crisis is not a universal phenomenon, though. The ideas that govern individuals are shaped largely by the culture to which they belong and are therefore not the same from one part of the world to another. Neither Muslims in the Middle East and Africa nor atheists in communist countries of the Far East, by the looks of it, suffer from Western-style self-destructive guilt complexes. A power vacuum in human society, be it a remote village or the world community itself, is never allowed to last long. If the prevailing view in the West is that we have nothing worth fighting for, we will face our known enemies at a fatal disadvantage. We may look down on non-Western cultures as both technically and socially backward. However, if aliens have faith in themselves and the will to fight, convinced believers with an expectation of ultimate triumph, they could soon surprise us on the battlefield of Western society. As it stands, the demographic balance between Christians and Muslims has been tipping in recent years. Insidiously, ancient cities are changing hands. If we have already decided to lay down our weapons and let the barbarians occupy our homes, the death throes of civilization will be short-lived. A lasting relationship at the heart of the identity crisis is obvious: Architectural classicism symbolizes Western civilization. Therefore, it is inalienable. It exudes an unwavering confidence in beauty, freedom of thought, and the rule of law. Those, who attack the tradition after Palladio, are typically engaged in forging plots and destroying love for the distinctive culture on which our societies are built. If not supporters of socialist internationalism, prominent enemies of the tradition (e.g. Le Corbusier) were originally eccentrics with autistic dispositions and complete alienation from human compassion and devotion. The Greco-Roman idiom, in essence, is the face of civilization. This very idea caught on in America, having to build its cities from scratch. With a layout for Washington D.C. by Pierre Charles LEnfant, dominant styles in the cityscape were formerly Georgian, Palladian, etc. The smart-sounding term international style in architecture is actually a bit of a misnomer. In reality, it refers to the absence of any style. More serious than that, if understood in its proper historical context, it denies the ties to Western aesthetic tradition and civilization. It signals an implacable attack on the West as defined by Greco-Roman ideals of beauty in conjunction with Judeo-Christian religiosity. The international style is a child of modernism, thus equally a child from hell. It expresses inwardly a nihilistic urge to destroy everything that might remind us of who we really are, and at the same time outwardly a masochistic urge for surrender. In short, modernism and its evil child represent an inexcusable betrayal of the West. Strictly speaking, modernists are to be regarded as traitors to our inherited concepts of aesthetics and ethics. For most people, it means something to have a sense of belonging somewhere in the world. As our cities, proudly and painstakingly built by our ancestors, testimonies to a historical legacy, the outward expression of our civilization, are desecrated, the feeling of alienation grows. With the loss of home, loyalty to everything that our ancestors held dear gradually fades. In a somewhat sick sense, everybody is forcibly transformed into internationalists or more precisely: we become homeless and therefore without a home to love and defend. It follows from multiculturalism in our latitudes that nobody has the right to feel more at home than anybody else who happens to be passing by and decides to settle down. Thus, modernism has also been an open invitation to self-deprecating relativism in the West. Even in an era when life on earth can be wiped out in a few hours by capricious tyrants, we must ask ourselves this question: Do we intend, like the blasphemers of the Middle Ages, to surrender to sensual pleasures, without faith in tomorrow, or are we prepared to stand against the urges of folly and fight for everything that is beautiful and good in the world as we know it? Indisputably, refining the cultural trends of his time, Palladio was instrumental in rescuing us from the chaotic, life-denying, and flagellantic darkness of the Middle Ages and giving us back the joy of life from antiquity. Threatened by barbarians invading our lands from outside, but even more so by false apostles tempting us to renounce and remove every trace of our own past, we are back in the Middle Ages. What the shepherds in the ruins of Rome realized as they drove their animals back and forth between the hilly pastures: Beauty is simple. Like piety. To long for your beloved as she smiles and reaches out for you, or to pray to your god, requires neither pedantic reminders from others nor metaphysical studies. Those, who steal beauty from us to give us ugliness or nothingness in its place, are the same ones who try to steal our faith from us. And our hope. It is doubtful, at best, whether we can count on another deliverance from darkness and a rebirth of beauty and faith. However, those, who both love and believe, are obliged to persevere. Its interesting how the Iranians have been working diligently for years just to do something that the U.S. and Brits did eighty years ago. Nazi Germany also had a nuclear weapons program, headed by Werner Heisenberg which was abandoned in favor of lower-tech electrical generation after the Wehrmacht was stifled in the battle of Moscow (194142). The Manhattan Project lasted about four years and was named after the Manhattan office of the Army Corps of Engineers. Its head, General Leslie Groves, became noticed as a colonel after he successfully supervised the building of the Pentagon. He was offered a generals rank if he took the assignment, and his response was First make me a general, and then Ill take the job. Since Germany was knocked out of the war before Japan, German nuclear scientists who surrendered to the Allies were housed on a remote British farm. When news of the bombing of Hiroshima came in over the radio, the Germans were aghast that the Americans would actually use such a destructive weapon. The incendiary bombing of Japan that led up to the only two hostile uses of nuclear weapons in human history was considerably more destructive but possibly less of a shock. The cult of Kamikaze (Divine Wind) was embedded in Japanese culture. As preparations for the surrender on board the USS Missouri were being made, a small group of Japanese Air Force officers were planning on crashing an explosive-laden plane right into the proceedings. The emperors cousin got wind of the plot, commandeered a car, and arrested them. It can be assumed that the nuclear stalemate among several nations is what kept the Cold War from catching fire. The question remains as to whether Iran could ever possibly be trusted to be a member of the club. Beyond the enrichment of fissile uranium, the next technical challenge faced by the Manhattan Project was the development of the shaped charge that would blow the two halves of the uranium load into the one critical mass necessary for an explosion. When the first bomb was tested at Alamogordo, it was suspected by some that a chain reaction in the atmosphere could be started and possibly destroy the whole planet. Its kind of nice that they were wrong. In todays world, the ongoing technological upgrade for nuclear weapons has to do with their delivery systems and not their destructive ability. In the concluding days of WW2, it was the B-29, a large, high-altitude bomber. Then came Werner von Braun and the guided missile. Then came MIRVs (multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles). And now we have hypersonic missiles. So what do the Iranians have? It is reported that they have quite a few. But, when compared to the established club members, they dont have much in the way of range. They can barely reach Italy. Does this mean that we can pooh-pooh the Iranian threat? Of course not. Beyond capability, the issue is willingness. The mullahs are at war with the entire outside world. Any weapon placed in their hands is gladly received and will be used when the opportunity is presented. It is suspected that those crafty Israelis, being Irans primary target, have their own nuclear arsenal...but since they have nowhere to test one, the mystery remains. Image: CristianIS via Pixabay, Pixabay License. O.K., where are Bondi, Patel, Homan, and others? Here in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield are publicly telling all Oregon citizens that they will not comply with the Trump administration's rules. They have declared Oregon a sanctuary state. Washington County, where I live, has declared itself a sanctuary county, and most, if not all, cities around Oregon have declared themselves sanctuary cities. So, with all of this sanctuary declaration going on in Oregon, my question is, where is the federal response? I have yet to see anybody from the Trump administration say or do anything to respond to these direct challenges from Oregon's elected officials about sanctuary declarations. DEI is still in schools, men are still competing in women sports. It is almost like the federal government doesnt or cant cross the Rocky Mountains and deal with Oregon and its wokesterly stated resistance to all things Trump. Oregon is a small state with about 4 million people, Oregon needs and receives massive federal funding. I have not seen any massive defunding of Oregon by the federal government even as the Oregonian elected officials promote and continue all of the things Trump wants stopped. Being a small state, Oregon will not be the problem California is, the policies needed to bring Oregon into compliance with the Trump administration's goals will not require a huge army of ICE or FBI, it could be seen as a small test case for cleaning up the swamp. Yet hello, hello, anyone out there? All we hear is the same defiant rhetoric from the governor and the Oregon attorney general. I watched the Trump cabinet meeting and all of the agency heads talking about what they are doing or going to do. I was especially interested listening to Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Immigration czar Tom Homan and what they said. Their statements seem to be one hundred and eighty degrees from what the Oregon elected officials are saying and doing. We're waiting for them in this target-rich environment. Please come to Oregon! John Woods is a father, husband, veteran, activist, certified action range shooter, and delegate to the state Oregon Republican Party. Image: Brady Knoll via Pexels (cropped) // Pexels License By Nazrin Abdul U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether the American delegation will attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. The president made the remarks on the Truth Social platform, expressing concern over what he described as land seizures and violence targeting white farmers. "How can we be expected to go to the very important G20 meeting in South Africa when the main topic of discussion is land confiscation and genocide? They are taking the land of white farmers and then killing them and their families. And the media refuses to talk about it," Trump wrote. He added that the United States has already suspended aid to South Africa, questioning the countrys suitability as a host for such a global gathering. It is worth noting that on February 7, Trump signed an executive order halting U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing alleged racial discrimination against the white population. News broke today that the Trump White House had removed a portrait of Barack Obama and replaced it with that awesome photograph showing Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, bloodied but unbowed, shaking his fist in the air, and shouting, Fight, fight, fight! It is one of the most iconic photos in presidential history and surely deserving of a prominent place in the Trump White House: Some new artwork at the White House pic.twitter.com/l6u5u7k82T The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 11, 2025 Up until the moment this photo went up, that prominent place was occupied by a picture of Barack Obama. When Democrats heard that Obamas portrait had been displaced, the weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and tearing of garments was a sight to behold. How dare Trump, the president, hang a picture of himself, and not of another president who, incidentally, tried to destroy him through the Russia Hoax? The sign of a person with confidence is one that does good deeds in silent and never talks about them. The sign of a person that is weak and has an ego ( that doesn't match their intelligence) is one that brags and must have reminders all over the place. Ma Frt (@MaFrt1) April 11, 2025 Petty little bitch. Hes got a blow dart blood capsule on his head, no ear injury, still had the presence of mind to ask for his shoes and throw a fist in the air--because yeah, thats totally what people do when they think theyve just been shot. I dont want to sink into LorettaFaucher (@lorettafaucher) April 11, 2025 Trump would not allow the Obama portrait to be hung in the White House his first term in office! pic.twitter.com/nIgrbDvA7H Steve Sloane (@OligarchAverse) April 12, 2025 Many of the complaints included claims that the shooting in Butler was a fake, never mind that the shooter killed one and wounded two before being killed himself: Petty little bitch. Hes got a blow dart blood capsule on his head, no ear injury, still had the presence of mind to ask for his shoes and throw a fist in the air--because yeah, thats totally what people do when they think theyve just been shot. I dont want to sink into LorettaFaucher (@lorettafaucher) April 11, 2025 It took a message from White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung to clarify that Obamas portrait wasnt now languishing in the back of a closet but was, instead, just a few feet away, still hanging on a White House wall: Pipe down, moron. The Obama portrait was just moved a few feet away. https://t.co/2K6XsHn54N Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) April 11, 2025 Up until the moment this photo went up, that prominent place was occupied by a picture of Barack Obama. When Democrats heard that Obamas portrait had been displaced, the weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and tearing of garments was a sight to behold. How dare Trump, the president, hang a picture of himself, and not of another president who, incidentally, tried to destroy him through the Russia Hoax?Many of the complaints included claims that the shooting in Butler was a fake, never mind that the shooter killed one and wounded two before being killed himself:It took a message from White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung to clarify that Obamas portrait wasnt now languishing in the back of a closet but was, instead, just a few feet away, still hanging on a White House wall: Its easy and fun to laugh at the hysteria, but I had the uncomfortable feeling that we conservatives would have done just the same (only, I hope, less obscenely and with less rampant stupidity on display). The internet and social media have created a knee-jerk, reactive form of politics that creates more and more division as people react first and, occasionally, think later. Im reminded of what happened with the practice of law as technology improved. In the old days, lawyers wrote letters to each other, so it could be a day or more (sometimes much more) before hearing back from opposing counsel. These delays, which saw lawyers work on other projects and think things over, kept tempers cool. When I came along, fax machines were a thing, but they were expensive. (Wed charge clients $1 per page for sending a fax.) Although we used faxes sparingly, it was a fairly instant form of communication. The only real slowdown upon receiving a letter from opposing counsel was the time it took to dictate your response, have your secretary type it up, and then review and sign it. Cases got more vicious. By the time I left the practice of law, lawyers were fighting via email, typing out ill-thought-out letters to each other over the course of minutes. Law firms made a lot of money thanks to this rapidly escalating, inflamed litigation because lawyers never had a chance to step back and calm down. The clients, of course, paid the price. In the same way, the speed of social media today, which is not matched by the speed of thought and wisdom, is causing America to pay a price as our divisions deepen at the speed with which data flows across the internet. Image by Pixlr AI. Beginning in 2015, a new type of intifada (the name given to Muslim-Arab terrorist attacks against Israelis) took hold. Because Israels wall had severely limited the scope of the big bombing attacks that had earlier characterized the intifada, individual Arabs within Israel took to stabbing Jews or running them over with cars. One of the most famous victims was Ari Fuld, brother of the pro-Israel writer Hillel Fuld, who managed to shoot his attacker, thereby saving other lives, before succumbing to his wound. Also beginning in 2015, Europe, under the guidance of Angela Merkel, opened its doors to the Muslim Middle East, which responded by pouring into Europe by the millions. Suddenly, the same continent that had smugly boasted to Americans about how safe it was wasnt so safe anymore. And, as always, when it comes to Muslims, what started in Israel doesnt stay in Israel. While not all Muslims are violent, of course, enough of them are, especially when compared to a more peaceful native population. The resulting disruption is extreme and devastating to an established society. Thats because those who say that they want to globalize the intifada mean it, and Germany, with its massive Muslim population, is globalization-central right now. Here are just a few examples of Germanys stabbing intifada: Merkel's Germany! A man was stabbed to death on the street in Stuttgart with a SWORD. The Terrorist is said to be SYRIAN and has lived in Germany since 2015. He is known to the police and has a criminal record. The victim is a German Kazakh and lived with the Terrorist. pic.twitter.com/mJjzQGgO8k Amy Mek (@AmyMek) August 1, 2019 In Germany An Islam critic Michael Sturzenberger is stabbed by a Muslim migrant. The police shot the Islamist terrorist. The price Europe is paying for wokeism. https://t.co/r6gerAP7DX Anubha Gujral (@AnubhaDayal) May 31, 2024 An Afghan asylum seeker stabs 4 German football fans, killing 1 & seriously wounding 2 First, he stabbed a 23-y-old to death. He was watching the game btw Germany & Scotland at the town square in Wolmirstedt Later, he stabbed 3 Germans watching the game in their backyard pic.twitter.com/eF47YgcfQs Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) June 16, 2024 Mass stabbing at "Festival of Diversity" in Solingen, Germany. Multiple people reportedly killed and injured. Arab-looking perpetrator is on the run pic.twitter.com/Vq7IGEfMPd Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) August 23, 2024 (The perpetrator in the above attack was a suspected ISIS member and confessed to the attack.) Breaking News At least two dead in Aschaffenburg in central Germany, one is a child after a knife attack. Many more injured & two suspects arrested. pic.twitter.com/atw2OMmkY5 David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) January 22, 2025 (The perpetrator in the above attack was a Muslim.) BREAKING: The man arrested for stabbing people at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin today has been identified as a Syrian refugee. Only the AfD can stop this madness. pic.twitter.com/C7Kk55RDA9 Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 23, 2025 Now, we can add to the list another Muslim resident in Germany who committed a fatal stabbing: 43 year old Syrian boarded a train in Berlin, initiated a conflict with a 29 year old German man, and then stabbed him with the kitchen knife he was concealing, killing the German man in his own homeland. pic.twitter.com/hRikfd2GCm Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) April 13, 2025 This is what a globalized intifada looks like. Its not about Israel. Its never been about Israel. Its about the Koranic mandate that Muslims use violent jihad to dominate the world. This mandate saw Islam explode out of a small corner of the Middle East faster than any other ideology in world historyand it was accomplished through violence, not gently persuasive proselytizing: The only way to stop Islams spread is to fight back, as Europe once did at the Gates of Vienna. Pacifism does not inspire Islam to stop fighting. It simply makes violent jihad easier. Meme; creator unknown. As of April 10, 2025, the United States Congress is experiencing a significant bipartisan effort to support the Iranian people in pursuing democracy, human rights, and a free society. The vehicle for this is the Maximum Support Act, spearheaded by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). This legislation represents a strategic shift in U.S. policy toward Iran, emphasizing targeted support for the populace while applying pressure on the Islamic Republics regime. With its comprehensive provisions, the Act aims to empower Iranians, counter regime propaganda, and address longstanding human rights abuses, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iran relations. The Maximum Support Act emerges against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, worsened by the latters nuclear ambitions, support for terrorism, and widespread suppression of dissent. This legislation was introduced in response to the Iranian peoples repeated calls for changemost notably during the 2022-2023 protests following Mahsa Aminis death. Protest in Iran (cropped). YouTube screen grab. The Act seeks to provide tangible support rather than mere rhetoric. It aligns with recent U.S. policy shifts, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents remarks on April 1, 2025, at the FinCEN Iran Maximum Pressure and Counter Terrorism Exchange, where he emphasized the need for economic pressure to counter Irans destabilizing activities. The Acts core objective is to defend America, but the approach is different. Previous U.S. strategies often focused solely on regime change. This Act focuses, instead, on fostering grassroots movements through internet freedom, strategic defection support, and asset redistribution, among other things. Lets explore the key provisions and strategies of the Maximum Support Act. This act outlines several innovative measures to achieve its objectives. First, it mandates a White House strategy to provide Maximum Support to Iranians, including the appointment of a Special Representative, cyber assistance for protesters, and reforms to the U.S. Agency for Global Media to counter regime propaganda. This provision acknowledges the critical role of digital tools in modern dissent, especially considering Irans stringent internet censorship. Second, the Act establishes an interagency task force to promote internet freedom. This initiative will implement advanced VPN services, satellite-to-cell technology, eSIM distribution, and anti-surveillance tools to ensure secure dissident communication. The swift response to cyber threats against activists and other internet activities, a growing concern, underscores the legislations proactive approach. Third, the Act proposes confiscating regime assets under U.S. jurisdiction and redirecting these funds to support nonviolent democratic movements, humanitarian aid, and documenting human rights abuses in Iran. This process includes robust oversight to prevent regime enrichment, addressing a key criticism of past sanctions policies. The Center for Human Rights in Iran highlighted the urgency of such measures on April 3, 2025, given the regimes ongoing crimes, which the United Nations has committed to investigating further. Fourth, the legislation requires a comprehensive strategy to support those who defect from or act against Iran to ensure secure communications and safety for them while validating their intelligence. This provision could strengthen global enforcement against Irans terrorist activities, a focus reinforced by the Acts mandate for a formal review of the Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) for possible designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the State Department, Treasury, and Attorney General. So then, what are the implications and current momentum? The Maximum Support Acts bipartisan support signals a rare unity in a polarized Congress, reflecting broad recognition of the Iranian peoples plight. Advocacy on platforms like X, where handles such as @RepJoeWilson and @NUFDIran have rallied support since early April 2025, underscores public and political momentum. News outlets like Kurdistan24 have praised the legislation as a bold step toward supporting Iranian aspirations. Nevertheless, challenges persist. The Acts success relies on international cooperation, especially from allies concerned about escalating tensions with Iran. Additionally, its implementation involves navigating intricate legal and logistical obstacles, including asset confiscation and cyber support delivery. There have been no official updates since April 9, 2025, confirming its legislative progress, indicating that stakeholders should monitor Congress.gov for real-time developments. The Maximum Support Act signifies a nuanced evolution in U.S. foreign policy, balancing support for Iranian democracy with strategic pressure on the regime. By leveraging technology, financial tools, and intelligence, it presents a multifaceted approach to empower a suppressed population while addressing global security concerns. As the international community observes, the Acts passage could mark a turning point in the struggle for freedom in Iran, provided it garners sustained support and effective execution. For the latest updates, stakeholders should consult official U.S. government sources and reputable news platforms to ensure informed engagement with this critical legislative effort. The Mother Country of Great Britain gave the American colonists the idea that free speech is a good thing. Thats why its so tragic to see that free speech in the United Kingdom is rapidly becoming a distant memory. I say this because weve just learned that the newest hate crime in England, a country determined to control its citizens speech, is asking someone to speak English. The British people had long considered freedom of speech one of their core, unwritten rights. It was a cultural norm (or, as the British might have said, an ancient right and liberty) and became a reality in the political sphere when it was written into the English Bill of Rights of 1689: That the freedom of speech and debates or proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament. By 1735, when the Zenger Case, in New York, made truth a defense against libel claims, the right to speech advanced outside of the four walls of Parliament and made its way into the general population. When the colonists rebelled against Great Britain, they did so because they believed that Great Britain was denying them their inherent (unalienable) rights (not just speech but all rights) under the Magna Carta of 1215, the English Bill of Rights, British common law, and the general cultural norms of Britain. Great Britain responded by saying that these rights were limitations on the Crown, not on Parliament. Given that the Crown was already a fading power by the mid-18th century, with this argument, Britain essentially announced that the British people had no inherent rights but had only the privileges that Parliament granted them. From that point forward, while speech rights advanced in America, they declined in Britain. That history is how we get to a situation in which asking someone to speak Englishthe native language of Englandis a hate crime in England: WHAT'S GOING ON??? British police warn an elderly man that it could be a "hate crime" because he asked someone to speak in English in England. SHARE - Let the world see that the stasi is backpic.twitter.com/HjiQw223oj PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) April 13, 2025 Free speech can be ugly. I absolutely hate it when pro-Hamas activists insist that Israel has no right to defend itself. I shudder and worry when antisemites start saying that Jews are a problem in America simply because they are Jewish. Note, please, that regarding those pro-Hamas people, theres a vast difference between people stating opinions, no matter how ugly or stupid, and non-citizens who act as spokesmen for groups that advocate terrorism against America. However, what I hate even more than speech that offends or even frightens me is the government deciding what speech is or is not allowed in the realm of opinions.* As weve seen across the world, an unconstrained government will inevitably start deciding which group is most likely to maintain its power and will then define as hate speech anything that challenges its power base. Once that happens, you no longer live in a free country; you live in a totalitarian country. And so it is that Great Britain, which provided the genesis for American ideas about liberty, has morphed into George Orwells worst nightmare. ________________ *This doesnt mean we should abandon existing limitations on certain speech. As noted, Mahmoud Khalil, a non-citizen, does not have the right to speak on behalf of a pro-terrorism organization. Likewise, defamatory speech can result in civil actions. And, of course, speech that imminently advances criminal activity (such as calling for a presidents assassination or plotting a crime) can be criminally liable. But in the world of ideas or ordinary social interactions, even those that hurt someones feelings, the government should not have its thumb on the scale. UPDATE: I just saw this meme, and it seems apropos: For more on Britains appalling rot, check out this post at Hot Air. Image: X screen grab. Summary: A leak on X showed us a glimpse of some new Motorola accessories in development. The Moto Loop Earbuds and the Moto Watch Fit look very different from the companys previous wearables, and in a good way. Motorola has been pumping out new releases recently, and a new leak suggests there is more to come. A tweet by Evan Blass revealed two new Motorola accessories with a revamped look. The accessories are apparently named the Moto Loop Earbuds and the Moto Watch Fit, making them completely new offerings from the company. And considering the leakers solid record, this seems to be a very credible leak. At the same time, details are very scarce. We dont know the exact specs, pricing, or even the release timeframe of these new Motorola accessories. But we did get a picture, and we can determine some things from that brief look. A new look These arent the first Moto earbuds or smartwatches. But they look very different from their previous iterations. The Motorola earbuds released last year had the standard, minimalistic appearance found in many other brands. The new leaked Moto Loop Earbuds, in contrast, sport a more stylish look with a gray loop body. Similarly, the leaked Motorola Watch Fit looks completely different from last years Moto Watch 120. 2023s Moto Watch 70 comes the closest to the square design, though the corners are more rounded and the band more colorful in the new device. Of course, the changed appearance is unlikely to be the only new thing in these leaked Motorola accessories. However, due to frequent phone leaks, Moto devices compete well with the feature set of market leaders. Motorolas Blitzkrieg of new launches If you have been keeping up with the leaks scene, Motorola seems to be coming in with something new every other day. The company has really established itself as a major player in the Android ecosystem and seems determined to reach the very top. The recently released Moto G Stylus, for example, offers great value for its low price point, even beating the Pixel 10 on some metrics. And the leaked Moto Edge 60 stylus boasts even more impressive specifications. The Razr series is already going strong, and we are expecting a new announcement on April 24. Motorola might be about to drop as many as three new Razr models at once, though it just might be a translation issue from the leaks. Either way, this is an exciting time to be a Motorola fan, and we are staying tuned to see what else the company has in store for us. Summary: Tech fans, you can breathe easy. Donald Trumps administration has announced an exemption from tariffs on smartphones and computers, as well as other electronic products. The exemption also includes the huge 145% tariff on imports from China, everyones main concern. If you like tech, like smartphones or PCs, you may be worried about the potential effects of Trumps tariffs on your favorite gadgets. For example, some estimated that iPhones could triple in price as a result. However, it seems you can breathe easy, as smartphone and computer brands will be exempt from Trumps tariffs. Recently, Trump announced a series of import tariffs for multiple regions. According to the new administration in Washington, this measure seeks to bring jobs and manufacturing back to the United States. The tariffs also seek to address what Trump considers an unfair situation for the United States in the current global trading system. The mildest tariff was 10% for imports from most countries. However, the most impactful was the 145% tariff on imports from China. This large figure comes in response to Chinas intentions to respond to the United States with its own 84% tariff on imports from the United States. The US first announced a 20% tariff for China but then followed with an additional 125%. Trump also paused the implementation of tariffs for 90 days for many countries seeking negotiations. The US government exempts smartphones, computers, and other tech products from Trumps tariffs Now, the US Customs and Border Patrol has confirmed that smartphones, computers, and some other electronic products are exempt from the tariffs. Yes, this includes the 145% tariff imposed on China. The move comes as a major relief to a technology industry that relies heavily on factories in China for production. Recently, Trump opened the door to exempting some companies from the tariffs. Trump would have relied on his instinct to decide which US firms deserved such a concession. The main goal was to address the situation of companies hit harder than others, such as Apple. However, the US president is opting for a different approach. Instead of exempting specific companies under arbitrary criteria, Washington is freeing entire commercial sectors from tariffs. An analyst describes the move as a game-changer scenario, as reported by the BBC. The exemptions are retroactive to April 5. The measure also applies to other tech sectors such as semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards. This is the dream scenario for tech investors, said Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, on Twitter. Smartphones and chips being excluded is a game-changer scenario when it comes to China tariffs, he added. A measure to give companies time to move their production to the US Its noteworthy that the tariff exemption for these tech sectors aims to be temporary. President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops, reads a White House statement. At the direction of the president, these companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible. So, the new measure appears to be a temporary concession allowing companies to move their productionor most of itto the United States. Its also worth noting that there is still a tariff on these products. This is the 20% tariff tax related to fentanyl to China. Meanwhile, big tech companies have been exploring options to diversify their production chains. Countries like India and Vietnam are emerging as the leading candidates. In fact, Apple already manufactures 20% of iPhones destined for the United States in India. The MP has accused Bangladeshi authorities of a targeted and baseless campaign against her. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA An arrest warrant for the former City minister Tulip Siddiq has been issued in Bangladesh with a new allegation accusing her of illegally receiving a plot of land from her aunt, the ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladeshi media reported the warrant was issued by a judge for 53 people connected to Hasina, including Siddiq. There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Bangladesh. Siddiqs representative said there was no basis at all for any charges to be made against her, and there is absolutely no truth in any allegation that she received a plot of land in Dhaka through illegal means. The MP for Hampstead and Highgate has denied allegations of corruption linked to her aunts collapsed regime and accused the Bangladeshi authorities of a targeted and baseless campaign against her. Related: Who is Tulip Siddiq, niece of deposed Bangladeshi PM who quit Treasury role? Siddiq resigned in January as economic secretary to the Treasury, citing the risk of becoming a distraction and saying the government was being harmed by the furore over her use of properties given to herself and her family by allies of the regime of Hasina. She was not deemed by Keir Starmers ethics adviser to have broken any rules over her use of the homes and he found no evidence to suggest that any of Siddiqs assets were derived from anything other than legitimate means. But Laurie Magnus did find a lack of records and said lapse of time meant he had not been able to obtain comprehensive comfort in relation to all the UK property-related matters. A Conservative party spokesperson said: If it is the case that Keir Starmers choice for anti-corruption minister is the subject of an international arrest warrant for corruption, she should immediately stand down as Labour MP. It is shocking that Keir Starmer believes the door remains open for Ms Siddiq returning to a government position. Keir Starmer must put his close friendship and association with Ms Siddiq aside and take the action he should have months ago. Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission (ACC) has alleged that Siddiq, 42, received a 670 sq metre plot in the diplomatic zone of the capital, Dhaka, through ties to the former rulers, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The allegation is that Siddiq persuaded her aunt to allocate three plots of land in the exclusive enclave for her family members, including her mother, Sheikh Rehana, her brother Radwan and her younger sister Azmina. The family are all based in Britain. The ACC chair, Mohammad Abdul Momen, previously told the BBC the investigations in Bangladesh were based on documentary evidence of corruption and Siddiq should return to fight her case in Bangladesh. Related: Bangladeshi and British politics collided to bring down Tulip Siddiq | Salil Tripathi In a statement made through her lawyers, Siddiqs representatives said: The ACC has made various allegations against Ms Siddiq through the media in the last few months. The allegations are completely false and have been dealt with in writing by Ms Siddiqs lawyers. The ACC has not responded to Ms Siddiq or put any allegations to her directly or through her lawyers. Ms Siddiq knows nothing about a hearing in Dhaka relating to her and she has no knowledge of any arrest warrant that is said to have been issued. To be clear, there is no basis at all for any charges to be made against her, and there is absolutely no truth in any allegation that she received a plot of land in Dhaka through illegal means. She has never had a plot of land in Bangladesh and she has never influenced any allocation of plots of land to her family members or anyone else. No evidence has been provided by the ACC to support this or any other allegation made against Ms Siddiq and it is clear to us that the charges are politically motivated. The Vermont senator Bernie Sanders drew a record-breaking crowd at his rally in Los Angeles on Saturday, which included musical acts from Joan Baez and Neil Young, who encouraged the crowd to take America back. Sanderss Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go from Here tour has been drawing massive crowds. Aided by the progressive New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the team set the record in Tempe, Arizona, for biggest-ever political rally in that state three weeks ago. In Denver, Colorado, more than 34,000 people showed up a career-high crowd for the 83-year-old Sanders. Saturday in Los Angeles saw another record: at least 36,000 people packed a downtown park. A host of musical acts kicked off the high-energy event, including the indie rock band The Red Pears, Maggie Rogers, Indigo de Souza, and legends Baez and Young. On a perfect LA day with a gentle breeze and blue sky, Young, wearing all black, performed for the crowd before introducing Ocasio-Cortez, who was met with the wild applause usually reserved for a rock star. Ocasio-Cortez, 35, told the crowd at Gloria Molina Grand Park a space named after the trailblazing Angeleno often credited for paving the way for women and Latinos in LA politics that power, greed and corruption are taking over our country like never before. She named some California lawmakers who have supported recent Trump policies, including Bakersfield representative David Valadao and representative Young Kim of Orange county. The Raise gospel choir sang out power to the people, and Sanders took the stage. We are living in a moment where the Republican party to a large degree has become a cult of the individual, obeying Trumps every wish, Sanders told the crowd, adding that the Trump administration is now plotting how they can give $1.1tn in tax breaks to the rich. The politicians critique of the administration and the corrupting influence of big money and billionaires in US politics lasted more than 40 minutes. The message has taken on a new resonance in the second Trump administration, as Americans have watched Elon Musk take a chainsaw to the federal government and threatening popular safety-net programs like social security and Medicare. These are the issues that brought out Cindy and Victor Villanuevo. Cindy has battled multiple sclerosis for the past decade. Im here because Im disgusted about what Trump is doing to science. Its a disgrace. When you cut funding, theres no hope for any of us, said the Buena Park mother. Her sister, Rose Matthews, a retired teacher, is concerned about social security, for people who work at veterans affairs and for veterans benefits. I know the folks at the Long Beach VA very well because my husband battled ALS for four years, she said. The work they do with the vets is incredible and much needed. Now Im worried thats going away. We cant just let this happen. Ali Wolff and Myylo Lewis took the 94 bus from Silver Lake to attend. They said the bus had been packed with Bernie supporters and it felt good. Its terrifying whats been happening, said Wolff. Its a relief just being here with so many like-minded people. Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie are the closest thing to a version of America you actually want to live in, said Lewis. Sanders, an independent who votes with Democrats, launched the tour in late February, offering Democratic voters an outlet for their fury and grief at a moment when most of their leaders in Washington appeared disoriented by the speed of Trumps second-term power grabs. The Vermont senator has held events in big cities like Denver and Phoenix, while also targeting Republican-held districts that voted for Joe Biden in 2020, as Democrats contemplate a path back to power in 2026. Related: Bernie Sanders: law firms that cut deals with Trump administration sell out their soul Ocasio-Cortez joined Sanders for part of his tour last month, raising questions about her political aspirations and the future of the progressive movement he has been building since before she was born. On the stage in Los Angeles, progressive congressmembers Pramila Jayapal of Washington state and Ro Khanna of California, as well as many union leaders representing teachers, nurses, longshoremen and healthcare workers all addressed the crowd. Eunissess Hernandez, who represents LAs first city council district, gave a particularly powerful address, saying the Trump administration was trying to divide people and get them to blame each other for their problems instead of blaming the people who are actually profiting from our pain. Sanders later made a surprise, onstage cameo at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California, on Saturday evening, urging young people to stand up to fight for justice. The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation, said Sanders, as he introduced a performance from singer-songwriter Clairo. Sanderss western tour will continue with stops in Utah, Idaho and Montana. The tour will return to California on Tuesday for events in Folsom and Bakersfield, a Republican stronghold, which has one of the highest levels of Medi-Cal enrollments in the state. The agricultural community, which is in Kern county, was also the locale of a January immigration raid that resulted in 78 arrests many contend were a result of shocking and unlawful racial profiling. Sanders railed against the raid, describing it as the US government disappearing people. People embrace after laying flowers beneath commemorative display boards on the first anniversary of the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAP Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the victims of the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings one year on from the tragedy. Forty-year-old Joel Cauchi killed Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, and Faraz Tahrir, 30, and injured a further 10 people at Westfield Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024 before he was shot and killed by a police inspector, Amy Scott. One year on from the horrific attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, we pause to remember those whose lives were stolen on what should have been just another Saturday, the prime minister said. Hold on to all they were and all they had ahead of them. This should not be an anniversary. They should still be here with their families, their friends and in their communities with all their hopes and dreams and joys that are the very essence of life. Albanese paid tribute to the courage of first responders, including shop staff and shoppers, some of whom ran towards danger. Amid the terror, people were tested in ways they had never imagined, yet their first instinct was to help each other, he said. To offer comfort, compassion and protection to friend and stranger alike In the hours and days that followed, we saw a community united in grief, reaffirming for all of us a core truth: that love is greater than hate. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, told Sevens Sunrise the families and friends of the six victims would no doubt [be] thinking about what their loved ones would have achieved over the last 12 months and what they had in front of them. The one commonality amongst all six of the people who were killed is that they were ambitious, bright, optimistic people that seemed to have the world at their feet which means this tragedy is just all the more harrowing for Sydney and for those people. Minns said there would be a full inquiry and investigation. A five-week inquest at the NSW state coroners court will begin on 28 April. I know that people want answers, and we need to do everything we possibly can to ensure that it doesnt happen again and that the state and the authorities learn the lessons, Minns said. Related: No one voice for families of Bondi Junction victims, court hears after John Singleton says inquest is waste of time The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, said: The memory and the trauma of this day will never be forgotten. Today, we remember the victims of one of the most horrific events in Australian history. Our hearts are with their families who continue to endure unimaginable grief and do their best to carry on. She said hundreds of people, including police, paramedics and civilians, were all first responders on this horrific day. They are heroes, risking their own lives in an effort to save victims and nurse the wounded during what can only be described as a senseless tragedy, she said. The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, said: We remember six innocent people who were taken from us. We honour the survivors whose courage and recovery continue to inspire us. And we give thanks for the everyday Australians who did extraordinary things in the face of terror. He said that one year ago, Australians witnessed the very worst of humanity but also the very best. We saw compassion. We saw courage. We saw the triumph of the human spirit. We thank the paramedics, hospital staff, police and emergency services whose bravery and professionalism saved lives. The communitys response in the days after the attack and photos from a candlelight vigil have been included on commemorative display boards temporarily installed in the nearby Oxford Street Mall. The shopping centres owners will place a floral tribute inside the centre. Minns and the NSW governor, Margaret Beazley, will lay flowers at the scene on Sunday, along with the local mayor, William Nemesh, and other officials. Welfare support officers will be available as the community is invited to reflect on the tragedy. Cambridge completed a clean sweep on the Thames with victories in the mens, womens and both reserve Boat Races. It was expected to be a tight battle in the 170th mens edition, but instead the light blue boat built up an early lead and never looked back, shocking an Oxford boat stacked with several Olympians to win their third consecutive mens race by five-and-a-half lengths. Cambridge made it eight straight wins in the 79th womens competition, also the 10th anniversary of the mens and womens races taking place on the traditional 6.8-kilometre Championship Course. A victorious crew #TheBoatRace https://t.co/W4wVVrpxt1 The Boat Race (@theboatrace) April 13, 2025 It was an event once again overshadowed by controversy in the build-up after the enforcement of rules preventing PGCE students taking part meant three Cambridge rowers were unable to participate. Like in 2024, there were also worries about water quality after concerning levels of the E. coli bacteria were found along the course in the weeks leading up to the event. Both Oxfords men and women won their coin tosses and elected to start at the Surrey station, and the sunny conditions for the latter had turned overcast by the time the men began just under 10 minutes after its scheduled 14:21 start to clear debris from the course. It was neck-and-neck at the start and Cambridge were the subjects of a few early warnings from umpire Sarah Winckless, who became the first woman to umpire the mens race on the Championship Course after also overseeing it when it moved to the Great River Ouse in 2021. Cambridge womens president Lucy Havard drinks from the trophy as they celebrate their Boat Race victory (John Walton/PA) But Cambridge pulled out to a lead of just under two seconds, and extended their advantage as they crossed under the Hammersmith Bridge just over four seconds ahead. They continued to look loose and in control as they built up a considerable advantage of more than 12 seconds at the Barnes Bridge before pulling well clear to claim a comfortable win. The womens race was umpired by Sir Matthew Pinsent, who issued his first warning to Oxford less than a minute in and had a huge early decision to make after the oars clashed within the first two minutes. It was a move initiated by Oxford cox Daniel Orton, and for a brief moment it looked like Pinsent was contemplating disqualifying the dark blue boat. Congratulations to @cubcsquad Women's Blue Boat on winning The Boat Race We are so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/CBjjE0MSMW Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni) April 13, 2025 Instead the four-time Olympic champion elected for a restart, handing Cambridge who had been out in front a one-third of a length advantage. The light blue boat began to pull ahead under the Hammersmith Bridge, maintaining a significant gap by the halfway point and crossed the Chiswick Steps with a lead of just over six seconds, extended to 7.72 seconds by the time they crossed the finish with a two-and-a-half-length advantage. Pinsent told the BBC: The clash was heavy enough that it was going to stop the race. There are a range of options youve got at that moment. You could DQ someone straight away, you can do a restart. (Disqualification) pops into your mind, but you also can allow after a restart to see whether it affected the outcome of the race, and obviously in my opinion it did not affect the outcome of that race, and thats what is going on in my head now. Jonathan Reynolds appears on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg - Jeff Overs/BBC The Business Secretary has declared that there will be a high trust bar for future Chinese investment in the wake of the British Steel crisis. Jonathan Reynolds said he did not want to see another company from China in control of the steel firm after negotiations broke down with Jingye, which purchased British Steel in 2020. Mr Reynolds accused Jingye of trying to shut down the British steel industry following claims from unions that the company had cancelled orders for vital raw materials. The comments will risk triggering a diplomatic rift with Beijing at a time when Labour is seeking to reset relations. It comes as government officials take control of the Scunthorpe site as the scramble begins to get the raw materials delivered to keep the blast furnaces going. Officials were on site as soon as the new legislation came into force on Saturday, and have been working with British Steels management to ensure workers and suppliers get paid on time. On Monday, they will work to get nearby raw materials such as coking coal on site to keep the furnaces running. If they fall below a certain temperature, it could permanently scar the machinery, making it unworkable. A number of businesses such as Tata and Rainham Steel have offered managerial support and raw materials to prevent disaster. Steel is a very sensitive area Asked about the future of Chinese involvement in British industry, Mr Reynolds told Skys Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: I think we have got to be clear about what is the sort of sector where actually we can promote and cooperate and ones, frankly, where we cant. I wouldnt personally bring a Chinese company into our steel sector. I think steel is a very sensitive area. I dont know when the Boris Johnson government did this, what the situation was, but its a sensitive area. Pressed on whether there would now be a high trust bar when dealing with Chinese businesses, Mr Reynolds replied: Yes. We have got to recognise that. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the government should go further and bar China from owning any national infrastructure at all, such as nuclear power stations. We cannot have other nations which are not part of the alliance owning Britains national infrastructure. We cannot continue allowing access to countries which do not play by the rules, and which do not have democracy and the rule of law. Not just steel but nuclear, the manufacture of high tech equipment, tanks and engineering, aircraft manufacture. All these things have got to be run in the UK and we should only welcome investment from countries we can trust. MPs were recalled for a Saturday sitting for the first time since the Falklands War to pass a law that gives ministers the power to take British Steel into government hands. The emergency laws will allow Mr Reynolds to step in and keep the British Steel plant at Scunthorpe open. Sir Keir Starmer visited British Steel workers on Saturday - Peter Byrne/REUTERS Jingye has been accused of cancelling orders for iron ore, coking coal and other raw materials that Britains last remaining primary steelworks depends on. The company has said it invested more than 1.2 billion to maintain operations in Scunthorpe amid production issues and significant financial losses of about 700,000 a day. In a subsequent interview with LBC, Mr Reynolds said the company was not an example of how every Chinese company would operate. But he added: I think there are particular issues around steel, particularly over production in global steel markets. All options on the table Mr Reynolds said nationalisation of British Steel was the most likely outcome. He said: All options are on the table Im obviously clear that I want a long-term private sector partner. The transition thats required to new technology, new facilities at British Steel is best done funded and delivered by the Government, working with a private sector partner. Speaking to the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Reynolds was also unable to guarantee that the Government could provide enough raw materials to keep the Scunthorpe furnaces going before current supplies run out. He said: If we hadnt acted, the blast furnaces were gone. Steel production in the UK primary steel producing would have gone. So weve given ourselves the opportunity, we are in control of the site, my officials are on site right now to give us the chance to do that. Jingye was contacted for comment. Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, national officer of the GMB union, said: The Government has acted decisively to save UK steel Our next battle is to make sure the raw materials needed to keep the blast furnaces going are paid for and delivered. Then, in GMBs view, we need to move to full nationalisation as soon as possible. The Guardian reported that the government was considering targeting parts of Chinas security apparatus under new foreign influence rules. Ministers are looking at including parts of the Chinese state accused of interference activities on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs). China as a whole is not expected to be included on the enhanced tier, but government sources stressed that no final decision about its status had been taken. Firs, which will launch on 1 July, will require anyone in the UK acting for a foreign power or entity to declare their activities to the government. It comes as speculation mounted that the Royal Navy would be drafted in to ensure the safe passage of a fuel shipment to Scunthorpe. According to The Sunday Times, ministers could send the Navy to escort the shipment to Scunthorpes blast furnaces following parliaments vote to take control of British Steel. A source told the newspaper that the Government was considering involving the Navy so as the cargo was not intercepted or redirected. But a defence source said this was speculation. A Ministry of Defence spokeman said: While the Royal Navy routinely monitor ships due to arrive in UK waters, we are not involved in escorting this ship. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent congratulations to his players from his hospital bed after watching them dismantle Manchester United to go fourth in the Premier League table. The 47-year-old was admitted on Friday evening after being unwell for several days and was undergoing tests as his assistant Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones prepared the team for a key game. In the event, the Magpies roared to a 4-1 victory at St James Park in Howes absence, but he was with them in spirit. Asked if he had spoken to his former Bournemouth team-mate, Tindall said: Yes, I had a message from him just before I came to do the press, congratulating the team on the performance and work from everybody. He was able to watch the game and Im sure that performance will have put a smile on his face. Tindall admitted he did not know if he would still be in charge for Wednesdays home clash with Crystal Palace in which victory would see Newcastle climb above Nottingham Forest into third but he was proud of the way the players coped without Howe. He said: He was hugely missed, certainly for me. Its only the second time in 17 years that weve not been side by side and I did miss him. Jason Tindall "I've had a message from Eddie. He managed to watch the game which is great. He sent a message to congratulate the team and staff on the performance. It was a performance for him." Get well soon, gaffer! pic.twitter.com/uzQqrxerHB Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 13, 2025 You miss your leader when hes not there, but testament and credit to everybody else to be able to step into those shoes big shoes to fill. Hes one of the best around and credit to everybody to be able to go out and deliver the performance that they did. Im sure hell be proud of that. The Magpies looked to be on their way when Sandro Tonali fired them into a 24th-minute lead, but Alejandro Garnachos equally sweet finish sent the sides in level at the break. However, Harvey Barnes restored the lead within four minutes of the restart and then stretched it with 64 minutes gone before skipper Bruno Guimaraes capitalised on an error by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir who was making his Premier League debut in place of the dropped Andre Onana to wrap up a comprehensive victory. For Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, it proved a sobering afternoon on Tyneside as his raft of changes, with Thursday nights Europa League quarter-final second-leg clash with Lyon in mind, failed to pay dividends. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim insisted he had no regrets over his team selection at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA) Asked if he had any regrets over his selection, Amorim, who lost Joshua Zirkzee to a hamstring injury shortly after the break, said: No, nothing, nothing because we made mistakes and they were better. Even if we put a different XI, we dont know the result. But then we had to make choices and we played three days ago. You could see with Josh, he was fresh, but he had some problem, so sometimes we need to make choices and we dont know the result even with a different XI. Asked further if Onana could return against the French side, he replied: You guys have to wait. We are going to start the next week tomorrow and then I am going to choose the best starting XI for the next one. King and Queen attend Sunday service with music composed for their anniversary The King and Queen are attending a Sunday church service where they will listen to a new piece of music celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Composer Professor Paul Mealor has created music for royal events including the Prince and Princess of Waless wedding, several of Charless birthdays, and his coronation. Charles and Camilla waved as they exited their car outside the tiny granite Crathie Kirk, which is near Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II was a regular and devout worshipper at the church. The King and Queen waved to onlookers as they arrived at the church (Paul Campbell/PA) Charles was in a kilt and khaki jacket while Camilla wore a blue coat with a tartan lapel and a red hat decorated with a feather. The couples actual anniversary on Wednesday fell during their state visit to Italy. During their tour, they met with the convalescing Pope at the Vatican and enjoyed a state banquet in their honour. The King was dressed in a kilt and khaki jacket while Camilla wore a blue coat with a tartan lapel and a red hat decorated with a feather (Paul Campbell/PA) Speaking to the British press during a school visit in the middle of the tour, which ended on Thursday, Camilla said her husband who is receiving ongoing treatment for cancer loves his work and wants to do more and more and more as he gets better, adding: Thats the problem. The Foreign Secretary will raise the decision to refuse an MP entry to Hong Kong with Chinese authorities, describing the incident as deeply concerning. Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong on Thursday after she had travelled to the territory to visit her son, who has lived there since 2019, and new grandson. She is believed to be the first MP to be refused entry to the former British colony since it was handed back to China in 1997. Ms Hobhouse, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac) which criticises Beijings handling of human rights, told The Times she had been given no explanation for being refused entry to Hong Kong. Foreign Secretary David Lammy (Aaron Chown/PA) Describing the decision as cruel, she added: My son was waiting at the other end at arrivals. I couldnt even see him and give him a hug and I hadnt seen him in a year. Her parliamentary colleagues expressed outrage at the decision, with Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey saying it was heartless and totally unacceptable. Party foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller said the decision was truly shocking behaviour by the Hong Kong authorities and called on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to meet Ms Hobhouse and then call the Chinese ambassador for an explanation. Ms Hobhouse herself also called on the Foreign Secretary to raise the issue with China, describing the decision as a cruel and upsetting blow and an insult to all parliamentarians. Mr Lammy said: It is deeply concerning to hear that an MP on a personal trip has been refused entry to Hong Kong. We will urgently raise this with the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing to demand an explanation. In addition to being a member of Ipac, Ms Hobhouse has previously spoken out against the Chinese governments abuse of human rights in Tibet and crackdown on freedom of speech in Hong Kong. China has previously banned several British MPs from entering the country, including Ipac members Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Nusrat Ghani, and former security minister Tom Tugendhat. Mr Lammy added: As I made clear earlier this week, it would be unacceptable for an MP to be denied entry for simply expressing their views as a Parliamentarian. Unjustified restrictions on freedom of movement can only serve to further undermine Hong Kongs international reputation. A week earlier, Mr Lammy had criticised the Israeli government for refusing to allow Labour MPs Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang to enter the country due to comments they had made about the conflict in Gaza. Blower Cartoon: E-Miliband Runs On Hot Air. Can't shift these for love nor money During the debate on Scunthorpe steel, Ed Miliband tweeted: Very proud to be in the House today to see my colleagues standing up for British steelworkers. Now that is some Trump-level trolling. Eds net-zero fanaticism isnt what de-industralised Britain, but it makes it a billion times harder to reverse the trend presenting Keir Starmer with a tricky a choice. Does he want to be green or to grow? Put another way: is it time to decommission Ed Miliband? I have history with Scunthorpe. Back in 2010, I still harboured the hopeless dream of becoming a Labour MP. In a last roll of the dice, I submitted my name for the Scunthorpe nomination. Why that seat? Steel. I mightve been moving to the Right on immigration, but I remained a Bennite on economics (friends say: nothings changed) so I wrote a letter to constituents laying out a detailed case for tariffs. The selection meeting did not go well (Ooo are ya? they asked. Im sorry, I cant understand the accent, I replied), but the letter got rave reviews. In retrospect, I was ahead of my time. I could see that manufacturing was getting screwed by both Right and Left. The Tories let it die in deference to the economic laws of nature. They asked: why should we make stuff we can import cheaper? Because British steel has never competed in a truly free market. Because even if we dont have an industrial policy, other countries do. Our competitors protect, subsidise and dump their products on us; and theres a suspicion in Westminster that the Chinese bought Scunthorpe with the deliberate intention of running it down. Workers even blocked access to the site lest their owners try to sabotage it. Right-wing globalisation went hand-in-glove with Left-wing greenery, allowing politicians to impoverish their countries while feeling good about it. Fly to an anti-carbon summit! Be serenaded by grateful Polynesians! Meanwhile, Britains energy costs went up-and-up a killer for steel, which is highly-productive (potentially profitable) but also energy-intensive. Green policy and taxes played a key role in that price hike, and when Labour came into power last year, it also vetoed a new Cumbrian mine that couldve supplied coking coal to Scunthorpe. Net zero is utterly surreal. To avoid pollution at home, we import it from abroad, stretching supply lines now threatened by global conflict. Enter Ed Miliband, whose answer to such problems is to go greener, faster: end reliance on expensive fossil fuels, corner a new market first. But to decarbonise and grow is often contradictory. The entire ethical basis for environmentalism is to conserve by reducing outputs and the effect of any technological revolution is to reduce inputs by increasing efficiency. Were the Government to save Scunthorpe, the assumption is that the old furnace would be replaced with an electric version that requires less manpower, and fewer jobs. This transition might be necessary, but it will also be painful, and the insistence that we can all get richer by becoming greener increasingly sounds as unrealistic as diversity is our strength. Milibandism is antithetical to the instincts and experience of working-class voters, who usually come off worse from change. Its also increasingly antithetical to a Treasury desperate to kickstart growth. Hence Ed has been embarrassed three times since the new year: on airport expansion, a softened transition to electric vehicles and, now, the robust defence of an industry that depends on coal but then Labour cannot alienate voters ahead of the local elections. According to the polls, its position resembles an upturned iceberg: a vast parliamentary majority above water, a sliver of popular support underneath. And like the real icebergs, it is melting. Starmers instinct is to detach himself from all pre-election commitments and float free as if he, alone among the worlds statesmen, is dictating policy without ideology and solely in the national interest. By that logic, No 10 must be considering sacking Miliband. Downing Street denies it; Eds people laugh off talk of resignation. But the fact that the press keeps asking indicates a direction of travel. The Government cannot trot out its mindless slogan backing the builders, not the blockers while continuing to employ a man who cant pass a bulldozer without the temptation to lie down in front of it. Miliband appears to be wildly popular with the membership, being a rare minister with personality and a sense of mission. But though Eds enthusiasm is charming to true believers, many voters feel as they did when they read his disingenuous tweet from the Commons as if someone is having a laugh. Every video he puts out of him singing a love song to a turbine, or blowing kisses a solar panel, suggests hes enjoying his job a bit too much that its not Britains project so much as Eds project, that were spending vast sums of money so that he can feel hes accomplishing something. Miliband has come to resemble one of those ancient nationalised industries the state once bankrolled because it couldnt face the political costs of shutting it down. Ed is a white elephant; the human equivalent of British Rail. And hes a recruiting sergeant for the opposition. Reform has spotted an opportunity, a party staffed by free market liberals quickly rebranding itself as pro-nationalisation plus anti-net zero, making it the natural go-to for the disaffected working-class. Never mind the English locals, all eyes are on the Welsh Assembly elections next year, where the southern part of the country might be facing its 2019 Red Wall moment. Reform and Plaid Cymru are both asking why, when 2,800 jobs were at risk in Port Talbot, Starmer didnt consider nationalisation, yet for Scunthorpe, anything is suddenly possible? With the SNP making similar noises about the future of Grangemouth in Scotland, its striking that the most compelling threat to Labour comes from competing forms of nationalism. Progressive with Plaid and the SNP, conservative with Reform; in all cases, anti-globalisation. Its taken 15 years, but the country has basically come around to my position too late, alas, for me to enter Parliament in 2010. My only other application for a seat that year was to Barrow-in-Furness, which I tried to impress with a letter about the benefits of nuclear disarmament. Thats how I learnt, the hard way, that Barrow is where they make the submarines. The UK is in for a 'mixed bag' of weather in the coming week. (Getty) (Yui Mok - PA Images via Getty Images) The UK is facing a "mixed bag" of weather next week, forecasters have warned, with a drop in temperatures and rain expected to bring a "very different" feel compared to last week. The recent spate of warm weather is expected to give way to downpours and cooler temperatures throughout the week, with snow forecast on some mountaintops. While some people might be sad to see the sunshine go, the change will be a welcome relief for some parts of the UK which have seen firefighters battling large wildfires amid the recent dry weather. Weather at noon on Monday will see rainfall start to move in to parts of the country. (Met Office) Met Office spokesman Craig Snell said next week will be a mixed bag. He said. It is going to be a more changeable week this week compared to what we have been used to for the last two to three weeks. High pressure has gone away now and were just going to be firmly under the influence of low pressure as we go through the week ahead. Its not going to be a complete washout we will see some further sunnier moments, but most of the UK will see some rain at some point. Compared to the day-on-day blue skies we had last week it is going to feel very different during the week ahead. Tuesday at 12pm will see more heavy rain hit parts of the country, including the south west. (Met Office) By 1pm on Wednesday, that rainfall will move further north. (Met Office) By 1pm on Thursday the rain will dissipate but parts of the country will still see downpours. (Met Office) Snell said temperatures will start to dip from highs of 18 or 19 degrees on Sunday, which is above average for the time of year. Southeast England is expected to stay sunny on Monday, with highs of 20 degrees possible, but central parts of the UK will be wet and cloudy. From Tuesday, Snell said there will be plenty of wet weather, particularly in England and Wales. Read more: All the areas in England facing 20C temperatures and above during April (Birmingham Live) Needing to know what the weather has in store for the lead up to the Easter weekend Check out the forecast for the week ahead pic.twitter.com/ksWAVFwbzo Met Office (@metoffice) April 13, 2025 Yahoo breaks down what the weather will be like for each region of the UK. London and the South East Monday A generally dry day with bright or sunny spells, and a gentle breeze. An isolated shower cannot be ruled out, more likely later. Feeling pleasantly warm in sunshine. Maximum temperature 18 C. Tuesday to Thursday Bright or sunny spells most days, but with showers or longer spells of rain possible at times. Temperatures near normal, but some chilly nights perhaps with a chance of frost. South West Monday Largely dry for many with bright or sunny spells at times. However, heavy showers are likely in western counties, with more prolonged rain developing across Cornwall. Breezy southerly winds. Maximum temperature 15 C. Tuesday to Thursday Staying changeable with a chance of showers or longer spells of rain at times. Some drier and sunnier periods also likely. Temperatures around average though feeling cooler than of late. Midlands Monday West Midlands: Sunny spells first thing, then turning cloudier but remaining bright at times. Showers are possible in western counties but many places staying dry. Feeling a bit warmer but often breezy. Maximum temperature 16 C. East Midlands: Dry start in the east with sunny spells, but turning cloudy from the west as a band of showers moves slowly east. The showers occasionally heavy later, and perhaps thundery. Maximum temperature 17 C. Tuesday to Thursday West Midlands: Staying changeable with a chance of showers or longer spells of rain at times. Some drier and sunnier periods also likely. Temperatures around average though feeling cooler than of late. East Midlands: Bright or sunny spells most days, but with showers or longer spells of rain possible at times. Temperatures near normal, but some chilly nights perhaps with a chance of frost. North East Monday Mostly dry start in the east with some sunny spells, but turning cloudy from the west as a band of showers moves east. The showers occasionally heavy, and perhaps thundery. Maximum temperature 15 C. Tuesday to Thursday Bright or sunny spells and showers most days, with some longer spells of rain possible at times. Temperatures close to normal, but chilly nights perhaps with a chance of frost. Parts of the UK have been enjoying a spate of warm weather. (PA) (Stefan Rousseau - PA Images via Getty Images) North West Monday A dry start for many, but showers will gradually edge eastwards. Longer periods of rain are possible later, perhaps heavy, but possibly staying drier in southeastern areas. Breezy at times. Maximum temperature 15 C. Tuesday to Thursday Staying changeable with a chance of showers or longer spells of rain at times. Some drier and sunnier periods also likely. Temperatures around average though feeling cooler than of late. Scotland Monday Bright with a mixture of sunny intervals and showers, some on the heavy side with hail possible. Rain perhaps becoming persistent through the evening, especially in the east. Maximum temperature 11 C. Tuesday to Thursday Some showers on Tuesday, perhaps some longer spells of rain in east. Drier west on Wednesday but chance of persistent rain in east, clearing early Thursday. Otherwise showery Thursday. Northern Ireland Monday A dry morning with some good sunny spells. Scattered showers breaking out in the afternoon, some heavy with the chance of hail and thunder. Maximum temperature 12 C. Tuesday to Thursday Sunny spells and a few showers on Tuesday, maybe heavy at times. Bright and mainly dry on Wednesday then showers returning on Thursday. Some night frost. Wales Monday After a dry start for some eastern areas, heavy showers in the west will gradually edge eastwards and merge together to give longer periods of rain. Brisk southerly winds. Maximum temperature 15 C. Tuesday to Thursday Staying changeable with a chance of showers or longer spells of rain at times. Some drier and sunnier periods also likely. Temperatures around average though feeling cooler than of late. Sunny spells and scattered showers feature in Monday's 4cast pic.twitter.com/4AI8bp7uzt Met Office (@metoffice) April 13, 2025 What will the weather be like over Easter weekend? Towards the end of the week and into the long Easter weekend, Snell said it will be a changeable picture. He said: "Some places will see rain, others some sunshine, depending on where you are in the UK on Thursday and Friday one day will be wetter than the other. Not cold by any means, but compared to the first week of the Easter holidays, the second week does look like a bit more of a mixed bag across the UK." Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, with his son Yair - Sebastian Scheiner/AP Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and his son ganged up on French president Emmanuel Macron on Sunday over comments he made while advocating a Palestinian state. Yair Netanyahu, the son of the prime minister, lashed out at Mr Macron for saying Paris could recognise a Palestinian state within months. Screw you! Yair wrote in English on the social media platform X late on Saturday. Yes to independence of New Caledonia! Yes to independence to French Polynesia! Yes to independence of Corsica! Yes to independence of the Basque Country! Yes to independence of French Guinea! Stop the neo-imperialism of France in west Africa! he said, apparently confusing it with French Guiana. The post was in response to one by Mr Macron in which he said: Im reading all sorts of things here about our intentions for Gaza. Here is Frances position it is clear: Yes to peace. Yes to Israels security. Yes to a Palestinian state without Hamas. Benjamin Netanyahu at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem with Yair, then aged seven - Yossi Zamir/Reuters Mr Macrons post follows an interview with France 5 broadcast on Wednesday, in which he stated that France could take the step during a UN conference in New York in June, saying he hoped this would trigger a reciprocal recognition of Israel by Arab countries. We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months, Mr Macron said. I will do it because I believe that at some point it will be right and because I also want to participate in a collective dynamic, which must also allow all those who defend Palestine to recognise Israel in turn, which many of them do not do. Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday echoed his sons criticism of the French president, saying Mr Macron was gravely mistaken in advocating a Palestinian state. He added: President Macron is gravely mistaken in continuing to promote the idea of a Palestinian state in the heart of our land a state whose sole aspiration is the destruction of Israel. A plaque which is among the Benin Bronzes held by the British Museum - PHAS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The Benin Bronzes should not be sent back to Africa, Britains former anti-racism tsar has said. Sir Trevor Phillips, who previously led the Commission for Racial Equality, said the case for returning the treasures looted by British forces more than 125 years ago was weak because of their complex history. The Nigerian government has repeatedly demanded the return of the artefacts that were scattered to museums across the world after being taken in a raid on the ancient Kingdom of Benin, located in modern-day Nigeria, in 1897. The British Museum has come under mounting pressure to hand over its own collection after several UK and European institutions, including both the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, sought to return theirs. But Sir Trevor, who led the anti-racism commission from 2003 until its abolition in 2006, warned the issue was more complex than a simple matter of right and wrong. Sir Trevor Phillips on the set of his Sunday Politics Show on Sky - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph Sir Trevor is the co-author of a report from the Policy Exchange think tank urging museums not to rush into restitution deals for moral reasons pushed by political campaigners. The paper says returning items to their countries of origin has often been presented as a way for institutions to right the wrongs of the past. But it warns that claims actually vary greatly in legitimacy, with their merits highly disputed on historical, philosophical and political grounds. Materials from slave trade Sir Trevor, a veteran broadcaster and former Labour Party member, said: Take the case of the Benin Bronzes, taken to Britain in the late 19th century following a punitive expedition. And yet, the people of Benin obtained the brass for many of these artefacts by trading with Portuguese merchants in exchange for chattel slaves. And are more people who have a meaningful connection to the Bronzes including the global West African diaspora more likely to have the opportunity to see the Bronzes in British museums, or in the Oba of Benins [the traditional leader of the Edo people who were Benins dominant group] private collection? The case for returning them is weak. Yet in other cases, such as religious artefacts still venerated by the indigenous community who created them, the case for return may be much stronger. The Benin Bronzes on show at the British Museum - David Cliff/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The Policy Exchange paper, published on Sunday, claims too many decisions on handing over precious artefacts are being taken without proper consultation, while some museums use long-term loans as a form of restitution by the back door. It also raises concerns about a so-called loophole in charity law, which could allow the Elgin Marbles to be handed back to Greece. The British Museum and other major institutions are barred by law from giving away the contents of their collections. But clauses in the Charities Act 2022 had the unintended effect of allowing museums to dispose of artefacts if there was a moral obligation for doing so. Tory ministers failed to fully close this loophole before last years general election, and the Labour Government could exploit these clauses to allow the return of the Elgin Marbles to Athens. Museums speak to all humanity Sir Trevor said: Recent years have seen an increasing call for British museums to return artefacts taken from other countries, often under circumstances of disputed legality. For some, this is a simple matter of right and wrong. Yet the truth is rarely as simple. Times change, cultures evolve, people migrate and, over the centuries, artefacts gain meaning and connection to many people beyond those now living in the land from which they first emerged. Our best museums and collections aim to speak to all of humanity, educating and informing, not to any single nationality, race or creed. As with statues or buildings named after individuals whose legacy is being re-evaluated, in too many cases we have seen decisions taken rapidly or without due process, or where only a partisan and non-representative set of stakeholders has been consulted. In many cases the outcome has been to prolong conflict, in others to delay implementation, and in still others to create a fresh movement for the reversal of decisions. He added: We must deal with the world as it is, not as we would like it to be. The Policy Exchange report sets out a new framework for museum stewards to follow when dealing with restitution claims, featuring eight key principles. These include considering the relative significance of the object to the place where it is being held, as well as the group making the claim, and the world at large. Institutions are also advised to seek impartial advice on whether the item was obtained legally, and whether those making the claim have the capacity to preserve it for future generations. Jansev Jemal has had her membership temporarily revoked for liking an anti-Israel post online A Labour staffer has been suspended from the party after liking a social media post that appeared to suggest Israels actions in Gaza are worse than the Holocaust. Jansev Jemal, who is also a Labour council candidate, has had her membership temporarily revoked after indicating her support for the comments on LinkedIn. The post that she liked, uncovered by The Telegraph, suggested black people had been treated worse than Auschwitz victims. Ms Jemal works for Sam Carling, the Labour MP, and is standing to be a Labour and Co-operative Party councillor in Cambridgeshire. It is understood that the party launched an immediate investigation into her conduct after it became aware she had liked the LinkedIn post. The comments liked by Ms Jemal were sent in response to a post about Czesawa Kwoka, a 14-year-old Polish girl who was killed in Auschwitz in 1943. The reply said: Theres a lot in the history of mankind that we would like to be corrected. The struggle of our black brothers through centuries of oppression. Sometimes, treated even worse than Auschwitz. But, whats the point in remembering the past and how we oppose it, if we cant stop or say anything about a Genocide that is far more worse, far more wicked, far more documented. STOP THE GENOCIDE Free Palestinian [sic]. A Labour spokesman said: The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures. It comes as another Labour candidate who was kicked out of the party over anti-Semitic rhetoric is fighting to hold onto his council seat. Azhar Ali was dropped by Labour in last years Rochdale by-election after he was accused of spreading conspiracy theories about the Oct 7 attacks on Israel. He is now standing as an Independent in the Nelson east division of Lancashire county council, which he has represented since 2013. The May 1 contest is said to be a litmus test for anti-Israel sentiment in the area. Mohammed Iqbal, who was dropped by Labour during the Rochdale by-election for continuing to campaign for Mr Ali, is also standing to retain his Lancashire council seat. The war in Gaza has proved a flashpoint for Labour, with Sir Keir Starmer facing sustained pressure from the Left to take a tougher stance. While he has hardened his position over time, some MPs have called for him to go further with a full arms embargo on Israel, accusing the country of war crimes. Hashem Abedi allegedly attacked three prison officers with two makeshift knives and cooking oil on Saturday - AFP Prison officers should be issued with stab vests to prevent a repeat of Saturdays attack by the brother of Manchester Arena bomber, their union has said. It emerged on Sunday that Hashem Abedi, 28, may have fashioned two makeshift knives out of a baking tray or oven rack to attack three prison officers in the high security jail, causing life-threatening injuries to two of them. Mark Fairhurst, the chairman of the Prison Officers Association (POA), said the Ministry of Justice must rethink its opposition to issuing officers with stab vests, which he claimed it had resisted because it would make officers look too militaristic and intimidating. He said: Thats the weakest and most pathetic of excuses. If you go to Tesco for your shopping, the security guard at the entrance is dressed like Robocop. Do you feel intimidated or walk way? Mr Fairhurst also called for the tactical deployment of tasers in prisons to protect officers and the introduction of a supermax regime for terrorist prisoners under which they would only allowed be out of their cells to eat, for visits exercise and medication. He asked: Why are we scared of upsetting terrorists? HMP Frankland attack His plea comes after Abedi, who is serving life for 22 murders in the Manchester arena bombing, allegedly attacked three prison officers with the two makeshift knives and cooking oil in the separation unit for Islamic terrorists within the high security HMP Frankland jail in county Durham. The officers suffered burns and stab wounds when Abedi threw the hot cooking oil over them before using the weapons to stab the officers in the attack on Saturday morning at around 11am, the union said. One of the officers was said to have been stabbed in the face and throat and had to be airlifted for emergency surgery at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. He is said to be stable. A second officer is also still being treated in hospital. The third, a female officer, was released on Saturday after treatment. Hashem Abedi is the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi - Greater Manchester Police Counter-terrorism police are investigating the incident, which comes five years after Abedi was convicted and sentenced to three years and 10 months for a similar vicious attack on a prison officer in the high-security unit of Belmarsh prison in May 2020. Mr Fairhurst said there had been no intelligence that [Abedis attack] was going to happen and it was totally unprovoked. It appeared to be pre-meditated and pre-planned, he added. Abedi was in HMP Franklands separation unit, which is thought to currently hold a dozen terrorists who are placed in it to prevent them from recruiting and radicalising other inmates. It is one of three such jails within jails across the prison estate in England and Wales. Abedi is understood to have been on his own on Saturday morning in the unit while its other inmates had gone to the gym. It appears he may have waited for that moment as it left only him and the three staff in the unit. The prisoners are free to walk out of their cells and around the unit, which has its own kitchen, at specified times. It is not known how Abedi made the two makeshift knives as all kitchen utensils have to be signed in and out before and after use. Mr Fairhurst said all cooking facilities in high-security prisons should be suspended pending their removal. Contain and control them He said: My main concern is why are we allowing the most dangerous terrorist offenders in the system to have the same privileges and freedoms as normal location prisoners. They are in separation units for a reason. They are not going to change their ideology, and they want to harm anyone who doesnt share their views. Mr Fairhurst added: Why are we scared of upsetting terrorists?... Why dont we go down the supermax route where you contain them and control them, give them the basic entitlements and every time they walk with three staff in cuffs. He added: We have been asking for stab-proof vests for years. We have constantly been told they wont issue them because they dont want us to be too militaristic and intimidate the prisoners. Ian Acheson, the former prison governor who has advised the Government on Islamist extremism in jails, including proposing the introduction of separation units, backed Mr Fairhurst. Staff safety trumps woke points for bureaucrats He said: Any senior prison official who says today front-line officers should not be given personal protective equipment to protect them from knives because its too militaristic should be sued into oblivion. Or sacked. Or both. The safety of staff trumps woke points for bureaucrats. The MoJ announced on Sunday that there would be a full review into how this attack was able to happen, which will run alongside the police inquiry. The Government will do whatever it takes to keep our hard-working staff safe, said a spokesman. Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, posted on X: I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. Violence against our staff will never be tolerated. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, called for a full independent investigation into the catastrophic security failure at Frankland. He said: Why was one of the most dangerous prisoners in the country allowed access to materials which could be used to attack prison officers? I and others warned of Islamist extremists ruling the roost in prison wings across the country. Prison governors need to stop appeasing these offenders. The safety of prison officers is infinitely more important than the supposed welfare of wicked individuals. We need to know the truth, and the Ministry of Justice needs to get a grip. TikTok logos on laptop and smartphone screens A violent TikTok user who was banned from drinking bragged to followers after she removed her alcohol tag to go on holiday, a documentary claims. In a series of videos posted to her 200,000 followers, the woman showed herself at the airport drinking alcohol just days after she was handed a drinking ban, alcohol tag and suspended sentence for a string of offences including assaulting emergency workers. The film by Channel 4 Dispatches, who did not name the offender, found that she posted a video on the social media platform in which she gloated shortly after a judge warned her the sentence would be her last chance. Basically Ive got a suspended sentence for two years so I cant commit any crimes from now until two years later. So Im going to go to the pub and celebrate and not get locked up, obviously, she bragged. The criminal then posted a video in which she described receiving a warning from the probation service about her drinking. But now Im even more f----- because obviously my tags not on, she said, showing an ankle tag, used to monitor alcohol intake by sampling sweat, to the camera. The offender posted a video in which she showed an ankle tag to the camera - Channel 4 Dispatches The revelation followed a six-week undercover Dispatches investigation in which two reporters secretly filmed inside Serco, a government contractor, which is paid 51 million a year to tag and monitor criminals. In Undercover: The Great Tagging Scandal, the investigation exposes shocking failures within the tagging and monitoring system. It found that in one case, a murderer was not tagged for at least two months after claiming his legs were too swollen to fit one. The undercover reporter hired to fit and monitor electronic tags was sent to several incorrect addresses, including for another murderer and a paedophile. The reporters uncovered significant failures within Labours early release scheme, which saw 3,000 prisoners leave jail after serving 40 per cent of their sentence. Reacting to the findings, Dame Vera Baird, the former victims commissioner and solicitor general, said: If somebody who has menace attached to them when theyre drunk is drinking freely and publicly, it is throwing it in the face of the court. Obviously, that person needs to be taken back to court and taught that they are there to obey the law and not to do exactly what they want. Dame Vera Baird, former victims commissioner and solicitor general said: Obviously, that person needs to be taken back to court - Channel 4 Dispatches The programme found the TikToker shared clips from an airport where she spent time at a bar before departing to drink spirits on the plane, despite authorities being aware she may have been tampering with her alcohol tag. She claimed she had permission to travel but should have been wearing her tag and not drinking, the film said. Upon arriving at her destination, she then informed followers that she had been detained by airport security after getting violent and absolutely rat a---- during the flight. When she returned from holiday and was questioned by officers, the woman claimed it had fallen off. Five weeks later, the user took to TikTok once again to say she had been given permission to remove the tag, after claiming her leg was swollen following a bike accident. My tag literally comes off next week but literally not having it, mate, she boasted. Josh Babarinde, the Liberal Democrats justice spokesman, said: Its a complete failure of the tagging system if ex-offenders who are meant to be tagged feel as though they can take advantage of the system. Its ultimately for the government and for the Ministry of Justice to get to grips with that. And if that involves having stern conversations with subcontractors like Serco, then so be it, because no one is above the law in this country. Josh Babarinde, the Liberal Democrats justice spokesman, said: Its a complete failure of the tagging system - Channel 4 Dispatches The undercover investigation found that many convicted criminals were not monitored despite government claims that many would be tagged following their release. John Potter, a murderer who drunkenly stabbed his flatmate to death in 2007, was not fitted with an alcohol tag for two months after claiming his legs were swollen. He failed to provide the required paperwork to back up this claim. The undercover reporter was sent to visit his address, but Potter was not home. Serco said it was unable to fit a tag if someone claimed to be medically exempt and challenging such claims was not its responsibility. One serial burglar from the North East who was known to prey on old people was left without a tag for 11 weeks. Other wider failings uncovered within the documentary reveal a careless approach to the whereabouts of high-risk offenders. An undercover Channel Four reporter working within Serco found that one in three tagging visits are no-shows, and was frequently sent to the wrong addresses of offenders including murderers due to administration errors. Speaking on the findings, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: Tagging is an important and effective way to monitor and punish offenders. There are currently record numbers of offenders wearing tags as part of our commitment to cut crime and make streets safer. However, it is clear that Sercos performance has been unacceptable. Ministers have met with its senior leaders to demand immediate action to improve standards. We will hold Serco to account, with further financial penalties imposed should our expectations not be met. Undercover: The Great Tagging Scandal: Dispatches, available to watch and stream on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight (Monday 14th April) Roger White claims his estate agent father left him the dwark wall in Gloucester as an investment - Tom Wren / SWNS A two-brick high dwarf wall is at the centre of a planning row between housing developers and a local businessman. Lioncourt Homes, which is building 70 homes in Hempsted, Gloucester, said the dwarf wall must be demolished to create an emergency access route in line with its planning permission. But its plans have been thwarted by Roger White, who claims he inherited the land on which the wall sits in 1997. The 58-year-old alleges he is being bullied by the company, which did not offer to buy the land before work began. Mr White claims he received a cease-and-desist letter, in which the company said he had no entitlement to a ransom over the wall. The IT worker said: My father always said to me keep an eye on it and occasionally I would check on it and see that nothing had changed for years. About a month ago I noticed there was a development going on and there was a concrete fence and it was all opened up. I went online and I found the actual planning permission itself which stated that because of potential flooding in the lane entrance, planning authorities required that there would be an emergency access put in for emergency vehicles. That emergency access was going to be across my land and obviously across my dwarf wall. He added: I contacted Lioncourt Homes and said, You dont realise I own this, and they came back and confirmed in writing that it was my dwarf wall. But they are saying that either the dwarf wall is adopted highway or it is their dwarf wall, which [it] clearly isnt. Lincourt claims it has documents from 1964 that show it owns the wall, according to the BBC. But Mr White says he has records from 1971 that he says prove the wall belongs to him. He says the plot of land was valued at 10,000 in 2017. Responding to the cease and desist letter, Mr Whites solicitors said it is for Lioncourt Homes to prove the wall is within its property and if it forms part of the public road. Peculiar situation Mr White said: The dwarf wall is in my name and correctly registered in the land registry it is the most peculiar situation. I dont understand how we can get to the point of 70 houses being built and nobody has actually looked into this before. Mr White claims the developers just want to bulldoze the wall and get on with the work. It certainly starts to feel like it is the big developer bullying a small businessman because they just seem to be adamant, he claimed. Mr Whites father Ernie was an estate agent who purchased a number of ransom strips as potential investments. A spokesman for Lioncourt Homes said: Works required to implement our planning permission is in land wholly owned by Lioncourt Homes or is in adopted highway land, no third-party land is required. A spokesman for Gloucestershire county council said: We consider that the legal boundary of Lioncourts land directly adjoins the public road of Honeythorn Close. Legal boundaries have no physical width (regardless of the physical boundarys appearance) and the highway status takes precedence over whoever owns the ground beneath it. Therefore, the council considers that the works to create the emergency vehicle access as required by planning can be lawfully implemented. The Government has turned to the Army as fears mount over the threat to public safety - Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images Angela Rayner has called in the Army to tackle the Birmingham bin crisis. The Local Government Secretary has used formal powers known as Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (Maca) to summon Army experts after a strike by bin workers, which has lasted over a month, left more than 17,000 tons of waste rotting in the streets. It is understood a small number of military personnel with operational planning expertise are offering logistical support to tackle the crisis. Sources said that there were contingency plans in place to scale up the number of soldiers involved if necessary. A government insider said the military personnel will be assisting for a short, time-limited period to support the council with making sure its response to the ongoing public health risk is as swift as possible. A Whitehall source stressed that the soldiers are not litter picking and are instead office-based. The move to draft in military personnel risks inflaming tensions between Labour and its union paymasters, with one Labour front bencher accusing Unite of holding Birminghams 1.2 million residents to ransom. Full bin bags are cluttering the pavements of Birminghams streets as the strike continues - British News and Media / Alamy Live News It could also prove costly to the taxpayer, Lord Dannatt, the former head of the Army, warned. We are the nations reserve pool of trained manpower and will do whatever the Government of the day decides, he said. But it is not a cheap option. If saving life is not involved, the Ministry of Defence will charge whichever department of state had requested help and we charge at full rates. He added that it was one thing to use the military in logistics and planning, but warned: Id be very wary of using soldiers, sailors and airmen to empty bins. Sharon Graham, Unites general secretary, criticised the Labour-led council for villifying bin collectors. She said: Whilst it is helpful that the Government finally realised after weeks that they have a role in this dispute, the constant attacks and briefings against these low-paid bin workers is frankly a disgrace. Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100 per cent. Rather than vilifying their low-paid employees, the council should look seriously at the KC-approved offer that Unite has put forward, which deals with the issues and gives these workers and their families dignity and security. We thought when Labour came in they would stop what was happening.We were wrong. Major incident declared Last week, Birmingham city council was forced to declare a major incident after bin workers walked out indefinitely on March 11, having taken strike action intermittently throughout January and February. Ms Rayner has urged striking staff to settle with the council, with a ballot on a partial deal to be held on Monday. There are growing fears that the strike poses a public health risk, with reports of rats the size of cats and concerns about the spread of disease. Birmingham has established a multi-agency group in an attempt to control the problem, including experts from the UK Health Security Agency. Rats the size of cats have been spotted in the rubbish - Jeremy Selwyn The military has been called in to help with public emergencies on numerous occasions over the years, from helping with the foot-and-mouth crisis and firemens strikes to the Cumbria floods in 2015. More recently, during the Covid pandemic, soldiers responded to hundreds of Maca requests with tens of thousands of personnel. Its involvement in the bin strike is evidence of the increasing desperation felt by ministers, after Ms Rayner failed to get a deal agreed when she met with union chiefs last week. When requesting help under the Maca rules, military aid must only be considered as a last resort if civil authorities lack capacity to deal with a problem. Residents have been forced to turn to unconventional methods in order to keep the rubbish at bay - Tom Bowles Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, said: First and foremost, the rubbish needs clearing and the rats need killing because its a public health hazard of extraordinary proportions and it bodes very badly for Labour in the local elections. The fact that the Army has had to be called in doesnt say much for Labours ability to negotiate. Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, said: The very idea that we need to call in the British Army to clean up rubbish on our streets is nothing short of appalling. Its a damning indictment of Labours total failure to govern effectively in Birmingham. This crisis is not the result of an unforeseen emergency, but of chronic mismanagement and a Labour council beholden to their union paymasters. Residents are now facing a mounting public health emergency, while the council dithers and the unions dig in. The Armed Forces are there to protect the nation in times of true need not to bail out politicians who cant even keep the bins collected. Labour need to get a grip, stop the excuses, and sort this mess out. The criticism comes after a junior minister accused Unite, which contributes hundreds of thousands of pounds to Labour MPs and party headquarters, of holding the city to ransom. Speaking to the BBC, Preet Kaur Gill, a Labour frontbencher and one of Birminghams 10 MPs, said: There has got to always be a negotiated settlement in the end and so I think Unite has got to call an end to the strike. We have seen the level of misery being caused to residents in our city. It is not right that a small number of people are holding 1.2 million residents to ransom. The strike began on March 11 with Unite warning it could be indefinite - Jaimi Joy/Reuters Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing and communities secretary, said: This is not just an inconvenience, its a national embarrassment Britains second city is in a public health emergency and its just not acceptable. Rather than bringing the Army in, were keener on them passing some legislation to solve it, like they did on Saturday [around British Steel]. What they could do is legislate to bring in agency workers to replace the striking Unite workers. They were talking tough yesterday with China. They should be talking tough with the unions. They can solve this problem either by leaning on the unions or legislating, and wed support it. Mark Francois, the shadow armed forces minister, said: Even during the winter of discontent, again under Labour in 1978 and 1979, when we had to endure a protracted bin strike, the Army was not called in. To do so now is an act of absolute last resort. Far better for this Labour Government to stand up to its trade union paymasters and bring the dispute to an end, before it spreads and they undoubtedly pay a price for it in the local elections, a fortnight from now. Kick Labour villains out Sir Andrew Mitchell, the Conservative MP for Royal Sutton Coldfield, added: The position remains absolutely frightful. Were all so sad that we havent got elections in May so we can kick all these Labour villains out. A government spokesman said: The Government has already provided a number of staff to support the council with logistics and make sure the response on the ground is swift to address the associated public health risks. In light of the ongoing public health risk, a small number of office-based military personnel with operational planning expertise have been made available to Birmingham city council to further support in this area. This builds on a range of measures weve supported the council on to date including neighbouring authorities providing additional vehicles and crews, and opening household waste centres to Birmingham residents. Reynolds unable to say British Steel will get raw materials in time The Business Secretary has declined to guarantee that British Steel will be able to secure enough raw materials in time to keep the Scunthorpe blast furnaces going. Jonathan Reynolds said he would not make my situation or the nations situation more difficult by commenting on specific commercial details, the day after taking emergency powers to gain control of the Scunthorpe site. If the blast furnaces run out of raw materials, they can never be turned back on. Preventing that from happening was the primary reason for the Government recalling Parliament on Saturday to pass emergency legislation to keep the site open. Mr Reynolds told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: If we hadnt acted, the blast furnaces were gone, steel production in the UK, primary steel producing, would have gone. So weve given ourselves the opportunity, we are in control of the site, my officials are on site right now to give us a chance to do that. Mr Reynolds also said the Government had decided to take emergency action when it learned that British Steels Chinese owners, Jingye, had not only stopped ordering more raw materials, but begun selling off the supplies it already had. The company had also rejected an offer of support in the region of 500 million, instead demanding more than twice that figure with few guarantees the blast furnaces would stay open. In the Commons on Saturday, Mr Reynolds said Jingye had not been negotiating in good faith, while on Sunday he suggested it had not been acting rationally. British Steels Scunthorpe blast furnaces are the last primary steel producing facilities in the UK (Peter Byrne/PA) He suggested the companys ultimate plan had been to close the blast furnaces, but keep hold of the more profitable steel mills and supply them by importing steel from China. But he declined to accuse the company of deliberately sabotaging the business at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Jingye has links to the CCP, as do all major Chinese companies, but Mr Reynolds said he was not accusing the Chinese state of being directly behind this. He told Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: I actually think they will understand why we could not accept the proposition that was put to us, in terms of losing that essential national capacity. Im not alleging some sort of foreign influence. But he did agree there is now a high trust bar to bringing Chinese investment into the UK, and said he would not have allowed a Chinese company to invest in the sensitive steel sector. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, however, told the BBC he is 100% certain the CCP had ordered Jingye to buy British Steel in order to close the business, but provided no evidence, saying it is only intuition. Nigel Farage said he is 100% certain of the Chinese Communist Partys role in Jingye buying British Steel to close it (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) Jingye agreed to buy British Steel in 2019 when Boris Johnson was prime minister. Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary who at the time had been Mr Johnsons chief business adviser, said on Sunday Jingye had been the only bidder. Having taken control of British Steel, ministers remain hopeful they can find a private company to invest in the business given the cost of modernising the Scunthorpe plant could run into the billions. But there are currently no private investors willing to take the company on, and Mr Reynolds has acknowledged nationalisation was the likely option. In the meantime, he told Sky News the Government expects to lose money running British Steel, with the last set of accounts showing annual losses of 233 million. Mr Reynolds said he believed that figure can be improved upon, and said the public should compare the cost to the option of spending a lot more money to reach a deal that would have seen a lot of job losses and Jingye remain as a partner. He added: Or the cost of the complete collapse of British Steel, easily over 1 billion in terms of the need to respond from Government, to remediate the land, to look after the workforce. The Government expects the cost of running British Steel to be met from a 2.5 billion steel fund it announced at last years budget, meaning it will not have to borrow more money. Mr Griffith described the plan as a botched nationalisation that revealed the Government have no plan. He said: The Government said their preference is to find a commercial partner, but do they think that is likely, after Labour have attacked business with a 25 billion jobs tax and are bringing forward a Bill to create the most hostile environment for employers since the 1970s. Conservatives like Martin Vickers MP and Teesside Mayor Ben Houchen have been warning about the issues at Scunthorpe, but they were ignored by the Labour Government. Now the Business Secretary says there is only a chance to keep the furnaces burning, showing they have acted too late. The Labour Government have landed themselves in a steel crisis entirely of their own making. Theyve made poor decisions and let the unions dictate their actions. Credit: Sumy Regional Military Administration Russia crossed a line of decency in a cluster bomb attack on civilians gathering for church services on Palm Sunday, Donald Trumps envoy to Ukraine has said. Moscows ballistic missiles struck the centre of Sumy, a Ukrainian city near the border on one of the busiest church-going days of the year. The attacks left bodies littering the streets and scenes of devastation reminiscent of the early days of the war. Keith Kellogg, the Ukraine-Russia envoy for the US and a former general, described the attack as wrong. He said: Todays Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency. There are scores of civilian dead and wounded. As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war. The attack killed 34 Ukrainian civilians and injured 99, he cited authorities as saying. He added that the use of cluster munitions increased the devastation and harm to civilians. The aftermath of the missile attack that killed at least 34 civilians in Sumy - Associated Press Firefighters tackle vehicle blazes - Reuters The attack came as peace talks stalled with the White House showing signs of frustration with Vladimir Putin who has rejected a truce. One of the missiles hit a trolley bus full of passengers, while footage showed plumes of smoke, burning cars and scattered corpses. At least two children were among those dead and 10 others were wounded. Local media reported that Olena Kohut, a pianist and organist of the Sumy Regional Philharmonic, was one of those killed in the attack. One resident said: I managed to turn away just before the impact. Everything blew in: glass from the windows, doors. It was a very strong explosion. It is the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week, following a deadly missile strike on Volodymyr Zelenskys home town of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed 20 people, including nine children. The Ukrainian president described the attack as horrific and said the missile hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life. Credit: Reuters International leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have condemned the bloody attacks. Sir Keir said: Im appalled at Russias horrific attacks on civilians in Sumy, adding that Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions. Volodymyr Artyukh, the head of the military administration in the region, said a lot of people were on the street at the time of the attack. The enemy was hoping to inflict the greatest damage on people in the city of Sumy, he said. Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff, said: The Russians are doing this to kill as many civilians as possible. The Ukrainian president urged that the world must respond firmly and reiterated claims that Moscow is dragging this war out. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end, he said. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs. We need to treat Russia as a terrorist deserves. Emergency workers had to deal with scenes of carnage in Sumy on Palm Sunday - Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP The attack follows comments made by Mr Trump on Saturday. He said: I think Ukraine-Russia might be going OK, and youre going to be finding out pretty soon. You know, theres a point at which you have to put up or shut up. On Friday, Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps special envoy, met Putin in St Petersburg for peace talks. Washington is attempting to orchestrate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. But while Kyiv agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire a month ago, Moscow has so far delayed and increased its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Fridays talks lasted more than four hours and were described by Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev as productive. Russian authorities have not commented on the attack. The great cheese robbery: an order was placed for 22 tonnes of award-winning cheddar. But the buyer was not who they said they were Illustration: Carl Godfrey/The Observer One day in October 2024, Chris Swales, 54, a smoked-salmon producer with a confident demeanour and a stubbled jaw, stood at the gates of an industrial estate in east London staking out the units. There were teenagers loitering about, knackered cars, XL Bullies; everyone seemed to have more than one phone. It didnt seem like the sort of place where nine pallets of frozen fish would be delivered, but he checked the address he had noted down from the courier this was the place. A couple of months earlier, Swales couldnt have imagined that hed be sniffing around Walthamstow on the hunt for 37,000 in missing produce, yet here he was. In August, hed received an email subject: Collaboration from a man named Patrick Moulin, who claimed to be the buyer for Match, a French supermarket. Moulin was looking for an ongoing supplier of smoked salmon and hoped that Swaless company, the Chapel & Swan Smokehouse in Exning, Suffolk, would provide it. The orders were big. Not crazy big, but big enough to make Swales reconfigure the production schedule of his 10-person team to meet it. Over the following weeks they worked hammer and tongs, loading up the produce in batches to be frozen and stored at a depot in Grimsby until the total order was completed. Soon enough, Swales was notified that it had been collected and the appropriate paperwork signed. Two weeks later, Swales was still waiting to receive payment. He chased, but when Moulin requested he take payment on receipt of the second batch of smoked salmon worth another 55,000 Swales put his foot down: I was never going to say yes to that. The line went cold. Calls to Moulin now went unanswered. So Swales phoned Match directly and asked to be put through to their buyer. No, a woman on the other end of the line told him, no one by the name of Moulin here. Swales felt a sense of panic rising. He was determined to find out where the goods went, so the next morning he hopped in his car and sped to London. I knew something was wrong, he said. But still I was thinking to myself, this is very, very odd. I mean, Ive never heard of anyone stealing frozen smoked salmon before. Why would you want it? Deep down, he still believed that everything would work out. I knew something was wrong. But still I was thinking to myself, this is very, very odd Now, surveying the units in the yard, he was less sure. None of the units seemed refrigerated, but he spotted a shipping container at the back with a condenser attached, which he reckoned could have done the job. He strode in and a man with a dog approached. You dont know anything about a frozen distribution point for a French supermarket? Swales asked. He was met with an icy stare. Sorry, Swales mumbled, I think Ive got the wrong address. He hurried out of the yard and got back in his car, heart racing. The cold reality of what had happened finally sunk in. I was so furious that Id been duped, he says. Then all these other stories started coming out In late October 2024, news broke that Neals Yard Dairy, one of the UKs best-known purveyors of artisan cheese, had fallen victim to a scam of grand proportions. A fraudulent buyer, who posed much like Moulin as a representative for a major French retailer, placed an order for 22 tonnes of award-winning cheddar. A total of 950 clothbound wheels of Hafod, Westcombe and Pitchfork worth 300,000 were delivered to a warehouse in London. By the time Neals Yard realised that the buyer was not who they said they were, it was too late. The Great Cheese Robbery struck a chord, making headlines around the world. Thats a Lot of Cheddar read one in the New York Times. Jamie Oliver put out a warning to his 10.5m Instagram followers. If anyone hears anything about posh cheese going for cheap, its probably some wrong uns, he said in a video posted to the app. Are they going to unpeel it from the cloth and cut it and grate it and get rid of it in the fast food industry, in the commercial industry? I dont know it feels like a really weird thing to nick. Something about a crime of this nature captured the imagination. It was both shocking a friendly independent business, defrauded and comic, evoking the plot of a Wallace and Gromit film. Food theft is often thought of as unserious, but the scale of this offence challenged that assumption. Just as rates of shoplifting were reaching a 20-year high, organised criminals were homing in on big busts of luxury fare, reaffirming the value of a commodity too often taken for granted. These were people with a knowledge of the industry, an eye for high-value produce and the means to shimmy it undetected through blackmarket channels. The correspondence Swales had with Moulin contained a detailed negotiation over quantities and logistics; Neals Yard described the fraud as deceptively convincing, adding that Conversations with the alleged representative demonstrated a deep understanding of the sector. According to a report by the British Standards Institute, food is the commodity most at risk of theft in global supply chains and the degree to which it is being targeted has been rising. In 2021, 18% of supply-chain thefts in the UK were related to food and drink. In 2023, this figure had jumped to 24%, with food and drink amounting to a third of all hijacking incidents globally. The price of food rocketed by 25% between 2022 and 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics, and during this period headline-grabbing heists abounded. In Greece, 52 tonnes of olive oil were siphoned from a warehouse in Halkidiki; in Spain, a gourmet food business was robbed of 400 legs of Iberico ham with a total price tag of 200,000. In December 2023, a trailer containing 50,000 worth of cheese was stolen from a service station on the M5 in Worcestershire. Crimes of this sort are not new 12.5m of maple syrup was stolen from a facility in Canada in 2012 but in recent years numerous factors have combined to make high-value food far more appealing to criminals. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis all drove up food prices, as has the impact of climate change drought in Spain caused the price of olive oil to jump by 70% in 2023. A decade ago, Russia banned the import of EU food, creating a lucrative hidden market. Many suspect that the cheddar from the Neals Yard heist has gone east, where demand for European delicacies remains high. Custom officers in Russia are known to have busted shipments of Dorblu Classic, Formaggio Retinato Leone, Chevrano XO and Grana Padano, all being smuggled across the border (its impossible, it seems, to sanction ones desire for a cheese plate). Here in the UK, Brexit created an additional vulnerability for what is sometimes described as European distribution fraud. As Alice Rizzuti, a criminologist at the University of Hull with a specialism in food crime, told me: People might have thought being out of the common market would have meant more controls and checks on the border. But, actually, it was the opposite. And because were not part of the EU any more, the cooperation with EU counterparts is not as much as it used to be. Rizzuti tells me that attention to food crime has risen in the past decade, driven primarily by high-profile crimes. It started in 2013, when the UK was roiled by the horse-meat scandal that led two years later to the formation of the National Food Crime Unit, a law enforcement branch of the Food Standards Agency. The tendency to see food crime as less serious, she explains, is one reason that it has been able to proliferate its a lower stakes racket than, say, drug smuggling and often the crimes are committed by those within the industry who may be otherwise running a legitimate business. But it is serious, she says. Because of the safety, security and reliability of the food market. And whether it is fraud or theft, there are often links to other crime types organised criminals might be using the profits to commit other crimes. Whether it is fraud or theft, there are often links to other crime types For John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, its the level of sophistication that has changed. Parmigiano Reggiano, he points out, has always been a commodity targeted by thieves, and in 1998 Jamie Montgomery had 30,000 worth of award-winning cheddar stolen from his warehouse in Somerset. That great cheese robbery (as headlines at the time also cleverly referred to it) was a relatively straightforward smash-and-grab. But last year, says Farrand, it seems like these thieves stepped up the level by which they operated. What they understood about the food that they were stealing and the way they communicated with these small food and drink producers was dare I say quite clever. They spoke in the language of a buyer, they provided fake paperwork I think [this crime] has always been here but its got smarter probably because theres more money in it for the robbers. When word got out that Swales had fallen victim to a fraud, his phone started ringing. He began to hear from many other small food producers, some with far worse experiences than his own. There was another smoked salmon producer, he told me, who was bankrupted after losing 80,000 in a similar fashion and had to remortgage his house. Swales was also contacted by a haulage company that had been left with unpaid invoices after delivering huge quantities of alcohol from Ukraine to France over the summer. In that particular case, the name of the customer was familiar: Patrick Moulin. Another producer who got in touch was John Gill from Coston Hall Dairy, in Norfolk. While he hadnt been defrauded out of any produce himself in fact, the farm really only sold small quantities of raw milk from an on-site vending machine he had fallen victim to an identity theft in which criminals co-opted Coston Halls details in order to place dozens of orders for cheese, fruit and meat with different producers around the country. One of the biggest orders, he says, was for a container of salmon for 150,000. Gill only became aware of this, he tells me, when he began receiving phone calls from suppliers who wanted to confirm an order. He came out of a meeting in late November 2024 to find a dozen missed calls. Every day for the next two weeks hed get several more, each time hed have to explain and the supplier would cancel the order. He still has no idea how many people got fooled; the scammers, he later discovered, had changed the contact details on Coston Halls searchable Google profile, so that if someone used that number to verify an order, they would have been directed right back to the criminals (only those who used the number on their website got through to John). All he could do was try to get the word out through their network posting on social media and putting a banner on their website. But it was a nerve-racking experience. It really got in your head, Gill said. One worry was that they might start hearing from producers expecting them to pay up. His sleep was affected, his ability to trust. I mean, I dont even know if youre who you say you are, he tells me when we speak over the phone. Again, it was a sophisticated operation. The fraudsters took Coston Halls details from Companies House, and used a photograph of Gills wife in communications, to appear more trustworthy. One producer Gill spoke to was contacted by the scammers several weeks earlier priming him for a future order and others were told to prepare for up to 1m worth of future trade. The fraudsters requested 30-day payment terms, or theyd try to pay by credit card and if the supplier did a credit check it would come up fine, since they were using Coston Halls details. Gill is certain that during this period the fraudsters themselves phoned the farm, in order to suss out how to evade detection for longer, which he still finds chilling. Just like Swales, Gill believes he was dealing with specialists. According to producers he spoke to, the people on the other end of the line sounded very genuine. They knew what they were talking about. They knew the industry. There was a group of around four or five people, he believes, all with Essex accents. The food was all being directed to Southend. Gill suspects the food might be destined for Christmas markets. For smaller quantities, perhaps. But Swales and the cheesemakers affected by the Neals Yard theft believe that it would be very difficult to shift this kind of food in the UK once restaurants and retailers were on alert. As Swales points out, its a small community. Ive been doing this for 20 years, so I know most, he says. I started sending out warning emails to say if you get offered some frozen smoked salmon without a brand label for the French market, let me know straight away. I expected someone to go, Yeah I saw some of this at the market last week. The fact that they didnt was another strong indicator that the salmon had left the country. Swales believes that the police could be doing far more to hunt down the perpetrators. He reported the offence to Action Fraud and several weeks later received a response informing him that It has not been possible to identify a line of enquiry which a law enforcement organisation in the United Kingdom could pursue. To Swales, this was staggering. There was, he says, a CCTV camera outside the entrance to the industrial estate. All the police would need to do is spot the delivery truck, track the licence plate and theyd be on the tail of his stolen fish. I was just so angry and upset, he said. Inertia and inaction is something I just cant handle. When I put this to Action Fraud I was told that Over 850,000 reports are made to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau every year and not all cases can be passed on for further investigation. Reports are assessed against a number of criteria, but not every case of fraud will result in a judicial outcome. I also raised it with the National Food Crime Unit, which told me that it takes food crime very seriously and had put out an alert to the industry about last years incidents, but that theft and distribution fraud was primarily a police matter. In a statement it said: Although its our view that food fraud in the UK remains at a low level, the drivers and motivations for food fraud are evolving Food businesses can help ensure they dont become a victim of theft or fraud by doing their due diligence with suppliers and customers. Food businesses can help ensure they dont become a victim of theft or fraud by doing their due diligence The investigation into the Neals Yard theft, however, has shown some promise. Last October, police in the Mets Specialist Command Centre arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods. In January this year three more men were arrested, all on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and handling stolen goods. Were all waiting for the outcome of this, says Swales. What is certain, though, is that last years crime spree has been a wake-up call for artisan and independent food producers. Wed like it to be taken more seriously by the police, says Farrand, because it is theft and it can ruin businesses, and therefore it can ruin peoples lives. But from the other side, the industry needs to be probably a bit more savvy and a bit more aware of these things. There is this lovely trust within our end of food and drink. People transact and try to source from local producers and you do just expect to receive some goods and get an invoice. And that shouldnt go away because 99.9% of the time everyone is a decent human being. But equally you do need to be on your guard. It has changed how Swales operates. Ive learned to be much more cautious, he says. To take things slowly. Recently he had an inquiry from someone who wanted to buy straight away and he declined. I could end up putting someone off especially with fish, where everything is straight away, straight away and theres this energy, electricity in the business but now Im just very suspicious, he says. I know it will cost me some money and some opportunities, but I would much rather do that than go through what Ive been through before. There is still, he feels, something to feel optimistic about, proud even, as a fine-food producer. After we speak, he sends me a follow-up email. The rash of fine-food fraud recently points to the quality of food production in the UK these days, he writes. Clearly highly valued. On Sunday the Coalition held its campaign launch in a conference room in western Sydney. Peter Dutton, in his speech to three former Liberal prime ministers, his frontbench and the party faithful, said the western suburbs of Australias largest city were one of the most important battlegrounds of our election. Attended by his family, the opposition leader commanded his supporters in a 50-minute speech that ranged from immigration policy to nuclear energy to tax to crime to Australian manufacturing. Heres 10 things to catch up on. An audit into Indigenous spending Fresh off the back of his lively joint press conference with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on Saturday, Dutton doubled down on a long overdue spending audit of government-funded Indigenous programs. Dutton said a Coalition government would put the program under a microscope to identify what was working and what was not. The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, stood up shortly before Duttons address, describing the Coalitions campaign against the Indigenous voice to parliament. The junior Coalition partner said the opposition chose to oppose the model based on a simple principle that it would repeat the mistakes of the past. The reference was to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, or Atsic, which was abolished under the Howard government in 2005. Classrooms should be for education not indoctrination Dutton claimed education standards have been in decline [and] its not an issue of funding. The opposition leader said a government he led would be committed to ensuring that classrooms are places of education not indoctrination. The Coalition has yet to outline what exactly it would change in school curriculums but Dutton added he believed in the sanctity of parents and the role that they have in raising their children. A significant defence investment is on the way Dutton revealed that the Coalition would soon announce a significant investment into defence. We must equip our military at speed and scale, he said. In these uncertain times, that is just not an option. Its a necessary investment in our security, in deterring aggression and in maintaining peace. No super or inheritance taxes Dutton vowed to repeal a tax on superannuation balances over $3m. He also said there would be no tax placed on inheritances and no changes to capital gains tax discounts or negative gearing policies the Greens are eager to push Labor on. Related: Ten things we learned from Anthony Albaneses speech at the Labor party campaign launch A Coalition government will always deliver lower, simpler and fairer taxes, he said. The crowd wooed and cheered. Dutton will be the strong prime minister Theres no denying the opposition leader has always leaned into his strongman image but he explicitly said so on Sunday. Im ready to serve Australians as the strong prime minister and steady hand our country needs, he said. Dutton had said weak in reference to Labor six times during the speech. Stopping the boats is back Youd be forgiven for thinking its 2013 all over again but stopping the boats rated a mention in Duttons speech. Dutton said his focus and strong leadership will make your neighbourhood safer from crime, pointing to bikie gangs, people smugglers, non-citizen criminals and repeat offenders. There are three former prime ministers in this country who Ive learned a lot from in stopping the boats [Howard, Morrison and Abbott]. We will stop them, I promise you. Three former prime ministers show support In the front rows of the auditorium sat three former prime ministers, John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison. Absent was, of course, Malcolm Turnbull with the two famously not friends. The so-called Dr Chalmers Dutton made sure to include a few jabs at the other side and one of those was at the expense of the treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Chalmers completed a doctorate in 2004, earning him the title of Dr. In criticising Labors tax cut, Dutton called him the so-called Dr Chalmers. The original speech handed to media before the remarks did not include this barb. The first minister for western Sydney Dutton was also keen to talk up his interest in western Sydney, calling it one of the most important battlegrounds in the election. But he also pointed out that in a Coalition government Melissa McIntosh would become Australias first western Sydney minister. We wonder what Melbournes western suburbs or Perths eastern suburbs think about that. A nuclear-power vision Dutton declared Australia would become a nuclear-powered nation if the Coalition won government. He said the controversial plan, which is unlikely to deliver a single power plant until the late 2030s, would make electricity bills cheaper and would not result in national parks, coastlines and farmland being covered in industrial-scale solar farms and windfarms. Damage to the inside of the governors mansion after fire broke out at 2am on Sunday - Pennsylvania State Police A man has been charged with the attempted murder of Josh Shapiro after the Pennsylvania governors mansion was set alight while he and his family slept. Cody Balmer, 38, was charged with attempted criminal homicide along with seven other offences including terrorism affecting the government and prowling at nighttime. He told police he harboured hatred towards Shapiro, who is Jewish, and earlier in the night had marked the first night of the Passover holiday with friends and family. Mr Shapiro has said he would not be intimidated in observing his faith following what prosecutors called a homemade Molotov cocktails attack. Asked what he would have done had he encountered Mr Shapiro in the residence, Mr Balmer told investigators he would have beaten him with his hammer. Cody Balmer has been charged with attempted criminal homicide along with seven other offences Mr Balmer stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes as he arrived at his arraignment hearing on Monday. He remained silent as he was led into the building by officers through a large crowd of press with his hands handcuffed in front of him. Mr Balmer was denied bail by the hearing judge. Mr Shapiro, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, was inside his house with his family when the fire broke out in a different part of the Georgian-style mansion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday, state police said earlier. While the fire was successfully extinguished, it caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, the force said in a statement. No casualties were reported. Mr Shapiro said that he and his sleeping family were woken up by a police trooper who banged on our door at around 2am local time and that they were evacuated from the building. Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished, he said. Damaged windows seen at Josh Shapiros residence caused by the arson on Sunday - Sean Simmers/Patriot-News via AP Plates damaged in the fire - Commonwealth Media Services Speaking to reporters outside the residence, a broken window blackened by the fire visible behind him, Mr Shapiro made a forceful appeal for an end to political violence. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other... it is not OK, and it has to stop, he said. Police said in charging documents released on Monday that Mr Balmer was captured on surveillance cameras climbing a perimeter fence, breaking a window and throwing a gasoline-filled Heineken beer bottle, before breaking another window, entering the residence and igniting another bottle. Part of the structure is blackened by the fire at the residence - Sean Simmers/Patriot-News via AP The suspect allegedly used a gasoline-filled Heineken beer bottle to start the fire - Anadolu The attack happened hours after he shared a photo on social media of him and his family preparing to celebrate the first night of Passover. From the Shapiro familys Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach, the post said. Lieutenant Jane Smith, speaking for Pennsylvania state police, described the fire as clearly an act of arson. Pennsylvania state police troop H is leading a multi-agency investigation into the attack. State officials have not announced where the governor and his family will live while repairs are being made. He added: Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe. Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside his home - Getty Images Speaking in the Oval Office, Donald Trump suggested the alleged attacker was probably just a whack job. He said ..the attacker was not a fan of Trump. I understand, just from what I read, from what Ive been told, the attacker basically wasnt a fan of anybody whos probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen. Joe Biden, the former president, added his voice to those condemning the attack on Mr Shapiros property. Jill and I are disgusted by the attack on the Shapiro family and their home during the first night of Passover, the 82-year-old wrote on X, referring to former first lady Jill Biden. We are relieved that they are safe and grateful to the first responders. There is no place for this type of evil in America, and as I told the governor yesterday, we must stand united against hatred and violence. Mr Shapiro, 52, has served as Pennsylvanias 48th governor since January 2023. A Democrat, he previously served as the states attorney general from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of the Montgomery county board of commissioners from 2012 to 2017. As attorney general, Mr Shapiro gained national attention for his offices investigation into child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church across Pennsylvania, which revealed widespread abuse and institutional cover-ups. In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Mr Shapiro defeated Republican Doug Mastriano by a substantial margin after running unopposed in the Democratic primary. Mr Shapiro was also shortlisted as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election before the Democrat candidate chose Tim Walz. WBRZ Four people ride horses through a Louisiana Walmart Four people in Louisiana have been charged after they allegedly rode their horses through a Walmart. According to reports from local outlets WAFB, WBRZ and the Baton Rouge-based newspaper The Advocate, three adult men and one minor were arrested after turning themselves in to police on Friday, April 11. Their arrests came after a social media video of the four riding their horses through a Walmart in Baker located about 11 miles north of Baton Rouge went viral. Baker Police Chief Carl Dunn told the outlets that Brendon Bridgewater, 24, Patrick Derozan, 22, and Mason Webb, 18, turned themselves in and were charged with misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining after forbidden, disturbing the peace and "unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity" a state offense which stops anyone from posting videos or photos on a public forum for attention. A fourth horseback rider, a 16-year-old boy, also turned himself in and now faces the same charges. Baker police seeking to ID horse riders who paraded through Walmarthttps://t.co/e3TVsxEqFH pic.twitter.com/BrUgSVljbv WBRZ News (@WBRZ) April 9, 2025 Several videos posted on social media platforms, including TikTok, X and Facebook, show four horseback riders trotting down the aisle at the Baker Walmart, located on Groom Road. Bystanders can be heard saying, "What the f---?" and one person, who appeared to be a Walmart employee, laughed, before suggesting that someone call the police because the group was "gonna scare the s--- out of somebody." Other footage posted on TikTok appeared to be taken from the perspective of one of the riders, as Big & Rich's 2004 song "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" played. Dunn told the Advocate that the group's actions "might be fun to them at the time, but you know, this could've been real bad for other citizens." "We've got to always think of others before we act," he added. 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. Getty A Walmart store (stock image) Webb later spoke to WBRZ for an interview, in which he called himself and his friends the "cutthroat cowboys." He said the group didn't intend to hurt anyone with the stunt. "It was fun, we were famous. That's all," he said. As the outlet asked about the viral social media clips," Webb explained, "We didn't wanna hurt nobody or nothing. We always ride to Baker, and we just wanted to do it that day." After someone off-camera pointed out that there's a discussion around bringing dogs inside stores such as Walmart, Webb agreed, adding that his horse is his "emotional support animal." Entering and remaining after forbidden and unlawful post of criminal activity each carry a potential fine of $500, a maximum prison sentence of six months, or both. Disturbing the peace carries a maximum sentence of 90 days or a $100 fine in Louisiana. Read the original article on People Vertigo3d - Getty Images Despite all the research happening around understanding Alzheimers disease in the past few decades, the reality is that scientists still dont have great answers for struggling patients. This has led to a rise in interest around lots of potential treatments, including senolytics. Senolytics are considered an anti-aging medication, and theyre currently used to treat a range of health conditions. And new research suggests senolytics may potentially help slow the progression of Alzheimers disease, which is raising a bunch of questions in the scientific community about how effective they actually are. Senolytics come in a wide range of forms, including over-the-counter supplements. But neurologists say this isnt something you should just start taking on a whim. Heres why. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. What did the study find? To understand the study, its important to go over some quick facts about Alzheimers disease first. When someone has Alzheimers disease, they develop protein clumps in the brain, called amyloid-beta plaques. There are two enzymes found near these plaques, called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The enzymes can contribute to the progression of Alzheimers disease when they attach to the plaques. In the study, which was published in the journal Aging, researchers tested six compounds that are known for either their anti-aging or brain-boosting properties on brain tissue samples from people with Alzheimers disease. The researchers found that compounds like dasatinib and nintedanibwhich are both senolyticsblocked the forms of AChE and BChE that are associated with amyloid-beta plaques. But the compounds didnt impact normal brain enzymes, which is a challenge some other medications face. In addition to that, the researchers used computer models to see how the compounds interacted with brain enzymes. The models found that the enzymes actually change shape when theyre near the plaques, which makes it easier for some compounds to target them. What are senolytics? Senolytics are compounds that help to clear out damaged cells that build up with age, explains Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Senolytics specifically target senescent cells, aka zombie cells, which replicating over time and can be removed by the immune system, but otherwise do not die, according to Cedars-Sinai. Instead, these zombie cells build up in the body and contribute to inflammation. Senolytics are used to treat a range of serious conditions, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and skin or rheumatologic diseases, per Cedars-Sinai. Where can I get them? It depends. Some of these you need a prescription from a physician like the medications that end in nib, Dr. Segil says. Some of these you can get at a vitamin store. You can even find a bunch at Amazon. Could this be a potential new Alzheimers treatment? Its important to point out that senolytics sold in supplement form arent tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With that, its a little risky to take a supplement that claims to be in this categorywhat the label says may not actually be whats in the bottle. Beyond that, its not clear if senolytics may be helpful for Alzheimers disease. Medications to boost the function of the aging brain could be helpful, but such medicines do not fix the underlying problem that leads to loss of brain function, says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. Other strategies are more likely to be more satisfying in the long term. Segil points out that were a long way from recommending that these products be used for Alzheimers disease, particularly the prescription drugs. There are multiple possible adverse drug effects which could occur from taking repurposed chemotherapy or pulmonary fibrosis medications as anti-aging medications rather than their FDA-approved indications, he says. You Might Also Like I can give her some sedation, so she doesnt feel anything, the vet said, standing above Lola, my companion for 14 years. Hed put dogs to sleep hundreds of times, but for me, this was one of the worst experiences Id ever had, and I hated having to decide to end her life. Lola had dementia and cancer. She wasnt sleeping well and didnt recognize me anymore. When she stopped eating, I knew I had to do something. As the life-ending drug began to enter her body following the sedation, my gorgeous cavapoo bolted upright from the comfy position I had been holding her in on the sofa, gasped suddenly, panted and then slumped over. The vet was unable to get the full dose into the tiny vein on her arm after several attempts and had to go into the side of her body. The horror of that scene still traumatizes me. The author and Lola. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington I carried Lolas lifeless body to my car shrouded in a black sheet and we made our final journey to the pet crematorium together. Just a few hours later, as a staff member passed her remains back to me, now reduced to ashes in a box, I knew my life would never be the same. It was like a part of me had died with her. Lola was my COVID-19 lockdown circle companion, my globe-trotting travel buddy, my closest friend, and my only family all wrapped up in an extremely cute cavapoo-shaped package. Wed traveled around the world together, including across New Zealand, Europe and the United Kingdom. She was also an approved pet therapy visitor, and we regularly visited nursing home residents over the years. Lola had the most astonishing impact on them. One resident spoke for the first time in six months after spending time with her. Another started crying when Lola brushed her hand. The grief I felt was terrible, and I knew I needed a change. The author eating at a Maggie Jones's restaurant in Kensington with Lola during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington As I confronted the empty space left in her absence, I realized my life needed a new direction far away from familiar places and painful memories. So, I decided to set off on an adventure. I knew someone in Brazil, so I signed up to study Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro for a year. However, as the old saying goes, Wherever you go, there you are. Though I was miles away from where Lola and I had shared our lives, my grief had followed me to my new home and remained with me months after arriving in Brazil. One day I was riding in an Uber when I saw a dog squeeze under a crack in a building. Para, por favor! I shouted to the driver, and I jumped out of the car. When I looked into the hole in the building, I was astonished to see the dog had given birth to a litter of puppies! There was no easy way to get them out, so I called the fire department for help, but I could tell they didnt care about this dog family and they gave up in under two minutes! I tried calling several nonprofits or ONGs as they are known in Brazil and the local government authorities, but no one would help. The situation was dire, as several puppies had already died, so I left a large container of food and water, and vowed to return with someone who could rescue them. One of the newborn puppies rescued from under a building by the author's rescue initiative. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington By the following morning, Id tracked down an animal protector who agreed to meet me at the building. Brazil has numerous individuals who identify as animal protectors and they aid animals often street dogs by using their own money or fundraising. Brazil is said to have millions of street dogs thousands of them in Rio de Janeiro alone and there are no large charitable organizations addressing the issue. I headed back to the building the mom and her puppies were trapped in with my new animal protector friend in hopes of getting everybody out safely. It was especially challenging because the pups were behind a piece of wood and over 6 feet away from the opening to the building. So, we got creative! At first, we tried a SUP paddle, which was extra long with a fin at its end. We still couldnt get behind the wood, so we taped an empty, half-open milk carton to the end of the paddle, which, after an hour of attempts, allowed us to scoop the puppies toward us. Our stress and anxiety turned to elation. I held the sweet, vulnerable, 2-day-old puppies in my hands and saw the mama dogs relieved face as I brought them to her one by one. I instantly felt an incredible bond with this family and I promised to do my absolute best to find them great homes. But first I took Mum and the babies to the vet for tests and any treatments they needed, and then housed them in a kennel in my apartment. I had a tiny studio at the time and the costs of caring for them quickly ate into my savings, but I didnt care. I was just so relieved they were all safe. I didnt know it at the time, but that was the day I became an animal protector. Since then, Ive rescued over 15 animals mostly dogs that I have rescued, vaccinated, had neutered or spayed, and rehomed, but I have also cared for a sick and starving cat and various birds in ill health. Ive saved a black Labrador, a baby Great Kiskadee bird who fell from his nest and couldnt be reunited with his Mum, and a French bulldog-like mix called Benny who was presumably abandoned because he had cancer among many other beautiful creatures. Bear was almost run over by a car when the author found him on the street in Copacabana. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington The love I gave to these sweet animals was nothing in comparison with the love I received in return, and with each rescue I made and every life I saved I felt like I was gradually putting pieces of my broken heart back together. Initially, I tried to find their owners, but it soon became clear to me that if you find a dog on the street without an ID tag, its probably been abandoned on purpose or never had a home in the first place. Neutering and spaying is also frowned on by many people in Brazil, which exacerbates the street dog issue exponentially. I can only imagine how many unwanted litters there are at any given moment. Once any health issues are resolved and the puppies are old enough, I work to rehome them. Because Ive worked for many years as a communications consultant, I thankfully dont have any problems coming up with creative content for Instagram. However, my best recruitment strategy so far has been to dress the dogs up in adopt me T-shirts and take them to an upscale shopping mall. The shoppers cant resist the dogs sweet faces and I almost always find excellent candidates who want to apply to adopt them. My connection with the dogs does not end once theyre adopted. Everyone signs a contract that includes regular check-ins and a house visit after one year, so I can intervene if there are any problems. I currently have three dogs of my own, but that might become four if I end up keeping my latest rescue, Benny. The author with Benny, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington That also includes Bambi, a puppy from the original litter I found in that building. Though I had tried to rehome her, she was still very sick after six months, and she came back to live with me. I had told myself I could never own another dog again after Lola, but with Bambi, something clicked and it felt completely out of my control. I can vividly recall the exact moment I knew I could not give her up again. I hadnt felt that much love, care and connection with another dog since Lola died. Rescuing all of these animals has helped me process my grief, and mended the emotional scars and huge chasm left by the loss of such a significant companion in my life. Ive also found a new sense of identity and purpose that isnt tied to my corporate consulting business. There is a distinct satisfaction that comes from knowing these animals are living their best lives. My rescue initiative has even led me to new friendships with the local community in Rio de Janeiro and helped me to learn Portuguese. My plan is to rescue any animal that shows up and needs my help. My friends have started calling me Dr. Dawnlittle, and I am considering starting my own nonprofit once I have enough money to rent a space to house and care for all of them. The moment the author knew she could not put Bambi up for adoption. Courtesy of Dawn Carrington I now know that being resilient is about more than simply being able to endure lifes problems its about turning adversities into opportunities. Trauma and grief are almost certainly going to visit all of us at some point in our lives maybe many times but there are ways forward and its what you do with your pain that counts. Dawn Carrington is an award-winning communications strategist and writer. She has worked as a BBC journalist, a publicist for the U.K. Royal Family, and as a publicist for Lord David Cameron during his term as prime minister. In addition to founding a PR and communications company, Dawn runs a street dog rescue initiative in Rio de Janeiro. You can find her at dawncarrington.com and on LinkedIn, and follow her rescue on Instagram. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com. Related... A multi-agency initiative took down members of the Brown Brotherhood gang, a subset of the Sureno gang, which pays tribute to the Mexican Mafia, in Solano County, Calif.. They were indicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges and face life in prison if convicted. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California (The Center Square) As illegal border crossings drop to record lows under the Trump administration, U.S. attorneys in California are prosecuting border-related crimes, including those committed by cartel and gang members and previously deported violent convicted felons. In the Southern District of California, 97 border-related arrests were made in one week, The Center Square reported. Thats after roughly the same number of cases were filed in the previous week. Charges include transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public official, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances. In the Northern District of California, recent sentences highlight Honduran crime in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. In one case, a Honduran national was sentenced to 50 months in prison for distributing fentanyl and sending the proceeds through money services to Honduras, committing international money laundering. In another case, a Honduran national was sentenced to 48 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin. In another case, two Honduran drug dealers were extradited to San Francisco and sentenced to multiple years in prison for drug trafficking offenses. They were initially arrested and charged during the first Trump administration but later fled to Honduras. Both were extradited last year and both pleaded guilty to heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine distribution and possession charges. In the Eastern District of California, recent cases highlight Mexican crime. In one case, a Mexican national from Sinaloa, Mexico, where the Sinaloa Cartel is based, pleaded guilty to trafficking large amounts of fentanyl. He was arrested in Fresno County, where sheriffs deputies recovered 48 pounds, or 200,000, blue counterfeit M-30 pills in his possession. With two milligrams considered a lethal dose, and the DEA warning that 60% of pills it tests are lethal, he possessed enough to potentially kill 120,000 people. He told authorities he picked up the pills in Arizona and was transporting them to Washington state for distribution, according to the charges. M30s, or Mexican Oxy, are blue pills primarily mass produced in Mexico by the Sinaloa Cartel. Theyre designed to look like OxyContin, a prescription painkiller, but are often laced with fentanyl, the DEA has warned. The pills are referred to as M30s" because "30" and "M" are stamped on each side of the pill, The Center Square has reported. In another major bust, four members of the Brown Brotherhood gang, a subset of the Sureno gang, which pays tribute to the Mexican Mafia, were indicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles, the U.S. Attorneys office said. If convicted, they all face life in prison and millions of dollars in fines. In the Central District of California, 24 illegal foreign nationals who were previously deported and illegally reentered the U.S. were criminally charged. Under federal law, which the Trump administration is enforcing, previously deported foreign nationals face two years in federal prison for illegal reentry. Those with felony convictions face up to 10 years in prison; those with aggravated felony convictions, up to 20. Two notable cases include Mexican nationals previously deported multiple times. One was previously convicted of transporting and possessing for sale methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base; the other was recently indicted for illegal reentry and for allegedly stealing hundreds of Nike Jordan shoes from a freight train. Federal prosecutors also successfully prosecuted four Pomona gang members and Mexican Mafia associates who were recently found guilty of racketeering and first degree murder of a Metropolitan Detention Center inmate in downtown Los Angeles. Two others were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin at MDC and in the Pomona area and for being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The case dates back to the first Trump administration; all defendants were in federal custody since 2018. In another case, the U.S. Attorneys Office, working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and others, filed criminal charges against 20 previously deported illegal foreign nationals, including many with felony convictions who served time in prison. Among them was a Mexican national previously deported four times with previous felony convictions in California and Arizona; a Mexican national previously deported and previously convicted in Orange County for discharging a firearm at an inhabited residence and vandalism; and a Mexican national previously deported and twice convicted in Ventura County on weapons charges. Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the crowd after winning his quarterfinal match against Francisco Cerundolo at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Carlos Alcaraz rallied for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory on Sunday against an ailing Lorenzo Musetti to win the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in Monaco. The second-seeded Spaniard claimed his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title and first since Indian Wells in March 2024. It was the 18th career title for the four-time Grand Slam winner, who turns 22 next month. Musetti, playing in his first Masters 1000 final, struggled with an apparent injury to his right leg in the third set in a match that lasted 1 hour and 54 minutes. The 23-year-old Italian, seeded 13th, received treatment after losing the first three games of the deciding set. "It is not the way I would have wanted to win a match," Alcaraz said. "Thinking about Lorenzo, he has been through a tough week, played long matches. I feel sorry for him. It is one of his best results, ending up like this is not easy. Hopefully it is nothing serious and he will be 100 percent soon." Musetti managed only 10 winners -- seven in the first set -- compared to 30 for Alcaraz, who converted six of eight break chances and saved seven of nine break points. He acknowledged his physical limitations. "I was feeling the ball really well today. I had a clear mind what I had to do. But physically I was struggling," said Musetti, who wasn't sure of the exact injury. "From the beginning I was trying to compensate a little bit with the freedom to play. "At the end, the physical problems and the fatigue and stress accumulated in the past days and past matches was there. So unfortunately I couldn't finish the match. I mean, I couldn't fight 'til the end." It was the third Masters 1000 title on clay for Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion who also won in Madrid in 2022 and 2023. Alcaraz, who also went three sets in the second round (Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo) and quarterfinals (France's Arthur Fils), dropped the first set to Musetti in 42 minutes after committing 14 of his 32 unforced errors in the match. "I'm really happy to win Monte-Carlo for the first time," Alcaraz said. "It has been a really difficult week with a lot of difficult situations. I am proud with how I dealt with everything. It has been a difficult month for me, so coming here and seeing the hard work pay off makes me happy." Alcaraz, who will rise one spot to No. 2 in the world rankings following his performance this week, improved to 4-1 in his head-to-head series with Musetti. It was an agonizing finish to a strong week for Musetti, who scored top-10 victories against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals and Australia's Alex de Minaur in the semifinals. The start time for the match was moved up three hours due to the threat of rain in the principality. --Field Level Media Mustafa Suleyman said workers will develop "symbiotic" relationships with AI agents. PATRICK T. FALLON Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, said he expects the future of work to include "symbiotic relationships" with AI. In a podcast interview, he said younger generations will inherit a changed world. In order to prepare, he suggests people "play" with the models that are currently available. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman expects the workers of the future to develop close relationships with artificial intelligence agents, to the point of symbiosis. "I do think your day-to-day workflow just isn't going to look like this in 10 or 15 years time," Suleyman said on a recent episode of the "Big Technology" Podcast. "It's going to be much more about you managing your AI agent, you asking it to go do things, checking in on its quality, getting feedback, and getting into this symbiotic relationship where you iterate with it," he said. Suleyman, the cofounder of Google DeepMind, believes that people are too tied up in the "day-to-day" of AI and failing to reckon with its possible long-term impacts. "After all, it is intelligence that has produced everything that is of value in our human civilization," Suleyman said. "Everything around us is a product of smart human beings getting together, organizing, creating, inventing, and producing everything that you see in your line of sight at this very moment." Artificial intelligence, shrouded in its fair share of hype, hasn't yet delivered on the vision often painted by tech leaders such as breakthroughs in medicine, like treatments for deadly diseases, or solutions to the climate crisis. But the technology has certainly begun to alter the world we live in. In some cases, applications of the technology have drawn concerns such as AI's use in warfare or companies leaning on AI agents over human workers. Demis Hassabis, who co-founded Google DeepMind with Suleyman, has gone so far as to say he worries about ending up like Robert Oppenheimer. And there's no going back now Suleyman, who's particularly optimistic about AI's future effects, only expects the pace of innovation to increase. "And we're now about to make that very same technique, those set of capabilities, really cheap if not, like, zero marginal cost," he said. In order for younger generations to best prepare themselves to inherit a changed world, Suleyman suggests they familiarize themselves with the technology. "It's a little bit like saying, 'What should young people do when they get access to the internet for the first time?'" he said. "Like, part of it is sort of obvious, where it's like use it, experiment, try stuff out, do crazy things, make mistakes, get it wrong." It's technology's users, Suleyman added, rather than its creators, that ultimately help determine the direction of its future development by identifying how it's best used. "As we've seen over and over in the history of technology, the things that people choose to do with their phones, with internet, with their laptops, with the tools that they have are always like mind-blowing," Suleyman said. "They're always way more inventive and surprising than anything you could possibly think of ahead of time." "I think the same applies to a 15-year-old who's in high school, thinking about what they do next in college or whatever, or whether or not they go to college," he added. In order to sort through the noise, Suleyman said, anyone curious should experiment with the models themselves. "I think the answer is, play with these things," he said. "Try them out, keep an open mind. Try everything that you possibly can with these models, and then you'll start to see their weaknesses as well, by the way, and you'll start to chip away at the hype." Read the original article on Business Insider BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China has put civilian government officials in Beijing on wartime footing and ordered a diplomatic charm offensive aimed at encouraging other countries to push back against U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs, according to four people familiar with the matter. Communist Party propaganda officials have played a leading role in framing Chinas response, one of the people said, with government spokespeople posting defiant clips on social media featuring former leader Mao Zedong saying we will never yield. As part of the wartime posture, the details of which are being reported by Reuters for the first time, bureaucrats in the foreign affairs and commerce ministries have been ordered to cancel vacation plans and keep mobile phones switched on around the clock, two of the people said. Departments covering the U.S. have also been beefed up, including with officials who worked on Chinas response to Trumps first term, they said. The combative all-of-government approach after Trumps Liberation Day" salvo marked a hard turn for Beijing, which had tried to avoid a spiralling trade war. For months, Chinese diplomats had tried to establish a high-level channel of communication with Trumps administration to defend what Chinas cabinet has described in state media campaigns as a win-win trading relationship. Optimistic Chinese observers even held out hope for a grand bargain with Trump over trade, TikTok and perhaps even Taiwan. (AP photo/Martin Meissner, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) This account of how China shifted from seeking a deal to punching back with retaliatory tariffs and threatening all-out defiance is based on interviews with more than a dozen people, including U.S. and Chinese government officials, as well as other diplomats and scholars briefed on bilateral exchanges. Four of them also described how Beijing's diplomats have been engaging other governments targeted by Trump tariffs, including sending letters seeking cooperation to several countries. Longstanding U.S. allies in Europe, Japan and South Korea have also been contacted, two people said. Most of the people spoke on condition of anonymity to describe confidential government deliberations. China's ministry of foreign affairs did not return a request for comment. A spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington said in response to Reuters' questions that Beijing did not want to fight trade wars but is not scared of them. If the U.S. puts its own interests over the public good of the international community and sacrifices all countries legitimate interests for its own hegemony, it will for sure meet stronger opposition from the international community, the official said. The South Korean and Japanese embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on talks between their countries and China. After the initial Chinese retaliation, Trump said: "China played it wrong, they panicked - the one thing they cannot afford to do! He has also suggested that Beijing wanted to make a deal but they just don't know how quite to go about it." U.S. officials have also blamed China for the impasse because its trillion-dollar trade surplus with the world is the result of what they see as abuses of the global commerce system that havent been successfully addressed through years of negotiations. Trump on April 2 stunned the world with massive tariffs that he said would prevent countries like China from ripping off the U.S. Chinese leader Xi Jinping ditched official caution and issued a patriotic message casting doubt on whether American voters could bear as much hardship as the Chinese. FILE PHOTO: G20 leaders summit in Osaka The Liberation Day levies have since been suspended for all countries except China for 90 days. With some exceptions, trade of goods between China and the U.S. is now largely frozen, and Beijing is starting to crack down on trade of services, while warning its citizens against travel to the U.S. and putting curbs on import of American films. Polite start and a quick stall Even after Trump was elected on the promise of high tariffs, relations with Beijing got off to a polite start. Trump invited Xi to his inauguration, which was eventually attended by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Things started deteriorating soon after. During the first Trump administration, Beijing had several high-level channels of communication, most notably between then-ambassador Cui Tiankai and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. There isnt an equivalent channel this time around, according to a Beijing official familiar with Sino-American ties, adding that China wasnt sure who spoke for Trump on their relationship. A Trump administration official said in response to Reuters' questions that the U.S. had "made clear to China that we want working-level contact to continue... but will not engage for the sake of engagement and in dialogues that do not advance American interests." Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng made unsuccessful attempts before the election to reach Trumps billionaire ally Elon Musk, said a U.S. scholar who recently visited China for unofficial exchanges that Beijing has historically used to communicate with Washington policymakers. Musk didnt immediately return a request for comment. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi tried to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a China hawk who is sanctioned by Beijing, during a February visit to New York to chair a United Nations session but did not secure a meeting. There has been no publicly disclosed exchange between the two sides top diplomats beyond a frosty phone call in late January. Wang was also unsuccessful in his efforts to meet on that trip with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, said a person familiar with the matter. Wang had held numerous talks with Waltzs predecessor, Jake Sullivan, including an exchange that led to a rare prisoner swap. The White House believes that China should send a senior trade official instead of Wang to speak on commerce matters, according to a person familiar with the administrations thinking. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accompanied by his son X Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump, jokingly reacts to a reporter's question during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said he was not engaging with China and that Trump wants to negotiate directly with Xi. Trump told reporters this week that he would be willing to meet Xi, whom he also described as a friend. He has not detailed any specifics of a possible deal. The Trump administration official said the U.S. had repeatedly asked Chinese diplomats if Xi would request a phone call with Trump and the answer has consistently been no. International relations expert Zhao Minghao at Shanghais Fudan University said such outreach totally doesnt work in terms of the Chinese policymaking system. For the Chinese side, usually there is agreement and work on the working level and then we can arrange the summit, he said. The way countries which have tried to negotiate have been treated so far this year also certainly has not done much to encourage China to sit down at the table, said Lynn Song, Chief Economist for Greater China at ING Bank. There are some ongoing conversations between lower-level officials on both sides, according to one Chinese and three U.S. officials, though some working groups put in place by the Joe Biden administration to deal with commercial disputes, as well as treasury and military issues have been frozen. Lessons learned While many countries were hit by U.S. tariffs this month for the first time, China honed its response during previous bouts of the Sino-American trade war. Drawing on lessons from Trumps first term, China created a retaliatory playbook that includes tariffs as well as restrictions on about 60 U.S. companies and curbs on exports of rare earths. The effort was a result of weeks of preparations by Chinese government officials who had been tasked with studying Trumps policies and suggesting countermeasures that could be gradually scaled up, according to two people familiar with the situation. Xi opted for a strong response, hitting back with across-the-board levies even before Trumps announced tariffs went into effect. The duties were announced shortly before Wall Street opened on April 4 - a public holiday in China. U.S. equities dropped sharply lower. One Chinese official briefed on the deliberations described the unusually swift response as akin to COVID pandemic-era decision making that was carried out without the customary sign offs by all relevant departments. Some Chinese opinion leaders appeared to suggest off-ramps in the trade war. Ren Yi, a political blogger with nearly 2 million followers on the Weibo microblogging platform said in an April 8 post that countermeasures do not require a broad increase in tariffs on American goods. Ren, whose father was a prominent reformist leader in the 1980s, suggested targeted moves like suspension of fentanyl cooperation and further restrictions on agricultural imports and movies. Chinas finance ministry said Friday that with tariffs on U.S. goods now at 125%, it will stop matching any future hikes in duties by Washington, whose tariff strategy it branded a joke. 'Never yield' Chinas foreign ministry has summoned many of the heads of its overseas missions back to Beijing for a special meeting held this week to coordinate the response, according to two Beijing-based diplomats. China has also sent formal letters to government officials of other countries pressured by Trump to engage in trade negotiations. The letters, which were described to Reuters by four people familiar with their contents, outlined the Chinese position as well as the need for multipolarity and for countries to stand together. The messaging also included criticism of U.S. policy that echoed China's public statements. China has approached some G20 governments with wording for a joint declaration voicing support for the multilateral trading system, an EU diplomat told Reuters. But the diplomat said that the messaging did not address concerns also held by non-U.S. governments about Chinese overcapacity, its subsidy regime and alleged unfair competition. Beijing has said those concerns are overblown and that the rise of its high-tech industries is due to its comparative advantages and benefits the world. China is also heavily focused on the domestic reaction to the tariffs, with social media users this week widely reposting an April 7 editorial in the official Peoples Daily warning against panic. China has also recently started encouraging households to spend more and has dramatically changed its language about domestic consumption. Beijing is aiming to shift the engine of growth from exports to consumers at a time when the economy remains hobbled by a crisis of failed real estate development. The real battlefield is on the domestic front, rather than bilateral negotiations, said Zhao of Fudan University. Chinese officials also published on Musks X platform a clip of Chairman Mao giving a speech in 1953 - the last time the U.S. and China were in direct military conflict during the Korean War. In the clip, Mao, whose oldest son died in the war, says peace is up to the Americans. No matter how long this war is going to last, well never yield, he said. Well fight until we completely triumph. (Reporting by the Beijing, Washington, Berlin and Hong Kong newsrooms; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski, Kevin Krolicki and Katerina Ang) Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele needs surgery on his left elbow and will miss the rest of the 2025 season. Manager Craig Counsell shared the news with reporters at Dodger Stadium ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Whether Steele requires Tommy John surgery hasn't yet been determined, but he will undergo a reconstructive procedure on his elbow to repair his flexor tendon and treat his UCL, according to reports. If Steele has an internal brace procedure performed, he could return sooner. Regardless, he won't pitch again until 2026. Steele, 29, left his start last Monday versus the Texas Rangers while complaining of elbow tightness after 91 pitches. To that point, he'd thrown seven scoreless innings while allowing only three hits with eight strikeouts and two walks. "I was just doing stuff between innings to try and keep it warm, moving around," Steele told reporters, via the Associated Press. "I told the trainers the next day, I want to come in and do a lot of recovery stuff, red light, do everything I can to get the recovery process underway. ... They just made the decision to go ahead and put me on the IL." On Wednesday, the left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list due to what the Cubs hoped was the same tendinitis that sidelined the pitcher for three weeks in September. Steele underwent an MRI exam Thursday, the results of which compelled him to seek a second opinion. That was presumably to determine whether surgery was necessary. In his four starts this season, Steele compiled a 4.76 ERA and 3-1 record with 21 strikeouts and 21 hits allowed in 22 1/3 innings. Last year, he finished with a 3.06 ERA and averaged nine strikeouts per nine innings. Two seasons ago, he had a breakout campaign, collecting a 3.06 ERA and 16-5 record with 176 strikeouts in a career-high 173 1/3 innings. Colin Rea got the start Sunday for the Cubs, taking what would have been Steele's turn in the rotation. Ethan Roberts was recalled from Triple-A to fill the empty roster spot. In 21 appearances with Iowa, he compiled a 3.21 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings. Reginald Reed Jr., known as Reggie, spent more than two decades wondering who killed his mother, Selonia Reed, when he was only 6 years old. Selonia, a bank teller, was 26 when her body was found in her car in Hammond, Louisiana. One of the last memories Reggie has of that day is his mother buying him a chocolate chip cookie at the Hammond Square Mall. He also remembers her kissing him goodbye but everything else is a blur. "48 Hours" and contributor Vladimir Duthiers investigate what happened in the decades that followed in "The Day My Mother Never Came Home." The episode is now streaming on Paramount+. Reginald It was a hot summer day in August 1987 when Selonia's body was found inside her blue Chevy Sprint in a parking area about one-and-a-half miles from the Reed home. Police said she had been bludgeoned, stabbed multiple times and stripped naked. It was clear, police said, that she was sexually assaulted. Selonia's husband Reginald Reed Sr. had reported her missing an hour or so before her body was found. Reginald told police on the morning of Aug. 23, 1987, that Selonia told him she was going out with a girlfriend the night before. That girlfriend later told police the two had "no plans" to go out that night, but Reginald stuck to his story. As the investigation unfolded, police learned that Selonia had told relatives that Reginald was physically abusive and had talked about getting a divorce. He became an early suspect, but none of that suspicion reached the ears of Reggie, who was only a child. A still from videotape of Reggie, left, with his father Reginald Reed Sr., as the 6-year-old is interviewed by police following the murder of his mother Selonia Reed in 1987. / Credit: Louisiana State Police Reggie was questioned by police after they received permission from his father. The police videotaped Reggie's interview with a police detective while his father sat next to him. He vouched for his father's version of events, saying the two of them spent the evening playing video games and sleeping in the same sofa bed. In effect, Reggie became his father's alibi. Years later, Reggie viewed that interview and became emotional when he saw his 6-year-old self crying that he wanted his "mommy" and "daddy." "I just can't imagine what it's like as a 6-year-old to have to sit there," said Duthiers. "Looking at that, it's still hard to believe that that's me," said Reggie. "Watching that video just brings back so so many questions and and pain because I see me crying." Reggie wrote a memoir about his experiences titled, "The Day My Mother Never Came Home." Reggie had no idea that his father was the prime suspect in the case until 25 years later in 2012 when a Texas Ranger showed up at his home. By then, Reggie was 31, had graduated college and was working for a pharmaceutical company near San Antonio. "I was like, where's this coming from?" Reggie told "48 Hours." "I remember asking, is there any new evidence that was surfaced?" But over the next few years, the new lead investigator in the case, Lt. Barry Ward of the Louisiana State Police, was able to come up with new evidence. Eventually, it was enough that Reginald and an alleged accomplice were indicted for second-degree murder. The accomplice, a friend of Reginald named Jimmy Ray Barnes, agreed to testify against Reginald in exchange for a five-year prison sentence. In November 2022, Reginald Reed Sr. was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing Selonia Reed and was later sentenced to life in prison. Ward told Reggie that police believe Reginald likely murdered Selonia in their bedroom while Reggie slept. Detectives believe he then placed her body in her car and drove to the spot where it was found. Reginald's co-conspirator Jimmy Ray Barnes testified at trial that he met Reginald at the crime scene and saw Reginald in that car next to Selonia's body. To this day, Reggie continues to question his father's guilt. "I want justice, but I didn't think justice was gonna come at the price of my dad going to prison for life," Reggie told Duthiers who asked: "Do you believe that your father murdered your mother?" "I don't know another question do I think my dad had some involvement? Maybe. I don't know though. I don't know. So that's where I'm just, it's like a tug-of-war game." Reggie said he struggles to square what the state claims with the father he knew. Reggie appreciates that his father was loving to him, put him through private school and raised him to be the man he is today. "Just knowing the type of father he is," Reggie said. "I can't just turn a page and just look at my father as a complete monster." Idaho teen with autism dies after controversial police shooting Girls growing the game of hockey with pros cheering them on How Health and Human Safety Department cuts could affect your health The latest edition of Visions du Reels highly selective Work in Progress showcase, spotlighting six bold international documentaries in late-stage production, will be pitched Tuesday at the Swiss festivals industry platform. Spanning themes of state violence, queer identity, collective memory, resilience and resistance from war-torn Chechnya and besieged Gaza to Brazils anti-femicide patrol and Mexicos underground queer rodeo scene the lineup offers striking, character-driven portraits in a world in flux. More from Variety The selection includes both established filmmakers, such as Hassen Ferhani (143 Sahara Street, Roundabout in My Head), returning to VdR alongside his producer Eugenie Michel Villette (Six Pieds Sous Terre), as well as promising newcomers bringing their debut features to the festival. All six projects are international co-productions, backed by major players including ARTE, CNC, the Sundance Documentary Fund and IDFAs Bertha Fund. Variety spoke with the filmmaking teams ahead of the pitch. Alea Jacarandas Alea Jacarandas (France, Algeria) by Hassen Ferhani (Roundabout in My Head, 143, Sahara Street) is a poetic, deeply personal portrait of Algiers, reframed by the sudden loss of the directors father. Initially conceived as a love letter to the city, the film shifts after his fathers passing as Ferhani sees Algiers through his own lens, enriched by what he learnt from his fathers gaze. The film becomes a dialogue between past and present, between literature and cinema, between a father writing and a son filming. While accepting his absence, I come to better understand his lucid passion for Algiers, his quiet resistance to darkness. I ultimately find my own place in the story, Ferhani tells Variety. Alea Jacarandas is produced by Eugenie Michel Villette at Les Films du Bilboquet and Oualid Baha at Tact Production. Backers include ARTE, the CNC, the Institut Francais in Algiers, Algerias national film fund FDATIC, Creative Europe Media, Frances Centre National des Arts Plastiques, French sales company Andana and Meteores Distribution. Returning to Visions du Reel, where his work has previously been honored, Ferhani is seeking additional funding and festival partners. Emergency Measures (Brazil) by Andre Bomfim explores the work of the Maria da Penha Patrol in Alagoas, Brazil a pioneering police unit named after a landmark anti-domestic violence law. The Patrols humanized, community-driven approach offers vital support to women at risk in one of the worlds most dangerous countries for gender-based violence. Through the experiences of four officers, the documentary examines the units successes and its growing internal struggles in the face of mounting challenges. The police are a microcosm of society, thats why it is political, Bomfim says. Youre fighting the same misogyny, sexism, prejudice and resistance to gender justice that exist everywhere. I wanted to shift focus from perpetrators to victims, and build real relationships with the police officers. Produced by Gustavo Rosa de Moura of Mira Filmes and Alessandra Orofino of Peri Productions, Emergency Measures is backed by Brazilian state grants and follows Bomfims debut Im Still Alive. The team is seeking international sales at VdR. In Cod We Trust In Cod We Trust (Norway, Finland) by Guro Saniola Bjerk is an intimate and wryly humorous portrait of Batsfjord, one of the northernmost fishing villages in the world, where cod trumps God and the coldest landscapes are home to the warmest people. Filmed over the course of four years, this observational documentary captures the towns eccentric and diverse inhabitants, exploring themes of home, identity, and resilience, in an isolated village, bound together by fish and nature. Bjerk, who grew up and lives in Batsfjord, said she had always dreamt of making a film that would make people laugh but hadnt imagined it would be in her hometown. People will be surprised by how much they recognize their own hopes and desires in one of the worlds northernmost villages. Its a hilarious film, and the more you get to know the characters, the funnier it gets. In Cod We Trust is produced by Benedikte Bredesen of f(x) produksjoner and co-produced by Pasi Hakkio of Wacky Tie Films, which is also bringing Ultras to VdR. The film has secured TV deals in Finland, Iceland and Sweden, and theatrical distribution in Norway. It seeks additional sales, feedback and festival partners for a fall 2025 release. Memory Memory (Russia, France, Netherlands) by Vladlena Sandu is a poetic, autobiographical hybrid revisiting her traumatic childhood memories in war-torn Chechnya. After fleeing Chechnya in 1998, Sandu lived in exile in Russia, where, as she recounts, the Chechen genocide was silenced and propaganda painted her people as terrorists. It was important for me to share the historical facts as I saw and felt them, to document them, and make them accessible to a wider audience. History should be written by witnesses, she says, revealing she had to submit a fake script to shoot in Grozny. Even during production, very few people on the crew know the real story. Memory is produced by Yanna Buryak of Mimesis, and co-produced by Ludovic Henry of Limitless and Raymond van der Kaaij of Revolver. The film has the backing of CNCs Aide Aux Cinemas Du Monde, the Netherlands Film Fund, Region Ile de France and IDFAs Bertha Fund. At VdR, the team is seeking sales, broadcasters and impact-driven partners for a 2025 release. Jaripeo Jaripeo (France, Mexico) is Efrain Mojica and Rebecca Zweigs debut film about the hidden queer subculture within Mexicos hyper-masculine Mexican rodeo tradition. Set during the Christmas Jaripeo season, it follows rancheros Noe and Joseph as they grapple with machismo, identity and forbidden desire. Narrated by Mojica, the film features re-enactments with red strobe lights and grainy music, offering an intimate, layered exploration of identity in a space where queerness remains unspoken but ever-present. Were showing how openness and homophobia can coexist. There are overlapping contradictions, just like in life. Its a documentary about desire, in all its complexities and idiosyncrasies, Zweig says. Co-director Mojica adds: When I tell people Im making a film about gay cowboys, they say, Queer cowboys dont exist. But, of course, they do. This film is about rejecting our internalized homophobia and seeing ourselves on screen. Jaripeo is produced by Sarah Strunin of Jaripeo Documentary, Carine Chichkowsky of Survivance, Gerardo Guerra and Juan Pablo Gonzalez of Tierra Roja, with support from ITVS, Arte, the Sundance Documentary Fund, Chicken & Egg Films and SF Film. The team is seeking creative input, additional funding, sales and a festival launch for 2026. Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk (France, Palestine, Iran) by Sepideh Farsi (7 Veils, The Siren), is a vital, urgent work, born of necessity. Unable to enter Gaza, the filmmaker turns to Fatem, a young photographer in the north of the territory, to document life under siege. What I really tried to capture in the narrative arc is not just news but, above all, an emotional journey: an understanding of how you survive as a young woman and a photographer in the ongoing war in Palestine, says Farsi, who was arrested and imprisoned in her native Iran and now lives in Europe. Ive been in that situation myself not under bombs, of course but I relate to that state of being, of trying to stay creative as a woman in a country at war. Its about resisting, pushing forward, and continuing to produce images. Produced by Javad Djavahery of Reves dEau Productions and co-produced by Annie Ohayon Dekel of 24images Production, the film is seeking additional funding, post-production partners and international sales. The projects are being pitched in Nyon on April 8. VdR-Industry runs until April 9. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Containers are loaded and unloaded from cargo ships at Port Liberty on April 10 in Bayonne, New Jersey. (Spencer PlattGetty Images) In a notice published late Friday night, US Customs and Border Protection issued new guidance on President Donald Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs, listing several exemptions like smartphones, computers, chips and other electronics. That carves out a massive hole from his virtually prohibitive 145% tariff on China and comes after Beijing hiked its own duties on US imports but said no further retaliation would come. President Donald Trump threw the global economy for another loop by carving out massive exemptions from his tariffs, including popular electronics like smartphones. In a notice published late Friday night, US Customs and Border Protection issued new guidance on his so-called reciprocal tariffs, which were announced just a week and a half ago and then saw a 90-day pause on most countries save for the baseline 10% rate but additional hikes on China to a prohibitive 125%. After including his earlier levies, that sent the total rate on China to 145%. The exemptions includes smartphones, computers, semiconductors, solar cells, flat panel TV displays, flash drives, memory cards and solid-state drives for data storage. That comes after China hiked its own duties on US imports to 125% on Friday but said it would stop retaliating, while Trump signaled he was optimistic about a deal with Beijing, giving investors some hope that their trade war could de-escalate. The products listed under the exemptions Friday night could still be hit with duties later but they are likely to be lower than what Trump initially unveiled. For example, he has said that tariffs on semiconductors are on the way, following similar moves on imports of steel, aluminum and autos. Still, the exemptions also offer huge relief for US companies like Apple that assemble and import devices in China. The iPhone maker's shares have been crushed since Trump ramped up tariffs on China. Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts have pointed out that the cost of making many devices in the US would add thousands of dollars to their price tags and take years to set up production. In recent days, consumers have been rushing to buy electronics before tariffs kick in, and businesses that rely on overseas production have been canceling orders from suppliers. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A New York Police Department scuba team rides to the site of a helicopter crash in the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J., on Friday. As crews continue to search for key parts of the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River, they wont find one piece of evidence that is usually critical to investigators. The helicopter was not equipped with any flight recorders. No onboard video recorders or camera recorders have been recovered and none of the helicopter avionics onboard recorded information that could be used for the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement Saturday. Thursdays deadly accident claimed the lives of a family of five visiting from Spain and the pilot. Divers from the New York Police Department are continuing to search for the helicopters main rotor, main gear box, tail rotor and a large portion of the tail boom. Side-scanning sonar is being used to identify potential locations of wreckage, the NTSBs statement said. According to officials, the last major inspection of the helicopter was on March 1, and before the crash it completed seven tour flights. Now, lawmakers are calling on federal agencies to increase regulations and protocols for these types of helicopter tours. The company has an operating certificate from the [Federal Aviation Administration] that is called a Part 91. It does not require the entire team of people who oversee or fly the helicopter to have the level of training and experience that commercial and passenger helicopter companies have to have, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday at a press conference. He spoke at the Wall Street Heliport in Manhattan, where New York Helicopter Tours launched the fatal Bell 206 L-4 flight on Thursday. Officials say the pilot, Seankese Johnson, was a Navy veteran who earned his commercial pilots license in 2023 and logged over 800 hours of flight time as of March. Right now, New York Helicopter Tours is under federal investigation for these deaths. But first, I am urging the FAA to pull their operating certificate immediately and cease flights until their full investigation is concluded, Schumer added. New York Helicopter Tours said it is fully cooperating with the federal investigation. The Democratic senator also called for increased federal regulations at all New York City-area helicopter tour companies flights he described as risky. Im also demanding that the FAA increase what are called ramp inspections at other metro-area helicopter tour companies, he added. A ramp inspection is a surprise inspection. They show up unannounced and check if things are on the level and the helicopters are doing the right thing. Schumers stance contrasts sharply with that of Mayor Eric Adams, who voiced full support for tourism helicopters in New York City during an interview with Fox 5 on Friday, stating he would not add further regulations. That is part of the attraction of businesses being in the city, people coming to the city, seeing the city from the air. As part of the attraction, what we must do is make sure its safe, make sure it is done correctly, Adams said. Six people were injured after an explosion collapsed a two-story house in Texas and damaged more than 20 neighboring homes, officials say. A blast inside the two-story house was reported shortly before 11: 30 a.m. local time on April 13, according to the Austin Fire Department. At least 23 neighboring houses also were damaged. Fire officials worked to extinguish small spot fires by the collapsed debris. Two people were inside the house when it exploded. One was in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition, Austin Fire Department Division Chief Wayne Parrish confirmed at a news conference. Another person in a neighboring home also was critically injured, and another reported minor injuries, Parrish said. Two firefighters also received minor injuries during rescue operations. The explosion brought down power lines and left the area without electricity, according to the fire department. Travis County utility company Pedernales Electric Cooperative worked to restore power. Explosion considered an 'isolated incident' Parrish said at a news conference that the explosion an "isolated incident." The Travis County Fire Marshal will be lead investigator in the search for a cause, Parrish said. "At this point we don't believe that there will be any criminal investigation," Parris told reporters. Parrish said the blast was heard as far as Georgetown, about 25 miles north of Austin. "As far as we know, we have accounted for everybody that was in all of the residences. We are on a temporary standdown waiting for excavators to come to help us do more large debris removal," he said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Austin home explosion: 6 injured and over 20 homes damaged after blast Envoys from Iran and the U.S. completed the first round of positive and constructive talks regarding Tehrans developing nuclear program in Oman and agreed to continue discussions next weekend, according to the Trump administration. Middle East envoy Steve Wiktoff, alongside U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima, spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday in a nearly two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting that was mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. The two sides started talking at about 3:30 p.m. local time and finished at around 5:50 p.m. They were held just outside of Muscat, the capital of Oman. Witkoff underscored to Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible, according to the administration. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome, the White House said in a statement on Saturday. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday. Similarly, Araghachi described the indirect talks as constructive and promising and indicated they will continue next week. The talks were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect, Araghchi said in a Saturday post on social platform X. I elaborated Irans viewpoints in a firm yet forward-looking manner. Both sides decided to continue the process in a matter of days. The National Security Council referred The Hill to Witkoffs team while the State Department pointed to the White House statement when reached for comment. The talks between the two countries come as President Trump has repeatedly pushed to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran. Trump in 2018 notably pulled out of a previous agreement that was brokered by former President Obama. The White House, however, has emphasized that a fresh deal must include Tehran disposing of its nuclear arsenal. If an agreement is not reached, the president said, military action against the country might ensue. The warning comes after the U.S. imposed new sanctions on five entities and one individual based in Iran earlier this week for their support of those overseeing the nuclear program. I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they cant have a nuclear weapon, Trump told reporters Friday aboard Air Force One. Before discussions with the U.S. delegation, Araghchi and Al-Busaidy met in Muscat, Oman. Irans top diplomat expressed gratitude to Oman for hosting the talks and shared the key points and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran with his Omani counterpart to be conveyed to the other side. Ahead of the high-stakes talks, Witkoff said the administrations red line with Iran is preventing the Islamic nation from churning out a nuclear weapon. Witkoff, who Trump has delegated the lead negotiator in ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, said the administrations starting demand is for Tehran to nix its nuclear program. The same position is also held by Israel, but the envoy said theres some room for compromise to strike a deal. I think our position begins with dismantlement of your program. That is our position today, Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Friday. That doesnt mean, by the way, that at the margin were not going to find other ways to find compromise between the two countries. Where our red line will be, there cant be weaponization of your nuclear capability, he said. Witkoff added that if a deal with Tehran is forged, there needs to be a robust verification process to ensure that Iran is not working on producing a nuclear bomb. He told The Journal that the Saturday talks are about trust building. It is about talking about why it is so important for us to get to a deal, not the exact terms of the deal, he said. Updated April 13 at 11:30 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. People check the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City on April 13, 2025. - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images An Israeli air strike early on Sunday has incapacitated the last fully functioning hospital in Gaza City as the military expands and intensifies its campaign across the territory. No casualties were reported from the strike but the Anglican church in Jerusalem which runs the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital said a boy with a head injury died in the rushed evacuation of patients. It said that the hospital had received only 20 minutes warning ahead of the strike and was forced to take patients into the streets. Parts of the hospital including the emergency room and reception area were extensively damaged. There was also damage to the adjoining St Philips church, according to video received by CNN. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they had struck a command-and-control center used by Hamas in attack, without offering proof. They said steps had been taken ahead of the strike to mitigate harm to civilians. Hamas denied the allegation the hospital was being used for military purposes. The Israeli military is extending its ground operations deep into Gaza, creating a large buffer zone between the Strip and Israeli territory and pushing hundreds of thousands of civilians into an ever-smaller area on the Mediterranean coast. In the south, the military announced it seized the Morag corridor, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza. On Sunday night the defense ministry said the IDF had completed the occupation of the Morag axis making the area part of the Israeli security zone, adding that the northern border area in Gaza was also being expanded as part of the security zone. Tens of percentages of Gazas territory have become part of Israels security zones, Defense Minister Israel Katz said. The main goal is to exert heavy pressure on Hamas in favor of returning to the outline of releasing the hostages and the more Hamas persists in its refusal, the more IDF activity will intensify, Katz claimed. In all, according to the United Nations, some 400,000 people have been told to move over the past three weeks, with hospitals often used as a place of shelter throughout the conflict. One patient in the Al-Ahli Baptist hospital, Mohammed Abu Naser, told CNN he was still inside when it was struck. We expected that we would all die inside the hospital I have no treatment or anything right now. We have no option but to travel abroad for treatment, Abu Naser added. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that the hospital was temporarily closed and directed people to three other hospitals. The Jerusalem diocese condemned the strike and said that in addition to the damage to the emergency department the two-storey Genetic Laboratory was demolished. The diocese said it was the fifth time the hospital had been struck since October 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the now out of service hospitals pharmacy was also destroyed and that it was forced to move 50 patients to other hospitals while 40 critical patients could not be moved. Hospital Director Fadel Naim said the child who died during evacuation had succumbed to lack of oxygen and severe cold. As health facilities across Gaza come under pressure for lack of medicine and equipment, the WHO said that two missions to Al-Ahli and the Indonesian hospital had been denied by the Israeli authorities. In a post on X, the organization said hospitals in Gaza are in dire need, yet the shrinking humanitarian access is obstructing WHOs ability to resupply them and preventing patients from safely receiving life-saving care. A cat walks through rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City on April 13, 2025. - Omar al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images Samer Attar, an American doctor with the Palestinian American Bridge working in the Al-Ahli hospital, told CNN that the attack had created a desperate situation. The people here are exhausted, theyre hungry, theyre tired, theyre wounded, not just physically but also psychically, he said. Al-Ahli is one of the few functioning hospitals across Gaza, treating up to 1,000 patients a day. An Israeli siege left Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City the largest in the territory in ruins last year. It began accepting some patients months later. The strike drew international condemnation including from the UK, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Deadly strikes in central Gaza The Israeli military says its forces are operating in several areas of Gaza. The IDF said Sunday that it had attacked a weapons storage compound in northern Gaza early on Sunday and announced that over the previous 48 hours, the air force had struck more than 90 terror targets belonging to terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip. Video also showed another airstrike on a building in the area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The IDF said the building was another Hamas control center and at the time it was struck numerous Hamas terrorists were operating from within the compound. In a later statement, the military said it killed Ubayd Allah Naim al-Hadhud Musa, who served as the deputy head of a Hamas sniper cell in the area of Deir al-Balah. Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, spokesman for Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, told CNN that three bodies had been brought to the hospital after the strike. He said a strike on a vehicle in the same area on Sunday had killed seven people, six of them brothers. Another strike later Sunday appeared to have hit the Deir al-Balah municipal building, killing a senior member of the Hamas-run justice ministry, according to local journalists. The Israeli military meanwhile said it had intercepted another rocket fired from Gaza. In response, it issued another evacuation order for several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, saying on X: We will attack with extreme force every area from which rockets are launched. Israel says it is expanding its campaign in Gaza as part of efforts to force Hamas to free its remaining hostages. One of them American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander appealed directly to President Donald Trump in the second proof-of-life video of the captive released by Hamas Saturday. Alexander who is almost certainly speaking under duress in the three-minute propaganda video says he believed Trump would succeed in bringing him out of Gaza. Its unclear when the video was shot, but Alexander references being in Gaza for 551 days, which would indicate the video was recorded quite recently. The video was released on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum asked Jewish families to leave an empty place setting for the hostages to mark their time in captivity. Each moment grows more unbearable. You can see it in his face his fear, his desperation, Alexanders parents Yael and Adi said on Sunday. President Trump, our hope and trust rest with you now. CNNs Oren Liebermann, Kareem El Damanhoury and Khader Al-Zaanoun of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Christian Harder/Courtesy of Trailborn Trailborn Rocky Mountains, in Estes Park, Colorado. Amid the jagged peaks and glacial lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, I could feel the relaxation sweep over my body. Hiking with a guide, I was burning plenty of calories, but just being in the pine forest was filling me with a palpable sense of calm. And while its not exactly news that Patagonia is a stunning place to hike, I was surprised by my own enthusiasm for lacing up my boots. After all, I was staying at Explora Torres del Paine, a luxury lodge thats among the most plush in Chile. I wouldve been content to mellow out in the heated mountain-view pool, but in pushing myself, Id inadvertently stumbled onto one of the latest trends in travel. Courtesy of Explora Expedition Tierra del Fuego Breakfast with a view at Explora Valle Sagrado, in Peru. Theres been a surge in hiking tourism, particularly in remote areas, says Sebastian Correa, a vice president at Explora. The company, which has hotels in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, has seen so much interest that it has expanded for the first time outside of South America: this summer, Explora will launch guided hikes across southern Iceland. People want to immerse themselves in nature to nurture their holistic well-being, agrees Tom Marchant, cofounder of the travel firm Black Tomato. His company recently introduced a Greenland itinerary that involves summiting Uummannaq, a rugged, nearly 4,000-foot mountain on the countrys western coast. Luxury operator Extraordinary Journeys, meanwhile, has been booking multiday hikes in places such as Namibia and Tanzania, says CEO Elizabeth Gordon. Ken Spence/Courtesy of Guides of Bhutan A stretch of the Trans-Bhutan Trail near Thimphu, the capital. At the same time, a growing number of high-end hotels are stepping up to serve as hiking hubs. Hawaiis Sensei Lanai, for example, kicked off a new retreat in 2024: the six-day program consists of daily guided walks in the islands lush countryside, along with fitness training, yoga, and post-hike spa treatments. In the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Blackberry Mountain has launched a HIIT experience that combines interval training with hiking excursions. And the Ranch, the famed wellness brand that got its start in Malibu, recently opened in New Yorks Hudson Valley, with programs that have guests covering as much as 10 miles a day. In Europe, Rocco Forte Hotels has created what it calls the Great Hikes of Europe. Each of our properties has developed local routes in response to guest requests, says spokesperson Natalie Rucellai, whether its a four-mile loop in Scotlands Roslin Glen or a 2-mile hike through Sicilys Torre Salsa nature reserve. Hotel staff can arrange for a guide, if needed, as well as transfers to and from the trailhead and a picnic lunch. At Palazzo Fiuggi, a wellness resort an 80-minute drive from Rome, a new hiking for longevity program consists of three- or six-night stays that foster community and connection on group forays into the Apennines. In Bhutan, a country long associated with trekking, Gangtey Lodge has launched new hikes in collaboration with Guides of Bhutan. This growing network of trails goes through rhododendron forests and past monasteries and villages, giving travelers a closer look at places only accessible on foot. And in Sri Lanka, the hotel group Resplendent Ceylon has formalized a network of 14 footpaths that cut through forests and tea fields. I wanted travelers to slow down and truly connect with the story of Ceylon tea, says founder Malik Fernando. Weve been delighted that a growing number of guests are embracing the journey on foot. Mary Holland Other hotels are embracing the outdoors These days, buttoned-up Marriott International is looking a little more laid-back. Something like 82 percent of Marriott Bonvoy members we surveyed are interested in outdoor traveland at least 70 percent of them took an outdoor trip in the past year, says Peggy Roe, the companys chief customer officer. To meet that demand, Marriott has added two nature-focused brands to its portfolio. The first, Postcard Cabins, operates in 29 destinations across the U.S., all within a couple hours of major metro areas. Formerly known as Getaway, Postcard is a collection of tiny-home-inspired hideaways that offer seclusion without skimping on amenities. Marriott has also teamed up with Trailborn, which operates a handful of hotels on the doorsteps of some of Americas most scenic spots, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stays with both brands will soon earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and the company has hinted that more outdoorsy properties are on the horizon. Whats driving people to travel today is their passions, Roe says, and the outdoors is a big one. Paul Brady A version of this story first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headlines "Stepping Up" and "Back to the Land." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Courtesy of The Spy Bar Double O Seven cocktail at the Spy Bar, in the Raffles London at the OWO. Somewhere in Butcher & Still, the stylish steak house at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, a hidden elevator leads to the Hideaway, a secret room two levels below. Inside, diners sip Prohibition-style cocktails surrounded by cabinets and display cases filled with objects inspired by the era, including lavish fur coats and jewelry. The only way to find the space, which is available solely for buyouts, is with the help of a hotel employee. The Hideaway is representative of a new generation of speakeasies and similarly covert cocktail corners being created by some of the worlds leading hotels. And, by all accounts, travelers are increasingly looking to discover them. It used to be about the Instagrammable moments at hotels, but now people want to do what no one else is doing and go to places no one else has, says Tania Swasbrook, a travel advisor and cofounder of the agency Vgari. Courtesy of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp; Courtesy of The Spy Bar A rare bottle at the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp; Davide Sinibaldi, bartender at the Spy Bar. The cover has been blown on some, such as Londons Spy Bar, a subterranean storage room turned classified drinking spot inside the Raffles London at the OWO. Once the sole purview of those in the know, it now turns up on Googleand the hotels own website. Then theres Charles H., which is tucked away in the basement of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul and made the 2021 Worlds 50 Best Bars list. Yet plenty of hush-hush spots remain hard to find: this kind of detail is the coin of the realm among concierges, butlers, and well-connected travel advisors. Its the ones you cant find online that hark back to the origin of the speakeasy, Swasbrook says. Courtesy of Volga The Minos Sound Room, at Hotel Volga, in Mexico City. One of them is Minos Sound Room, the whispered-about speakeasy at the recently opened Hotel Volga that hosts the hottest DJs in Mexico City. Another is the secret parlor with seating for two inside the literary-themed Blue Cigar Writers Lounge at Raffles Doha, in Qatar. If you know of it at all, chances are you can also pinpoint which bookshelf you push to reveal it. At Malliouhana, the Anguilla resort, some guests are presented with a puzzle box that opens to reveal a custom-made paper invite to Alberts, the resorts original wine cellar, which has been freshly renovated to offer hush-hush tastings. The invitation is usually spontaneous, which is the most fun thing about it, says Beth Flowers, an advisor at the agency Brownell Travel. Some spots are still decidedly hard to find. At Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a 13th-century monastic complex thats now a five-star hotel, dimly lit cellars amplify the cloak-and-dagger nature of the Unprecedented, a rare-whiskey club that has its HQ somewhere on property. We dont actively promote it, and theres no signage, says Sandrine Versavel, the hotels director of sales and marketing. Still, club members will occasionally invite hotels guests for tastings and events, provided they adhere to a strict no-phones, no-photography policy. Consider it proof that some secrets are better when shared. A version of this story first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headlines "Spirit of Secrecy." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure The 38-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan was getting ready for his 4 a.m. shift as a wheelchair assistant at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when he checked his email. He found a notification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "It is time for you to leave the United States," the first sentence of the notification said. The notification, which had arrived at 10:49 p.m. the night before, said that under the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security, the man's parole allowing him to live in the U.S. was being terminated in seven days and he should leave the country. "If you do not depart the United Stated immediately you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States unless you have otherwise obtained a lawful basis to remain here," the notification warned. In this screenshot, an apparent message from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declares that the person receiving the message has had their humanitarian parole revoked and has seven days to voluntarily leave the U.S. or face "law enforcement actions." Work permits obtained through parole status also would be terminated, the notification said. The man, whose name is Hekmatullah Quvanch, said he was terrified by the notification. "I am worried, scared and confused," Quvanch said through an interpreter. Quvanch is one of scores, and perhaps hundreds, of asylum seekers living in Arizona who received similar notifications from the Department of Homeland Security on April 10 and 11 after being paroled into the U.S. through the CBP One app during the Biden administration, according to immigration lawyers and refugee resettlement groups. Starting in 2023, the Biden administration allowed migrants to request appointments through the CBP One app at legal border crossings as part of an effort to discourage illegal crossings and bring order to the asylum crisis at the southern border. President Donald Trump frequently criticized the app, saying it facilitated the abuse of the asylum system by migrants and smugglers. Roughly 900,000 migrants were paroled into the U.S. through the use of the CBP One app, which Trump ended on his first day in office. The Trump administration has since renamed the app CBP Home and is instructing migrants living in the U.S. to use it to self-deport. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed April 11 that the parole termination notifications had been sent out. "CBP has issued notices terminating parole for individuals who do not have lawful status to remain. This process is not limited to CBP One users and does not currently apply to those paroled under programs like U4U and OAW," the statement said. UFU and OAW are programs created under the Biden administration to allow asylum seekers fleeing the war in Ukraine and Afghans who assisted the U.S. military to enter the U.S. Migrants react to parole termination notifications The Arizona Refugee Center in Mesa was contacted either in person or by phone on April 11 by more than 60 immigrants who had received the parole termination notifications, said Julianna Larsen, the center's founder. The immigrants were from a range of countries, Larsen said, including Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Mexico and Afghanistan. Quvanch came into the center in person, Larsen said. He has applied for asylum and his case is pending in immigration court. The notification only applies to migrants who have not applied for asylum or other deportation protections while under parole status, and therefore Quvanch should not have to leave, she said. She believes the Department of Homeland Security notifications were intended to create confusion and chaos that would scare migrants into self-deporting as part of the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda. "It's fear," Larsen said. Migrants with only parole status who lose their work permits and their jobs would "have no choice but to leave" and return to their countries, where many could face danger, Larsen said. The loss of migrants would also hurt employers who rely on them, as well as the economy, she said. Asylum seekers don't have to leave, attorney says Most immigrants granted parole to enter the U.S. already have applied for asylum, another form of deportation protection, said Delia Salvatierra, a Phoenix immigration lawyer. They don't have to leave while their cases are pending, she said. Still, the parole termination notifications are scaring immigrants who were granted parole to pursue immigration cases in the U.S., Salvatierra said. She received a call April 11 from a man from Mexico who had fled to the U.S. after cartels tried to recruit his son. She said he was afraid he would have to leave the U.S. and return to Mexico after receiving the parole termination notification. But Salvatierra said immigrants who have applied for asylum or other deportation protection while under parole status don't have to leave while their cases are pending. "Just because the current administration wants them to leave doesn't mean that they have to leave if they have a pending court hearing or a pending matter that is being adjudicated by 'U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' or the Department of Justice through the immigration courts," she said. She said those who received work permits through parole status, however, could be left without legal work authorization for months if they hadn't already applied for work permits tied to their asylum cases. Former journalist fled after Taliban takeover Quvanch said he fled Afghanistan after the Taliban retook power in 2021 and quickly imposed an extremist ideology. As a government worker and journalist, Quvanch said he feared for his life and his family's under the Taliban's repressive regime. After traveling to Mexico, Quvanch said he arrived at the port of entry near San Diego in January 2024 with his wife and three young daughters. He was granted parole to enter the U.S. and temporarily live in this country to seek asylum or other form of immigration relief. After receiving a work permit, he got a job as a wheelchair assistant at the airport. He and his wife also have a 4-month-old baby born in the U.S., making her a citizen of this country. He said he can't go back to Afghanistan while the Taliban remains in control. If he does, he said, his life will be in danger, and his four daughters will have no future because under the Taliban, girls are banned from receiving secondary education. Larsen said Quvanch told her he still showed up to his job despite the shock of receiving the parole termination notification. Quvanch told her one of his customers gave him a $100 tip. "It was a bright spot that showed him a lot of people care," Larsen said. Republic reporters Stephanie Murray and Raphael Romero Ruiz contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are migrants in Arizona receiving government notices to 'leave'? A reconstruction of the altar illustrates the painted panels of red, black and yellow, which would have depicted a person wearing a feathered headdress and flanked by shields or regalia. - Heather Hurst Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Archaeologists working in an ancient Mayan city have unearthed a mysterious 1,700-year-old altar whose bright decorations and grim contents may hold the key to unraveling the complex geopolitics of the time. Despite finding the altar in Tikal, a ruined Mayan city situated in modern Guatemala, archaeologists believe it wasnt decorated by Mayas. Instead, they say it was the work of artists trained 630 miles away in Teotihuacan a powerful city close to modern-day Mexico City that exerted a strong influence over the region. The altar still bears traces of the paint that decorated it. - Edwin Roman Ramirez Before this discovery, which was published on Tuesday in the journal Antiquity, archaeologists already knew that the two cultures interacted, though the nature of the relationship was disputed. But the ornately decorated altar, with two bodies buried beneath, confirms that wealthy leaders from Teotihuacan came to Tikal and created replicas of ritual facilities that would have existed in their home city, said co-author Stephen Houston, a professor at Brown University who specializes in Mayan culture. This is a story of empire how important kingdoms reached out to control others, he said. This new find lends strong weight to the view that this was not light contact, or mere trade. It involved belligerent forces building an enclave close to the local royal palace. Houston and his co-authors from the US and Guatemala began excavating the site in 2019, after scans of the area revealed structures under what they previously thought was a natural hill. Only a bit of this palace is visible on the surface. The rest and especially the deeper layers are only accessible through tunnels excavated by archaeologists, Houston told CNN via email. Typically, we find a floor and walls, and follow along them, thus exposing buried buildings. Stephen Houston (left), pictured at the archaeological dig with Edwin Roman Ramirez, who co-authored the study. - Edwin Roman Ramirez As the researchers investigated, they discovered this altar, which still bears the faint outlines of a person wearing a feathered headdress on each panel and traces of bright red, black and yellow paints. Such a design resembles other representations of a deity known as the Storm God, more common in Teotihuacan than Mayan art. Two bodies were buried underneath the altar one probably an adult male and the other a small child aged between 2 and 4 years old, who was buried in a seated position much more commonly seen in Teotihuacan than in Tikal. The bodies of three other infants were discovered around the altar, buried in a similar way to other infant graves in Teotihuacan. The authors didnt specify what caused their deaths. The altar confirms that Teotihuacan rituals were used in the very center of Tikal, involving people who used utterly foreign, Teotihuacan painting styles, to depict foreign gods, Houston told CNN via email. Some of the remains may have belonged to Maya individuals, Houston said, but the tomb finds suggest close contact with, and perhaps an origin in, Teotihuacan. The sacrifices of infants fit with Mexican practices. These cultural practices point toward the increasing Teotihuacan influence in Tikal, the researchers said in their paper. And the fact that these buildings were subsequently buried and never built on again probably speaks to the complicated feelings (the Maya) had about Teotihuacan, said co-author Andrew Scherer, a professor of anthropology and archaeology at Brown. The Maya regularly buried buildings and rebuilt on top of them, he said in a statement. But here, they buried the altar and surrounding buildings and just left them, even though this would have been prime real estate centuries later. They treated it almost like a memorial or a radioactive zone. This latest discovery uncovers another layer of the complicated relationship between the two cultures that recent research has revealed. In the 1960s, researchers found a stone bearing an inscription that described a conflict between the Maya and Teotihuacan, and learnt that around AD 378, Teotihuacan was essentially decapitating a kingdom, Houston said. They removed the king and replaced him with a quisling, a puppet king who proved a useful local instrument to Teotihuacan. This altar was probably built at a similar time to the coup, Scherer said, which eventually propelled the Mayan kingdom to its most powerful point, before it declined around 900 AD. The findings of this excavation show a tale as old as time, Houston added, referring to empires sparring and competing for cultural influence. Everyone knows what happened to the Aztec civilization after the Spanish arrived These powers of central Mexico reached into the Maya world because they saw it as a place of extraordinary wealth, of special feathers from tropical birds, jade and chocolate, he said. As far as Teotihuacan was concerned, it was the land of milk and honey. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com City leaders say National Guard members will perform duties like handing out water to homeless people, directing traffic and securing crime scenes. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Will Stephens slouched back in his steel folding chair and watched in disgust as individuals he suspected were drug users loitered on different sides of his home in broad daylight. A few of the men may live in a van a block away, he said, but occasionally someone sneaks into his backyard to sleep or change clothes. Every day, I have to deal with it, said Stephens, 67, a retired chef whose block along Central Avenue has deteriorated over the last few years due to drug abuse, crime and prostitution. I ignore them. Thats the best way to deal with it. Its not worth getting caught up in stupidness. Stephens said he welcomes the news that dozens of National Guard members will be deployed to Albuquerque next month to help police crack down on juvenile crime and stem the flow of fentanyl, opioids and other illegal drugs. The transit-oriented route runs east-west through downtown, passing shops, restaurants, historic neighborhoods and the University of New Mexico. However, a 2-mile stretch between San Mateo and Wyoming boulevards is marked by large homeless populations and visible drug abuse. During a three-week operation on East Central in January and February, police made 116 felony arrests and 38 misdemeanor arrests and cleared 106 felony warrants, authorities said. I ignore them. Thats the best way to deal with it. Its not worth getting caught up in stupidness, said Will Stephens. Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration last week authorizing the National Guard to assist the effort. Guard members will not be questioning or arresting suspects but will instead take on more mundane duties, such as securing crime scenes and accident sites, freeing up the 890-officer police force to focus on fighting crime, city leaders said. Although overall crime has decreased in the Sun Belt city of more than half a million people, the move is intended as a proactive measure to keep the numbers down, they said. Albuquerque recorded 96 homicides in 2025, compared to 99 in 2023 and 121 in 2022, according to the police department. Were finally seeing a sustained positive shift in most crime trends for the first time in decades, and now is the time to build on that momentum, Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement last week. Betty Holland, an employee at Central Trailer Supply on Central Avenue, said two people were arrested outside the store last week and another person was killed in the parking lot six weeks ago. The troops will help, Holland said. Resident Bill Steward, 50, called the plan a good thing. They dont have enough cops around Albuquerque, and theyre investigating crime scenes for 12 hours at a time, Steward said. Another resident, Patrick Denetdale, 38, said he looked forward to seeing the troops on the streets. Half the time people call the police and they dont show up, he said. But Jay Ballantyne, 41, who lives on Central Avenue, said all the talk about crime in the city is overblown. I feel safe, he said. Jay Ballantyne said he feels safe in Albuquerque. The police department also aims to reduce juvenile crime, such as armed teens stealing cars or breaking into homes, before these disturbances escalate into homicides, said spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos Jr. Ten teenagers were arrested on suspicion of homicide last year, compared to 14 the previous year and nine in 2022, police records show. New Mexico had the sixth-highest drug overdose rate in the country, with an estimated 1,029 overdose deaths in 2021, an increase of 68% from 2019, according to a 2023 report from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee. Residents gather near Central Avenue in Albuquerque last week. Lujan Grisham could not be reached for comment, but she reiterated in a statement last week that the point of the program is to allow police officers to focus on what they do best keeping our communities safe. The unarmed Guard members will wear polo shirts instead of fatigues and camouflage, Keller said at a news conference last week. They will have limited interaction with community members and will not be driving military vehicles, officials said. Nevertheless, some people believe even plainclothes troops could pose a safety risk to the community, said Daniel Williams, policy advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico. Increased policing always raises concerns for us about increased excessive force or increased civil right violations or racial profiling, Williams said. Were going to be be watching closely to see if those concerns come to fruition. Law enforcement officers maintained a heavy presence along Central Avenue last week as large police vehicles patrolled the corridor. Bernalillo County sheriffs deputies stopped and questioned three people they said were jaywalking Thursday afternoon, asked for identification and briefly handcuffed one of them. Bernalillo County Sheriffs Deputy Joe Barreto questions three people accused of jaywalking as part of a crackdown on crime citywide Deputy Joe Barreto said he was trying to keep them from being struck by vehicles because they were walking in the middle of the street. Nourdine Sideye, manager of Adam Food Market on Central Avenue, said the plan does not make sense to him after he learned troops will mainly be performing tasks like passing out bottled water to homeless people and directing traffic. If something happens, you still have to call the police, he said. Photo by Dom Fou on Unsplash (The Center Square) American universities have long been captured by systems of thought that are anti-family, anti-religious, anti-capitalist and even anti-truth, according to Trump-appointed education department official Jonathan Pidluzny. But Pidluzny and others say theres a pathway to reversing that trend. At a panel discussion hosted by conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, four Christian college presidents weighed in on how they think universities can reclaim the culture of American higher education. Wyoming Catholic College President Kyle Washut said that widespread resets have happened before, referring to the late 1800s and early 1900s as a time of a radical remaking of American higher education. Gilded Age magnates, among others, founded many new colleges that have gained a reputation as some of the best in the country, like Stanford and Vanderbilt universities. Generous benefactors came in and started a new wave of institutions. The University of Chicago emerges out of this. A number of these schools come out as a response to saying the old model didnt work; were gonna build new colleges, Washut said. These schools marked a departure from their predecessors in that they were private, secular, research-focused universities aiming to prepare students for a career in an industrialized economy. As a result of the building of the new colleges, it actually transformed the existing legacy institutions, Washut said. So at least in part, it seems to me, the American approach to helping reform higher education begins with creating compelling small institutions to put pressure on the other ones." While Washut may not agree with the utterly pragmatic view of education that drove much of the change at the time, he thinks history proves that the culture of American higher education can be reclaimed. Wyoming Catholic College was founded only 20 years ago. The four-year university sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet in a rural mountain town of less than 8,000 people with only 179 students and a unique curriculum and culture. It embraces the liberal arts, as all four colleges do that were a part of the panel, but it offers no majors or minors. Just a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, to develop well-rounded students steeped in the Great Books and the outdoors. Freshmen kick off their college experience with a three-week backpacking trip to develop grit and physical strength. All students commit to another seven weeks of outdoor formation and one semester of horsemanship. The college does this in part because it considers Platos Republic one of its foundational texts, according to Washut, and in the work, Plato advocates for soundness of both mind and body. Socrates asks the question, What do we need to do to educate the guardians, the people who are going to preserve and defend the republic, the city, the values of the culture we have? said Washut. The Republic includes among the precursors to rigorous intellectual development distancing oneself from distractions and physical fitness. Thats why students dont have access to the internet in their dorms and why they fast from their cell phones at WCC. [This] allows for the focus on intense reading, intense reflection, intense community formation where theyre doing the kind of education and the liberal arts that we think is necessary for leading, Washut said. In addition to a compelling model of education and student life, schools need a compelling financial model if they want to attract more students and gain broader influence. Grand Canyon University, the largest Christian college in the U.S., hasnt raised tuition for over 15 years, which its president says is largely because the schools leadership has been creative in its delivery of education. What we thought was, if we would understand the needs of students across the life spectrum, and we were very creative in how we would deliver according to who the student was and what was the nature of what they needed to learn, we could build growing student bodies across the age spectrum leveraging a common infrastructure and we could make it affordable, said GCU President Brian Mueller. The school has a traditional campus for younger students, as well as robust online programming. It also has smaller campuses across the country for degrees that cant be delivered entirely online and a trades program. The universitys affordability is a central part of its growth and has attracted a diverse student population, according to Mueller. Despite a lack of affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion programs (though they do have an Equity Office) the student body is 23% hispanic and 15% African American, with over 40% being students of color, according to the most recent statistics from U.S. News & World Report. Its not a government mandate through DEI thatll fix the problem of attracting minority populations or balancing the male-female ratio, Mueller said. Its smart business models that make things affordable, and all of a sudden, you have what the world wants to see an inclusion of everybody. GCU does take government funding, while Virginias Christendom College and WCC do not. At the College of the Ozarks, the fourth school on the panel, students are required to work 15 hours per week during the school year and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks. Combined with several other factors, this enables students to graduate debt-free. We have to figure out a way to scale it and make it affordable, and if that happens, whats going to happen in the next ten years is really going to shock people, Mueller said. On the eve of a too-close-to-call presidential election, Ecuador declared a state of emergency Saturday in seven of its 24 provinces, including the capital Quito, saying it was needed to fight a dramatic rise in drug-linked violence. The measure, set to last 60 days, took effect just before Sunday's election pitting incumbent Daniel Noboa against his leftist opponent Luisa Gonzalez, and after the country began the year with its bloodiest start ever, averaging a killing every hour. The state of emergency applies to the coastal provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena and El Oro, the Amazonian provinces of Orellana and Sucumbios, as well as to Quito and the troubled mining town of Camilo Ponce Enriquez. It also applies to the nation's prisons. Noboa imposed the measure amid an "increase in violence, serious crime, and the intense unlawful activities of organized armed groups," according to a decree he signed. The order suspends the legal protection against unauthorized search and entry of homes and mail, as well as the freedom of assembly, and imposes a nightly curfew in the cities of Guayas, Los Rios, Orellana and Sucumbios, as well as Ponce Enriquez. Noboa, in power since November 2023, has previously decreed states of emergency to combat the rise of drug gangs, who have waged bloody turf fights over control of the illicit trade, spreading terror among ordinary Ecuadorans. Navy soldiers stand in formation before heading out to guard polling stations in preparation for Sunday's presidential runoff election, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Saturday, April 12, 2025. / Credit: Fernando Vergara / AP As he pursued his "iron fist" policies, the country's homicide rate fell from a record 47 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023 to 38 in 2024, yet remained the highest in Latin America last year, according to the group Insight Crime. Noboa last year declared Ecuador to be in an internal armed conflict, allowing him to keep troops in the streets to combat some 20 drug gangs linked to international cartels the president brands as "terrorists." It was not immediately clear how the election-eve emergency measures would affect the voting process Sunday, or voters' decisions. But crime has been a key issue between Noboa, 37, and his 47-year-old rival Gonzalez, as close to 14 million Ecuadorans prepare to decide who will run their nation for the next four years. A Noboa victory would likely spell more "iron fist" policies, which have had mixed success. He wants to see U.S. troops deploy to Ecuador to tackle the cartels wrestling to control the flow of cocaine through Ecuadoran ports to Asia, the United States and Europe. A win by Gonzalez, who hopes to be Ecuador's first female president, would signal a sharp shift to the left and a likely cooling of Ecuador's relations with the United States and its president, Donald Trump. An American intelligence assessment of the Ecuadorian presidential election concluded that a reelection of the incumbent president would better serve U.S. national security interests over the challenger. Ecuador ranks among the 10 largest economies in Latin America and the bilateral trade between Ecuador and the United States surged to $15.2 billion in 2023. Ecuador avoided Mr. Trump's imposed tariffs rolled out by the White House last week. Saturday Sessions: Dawes performs "Still Strangers Sometimes" Saturday Sessions: Dawes performs "Time Spent in Los Angeles" Saturday Sessions: Dawes performs "Front Row Seat" A firefighter sprays a truck with disinfectant to try to prevent the spread of a the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease from Slovakia at the border in Lanzhot, Czech Republic, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Central Europe is grappling with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle, prompting border closures and the culling of thousands of animals. The highly contagious virus was first detected in early March on a Hungarian cattle farm. Within two weeks, it spread to three farms in neighbouring Slovakia. Since the initial discovery, three more Hungarian farms and an additional three Slovakian farms have reported cases, marking the first outbreak in both countries in over 50 years. Authorities are working to contain the spread of the disease. "Everything is completely upside down in the area as farmers fear for their own herds and transportation is disrupted by border closures, said Sandor Szoboszlai, a local entrepreneur and hunter in the Hungarian town of Level where nearly 3,000 cattle had to be culled after the disease was discovered on a farm. We didnt even think such a thing could happen. Who could count on that? Nobody, he said. There are big farms in the area, but I dont think it was the fault of the animal owners, thats for sure. The wind blew it here. Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cloven-hooved animals like cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and deer, and results in fevers and blisters in the mouth and hooves. The virus spreads through contact between animals, or on surfaces like clothing, skin and vehicles, or on the wind. It poses little danger to humans. A truck drives through a shower of disinfectant in affords to prevent the spread of a the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease from Slovakia at the border in Lanzhot, Czech Republic, Friday, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) On Friday, authorities in Hungary continued to conduct operations aimed at stopping the spread of the disease and disinfecting affected farms and vehicles in the area. Mats doused in a powerful disinfectant were placed at the entrances and exits of towns and villages across the region to eliminate virus molecules that may cling to tires though many of those mats quickly went dry and were swept partially off the road by passing vehicles. This week, the Slovakian government, citing insufficient containment measures by Hungary, closed 16 of their common borders and one with Austria, all of them lesser-trafficked crossings so authorities can focus on conducting border checks at the major ones. Last week, Austria where there have been no reported cases closed 23 of its border crossings with Hungary and Slovakia. Authorities in the Czech Republic, relatively distant from the Hungarian and Slovakian farms where the disease has been detected, have introduced disinfection measures at all the five border crossings used by freight trucks entering the country. Jiri Cerny, associate professor at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, said the most significant risk of transmission is through contaminated human objects such as tires and cars, on the soles of shoes, and through contaminated food. The Czech Agriculture Minister, Marek Vyborny, has said the restrictions could be lifted 30 days after the last farm animal infected with foot-and-mouth disease has been culled in Slovakia. No new infections have been discovered in Hungary this week, and the cleanup of the last infected farms will likely be completed on Saturday, Istvan Nagy, Hungary's agricultural minister said on Friday. Earlier this week, a Hungarian official said in a news conference that the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak may have been caused by an artificially produced virus." Without citing specific evidence to back his claims, Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said it couldn't be ruled out that the disease had been released in Hungary as a biological attack, adding that the suspicion was based on verbal statements from a laboratory in a foreign country that had begun initial analysis of viral samples. Hungary's government has promised to institute a loan payment moratorium for affected farmers, and to help compensate them for the loss of their animals and assist in developing measures on farms to prevent future outbreaks. Szoboszlai, the hunter in Level, choked up when speaking about the local farmer who had to cull his entire herd when the virus appeared, saying the situation was terrible. I feel so sorry for him, because this is his life's work, he said. It will be very difficult to start over." Amy Elting | Unsplash (The Center Square) New Hampshire is fighting to reverse a federal court ruling striking down a 2021 law barring schools from teaching "divisive" concepts about race and gender. The New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office has asked the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston to overturn a lower court ruling invalidating a 2021 state law that prohibits teaching about systemic racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in public schools and state-funded programs. Lawyers for the attorney general's office argued at a Tuesday hearing that the law should be allowed to take effect. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the National Education Association of New Hampshire and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, argue that the policy is "discriminatory" and "confusing and ambiguous" and claim it would result in censorship in school classrooms. They have urged the three-judge appeals panel to uphold the lower court ruling striking the law down. Last May, a federal judge issued an order striking down the law, siding with teachers' unions and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire's arguments that it is unconstitutionally vague. In his decision, U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro wrote that the law violated teachers 14th Amendment rights because it was too vague for them to follow. However, Attorney General John Formella's office argued in its appeal that the law is not too vague and provides clear guidelines for teachers to follow. The attorney generals office claims the plaintiffs didn't have cause to file the lawsuit because the law hasn't been enforced against any teachers. Nobodys due process rights have been violated," Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary A. Triick told the court during Tuesday's hearing. "And so its reasonable to say when were talking about a federal court invalidating a state statute that has never been enforced, that has never been interpreted by the state court, that you need to meet a high standard." Supporters of the so-called "Right to Freedom from Discrimination and Public Workplaces and Education" law argue that it will strengthen the state's anti-discrimination laws and improve race relations. The law allows disciplinary action to be taken against educators who violate the policy and encourages parents to file complaints. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed the controversial law in 2021 as part of the two-year state budget and defended the new requirements. Sununu's decision not to veto the provision prompted at least 10 members of the Governors Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion to resign in protest. Teachers unions say the new law has also increased the possibility of violence against teachers. They have pointed to the group, Moms for Liberty, which offered a $500 "bounty" for parents who file complaints against teachers who violate the new law. The state has set up a website for parents to file complaints before the law was struck down last year. The policy mirrors an executive order issued in 2020 by then-Republican President Donald Trump in response to GOP-stoked concerns about the teaching of Critical Race Theory. That order was rescinded by President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Even as the appeal process plays out in court, Republican lawmakers are seeking to amend the law to give it more enforcement teeth. House Bill 50, which was approved by the GOP-controlled state House of Representatives last month, would allow teachers to be sanctioned by the State Board of Education after "intentional or knowing violation" of the law. A truck drives through a shower of disinfectant in affords to prevent the spread of a the highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease from Slovakia at the border in Lanzhot, Czech Republic, Friday, April 11, 2025 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Central Europe is facing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak among cattle, leading to border closures and the culling of thousands of animals. The first case was detected in Hungary in early March 2025, and the virus quickly spread to Slovakia, marking the first outbreak in both countries in over 50 years. The highly contagious virus poses little threat to humans but severely impacts cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads through animal contact, contaminated surfaces, and even wind. Authorities are implementing strict containment measures, including border closures, disinfection of farms and vehicles, and movement restrictions. By Yurii Kovalenko CHORNOBYL, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine is seeking solutions to repair the damage caused by a Russian drone attack to the confinement vessel at the stricken Chornobyl nuclear power plant, a government minister said on Saturday. Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Svitlana Hrynchuk was speaking outside the decommissioned station during the inauguration of a 0.8-megawatt solar power facility ahead of two conferences due to discuss Chornobyl and other issues related to nuclear power operations. She said Ukraine was working together with experts to determine the best way to restore the proper functioning of the containment vessel, or arch, after the February 14 drone strike. "Unfortunately, after the attack, the arch partially lost its functionality. And now, I think, already in May, we will have the results of the analysis that we are currently conducting ...," Hrynchuk said. Taking part in the analysis, she said, was the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, scientific institutions and companies involved in installing the arc in 2019 to cover the leaking "sarcophagus" underneath, hurriedly put in place in the weeks following the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. "In a few weeks we will have the first results of this analysis," she said. "We are actively working on this ... We, of course, need to restore the "arch" so that there are no leaks under any circumstances, because ensuring nuclear and radiation safety is the main task." Officials at the plant said the drone attack punched a large hole in the new containment structure's outer cover and exploded inside. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at the time called the incident at Chornobyl "a provocation". The containment vessel was intended to cover the vast, and deteriorating, steel and concrete structure erected after the plant's fourth reactor exploded, sending radioactivity over much of Europe in the world's biggest nuclear accident. The plant lies within the 30-km (18-mile) exclusion zone set up after the accident, with abandoned high-rise apartment buildings and an amusement park still standing nearby. Hrynchuk said the solar power facility was important to maintain the power supply to the disused station and was also a start to plans to promote renewable energy in the area. "We have been saying for many years that the exclusion zone needs to be transformed into a zone of renewal," she said. "And this territory, like no other in Ukraine, is suitable for developing renewable energy projects." (Reporting by Yurii Kovalenko, writing by Felix Hoske and Ron Popeski, editing by Sandra Maler) It was a sight that left Mike Jones sick to his stomach. There, live on his phone, was his son lying in the grass as a woman clutching a long pellet gun screamed, accusing the 15-year-old athlete and his 13-year-old friend of trespassing in back yards of a residential area in Melbourne, Florida. The woman holding the gun, Donna Marie Elkins, 59, was later arrested on two counts of aggravated assault without intent to kill and two counts of false imprisonment. Brevard County sheriff's deputies say she held the teens, who were fishing in a pond near her property, against their will with the weapon. I actually could hear it all via FaceTime I was trying to talk my son through it," said Jones, a Melbourne resident. "I told him just do what she was telling you. The scariest thing is knowing that your son is in immediate harm and youre watching it. There was a moment when she said that she would blow their brains out.' It was just hard to watch. Sheriff's deputies were called before 8 p.m. on March 28 to Elkins' residence to investigate a disturbance, records show. Deputies said the property in question did not belong to Elkins. Cellphone video captures Donna Elkins talking to two teens, including one seen lying on the ground. Elkins, released from the Brevard County Jail Complex on a $25,000 bond, told FLORIDA TODAY, part of the USA TODAY Network, that she was frightened and that other instances of people walking on her property have been reported before. In this case, she had called 911 dispatchers to report finding the two boys fishing on her property, and told dispatchers that she had petrified them," arrest reports show. "One of these kids had walked up to my screened-in enclosure. It looked like he was carrying something black, but it turned out to be a cast (on his arm)," Elkins said. Deputies: Teens said they were afraid for lives Video captured live by Jones' son as the incident unfolded shows the boys were lying on the ground, as Elkins shouted. Elkins told police that she scared the boys by holding them at bay with the pellet gun, purchased at a tractor store. The teens, ordered to not move, told arriving deputies that they were afraid for their lives, court records show. Her husband, who says his wife is disabled, can be seen on the video walking up and taking the pellet gun away from her. Deputies determined that the pond in which the boys were fishing is actually about 30 feet away from the womans property line. Elkins, however, said that anyone walking to the fishing area would have to pass through several yards. Elkins was handcuffed and booked into the Brevard County jail. "I've been judged so badly, lied on. People are just ripping me apart. I feel horrible but I was freaked out. We've had homeless people back here. And we do have a sign out that says no fishing," Elkins said. "I'm extremely sorry but I wouldn't be walking in anybody's back yard in today's world." Jones, however, said he hoped justice would be served. The incident shook the boys and raised questions about property rights and the appropriate response for residents concerned about the potential for trespassing. I mean, I'm not trying not to be angry, I'm trying to shift my feelings more to finding a resolution. My son is an athlete but the way he's handled everything is the way I hope all of us can handle this," Jones said. "He's a sweet kid. He was blessed enough to walk away unharmed but what happens when the next kid doesn't have the same manners that he did? I just want to make sure this doesn't happen to another kid." J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at jgallop@floridatoday.com or on X @JDGallop. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Video shows woman charged with assault holding teens at gunpoint Subway surveillance image shows a suspect wanted for fatally lighting a woman on fire on the subway in Coney Island on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024; NYPD Transit Officers blocked access to the Queens-bound E and M platform at 53rd Street and Madison Avenue on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, after an unidentified person was struck and killed by a train; photo of blood all over the subway car in which Frank James opened fire on April 12, 2022 New York states public transit is the most dangerous in the US, a new analysis found. Between 2021 and 2023, mass transit in the Empire State saw 23 deaths, 1,641 violent incidents and 1,759 injuries for a hair-raising average of 17.5 perilous incidents per 100,000 riders, personal injury attorneys John Foy & Associates found in its analysis of US Department of Transportation data. Illinois was No. 2 on the list of most dangerous public transit systems, with 13.3 incidents per 100,000 riders, followed by Minnesota (11), Massachusetts (8.1) and Pennsylvania (4.9). With a hair-raising average of 17.5 perilous incidents per 100,000 riders, the level of danger in New Yorks public transit system easily outpaced those in other states. Donna Grace/NY Post Design California which was the only state to record more mass-transit deaths than New York, with 31 saw 4.4 perilous incidents per 100,000 riders. The least dangerous transit states were Arizona and Washington each, with 2.6 dangerous incidents per capita. In New York City home to the MTA, the largest public transportation agency in North America subways alone saw a daily ridership of 3.2 million from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant, recalled the frightful period in the Big Apples underground. Over that three-, four-year period between 2020 and 2024, we had just as many murders as we had done in the previous 20 years in the New York City subway system, recalled Giacalone, an adjunct professor at Penn State University-Lehigh Valley. In 2022, the city subway system saw 10 murders the highest number in 25 years. There had never been more than five murders underground in a single year between 1997 and 2020, according to NYPD data. During the morning rush on April 12, 2022, madman Frank James, 62, lit a smoke bomb and opened fire in a packed subway car in Brooklyn, shooting 10 people and injuring a total of 29. On April 12, 2022, 10 straphangers were shot and a total of 29 were injured when Frank James opened fire in a packed subway car in Brooklyn. DOJ James was sentenced to life in prison for the planned-out, race-fueled attack. AP James was sentenced to life in prison for the planned, race-fueled attack aboard the N train in Sunset Park which petrified the city just as pandemic restrictions had eased. More recently, an illegal migrant allegedly torched a woman to death on a Brooklyn subway. Guatemalan native Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, is accused of setting on fire a sleeping Debrina Kawam, 57, then watching her burn, during the terrifying Dec. 22, 2024 attack on an F train. So far this year, the citys transit system has seen 50% more rapes with three, compared to two at this point last year and a 7% spike in misdemeanor assaults (409 vs. 382). Overall, crime is down 18% the second-lowest level of subway crime in 27 years, according to the NYPDs latest transit crime report and a department statement last week. Guatemalan native Sebastian Zapeta-Calil is accused of torching Debrina Kawam to death on a Brooklyn subway in December. Within a three-day period last month, three men reportedly died from getting struck by trains in Manhattans underground. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post For the first time in seven years, there were no murders in the transit system during the first quarter of 2025, the statement said, citing a surge in NYPD patrol of subway platforms and trains to combat crime and violence. Within a three-day period last month, three men one of whom was believed to be homeless died after being struck by trains in Manhattan. The city subway system has definitely taken a hit over the past several years, and a lot of that is to lay at the feet of [former mayor] Bill de Blasio and [former city council speaker] Melissa Mark-Viverito and a couple other city council members, who basically decriminalized a bunch of things and removed police from doing their jobs ultimately turning [the transit system] into a big homeless shelter, Giacalone told The Post. The New York City helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River had a mechanical issue months before it broke apart midair and killed all six onboard, including a family of tourists visiting from Spain, according to records. The ill-fated Bell206L-4 LongRanger IV aircraft, owned and operated by New York Helicopter, experienced a mechanical issue with its transmission assembly last September, according to Federal Aviation Administration data. Records show the doomed chopper was built in 2004 and had already logged 12,728 hours of flight time when it was forced into repair. A Bell 206 helicopter, tail N216MH, operated by New York Helicopter tour company sits on a helipad. Facebook/New York Helicopter An investigation is underway to determine what caused the aircraft to drop out of the sky and plunge into the river. The probe will comb through the pilots experience, the still-incomplete wreckage, and the Big Apple company that runs the sightseeing tours. Investigators will also review the maintenance work that was done on the doomed aircraft, including the completion of two recent safety airworthiness directives the FAA issued on Bell 206L model helicopters. The federal agency issued the first directive in December 2022 and called for the inspection and possible replacement of the models main rotor blades due to delamination an issue with the internal layers of the blade separating due to material fatigue, damage or other defects. The problem, if not fixed, could potentially cause the rotor blade to fail. A second directive, issued in May 2023, required the testing and possible replacement of tail rotor shafts on eight models, including the one involved in Thursdays deadly wreck, according to the FAA, which issued the alert after a chopper lost a tail-rotor drive due to a joint failure. Agustin Escobar and Merce Camprubi Montal pose for a picture with their three children in Times Square, New York City. Joan Camprubi Montal Helicopter Pilot Sean Johnson in his military uniform while riding a boat in a picture shared in April 2021. Facebook / Sean Johnson The rotors on the doomed aircraft are still missing, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said Friday. NYPD divers are still on the hunt for several mangled pieces of the craft. Chilling footage captured the aircraft crumbling midair before it plunged into the river, with at least one rotor still spinning as other parts of the helicopter splashed down in various directions. The helicopter took off from Manhattans Downtown Skyport at roughly 1:50 p.m., with Siemens executive Agustin Escober, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children Augustin, 10, Mercedes, 8, and Victor, 4 in tow. The family, who hailed from Barcelona, Spain, were flown by Sean Johnson, 36, a Navy veteran who recently moved to the Big Apple for his still-young aviation career. The helicopter crashed about 25 minutes into its air tour, Homendy said. But this isnt the first time the tour company has seen one of its aircraft in the same murky waters. A Bell 206 chopper carrying four Swedish tourists crashed landed in the Hudson when the aircraft lost power in June 2013 with the pilot and four family members miraculously surviving. New York Helicopter CEO Michael Roth told the Wall Street Journal at the time that the chopper underwent daily routine inspections but had no clue why the aircraft malfunctioned mid-flight. The fuselage of the New York City tour helicopter falls upside down into the Hudson River on April 10, 2025. Bruce Wall The bottom of the crashed helicopter sticks out of the water of the Hudson River as first responders work the area around the crash site. X/dinoshanr Now, 12 years later, Roth again has no clue what happened. Im absolutely devastated, Roth told The Post after the deadly crash. The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades werent on the helicopter. And I havent seen anything like that in my 30 years being in business, in the helicopter business, he continued. New York Helicopter CEO Michael Roth speaks at a previous press conference in 2007 arguing against banning helicopters in Manhattan. William Farrington A crane lifts the wreckage of the helicopter out of the water in Jersey City, New Jersey on April 10, 2025. AP The only thing I could guess I got no clue is that it either had a bird strike or the main rotor blades failed. I have no clue. I dont know. This is horrific. But you gotta remember something, these are machines and they break. The helicopter was issued an airworthiness certificate in 2016 that was valid through 2029, records show. With Post wires Four-millimeter slices of brain are preserved and embedded in a gel called agarose at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Researchers arrange slices of brain in sequences from front to back, so they can identify markers of Alzheimers or other neurodegenerative diseases. SEATTLE Andrea Gilbert thought she knew what would happen to her brain. The 79-year-old retired attorney, who has Alzheimers disease and receives care at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, agreed to donate it for research in 2023. She hoped to help scientists unlock the keys to a disease that had left her writing notes to remind herself if shed already brushed her teeth. The fate of that program is now in limbo because the Trump administration has upended the system that funds biomedical research. Its going to go one way or another. Im not taking it with me, Gilbert said from a hospital bed as she received an infusion of a drug designed to prevent the disease from worsening. I hope it gets used well. But, you know, you cant guarantee anything. Thousands of grants, including many at public universities and on topics as politically benign as Alzheimers, have been caught in what critics say is an unprecedented slowdown of the American research system that is threatening to upend universities and halt progress toward medical innovations, treatments and cures. Even the temporary slowdown threatens to hamper or scuttle programs that have been decades in the making and some of which are also actively treating patients. Andrea Gilbert prepares to receive an infusion of lecanemab that is being prepared by registered nurse Jeff Chun. Its just something you have to face, Gilbert said of her Alzheimers diagnosis. Life goes on and its pretty good. The National Institutes of Health has been the primary funder of the University of Washingtons Alzheimers Disease Research Center (ADRC) since 1985. The program supports a brain bank that accepts more than 200 donations yearly and is preserving more than 4,000 brains. The centers grant funding, which is waiting for renewal, expires at the end of April. But grant decisions across the nation have slowed to a crawl, according to court filings. The program has focused on unraveling the basic biology of the disease and factors that counter it. It discovered or helped identify three genes in which mutations cause Alzheimers. The situation has left Gilberts neurologist, Dr. Thomas Grabowski, confused and scrambling. What will happen to patient care and the brains banked for research at Harborview? Weve gone through a bunch of contingency planning, said Grabowski, who is also the director of the ADRC. When it starts to look like multiple, multiple, multiple months, then theres not a good answer to your question. Dr. Dirk Keene, a professor and the director of neuropathology at UW Medicine who leads the brain bank, said if federal funding dries up, hell go to almost any end to honor the gift of peoples donation. Ill beg, Ill borrow. I dont think Ill steal, but Ill do whatever I can to find money, Keene said. Legal battle Universities are reeling. The Trump administration has executed a flurry of research grant terminations at large, private institutions like Johns Hopkins and Princeton University. In a recent court case against NIH, the American Civil Liberties Union argued that the administration targeted cuts to grants about topics it disfavors like diversity, LGBTQ issues and gender identity. Among public universities, the University of Washington is one of the hardest hit, and researchers and students have said the fallout from the cuts has upended their careers and forced some to consider leaving the U.S. Were going to have a big brain drain in the U.S. of these really talented folks, said Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert, the vice dean of research and graduate education at UW Medicine. Its not just a switch that you flip, right? If people move out into another direction with their careers, they often dont come back. In a statement to NBC News, NIH said it was dedicated to restoring gold-standard, evidence-based science. Emily Ragaglia, a director of neuropathology operations, lifts a portion of a recent brain donation from a woman in her 80s at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. NIH is taking action to terminate research funding that is not aligned with NIH and HHS priorities, the federal agency said. As we begin to Make America Healthy Again, its important to prioritize research that directly affects the health of Americans. We will leave no stone unturned in identifying the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic as part of our mission to Make America Healthy Again. A legal battle is ongoing over the cuts and funding pauses, but any permanent resolution is likely months away. The state of Washington is one of 16 that filed a lawsuit against NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alleging that the Trump administration has terminated hundreds of grants through shoddy justifications and delayed decisions on billions of dollars in research funding. The attorneys general have asked for a preliminary injunction to quickly restore the flow of funding. A judge is slated to hear arguments in early May. Thousands of grants, millions of dollars The University of Washington is one of the top public universities for biomedical research and a place where basic science discoveries are translated into clinical trials and hospital care. In a court filing, the university said it receives more federal research dollars than any other public university. Many of those dollars go toward UW Medicine, the universitys hospital system and its clinical research hub. The university said it had received about 1,220 grants from NIH and about $648 million in funding last fiscal year. But this year, the grant approval process came to a sudden halt. As of April 1, the university said more than 600 grant proposals were waiting for review or stuck at some juncture in that process. Another 12 grants or subgrants have been canceled outright, including one for studying the prevention of chlamydia infections and another about the recovery of sexual assault victims, court documents say. Stained slices of brain, which are 5 microns thick, are displayed on slides. The pink stain shows gray matter. The blue stain is white matter. The grant slowdown has forced the university to implement furloughs, plan for layoffs and reduce graduate admissions by 25%-50% for next year, according to the filing. The university has implemented a hiring freeze, and researchers across campus are feeling the effects. David Baker, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, won the Nobel Prize in 2024 for his research on protein design. But Baker, who is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, said about 15 of his graduate students and postdoctoral researchers within his group are now seeking positions outside the U.S. Theres so many amazing people who want to come in, and we cant take them, Baker said. The Nobel Prize was just a little blip. But things have gotten quite bleak. Dr. Rachel Bender Ignacio, an infectious disease researcher and physician at UW Medicine and a partner institute called the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, cut her own salary down to 60%, choosing to distribute the rest among junior scientists and other staffers within her 15-person clinical research group. Right now, due to the funding cuts, we are unable to enroll any more participants into federally funded studies, or start new studies, or do really any new work, said Bender Ignacio, who said she was concerned for patients enrolled in HIV clinical trials. We often are conducting research with people who are in clinical care and theyre receiving state-of-the-art treatments as part of research. The pipeline For Alzheimers disease, research breakthroughs are increasingly being evaluated in clinics, which means disruptions to funding could have an effect on patient care. Gilbert, who is chatty and eager to laugh, was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in late 2023, soon after lecanemab, a new therapy designed to slow the diseases progress, became available. In December 2023, Gilbert was one of the first patients at Harborview Medical Center to receive a dose of lecanemab, the first disease-modifying drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use against Alzheimers in people with mild cognitive impairment. Gilbert visits the hospital, part of the UW Medicine system, twice a month for an infusion of the drug, which is designed to clear amyloid protein, one driver of Alzheimers disease, from her brain. They said, This is not going to reverse the effects of Alzheimers, but hopefully it will slow it down, said Chris Gilbert, her son. All things considered, shes doing pretty well. She still lives home alone, independently. Andrea Gilbert sits with her son, Chris Gilbert, as she receives a bimonthly infusion to prevent her Alzheimers disease from worsening. Andrea said she feels fortunate to have access to quality care at Harborview Medical Center. It seems to me that thats what we ought to be aiming for at a national level, she said, describing funding cuts as tragic. On a sunny April morning in Seattle, Andrea completed her 36th infusion, greeting nurses and fellow patients as if they were old friends. Andrea and Chris Gilbert said they believed the drug, and her excellent care at Harborview, had prevented her symptoms from worsening. They noted that since her diagnosis, Andrea had increased her score by one point on a 30-question cognitive assessment used to evaluate Alzheimers patients. Grabowski, the neurologist, said other, newer Alzheimers drugs are in the pipeline, in part because of NIHs commitment to addressing the disease. They were all at some point funded by NIH in the development stages, preclinical work, Grabowski said. So, if you took away NIH funding altogether, you would find this whole pipeline to therapy kind of drying up. But over the past few months, Grabowski said hes grown increasingly worried about his centers funding. Grabowski said the center had applied for a grant renewal of $15 million in direct costs over the next five years, but he was uncertain if, or when, the funding might be approved. He said the center receives roughly 85% of its funding from the federal government. Its not uncommon for NIH to renew a grant after it expires, but Grabowski said unprecedented uncertainty at NIH has left him largely in the dark about his centers future. Jeff Chun, a nurse at Harborview Medical Center, monitors Andrea Gilberts vital signs. Gilbert said shes bonded with fellow patients and health workers at Harborview Medical Center. Everyone is very convivial, and you get snacks, Gilbert said. When the Trump administration took office, it temporarily paused communications from health agencies, including scientific advisory council meetings in which grants are reviewed. Grabowski said hed received little communication from NIH about his 940-page application until late March, when staffers asked for a revised grant application to address DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion. He worries about the fate of the center and its long-term studies, including one that is following 450 people, including Gilbert, until death. Ideally, each participant will receive a yearly evaluation of their health and memory loss until their autopsy and brain donation. On shaky ground As researchers search for new treatments, the brain bank at Harborview Medical Center is an invaluable resource. Last year, it shared about 11,000 tissue samples with researchers. Its a busy operation. Teams are on call around the clock to retrieve brains within 24 hours after a donors death. Each year, between 200 and 240 people donate their brains for research at Harborview. Once collected, a brain is dissected and a portion is frozen in a freezer thats minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The remainder is sliced into thin samples and analyzed with a microscope for abnormalities. We have brains that were donated 40 years ago that we still use very frequently, Keene said. In addition to the concern about the ADRC, Keene said another federal NIH grant that supports research to find the brain cells most vulnerable to disease expired at the end March. That grant, which totals nearly $7 million in direct costs for several projects, also helps to fund the brain bank. If all of our funding collapses, the most important thing is being able to still honor the commitment that weve made to these people, Keene said. Thats our priority, is to get these brains in the lab and preserved, and they can sit for 10 years if thats when the funding comes back. Andrea Gilbert said she felt like she was in a precarious position with funding uncertainties at her Alzheimers center. But she was thankful for strong family support. Im lucky to have family like I do, Gilbert said. Chris Gilbert said he didnt understand how research into Alzheimers could be on such shaky ground. Drugs like Leqembi give people promise and hope, and its the same thing with the brain tissue study, Gilbert said, referring to a brand name of lecanemab. All those things contribute to finding cures and ways to prevent this and treat it. The fact that theyre cutting these things or putting them in limbo is really upsetting, and you know, I feel like theyre doing surgery with a chainsaw at the federal level. The University of Washington hosts one of 35 Alzheimers research centers funded by the the National Institute on Aging. The centers operate as part of a cohesive network and share data. Grabowski said 14 centers are seeking grant renewals this year. Many of us are in the same boat as the University of Washington, said Dr. Helena Chui, the principal investigator at the Alzheimers Disease Research Center at the University of Southern California. Its a very strong network, and it would be easy to wreck, but it took years to build. A small plane crashed in upstate New York, killing all six people on board, officials said, coming just days after a helicopter plummeted into the Hudson River. The Mitsubishi MU-2B was headed to Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York, when it crashed into an open field near Copake, a small town located about 20 miles southeast of the airport, around 12:15 p.m. local time on April 12, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The aircraft went down on Two Town Road near Copake and did not damage any structures, Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore said at a news conference. There were no survivors of the crash, with all six being removed from the scene, National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman confirmed at a news conference on April 13. Inman said some of the victim's family members said the passengers included those traveling to the Columbia airport to visit relatives for a holiday celebration. The New York Times and The Associated Press, citing a family statement, reported that the six victims included doctors, two of their children, and their childrens partners. The group was on a trip for a birthday celebration and the Passover holiday, according to the news organizations. Among the victims were Karenna Groff; her father, Dr. Michael Groff; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini; her brother, Jared Groff; Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared Groffs partner; and Karenna Groffs boyfriend, James Santoro, the Times and AP reported. Probable cause under investigation Video obtained by officials showed that the aircraft was intact before crashing at a "high rate of descent into the ground," Inman said. The probable cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office also has launched its own investigation. "Our mission is to understand not just what happened, but why it happened, and to provide recommendations for it not to happen again," Inman said. Inman urged anyone with footage of the crash to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. More: With 6 dead in New York, a look at notable fatal helicopter crashes in recent US history "We are actively investigating a fatal plane crash on Two Town Road in the town of Copake, New York," Salvatore said. "We do not know what happened at this time." Salvatore estimated that the investigation would take a "couple of days," noting that "accessibility was difficult" because the plane was in the middle of a muddy field. NTSB will hold a press conference at 6 p.m. ET April 13 to provide additional details about investigation. 6 killed after plane crashes into Hudson River A Spanish family of five, including two adults and three children, and a pilot were killed when their helicopter crashed upside down into the Hudson River while on an aerial sightseeing tour of New York City. The single-engine Bell 206 helicopter operated by sightseeing company New York Helicopter crashed shortly after 3:15 p.m. ET on April 10. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to area hospitals where they died, officials told USA TODAY. "Five Spaniards from the same family, three of them children, and the pilot have lost their lives," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X. "I sympathize with the victims' loved ones at this heartbreaking time." This story was updated to add new information and video. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Small plane crashes in New York: All 6 people on board were killed Dazed and Confused star Nicky Katt has died at the age of 54. Nicky Katt has passed away at the age of 54 The Hollywood star best known for his roles as Clint Bruno in the 1993 coming-of-age film Dazed and Confused, as well as Harry Senate in 2000s Fox drama Boston Public, and Razor in 2003s School of Rock, passed away on April 8, 2025, in Burbank, California, his lawyer confirmed. No cause of death was given. Beau Flynn, the founder of Flynn Picture Company, who worked with Katt on his 1996 flick Johns, reacted to the shock news: "Heartbroken to learn about the way too early passing of the seriously talented actor Nicky Katt - God bless you my friend. What a privilege to know you and work with you on my first movie in 1995 - 'johns'. Rest in peace brother." The former child star landed his first role in a 1980 episode of Fantasy Island, followed by the film Underground Aces, and episodes of CHiPs and V. However, it was his standout role in Richard Linklaters 1993 cult classic Dazed and Confused that put him on the path to stardom. Away from film and TV, he voiced Atton Rand in the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II The Sith Lords. Katt also starred in Woody Allens play A Second Hand Memory at the Off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company in 2004. During his dazzling career, Katt shared the screen with huge Hollywood stars, including George Clooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Meryl Streep, and many more. The Gremlins actor was married to Annie Morse from 1999 until their divorce in 2001. Katt previously admitted being such a versatile actor was a double-edged sword. He told IGN: So Ive been really lucky But its kind of worked against me because people will see me in stuff and Ive had people say, Gee, its too bad you got cut out of that movie, and Im like, No no no, I was that frat guy. After his role as tough man Clint in Dazed and Confused, however, he was mostly inundated with offers to play bad guys. He added: So its a double-edged thing, you know at a certain point you can almost be too versatile, and that sounds lame, but Ive always looked up to people like Gary Oldman and Lee Marvin and Warren Oates, these guys who dont really fit into one thing. I mean, everyone also says that the bad guys are the most fun, but Ive definitely gone through streaks where thats all that people wanted me to play, the bad guy, especially after Dazed And Confused. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor's official residence discussing the alleged arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy) HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) A man scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governors mansion where he set a fire that left significant damage and forced Gov. Josh Shapiro, his family and guests to evacuate the building, authorities said Sunday. The man, captured later in the day, will face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault, authorities said. Shapiro said he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover at the residence on Saturday and were awakened by state troopers pounding on their doors at about 2 a.m. Sunday. They fled and firefighters extinguished the fire, officials said. No one was injured. At a Sunday evening news conference in front of the badly damaged south wing of the governor's residence, Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Shapiro says he is unbowed Paris emphasized that the investigation is continuing. Authorities did not disclose the man's motive, but an emotional Shapiro, who is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he is unbowed. Shapiro said that if Balmer was trying to stop him from doing his job, then hell work harder, and he added that Balmer will not stop him from observing his faith. When we were in the state dining room last night, we told the story of Passover and the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt to freedom, Shapiro said. I refuse to be trapped by the bondage that someone attempts to put on me by attacking us as they did here last night. I refuse to let anyone who had evil intentions like that stop me from doing the work that I love." Police say suspect hopped security fence and forcibly entered residence Authorities said the suspect hopped over a nearly 7-foot-high (2.1-meter-high) iron security fence surrounding the property, eluded officers who became aware of the breach and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Lt. Col. George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device he would not describe what kind and appeared to have carefully planned the attack. He was inside the residence for about a minute before he escaped, Bivens said. Bivens said Balmer was later arrested in the area. Authorities did not say whether Balmer has a lawyer or where he was being held and calls to people believed to be relatives went unanswered or unreturned. One recent listed residence in Harrisburg was condemned in 2022. Balmer has faced criminal charges over the past decade including simple assault, theft and forgery, according to online criminal court records. We have to be better than this, Shapiro says Shapiro said the fire was set in the very room where he and his family celebrated Passover with a seder with members of Harrisburgs Jewish community on Saturday night. We dont know the persons specific motive yet," Shapiro told the news conference. But we do know a few truths. First: This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I dont give a damn if its coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this. The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Large west- and south-facing windows were completely missing their glass panes, shattered glass littered the pathways and doors stood ajar amid signs of charring. Window panes and brick around doors and windows were blackened and charred. Inside, a charred piano, tables, walls, metal buffet serving dishes and more could be seen through broken windows and fire-blackened doors. Justice Department and other agencies pledge to help Shapiro said he had received pledges of help from the Department of Justice, the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office, as well as numerous messages of support from fellow governors and others. Yellow tape cordoned off an alleyway on the residence's south side, where investigators dogs outside the iron security fence and sawed off a section from the top of the security fence. They wrapped it in heavy black plastic and took it away in a vehicle. Shapiro splits his time between the mansion that has housed governors since it was built in the 1960s and a home in Abington, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east. He posted a photograph on social media Saturday of the family's Passover Seder table at the residence. Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack, Vice President JD Vance posted to X. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Republican, called the attack a despicable act of cowardice" and said he hoped Pennsylvanians joined he and his wife in keeping the Shapiros in their prayers. Former Gov. Tom Ridge, also a Republican, said images of the damage to the residence where he lived for eight years with his family were heartbreaking and said the attack on the official residence was shocking. Whoever is responsible for this attack to both the Shapiro family and our Commonwealth must be held to account, Ridge said. ___ Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter Firefighters work at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Sumy, Ukraine April 13, 2025. . - State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters Russian ballistic missiles ripped through the busy center of Ukraines northeastern city of Sumy on Sunday, officials said, killing at least 35 people and striking terror into residents who were out enjoying Palm Sunday and attending morning church services. It was the deadliest attack of the conflict this year. Two children were among the scores of people killed in the strikes on the citys center, while 117 people were wounded, according to Ukraines State Emergency Service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were carried out by ballistic missiles; one hit a university building and another exploded right over (a) street, he said. Zelensky also called for a strong response from the world to the attack, which came two days after top Trump administration official Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with video showing the two warmly shaking hands before a four hour meeting. Ukrainian officials said that preliminary information indicates cluster munitions were used in the attack. The second of the two explosions was described as being likely filled with munitions that exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people, according to the head of the regions military administration. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war, Zelensky said. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs. We need to treat Russia as a terrorist deserves. When asked about the attack, Moscow maintained that the Russian military strikes exclusively at military and near-military targets. I can only repeat and remind you of the repeated statements of both our president (Vladimir Putin) and our army representatives, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday. The attacks targeted Ukrainian commanding officers, Russias Ministry of Defense said on Telegram. It claimed that Kyiv continues to use the Ukrainian population as a human shield by holding events with the participation of military personnel in the center of a densely populated city. International condemnation of the strikes from Ukraines allies was swift. The Trump administrations special envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg questioned the targeting of the attack, which he said crosses any line of decency. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he was told Russia made a mistake. I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think its a horrible thing, he told reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday. When asked to elaborate on Monday, Trump said: the mistake was letting the war happen. While he acknowledged that Putin started the war against Ukraine, he also continued to cast blame on Zelensky and former US President Joe Biden. When you start a war you got to know that you can win the war, Trump said referring to Zelensky. You dont start a war against somebody thats 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles. Strikes on Palm Sunday The strikes hit the city center on Palm Sunday as residents were attending church services on one of the busiest church-going days of the year, according to Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Natalia Pihul, a 52-year-old Sumy resident, told Reuters that her mother was hospitalized after suffering a head injury. (My mother) was in the kitchen cooking some food, lunch A cupboard was right here, now it lies here on the floor. It fell and its doors cut her head, she said as she walked around her mothers damaged apartment. The explosion blew out the units window frames, scattering glass shards all across the kitchen and living room. Outside the building, footage from Reuters showed charred vehicles next to piles of rubble and personal belongings littering the street. Where is a military base here? Where is it? Please have a look. A woman lived here. Look at this! How is this even possible? It is unacceptable, Pihul said. A total of 20 buildings were damaged, including apartments, cafes, shops and the district court, Zelensky later wrote on X. Of the more than 100 people wounded in the attack, he said 68 were in hospitals, eight of whom were in serious condition. Volodymyr Artyukh, head of the military administration in the region, said that at that time, a lot of people were on the street. The enemy was hoping to inflict the greatest damage on people in the city of Sumy, Artyuk added. The attack is also the worst single attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023, when 51 people were killed in strikes on Kupiansk. Footage from the scene shows destroyed buildings, blown-out windows and piles of rubble in the Sumy city center. Bodies covered in emergency blankets can be seen on the ground. Cluster munitions used, say Ukrainian officials Cluster munitions contain multiple explosives that are released over a wide area up to the size of several football fields and are particularly dangerous to civilians when fired near populated areas. A missile with cluster munitions is something Russians do to kill as many civilians as possible, said Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidents office, calling the strike a deliberate targeting of civilians. It was a two-pronged attack, with the second of two missiles likely filled with munitions that exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people and caused large numbers of casualties, the head of the regions military administration said. The second explosion happened about 200 meters from the site of the first, hitting an area with residential buildings, educational institutions and shops. Sumy resident Iryna Pryykhodko told Reuters that the first explosion was strong, but the second one was even stronger. First, I saw shattered windows. Then, before the second strike, we took cover inside the residential building, she said. After the second strike, it was all covered with smoke and I could not see anything. Among those killed was Olena Kohut, an artist with the Sumy National Theatres orchestra, who died from her injuries in the attack. Liudmyla Hordiienko, a deputy head in the regions state tax service, was also killed. Two men comfort each other as Ukrainian police psychologists provide assistance to local residents. - Oleg Voronenko/AFP via Getty Images The city center in the aftermath of the Russia's missile attack. - AP CNN has verified social media videos of the moment the strike hit Sumy. A loud noise can be heard as large plumes of black smoke rise in the air. Video shared by the regions military administration also registers a loud boom, showing the moment a Russian missile hit a building. Emergency sirens can be heard as people run in panic, while others can be seen lying on the ground. The face of one woman being helped is covered in blood in a different video shared by Zelensky. Footage also shows body bags on the ground and a blown-out trolleybus that appears to have bodies inside, as emergency workers respond to the attack. Artyukh, the head of the military administration, later said that most people on the trolleybus were killed. Global condemnation Kaja Kallas, the European Unions foreign policy chief, called the incident a horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted, saying strong measures are needed to impose a ceasefire. Its been two months since Putin ignored Americas proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, Zelensky said Sunday, referring to Ukraines acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States in March, which Russia refused. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences to victims of the horrifying Russian missile attack. Speaking to CBS News 60 Minutes in an interview published Sunday, Zelensky said he believes that Russian narratives are prevailing in the US. How is it possible to witness our losses and our suffering, to understand what the Russians are doing, and to still believe that they are not the aggressors, that they did not start this war? he said. This speaks to the enormous influence of Russias information policy on America, on US politics, and US politicians. The UNs Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale condemned the strike on Sumys city center in the strongest possible terms and noted that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russia has increased air attacks and missile strikes on the Sumy region in recent weeks as it has pushed Ukrainian forces out of much of the adjoining Russian territory of Kursk. Its forces have also occupied a few small settlements just inside the Sumy region. Over the past 24 hours, other Russian attacks in Ukraines Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson regions killed eight people and wounded at least 18. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Anna Chernova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Wad Khalafalla had never planned on visiting Saudi Arabia, but at some point she started to feel like she was being drawn there. As a Muslim, she technically had a religious obligation to go, but for much of her life, Khalafalla, 32, said she didnt feel connected to her faith. Religion is sometimes taken from a place of fear, and its fear-based education and learning. I put it up in a nice little box in the corner and was like, yeah, Ill come back to that in another time, she told USA TODAY. But after a series of events and encouragements from friends and family starting in 2020, she finally went on her first trip there in 2024. Wad Khalafalla at the Kaaba, a Muslim holy site in Mecca. I was overcome with tears, Khalafalla said of her first visit to the Muslim holy sites. Approaching her faith on her own terms in her own time helped her feel more connected to the religion, but also to humanity as a whole. Shes since visited a second time this March, for part of Ramadan. Across religions and their various significant and holy sites, people of all faiths have shared in Khalafallas experience. Visitors to all kinds of religious sites, from popular tourist attractions like the Vatican to small family-run monuments, have said that the power of gathering in a place where people have been directing their spiritual energy for hundreds or thousands of years can be overwhelming and inspiring. In her book Surprised by God, about her own spiritual journey from atheism to religious observance, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg wrote about having an encounter with the divine on a tour of churches in Italy. Houses of worship have a certain kind of palpable vibe, perhaps the residue of so many prayers, or perhaps even of the sacred itself, she wrote. The paintings inside these Italian churches felt like they had some sort of intention that animated the art, and the spaces themselves absolutely buzzed with it. It seems more people than ever are seeking out these kinds of experiences. According to a report from Grand View Research, people have been spending more money on religious tourism year-over-year. The industry was valued at $254.3 billion in 2023 and is forecast to grow every year between then and 2030. Laetitia Maruani and her husband at her family's villa near the rabbi's gravesite in the Moroccan mountains. Laetitia Maruani, 31, was born in Dallas shortly after her parents moved from Morocco. She said she visited their home country frequently as a child, but returning to Morocco as an adult in 2023 and specifically visiting the grave of a rabbi that her family maintains in the mountains there, helped her reconnect to her faith and her culture in a way she never had before. Jews from all over the world had an origin story and we were just dispersed everywhere, and we lose track of where we came from. Its so important to go back and see, this is what your ancestors did, she said. The lines get blurred for me between history, culture, religion, its kind of one very big thing. Khalafalla was also raised by immigrants in the United States. She was born in Sudan and moved to the states as a child. Both women said religion is less of a central focus of life in the United States, which can make it harder to feel grounded in their cultures day to day. The rabbi's grave that Laetitia Maruani's ancestors built and that her family still maintains in the Moroccan mountains. We dont have structural inclusivity in regards to religion in this country, Khalafalla said, pointing out that during Ramadan, she struggled to find quiet places to recite her daily prayers after returning from Saudi Arabia. Its very easy to feel alone or isolated in your worship. Maruani said her rituals felt different when she was away. Spiritually it really was powerful for me. I really felt able to connect to my prayer more, just being up in the mountains, she said. How religious sites can bring people together Even for travelers visiting sites of faiths other than their own, the spiritual connection can be moving. Ellison Sawyer, 17, part of a Tennessee high school choir group that visited Italy in March during the Catholic Jubilee Holy Year, said while shes not Catholic, singing faith-based songs like Adoramus Te Christe at churches across the country was an eye-opening experience. Its just really a spiritual experience to know that youre singing praises where theyve been sung for hundreds, thousands of years. Longer than the U.S. has been around, Sawyer said. The religion goes back so far, and you can really see so much history just through the Catholic lens. A choir group from Collierville High School in Tennessee performed at venues across Italy in March, including the Santi XII Apostoli church in Rome and the Santa Trinita church in Florence. Im not Catholic, added Timothy Stephney, 17, another member of the choir group. But there are so many things that just tie into each other's religions. ... You just get to see a different side to how the story is told. Those sorts of experiences are why students should travel and expand their worldview, according to Ashleigh Williams, a high school teacher who helped lead the trip. For so many, this is their first trip outside of the United States, Williams said. You realize people might think something different than I do, or believe something different than I do, but you see why. And it makes you realize I can believe what I believe, you can believe what you believe, and we can both have that. It doesnt have to be just one way. "My hope is that it makes my students more understanding of the world in which we live, she added. Were all Gods people For Khalafalla, traveling to religious sites is also a good reminder that one of the key aspects of religion is finding people with a shared worldview. I would say such a large part of faith that I think is underrated is community, she said. The Kaaba, a Muslim holy site in Mecca. Maruani said in Morocco, she found people of all faiths were more open to sharing their stories and traditions with each other. While the whole world is going through its madness, its so refreshing to see theres a space for that, she said. Both women said their spiritual journeys reminded them of the importance of believing in something, and how interconnected humanity ultimately is. My belief has always been this: I dont care what you believe in, so long as you feel something, Khalafalla said. That experience made me feel that. Maruani shared a similar sentiment. I think its more important to believe in something than believe in nothing. Were all Gods people. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What spiritual trips can bring to travelers New research on oxytocin reveals its potential in treating social anxiety, autism, and stress-related disorders. (CREDIT: Science Photo Library) In a world where loneliness and social anxiety are on the rise, understanding the brains chemistry has never been more important. Behind many of our emotional reactions lies a small but powerful molecule called oxytocin. Often called the love hormone, oxytocin is famous for its role in bonding and trust. But recent research shows that its influence goes far beyond affection. At the forefront of this discovery is Professor Inga Neumann, a leading brain scientist based in Regensburg, Germany. She leads the Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology at the University of Regensburg. In a detailed interview published in Brain Medicine, she opened up about how oxytocin affects the brain, especially in situations related to fear, anxiety, and mental illness. A Broader Role for the Love Hormone Oxytocin is more than just a hormone that helps mothers bond with their babies. Professor Neumanns research reveals that oxytocin also plays a key role in managing fear and stress. Her work focuses on how this molecule helps shape social behavior and emotional responses at every levelfrom brain cells to behavior. Inga D. Neumann, PhD, University of Regensburg, Germany. (CREDIT: Brain Medicine 2025) I am convinced that increasing our knowledge about the stimuli, dynamics, and consequences of their intracerebral release at the behavioural, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels will improve our understanding of general brain mechanisms, says Neumann. This belief has guided her team to explore oxytocin and a related molecule called AVP (arginine vasopressin) in new and innovative ways. Both chemicals help regulate emotions. Understanding how they work can lead to new treatments for mental health problems. Mice, Fear, and New Treatments To study these brain chemicals, Neumanns team built a new model using mice. This model helps them study social fearwhen individuals feel nervous or scared in social situations. They trained mice to associate certain social cues with stress, which mimics what people with social anxiety often experience. Related Stories This approach allows researchers to see how fear develops and how it might be controlled. It also shows how early life experiences and chronic stress can shape social behavior in the long term. These findings may help explain why some people struggle more than others in social settings. We started to focus on the potential role of the brain's oxytocin and AVP systems as therapeutic targets for psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety disorders or autism, says Neumann. This line of research has big goals. The hope is to one day treat people who havent responded to current medications. Oxytocin might be able to help people with severe social anxiety, autism, or even schizophrenia. For many of these conditions, available treatments work for only a portion of patients. From East Germany to Global Influence Professor Neumanns path to scientific leadership wasnt easy. She began her career behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany. Resources were scarce. My beginnings as a scientist behind the Iron Curtain were bumpy, she recalls. At one point, she and her team had to build their own research equipment using donated parts. Aggression-trained, socially isolated female rats showed heightened aggression and increased co-expression of VGAT (vesicular GABA transporter) and pERK (neuronal activity) in the central amygdala, suggesting enhanced neural activation linked to aggressive behavior. (CREDIT: Inga D. Neumann) Her determination paid off. Today, she holds several leadership positions at her university. She was the first woman to become a full professor in her faculty. She also directs the Elite Masters Programme in Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience and leads a graduate school that focuses on the neurobiology of social and emotional disorders. Beyond her scientific contributions, she serves as a role model for young women in science, showing that its possible to break through both scientific and societal barriers. Molecules of Emotion The brain is a complex network of chemicals and electrical signals. Oxytocin and CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor) are two of the key players in this network. Neumanns current research focuses on how these and other molecules control fear and stress. She is particularly interested in how they influence people who struggle in social settings. Like these kind of stories? GetThe Brighter Side of News' newsletter This research has practical value. If scientists can understand how these chemicals work, they may be able to design better drugs to treat social anxiety. But its not just about new medicines. Her work also helps explain why some people are more sensitive to stress or less able to cope with social pressure. The role of genetics and early life experience in shaping brain function is another major focus. Some individuals may have genes that make them more or less responsive to oxytocin. Others may have grown up in environments that affected how their brain chemistry developed. These factors are key in how people respond to treatment and stress. Whats Next for Oxytocin Research? Neumann and her team are now trying to solve some difficult questions. One big challenge is finding the best way to deliver oxytocin to the brain. Although the molecule has great potential, its hard to get it past the blood-brain barrier. Another question involves epigeneticschanges in gene activity caused by life experience. These changes can affect how oxytocin works in the brain. Understanding this could help explain why the same treatment doesnt work the same way for everyone. Infusing AVP or oxytocin into the amygdala increased aggression in rats, while TGOT ((selective OXTR agonist) had no effect. Both reduced feeding and drinking time. (CREDIT: Inga D. Neumann) Finally, Neumann wants to improve how animal studies are used to help people. While mice can show patterns in behavior and brain activity, translating those results into treatments for humans takes careful research. A Future with Hope The research led by Professor Neumann offers real hope for people who suffer from social anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. With continued study, oxytocin could become a reliable tool for treating those who currently have limited options. Her work may one day lead to therapies that are more personalized, more effective, and more humane. In every breakthrough, Neumanns message is clear: the brain is more flexible and more responsive than we once believed. By studying how chemicals like oxytocin shape our thoughts and actions, scientists are opening doors to a future where mental illness is better understoodand better treated. Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter. A fintech startup that raised $40 million based on the premise of its artificial intelligence capabilities was fueled by human labor, allegedly defrauding investors lured by the new technology of millions, federal prosecutors said this week in a statement. Albert Saniger, 35, the former CEO and founder of nate in 2018, who is from Barcelona, Spain, was indicted in the Southern District of New York for engaging in a scheme to allegedly defraud investors and making false statements about his company's AI capabilities. Nate, an e-commerce company, launched the nate app that claimed to streamline the online shopping checkout process via a single AI-powered tap option. But the app was not powered by advanced AI technology at all, according to the indictment. With the promise of custom-built "deep learning models" that would allow the app to directly purchase goods on product pages in fewer than three seconds, Saniger raised over $40 million. While instructing employees to keep nate's reliance on overseas workers secret, he pitched investors an AI-driven product capable of 10,000 daily transactions. Instead, the app allegedly relied heavily on overseas workers in two different countries who manually processed transactions, mimicking what users believed was being done by automation. Saniger, meanwhile, allegedly told investors and the public that the transactions were being completed by AI. "Saniger allegedly abused the integrity associated with his former position as the CEO to perpetuate a scheme filled with smoke and mirrors," the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement. In the technology's absence, Saniger allegedly relied heavily on hundreds of workers at a call center in the Philippines, court documents said. When a deadly tropical storm struck the country in October 2021, the indictment said, nate established a new call center in Romania to handle the backlog of customer services. Investors were likely never exposed to the lull in transactions because Saniger directed that transactions by investors be prioritized to avoid suspicion. The aftermath of the company's fallout in 2023, left investors with near-total losses, the indictment said. U.S. private AI investment grew to $109.1 billion last year and the U.N. trade and development arm said market share is poised to climb to $4.8 trillion by 2033. AI is widely perceived as being free from human intervention but the reality paints a more complicated picture. Nate is not the only company that has capitalized on AI through cheap labor overseas. In 2023, The Washington Post exposed 'digital sweatshops' in the Philippines where employees worked on content to refine American AI models for a company called Scale AI, which multinational technology conglomerates like Meta, Microsoft and OpenAi utilize. CBS News reached out to the U.S. attorney's office and Saniger for comment. Idaho teen with autism dies after controversial police shooting Full interview: Dr. Peter Marks Nature: Chimpanzees The U.S. Department of Education said Friday that it will proceed with withholding federal funds from Maine after officials in the state refused to sign a Title IX resolution agreement that would bar transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports in the state. The matter will also be deferred to the Department of Justice "for further enforcement action," the department said in a statement. MORE: Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from womens sports, directing DOJ to enforce The actions come after the state informed the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights in a letter on Friday that the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Office of the Attorney General will not sign the resolution agreement. "Nothing in Title IX or its implementing regulations prohibits schools from allowing transgender girls and women to participate on girls and womens sports teams," Maine Assistant Attorney General Sarah Forster stated in the letter. "Your letters to date do not cite a single case that so holds. To the contrary, various federal courts have held that Title IX and/or the Equal Protection Clause require schools to allow such participation." Federal officials last month said they found the Maine Department of Education in noncompliance with President Donald Trump's executive order issued on Feb. 5 that bans transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. In a final warning letter sent to the state on March 31, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights gave the Maine Department of Education until April 11 to sign the resolution agreement before moving forward with the consequences for noncompliance. PHOTO: The Maine State Capitol building in Augusta, Maine. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) The Department of Education said Friday it will now "initiate an administrative proceeding to adjudicate termination of MDOEs federal K-12 education funding, including formula and discretionary grants," as well as refer the case to the DOJ. The Department has given Maine every opportunity to come into compliance with Title IX, but the states leaders have stubbornly refused to do so, choosing instead to prioritize an extremist ideological agenda over their students safety, privacy, and dignity, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a statement on Friday. The Maine Department of Education will now have to defend its discriminatory practices before a Department administrative law judge and in a federal court against the Justice Department." Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills "would have done well to adhere to the wisdom embedded in the old idiom -- be careful what you wish for. Now she will see the Trump Administration in court," he added. Mills previously told Trump she would see him in court over the matter at a White House event with a bipartisan group of governors in February. MORE: Trump spars with Democratic Maine governor at White House event over transgender athlete executive order PHOTO: Maine Governor Janet Mills sits as President Donald Trump hosts a business session with U.S. governors who are in town for the National Governors Association's (NGA) annual winter meeting, at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 21, 2025. (Leah Millis/Reuters, FILE) As Trump discussed his executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, he asked Mills directly, "Are you not going to comply with that?" She responded that she would comply with state and federal laws. "Well, I'm -- we are the federal law," Trump said, adding, "Well, you better do it. You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't." Mills responded: "See you in court." "Good," Trump replied. "I'll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be an easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don't think you'll be in elected politics." After the White House gathering, Mills responded to Trump's threat to withhold federal funding in a statement, saying, "If the President attempts to unilaterally deprive Maine school children of the benefit of Federal funding, my Administration and the Attorney General will take all appropriate and necessary legal action to restore that funding and the academic opportunity it provides. The State of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats." ABC News' Hannah Demissie, Alexandra Hutzler, and Jack Moore contributed to this report. Trump admin moves to withhold federal funds from Maine over trans athlete dispute originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON Adam Sanchez remembers tears streaming down a students face as his high school class left the lower level of the National Museum of African American History and Culture a few years ago. Everyone understood why he had tears in his eyes," said Sanchez, a former high school history teacher. Sanchez gathered his students there on a field trip from New York City in a quiet space to reflect on the exhibits on slavery and the Middle Passage. It was such a powerful experience for all of them, he said. The Smithsonian Institution museum opened with much fanfare nine years ago and has been lauded for its mission to share the good and the bad of the Black experience in America, including slavery. Now, its also in the sights of President Donald Trump, who called its work part of a widespread effort to rewrite our nations history. "Museums in our nation's capital should be places where individuals go to learn not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history," Trump said in a recent executive order about parks and museums. It's not clear what Trump's directive will mean for the national African American museum, if anything. But its director, Kevin Young, stepped down on April 4, a little more than a week after Trump's executive order. The museum, which hosted 1.6 million visitors in 2024, serves as a cornerstone in the preservation of African American history, a number of community leaders and organizations said in its defense. From slavery to civil rights to the cultural innovations that continue to shape the world, the museum ensures these stories are not forgotten, denied, or politicized, the National Council of Negro Women said in a statement. Anything under the sun is susceptible," said Vedet Coleman-Robinson, executive director of the Association of African American Museums. It would be a travesty to not have your culture-specific museums anywhere in the country, but definitely in the (nations) capital. What the Trump administration means for your identity: Sign up for USA TODAY's This is America newsletter. History comes alive Sanchez took 15 students from Harvest Collegiate High School on a field trip to the African American museumin 2017, the same week as Trumps first inauguration. Sanchez had taught classes on slavery and Reconstruction and another on the civil rights movement. I knew that the museum was going to bring this history to life in a way that you couldnt in the classroom, said Sanchez, now managing editor of Rethinking Schools, a social justice teaching publication. And it certainly did. Nakiyah Rowe, then a student on the trip, said it gave her a sense of strength and pride. The museum highlights the deep, complex history of African Americans and their contributions to this country," she wrote in a recent note shared with USA TODAY. And, she said, it plays a crucial role in educating society "about the rich, complex, and often overlooked history of African Americans." Schools have long overlooked important aspects of African American history, said Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization pushing to end mass incarceration. The organization has a museum and a sculpture park in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to telling the story of the African American experience, including slavery, in America. I don't think schools have ever done a great job of teaching people about many aspects of our history," he said. That's why you go to the Smithsonian. That's why you go to spaces that are trying to fill those gaps." Equal Justice Initiative Executive Director Bryan Stevenson speaks as EJI dedicates its National Monument to Freedom in the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Ala., during a Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The monument lists the surnames of formerly enslaved people. Push to 'restore' the Smithsonian Institution In Trump's recent order, Restoring truth and sanity to American history," he complained the Smithsonian has come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology." This shift has promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive," he said. Those teachings make America look bad and undermine its achievements, Trump and some conservatives have said. We will restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness," the order reads. President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. It calls for Vice President JD Vance to join in a role with the Smithsonian Board of Regents tohelp map out new policies. It prohibits spending on exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy." Singling out the African American history museum The African American history museum is singled out in Trump's order, putting it in the spotlight, despite its millions of visitors. During his first term, Trump was one of them. "I pledge to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African Americans and for every American," he said then. The museum not only highlights tragic events, but the joys and culture of the African American experience, Lonnie Bunch, the museum's founding director and now Secretary of the overall Smithsonian Institution, has said. Over the years, Bunch, had led the effort to collect tens of thousands of artifacts. In addition to featuring the history of slavery, Reconstruction and Civil Rights, the permanent collection includes an exhibit of African American music from the arrival of the first Africans to hip-hop and one on the contributions of Black athletes both "on and off the field." Im proudest of the fact that we were able to go from no collections to 40,000 amazing artifacts that can tell the story of America through an African American lens, Bunch told USA TODAY in a 2016 interview months before the museum opened to much fanfare. Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, joined others on a walking tour Dec. 2, 2024 in Luanda, Angola. It was his first trip to Angola where he visited sites, including the country's national slavery museum. At the grand opening that September, former Republican President George W. Bush, who had signed the bill authorizing federal funding for the museum, and Barack Obama, a Democrat and then the nations first Black president, delivered passionate speeches supporting the museum. The museum houses other original items, including a slave cabin and the shawl of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. There are also oral histories featuring interviews with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement. Sanchez said its even more important now to take students on trips to museums like it. There is a vigorous effort to erase this history and to ensure that it is not taught in our schools, he said. So its even more important to be able to show these artifacts and to be able to actually go see that this is real." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Could Trump whitewash D.C.'s African American history museum? Wild Africa Trek bridges Have you ever wanted to dine in the middle of the savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom? That's just one of the things you get to experience on the Wild Africa Trek. On this VIP expedition, you get to immerse yourself in close encounters with exotic African wildlife, learn from expert tour guides, and try African-inspired foods. I've been on several guided tours at Walt Disney World, but more recently had the pleasure of going on the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom. How does Wild Africa Trek stack up against other tours at Disney World? READ MORE We Go to Disney Every Week. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes. Wild Africa Trek The Basics Wild Africa Trek Sign Wild Africa Trek is a privately-guided, 3-hour VIP expedition that takes you backstage to see wild animals in their natural habitat. Along the way, you'll discover just about every variety of animals living in the Safi River Valley. You'll get to walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge, and ride in a rugged safari vehicle much smaller than the vehicle you ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris over an open savanna. On this vehicle, you'll get the chance to view African animals up close including giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles! Wild Africa Trek takes you up close and beyond what Kilimanjaro Safaris offers regular day guests. Wild Africa Trek Bridge Book your tour early. Disney World's guided tours tend to book quickly, and Wild Africa Trek is no exception. Like advanced dining reservations, you can start booking your tour 60 days in advance of your trip Especially in the summer months, plan to book the earliest time possible to avoid the afternoon heat. In the winter months, don't be surprised if the morning weather is chilly. Plan to book a later time to stay warm, or plan to wear several layers if your tour is in the morning. While you need the physical stamina to walk along single track trails, the trails on the tour are short and have very small hills and mildly uneven surfaces How Much Does Wild Africa Trek Cost? Wild Africa Trek bridge Wild Africa Trek costs between $219 and $229 per person (tax not included). It's important to know that there are 15% discounts available for select guests including Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. To receive the discount, you will need to be logged into the Walt Disney World website before reserving your tour. Keep in mind that in order to attend the tour, you must also have a valid theme park admission and park reservation (if applicable) for the day of the tour. The full payment is due at the time of booking. Is the Wild Africa Trek Worth It? During our experience we were able to get close to hippos and crocodiles which made for an incredible experience. Being able to walk the rope bridges on the Kilimanjaro Safari provided a sense of adventure with just a touch (okay, maybe a lot) of thrill. The light lunch, which really felt like a full meal, was very tasty and only added to the feeling of dining along an African savanna. And the private safari ride made our tour feel much more intimate and personal. Looking back, had I only been on the rope bridge part of the tour, I would have felt that I received my money's worth. And finally, it should go without saying, but everyone knows how challenging it is to capture the moment of our loved ones having a magical time at Disney World. Having trained photographers with us at all times to document our journey made our tour so much less stressful. They made it easier to catch candid moments of our encounters with the animals and provided photographing tips to make sure our photos looked beautiful. Considering what's included in the Wild Africa Trek tour, I walked away 100% confident that I would pay the same amount of money to do the tour again. Is the price worth the experience? Let's go over what's included in your ticket and a detailed breakdown of our day experiencing this popular Animal Kingdom tour. What's Included in Wild Africa Trek? Wild Africa Trek giraffe Wild Africa Trek gives you a new perspective on Disney's Animal Kingdom, taking you up close to the animals along the Safi River Valley. Wild Africa Trek PhotoPass To save you time and stress, your tour guides (who are also trained photographers) will capture all the action and excitement during your adventure. This includes photos of you walking along the trails and across the rope bridges as well as the animals. Wild Africa Trek Food About two-thirds of the way through the tour (after working up an appetite), you get a spread of African-inspired snacks which is enough to be a meal on its own. Our meal included: Garlic and leek hummis and pita Prosciutto and mozzarella Olive mix Fresh fruit Chicken wrap Marinated tandoori shrimp Our choice of pineapple-orange-guava (POG) juice, tea, or water Note that the menu items are subject to change without notice. Wild Africa Trek souvenir On the tour, you'll be handed a Wild Africa Trek name tag, a Wild Africa Trek water bottle, and a glasses strap if you wear glasses or sunglasses. All of these items make for great keepsakes after your tour. Wild Africa Trek safety vest You'll also be handed a safety harness with closable pockets that allow you to keep your phone with you, a phone strap to ensure that your phone won't fall out, and a wireless headset so you can hear your guide at all times. Checking In for the Wild Africa Trek Tour Wild Africa Trek locker The check-in process starts 15 minutes prior to the start at Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, across from Kilimanjaro Safaris. This extra time is important to sign the necessary paperwork and ask any last-minute questions. Once your entire group is present, your guide will lead you to your complimentary lockers where you must store any loose items aside from your phone or glasses. Your guide then weighs you before fitting you with your safety vest and wireless headset. While the tour itinerary, content, duration, and availability are subject to change without notice, the following is generally how the tour goes. Sections of the Wild Africa Trek Tour Wild Africa Trek savanna When I attended the tour, there were five sections. To get to our first viewing area, we walked through part of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and into a backstage area. It was shortly after that point when we entered the first part of our tour. Hippo Backstage Viewing Wild Africa Trek hippo After a short hike along a single-track trail, we arrived at the hippo viewing area, where a knowledgeable Cast Member taught us all about how they take care of these gigantic creatures. For being the first tour of the day, the hippos were fairly active. It was fun seeing them in their habitat while asking Cast Members our questions! This is also the first section where our safety vest came in handy. Several of the viewing areas (including this one) have you on a ledge overlooking the animals. Instead of a railing that obstructs your view, you're tethered via your safety vest and harness. Rope Bridges with Views of Crocodiles Wild Africa Trek bridges Have you ever ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris, saw the rickety-looking rope bridges, and wondered whether or not they're actually used? Well, I can confirm that they are indeed used because our tour had us walk on both of them. The first bridge has you walking over the hippos while the second one has you walking over the crocodiles. One by one, our tour guides tethered us to an overhead safety cable and let us walk each bridge. They let us take our time to snap photos and soak in the sights while also ensuring that the bridge wasn't crowded with too many people. While on the bridge, our guides also took photos of us that we were able to download afterwards. Crocodile Viewing Wild Africa Trek crocodiles After crossing the second bridge that overlooked the crocodiles, we stopped at the crocodile viewing area. Like the hippo viewing area, we were able to stand on an overlook while tethered on a harness. While viewing the crocodiles, another Cast Member was present to educate us on how they take care of their crocodiles and to answer any of our questions. Private Safari Ride Wild Africa Trek private safari ride After viewing the crocodiles, our tour group shedded our safety vests and boarded a safari truck to go on a private ride through the savanna. If you've ever been on the Starlight Safari tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge, the safari truck is identical. Not only is it smaller than the Kilimanjaro Safaris truck, it also gives you a clearer 360 degree view of the savanna, giving you more chances to take great photos. It's also able to go into areas of the savanna that the Kilimanjaro Safaris truck can't go to. On our tour, our tour guides took photos of us up close with the giraffes a chance you'd rarely get when riding Kilimanjaro Safaris. You also get to spend more time with any active animals on the savanna a wonderful perk of the Wild Africa Trek tour. Snack Time on the Savanna Wild Africa Trek Snack Break Eventually, your safari truck makes its way to a private pavilion overlooking the savanna. By this part in the tour, everyone's feeling their hunger, making it a perfect time to sit down and feast on the light lunch prepared by the Tusker House restaurant. And what better way to have lunch than along the savanna? The pavilion provided the most unobstructed view of the entire savanna, making our lunch one of the most beautiful meals we've had at Disney World. Important Details Before Booking Wild Africa Trek Wild Africa Trek Info There are a few important details to consider before you decide to book your Wild Africa Trek tour: Wild Africa Trek occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. Flip-flops are not allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended. Participating guests must be at least 8 years old. Guests 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a participating adult 18 years or old Participating guests must be at least 48 in (122 cm) Participating guests must weight between 45 and 300 lbs (20.14 and 136 kg). Cast Members do weigh you before your tour Expectant mothers cannot participate Disney recommends that participants be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or any other conditions that could be aggravated by the tour Disney does offer a less physical journey or wheelchair-accessible trek. To participate in this, contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 407-938-1373 for an alternative offering There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. The full price will be charged/forfeited if you cancel within one day or fail to show up for the reservation This was a great experience at Animal Kingdom! READ MORE- READ MORE Secret Things to Do at Disney World Only the Theme Park Pros Know Exist Don't Miss the Latest Disney News Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post Is The Wild Africa Trek at Disney Worlds Animal Kingdom Worth It? appeared first on Mickey Visit - Ultimate Disney Planning Guide. A Missouri woman is facing abuse and neglect charges after being accused of paddling and abandoning a girl with an exotic animal collector in Texas. Brenda Ruth Deutsch, 70, was arrested on April 7 and charged with two counts of abuse or neglect of a child, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, Missouri court records show. The alleged crimes involved a girl under the age of 18, and occurred between Sept. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2025, in Lincoln County, Missouri, a criminal complaint reads. In a probable cause statement obtained by USA TODAY, a peace officer with the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office wrote that the allegations against Deutsch were sparked by an anonymous tip received by the state Department of Social Services on Nov. 26, 2024, reporting alleged physical and mental abuse of a child. Deutsch has fostered more than 200 children over the last 15 to 20 years, Lincoln County Prosecutor Mike Wood told NBC News and KSDK. According to the prosecutor and court documents, Deustsch is also being investigated in connection with allegations of leaving the girl she's accused of abusing with a fellow exotic animal collector in Texas and refusing to take her back. Deutsch was given a bond of $250,000, Missouri court records show. She did not have a defense attorney listed in court records on Saturday. Police handcuffs on the table Girl told authorities Deutsch 'hit her with a lot of different things' During a mobile forensic interview on Dec. 4, 2024, the middle school-aged girl told authorities Deutsch "hit her with a lot of different things," the probable cause statement says. The girl described some of the objects as a paddle, trim and shoes, the court document says. The girl also alleged that Deutsch "smacked" her on the nose so hard one time it caused it to bleed, according to the probable cause statement. The girl told authorities that she spoke to multiple people about the abuse but no one believed her. The girl recalled an incident when one of Deutsch's family members held her down while Deutsch hit her on her bare bottom with a paddle, the probable cause document says. She said the hitting stopped when she stopped moving and was just quiet, so she just stayed still so the hitting would stop, according to the court filing. Girl reported missing from school, located in Texas The girl's absence from school in Missouri sparked an investigation Feb. 6, 2025, the probable cause document states. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office was told she was with the collector in Texas, according to the probable cause document. When an investigator contacted the Eastland Sheriffs Office in Texas, he spoke with the girl who said she was enrolled in school there, the probable cause document states. Authorities then spoke to the individual who was keeping the girl in Texas, and she claimed to be friends with Deutsch and helping her out because she and the child "were not getting along," the court document says. The woman also said she didn't wish to keep the child, but was forced to because Deutsch would not pay for a plane ticket to get the girl back home, the probable cause document says. The girl told deputies with the Eastland Sheriffs Office that the woman she was staying with didn't abuse her, but left her alone at the Texas home for a few days at a time to take care of her exotic animals, according to the court document. The woman would do this when she was out of town for work. Court docs: Girl barely had clothes, did not eat much while at Deutsch's home When speaking to authorities during a second forensic interview, the girl said Deutsch would take her clothes and belongings and put them in Goodwill boxes so she could donate them, according to the court document. This led to the girl barely having any clothing. The girl also said she was not fed well while at Deutsch's home, so she had to resort to stealing food because her daily sandwiches were not enough, the probable cause document says. She added that she didn't feel safe at the Deutsch's house and "ran away a lot" but always had to go back. The child told authorities that when Deutsch told the woman in Texas she could keep the girl, the foster mother said she'd "be keeping the check," per the probable cause document. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Woman charged with abuse and leaving girl with exotic animal owner Finn Wolfhard thinks it is "nice" he still lives with his parents. Finn Wolfhard lives with his parents The 22-year-old actor - who shot to fame playing Mike Wheeler in 'Stranger Things' - spent some time living alone while working but has been back with his family for some time and appreciates getting to spend quality time with them on the rare occasions he isn't away filming. He told People magazine: "I lived alone for a few years, I guess two years, and then I moved back in with my family for a year. And then, last year, I was living alone in Atlanta for the year while shooting 'Stranger Things', but I have since moved back in with my family. "We have a place in Vancouver. We all have our separate space, but we still live together, and it's great. "I rarely get to see my family. I think it's a nice home base to have, just because, if I'm going to be away for most of the year working, then I might as well have a place [to come back to] with my parents." And Finn values being able to lead a relatively normal life in Canada. He said: "I like to walk around Vancouver. I like to play music, play guitar in my studio and record music on my own. It's a great feeling. "I am also always watching a lot of stuff, just a ton of TV and YouTube." The 'Legend of Ochi' actor knows "it's important" to take "a break from the daily routine and everything" and hopes to get away on vacation soon. He said: "There's a lot of multitasking and a lot of doing five things at once, so it's important to get time off as well. "I'll plan for a vacation in the next few months, for sure." Finn never expected 'Stranger Things' to be such an overwhelming instant success and with hindsight, he wishes he'd embarked on therapy at the time. He said: I don't think I'd ever go back and do something over, but maybe I would go back to when the first show came out and blew up, and I would directly put myself into therapy. "But it was so crazy and overnight, that there was not really any time to think about that." by card. Luis Antonio Tagle* Yesterday the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation addressed the conference in Milan that marked the 175th anniversary of PIMEs foundation. The door of a house, sitting together at the table, songs of lament and joy, cultural and human intelligence are the four faces of a Church walking on the ground prepared by the Holy Spirit of the Risen Jesus. Milan (AsiaNews) The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) yesterday marked the 175th anniversary of its foundation at its mother house in Milan with a conference on the topic "The mission ad gentes of tomorrow". We publish below the text of the address by Card Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, who gave the introductory report of the event. The morning continued with the reflections of Maria Soave Buscemi, lay missionary in Brazil and a Bible scholar, and Raffaella Perin, Church historian. One of the important aspects of our celebration is to look at the changes in the understanding and practices of the Church's mission that have occurred over the last century. We are also called to discern emerging requests for renewal. The Church is not immune to tragic and rapid changes in the world. The preferred term used in the Catholic Church when we talk about change is "renewal" (renovatio). It is not a change only on the quest of producing something that did not exist before, nor is it a change on a superficial or cosmetic level. Renewal comes from God's initiative. To fulfil God's plan and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus generates a new humanity, a new Heaven, and a new Earth. The gift of life renewed in God is already present and at work in the world, but it awaits its fullness in active hope. The Church is the sign and instrument or sacrament of the new humanity in Jesus Christ who is our head. Although the Church is holy because Jesus is its Head and the Holy Spirit animates it, its members are sinners who have a constant need to purify, convert, and change. There are many ways of seeing the renewal that ought to take place in the Church. One says that renewal happens if the Church reaffirms its immutable tradition and authority. A second believes that renewal will take place through efficient organisation. A third way wants the Church to be involved in the various cultures of the world to be considered as sources of renewal. A fourth way of seeing wants the Church to return to its primitive form, that of the New Testament. A fifth way calls for the development of the human potential of Church members. A sixth way places renewal in missionary commitment with the consequent changes in the human sphere. All these ways of seeing contain elements of truth, strengths and weaknesses. I come from Asia, and our experience indicates that the sixth way seems the most appropriate: The Church is renewed in her identity when she is missionary, that is, when she bears witness to the Kingdom of God in dialogue with cultures, religions and the poor of the world. When she is a small flock among the great religions and religious traditions and in a young and poor people, the Church seeks the renewal that Jesus offers. According to experts William Burrows, Stephen Bevans, Jonathan Tan, Michael Amaladoss, Richard Schroeder, Antonio Pernia, Massimo Faggioli, Robert Aaron Wessman, Andrew Recepcion, to name a few the Missio ad Gentes (to the peoples) is still vital, but it must be renewed as a Missio inter-gentes (with peoples, between peoples and around peoples). The "peoples" are no longer in distant places. They can be our family members, work colleagues, digital followers. Geography is no longer the first human frontier, culture, beliefs, indifference, injustice also are. These are the frontiers of the mission. Postcolonial mission theology is criticised and renewed by contextual, holistic, and indigenous approaches, as well as by the role of friendship and community in the mission. I would like to add that these challenging and exciting prospects are not just about mission renewal. If it is true that the Church is missionary in her identity and in her calling, then the mission renews the Church and the Church renews the mission. Only a renewed Church can renew her mission. Only a renewed mission can renew the Church. The mission cannot be renewed by a Church that refuses to renew herself and vice versa. It is significant to me that the so-called foundation or origin of the Church in the mystery of the Trinity in Lumen Gentium 2-4 corresponds to the foundation or origin of the mission in Ad Gentes 2-4. The Church makes the mission, the mission makes the Church. As an Asian I will use some images rather than concepts to illustrate a Church that faces the renewal willed by Jesus precisely in and by the mission. The door of a house. The door unites the outside with the inside. But at the same time, it is the point of distinction between the outside and the inside. A renewed Church takes her door seriously. Through the door, the grace of Christian faith, worship and service spreads throughout the world. But through the door, the mystery of the Spirit's presence in the world is brought into the Church, especially by the faithful. We tell the story of Jesus to the world with our narratives, while we listen to the stories of the world with the compassionate door of Jesus's heart. The Church is at the same time a Church that goes out and a Church that welcomes. The Church that goes forth is the Church that welcomes at the door. A woman who is employed by Caritas in Lebanon, working with illegally detained migrants, told me about an experience she had when she went to Syria for a conference. She took a taxi. Before arriving at her destination, she asked the taxi driver how much she had to pay. The driver replied: I don't take money from Caritas. Surprised, she asked him how he had figured out who she was. The taxi driver replied: Three years ago I was jailed in Lebanon as an illegal immigrant. One night I was sick but the guards refused to give me medicine. At that moment you walked by. I asked you for medicine and you gave it to me. That night I slept well. I've always thought of you like that. For three years, the face of that Caritas woman remained etched in the mans memory. The Church is changed or renewed when the Gospel and the cries of the world meet at her door. Sitting at the table. Asians love to eat. It is not just a question of food, but it is coming together in a community, in a family. The table is complete when there is food and human stories that nourish friendship and solidarity. A renewed Church can be compared to a large table that has room for everyone. It is a table where the goods and resources of the Earth must be shared, especially with the poor. It is a table where people who have nothing to eat and have no one to eat with can sit with dignity. Around the table, the Church is changed and renewed by the spirit of mutual acceptance, participation, interdependence, and co-responsibility. Everyone has something to give and something to receive. The Church gathered around the table of sharing and solidarity challenges the indifference, greed and discrimination that destroy the human family and our common home, creation. One day a friend and I, in his car, went to visit a place in the Metro-Manila area. Along the road the traffic light turned red and immediately the street vendors with flowers, biscuits, candies came out, slipping between the cars.... Our driver said we had nothing to buy. So they moved to the vehicles behind us. Suddenly one of them, who was selling cookies, came running back to our car while calling out to me: Cardinal! Cardinal! The driver and my friend respectfully said we had nothing to buy. But the seller kept calling me and showing me his cookies. I rolled down the window glass and waved goodbye to the man. Our driver politely repeated that we had nothing to buy. And he said, I'm not selling them. I want to offer them to the cardinal as a gift. This poor man who needed every single penny to live was willing to give up his profit to be able to offer the bishop his simple gift. A new Church materialised before my very eyes, showing me the power of people who are hurt, downtrodden, in offering the good news of communion and inclusion. Songs of lament and joy. Music runs in the blood of some people, and I humbly say, of many Filipinos. Asians gather in bars with karaoke. Our conferences in Asia include singing and dancing. Music is one of the most effective ways to convey a message, to touch hearts, to lift spirits, to create communion. People remember songs more than lectures and homilies... Music, dance and the arts are inhabited by people. But there are situations that make us fall silent. According to Fabrice Hadjadj, we are speechless in the face of dehumanising suffering as well as pure goodness. After silence, the heart sings. Seeing the great suffering of people, we sing songs of lament to God, with tears and supplications. Seeing the kindness and love that people show to others, we sing songs of joy and praise. A missionary Church sings and dances for God to the rhythm of the lament and hope of the people. Another story: At a summer camp for young people, I gave a 30-minute lecture on finding purpose in life and then invited them to ask questions. The first came from a young girl: "Bishop, would you sing for us?" I replied, Ask sensible questions and then I'll sing for you. Many questions followed until a young boy asked: "Now will you sing for us?" I invited them to sing a folk song with me. Afterwards they came to ask for a blessing, to touch me, to ask for a photo, an autograph on their books and T-shirts. That event was a mystery to me: Had I behaved well as a bishop? A year later, the answer came. At such a summer camp, a young man approached me, saying, "Last year you signed my shirt. Since then I have not washed it again. Every night I fold it up and place it under my pillow. I haven't seen my father for many years now. With that shirt under my pillow, I know I have a family in the Church and a father in you." The eternal Gospel is proclaimed in the form of a song and a T-shirt signed by a bishop for a boy who is eager for a family and a father. This is an astounding but genuine face of a renewed Church. Cultural and human intelligence. Today the Church is called to be synodal, a Church of mission, communion and participation, a Church whose members walk together with each other and with the rest of humanity. The adventure of making people walk together with a uniquely human freedom is an experience that requires humility. But people are unique and different from each other, not only in the way they understand and operate with freedom, but also in the culture that characterises them, which is second nature. We talk, behave, relate, eat, celebrate, and grieve according to our cultures. A Church renewed in the synodal spirit requires cultural intelligence. It starts with knowing how my culture has shaped and continues to influence the way I think, feel, speak, react and relate. A person with cultural intelligence also tries to understand how other people express their humanity within their own culture. Cultural intelligence is an example of humble walking with others, because every trace of cultural superiority and prejudice must be recognised and cleansed. It is also a humble journey because I must admit that I am inclined to judge people from cultures different from mine even when I do not know them. Each culture embodies its own worldviews and the values of its people. While experienced sociologists and anthropologists provide us with qualified advice on how to understand cultures in order to live and walk together "interculturally", in my humble opinion I suggest that pastoral leaders develop the ability to appreciate different cultures through simple observations, encounters or "walks". For example, we can learn a lot about the culture of a people from its use and arrangement of space, its concept of time, its heroes, heroines, "idols", its system of reward and punishment, the preparation and consumption of food... Walking together "interculturally" reduces fear of the other, allows cultures to cleanse and make the best of each other. Jesus was a person of his Jewish culture, but He also brought God's "culture" into human cultures by redefining space touching those suffering from leprosy (Mt 8:1-4), allowing a woman to bathe his feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50) time (the Father determines his hour, Jn 2:1-11), family (not only blood but obedience to God's will, Mk 3:31-35), heroes and heroines (the Syro-Phoenician woman, Mt 15:21-28; the Good Samaritan, Lk 10:25-37; the repentant criminal, Lk 23:39-43; the centurion, Mt 27:54-54). I conclude with another story from my experience in the United Arab Emirates where I participated in the anniversary of the Declaration on Human Fraternity co-signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb. On the last day of the conference, I had stomach problems. The organisers kindly offered to take me to a doctor. With a friendly smile and a warm voice, the doctor, who was not a Christian, told me: Your Eminence, don't worry, I will heal you. But first I have a request: the two nurses who work for me are Catholic and come from the Philippines. I am sure they will be very happy to see you and receive a blessing from you. Is it okay if I call them? At that moment my stomach felt no pain, but joy, joy from my bowels. A new world of fraternity, respect and love was unfolding before my eyes. A non-Catholic is attentive to the spiritual needs of his Catholic co-workers. Then the two Philippine nurses entered, bowing their heads for a blessing. And they called other nurses, some Catholic, some Protestant Christians, some Buddhists, others, Hindus, who asked to pray. And a selfie! There truly is a future for humanity. It is starting now. We are on hollow ground prepared by the Holy Spirit of the Risen Jesus. The Church is called to be a sign and instrument of communion with God and with humanity. In the renewed mission, a renewed Church is born. * pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation How to Deal With Painful Sex If It Ever Hurts When You're Getting It On, You Need to Read This Unless you and your partner are doing it intentionally with some consensual BDSM play, having sex shouldnt hurt. And if either of you are experiencing pain during sex, it definitely isnt something that should be dismissed. Why? There are actually a wide variety of conditions that could be causing things to not feel right in bed some of which can be signs of bigger health issues. While the majority of conditions that cause pain during sex affect women or other vagina-havers, there are still plenty that impact men and penis-havers as well. If you have one, youll want to seek out the help of a medical professional. Whatever you do, never try and tough it out you could end up doing more damage. Similarly, if you find your partner is trying to do the same, encourage them to seek medical help rather than soldiering through the pain. RELATED: What Does Sex Feel Like? That being said, addressing pain sex-induced pain can be easier said than done. To make it easier, weve compiled a few common conditions that are culprits for causing pain during sex, and what to do if you or your partner think you might be suffering from one of them. 1. Vaginismus What it is: Its tough to draw a male comparison of what vaginismus feels like but imagine that youre about to have penetrative sex when all of a sudden, your dick experiences a sharp, searing pain way too much pain to enter your partner. Its kind of like that. Vaginismus involves the sudden and painful contraction of the muscles around the vagina upon penetration, which can be highly distressful, explains Jess OReilly, Ph.D, Astroglides resident sexologist. Some women find the tightening sensation so severe that they cannot handle any degree of penetration, and others describe a burning sensation that develops as penetration is prolonged or deepened. What causes it: Though we dont fully understand the conditions that give rise to vaginismus, it may be linked with inflammation, injury, past trauma, vestibulodynia (hypersensitive nerve endings near the vaginal opening), stress and psychological factors, OReilly explains. RELATED: What You Should Know About Sex Therapy What you can do about it: Talk to your doctor about your specific experiences to pinpoint or rule-out medical causes, OReilly suggests. If the cause is psychogenic, you may also want to seek counseling from a professional who can support you through a program of improvement/recovery. This type of program, she says, might include exercises in breathing, relaxation, visualization, meditation, desensitization, moisturizing, pelvic floor therapy, masturbation and gradual insertions with dilators. Pro tip: Even if the issue is psychological, dont tell your partner that this pain is all in her head. What shes experiencing is very real and really hurts. Not sure how to bring it up? You could get the conversation started by showing her this article. 2. Dyspareunia What it is: It sounds like a scary word, but basically dyspareunia is an umbrella term that refers to pain during and after intercourse for people with vaginas which affects an estimated 8 to 20% of the U.S. population. Dyspareunia is generalized pain including sudden pain after intercourse, deep pain during thrusting, and burning pain anywhere in the vagina or pelvic floor, explains Jenni Skyler, certified sex therapist, sexologist and licensed marriage and family therapist for AdamEve.com. What causes it: Causes of dyspareunia can run the gamut, Skyler says, from something simple like inadequate lubrication, to previous injury, tight pelvic floor muscles, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, sexual trauma to the vagina, vaginal infection, poor reaction to birth control, anatomy issues or a past surgery. There is often an emotional component that becomes part of the negative feedback loop, she adds. If a woman has experienced past pain, she may have anxiety around sex and subsequently tighten her muscles in anticipation. RELATED: The AskMen Guide to Lube What to do about it: Seek the help of a professional to identify the cause. Once you have a diagnosis, a pelvic floor physical therapist and/or a sex therapist can help find a pathway out of pain and into pleasure, says Skyler. 3. Dysorgasmia / Orgasmalgia What it is: Known as dysorgasmia or orgasmalgia, penis-havers who suffer from this condition experience pain during ejaculation. What causes it: According to Skyler, this can be caused by a variety of things. Surgeries that involve the prostate sometimes lead to side effects around painful orgasms for men, she explains. Cysts or stones can develop, blocking a mans ability to ejaculate. Some STIs, such as trichomoniasis can also cause painful orgasm. What to do about it: Some of these issues may resolve on their own, but they are worth discussing with your primary care physician, Skyler says. If you have had prostate cancer, or issues with your prostate, it is worth mentioning, because it can sometimes indicate a complication or side effect of surgery. RELATED: Prostate Health And Cancer Prevention Tips 4. Vasocongestion What it is: You probably know what vasocongestion (aka blue balls) is but well give you the scientific answer. Blue balls happens when the male sex organs aren't able to release the blood that swells during the arousal process," explains Eric M. Garrison, clinical sexologist, best-selling author and professor of masculinity studies at William & Mary College. What causes it: Ever wonder where the name blue balls came from? As Garrison explains, when the blood thats responsible for giving you an erection doesnt get released from orgasm, it causes congestion in your balls. "If there's too much oxygenated blood in the penis, this will make the testicles look blue," he says. What to do about it: Get rid of the erection whether that means masturbating to orgasm, or by distracting yourself away from being aroused. If you were right in the middle of sex and you heard someone behind you start a chainsaw, or if lightning struck, or you heard your in-laws shout, We're here a day early!, any of those things would cause an immediate drop in sex drive, says Garrison. Any response like that will cause vasocongestion to go away faster. If you dont have a chainsaw at your disposal, a cold shower should do the trick. 5. Phimosis / Paraphimosis What it is: Some bad news for men with foreskin: there are a few conditions that can cause pain during sex if you havent been circumcised. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is either damaged or too tightly constricting the head of the penis, Skyler explains. Paraphimosis is when the foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and can't be pulled forward. RELATED: AskMen Readers Weigh in on Circumcision What to do about it: While the solution for severe cases is actual circumcision, there are other options that can help depending on your specific condition. But your first step should be to consult your doctor. You Might Also Dig: Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 13 April 2025 11:51 (UTC+04:00) Azernews reports via the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan that the Azerbaijani Army units took adequate response measures in the mentioned directions. On April 11, from 20:10 to 23:15, units of the Armenian armed forces intermittently fired small arms at positions of the Azerbaijani Army from positions located in the directions of Basarkechar and Gorus regions. 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! 13 April 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In recent years, Azerbaijan-China relations have undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a strategic partnership with deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. The signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries stands as a landmark achievement, highlighting the maturity of bilateral ties and underscoring a shared vision for long-term collaboration. As the global geopolitical landscape shifts and the balance of power moves increasingly toward Asia, Azerbaijans growing engagement with China is not only timely but also essential. One of the most promising aspects of this partnership lies in the economic and technological spheres. Azerbaijans decision to work actively with Chinese companies in areas like green public transport and renewable energy is a clear indicator of the countrys commitment to sustainability and innovation. As the president Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said: We actively work now with Chinese companies. We invited them to be our strategic partners in different areas, including the green energy. I would name that their companies have been selected as our partners in the manufacturing of green public transportation vehicles. The first production is expected this year. The deployment of the first electric buses produced by a Chinese companies in Azerbaijan marks a tangible step toward greener urban mobility. In a world that is rapidly moving toward decarbonization, such initiatives not only benefit the environment but also enhance Azerbaijans technological capacity and industrial diversification. Equally important is the growing role of Chinese solar panel producers in Azerbaijans energy sector. These panels, currently used in power stations funded by investments from other countries, represent a smart intersection of global collaboration and national development. Azerbaijans efforts to attract direct investment from China into its green energy projects point to a forward-looking energy policyone that aligns with both the global energy transition and Azerbaijans ambition to become a regional leader in renewables. As the President Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said: they are also suppliers of solar panels, which are being installed in Azerbaijan with the investments from other countries. Also we are in the phase of negotiations with some Chinese companies with respect to direct investments in green energy." Beyond economic ties, the initiation of dialogue on defense cooperation introduces a new dimension to bilateral relations. Azerbaijans interest in expanding the geography of its defense procurement and establishing joint production facilities reflects a strategic recalibration. Engaging with China in this area could help diversify Azerbaijans defense capabilities, reduce dependency on traditional suppliers, and introduce new technologies into the local defense industry. While defense cooperation remains a sensitive and complex issue, careful diplomacy and mutual understanding could yield meaningful benefits. Another cornerstone of Azerbaijan-China relations is connectivity. As a long-time supporter of Chinas "Belt and Road" Initiative (BRI), Azerbaijan plays a vital role in the development of the Middle Corridor, or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This corridor offers a faster, safer, and more sustainable route for goods traveling from China to Europe, bypassing congested or unstable regions. With new possibilities emerging for cargo to transit through the Zangazur and Zangilan regions, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a logistics hub at the crossroads of East and West. This development is not only commercially significant but also geopolitically strategic. It is worth noting take active part in the realization on the One Belt One Road initiative. The support of Azerbaijan in the initiative is palpable. Like Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized: "the Middle Corridor; One Belt One Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping, which, as I said, in Europe they want to call it the Global Gateway. Frankly speaking, I don't know what it means, but the One Belt One Road is a project, which we have supported from the very beginning - not only publicly supported but also invested in it. We built the biggest seaport on the Caspian shore. We are now manufacturing six vessels at our shipyard. Our shipyard is now fully packed with orders. We upgraded our railroad and even invested additional funds to increase the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad on Georgian territory. So, its capacity is now 5 million tons. We think that part of the cargo from China will also go through Zangazur, through the Zangilan road." Moreover, Azerbaijans active participation in the Global South and its leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement for four consecutive years speak volumes about its growing international stature. Chinas role as a fellow member in this movement enhances the foundation for cooperation on global governance issues, equitable development, and multilateralism. The two countries share common perspectives on sovereignty, non-interference, and the need for a more inclusive international order. In this context, the Azerbaijan-China relationship becomes more than a bilateral affairit becomes a model for how middle powers can collaborate effectively in a multipolar world. Despite these advances, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that come with engaging a global power like China. Issues of trade imbalance, technological dependency, and the need for transparent investment practices are areas that must be carefully managed. Azerbaijan must ensure that its engagement with China serves its long-term national interests and supports local economic development. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving legal frameworks for foreign investment, and maintaining strategic autonomy will be key to maximizing the benefits of this partnership. In conclusion, the Azerbaijan-China relationship has grown into a robust and multidimensional partnership with far-reaching implications. From green energy to defense, from trade to global diplomacy, the scope of cooperation is impressive and expanding. As the world continues to face complex challengesfrom climate change to supply chain disruptionsstrong, forward-thinking partnerships like this one offer a path to shared prosperity and resilience. Azerbaijan has every reason to continue nurturing and expanding its ties with China, a partner that increasingly plays a central role in shaping the global future. 13 April 2025 11:18 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Western Azerbaijan Community and Member of the Milli Majlis, Aziz Alakbarli, spoke about the realities of Western Azerbaijan at the "Parliamentary Diplomacy in Global Governance" panel held within the framework of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum. After the speech, the question addressed to him was, "When can a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan be signed?" The community chairman, answering the question, said: "This conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not limited to the Karabakh war alone. This conflict has a history of at least 200 years. Armenians have been carrying out ethnic cleansing, genocide, and deportation against Azerbaijanis in this region for 200 years. The Karabakh war is only the last link in this notorious policy. Therefore, in order to sign a stable, reliable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia must sincerely abandon its 200-year-old policy of hostility against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis. There is no need to play games with Azerbaijan. First, Armenia must renounce all territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and for this, it must change its constitution. Secondly, it must recognize and ensure the right of return of Azerbaijanis who were expelled from Western Azerbaijan - present-day Armenia - in 1987-1991 as part of the Karabakh war. And not in words, but in deeds." 13 April 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Azerbaijani delegation, led by President Ilham Aliyev, participated in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum for the fourth time this year. Our delegation, and I personally, have participated in all the forums. It is gratifying to witness the growing interest in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum every year. It is, of course, gratifying for us to observe that this event has become one of the most important platforms in the world, with the number of participants and the scope of the discussions increasing year by year. I believe that Azerbaijan participated here with the largest number of representatives after the Turkish delegation. In addition to our state representatives, our deputies, think tanks, experts, and the Azerbaijani media were also very widely represented. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed these views in an interview with Azerbaijani media in Antalya, according to Azernews. Noting that our delegation also actively participated in various panel discussions held within the framework of the forum, the minister said: "In the panel dedicated to the South Caucasus, where we participated together with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Georgia, I provided the participants with fairly extensive information about the current state of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the agreement reached on the text of the draft agreement on interstate peace and normalization of relations, as well as Azerbaijan's expectations in this regard. At the panel, we first of all talked about the elimination of claims to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the Armenian constitution, our expectations regarding the abolition of the Minsk Group, the development prospects in the South Caucasus in general, the positive role Azerbaijan has played in the region for many years, and the measures it has taken with other regional countries." Speaking about his bilateral meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Jeyhun Bayramov said: "Our meeting was very important and comprehensive. With this meeting, we once again had the opportunity to discuss in detail the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey covering various areas, including within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). These exchanges of views were also held at a number of other important meetings." The Minister said that the forum also included a panel discussion reflecting the processes taking place within the framework of the TDT, as well as expectations from the organization. Our country was represented in this panel by the President's Special Representative for Missions Elchin Amirbekov. The TDT is the most important organization for us. As our head of state said, this is our family organization. In this regard, the TDT is of particular importance to us. The next, informal Summit of the organization is planned to be held in Hungary soon. In the autumn of this year, an official TDT Summit is planned to be organized in Baku. 13 April 2025 12:38 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more As Azerbaijan celebrates 2025 as the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is embracing the occasion with a broad series of initiativesincluding within the healthcare sector. Among the latest efforts was a high-level scientific-practical conference focusing on Current Issues in Surgical Diseases: Modern Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment. Organized by Nakhchivans Ministry of Health and supported by the national Ministry of Health, the conference welcomed leading specialists from the M.A. Topchubashov Scientific Surgery Center, who participated as guest experts. The event represented both a symbolic and practical merging of regional health reforms with national academic collaboration. The proceedings began with a visit to the statue of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader whose legacy still frames much of Azerbaijans institutional and cultural identity. Participants laid flowers in his honor, followed by a tour of the Heydar Aliyev Museumunderscoring the union of medical advancement with civic remembrance. Opening the conference, the national anthem was played and a moment of silence was observed in tribute to Aliyev and the countrys martyrs. In his remarks, Samiq Sadikhov, Nakhchivans Minister of Health, highlighted the importance of such scientific events in advancing the healthcare system and facilitating valuable knowledge exchange between practitioners. Professor Rauf Agayev, director of the Topchubashov Scientific Surgery Center, praised the high caliber of organization and emphasized the critical role of such partnerships in both academic research and clinical practice. As a token of appreciation, he presented Minister Sadikhov with an honorary certificate on behalf of his team. The academic portion of the event featured presentations from leading surgical experts on topics such as: - Iatrogenic bile duct injuries: causes, diagnostics, surgical treatment, and prevention - Primary heart tumors: diagnosis and surgical intervention - Advancements in minimally invasive colon surgery - Surgical indications for nodular formations Following the lectures, the event moved into a dynamic Q&A and discussion session, where participants exchanged ideas and professional insightsa clear reflection of the conferences collaborative spirit. As part of their visit, the delegation also toured the Training Center at the newly established Nakhchivan Central Hospital, receiving a detailed briefing from Minister Sadikhov on its operations and educational goals. The event illustrates Azerbaijans broader strategy of aligning its healthcare reform and scientific collaboration with national milestones and narratives. By linking the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty to such initiatives, the government not only reinforces a sense of civic identity but also elevates its institutional credibility through substantive professional engagement. In a region often viewed through geopolitical or historical lenses, this conference marked a deliberate pivot: from heritage to healthcare, from symbolism to scientific substance. 13 April 2025 11:42 (UTC+04:00) We strongly reject and condemn the allegations made against Azerbaijan by Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), during an interview with Alpha News. Azernews reports that this was told by Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on unacceptable anti-Azerbaijani views of Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry official called it unacceptable and a stark violation of Council of Europes Charter: "It is well-known that, despite Azerbaijans demonstrated willingness to engage in dialogue even after actions taken against it due to PACEs violation of the Council of Europes Charter and overreach of authority, Rousopoulos, Schwabe, and others have consistently attempted to undermine Azerbaijans just and international law-based position." "Over the years, PACE has incurred the justified resentment of the Azerbaijani people due to its anti-Azerbaijani policies, which are marked by double standards. Labeling our nation's leader a "dictator" and insulting him is utterly unacceptable, is a demonstration of political ignorance and is a dumbness. The current hysterical situation in the Assembly and the dictator Rousopoulos at its leadership are a manifestation of the deplorable situation in PACE. The same situation exists in the European Parliament. Regarding our position on the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, it is absurd to demand from Azerbaijan to implement the decisions of the court, given that Azerbaijan did not participate in the selection of its judges. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to enforce the court's decisions. It should be noted that Theodoros Rousopoulos is blacklisted in Azerbaijan like 76 PACE members who supported the unfair and legally questionable initiative to suspend the credentials of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE. If Rousopoulos penetrates into Azerbaijan, he will be rejected," A. Hajizada added. Finn Wolfhard has mixed emotions about his characters fate in Stranger Things. Finn Wolfhard has mixed emotions about his characters fate in Stranger Things The actor, 22, who has portrayed Mike Wheeler in the show since the Netflix sci-fi series premiered in July 2016, shared his complex feelings in an exclusive interview with People. He said: I was so happy with his ending, and I dont know, I was satisfied, but I was also very confused and sad, but also very happy." As the final season of Stranger Things is set to come out later this year, Finn also reflected on what it felt like to finish the series that transformed him from a young actor into a household name. Stranger Things follows a group of friends who must confront supernatural forces and secret government conspiracies in their small 1980s Indiana town. Finn has starred in the show alongside Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Jamie Campbell Bower, Brett Gelman, David Harbour and Winona Ryder. Netflix has yet to officially reveal the plot of the fifth season, but it is expected the Hawkins kids will face off against the villainous Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, after the Upside Down has taken over their town. Reflecting on filming his final scene for the series, Finn admitted it didnt feel real at first. I just couldnt believe it at all, he said. It didnt really start to go into focus until the next day. It was like an emotional hangover. Finn also recalled how the shows actors remained together on the last day of filming, saying: The cast all stayed for the last day, we were all there together. It was really great to be around each other. Looking back on the whirlwind success of Stranger Things, Finn explained the overwhelming nature of his success. He added: I dont think Id ever go back and do something over, but maybe I would go back to when the show first came out and blew up, and I would directly put myself into therapy. But it was so crazy and overnight, that there was not really any time to think about that. 13 April 2025 15:47 (UTC+04:00) A delegation including members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, representatives of the ruling Justice and Development Party, high-ranking officials of Kayseri Municipality, university rectors, and entrepreneurs arrived in the city of Shusha. Azernews reports that, first, a meeting will be held in the Shusha district with Aydin Karimov, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Then, the guests will get acquainted with the city of Shusha, the pearl of Karabakh and a symbol of Azerbaijani history and culture. The meeting discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, the importance of the twinning of the cities of Shusha and Kayseri, the successful activities of the "Shusha" Azerbaijan House in Kayseri, the prospects for relations between the cities, and information on the renovation, restoration and construction works carried out in the historic city of Shusha. After the meeting, the guests visited religious, historical, architectural, and cultural monuments in the ancient city of Shusha. 13 April 2025 16:18 (UTC+04:00) The historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War became a source of pride and stimulus not only for Azerbaijan but also for the entire Turkic world. This Victory revived the Turkic world. As one nation, two states, our unity is our vitality in the true sense of the word. Both the OSCE Minsk Group and the UN have slowed down Azerbaijan in various ways for 30 years. During this period, Turkey expressed its full political support for Azerbaijan on every platform. This support gave our Azerbaijani brothers moral strength on the path to Victory. Now the Turkic world has revived and strengthened, and we can support and back each other. Our next steps will continue towards strengthening our regional cooperation. Azernews reports that these views were expressed by Binali Yldrm, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), in a comment for Azertag. Reminding that the chairmanship of the OTS will be transferred to Azerbaijan next year, the elder said: "The TDT is younger than other international organizations. However, despite this, the work it has done is more than 50 years of activity. Turkey and Azerbaijan have made great contributions to this organization. We have not experienced any disagreements in our activities within the OTS over these years. One of the biggest reasons for this is that there are no contradictions between us. What makes Turkey and Azerbaijan so close is also our common language and alphabet. Active work has been carried out for two years to implement a common alphabet so that we can understand other Turkic-speaking countries. In my opinion, removing this communication barrier will further expand our relations. We are one family, and the further strengthening of the unity of the Turkish family means increased prosperity and peace in the world." 13 April 2025 20:05 (UTC+04:00) The relationship between Kayseri and Shusha is a source of pride for us. Shusha is not only a symbol for Azerbaijan, but also a flag and emblem for the entire Turkic world. Azernews reports that this was stated by Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, during an interview with journalists in Shusha. Hulusi Akar expressed pride in the reconstruction and development being carried out in the liberated territories: 13 April 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether the American delegation will attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, Azernews reports. The president made the remarks on the Truth Social platform, expressing concern over what he described as land seizures and violence targeting white farmers. "How can we be expected to go to the very important G20 meeting in South Africa when the main topic of discussion is land confiscation and genocide? They are taking the land of white farmers and then killing them and their families. And the media refuses to talk about it," Trump wrote. He added that the United States has already suspended aid to South Africa, questioning the countrys suitability as a host for such a global gathering. It is worth noting that on February 7, Trump signed an executive order halting U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, citing alleged racial discrimination against the white population. 13 April 2025 14:43 (UTC+04:00) Russian forces carried out a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, killing more than 20 people, according to acting Mayor Artem Kobzar. He said the attack targeted civilians. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said that Russian troops carried out multiple strikes on the city. The Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported that Sumy residents heard two explosions on Sunday morning and that a child was among the injured. Ukrainian Telegram channels shared footage of the aftermath, including video of a large fire and dead bodies on the ground. 13 April 2025 18:27 (UTC+04:00) Eight Pakistani nationals were brutally murdered in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, allegedly by an anti-Pakistan terrorist group, reports said Saturday. According to reports, all eight Pakistani nationals were killed this morning in the village of Hazabad, located in the Mehrstan district of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, approximately 100 kilometers from the Pakistan-Iran border, deep inside Iranian territory. Sources said the victims were residents of Bhawalpur district in southern Punjab. The incident took place in the village of Hasabad Payin in the Iranian district of Mehrestan of the Iranian province of Balochistan and Sistan. The unknown attackers who were more than a dozen managed to escape from the scene after the attack. 13 April 2025 17:14 (UTC+04:00) The 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2025) held in Turkey has ended. Azernews reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a press conference at the end of the international event. During his speech, the minister, who highly appreciated the work of the forum, said that the event not only hosted geopolitical issues but also human problems: "During the three days, many human issues such as combating racism and protecting women's rights were discussed here. Many bilateral meetings, panels, and gatherings were held during the event. The participants also had the opportunity to meet with their interlocutors from different regions of the world within the framework of their own views. All this once again demonstrated the unifying power of our forum. For three days, we sought answers to questions about not only the current but also the future world order. In this period when the world is going through various trials, a new mind, a new language, and courageous steps are needed in global diplomacy. The discussion of all global events once again showed the need for diplomacy. Turkey will continue its constructive and mediating position in resolving conflicts in the world and its active role in the re-forming European security mechanism. We hope that Europe will also respond appropriately to our activities." During his speech, Hakan Fidan thanked the media representatives who participated in the implementation of the forum and supported the delivery of the messages given at the event to the world community. Then the minister answered questions from journalists. It should be noted that the three-day IV Antalya Diplomatic Forum was attended by more than six thousand participants from 155 countries of the world, including about a hundred heads of state and government, ministers, deputies, NGOs, well-known public and political figures of the world, and representatives of media organizations. President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, and Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva participated in the ADF for the first time. Along with many global events, the event also discussed issues of interest to our country, such as the latest situation in the South Caucasus, the Peace Agreement to be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the return of Western Azerbaijan and Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands, our country's role in the fight against climate change, as well as the COP29 held in Baku and the activities of the Organization of Turkic States. Azerbaijan was represented at the event by a large delegation led by President Ilham Aliyev. It should be noted that the main goal of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum is to contribute to the resolution of crises occurring in the world through diplomacy. 13 April 2025 22:19 (UTC+04:00) New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining an active role in the Indo-Pacific region. During a visit to Hawaii, Peters described the relationship between New Zealand and the US as a strategic partnership built on mutual respect for each nation's independent foreign policy and national interests. In remarks released by the New Zealand government, Peters noted that both countries are committed to promoting prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He reaffirmed New Zealands intention to continue collaborating closely with Washington and expressed readiness to work with the incoming Trump administration. New Zealand not only welcomes but depends on a committed and constructive US presence in the Indo-Pacific, Peters stated. He also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 18. Following the meeting, Peters remarked that the USNew Zealand relationship remains solid and resilient. 13 April 2025 21:11 (UTC+04:00) A group of Greek naval cadets has been disciplined following an internal investigation into their chanting of anti-Turkiye slogans during Greeces March 25 Independence Day parade in Athens. The inquiry, which lasted three weeks, concluded with disciplinary actions against those involved, according to Greek media reports. While no cadets were expelled, those found most responsible received 20-day detention sentences, and others were given lighter punishments. The incident, involving naval trainees shouting offensive slogans against Turkiye during the national celebration, provoked a strong reaction from Ankara. Officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the chants, calling them unacceptable and accusing them of undermining efforts to normalize Turkish-Greek relations. They described the slogans as impertinent and confirmed that a formal explanation was requested from Greek authorities. Meanwhile, Greek government officials sought to distance themselves from the incident. One unnamed official stated that "strength is not demonstrated through slogans," signaling disapproval of the cadets' actions. Molly Ringwald felt "very emotional" to reunite with her 'Breakfast Club' co-stars on Saturday (12.04.25). The Breakfast Club stars reunited The 57-year-old actress was joined by Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall publicly for the first time since the classic film was released in 1985 for a 40th anniversary conversation at the C2E2 convention in Chicago. Noting she had reunited with the rest of the group before, it was the first time Emilio had joined them, Molly said: I feel really very emotional and moved to have us all together... "We dont have to use the cardboard cutout anymore because hes here. I feel really moved that were all together. Emilio, 62, explained appearing at the event was something he felt he "needed to do just for" himself and admitted he was devastated when he heard Molly had taken his previous absences personally. He said: "This one felt special, its here in Chicago where we made the film. Its obviously the 40th anniversary, and it just felt like it was time. "Somebody told me that Molly said, Well, does Emilio just not like us? And that broke my heart. And I went, No of course I love all of them. "And that just made sense, so here I am. Meanwhile, Judd admitted he had always expected the cast to reunite on screen for a follow-up but insisted that would never happen following the 2009 death of writer-and-director John Hughes. He said: I always felt in a weird way that the work was half done, that at some point we would all get back together because there were too many questions by everyone, What happens on Monday? The film is about the fact that everyone has to make that decision for themselves [about] what happens on Monday. "But I felt, personally, that it was one shoe and I needed the second shoe, and that could only come from John. "So his passing was profound for me, because its like the work will always be in a circle leaning one direction. What we needed was the one to counterbalance it, because Hughes explained to us the differences between the young and old. "So now is the time for him to show us where we meet in the end, because were all older now, but were not going to get that, which is sad. But in a way Hughes has been telling us, Think for yourself.' Emilio doesn't think 'The Breakfast Club' would get green lit in the modern age. He said: Movies today are concept-driven, theyre not character-driven, and the beauty of John is that he focused on characters first. And when you think about trying to pitch this movie today its about five kids sitting in a library all day in detention the studio executives would march you right out the door and say where are the monsters? Wheres the car chases? Where are the big effects? Its also important to remember that we made this movie for $1 million, which at the time was still a lot of money but by Universal standards was not; it was not thought of as a big, giant tentpole film as they make today. So there was a lot of risk involved, but by todays standards, this movie I dont think would ever get made. Astoria's Riverwalk Gets New Lighting, More N. Oregon Coast Roadwork Published 04/11/25 at 8:29 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Astoria, Oregon) A variety of roadwork is going on in Astoria right about now and some coming early in the summer. In the meantime, however, one section of town just got a spiffy little facelift. Earlier in the year, ODOT announced it was working on new lighting on Astoria's Riverwalk Trail, and now it's been unveiled. Work was done a bit early, it seems, and now the area from 23rd Street to 34th Street is lit up and aglow with a bit more verve than before. This will improve access and safety for people walking and biking on the trail, ODOT said. Now that the weather is starting to improve, make sure you plan some time to check out the new glow-up. The design phase happened last year at a cost of $250,000. More roadwork continues around the north Oregon coast town. The week of April 14, you can expect the Old Youngs Bay Bridge to close daily while ODOT makes repairs to the steel grate surface and the portion of road on either side of it. Between April 14 to April 18, you can expect crews working during the day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the bridge will be closed during the day and open to traffic at night, and you'll encounter other delays. Please use caution when driving through the area, said ODOT. The OR 104S Skipanon River Bridge is getting repairs, but it won't affect traffic just yet. That is coming in June, ODOT said. We plan to start work in June 2025, ODOT said. Then, at one point there will be a 60-day full road closure. Also, expect a fair amount of noise. The Skipanon River Bridge, constructed in 1929, is now in poor condition and requires significant maintenance and repairs. This bridge is a vital connection for residents traveling to schools, recreational areas, and nearby stores. Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery Currently, due to weight restrictions, emergency services and other heavy vehicles are unable to use the bridge. ODOT is addressing this issue by replacing the center portion of the bridge. These repairs will allow heavier vehicles to resume using the bridge and will help extend its usability for years to come. Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A new ruling by the North Carolina Supreme Court has narrowed the group of voters being challenged from 65,000 to just 5,000 but that move likely increases the odds of conservative Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin being ultimately seated in the challenged Supreme Court seat race. Griffin is in competition with far left Cooper appointee Allison Riggs. Two groups of voters were initially challenged, questionable overseas voters many of whom had never lived in North Carolina, of which there are about 5,000 votes, and those who were improperly registered without federally required ID information and voted absentee, of which there are about 60,000. The latest Supreme Court ruling narrows the challenged voters to the 5,000 overseas voters. Riggs has filed her own lawsuit in federal court with a far left Obama judge demanding to be seated. The state supreme court narrowing the challenged voters makes Riggs lawsuit much more difficult. That is because only the voters with missing ID info who voted absentee can have their votes backed out of the system, but similarly situated voters who voted on election day cannot. This different treatment of similarly situated voters would have opened a path for the federal court to undo what the state courts were doing, and that path has now been closed. The Democrat National Committee had a massive campaign to register overseas voters and to target them in swing states, so the challenged overseas voters are expected to be heavily Democrat. No voters in this category voted on election day, so the different treatment argument does not work with them. While the election night count with all precincts in had Griffin ahead, the following round of canvas and recounts yielded a victory for Riggs by over 700 votes. Before being appointed a judge by Roy Cooper, Riggs was the co-director of the far left "Southern Coalition for Social Justice" out of Durham. https://redstate.com/bonchie/2025/04/12/nc-supreme-court-makes-way-for-election-to-be-overturned-democrat-runs-to-federal-court-n2187794 Rachel and Christian Lanfranchi plan to sell Ulster fries in Italy Controversial cafe owners who were pictured wearing Nazi emblems and who support a Holocaust denier are selling up and quitting Belfast. Rachel and Christian Lanfranchi ran Piccola Parma in east Belfast for nine years but were accused on social media, and later in the press, of being supportive of the far right. A NIFRS crew was attacked after responding to calls about a large fire in the Colin Glen Forest Park (Picture: Police West Belfast) An MLA has condemned unacceptable behaviour after emergency services were attacked for the second night in a row while responding to fire in west Belfast. Danny Baker said on Sunday evening that the fire service have again been attacked at the Colin Glen Forest Park. This is unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, those responsible are taking up value time of firefighters by lighting fires, he stated. Damaging the fire appliance can also result in that much needed vehicle being off the road. I will do all I can in the days and weeks ahead to bring this reckless behaviour to an end. Those behind this are putting our whole community at risk, but particularly those living along the boundary of Glengoland. Firefighters and PSNI officers responding to a fire in the same area on Saturday night also came under attack from a group of youths. A crew from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and PSNI officers were dispatched yesterday following reports of a large fire at Colin Glen Forest Park. On arrival, they were pelted with stones by a group of youths and were forced to retreat for their safety. The PSNI managed to disperse the crowd of young people. PSNI officers then discovered that flammable material had been brought into the forest park. Posting on Facebook a PSNI spokesperson said: This evening (Saturday) colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) answered multiple calls from members of the public concerned about a large fire in the Colin Glen Forest Park. "On arrival the fire service were stoned and withdrew to prevent personal injury. Officers from West Belfast Neighbourhood Policing Team attended a short time later and dispersed a crowd of juveniles. "Police discovered flammable material brought into the forest park, which had been used to set the fire. A NIFRS crew was attacked after responding to calls about a large fire in the Colin Glen Forest Park (Picture: Police West Belfast) "It's not a very pretty sight": Locals react to continuing construction in Belfast's docks SDLP councillor Paul Doherty also condemned the incident and urged for attacks on emergency services to end. I am making a plea today for these attacks to stop, he said. "While the fire service are responding to incidents like this their attention is being diverted from more deserving matters. "I would also urge local parents to talk to their young people and ensure they are not engaging in this kind of activity. "Nobody wants to see a young person end up with a criminal record, but these attacks need to stop immediately for the fire service to be allowed to carry out their important work without fear of being subject to this. This has to end now. Sinn Fein councillor, Soibhan McCallin, also urged parents to make sure their children arent involved with anti-social behaviour in the area. "We appeal to parents, if they smell smoke/fire off their children to please explain the dangers associated with these fires. "The forest, its eco system and wildlife are at serious risk. The anti community behaviour takes away from the positivity we have to celebrate and be proud of about our much loved west Belfast. "This is a small minority of youth engaging in this and is not reflective of the majority of our young people. This isnt the first time the PSNI have reported anti-social behaviour in Colin Glen Forrest Park. Posting on their Facebook page earlier this month a PSNI spokesperson shared images of expensive damage caused in the area. "With todays great weather West Belfast Neighbourhood Policing Officers had a walk along the path in the Colin Glen Forest Park, they said. "The Officers came across a 40-50 year old tree. "As you can see in the past several days someone has took it upon themselves to set a fire and burn it. The tree is now unsafe and may need removed. "This will be expensive and is a terrible look when you visit the path for a walk. "The river path lies on private ground and when the gates are locked there is no public access if you are present you are trespassing. Irish farmer who killed neighbour with teleporter prongs comes home from prison to over 500,000 in shares Farmer in crow-banger manslaughter case has 600,000 Kerry Group shares waiting for him after being released from prison Wayne O'Connor and Mark Tighe Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 17:30 A farmer who was convicted of manslaughter after driving a teleporter with pronged forks into a neighbours car and killing him has been released from prison after seven years in custody. Three brothers aiming to become the fastest people to row across the Pacific Ocean have departed on a 9,000-mile adventure, and their luggage includes haggis, neeps and tatties. Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean departed Lima, Peru, on a 14,000km, non-stop and unsupported row across the Pacific, expecting to arrive in Sydney, Australia, on August 2. Their boat was cheered on by hundreds of supporters and the Peruvian Navy brass band, while middle sibling Jamie played the bagpipes. The siblings from Edinburgh became the fastest and youngest trio to row the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, raising more than 200,000 for charity, and this expedition is considered one of the most remote and physically demanding open-water rows ever attempted. Custom-built carbon fibre vessel Rose Emily was launched from Yacht Club Peruano on Saturday evening with the brothers rowing in two-hour shifts, with no resupplies or safety boat on the 280kg boat, to raise 1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. The departure was delayed more than a month by customs issues holding their boat and 500kg of food in port, including 75kg of oats and a menu of high-calorie comfort meals, for around 120 days at sea. The Rare Whisky 101 Pacific Row aims to raise more than 1 million for The Maclean Foundation the clean water charity the brothers founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE. The Maclean brothers preparing for the Pacific row (The Maclean brothers/PA Wire) The siblings prepared for the expedition by moving to a croft in Nedd in the Highlands to train on the Minch, a strait which separates the mainland from Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Lachlan Maclean, 26, said: I cant believe the buzz of leaving that atmosphere. Ive never heard bagpipes alongside a brass band before, but I think it could catch on. Weve been like coiled springs this past month. Being stuck with our boat and food held in customs could have been incredibly stressful but the team at Yacht Club Peruano gave us a place to sleep, store our gear and stay sane. Now were just excited to be on the water. Its definitely daunting, but weve prepared so long that were desperate to get going. In many ways were a bit weird Im probably happier on the water. Ive never been good at replying to emails, and now I have the best excuse in the world. The brothers packed a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, to celebrate Lachlans birthday in June. The Maclean brothers training off Toward, South Cowal, near Dunoon, Argyll and Bute (The Maclean brothers/PA Wire) Ewan Maclean, 33, a former Dyson engineer, said: We usually forget things when were going away for the weekend, so preparing for 120 days at sea has not been without its challenges. But here we are, and were so happy to be on the water. During our last row, we started thinking about how we could spend more time at sea and help more people, and this challenge was born. The more we looked into rowing the Pacific, the more we realised why so few attempt it you have to bring an awful lot of food to sustain yourselves for that period of time, which gets pretty heavy. And its an awful long time. But if we want to raise 1 million we had to go for something big. During our visits to Madagascar, weve seen what access to clean water can do it helps kids get an education, helps entire communities thrive. Thats what drives us. Their attempt is dedicated to their unborn sister, Rose Emily, and their mother Sheila hand-painted the name on the boat. Jamie Maclean, 31, added: We know this will be hard for mum and dad, having all three of us isolated at sea. But theyve been incredibly supportive. Theyve worked just as hard as we have to prepare and we cant wait to see them when we row into Sydney Harbour. The brothers trained for the voyage with elite sport performance consultant Chloe Lanthier, a performance physiologist for Nasa and professional athletes including Rafael Nadal and Paris Saint-Germain. Their route from Lima to Sydney spans roughly 9,000 miles, depending on conditions and the brothers aim to arrive before the British and Irish Lions third test in Sydney on August 2. The head of a US-funded Arabic language television and online news outlet sacked most of its staff and curtailed TV programming on Saturday, accusing the Trump administration and Elon Musk of having irresponsibly and unlawfully cut off funding. Al Hurra claims a 30 million-strong audience in the Middle East and North Africa. In notices to Al Hurra news staff about their dismissals, chief Jeffrey Gedmin said he had given up on the US administrations freeze lifting soon for the congressionally approved money for Al Hurra and its US-funded Arabic language sister organisations. Mr Gedmin accused Kari Lake, US President Donald Trumps appointee to the American government agency overseeing Al Hurra, Voice Of America and other US-funded news programming abroad, of dodging his efforts to speak with her about the funding cut-off. Im left to conclude that she is deliberately starving us of the money we need to pay you, our dedicated and hard-working staff, Mr Gedmin said in severance letters obtained by The Associated Press and excerpted on the website of Al Hurras parent company, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. Mohamed al-Sabagh, an Egyptian journalist working at the Al Hurra news website in Dubai, told the AP that all the staff on the website and the television channel received emails terminating their contracts. Al Hurra is the latest US government-funded news outlet after Voice Of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and others to cut staff and services amid what the outlets say is the move by the Trump administration and Mr Musks Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to withhold their congressional appropriations. Ms Lake, appointed to oversee the US Agency for Global Media, describes her agency as being consumed by a giant rot that requires the agencys destruction and rebuilding. The US-backed news organisations were set up starting in the Cold War between the West and Soviet Union. Their designated goal was to provide objective news about the United States and other subjects overseas, often to people under authoritarian governments without access to a free press. The George W Bush administration created Al Hurra in 2003, the same year his administrations invasion of Iraq overthrew that countrys leader. Al Hurras journalists covered the US occupation and sectarian and extremist violence that followed, with some them dying on the job during the 2011 Arab Spring, and other political changes across the Middle East. While Al Hurra over the years faced charges of bias from both conservatives and liberals in the United States, it was one of the few outlets in its region providing space for freedom of the press and speech. In his note to staff, Mr Gedmin said his organisation would retain a number of staff members and a presence online as court battles over the cuts play out in US courts. It makes no sense, Mr Gedmin wrote, to silence Americas voice in the Middle East. The United States and Iran begin high-stakes talks on Tehran's nuclear programme on Saturday, with President Donald Trump threatening military action should they fail to produce a new deal. They will be the highest-level discussions between the foes since an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme crumbled with Trump pulling out in 2018 during his first term in office. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are set to lead the discussions behind closed doors in Muscat, the capital of Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Iran and Western countries. Iran's official IRNA news agency said on Saturday morning that the delegation headed by Araghchi had departed Tehran for Muscat. "I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, hours before the talks were due to begin. He had made a surprise announcement last Monday that the talks would occur. Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's adviser Ali Shamkhani said Tehran was "seeking a real and fair agreement", adding that "important and implementable proposals are ready". If Washington showed goodwill, the path forward would be "smooth", he said on social media platform X. The format for the talks has not been confirmed, with the United States calling them direct talks but Iran insisting on an intermediary. According to Iranian news agency Tasnim, the delegations will start indirect negotiations after a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The talks are expected to start in the afternoon with Busaidi acting as intermediary, Tasnim added. Trump announced the talks during a White House press appearance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Iran's arch foe. The contact between the two sides, who have not had diplomatic relations for decades, follows repeated threats of military action by both the United States and Israel. "If it requires military, we're going to have military," Trump said this week, when asked what would happen if the talks fail to produce a deal. Responding to Trump's threat, Tehran said it could expel United Nations nuclear inspectors, a move that Washington warned would be an "escalation". Iran, weighed down by years of sanctions and weakened by Israel's pummelling of its allies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, has strong incentives to negotiate. The United States wants to stop Iran from ever getting close to developing a nuclear bomb. The 2015 deal which Trump withdrew from aimed to render it practically impossible for Iran to build an atomic bomb, while at the same time allowing it to pursue a civil nuclear programme. Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany were the other parties to the agreement, of which Araghchi was a key architect. Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal that "our position today" starts with demanding that Iran completely dismantle its nuclear programme -- a view held by hardliners around Trump that few expect Iran would ever accept. "That doesn't mean, by the way, that at the margin we're not going to find other ways to find compromise between the two countries," Witkoff told the newspaper. "Where our red line will be, there can't be weaponisation of your nuclear capability," added Witkoff. Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only, stepped up its activities after Trump abandoned the 2015 agreement. The latest International Atomic Energy Agency report noted with "serious concern" that Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, nearing the weapons grade of 90 percent. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group think-tank said agreeing the scope of the talks would be "one of the first and most consequential issues". "Iran does not want an expanded agenda in the early stages. But no deal will be sustainable unless it becomes more comprehensive," he said. Iran is "likely to engage on steps to roll back its nuclear programme, but not dismantle it entirely" in exchange for sanctions relief, Vaez added. Karim Bitar, a Middle East Studies lecturer at Sciences Po university in Paris, also said negotiations "will not focus exclusively on... the nuclear programme". "The deal would have to include Iran stopping its support to its regional allies," a long-standing demand by US allies in the Gulf, he said. For Iran, it could be a matter of the government's very survival. "The one and only priority is the survival of the regime, and ideally, to get some oxygen, some sanctions relief, to get their economy going again, because the regime has become quite unpopular," Bitar said. Pope Francis arrives at the end of the mass on Palm Sunday in St Peters Square at the Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP) A convalescing Pope Francis has greeted the crowd in St Peters Square on Palm Sunday, wishing more than 20,000 faithful a Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week, in yet another reassuring public sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia. Many in the crowd reached out to touch Franciss hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone. The 88-year-old was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, as he had done during a similar appearance last Sunday. On his way back to St Peters Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary and greeted a boy. Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds. While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis. The Vatican said it is waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday. It was his second in St Peters Square before a crowd, following last Sundays unexpected appearance that thrilled the faithful. Francis arrived in St Peters Square at the end of Mass on Palm Sunday (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) He also met privately with King Charles and Queen Camilla this week, and made an impromptu tour of St Peters Basilica, stopping to pray and to thank a pair of restorers for their work on the basilicas masterpieces. On Saturday, the eve of Holy Week, Francis went to the St Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favourite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The basilica, which he typically visits before and after his foreign trips, was also his first stop after leaving the Gemelli hospital on March 23. In the traditional Sunday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel Gods closeness, compassion and tenderness even more, he said. Franciss appearance delighted the faithful in St Peters Square (Alessandra Tarantino/AP) For the ninth week, including during his five-week stay in hospital from February 14, the blessing was delivered as a text. The Pope offered prayers for those suffering in the conflict in Sudan, which marks its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, where civil war began 50 years ago, as well as for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar and South Sudan. In a prepared Palm Sunday homily read by a top Vatican cardinal, Francis urged the faithful to carry the cross of those who suffer around us to mark the start of the solemn Holy Week. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, led the celebrations, leading a procession of cardinals around the piazzas central obelisk carrying an ornately braided palm that recalls Jesuss triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, when crowds waved palm branches to honour him. The initial welcome contrasted with the suffering that followed, leading up to his crucifixion, which Christians observe on Good Friday, followed by his resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday. The faithful emerged from St Peters Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches to mark the occasion. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi prior to negotiations with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman (Iranian Foreign Ministry/AP) US President Donald Trump said talks concerning Irans nuclear programme were going pretty good. More negotiations are scheduled for next week, according to Iranian state television, after Saturday saw the first round of talks between the two countries since the Obama administration. Irans state-run broadcaster revealed that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi briefly spoke together. Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday while flying to Miami for a UFC event that the talks are going OK. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Miami (Pool/AP) I cant tell you because nothing matters until you get it done, so I dont like talking about it, but its going OK. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think, he said. The next round of talks will take place on April 19, according to the Iranian and American statements. In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the White House described the discussions in Oman as very positive and constructive, while conceding the issues that need to be resolved are very complicated. Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome, the White House said. Mr Araghchi described the meeting as constructive to Iranian state TV, with four rounds of messages exchanged during the indirect portion. Neither we nor the other side are interested in fruitless negotiations so-called talks for the sake of talks, wasting time, or drawn-out, exhausting negotiations, he said. Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time. However, that will certainly not be an easy task. Omani security personnel watch a convoy believed to be carrying US envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat (Fatima Shbair/AP) He sought to downplay the encounter as a brief initial conversation, greetings and polite exchanges likely to avoid drawing the anger of hard-liners in Iran. Badr al-Busaidi, Omans foreign minister who shuttled between the two sides, said the countries have a shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. I would like to thank my two colleagues for this engagement, which took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability, Mr al-Busaidi wrote on X. We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal. That the two men spoke face-to-face satisfied a demand of the Americans. Mr Trump and Mr Witkoff both had described the talks as being direct. Mr Trump repeatedly has threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Irans nuclear programme if a deal is not reached. Iranian officials have increasingly warned they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Fr Eugene OHagan: In deep and difficult times you can turn to music you love to give hope and inspiration One third of the classical musical group The Priests, Fr Eugene OHagan talks about the trios unexpected rise to fame and why they are taking a step back to focus on their religious duties Father Eugene O'Hagan, left, Father David Delargy and Father Martin O'Hagan of The Priests, who are part of the upcoming RTE documentary The Priests: Dont Give Up The Day Job. Photo: Michel Setboun/Getty Images Barry Egan Sun 13 Apr 2025 at 11:00 "I grew up in a little village 10 miles from Derry called Claudy, says Fr Eugene OHagan. Way back in the 1970s, there was a big bomb which blew up in Claudy. My fathers office was in the village. He parked his car right beside where the bomb went off, four or five minutes before the bomb went off; he was very, very lucky. Pervert (65) handed suspended sentence for outraging public decency A pervert who simulated a sex act on a beach while staring at a woman as she swam in the sea has been handed a suspended sentence. An off-duty police officer, her friends and their children were walking along the coastal path towards Helens Bay on October 26 last year when she saw Alister Paul Davidson (65) standing on the beach, watching something in the sea. Music and Gigs Oasis take to stage for first gig in 16 years to jumping crowd and flying cups Shutterstock.com Online courses are a wonderful option for many reasons, but they can sometimes feel impersonal and disconnected. While it may be harder to interact with classmates and faculty in an online degree program, its not impossible. The extra effort required to connect with your professors and stay aware of administrative events will pay off when you complete your degree program with solid professional relationships and opportunities. Your degree program will last a couple of years, but your new career will last a lifetime! Set the groundwork now for your future career by reaching out to faculty and administrators these four steps will help you get the most out of your virtual professional relationships! Attend Virtual Office Hours The best way to get face (or screen) time with your professor is to attend virtual office hours. Most professors will designate 1-3 hours per week when theyre available to answer questions and discuss course content; if you dont see office hours mentioned in the syllabus, ask! Even if you dont have a particular question every week, make it a habit to attend office hours that will make it easier to ask in the future when you do need help. Some topics for those early meetings? Ask about your professors research interests, ask for any advice in your field, and start making a list of potential employers in the community that your professor can recommend. Complete All Assignments (Even Optional Ones) If youre taking courses online, chances are you have a pretty full schedule. But skipping the optional course assignments isnt the best way to manage your time; by passing over opportunities to work with other students and your professor, youll likely miss some important course content. If your university uses a specific online platform, make sure you watch the tutorials to take advantage of all the features. Many platforms have discussion boards and general chat areas to talk about course content, and professors will often assign optional topics for these posts. While you could skip these discussions, participating in a collaborative setting throughout the course will give you many more chances to talk with your professor. Check Your School Email If youre juggling school, work, and a family, your inbox probably has a thousand unread messages. While this might not cause trouble elsewhere, avoiding your school email will leave you disconnected from important administrative and course updates. Most faculty will communicate exclusively through email, so its vital that you set up your school account with priority focus; one option is to add your school email to your phones email app so that new messages will always pop up. Another option is to set up email forwarding so that any school messages will land in your preferred inbox instead. Either way, staying up-to-date on school emails will keep you in the loop for important deadlines, scholarship opportunities, extra credit assignments, and more. Look for Events Beyond the Classroom By branching out and attending events beyond the classroom, you get a chance to learn from professors in a whole new way and build a collegiate relationship that can last after your course is complete. Often schools will have faculty webpages, where students and the public can learn about facultys current research, any seminars or events theyre hosting, and what other projects theyre currently working on. If your university doesnt have faculty webpages, look for department event calendars to get started. Even though youre completing coursework online, you dont have to forego the other opportunities that traditional programs offer. Take the time to create connections with your professors today! 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. A 45-year-old Ethiopian man died in U.S. immigration custody after spending months without treatment for HIV or tuberculosis, according to a new report from the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). His recent death is one of the latest to occur in the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, a facility long flagged for detainee deaths and systemic medical neglect. The man had been in ICE custody for five months, per POGO. Despite showing visible signs of illness, he wasn't given proper treatment until it was too late. A medical examiner's report cited in the investigation shows he was suffering from an array of severe infections linked to untreated HIV when he died in January. By then, he had lost 20% of his body weight and was in critical condition. "He was a gravely ill man," Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Duke Global Health Institute told POGO. "It's hard to imagine that nobody noticed he was deteriorating this quickly." "If they had run routine blood work, they would have seen immediately from his CD4 count that he had HIV," Rutgers public health professor Perry Halkitis added. "You think if your grandparent went to the doctor four months in a row getting thinner and weaker, they wouldn't run tests?" The investigation uncovered ICE records showing that the man received care for back pain a few times during his detention. Yet, POGO found no documentation of HIV and tuberculosis treatments prior to an emergency room visit shortly before his death. The Eloy Detention Center is operated by CoreCivic, a private prison company. Both the facility and the company have long been criticized by immigration advocates for poor medical standards and a troubling number of deaths. "Our experience over the last couple decades has been that Eloy is one of the most deadly facilities," Setareh Ghandehari from the Detention Watch Network said in a written statement addressing the investigation. While an ICE spokesperson told POGO the federal agency is "committed to the health, welfare, and safety of those in its custody," advocates say the migrant's death is the latest example of systemic medical neglect, which they only expect to worsen as the Trump administration pushes to expand detention capacity. Halkitis also raised concerns about public health risks inside detention centers. Tuberculosis, which the man had at the time of his death, is highly contagious. "I would not be surprised if other people became infected during that time," he said. Last year, a report by a coalition of human rights groups found multiple cases of HIV-positive people in ICE custody going without needed care. The report centered around the mistreatment of LGBTQ detainees-- 13 out of the 17 HIV-positive detainees surveyed reported that they were denied medical care while in custody. Additionally, 28 out of 41 detainees said they got inadequate medical care. "We have an obligation," said Halkitis, "even if we don't believe these individuals should be in our country." Originally published on Latin Times BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. 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 Ireland's neutrality will be "completely unaffected" by proposed changes to the triple lock, despite criticism from opposition TDs, according to a Government minister. Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a mission being approved by the UN Security Council or General Assembly, as well as approval by the Government and the Dail. Advertisement Under draft legislation being advanced by the Government, it is proposed to remove the requirement of formal UN approval and replace it with a stipulation that the deployments are in accordance with the UN Charter. The Government argues that this will prevent the five permanent members of the Security Council Russia, China, the UK, the US and France from exercising their veto against Irish peacekeeping missions. The Irish Neutrality League and a number of opposition TDs have pledged a "robust challenge" to the changes. In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Minister of State Neale Richmond said: "Irelands triple lock mechanism for deploying troops abroad is an archaic tool that is hindering our ability to be a global force for good whilst surrendering our sovereign decision making to the veto powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. "Given a UN mandate can be vetoed by any of the five permanent Security Council members, we are effectively giving the likes of Russia and China a veto of where and when we send our own troops." Advertisement It is perverse to equate being able to participate in more peacekeeping missions as undermining our long held tradition of military neutrality. Mr Richmond added: "Irelands military neutrality is completely unaffected by any proposed changes to the triple lock, it is perverse to equate being able to participate in more peacekeeping missions as undermining our long held tradition of military neutrality. "As it stands, Ireland could not send 13 members of our defence forces to Ukraine to help train Ukrainians on land mine removal, the very same land mines that are killing and maiming so many." The Fine Gael TD also discussed how vetoes have blocked peacekeeping missions in recent years. "There has been no new UN mandated peacekeeping missions in over a decade due to wrangling on the Security Council, such as in the case of deployment to the Former Yougoslav Republic of Macedonia, while Irelands participation in existing peacekeeping missions has been delayed due to the failure of the Security Council to support renewal mandates such as for Operation Sophia and for policing work in Bosnia Herzegovina." Advertisement He also rejected claims by opposition TDs that changes to the triple lock should be put to a national referendum. Neale Richmond said the triple lock is "archaic". "The triple lock was created in the 1950s after Ireland first joined the UN, it was created by legislation and it is not included in our Constitution therefore no referendum is required. "Those calling for a referendum are turning their back on our system of parliamentary democracy. The Governments proposal is not a new one, there were four regional consultative fora in the last parliamentary mandate while my party Fine Gael has advocated for the abolition of the triple lock for over 20 years. We published a heads of Bill in March and desire to have that put to pre legislative scrutiny and a lengthy parliamentary debate." He reiterated the importance of the Defence Forces' reputation as accomplished peacekeepers. "Our world is a scary place at the moment, Ireland aspires to be not just a voice for peace but also an active force for peace. That is why we want to enable our Defence Forces to be able to do more in the name of peace. We can and must do more." Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his family were forced to evacuate their official residence after a suspected arsonist set fire to the home. The Democrat, frequently mentioned as a potential future White House candidate, said he was woken in the middle of the night by authorities banging on the door as the fire spread. "Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished," Shapiro said in a statement on X on Sunday morning. The governor and state authorities believe the fire was deliberately set, though no arrests have been made. Shapiro confirmed that no one was hurt in the incident. The blaze occurred after Shapiro and his family celebrated the first night of Passover at their home in Harrisburg, the state capital. State authorities reported that while the fire was brought under control, it caused "a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence." According to police, Shapiro and his family were in a different section of the brick Georgian-style home when the fire was ignited. Shapiro said the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responded quickly to contain the flames, while police evacuated the governor and his family. Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. Shapiro and his wife, Lori, have four children: Sophia, Jonah, Max, and Reuben. The governor was previously considered a potential running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris during her 2024 presidential campaign. Harris ultimately chose former Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, located in Harrisburg, is a 29,000-square-foot Georgian-style home built in 1968. It has served as the official residence for eight governors. Shapiro has served as Pennsylvania's governor since 2023, following his tenure as the state's attorney general. A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband were apprehended at Dublin Airport after they tried to smuggle 340,000 out of Ireland for a transnational criminal organisation, a court heard. Businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva, 69, and Ihor Shandar, 60, were arrested at Terminal 1 on Thursday after they were allegedly caught "red-handed". Advertisement They were refused bail when they appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court on Saturday, charged with money laundering offences. It follows a joint investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue. The couple with an address in Betova, Kiev, Ukraine, face duplicate charges under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction. They were accused of possessing 340,000 in crime proceeds at Dublin Airport on April 9, but their solicitor, Julianne Hayden, said her clients deny the allegations. Advertisement Ms Bandarieva and Mr Shandar faced separate hearings with identical objections to bail due to flight risk. With the help of a translator, the businesswoman told the court the money was from their life savings. "My husband and I are planning to challenge this case in court. We have documents to prove the source of the money is legit". Objecting to bail, Detective Vincent Jaffray and Kate Gilligan, attached to the GNDOCB, cited the seriousness of the case and their lack of ties to Ireland and said the couple were caught red-handed. The detectives alleged that the GNDOCB received confidential information about the activities of a transnational crime group involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. Advertisement The couple's luggage was checked, and officers found 170,000 in 50 notes and 17 bundles of 10,000 each among the clothing of Mr Shandar's luggage. Some 167,000 was found in Ms Bandarieva's baggage. Another 7,000 was in their hand luggage. The officers believed 340,000 in the bundles was proceeds of crime and that the pair were taking it out of the jurisdiction. They arrived in the country the previous day. Detective Jaffray said that when interviewed, Mr Shandar claimed they came to Ireland for a sightseeing trip. Advertisement The contested bail hearing was told that four mobile phones were seized with information and a photo of 34 bundles of cash on a bed, suspected to be the 340,000 recovered from their luggage. The court heard they arrived in Ireland on Wednesday from Nice, France, and used a bank card to pay for a hotel. The court heard the defendants had recently moved to Italy and claimed the money was to buy a property in Cyprus. The gardai said they were set to fly there on Thursday and, following a 12-hour stopover, get an onward flight to Milan, Italy. Advertisement Judge Halpin heard that Mr Shandar, who had never been to Ireland before, had two passports. However, it was established when he gave evidence that one was for internal travel within Ukraine. Detective Gilligan told the bail hearing that she feared Ms Bandarieva would not remain in Ireland if released on bail. She had visited the country once previously. Ms Hayden said they had applied to be allowed to reside in Italy but could transfer that process to Ireland. The detective believed that she would be able to leave the country and told the court Ms Bandarieva's travel agent business was still operating in Ukraine, and that she had family in the UK. The solicitor told Judge Halpin her clients would fight the case. They gave evidence telling the court they would remain in Ireland and obey bail conditions until their trial, which may not commence for two years. Their solicitor said Mr Shandar was allowed to leave Ukraine after turning 60 and was no longer available to be conscripted for the war against Russia. Ms Bandarieva said, "I promise I will remain in Ireland until this has been dealt with. I'm willing to sign on at a garda station every single day. I have only one passport, which can be held by the guards, and I don't have any other passports". Ireland Neutrality 'completely unaffected' by triple lock... Read More The court heard Ms Bandarieva had trust issues with banks. The defence solicitor described her as a lady of good character with no prior convictions who had worked all her life. Pleading for bail, Ms Hayden said the businesswoman was "not Jason Bourne" and had only one passport. Judge Halpin stressed they had the presumption of innocence but refused bail. Legal aid was granted and they were remanded in custody to appear again on Wednesday. The GNDOCB must obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the judge urged the detectives to expedite the case. Government backing tech firms against tariffs and fears over missing guns make the headlines in Sunday's papers. The Sunday Independent reveals Conor McGregor plans to call on two new witnesses in sexual assault case. Advertisement The Irish Sunday Mirror gardai and prison officers stopped a major drug gang smuggling drugs into prison through a drone. The Irish Daily Mail reveals gardai fear four missing guns could now be in the hands of criminals. The Sunday Times leads with plans by the Government to help businesses against tariffs, which could include delaying the increase of the minimum wage. The Business Post leads with an interview with Paschal Donohoe, as he says Ireland will back tech firms against tariffs from the EU. The Sunday World reveals gardai have launched a bid to jail James Gately over damage to his home, seized by the CAB. The UK ministry of justice has said it will carry out a review following reports that Manchester bomb plotter Hashem Abedi attacked three prison officers with hot oil and home-made weapons. Abedi threw hot cooking oil over three officers on Saturday before stabbing them with home-made weapons, the Prison Officers Association (POA) said. Advertisement The officers sustained life-threatening injuries including burns, scalds and stab wounds in the unprovoked and vicious attack in HMP Frankland, Country Durham, according to the trade union covering prison staff. HMP Frankland in Durham (Tom Wilkinson/PA) Two officers sustained severe stab wounds but are in a stable condition in hospital, POAs national chairman said on Sunday morning. A female officer had been discharged by 4pm on Saturday. Announcing the review into the incident, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Our thoughts remain with the two prison officers still in hospital as they recover. Advertisement There will be a full review into how this attack was able to happen, alongside the separate police inquiry. The Government will do whatever it takes to keep our hardworking staff safe. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) NE is leading the investigation into the serious assault. The Prison Service confirmed three prison officers were treated in hospital after an attack by an inmate at Frankland. Advertisement POA REACT TO TERRORIST ATTACK Leaders of the POA have reacted angrily to a vicious attack on three Prison Officers working in a separation centre at HMP Frankland in County Durham.https://t.co/63WZY86Nhb pic.twitter.com/RmfrdQe0aJ POA (@POAUnion) April 12, 2025 On Sunday morning, POA national chairman Mark Fairhurst told the BBC: First and foremost my thoughts are with the injured staff, their families and of course their colleagues who had to deal with the aftermath. Two are still in hospital with serious injuries but Im glad to report theyve stabilised. They all have burns and scalds and the two in hospital have severe stab wounds. CTP said on Saturday night the suspect has been detained. Advertisement Abedi was convicted of assisting with the Manchester terror plot, in which his suicide bomber brother Salman Abedi killed 22 people by detonating a homemade rucksack-bomb in a crowd of concert-goers. CTPs acting senior national co-ordinator, Commander Dom Murphy, said: Given the nature of the incident, it has been agreed that CTP North East will lead the investigation, supported by Durham Constabulary. This is an ongoing investigation which is in its early stages, and we are working hard to establish the facts. Therefore, we are unable to comment further at this time. Abedi was handed a record-breaking 55-year minimum term in August 2020 which he is currently serving at the category A HMP Frankland. Advertisement I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. Violence against our staff will never be tolerated. Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) April 12, 2025 Category A is the highest level of security and Frankland has housed other notorious inmates, including Fusilier Lee Rigbys terrorist killer Michael Adebolajo, Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and Charles Bronson. Frankland also has a separation centre. These centres, introduced in 2017, aim to control prisoners with extreme views, for example by preventing them from disrupting the prison estate, supporting acts of terrorism or radicalising other inmates. Mr Fairhurst said the attack was carried out in a separation centre where inmates are allowed to use cooking facilities. He told the BBC: To allow that type of prisoner to access the kitchen and use the utensils that can be used as weapons against staff, and can inflict serious harm on staff, that needs to be removed immediately. Were now worried about the knock-on effect of this and copycat incidents. Its very difficult to get someone into the separation centre because of the process you have to go through, so the intelligence really needs to be on the ball to get someone contained in the separation centre. The centres are for obvious reasons well-resourced, with good staffing levels that include people who are specially trained to work in separation centres, he said. A 2022 inspection found nine men in total were housed in separation centres, then operating in Frankland and HMP Woodhill, Buckinghamshire. It said the Frankland unit is on a narrow corridor with a small room for association and an area for prisoners to cook and prepare food. There are no facilities on the wing and staff could arrange for prisoners to visit the main prison gym or to be taken off the unit for education, the report said. The centres were designed for inmates with any political or religious views, but by 202,2 they had only been used for Muslim men, the report said. Abedi avoided a whole-life order because he was under 21 at the time he orchestrated the atrocity at the Ariana Grande concert in 2017. The previous longest minimum term imposed on a terrorist in Britain was believed to have been 50 years in the case of David Copeland, who carried out a nail-bombing campaign in 1999. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on social media site X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. World Hospital targeted by Israel as Gaza attacks intens... Read More The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. Violence against our staff will never be tolerated. A Prison Service said: Violence in prison will not be tolerated, and we will always push for the strongest punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff. A man has been arrested and will face charges including attempted murder, terrorism and attempted arson after an early morning fire that badly damaged the Pennsylvania governors mansion and forced Governor Josh Shapiro and his family to flee. Mr Shapiro and his family were evacuated overnight from the official governors residence in Harrisburg after someone set fire to the building. Advertisement He told an afternoon news conference that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated Passover on Saturday were inside the home when they were awakened by state troopers. Police are investigating the arson attack (Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP) No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, according to authorities. Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris identified the man in custody as Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg. Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said that charges will include attempted murder, terrorism, attempted arson and aggravated assault. Advertisement Authorities said the suspect hopped over a fence surrounding the property and forcibly entered the residence before setting it on fire. Police deputy commissioner George Bivens said Balmer had a homemade incendiary device and evaded police who knew there had been a breach. At least 32 people have been killed in a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. Local officials said two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the city at around 10.30am local time as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday. Advertisement Images posted from the scene on official channels showed lines of black body bags lying on the side of the road, while more bodies were seen wrapped in foil blankets among the debris. Video footage also showed fire crews as they fought to extinguish the shells of burnt-out cars among the rubble from damaged buildings. The citys acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, said on social media initially: On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy. Unfortunately, we already know of more than 20 deaths. The strike targeted the centre of Sumy on Sunday morning (AP) At least 32 people were killed as a result of the attack, including two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. Advertisement A further 99 people were injured, including 11 children, it said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed rescue efforts are ongoing and he said dozens had been killed in the double missile attack. According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded, he said. Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people. Mr Zelensky called for a global response to the attack, adding: Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. Whats needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. Advertisement The attack occurred as local people gathered to mark Palm Sunday (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP) The attack on Sumy is the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week, following a deadly missile strike on Mr Zelenskys hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed some 20 people, including nine children. Other world leaders also condemned the attack, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying the strike undermines Washington-led peace talks between the two sides. Everyone knows: This war was initiated by Russia alone, he wrote in a statement. And today, it is clear that Russia alone chooses to continue it with blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump. Elsewhere in Ukraine, a 62-year-old woman was killed in Russian shelling on the city of Kherson, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Advertisement The mayor of the city of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, said a Russian strike had hit a kindergartens, shattering windows and damaging the buildings facade. No casualties were reported. The city centre in the aftermath of Russias missile attack that killed at least 32 civilians in Sumy, Ukraine (AP) It comes less than a day after Russia and Ukraines top diplomats accused each other of violating a tentative US-brokered deal to pause strikes on energy infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of negotiating an end to the three-year war. The two countries foreign ministers spoke at separate events at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a day after US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace prospects. World Hospital targeted by Israel as Gaza attacks intens... Read More The Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning, every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said, adding that Moscow would provide the US, Turkey and international bodies with a list of Kyivs attacks during the past three weeks. Advertisement His Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, fiercely contested that claim, saying on Saturday that Russia had launched almost 70 missiles, over 2,200 (exploding) drones, and over 6,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, mostly at civilians, since agreeing to the limited pause on strikes. The attack on Sumy on Sunday is the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week, following a deadly missile strike on Mr Zelenskys hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4 that killed some 20 people, including nine children. Pennsylvania police evacuated Governor Josh Shapiro and his family from their official residence after someone set fire to the building. The fire broke out overnight on the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which Mr Shapiro and his family had celebrated at the governors official residence in the state capital of Harrisburg. Advertisement State police said in a statement that, while the investigation was ongoing, they were prepared to say at this time that this was an act of arson. In a statement, Mr Shapiro, viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, said he and his family woke up at about 2am to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after the fire broke out. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was called to the residence and, while they worked to put out the fire, police evacuated Mr Shapiro and his family from the residence safely. No one was injured and the fire was extinguished, authorities said. Advertisement The fire caused a significant amount of damage to a portion of the residence, state police said. Mr Shapiro and his family had been in a different part of the residence. Police said they were leading a multi-agency investigation into the fire. Several south-east Asian countries have kicked off their annual water festival holiday, but events in Myanmar are more subdued than usual in the wake of a devastating earthquake last month. In Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, millions normally take part in a mix of raucous play with uninhibited splashing of water on friends and strangers alike, and sober ceremonies to show respect to ones elders. Advertisement The holiday is an occasion for merrymaking during what is usually the hottest time of the year, when temperatures can creep above 40C. Many people who have moved to cities for work return to their native villages and towns to reunite with their families. The celebration is normally spread over several days, culminating on the actual New Years Day. Smiling children run through water spray on the first day of Thingyan in Naypyitaw, Myanmar (Aung Shine Oo/AP) In Myanmar, the holiday is called Thingyan. But this year, the country is struggling to recover from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 that devastated its central heartland, killing more than 3,600 people and levelling structures from new apartment blocks to ancient pagodas. Central Myanmar was shaken again on Sunday by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake in one of the biggest aftershocks since March 28. Advertisement Even before last months quake, Myanmar was reeling from a repressive military that seized power in 2021 and is carrying out a brutal war on the pro-democracy forces trying to unseat it. In 2020, the pandemic also quashed celebrations. Thingyan sees people engage in water fights, when anyone and anything can be a target (Thein Zaw/AP) Still, the holiday offers a brief respite from the grim struggles of daily life in one of the regions poorer countries, and this is the first year Myanmar could celebrate Thingyans inclusion on the Unesco Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, an honour attained last December. A few days after the quake, the military government announced this years festival would be observed peacefully in pursuit of traditional culture and would not include joyous singing and dancing, due to a nationwide grieving period. People are free to celebrate privately and quietly, and items related to the festival, including water guns, are being sold in shops. However there are no government-organised festivities and in Yangon, the countrys largest city, major festival pavilions and decorations that were already being built in front of the City Hall were dismantled. Advertisement A boy throws water at revellers on a tri-cycle in Yangon, Myanmar (Thein Zaw/AP) Peoples Square, a major celebration spot in Yangon, will not host the festival this year, but a traditional charity feast will be held without music and dance, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported on Thursday. In neighbouring Thailand, where the holiday is called Songkran, it is expected to celebrate with revelry as usual. It sees a mass exodus of the workforce in the capital, Bangkok, return to their upcountry home towns, often extending what is officially a three-day holiday into an entire working week. Foreign tourists join locals in water fights, especially in Bangkoks Khao San Road backpackers district. Water pistols are merely small arms and it is not unusual to see huge buckets of water dumped on any convenient target. Moving vehicles serve as both platforms and targets for attacks. The holiday is historically pegged to a seasonal movement of the sun, critical to largely agrarian societies. The water hijinks originated in olden days as a ceremony to welcome rainy season. A traditional ritual still practiced by many involves cleansing images of the Buddha and washing the hands and feet of elders. Advertisement Cambodia, where the holiday is called Choul Chnam Thmey, and Laos, where it is Pi Mai Lao, have similar celebrations, generally smaller in scale and less raucous than those in Thailand. US President Donald Trump said talks concerning Irans nuclear programme were going pretty good. More negotiations are scheduled for next week, according to Iranian state television, after Saturday saw the first round of talks between the two countries since the Obama administration. Advertisement Irans state-run broadcaster revealed that US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi briefly spoke together. Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday while flying to Miami for a UFC event that the talks are going OK. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Miami (Pool/AP) I cant tell you because nothing matters until you get it done, so I dont like talking about it, but its going OK. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think, he said. The next round of talks will take place on April 19, according to the Iranian and American statements. Advertisement In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, the White House described the discussions in Oman as very positive and constructive, while conceding the issues that need to be resolved are very complicated. Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome, the White House said. Mr Araghchi described the meeting as constructive to Iranian state TV, with four rounds of messages exchanged during the indirect portion. Neither we nor the other side are interested in fruitless negotiations so-called talks for the sake of talks, wasting time, or drawn-out, exhausting negotiations, he said. Advertisement Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time. However, that will certainly not be an easy task. Omani security personnel watch a convoy believed to be carrying US envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat (Fatima Shbair/AP) He sought to downplay the encounter as a brief initial conversation, greetings and polite exchanges likely to avoid drawing the anger of hard-liners in Iran. Badr al-Busaidi, Omans foreign minister who shuttled between the two sides, said the countries have a shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. I would like to thank my two colleagues for this engagement, which took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability, Mr al-Busaidi wrote on X. We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal. Advertisement That the two men spoke face-to-face satisfied a demand of the Americans. Mr Trump and Mr Witkoff both had described the talks as being direct. Mr Trump repeatedly has threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Irans nuclear programme if a deal is not reached. Iranian officials have increasingly warned they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. A unique wedding ring worn by a man whose badly decomposed body was discovered in a river by two teenagers could be the key to unlocking his 53-year-old cold case. The two teenage girls had just finished lunch on Christmas Day in 1971 and were swimming in the Steavenson River in the tiny Victorian town of Buxton, about 100 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, when they came across the gruesome sight of a mans body in the water about 4.30pm. The man, who was believed to be aged between 30 and 60, was of a large build and about 183 centimetres tall with dark, greying hair. He wore a distinctive black signet wedding band on his left ring finger, which was inscribed with 21.4.71 P.U.C.K, and was likely in the river for a few weeks before he was found. Melbourne has experienced its hottest April day since 2014 as the temperature hit 31 degrees on Sunday. The CBD reached 31.8 degrees while weather stations at Avalon and Point Cook got to highs of 33.5 degrees. Walkers enjoy the warm weather and autumn leaves at Melbournes Royal Botanic Gardens. Credit: Luis Ascui Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Simon Timcke said Melbourne hadnt experienced an April day this hot since April 1, 2014, and finding a day this hot, this late in April was rare. Its the hottest day we have had for a while, Timcke said on Sunday. A Perth woman raped by a man pretending to be a rideshare driver on a night out three years ago has bravely spoken about her story in a warning to other women. Clare Connor was assaulted by Michael Pena Chavez, who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison on Friday. The now-25-year-olds life has been forever changed after the night out with friends in 2022. I cant just do things without a care in the world like I used to, Connor told Nine News. Brussels: At a time when Europes leadership has been diffuse and distracted, Radek Sikorski has emerged as one of the Wests clearest and most forceful voices urging continued support for Ukraine. The Polish foreign minister is fighting to keep the trans-Atlantic alliance focused and Kyiv from falling, while urging vigilance against the broader threat posed by authoritarian powers. Polands Radek Sikorski says the world has learnt that Putin is a bad egg, and its resolve is growing. Credit: NATO Speaking to this masthead in a candid interview at NATO headquarters, the veteran diplomat paints a sobering picture of the global landscape, where Russia and China have defied post-Cold War optimism and instead pursued aggressive, expansionist paths. We hoped that after the Cold War, Russia and China would be transformed by capitalism, Sikorski says. But weve lost both bets. Russia became an aggressive kleptocracy. China weaponised capitalism to build itself into a nascent superpower. Sumy, Ukraine: Russian missiles struck the heart of the Ukrainian city of Sumy as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, killing at least 34 people, officials said, in the second large-scale attack to claim civilian lives in just over a week. The two ballistic missiles hit around 10.15am, officials said. Images from the scene showed lines of black body bags on the side of the road, while more bodies were seen wrapped in foil blankets among the debris. Video footage also showed fire crews fighting to extinguish the shells of burnt-out cars among the rubble from damaged buildings. Firefighters put out the fire following Russias missile attack in Sumy, Ukraine. Credit: Ukraine Emergency services via AP The dead included two children, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. A further 117 people were wounded, including 15 children, it said. Only filthy scum can act like this taking the lives of ordinary people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. In a statement on social media, he said the first strike hit buildings belonging to a city university, while the second exploded above street level. ANYONE who know me, knows I cannot stand a bully. And that is all those riding unregistered scrambler motorbikes around Carlow town in an intimidating manner last week can be described as. Unfortunately, the law in this country permits people to be released on bail or released without charge as gardai gather evidence to prosecute them. To most people, it seems that the perpetrators of crime are treated with too much respect and certainly with more than they showed to anyone else. I dont know the ins and outs of this case, other than a group of riders acted in a reckless manner as they drove from the Liberty Tree up Tullow Street and Dublin Street, past the courthouse and on to the garda station, causing damage to green areas while, at the same time, acting in an intimidating manner towards people just going about their business. The local authority does its best to make Carlow as presentable as possible and to see the hard work of council employees being ripped up by reckless idiots is nothing short of disgraceful. Equally, the way those on the scramblers acted was enough to intimidate people who had a legitimate right to be walking the streets at that time. Thankfully, the gardai have since seized property and arrested two individuals and hopefully, when the matter does come before the courts, those responsible will be treated properly in other words, whatever happens to them will send a clear message to others not to engage in a similar manner. There is no point in using a softly, softly approach. These people showed little or no regard for others, or the efforts made by the local authority. To them, this was all a joke. They and their ilk have to know that this is no joke, no-one is laughing and no-one thinks they should get away with it. And if anyone has footage of the incident, please go to the gardai and give it to them. Anytime you look around nowadays, someone, somewhere is filming an incident, taking a photo of what is on their dinner plate, or making a stupid face and capturing the event for all to see as if we are interested. But this is one occasion where the gardai will be interested in seeing what they recorded. The more evidence they can gather, the better they can do their job. We are all quick to blame the gardai when things dont go our way, but too often we are not prepared to give them the extra evidence they need, which will allow them to do just that. Summer is coming hopefully and more and more of us will be out and about taking a stroll around town, window shopping or whatever. The last thing we need to worry about is some idiot coming up behind us at speed on either a registered or unregistered scrambler and leaving a trail of destruction. Peace and quiet and to be left alone while they go about their normal business is all most people ask and they should get that without some thug thinking it is funny to come up behind them at speed and frighten the life out of them. And I wouldnt be too sure about their driving skills either. On the subject of being left alone to go about our day-to-day business, I have to say I am getting pretty sick and tired of having to walk over people sitting outside a number of shops in the town brandishing signs asking for help as they are homeless. Im sorry, but I dont believe a word of it. I observed one such individual last week the location or gender is irrelevant and noticed that the person, whom I had seen at the same place over the past few weeks, appeared neither hungry, dirty or dishevelled. The must-have battered paper coffee mug was noticeably empty but funnily enough, I also noticed this was not because everyone who passed by was acting indifferently or not contributing to the collection, but rather a swiftness of hand to put whatever was given under a rug and into the pocket. Again, with summer on the way, Im sure the number of beggars on our streets will increase. I know those around Carlow town at least try to go about their business, excuse the pun, but that is what it is to them, by creating as little attention as possible and Irish people being the generous nation that we are, dont like to ignore them. But surely we should be allowed to walk the streets of the town without having to encounter such pan-handlers. Tom Tuite A Ukrainian travel agent and her husband were apprehended at Dublin Airport after they tried to smuggle 340,000 out of Ireland for a transnational criminal organisation, a court heard. Businesswoman Iryna Bandarieva, 69, and Ihor Shandar, 60, were arrested at Terminal 1 on Thursday after they were allegedly caught "red-handed". They were refused bail when they appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court on Saturday, charged with money laundering offences. It follows a joint investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue. The couple with an address in Betova, Kiev, Ukraine, face duplicate charges under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, which carries a maximum 14-year sentence on conviction. They were accused of possessing 340,000 in crime proceeds at Dublin Airport on April 9, but their solicitor, Julianne Hayden, said her clients deny the allegations. Ms Bandarieva and Mr Shandar faced separate hearings with identical objections to bail due to flight risk. With the help of a translator, the businesswoman told the court the money was from their life savings. "My husband and I are planning to challenge this case in court. We have documents to prove the source of the money is legit". Objecting to bail, Detective Vincent Jaffray and Kate Gilligan, attached to the GNDOCB, cited the seriousness of the case and their lack of ties to Ireland and said the couple were caught red-handed. The detectives alleged that the GNDOCB received confidential information about the activities of a transnational crime group involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. The couple's luggage was checked, and officers found 170,000 in 50 notes and 17 bundles of 10,000 each among the clothing of Mr Shandar's luggage. Some 167,000 was found in Ms Bandarieva's baggage. Another 7,000 was in their hand luggage. The officers believed 340,000 in the bundles was proceeds of crime and that the pair were taking it out of the jurisdiction. They arrived in the country the previous day. Detective Jaffray said that when interviewed, Mr Shandar claimed they came to Ireland for a sightseeing trip. The contested bail hearing was told that four mobile phones were seized with information and a photo of 34 bundles of cash on a bed, suspected to be the 340,000 recovered from their luggage. The court heard they arrived in Ireland on Wednesday from Nice, France, and used a bank card to pay for a hotel. The court heard the defendants had recently moved to Italy and claimed the money was to buy a property in Cyprus. The gardai said they were set to fly there on Thursday and, following a 12-hour stopover, get an onward flight to Milan, Italy. Judge Halpin heard that Mr Shandar, who had never been to Ireland before, had two passports. However, it was established when he gave evidence that one was for internal travel within Ukraine. Detective Gilligan told the bail hearing that she feared Ms Bandarieva would not remain in Ireland if released on bail. She had visited the country once previously. Ms Hayden said they had applied to be allowed to reside in Italy but could transfer that process to Ireland. The detective believed that she would be able to leave the country and told the court Ms Bandarieva's travel agent business was still operating in Ukraine, and that she had family in the UK. The solicitor told Judge Halpin her clients would fight the case. They gave evidence telling the court they would remain in Ireland and obey bail conditions until their trial, which may not commence for two years. Their solicitor said Mr Shandar was allowed to leave Ukraine after turning 60 and was no longer available to be conscripted for the war against Russia. Ms Bandarieva said, "I promise I will remain in Ireland until this has been dealt with. I'm willing to sign on at a garda station every single day. I have only one passport, which can be held by the guards, and I don't have any other passports". The court heard Ms Bandarieva had trust issues with banks. The defence solicitor described her as a lady of good character with no prior convictions who had worked all her life. Pleading for bail, Ms Hayden said the businesswoman was "not Jason Bourne" and had only one passport. Judge Halpin stressed they had the presumption of innocence but refused bail. Legal aid was granted and they were remanded in custody to appear again on Wednesday. The GNDOCB must obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the judge urged the detectives to expedite the case. Home News A ministry in Brooklyn is teaching and proving that Jesus is stronger than addiction NEW YORK Though he died in April 2011, the voice of Christian evangelist David Wilkerson still echoes loudly inside a well-kept neo-Federal style home at 416 Clinton Avenue in Brooklyns Clinton Hill Historic District. City records show the home was first designed in 1919 by R.I. Markwith for Miss Clara Van Vleck at a time when the wealthiest people in town built their stately homes along the tree-lined boulevard. By December 1960, however, Wilkerson, who would later author the bestselling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, and start Times Square Church in Manhattan, purchased the house designed for Ms. Van Vleck and made it the home of a now international addiction recovery program called Teen Challenge. 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 early 1958, Wilkerson said he felt called by God to come to New York City to minister to gangs after seeing a photograph of seven teenage gang members in Life magazine. The teenagers were being prosecuted for the murder of a crippled boy named Michael Farmer. All but one of the teenagers were convicted. Before their convictions, Wilkerson, who was then a small-town preacher from Pennsylvania, traveled to the courthouse where the teenagers were being tried and asked the judge for permission to talk with them. The judge responded by throwing him out. A photo of Wilkerson at the courthouse would eventually get published in newspapers and he became known as the Bible preacher who interrupted the gang trial. Wilkerson left the city embarrassed, but that encounter would ultimately lead him, with the help of his younger brother, Don Wilkerson, to start a street ministry in 1958 targeting young drug addicts and gang members in New York City, which became Teen Challenge. Nearly 70 years later, there are now 1,400 Teen Challenge centers around the world with more than 35,000 beds for individuals seeking freedom from addiction and other life controlling issues through the power of faith in Jesus Christ. And inside the building where the first one was started, Wilkersons vision to save addicts with the Gospel is still thriving as the Brooklyn Adult & Teen Challenge with a graduate of the ministry at its helm. The program It was a wet and overcast spring morning when the ministrys executive director, Paul Burke, who has been running the Brooklyn operation since 2020, gave The Christian Post a tour of the house at 416 Clinton Street. Burke is charismatic and passionate about the ministry and his faith. He explained that the home, which has 58 beds, dedicates more than half of them to men who commit to the one-year addiction recovery program free of charge. It's a regimented deal in which participants learn how to do life better with regular prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. Some 60% of participants fail to complete the program but those who do, said Burke, usually find success in overcoming their addiction. Weve kept the mission and the focus the same with being a Christian discipleship program, Burke told CP. We focus more on the discipleship part, less on the addiction part. [We believe] the addiction part takes care of itself when somebody fully embraces their walk with the Lord. I always say sobriety is a byproduct of a healthy spiritual person. Burke also noticed that the students who succeed in the program usually have no other options available for help. And 19-year-old Noel Casillas, who works as an intern guiding students at the ministry, agrees. Prior to joining the ministry as a 17-year-old, he had been grappling with serious family issues which led to him being placed in a mental institution. He declined going into the details behind the issues he faced but told CP that his family felt like that was the best thing to do for me. He said an aunt connected him with Teen Challenge and the program quickly became a lifeline for him despite it being challenging at first. During the program, he said he had a breakthrough moment. I cried out to God. I just said, I need you, if you're there, just help me. I cant do this. Im weak, he said. I felt like I had nobody. He admits that if he had failed to complete the program he wouldnt have had anywhere to go. I was not able to go back to my mother's, my uncles, if I had left the program, nor to my dad's, he said. I would have been homeless, sleeping in abandoned apartments. ... So I took this and I rode with it because it was my best option. Despite being forced to finish the program due to his lack of options, Casillas believes it was Gods design. God used my circumstances to keep me here, he said. Pastor Michael La Pietra, a graduate from the 2016 class of New York Teen Challenge, who now working as the Brooklyn centers public relations and advancement coordinator, said before he agreed to try the Christian program to help with his addiction struggles, he had gone through the trap door at the rock bottom to the very rock bottom. I was going through secular programs over and over and they weren't working for substance abuse, he told CP. I was using prescription pills, drinking, smoking pot, the whole nine yards, it wasn't having much success with my life. La Pietra is now a married licensed minister and father thanks to the stabilizing effect of Teen Challenge. Everything inside and outside the building at 416 Clinton Avenue looks refreshed. The more than 100-year-old building recently completed a multi-year renovation process Burke said. The ministry only resumed operations at the location in February after a number of relocations while the work was being done. One of the first rooms you encounter as you enter the building is the Wilkerson Memorial Library, which is still under construction. In honor of Wilkerson, the ministry is replicating the courtroom scene from the time the late evangelist founder tried to engage the teenagers who were tried for murder. Down the hallway opposite the entrance is the Nicky Cruz Assembly Room where students of the program gather for meals and other activities. A sober quote from Wilkerson summarizing what they do at Brooklyn Adult & Teen Challenge is mounted on a wall inside. Certainly we cannot claim a magical cure for addiction. The devil which hides in the needle, the pills and the powder is so deadly strong that any such claim would be foolish, the quote says. All we can say is that we have found a power that captures a person more strongly than narcotics but he captures only to liberate! As a 2009 graduate of the program who struggled with 18 years of addiction before getting his life together, Burke is a poster child for the programs success, but he embraces it with grace and temperance. He is also extremely grateful for the life God has given him. He is a married father whose wife is also a graduate of Teen Challenge. I always tell people that I'm still in the program, he said when asked how he managed to stay grounded as a former addict inside his office that used to be Wilkersons apartment. Although there is no cure for drug addiction, according to the Mayo Clinic, Wilkerson has always argued that faith in Jesus is an effective option for people looking to be free. Burke understands this and explained that working in the ministry helps to keep him humble about his 17 years of sobriety Working in this environment keeps me grounded because, number one, I don't forget where I came from and how deadly addiction is and how lost I was and how empty life was walking through those doors, he said. I struggled for 18 years on and off. Now, I'm at 17 years of sobriety. So, 35 years around addiction, I know how deadly it is. I'm not fearful of addiction, but I respect that if I don't stay committed to my devotional life with the Lord, if I don't stay committed to growing and learning and still being teachable, there's nobody that is beyond falling or failure again, he insisted. I have to be as intentional about my own spiritual life and recovery as I was while I was a student in the program. And seeing these guys and the brokenness that they come in with, it keeps me broken before the Lord, knowing that that would have been me if it was not for the Lord. Home Opinion Its time America held Azerbaijan accountable for its torture of Christians A young man was recently beaten and thrown down a flight of steps for bringing his Bible to school. The story of Vusal, a Christian high school student in Azerbaijan, is a harrowing reminder of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country. Vusal was brutally beaten by classmates for bringing a Bible to school, an act that led to his spine being severely injured after being thrown down the stairs. The Bible he carried was torn apart in front of him, and now he lies in critical condition in a hospital, struggling to breathe. This incident reflects a broader pattern of religious intolerance and violence in Azerbaijan, where Christians are increasingly marginalized, attacked, and silenced, often with the complicity or neglect of state authorities. Rising religious violence in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan has witnessed a sharp increase in religious persecution over recent years. Christians face discrimination in employment, social ostracism, and physical violence. The governments secular Muslim stance often devolves into outright repression of religious practices. In 2023 alone, reports documented alarming levels of violence against Christians and other religious minorities. For example, satellite imagery revealed the destruction of Armenian Christian sites in Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan's military takeover of the region. Churches, cemeteries, and schools were deliberately damaged or destroyed, underscoring the regime's systematic targeting of religious heritage. 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 Statistics show that violence against Christians escalated sharply between 2024 and 2025, with incidents like the destruction of Christian buildings increasing from three cases to seven within a year. Additionally, thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes due to faith-related persecution. The government also imposes strict controls on religious activities through intrusive laws that require registration for congregations an often-unattainable hurdle for minority groups. Azerbaijans designation as a country of particular concern In May 2024, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) designated Azerbaijan as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) for its egregious violations of religious freedom. This designation is reserved for nations where governments engage in or tolerate severe religious persecution. USCIRF highlighted Azerbaijan's alarming trend of arrests based on religion or belief and documented cases where detainees were tortured or threatened with sexual violence to extract false confessions. The CPC status comes after years of monitoring by USCIRF, which noted consistent repression against both Christians and Muslims. For example, Shia Muslims have been targeted for alleged connections to Iran, facing harassment, detention, and imprisonment under vague accusations of extremism. Meanwhile, Protestant Christians and Jehovahs Witnesses continue to struggle for legal recognition amid government refusals to register non-Muslim communities. This year, USCRIF failed to designate them a CPC, giving them a lower designation of Special Watch List Country. Practically speaking, the country remains a growing concern regarding its escalating attacks on Christian freedoms. Broader implications Azerbaijans authoritarian regime under President Ilham Aliyev has cultivated an environment where religious freedom is systematically suppressed. Despite claims by Azerbaijani lobbyists that the nation is an exemplar of tolerance, international watchdogs like Freedom House consistently rank it among the worst violators of political rights and civil liberties. The destruction of Armenian Christian landmarks and forced displacement of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh further highlights the regime's disregard for religious diversity. The CPC designation by USCIRF could lead to diplomatic actions such as sanctions or other measures aimed at pressuring Azerbaijan to improve its human rights record. However, meaningful change may remain elusive without sustained international advocacy. Conclusion Vusals tragic ordeal is emblematic of the broader plight faced by Christians in Azerbaijan a community enduring increasing hostility amid rising radicalization and state complicity. With Azerbaijan now officially recognized as a Country of Particular Concern for its severe violations of religious freedom, global attention must remain focused on ensuring accountability and advocating for the rights of all religious minorities within its borders. Home Opinion Why Trumps plan for Gaza is the right (and only) solution If youve just arrived on Earth from Planet Zorb and are watching the mainstream news networks, youre likely thinking, Why is this Israel bombing and killing innocent children and families in a place called Gaza? Thats certainly what many Americans and others are fed daily by the likes of CNN, BBC, and MSNBC. One poll last year revealed 35% of Americans believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza an opinion fueled by newscasts repeatedly showing the devastation caused by Israels counter-offensive against Hamas terrorists. The reality, however, is that Gaza is a terrorist incubator. 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 It is infested with murderous, hate-driven fanatics whose sole aim is to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. Israel simply has no choice other than to flush out or eliminate Hamas before the terrorists strike again as they did on October 7, 2023, murdering more than 1,200 Israelis and taking 240 civilians hostage. The Palestinian citizens of Gaza collectively are not innocent victims in this war. On October 7, Hamas and the people of Gaza effectively declared war on Israel. During the recent theater of selective Israeli hostages being paraded prior to their release, thousands of Gazan civilians were clearly supporting and cheering the terrorists. These are the same terrorists who slaughtered babies, raped young women, and burned whole families alive on October 7. Palestinian loathing of the Jewish State of Israel runs deep. Former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat vowed to produce a generation of suicide bombers and terrorists. The Gazans have educated their children from the youngest age to hate Israel and, by extension, to hate America. Theyve been programmed to hate, if you will, and thats why theyre so vehemently violent. Is there any hope, then? Its obvious that the so-called Two-State Solution Israel co-existing alongside a Palestinian state is dead. Israel simply cannot trust such a lethal and hostile neighbor on its border. As President Trump has proposed, the only workable and permanent solution is for the Gazan people to be relocated to other countries in the region, places where theyre able to assimilate and rebuild their lives. Its even possible that the Israeli government would be prepared to grant Hamas safe passage out of Gaza in return for the remaining Israeli hostages, both alive and dead. Just recently, the Israeli security cabinet approved the voluntary transfer for Gaza residents who express interest in moving to third countries, in accordance with Israeli and international law, and following the vision of US President Donald Trump. In a recent poll, more than half of Gazans said theyd consider leaving Gaza if offered the opportunity to start over in a different place. Unsurprisingly, though, the idea has been met with scorn and horror by most of the Trump-hating world whove poured derision on his vision to turn Gaza into a Middle Eastern Riviera. But as weve all seen, Gaza is currently a total disaster zone, described by the United Nations as uninhabitable. Meanwhile, the Israeli people whose plight is essentially ignored by the mainstream media continue to suffer because of terrorist activity. Something has to give and soon. As a matter of national security, I fully expect Israel to take control of Gaza. Its clear from Israels ramped-up ground offensive in recent days that its intention is to occupy and resettle Gaza whatever the cost. Israel, I believe, will likely create a security zone in Gaza so that the territory can be safely repopulated by Israelis. The clock is ticking. Israels patience is wearing ultra-thin. Emboldened by the staunch support of the Trump administration, the Israeli government is more determined than ever to cleanse its borders and neighboring territories including Gaza of all Iran-backed terror threats. Never again will Israel allow its enemies to launch an October 7-scale attack on its citizens. Therefore, it simply cannot tolerate hostile actors on its doorstep. Think of it like this: there are 330 million Arabs surrounding Israel, which has a population of roughly 9.5 million, the size of New Jersey. Its like the entire US ganged up against New Jersey. This is precisely why Israel has to act preemptively and strike first to defend itself and ensure terrorists dont have the capacity to obliterate the worlds only Jewish homeland. Trump has stated that the Gazans must go someplace else. The question is, where? Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have stated they dont want to absorb two million Gazan refugees. In their view, if they were to absorb them, theyd be giving up what they think is an important political chess piece. For decades, the Egyptians, Jordanians and others have prevented the Palestinians from assimilating in their countries. Why? They want to use them as pawns to pressure Israel to take in millions of hostile refugees with the aim of destroying Israel from within. Jordan, especially, doesnt want Gazas refugees, because the ruling clan fears the influx of a million or more Palestinians could weaken its grip on power. But I believe the Gazan population ultimately will have to be largely resettled there, because of their historical connections with Jordan. Its the logical place for them to go. Buckle up. The Gaza dilemma is about to blow wide open. If you've ever blamed yourself for being "bad with money," some financial therapists might disagree with you. The problem, they say, isn't your self-control, your math skills or the lack of budgeting apps on your phone it's your emotions. "Money is 90% emotion, 10% logic," says certified financial therapist Khara Croswaite Brindle, owner of Croswaite Consulting in Lafayette, Colorado. "No matter how many books we read, how many podcasts we listen to, we are driven by these beliefs, thoughts and feelings about money." Strategies that rely on rules and spreadsheets can often fall flat because they don't address your relationship with money, which like most relationships, is shaped by your attachment style, says Croswaite Brindle. The three main attachment styles anxious, avoidant and secure show up both in your relationships and your everyday financial behaviors, she says. If you struggle to stick to a budget or feel out of control whenever the market drops, understanding how your emotional blueprint plays into your approach to money could be key to changing how you handle your finances long-term. Here's what to know about how each attachment style affects your money. Anxious money attachment What this sounds like: "I have to hold on to every dollar." "I need to know where every cent is going at all times." If you check your bank account multiple times a day, panic when you can't account for every dollar or feel uneasy about financial security even with ample savings you might have an anxious attachment to money. People with anxious attachment styles tend to relate to money the way they would to a person they're afraid of losing, says Croswaite Brindle. This emotional clinginess to money often stems from a fear that it will disappear without warning and never come back, experts say. And it doesn't just create stress it can come with real financial consequences. People with anxious money attachment may be quick to pull their money out of the stock market during a temporary dip or underspend on things that would genuinely improve their lives like therapy, vacations or professional development because they can't shake the feeling that money is a finite and dwindling resource. "When anxious attachment comes up with money, it's often this perpetual feeling of not having enough, not being enough or not feeling like things are going to be OK," says Nate Astle, a certified financial therapist and founder of Financial Therapy Clinical Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. What to do about it: Croswaite Brindle recommends setting healthy boundaries with how often you check or engage with your finances. "Anxious attachment tends to lead to compulsive checking and vigilance," she says. Challenging yourself to check your bank account balance twice this week instead of three times a day would be a great place to start, she says. The long-term goal, Croswaite Brindle says, is to "rework what money feels like, somatically." That means helping your nervous system feel safer in the presence of money. This might look like creating rituals around your money check-ins, such as playing soothing music or wearing comfy clothes. This way, you can help your brain associate money with safety not stress. Avoidant money attachment What this sounds like: "I don't even want to look at my bank account balance." "I hate checking snail mail." If you ignore bills until they stack up, avoid budgeting because it stresses you out or leave the check sitting on the table after dinner, that could signal an avoidant money attachment style. "For avoidant folks, money is just out of sight, out of mind," says Croswaite Brindle. "It's like an ostrich with its head in the sand." But ignoring money doesn't make it disappear and over time, this habit can result in late fees, unmanageable debt or missed opportunities to build wealth. What looks like indifference is often a form of emotional self-protection, Astle says. "[Avoidants] don't want to think about it," he says. What to do about it: Start small. "Just getting regular, healthy exposure to money is important," Croswaite Brindle says. She recommends sitting down with a timer set for five minutes and logging into your bank account even if all you do is look at your balance. Another tool Croswaite Brindle recommends is body doubling, or reviewing your finances sitting next to someone you trust. That social presence can both ease emotional resistance and offer accountability. The goal isn't to become perfect overnight, she says. It's to gently retrain your nervous system to tolerate money-related tasks so that things like debt, missed payments or avoiding your budget altogether doesn't spiral out of control. Secure money attachment While U.S.-China trade tensions escalate , analysts predict a handful of Chinese companies could win out on Beijing's efforts to double down on generative artificial intelligence. "We expect AI demand to stay strong as deepseek cost improvements have driven application development such that companies are seeing AI development as critical for growth and for competition," Bernstein analyst Boris Van and a team said in an April 7 note. "We also expect the development for the AI+chip ecosystem to be a key push from the government to offset tariff impacts," the analysts said. Chinese companies have rushed to try out DeepSeek's generative artificial intelligence capabilities in the last few months. Some businesses have reported cost savings , and strategists expect that could help corporate earnings finally turn around. Bernstein's two outperform-rated plays are Shanghai-listed Kingsoft Office, operator of word-processing app WPS, and Hong Kong-listed Kingdee , which sells software services for business management. The investment analysts pointed out that during the escalation in U.S.-China tensions during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, Chinese spending on local information technology increased as localization policies were announced, partly to offset tariff impacts on trade. "We could likely see a scenario where AI is the new critical technology that China will use to sustain further growth," the Bernstein analysts said, noting that locally created systems such as the Huawei ecosystem could be promoted. The AI-integrated version of WPS reached 19.68 million monthly active users in mainland China last year, Kingsoft Office said in an annual report last month. The company has released a version of WPS for Huawei's HarmonyOS Next operating system that claims to be independent of Android. Kingdee said in its annual report last month that it planned "a full pivot into an Enterprise Management AI company" this year. The company said in a filing last week that it gained new customers in the first quarter, including automaker Geely, spirits company Kweichow Moutai and 01.AI, an AI start-up founded by former Google China head Kai-Fu Lee. The Economist Intelligence Unit estimates China's AI-related spending will grow by up to 25% annually this year and next, adding up to 0.13% of 2024's nominal gross domestic product in economic output. Tariff tensions between the U.S. and China However, Goldman Sachs and Citi in the last week cut their forecasts for China's economic growth this year given heightened tensions between the U.S. and Beijing. China on Friday hit back at yet another round of U.S. tariff increases with duties of its own . Both nations escalated their duties on one another's goods to triple-digit rates . China said it planned to "ignore" subsequent U.S. tariff increases, but remained committed to retaliating if necessary on other U.S. actions. "The full-swing tariff war may hurt the macro economy and the ripple-effect may spread over to most of the economic sectors," Nomura's China technology research analyst Bing Duan and a team said in an April 7 note. "Meanwhile, we think domestic AI demand would remain buoyant, following DeepSeek's innovation and China's ambition for AI leadership." "We like [internet data center]/Cloud companies the most as the demand is largely unaffected by the 'reciprocal' tariff," Nomura said. Their buy-rated plays in the category include state-owned China Mobile and two U.S.-listed stocks: GDS and Vnet . Shanghai-based GDS, which develops and operates data centers in China, forecast revenue this year would rise by at least 9.4% to 11.29 billion yuan. Beijing-based Vnet said its net revenues from internet data center increased by 28.3% last year to 1.63 billion yuan. "The overall utilization rate of wholesale data center in Greater Beijing Area is projected to reach 85% as early as 2025, marking the first potential supply shortage in the market," the company said in an earnings call, according to a FactSet transcript. Less than 5% of each of the companies' revenue comes from the U.S., while the remainder primarily comes from China, the analysts said. "We think the key growth drivers for China's cloud computing and IDC companies are the pent-up demand for computing power / infrastructure after DeepSeek was launched, which is not directly affected by the tariff hike," the Nomura analysts said. "To mitigate the tariff impact on China's export growth, the government may continue to encourage the investments to boost domestic growth, especially in digital infrastructure, including cloud computing & IDC infrastructure. Nomura's second-most favored category is AI software and applications, where the analysts' buy-rated plays are Hong Kong-listed Kingdee and Kingsoft Corp , parent of Kingsoft Office. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Warren Buffett , who came into 2025 with the most cash he's ever owned, is now presented with an ugly market meltdown and extreme volatility an environment where he's known to thrive. Buffett, the fabled father of value investing, has a long history of taking advantage of depressed periods to hunt bargains and put together prompt deals. Although Buffett is against timing the market and will admit he has no ability to predict short-term trends, his positioning ahead of the current market turmoil appears particularly prescient. Over the past year, Buffett had been aggressively offloading his two biggest equity holdings Apple and Bank of America . His Omaha-based conglomerate's cash level ballooned $334 billion at the end of 2024 a record high in absolute terms and now accounts for about 30% of Berkshire Hathaway 's total assets. His defensive stance provided a massive cushion for Berkshire as President Donald Trump's stunning tariff rollout and reversal triggered roller-coaster price swings in the market. The S & P 500 briefly tumbled into a bear market, which means it fell more than 20% from its record high, before recouping some of the losses. Before the Oracle of Omaha reveals his market outlook and if he's mulling any big deals at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting in three weeks. Here's a look at what the legendary investor has done during past crises. Covid mayhem In 2021 when the world was shut down by the Covid pandemic, Buffett was ready to deploy a massive amount of capital. However, he ultimately decided to wait for a more opportune moment as the Federal Reserve stepped in with maximum, emergency support. "We could have deployed $50 or $75 billion, and right before the Fed acted," Buffett said at 2021's annual meeting. "When Jay Powell acted as he did, that was incredibly important. ... They moved with a speed and a decisiveness on March 23rd that changed the situation where the economy had stopped." The biggest investment Berkshire made during the pandemic was actually its own stock. The conglomerate repurchased $24.7 billion worth of its stock in 2020 and another $27 billion in 2021, a record for the company. "We can't buy companies as cheap as we can buy our own. And we can't buy stocks as cheap as we can buy our own. We've been able to do that with a fair amount of money," Buffett said in 2021. Buying spree in 2008 During the 2008 financial crisis, Buffett managed to swoop in and struck some of his most famous deals as the mortgage bubble burst and roiled financial markets. Buffett was a white knight for troubled banks . He came to Goldman Sachs ' rescue with a $5 billion cash infusion after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Buffett also made an investment in General Electric, while injecting $5 billion into then-beleaguered Bank of America in a major show of faith. "In 2008 and '09, the truth is, we weren't buying those things to make a statement to the world," Buffett said in 2020, reflecting on the crisis period. "We made them because they seemed intelligent things to do. And markets were such that we didn't really have much competition. It was designed to take advantage of what we thought were very attractive terms. But they were terms that nobody else was willing to offer at that time because the market was in a state of panic." His reputation as a shrewd investor with a mountain of cash allowed him to serve as a lender of last resort. The Berkshire chairman and CEO said he had to calculate frequently his opportunity cost during that period. "You are faced, in a chaotic market, particularly where people needs large sums ... all of a sudden you're called on for billions, if you're going to play at all," Buffett said in 2009. "It was the first time we really faced the question, you know, can we raise a couple billion dollars in a hurry, to be sure that we've offset the cash needs of what we're committing to on the purchase side." 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! The Magnificent Seven stocks which have underperformed in 2025 after a two-year monster run are starting to attract interest again now that they're trading at or below valuations from before the unveiling of ChatGPT, which accelerated the AI boom. On a trailing 12-month basis, Amazon is trading at a 32 price-to-earnings ratio well below the 86 it was at Nov. 30, 2022, when the release of OpenAI's chatbot sparked a stock market rally. Nvidia, poster child for the ensuing AI rally, is now trading at a roughly 36 P/E, far below the 56 handle it was at previously. Other mega-caps are close to their prior valuations. Apple is now trading at a 29 price-to-earnings ratio on a trailing 12-month basis, close to the roughly 25 P/E level it was at. Google-parent Alphabet is at an 18 LTM P/E, about in line where it was. Microsoft is at 29 LTM P/E, just above 26, where it was two years ago. Only two are still trading well above their pre-ChatGPT valuations. Tesla is at 119, far above the 70 handle it was in 2022. Meta Platforms is trading at a 23 trailing P/E, above the roughly 10 P/E it was at previously. Even so, investors aren't rushing to buy the whole batch. While the synchronized rise in the market's biggest tech names over the last two years earned the Magnificent Seven its moniker, the split in performance following the release of DeepSeek, as well as growing macroeconomic and fiscal headwinds has investors picking their positions carefully. "I would say it's more like the Mag Five for us," said Mark Malek, investment chief at Siebert Financial. He said all of the Magnificent Seven stocks, excluding Apple and Tesla, could present interesting opportunities over the coming earnings season. "They're cheap here." Of course, just about all the stocks remain in a bear market, though some are deeper into one than others. Tesla has lost nearly half, or 48%, of its value from its recent peak. Nvidia is nearly 28% off its high. Apple, Alphabet, Amazon have each slid more than 23% from their peak, while Meta Platforms has lost more than one-quarter of its market cap. Microsoft, off roughly 17% off its high, is the only megacap not technically in a bear market. To be sure, investors this week have taken full advantage of the market's wild swings to buy the stocks. Apple snapped a three-week losing streak. Nvidia surged more than 17%, as of Friday's close. Amazon advanced more than 8%, while Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet each gained more than 7%. Tesla rose 5%. "As a stock picker, I would actually go one by one," said Nelson Yu, head of equities at AllianceBernstein, though he declined to discuss individual securities. He clarified: "There are opportunities." Case by case The long-term bull case for many of the Magnificent Seven companies remains intact. After all, the megacaps, with their robust cash reserves, ironclad balance sheets, profitability and competitive moats, have an edge in a turbulent market. Regardless, investors are wading through carefully given the growing macroeconomic risks that have dinged some of the names especially hard over the last week. Apple , the largest stock in the S & P 500 by market weight, is worrying investors who fear President Donald Trump's escalation of tariffs on China will hit the iPhone maker, for which the country remains a significant manufacturing hub . Many fear the company is going to have raise prices on its devices, potentially hurting sales, though others expect that a fast ramp-up of operations in India could mitigate those risks. "I think we're going to have to watch Apple very, very closely before we become constructive on that again," Malek said. The company got some good news this past weekend when Trump exempted smartphones from the so-called reciprocal tariffs. AAPL 5D mountain Apple Nvidia could also be hurt by the macroeconomic risks. However, some analysts, such as Morgan Stanley's Joseph Moore, recently reiterated the stock as a top semiconductor pick. He said the macroeconomic impact is "fairly minimal" given the strong near-term demand. Malek said that he will have to see how earnings plays out before picking any positions and is carefully watching valuations until then. "I think there are opportunities," he said. CNBC's Fred Imbert contributed to this report. 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! Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside of the Governor's Mansion after an arsonist sets fire to the Governor's Residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Kyle Mazza | Anadolu | Getty Images A man is facing charges after allegedly breaking into Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's official residence in Harrisburg early Sunday and starting a fire with Molotov cocktails while the family was inside, officials said. Cody Balmer, 38, was charged with criminal attempt - criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism, and other related offenses, according to an affidavit filed by the Dauphin County Pennsylvania District Attorney's office. At a Sunday press conference, District Attorney Fran Chardo said Balmer may also face federal charges. The district attorney's office said in a Monday statement that Balmer surveilled the home before "unlawfully entering the grounds over a wall in the early morning hours." "He approached one of the windows on the south side of the residence," the statement said. "Using a hammer he had brought, he quickly broke the window after multiple blows. He then threw a Molotov cocktail into the residence igniting a substantial fire within." Police line cordon is seen at Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion after a suspected arson attack caused significant damage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Kyle Mazza | Anadolu | Getty Images Prosecutors say that Balmer then entered the home, and started "two more fires with two other Molotov cocktails" before he fled. His actions, which were caught on video on video surveillance, forced Shapiro and his family to evacuate the home. "Video surveillance showed that the perpetrator was wearing a "Snap-On" jacket with distinctive shoulder patches," the statement said. Prosecutors say that Balmer, who was taken into custody in Harrisburg on Sunday afternoon, later admitted his actions to troopers during an interview. A motive was not clear, but officials believe it was a targeted attack, Shapiro said at the news conference. He said he spoke Sunday afternoon to FBI Director Kash Patel, who offered federal government resources. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said officials are conducting an arson investigation, as well as an attempted homicide and aggravated arson investigation. Bivens added that he does not expect Balmer to be charged with conspiracy. Bivens said the man acted quickly, noting that he was inside the home for less than a minute and that the entire event happened over the course of "a number of minutes." Authorities are investigating how long the man was on the property before he set the fire, Bivens added, saying authorities "have an idea" about the time frame. Bivens said officials believe he had a plan, noting how quickly he was in and out of the residence and calling him "methodical in his approach." A view of the damage after an arsonist sets fire to the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Kyle Mazza | Anadolu | Getty Images The man charged in connection with an arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's home over the weekend allegedly climbed the residence's fence, used a hammer to break a window and threw Molotov cocktails in to start the blaze, prosecutors revealed. Cody A. Balmer, 38, was charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated arson, burglary, terrorism and other counts in connection with the early Sunday morning attack, the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office announced Monday. The arson attack lasted for several minutes. Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro, as well as other guests and staff, were inside the Harrisburg residence when the fire erupted around 2 a.m. No one was injured in the fire, and the governor's family was safely evacuated. However, prosecutors said the residence sustained "substantial damage." Balmer, of Harrisburg, turned himself into the Pennsylvania State Police on Sunday and admitted to "harboring hatred towards Governor Shapiro." When asked during a police interview what he would have done if Shapiro found him inside the residence, "he advised he would have beaten him with his hammer," the probable cause affidavit said. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro speaks during a press conference outside of the Governor's Mansion after an arsonist sets fire to the Governor's Residence in a targeted attack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States on April 13, 2025. Kyle Mazza | Anadolu | Getty Images The attack Balmer was caught on security cameras both within and outside the residence, officials said. He was seen wearing a black "snap-on" jacket, black boots and carrying a bag. Video surveillance footage showed the suspect climbing over an exterior fence of Shapiro's residence, approaching the piano room windows on the south side of the home and breaking an exterior window with a hammer, the criminal affidavit said. He then threw a Molotov cocktail inside through the broken glass. Shortly after, flames were seen in the interior of the home, the probable cause affidavit said. Balmer then moved to an adjacent window, broke the glass and entered the home through the broken window, the affidavit said. Once inside, he deployed a second incendiary device in the dining room that spurred another fire. The affidavit states that Balmer then moved toward the dining room exit. Surveillance footage showed him wearing two different colored gloves one orange and one yellow. He was seen kicking the dining room door open and exiting the residence. He left the property in the same direction he entered, climbing back over the perimeter fence, running through a parking lot and then fleeing the residence in a southeast direction, the affidavit said. More from NBC News: How Trump's tariffs are undercutting 'drill, baby, drill' oil push Why a drop in the bond market is raising fears Inside the DHS team scouring foreign students' social media Investigators found two broken glass beer bottles containing gasoline in the dining room of the residence. Investigators also collected videos from privately owned security cameras and found that the suspect had fled east on Peffer Street. A sweep of Peffer Street led investigators to locate the gloves that matched the suspect's in a trash can. The gloves had a "strong smell of gasoline emanating from them," the criminal affidavit said. Shapiro, who is Jewish, had shared Passover well-wishes online Saturday evening just hours before the attack. He condemned the attack in a Sunday press conference, saying, "This kind of violence is not OK I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another. It is not OK and it has to stop." Turning himself in Pennsylvania State Police in Harrisburg were contacted by a woman who said she was the ex-paramour of Balmer. She said Balmer confessed to the act and "wanted her to call police to turn him in," the affidavit said. A short time later, Balmer approached a Pennsylvania State Police trooper at the department headquarters. He said he was "responsible" for the fire in the governor's residence and "wished to turn himself in." He was transported to the Pennsylvania State Police office in Harrisburg, where he was interviewed, the affidavit said. During the interview, he confessed his ill feelings toward Shapiro. He told investigators that he removed gasoline from a lawn mower and poured it into beer bottles he found at his home, then walked for an hour to the governor's residence with the intention of throwing the homemade Molotov cocktails into the home. He admitted that he scaled the perimeter fence, broke two windows with a hammer and threw the Molotov cocktails inside. Balmer said after leaving the governor's residence, he returned to his own home and removed the clothes he wore during the attack, the affidavit said. Troopers responded to his home and seized the "snap-on" jacket, a black bag and a small sledgehammer, "which were identical to those observed in the surveillance at the Governor's residence," the affidavit said. Balmer also told investigators that he was aware his actions would result in "negative consequences" and knew it was possible that Shapiro and others were home at the time and that they could have been harmed, according to the affidavit. Balmer was transported to Dauphin County Prison for arraignment. According to his court docket, he is awaiting a preliminary hearing. Pennsylvania state police said Monday that Balmer was transported to a hospital, and is receiving treatment "due to a medical event not connected to this incident or his arrest." It's not clear what caused him to be hospitalized. Suspect appeared to be critical of government online Pope Francis meets with people as he unexpectedly appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, on April 13, 2025. A convalescing Pope Francis greeted the crowd in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, wishing more than 20,000 faithful a "Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week," in yet another reassuring public sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia. Many in the crowd reached out to touch Francis' hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone. The 88-year-old pope was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, as he had during a similar appearance last Sunday. On his way back to St. Peter's Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary, and offered candy to a boy who greeted him. The 88-year-old Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds. While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis that has labored his speech. The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday. It was his second time in St. Peter's Square before a crowd since leaving the hospital, following last Sunday's unexpected appearance that thrilled the faithful. He also met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla this week, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peter's Basilica, stopping to pray, and to thank a pair of restorers for their work on the basilica's masterpieces. On Saturday, the eve of Holy Week, Francis went to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The basilica, which he typically visits before and after his foreign trips, was also his first stop after leaving the Gemelli hospital on March 23. In the traditional Sunday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. "At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God's closeness, compassion and tenderness even more." For the ninth week, including his five-week hospitalization starting Feb. 14, the blessing was delivered as a text. The pope offered prayers for those suffering in the conflict in Sudan, which marks its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, where civil war began 50 years ago, as well as for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar and South Sudan. WASHINGTON Sen. Cory Booker said Sunday that Congress should hold hearings and defended Democratic lawmakers' calls for investigations into any possibility of insider trading after President Donald Trump encouraged people to buy stocks before reversing his tariff policy last week. "There is enough of an offense here, there's enough smoke here that should demand congressional hearings," the New Jersey Democrat said on NBC News' "Meet the Press." Democrats began questioning whether anyone traded improperly after Trump said on social media that "this is a great time to buy" Wednesday morning when stocks were slumping after the president's tariff rollout and then, just hours later, announced that most of the steep tariffs would be temporarily reduced, sending the stock market shooting up. When asked whether Democrats had any evidence of anyone profiting off of Trump's announcement, Booker initially dodged the question and criticized the president's administration, emphasizing that Congress is responsible for oversight. Asked a second time for evidence, Booker argued for hearings, adding that "these are real, legitimate, justifiable questions." "Not to have hearings, not to do any kind of oversight undermines the faith we have in our government, undermines the trust we need in our nation right now," Booker said. While the timing of Trump's comment and later action has drawn scrutiny from critics, Democrats have not produced evidence to support their allegations that Trump or his advisers or allies acted on insider information in making trades. Last week, a group of 19 House Democrats sent a letter to the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting an "immediate investigation into possible insider trading and market manipulation" in the days and hours leading up to the president's reversal on tariffs. Democratic senators Adam Schiff of California and Ruben Gallego of Arizona also sought answers from the White House and the U.S. trade representative on their concerns about any illegal actions related to Trump's tariff moves. White House spokesperson Kush Desai has denied that Trump was trying to manipulate the market. "It is the responsibility of the President of the United States to reassure the markets and Americans about their economic security in the face of nonstop media fearmongering," Desai said in a statement last week. "Democrats railed against China's cheating for decades, and now they're playing partisan games instead of celebrating President Trump's decisive action yesterday to finally corner China." Later in the interview, Booker didn't rule out a potential run for president in 2028 when asked if he was considering one. His record-breaking House floor speech prompted speculation about his presidential ambitions. He previously ran for president in 2020. "I'm focused on today and my re-election in '26," Booker said. "I've already announced to the people of New Jersey. I'm hoping they'll allow me to be their senator for another six years. And let's be clear, I'm proud of the work that we've done over the last six years." The chaos around tariffs continues to rattle global stock markets, as fears of higher costs and concerns over a potential economic slowdown weigh on investor sentiment. However, the pullback in several stocks due to these ongoing challenges has created an opportunity to pick attractive stocks trading at compelling levels. Top Wall Street analysts can help identify stocks that could navigate short-term headwinds and deliver solid returns over the long term. With that in mind, here are three stocks favored by the Street's top pros, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Affirm Holdings We start this week with Affirm Holdings (AFRM), a buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform. As of the end of 2024, Affirm had 21 million active customers and 337,000 active merchants. On April 7, TD Cowen analyst Moshe Orenbuch initiated coverage of Affirm stock with a buy rating and a price target of $50, reflecting a valuation of about 23-times the 2026 adjusted earnings per share. "AFRM is one of the top performing BNPL brands in the U.S. with a full-suite [point of sale] lending capability vs peers, and likely the most pro-consumer practices in the industry," said the analyst. Orenbuch thinks that AFRM possesses more seasoned underwriting capabilities than its rivals, as the company began underwriting longer-term loans before offering BNPL solutions. The analyst also highlighted the company's partnerships with big e-commerce players like Amazon and Shopify. Orenbuch contends that these key partnerships reflect Affirm's capabilities while allowing it to pursue higher volumes from both big and small businesses more effectively than other BNPL players. Additionally, he pointed out that Affirm has a strong funding program that has historically helped it secure better terms in the capital market compared to others in the consumer lending industry. Orenbuch added that AFRM fared better than nonprime lenders in the tough credit period in 2022-2023. He contends that even if gross merchandise value growth slows down over the short term due to weakness in the job market, it will have a short-term impact on AFRM's profits and likely not weigh on its long-term profitability trajectory. Orenbuch ranks No.22 among more than 9,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 64% of the time, delivering an average return of 19.4%. See Affirm Holdings Stock Charts on TipRanks. TJX Companies This week's second stock pick is TJX Companies (TJX), an off-price retailer that operates more than 5,000 stores across nine countries, including the TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra stores in the U.S. TJX and other off-price retailers sell merchandise at deep discounts compared to prices offered on comparable merchandise by department stores or other retailers, as they opportunistically purchase their inventory at lower costs. Recently, Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe reaffirmed a buy rating on TJX stock with a price target of $150. The analyst stated that Jefferies' updated "Inventory Insanity" analysis following the fourth-quarter results revealed that inventory rose 2.9% year over year across the firm's coverage group of 85 companies compared to 2.2% in Q3 2024. Tarlowe thinks that TJX Companies is the best positioned in the off-price space to take advantage of the surplus inventory in the marketplace. "Therefore, with an experienced team of +1.3k buyers, we believe TJX should witness and outsized benefit from continuing to buy opportunistically across its +21k vendors and more than 100 countries," the analyst said. Moreover, Tarlowe expects TJX to gain from the secular shift towards the off-price sector, which could help the retailer grab market share from other, more traditional retailers. The analyst also sees the company's further expansion in the Home category and overseas markets as unique growth opportunities. Tarlowe noted that TJX delivered a peak gross margin of 30.6% in fiscal 2025 despite an unfavorable comparison with the previous year, which included a 53rd week (due to a leap year). He thinks that management's fiscal 2026 gross margin guidance of 30.4% to 30.5% seems conservative, especially given that the company exceeded its fiscal 2025 margin outlook. Tarlowe ranks No.574 among more than 9,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 55% of the time, delivering an average return of 10.2%. See TJX Companies Insider Trading Activity on TipRanks. CyberArk Software Finally, let's look at CyberArk Software (CYBR), a cybersecurity company that specializes in identity security solutions. The company is scheduled to announce its first-quarter results on May 13. Heading into the Q1 2025 results, TD Cowen analyst Shaul Eyal reiterated a buy rating on CYBR stock with a price target of $450. The analyst thinks that CyberArk is well-positioned to navigate the challenging market conditions and surpass the Street's revenue estimate. Eyal's optimism is backed by checks by his firm that indicated continued strength in demand, with CYBR's effort to expand its platform away from its core privileged access management gaining traction among customers. Additionally, Eyal noted that despite increasing global macro challenges, value-added resellers, consultants, and partners are not seeing any slowdown in the second-quarter pipeline. He cited some of the key reasons for CYBR's consistent performance, including its Identity and Access Management's mission criticality and the persistent attack on digital identities by hackers. Also, rival SailPoint's recent results and outlook didn't indicate any slowdown, which bodes well for CyberArk as both companies are targeting similar market tiers. Eyal sees the possibility of CyberArk revising the mid-point of its fiscal 2025 revenue guidance higher as the year progresses. Nevertheless, he contends that even if the company reiterates its guidance despite a possible Q1 2025 beat, it will still be viewed positively, given the growing macro challenges. The analyst also highlighted CYBR's efforts to expand its platform through strategic acquisitions like that of Zilla, which offers identity governance and administration solutions, and Venafi, which provides machine identity solutions. He continues to see a huge opportunity for CyberArk in the Agentic AI market. "CYBR is executing well and remains well positioned to achieve its LT FY28 targets of $2.2B in rev and $600M of FCF [free cash flow]," said Eyal. Eyal ranks No.14 among more than 9,300 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 64% of the time, delivering an average return of 22.5%. See CyberArk Ownership Structure on TipRanks. President Donald Trump and his top trade officials on Sunday added to the confusion over his administration's tariff plans, including newly announced exemptions for reciprocal tariffs on electronic products such as phones, computers and semiconductors. Trump and his aides suggested the exemptions which erased added tariffs of 145% on many Chinese electronics devices and components would be partially or completely reversed in coming weeks. A separate 20% tariff on all Chinese goods is still in effect. The exemptions were first revealed in technical guidance issued late Friday evening without fanfare by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and confirmed by the White House on Saturday. But Trump on Sunday afternoon cast doubt on the duration of the exemptions, which were seen as a boon for tech companies, including Apple , which makes iPhones and most of its other products in China. "NOBODY is getting "off the hook" for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!" Trump wrote in a social media post. "There was no Tariff "exception" announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket,' " Trump said. "The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it. We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations." Earlier Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested the exemptions are temporary and said that separate tariffs for electronic products are "coming soon." "They're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two," Lutnick said on ABC News' "This Week." "So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption. [Trump's] just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries," he said. Lutnick added: "These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America." Lutnick's comments and Trump's social media post throw cold water on hopes that popular tech products made in China, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and flat-panel TVs, would be spared from Trump's 145% reciprocal tariffs duties that raise prices for U.S. importers and are generally passed on to consumers. They also add more uncertainty about Trump's tariff policy, which has changed repeatedly since he took office. Democratic lawmakers on Sunday said the changes are causing "chaos" and a crisis of credibility for Trump. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in an attempt to clarify why the exemptions were made, said Sunday that they are "not really an exception," even though the executive order Trump signed concerning the exemptions is titled in part "Clarification of Exceptions." "What happened is, this type of supply chain moved from the tariff regime for the global tariff, the reciprocal tariff, and it moved to the national security tariff regime," Greer said on CBS News' "Face the Nation." Whatever you consider Sesame Streets Count, man or monster, hes got a simple mission: to count things. It is his drive, his base need, the source of his delightful full name: Count Von Count. Being familiar with the character, you probably saw the immediate wordplay of a Count who likes to count and thought, Oh, thats fun, which is all thats really needed for a childrens show. You might have also thought that the connection to counting ended there. So did his creator, Norman Stiles. That was really the key to making The Count work, because now it was, He counts things, and counting things is an endless thing, Stiles told Polygon. His obsession with counting things gave him a kind of comedic power the same as Cookie Monster. Don't Miss First, Id like to acknowledge the borderline poetic punch of counting things is an endless thing. Boy, isnt it. What Stiles might not have realized, and definitely should take full credit for whether he did or not, is that compulsive counting is actually part of legitimate vampire lore. A less-known and less horror-movie centric bit of vampire canon is that they suffer from arithmomania, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that presents itself as a need to count objects in your surroundings. This crossed even cultural boundaries, with tales of number-crunching Counts existing from Slavic lore all the way to the Chinese jiangshi. Advertisement As the lore goes, the vampires could be distracted from your pulsing, delectable carotids by a surplus of something in the surroundings that demanded to be counted. Holes in a fishing net, seed scattered at the door, Chinese folklore even recommended tossing out a handful of rice grains in front of a vampire as a functional defense against getting feasted on. Add in their distaste for garlic, and this does suggest that a messily eaten everything bagel is a vampires true greatest fear. Countless celebrities have lent their vocal talents to The Simpsons over the past 36 years, including several legit old Hollywood icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Lemmon and an 89-year-old Bob Hope, whose dialogue was recorded at his Silver Lake home with the help of a young Conan OBrien. But perhaps the most prominent Simpsons role to be played by a classic film star was Chester J. Lampwick, the impoverished creator of The Itchy & Scratchy Shows Itchy, who was voiced by three-time Oscar nominee Kirk Douglas. And really, no scene in Spartacus comes close to the passionate rebellion Douglas showcases as Lampwick while refusing to paint Grampa Simpsons chicken coop because the corn muffins he was compensated with were lousy. But the late Douglas wasnt always the easiest person to work with. He was labelled difficult by frequent co-star Burt Lancaster, and fought so bitterly with director Stanley Kubrick that the two had to attend therapy sessions together. Advertisement As recounted by Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, in her book My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy, Douglas threw up some huge roadblocks during the recording session for his episode, The Day the Violence Died. When Douglas pulled up to the studio in a limo, he made it immediately apparent that he didnt care much about the gig. This wont take long, he instructed the driver, so keep the car running. Things got off to a bad start when Douglas took off his headphones and threw them onto a table, telling the Simpsons crew, Im not wearing these things. They hurt my ears. This was a big problem for director Josh Weinsten, who suddenly had no way of communicating his direction to the actor who was inside a soundbooth. Cartwright then realized that shed have to step in and direct the star herself, at which point Douglas told the crew, Im only going to give you two takes then Im outta here. This wouldnt have been such a huge problem, except for the fact that Douglas proceeded to flub one of his lines. During a speech about inventing cartoon violence, Lampwick is supposed to say, I changed all that, but Douglas read it as, I charged all that. Advertisement With just one more take to work with, Cartwright told Douglas, who was already checking his watch, that he was brilliant, but added that on that second speech lets really hear how you are changing all that. Douglas just stared at her, then proceeded to perform the second take. Unfortunately he screwed up and said charged yet again. Knowing that he wouldnt want to do the line again, Cartwright let out a huge fake sneeze. As she wiped her nose, she apologized to Douglas for ruining the take. Thats all right. No biggie, he responded, as Weinstein was busy picking his jaw up off the floor. Advertisement Uh, great, Cartwright said. So let me see, lets start with your line: Before I came along, all cartoon animals did was play the ukulele, I changed all that. And continue to the end. Advertisement After that, he performed the dialogue perfectly. Of course, if Douglas hadnt been able to finish the job, the producers always could have brought in Mickey Rooney. We all make mistakes. For most of us, theyre not much more consequential than buying the wrong kind of milk, but in Hollywood, it might be signing onto a seven- or eight-figure project only to realize its garbage. Those who cant just write it off on their taxes sometimes take extreme measures to make sure it never gets seen or at least make the experience as unpleasant as possible. Sometimes, they design it that way from the get-go. 5 Blade: Trinity Wesley Snipes had some potentially legitimate beef with the producers of Blade: Trinity. He believed other Black actors were the subject of discrimination on the set, suspected the movies only purpose was to set up spin-offs for its white stars, and also, it was Blade: Trinity. His reaction, however, might have been a little overboard. He refused to communicate with director David S. Goyer outside of cryptic Post-It notes (and eventually physically assaulted him) or indeed perform most of the movie, preferring instead to smoke weed in his trailer. They even had to CGI his eyes in one scene because he refused to open them. 4 Leonard Part 6 Until recently, the biggest stain on Bill Cosbys career was 1987s terrible Leonard Part 6, which also gave us a preview of his ability and willingness to silence his enemies. He told everyone from talk show audiences to reporters not to see the movie, then to cap it off, he bought the television rights so they could never be exercised. To make matters more confusing, the movie was his idea. Well, we taught him to take responsibility in the end. Advertisement 3 The Telephone And to think, he could have simply gone the Whoopi way and sued producers to shelve the film. Thats what Goldberg did upon seeing the final cut of 1988s The Telephone. She claimed she was granted the legal right to approve it prior to release, so she sued New World Pictures to prevent them from inflicting the film onto moviegoing audiences. Unfortunately, she lost. Advertisement Advertisement 2 The Fantastic Four The 1994 production of The Fantastic Four, on the other hand, was successfully prevented from release by its own producers. The only reason it was made in the first place was because producer Bernd Eichinger was going to lose the rights to the franchise unless he made something quick, so thats exactly what he did. He slapped together a low-budget production, gave it a perfunctory marketing push and then pulled it from release at the last minute. It remains unreleased to this day, but dont worry there are still lots of bad Fantastic Four movies you can watch. Seriously, how did it take so long for someone to come up with a spoof called The White POTUS? Credit to Saturday Night Live for finally getting the job done, calling in favors from copious celebrities and former cast members to pull off the pitch-perfect pretaped parody. James Austin Johnsons Trump is the protagonist, the once-successful financier whose world is crumbling under his feet. In a nice touch, the DUKE T-shirt is replaced by one that reads KING. We are so lucky that America will always be a rich and powerful nation, drawls Melania (Chloe Fineman making a meal out of Parker Poseys North Carolina accent). I mean, can you imagine how awful it would be if America lost all its money and no one in the world respected us anymore? Alex Moffat makes his SNL return as Eric Trump, thankfully too dimwitted to do anything racy with Mikey Days Don Jr., though the winking implications are there. Where, they wonder, has our sister been during this Trump term? Cut to Scarlett Johansson meditating in a temple, her Ivanka creeping out of the session when the guru suggests giving up greed and material possessions. Don't Miss Host Jon Hamm took on RFK Jr., carrying around a hypodermic needle full of measles and ready to infect the first tourist who suggests fluoride might be good for ones teeth. Speaking of teeth, Sarah Shermans take on Chelsea, the young girlfriend with the prodigious overbite, is borderline cruel. Hilarious, yes, but not very nice. Advertisement Kristi Noem (Heidi Gardner) and Pam Bondi (Ashley Padilla) share drinks with Marco Rubio (Marcello Hernandez) in the resorts outdoor bar, and just when the parody seems to be running out of gas, Beck Bennett returns as Shirtless Putin to add a little erotic charge to the proceedings. (Shout out to the 2017 cast!) Shirtless Putin might be the only one who can save the despondent Trump, caressing his shoulders while murmuring, Hey, whats the matter, baby? Maybe its all weird dreams or maybe Don Jr. did wake up in bed with an unexpected male companion. (Its Tiger Woods, in the news for canoodling with Don Jr.s ex, Vanessa.) The sketch reminds us that were all living in a Mike White black comedy, full of unexpected twists and tragedies. The parody certainly seemed to hit the sweet spot for SNL fans last night. Advertisement Ans so, like Whites HBO series, dont be surprised if new iterations of this sketch keep coming back. Theres no more surefire laugh than ripping Jost a new one If Saturday Night Live writers are ever nervous that a given weeks show is short on laughs, they can always fall back on one of their most reliable bits: Trotting out Sarah Sherman to roast Colin Jost on Weekend Update. One could argue that Sherman owes her SNL stardom to Jost, making her initial claim to fame by ridiculing the guy for being an uncontrollable pervert and other crimes against humanity. On the one hand, its a foolproof bit. On the other hand, SNL is smart enough to know that it cant simply run the gag into the ground through sheer repetition. So on last nights Weekend Update, Sherman mixed it up by appearing as Josts tax accountant Dawn Altman. It was just enough variation to freshen the segment as she once again ripped Jost to shreds. Don't Miss While Altman is allegedly responsible for getting Josts taxes in order, she sounded a lot like Sherman when running through his financials. Here were some of last nights best burns 1 Things Go Better with Coke I actually have all of your financial records right here, so lets go through your budget like you go through an afterparty line by line, she said, tapping her nose to punctuate the joke. 2 At Least Its Not the Ferry Uh-oh. This isnt good. Youre letting people use your private jet for free? And uh-oh. Its for... ICE deportations? 3 Personal Grooming Youre spending a huge amount of money on your taxes. Thats my own personal abbreviation. Not taxes. Taint waxes. 4 Return of the Intern Jokes Advertisement SHERMAN/ALTMAN: Colin, you got to cut back on all these expensive meals. JOST: Wait. Im sorry. I love to eat out. SHERMAN/ALTMAN: Thats not what they say on the interns group chat. Can you connect these events? Prince Harry visits Ukraine. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, is discovered hanging around Peking talking to various figures in the hideous Chinese tyranny. And the last remnant of Britains steel industry can only be saved by Parliament. I can. But it is the threat to our surviving blast furnaces in Scunthorpe which is the most important. Strong independent countries have big steel industries. They are the sinews of a highly-industrialised nation, one able to build its own defences. We had plenty of such sinews once. They transformed our industrial power into world power and helped to keep us free and prosperous. Now we have no such sinews. We buy them from someone else. It was revealed last week that British warships now being built are expected to contain large amounts of steel made by France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Spain. If such countries can maintain modern steel industries, why cant we? Id say for two main reasons. The first is we fell idiotically for the promises of globalism. This preaches that it doesnt matter if you ditch proper industry. The other is we bowed down before the new religion of Warmism. We let a dodgy set of beliefs about global warming rush us into a series of rash choices which we will have centuries to regret. A real steel industry without coal is pretty much impossible. How China must laugh at us, as it runs a mighty industrial revolution on its huge coal stocks and builds two new coal-fired power stations almost weekly, as we blow ours up. A worker at the Marcegaglia Steel meltshop. The last remnant of Britains steel industry can only be saved by Parliament Prince Harry on his surprise visit to Ukraine. But, writes Peter Hitchens, there is nothing patriotic about the conflict Mind the doors... The smart livery of trains on Londons new Elizabeth Line is marred by the painting of what look like sharks teeth on the edges of its sliding doors. This happens on several other rail lines, here and abroad. But why the menacing jaws? Do they really make passengers less likely to obstruct those closing doors? Id love to have seen the research being done, if so. Imagine it, if you can. Advertisement This does not just make us silly. It makes us weak. Why do we keep sending officials to Peking? It can hardly be to threaten the Peoples Republic with our vanished naval might or the awesome size of our national debts. And why is Prince Harry in Ukraine and why has his father, the King, gravely violated royal neutrality by cheering on what is, at the very least, the most stupid and counter-productive war since the 2003 Iraq disaster? There is nothing patriotic about the Ukraine conflict. Britain has no national interest in sustaining or prolonging this crazy, murderous and avoidable brawl, a proxy war between the USA and Russia. Even the Americans, who strove so hard for so long to provoke a conflict in the region, have grown bored with it. Yet we are spending tax money on keeping it going. This is out of habit, because we have been so used to copying US foreign policies that we do not know how to stop, even when the Americans have abandoned them. True patriotism would lie in saving our power to defend ourselves. But will we be seeing Charles or Harry denouncing the globalist and Net Zero policies which are turning us into an impoverished weakling? No, that will never happen. So goodbye blast furnaces. Letby police arent as shy and retiring as they claim More on shy and retiring Cheshire Police, who claim to stand nobly above the fray in the controversy on Lucy Letbys conviction. In March 2024, when Ms Letby was still seeking permission to appeal against her conviction, a Communicators Course was held for Police press officers in a pleasant country house hotel in Lincolnshire. Among the attractions offered was an appearance by Shelley Smith, Senior Communications Officer for Cheshire Constabulary and Communications Lead for Operation Hummingbird, the police investigation of Ms Letby. I dont know who wrote this, but could it have got into the programme without police approval? It said of Ms Smith: Within months of starting with the force she hit the ground running, helping to co-ordinate the comms response to the horrific murder of Garry Newlove in Warrington and the media scrutiny that followed. During her time in the forces press office Shelley has planned, co-ordinated and delivered communications strategies for multiple murders, serious sexual offences, the forces first corporate manslaughter prosecution and multiagency working to tackle serious and organised crime. Is this the way the police talk in private about crime now? Is it really the way we want police forces to think about the crimes they investigate? This looks to me more like soap opera. Lucy Letby was jailed for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital Then it adds that Ms Smith was asked to take up a full-time secondment working closely alongside the investigation team developing, implementing and leading on the communications strategy something that has never been done in Cheshire before. This encompassed not only media management and stakeholder engagement but detailed logistics/planning pre-trial and at court and, most importantly, providing bespoke media advice and support to the 13 individual families at the heart of this tragic case under the intense spotlight of the worlds media, unbelievable scrutiny from the public and with the parents of the babies firmly at the forefront of her mind. What do they mean by strategy? Arent police supposed to gather evidence without fear or favour? Arent prosecutors supposed to decide if there is a case to answer? Isnt the jury supposed to decide guilt? I will leave readers to form their own views about the attitude this reveals towards impartial justice and towards the families of the babies allegedly killed or harmed by Ms Letby. Hope for boys truly has gone for a Burton Toby Jones as Philip Burton Fascinating to see how few discussions of the new film Mr Burton, in which Toby Jones plays the great actor Richard Burtons inspirational teacher, mention that the school involved was academically selective, a grammar school in fact. Every single such school in Wales (which was once blessed with many such) was destroyed in a frenzy of egalitarian spite. The story would now be impossible, and boys of Burtons talent in 2025 go on to dreary unfulfilled lives because of one of the stupidest decisions ever taken by this countrys politicians. Yet nobody even considers reversing it. Prince Harry was back in town this week, visiting his favourite people, aka his legal team. I dont understand that man. His father has just had cancer, one of his oldest friends got married last weekend and yet he apparently had time for neither, heading straight from court to Ukraine, where he met wounded soldiers and civilians in Lviv. No one could ever question his dedication and admiration for those on the frontline. Despite everything, the Invictus Games remain a great achievement. And none could be more deserving of his support than the victims of Putins war. But there is something telling about Harrys apparent ability to connect more with total strangers than his family. Its not that he cant do emotion like his mother hes a deeply compassionate, caring person. Its just that he seems to struggle with complex relationships. Prince Harry speaks to Ukrainian war veterans during his visit to the Superhumans rehabilitation centre in Lviv on Thursday Prince Harry attends day two of a Court of Appeal hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday We all know that feeling. Sometimes its easier to talk to someone who doesnt really know you because you can edit out all the gnarly bits about yourself which youre not entirely proud of, the bits that your family and friends wont let you gloss over. Theres no baggage: everything is just so much more straightforward. Its a form of emotional transference, a way of keeping the real feelings at arms length. In my experience, this is often the case with damaged people, men especially. They can do affection in the abstract, at a safe distance. They can do the grand gestures, but its the everyday minutiae that matter most they struggle with. They can be closed and often, as in Harrys case, all that repression translates into destructive behaviours. They start to think the world is out to get them. They attribute motives to others that arent real. Weve seen this with Harry in his wilful misinterpretation of his familys approach to his marriage, and also in his assertion this week that his police protection was withdrawn to prevent him and Meghan leaving Britain to start a new life. On leaving the Royal Courts of Justice, where his case against the Home Office is on appeal, he said: We were trying to create this happy house. He added that he was exhausted and overwhelmed, which is understandable. So why put himself through it? Why not just sit with his father and have a grown-up conversation about it all? King Charles is not an especially difficult man, nor is he an unreasonable one. And he loves his son. Where theres a will, theres always a way, surely. Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now. Apparently not. Harry runs away rather than confronts difficult truths. If he doesnt like something, he just turns his back on it. Hes done with his role as a royal, his connection to his homeland and the Press, and his relationship with his family. He deliberately erects barriers and then accuses people of shutting him out. He is allowing his anger and his resentment to isolate him. Its rather sad. But that doesnt make it any less ugly. I dont know how much this legal case is costing the taxpayer, but I dont imagine its cheap, and at a time when we can ill-afford to waste a penny. All because Harry is acting out what has every appearance of being a personal vendetta. What else was the King supposed to do? Keep paying for him and the Duchess, though they are no longer working royals and dont even live here? If he thinks that, then Im sorry but hes delusional. Harry chose to go and chose the manner in which he went. He did not go quietly and did not go kindly. He left as much scorched earth in his wake as he could. And it looks to me as if he tried his best to take down the institution of the monarchy, along with individual members of his family. He failed, it seems clear, not just because a lot of it was simply not true, but also his viciousness showed him in a whole new light and surprised even his staunchest supporters. Until Harry learns to master his resentment and rage, he will never truly move on. He will always find himself drawn back to the traumas that drove him away in the first place. He needs to learn to let go, otherwise hell spend the rest of his life endlessly going over the same old ground and achieving very little save buying second homes for his lawyers. Prince Harry at the Superhumans rehabilitation centre in Ukraine, alongside representatives from the Invictus Games Foundation For now, he faces life as an Instagram husband, holding the camera for the Duchess of Sussex as she flogs overpriced jam to her followers. Perhaps thats all he wants whos to say? But it sure doesnt look like its making him happy. And one thing is certain: he cant have his shortbread cookie mix with flower sprinkles and eat it. Kemi Badenoch tried (but failed) to explain the difference between a documentary and a drama when BBC Breakfast asked about her failure to watch Adolescence on Netflix. Most MPs would spout platitudes. She argued the unpopular, correct response. Thats why I like her. Its lift-off for big cleavage Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March Jeff Bezoss fiancee Lauren Sanchez and pop star Katy Perry, plus US TV anchor Gayle King, are preparing to blast off into space aboard Bezoss ostentatiously shaped Blue Origin rocket. They wont be there long but their trip could yield vital data for future space missions, namely the effect of G-force and weightlessness on (alleged) breast implants and face fillers. One small step for man, one giant leap for big cleavage. What on Earth were Surrey police thinking when they arrested a mum-of-two for confiscating her childrens iPads? Vanessa Brown, a teacher, was taken into custody, searched, photographed, fingerprinted and held for seven hours following a tip-off by someone who had it in for her, probably. Its hard enough being a parent these days, fighting the constant tide of tech nonsense without the police undermining your authority. Now whenever she tries to limit screen time, theyll just laugh in her face and threaten to call the cops. On track for a nap... I confess I have some sympathy for NHS boss Sir Jim Mackey, caught snoozing in front of his laptop on the train from London to Newcastle having earlier railed against government inefficiency in the House of Commons. I find it almost impossible to stay awake on a train, even when I have the most pressing deadline. Theres something about the rhythmic rumble of the tracks and the soporific view of passing countryside that sends me almost instantly to sleep. It could have been worse: at least Sir Jim wasnt dribbling. The aviation industry has announced its to do away with boarding passes and check-in, replacing the system with a digital journey pass. What if you dont have (or want) a smartphone? Does this mean you wont be able to fly? What will happen to children or old people who dont own phones? Its already the case that you cant park a car without an app. Yet another step towards a totalitarian digital dictatorship. Ive been dolled up by AI, too Sarah Vine used ChatGPT to create this doll version of herself It seems the world has been jumping on the AI trend of asking ChatGPT to create a doll version of themselves. Not wanting to seem a Luddite, I gave it a go. A remarkably reassuring experience. First, my name is not Samantha and ChatGPT knows this. Also, I told it I have two dogs, not three, plus a tortoiseshell cat, and that is clearly a tabby. And I would not be seen dead in a pair of nun-like courts. Perhaps AI is not ready to take over the human race. Either that, or its trying to lull me into a false sense of security. Search for Alas Vine & Hitchens on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts now. New episode released every Wednesday. For Mary Jane Wheeler, Covid-19 was life changing. She says the virus turned her body against her. After contracting the infection in 2021, she developed an autoimmune disease. Not long after that, she found herself in the throes of menopause. In just one year, Wheeler had gained 60 pounds. 'I kind of felt like my body was hating me,' the 53-year-old told the Daily Mail. The New Hampshire resident first heard about weight loss injections on TikTok in 2022, just as Ozempic a brand name semaglutide injection initially developed to treat Type 2 diabetes was becoming a household name, largely thanks to the radical physical transformations observed in some celebrities. She sought the advice of her doctor who told her about the other, similar weight loss jabs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescribed under brand names such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, as well as Ozempic, they work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). They regulate blood sugar levels and slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, creating the feeling of fullness and curbing appetite. However, for Wheeler, there was a problem. Her insurance wouldn't cover the medications. It would cost her $997 per month for Ozempic or $1,079 for Mounjaro. So, like tens of thousands of other Americans in a similar position, Wheeler found an alternative courtesy of the telehealth industry. These firms, which provide healthcare remotely via online portals, were quick to see the potential of the booming GLP-1 market. Mary Jane Wheeler, pictured in December 2022, began taking weight loss drugs in August 2024 after she gained 60 pounds in one year Wheeler, pictured in May 2023, documented her weight loss journey on social media, informing her followers that she was 'microdosing' compounded tirzepatide, a type of GLP-1 agonist that stimulates the feeling of fullness Five months after taking her first weight loss jab, Wheeler has lost 30 pounds and plans on microdosing for as long as possible But instead of expensive branded weight loss injections, many are touting off-brand 'compounded' weight loss medications. They contain the same active ingredients as the big hitters, but they're dispensed by specially licensed compounding pharmacies and are far more affordable with no need for insurance coverage. It is a development not without controversy. Some critics have dubbed compounded meds 'Franken-zempics' and say they are made possible by a loophole in regulation, allowing cheaper versions of name brand meds to be made and sold without FDA approval. As of November 2024, there were around 10 deaths and 100 hospitalizations in the US associated with the use of off-brand, compounded semaglutide, according to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy. In her quest for these medications, Wheeler found an online service selling compounded semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) starting at $179 a month, and compounded tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) for $289 a month. She had to answer a brief questionnaire about her medical history before having an online consultation with the telehealth company's doctor, during which they came up with a dosing plan. In researching weight loss injections, Wheeler a content creator with more than 71,000 followers (@tiktokmomof6) had read about 'microdosing,' where patients take a smaller dose of the drug than is normally recommended. She wanted to try it. 'I wanted to start slowly because I didn't know how my body would respond to it,' Wheeler told the Daily Mail, speaking about the drug. 'I always joke with my family and my doctors when they say, "It's highly unlikely that X, Y, Z would happen." I always say I'm the poster child for highly unlikely. If something's going to happen, it's going to happen to me.' 'Microdosing' weight loss drugs refers to a practice in which patients take less than the standard dosage of GLP-1 medication prescribed, typically in an effort to curb side effects or save money Ozempic, a brand-name medication that uses semaglutide, is a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. However, the once-weekly injection has grown in popularity for its 'off-label' weight loss side effects Wegovy is another popular brand-name semaglutide injection manufactured by European pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, and is prescribed for the treatment of obesity Last August, she received a home kit that included medical wipes, a pre-filled vial of liquid compounded tirzepatide, Zofran to prevent nausea, and a syringe with measurements marked in milligrams. Within five months, Wheeler lost 30 pounds while taking just 2.5 mg weekly - the usual introductory amount a doctor will likely increase to 5 mg after four weeks on the medication. 'I feel so good, even though I'm losing slowly,' she said. Wheeler's experience has been a satisfactory one to date, she says. Though, it raises another concerning issue associated with compounded medications: the rise of microdosing. Compounded weight loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity amid periodic shortages of their name-brand counterparts. In addition to being markedly cheaper, they've also been aggressively advertised as having fewer of the infamous side effects associated with Ozempic or Wegovy, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, and digestive disorders. Their packaging has made microdosing possible. The FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists come in pre-filled pens and deliver a precise dosage, whereas the compounded version comes in a vial and patients are expected to fill the syringes themselves. This allows for a smaller or larger doses to be administered at the users' discretion. Amid shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy, 'compounded' versions of these drugs have risen in popularity, though regulators and doctors warn these off-brand GLP-1s may be 'risky for patients' Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, says they 'do not condone these practices' of microdosing compounded semaglutide Oprah Winfrey (left) and Sharon Osbourne (right) are just some of the famous figures who have admitted to taking weight loss drugs A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk told the Daily Mail that the company doesn't 'condone these practices' of microdosing compounded semaglutide, or taking any form of a compounded GLP-1 agonist in general. 'It's important to understand that for Ozempic, only the marked doses on the pens 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg are approved for use, with 0.25 mg only approved for initiation and not maintenance,' the spokesperson said. A representative for Eli Lilly and Company which manufactures Zepbound and Mounjaro told the Daily Mail the company 'does not promote or encourage use of tirzepatide or any Lilly medicine outside of the medicine's approved label.' 'Dose-splitting or "microdosing" is not contemplated by the FDA-label and may pose patient safety risks,' they added. The FDA has also expressed its concerns, calling it 'risky for patients' who lack experience with self-injection, and citing reports of people taking up to 20 times the intended dose. According to Dr. Nidhi Kansal, an internal medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, it's 'definitely not a good medical recommendation for patients to be figuring out their own dosing of medications.' 'We don't do that in any other field of medicine,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Patients don't dose their own chemotherapy or their own psychiatric medication.' Dr. Kansal warns against the third-party markets offering their own version of name brand GLP-1s, calling them 'not necessarily safe or healthy for patients.' Mariah Hopkins, 33, began taking compounded semaglutide in February 2024. She had been struggling to lose weight for three years after giving birth The mother of four said her anxiety and 'brain fog completely went away' after taking her first weight loss jab Hopkins has found short-term success while microdosing semaglutide Those joining the growing 'microdosing' trend have seemingly ignored warnings from FDA officials and clinicians. Instead, they've boasted how the benefits of microdosing range far beyond weight loss. For Mariah Hopkins, a 33-year-old mother of four from Utah, her microdosing journey began after she struggled for three years to lose post-pregnancy weight. She told the Daily Mail she had her first injection of compounded semaglutide in February 2024 after a local med spa advertised its services starting at $149 a month. Immediately after injecting her starter dosage of 0.25 mg, Mariah said she noticed significant improvements in her anxiety levels. 'I had felt like I was almost in a constant state of fight or flight, and it was almost immediately when I started taking the medication that I felt my brain fog completely went away and I was less anxious,' she said. About four months in, and having lost 40 pounds, Hopkins began researching microdosing. She didn't want to lose any more but she believed the drug eased her anxiety levels, so she didn't want to swear off GLP-1s completely. 'People ask, "Are you scared to stop taking the medication because you might gain the weight back?" No, I don't want to stop taking the medication because of how I feel mentally,' she told us. 'It's so much more than weight loss.' Both Hopkins and Wheeler hope to continue microdosing but they may face a challenge. As of March 10, shortages of brand name weight loss drugs have been declared 'resolved' by the FDA. Under the law, compounding pharmacies were permitted to manufacture 'essentially a copy' of FDA-approved drugs during shortages, which began in 2022. But now that brand name semaglutide and tirzepatide injections are no longer deemed in short supply, compounding pharmacies may soon be acting illegally, along with the third-party services prescribing and supplying off-brand weight loss drugs to patients. 'There's no reason that we should have a third-party market,' said Dr. Kansal. Of course, some medical professionals say pharmaceutical companies are only interested in maximizing their profits, and want to stop access to compounded weight loss medications altogether. 'I think trying to apply a one-size-fits-all dosing regimen of these meds is failing patients more than anything,' said McCall McPherson, a licensed physician assistant and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic. Although she acknowledges microdosing may seem like 'the Wild West' to outsiders, she says companies offering compounded weight loss drugs 'often undergo extremely rigorous testing and licensure regulations.' 'I think we have to evolve our treatment, even if that [means] Eli Lilly and larger pharmaceutical companies to allow and facilitate individualized dosing.' Proponents of microdosing argue that restrictions on compounded weight loss drugs will do more harm than good, limiting access for many more patients who could benefit. But clinicians still warn against telehealth companies offering their own versions, calling them 'not necessarily safe or healthy for patients.' Despite their opposing views, there's no denying that these medications have made a lasting impact. 'In my opinion,' McPherson said, 'they are the biggest thing that will happen in medicine in my lifetime.' A woman disinvited her brother-in-law from a family holiday after he started antagonising and 'needling' her autistic daughter in the absence of her husband. The mother-of-three, believed to be from the US, explained that her brother-in-law Hector, 33, is 'super childish' and constantly 'trying to rile people' - including her 14-year-old daughter by making fun of 'her special interest' Taylor Swift. Writing on Reddit's 'Am I The A**hole' page, she said: 'A few weeks ago, he started needling at Lisa by making fun of Taylor Swift using lots of childish name [sic] calling words, intentionally using the wrong word for fans and stuff.' She clarified that her daughter Lisa understands that 'not everyone' is a Swiftie, but felt that Hector was deliberately pushing her buttons to get a reaction from the young girl. The woman also told the Reddit community how her son Rob, 16, defended Lisa and told Hector he was 'going out of your way to upset' his sister. In response, Hector - who was recently laid off from his job - referred to Rob as 'Roberta' and suggested the woman was 'raising soft kids who can't take a joke'. The conversation quickly spiralled after the woman informed Hector that he couldn't join the family on their trip to Colorado in the summer unless he started behaving himself. She also told him that 'he wouldn't be acting like this' if his brother was at home. (Stock image) A woman disinvited her brother-in-law from a family holiday after he started antagonising and 'needling' her autistic daughter in the absence of her husband (Stock image) The mother-of-three, believed to be from the US, explained that her brother-in-law Hector, 33, is 'super childish' and constantly 'trying to rile people' - including her 14-year-old daughter by making fun of 'her special interest' Taylor Swift Hector spun out of control and told the woman she was being a 'controlling yak over Taylor Swift' and stormed out of her house with 'his Costco chicken' - before complaining to his mother. She explained that her mother-in-law called to 'ask what really happened and sighed a lot' before urging the woman to make peace with Hector 'because that trip was all he had to look forward to' after being made redundant. 'I HATE causing drama in the family so am I the asshole and Im out of line?' she asked the community for its opinion on how she handled the situation. Reddit's verdict was unanimous, as multiple users praised for standing up to her Hector and banning him from their family holiday. '[Not the a**hole]! You protected your kids,' one person wrote. 'Your son seems beyond his years and brave to stand up to a family member like that. 'This is a perfectly reasonable natural consequence for the uncle to face,' they continued, before adding that the woman's mother-in-law sounds like a 'huge enabler' of her son's bad behaviour. They also advised ensuring her husband is 'on board' with her decision. 'Perhaps with your husband present you can have an adult conversation with your brother-in-law about the role of jokes with your kids...' Another comment read: 'Three kids on a trip is enough. You don't need a fourth. 'This "it's just a joke" nonsense is just an excuse for garbage people to be garbage, and continue avoid taking responsibility for their actions. 'Please be assured that not tolerating p*** poor behaviour from a grown man isn't you starting drama.' A third user admitted the woman was 'much more civil than' they would be, adding: 'I most likely would have thrown him out of my house.' They said that Hector, 33, needed to be reprimanded for bullying a 14-year-old autistic girl and that he should sincerely apologise to 'your children, you, and his brother for disrespecting his family' as well as 'his mother for bringing her into this'. Another person said Hector sounded like a 'horrible uncle' while a fifth user's comment read: 'Babyman needs to have consequences for his childish actions.' One user noted that Hector is a '100 per cent jerk' who 'picked on the one he perceived to be the weakest' while trying to gaslight the woman's daughter by picking 'plausibly deniable ways to bully her'. 'See how he picked on the one he percieved as the weakest, and how he chose plausibly deniable ways to bully her, so that he could try to get her to have a melt-down while being able to claim that she misunderstood him or he made an "honest mistake?"' they explained. Reddit 's verdict was unanimous, as multiple users praised for standing up to her Hector and banning him from their family holiday Several people applauded the woman's 16-year-old son for defending his sister, with one Reddit user noting he is 'more mature than his grown-up uncle'. 'Your son is a CHAMP,' another comment read. 'You should be so proud that you have raised a caring young man who is willing to speak up when he sees someone being a bully.' A third told the woman to take her son 'out for ice cream' while another Redditor said her son Rob is 'already twice the man his uncle is'. After the post received nearly 2,000 comments, the woman edited her original post to thank the community's members for their feedback, adding: 'I have a path forward.' In response to some comments, she also clarified that Hector hadn't been laid off due to his 'bad personality' but rather because the company he was working for was 'struggling with money' and had been forced to lay off most of their employees. Getting here has been such a journey, it feels like I might as well be on another planet - or, given the sheer number of antiques around me that would be enough to fill a museum, another time. But remoteness is part of the appeal of Bikendrik. Encircled by jacuzzi-warm water as clear as crystal, the little island is covered by leafy palm trees, frequently dropping coconuts from their towering heights onto emerald green grass. The perfectly-manicured grass seems a marvel amid the hot tropical sun and poor soil of the coral atoll the private island's on. Perhaps unsurprisingly, owner Susanne Kayser - Bikendrik's sole permanent inhabitant, an elderly woman who's lived here for about 20 years - says the lawns require constant maintenance. The remoteness can't be overstated. Getting here first requires flying deep into the South Pacific - with United Airlines from Guam or Hawaii, or Nauru Airlines from Brisbane, both of which have several stops on little islands along the way - to Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, located on a narrow atoll where the tallest things are usually palm trees. That's one step. Once in Majuro, it's a half-hour's drive to a pier near the town centre. Finally, it's a 40-minute trip in a small boat - during which little flying fish leap into the air - to Bikendrik. On the island is a beautiful old wooden, single-storey villa Susanne calls home. It's home for guests who stay with her, too. Susanne runs Bikendrik as a luxury boutique lodging. In fact, it's the only property in the Micronesia region that's part of the prestigious Five Star Alliance. Along with Susanne's villa are three large beach houses guests can stay in. Each has electricity, air conditioning, flushing toilets, and spacious baths stocked with Hermes toiletries and buttery-soft Melsimo robes. The island is also covered by 5G Wi-Fi. Remoteness is part of the appeal of Bikendrik. Encircled by jacuzzi-warm water as clear as crystal, the little island is covered by leafy palm trees, frequently dropping coconuts The perfectly-manicured grass seems a marvel amid the hot tropical sun and poor soil of the coral atoll the private island's on Owner Susanne Kayser is Bikendrik's sole permanent inhabitant. She's an elderly woman who's lived there for about 20 years and has lived a fascinating life Susanne's villa is surrounded by a huge, wraparound verandah. The building has strong colonial vibes - and inside is a cosy, antique-filled library. Many of the books date to the 1800s, as do the original paintings. Guests can stay in the beach houses ($1,250 a night) or the main villa in the aptly-named Colonial Suite (AUD$2,000 a night). The little room has calming blue walls, white wicker furniture, and nineteenth century portraits of Susanne's ancestors. The room is dominated by a four-poster bed, which Susanne and her husband brought to the island with them. The bed was made in the Philippines in 1900 of dark ironwood. It's so heavy, it takes six people to move - yet it's incredibly soft to sleep in. The room is so dreamy that my first morning I forget not just where I am, but when I am. Not an electronic screen's glow is to be seen as sunlight filters in through the semi-sheer lace curtains. Have I found myself back in the Victorian Era, or the world of Downton Abbey? The feeling is only magnified at breakfast. I'm treated to shakshuka, an egg dish Susanne learned to make while living in Libya; she also speaks Arabic. It's served with fine china and 900 grade silver cutlery; when Susanne came to Bikendrik with her husband, she brought 52kg of silver. It must be polished every three days because of the heat and humidity. 'We don't try to save money on food,' Susanne tells me. 'If you feed someone proper, they'll be a satisfied guest.' Case in point: it's chicken cordon bleu for lunch, served with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce, the mushrooms imported from Italy. Green noni leaf-wrapped eggplant is on the dinner menu - and on the table is a silver table setting depicting a pair of pheasants. Susanne explains they were a gift in the 1860s from Persian ruler Naser al-Din Shah Qajar to one of her ancestors. Guests can stay in the main villa in the aptly-named Colonial Suite The little room has calming blue walls, white wicker furniture, and nineteenth century portraits of Susanne's ancestors The room is dominated by a four-poster bed, which Susanne and her husband brought to the island with them. There's a glorious veranda outside Superb as the food is, it's as if an invisible, occult hand prepares it - for I never actually see Susanne in the kitchen. But she does cook, she says - she trained for a time at the famed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. Also, only a few times during my stay do I see her assistant, a friendly young woman from the Philippines named Twinkle. There's no shortage of things to do between meals. The entire island can be walked around in about five minutes, but activities include snorkelling and scuba diving in the lagoon. There's also surfing on the island's far side, where the waves are bigger, their thunderous roar oddly barely audible on the lagoon side. I go for a refreshing swim. Susanne says pearls can sometimes be found amid the rainbow-coloured coral, schools of fish, and occasional stingray. However, I fail to find any. 'Oscar must have stolen them,' says Susanne of my inability to locate any precious jewels. Oscar, she explains, is a 'pet octopus' that lives in the lagoon. Apparently, he's prone to kleptomania and hoarding anything he thinks is valuable. The entire island can be walked around in about five minutes, but activities include snorkelling and scuba diving in the lagoon 'Superb as the food is, it's as if an invisible, occult hand prepares it - for I never actually see Susanne in the kitchen,' Ben says Dinner: Japanese wagyu beef filet mignon with rice with black truffle from Italy and red wine sauce of Jacob's Creek 2021 merlot from Australia A less felonious island resident is Emma, a brown coconut crab who's nearly the size of a cat. Susanne says she's exceptionally friendly. She doesn't seem to mind when I see her resting under a tree. As she sits, countless tiny hermit crabs scuttle past to 'trade' the shells they live in. Every activity is accompanied by a soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, palm trees rustling in the wind, and the calls and fluttering wings of birds, like the rare imperial pigeons that hang around some pink orchids Susanne planted near the villa. There's also the smell of salt air and fresh fruit. A warm breeze gently brushes skin. 'It was all jungle at first when we came here,' says Susanne one morning as we sit on comfortable chairs on the verandah. We'd just enjoyed a breakfast of citrus fruit plucked from trees on the island, home-baked bread and coddled eggs - eaten with a special spoon Susanne's grandmother received as a wedding gift in the 1920s. 'But I can be very stubborn. If I have a dream, I do it,' she adds. I listen to Susanne's fantastic tales for hours at a time, sipping refreshing horse's neck (made with brandy and ginger ale) cocktails while sitting on white wicker chairs with soft, blue and white striped cushions. Bikendrik was a German coconut plantation until about 1918, she says, and a Japanese stronghold in the Second World War. I have never heard a storyteller as spellbinding as Susanne. She has a remarkable ability to engage the senses and recall feelings, making even the most ordinary bits of history sound astonishing. Pictured: A portrait of Susanne Kayser's great, great grandmother Agnes Schillegger in the Colonial Suite There's surfing on the island's far side, where the waves are bigger, their thunderous roar oddly barely audible on the lagoon side 'Every activity is accompanied by a soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, palm trees rustling in the wind, and the calls and fluttering wings of birds,' Ben (pictured) says But much of Susanne's history is extraordinary - just like Bikendrik's existence in such a remote place as the Marshall Islands. Her late husband founded the world's first commercial space launch company - he was basically the original Elon Musk. The couple lived in Africa in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Libya, where they were friends with enigmatic ruler Muammar Gaddafi. They came to Bikendrik from Florida in 2006, because the tropical weather seemed nice and Susanne says they could maintain their standard of living for longer as their money would go farther than in America. Susanne also explains how her grandfather was a valet for the son of the last Emperor of Austria, which answers how she came into possession of so many antiques. She shares what it was like visiting my home city of Wellington, New Zealand by ship - and her love of Kiwi author Mary Scott's novels. The golden orb of the sun turns the sky lavender, orange, red and pink as it sinks below the waves while Susanne talks. As night falls, countless glowing white jellyfish illuminate the water surrounding Bikendrik. There are so many twinkling stars above it's as if a giant has spilt a huge jar of glitter across the black sky. And still I listen to Susanne's stories - while enjoying Drambuie whisky liqueur from the Isle of Skye. 'I'm like a spider, just waiting to catch interesting people lured here,' she jokes. I do not disagree. As she sashayed down the red carpet at Hollywood's recent Breakthrough Prize, Jeff Bezos's pneumatic bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez looked stunning in a figure-hugging red dress. As her billionaire fiance looked on proudly dozens of cameras flashed - and the image of Lauren in her va-va-voom gown went viral, eclipsing A-listers including Gwyneth Paltrow and Glenn Close. After the event, the former TV presenter took to Instagram to reveal even more about her beguiling fashion choice writing: 'I wore a little piece of history. This 1994 John Galliano dress was once worn by the legendary Sophia Loren - an icon of strength and timeless beauty. I was proud to give it a second life on a night all about pushing boundaries and honoring brilliance.' Lauren, 55, who is heading to space on Monday (April 14) aboard one of her fiance's Blue Origin rockets alongside Katy Perry and Gayle King, accessorized her vintage gown for the 'Oscars of Science' with an astronaut bag by designer Judith Leiber. But it appears Lauren, who is known for her bold fashion choices, mixed up her Hollywood icons. Because the Daily Mail can reveal that her ruby red spaghetti-strap Galliano was never touched by Sophia Loren. It was another bombshell who first wore the 1994 showstopper - Raquel Welch. While sources close to Lauren say it was an 'honest mistake', screen icons Loren and Welch could not be more different. As she sashayed down the red carpet at Hollywood's recent Breakthrough Prize, Jeff Bezos 's pneumatic bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez looked stunning in a figure-hugging red dress After the event, the former TV presenter took to Instagram to reveal even more about her beguiling fashion choice For starters, Loren - who is still gorgeous and making public appearances at 90 - is Italian while Welch, who died in 2023 aged 82 was a self-described 'all-American broad' from Chicago. Loren is considered one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood while Welch was very much a B-list starlet known more for her sex appeal than her acting abilities. Last night a prominent Hollywood producer said: 'I can see why someone like Lauren might get the two confused - both are sexy, brunette and exotic-looking - but Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren had very different careers. Loren is the real deal as far as movie stars go whereas Welch was more of a sex symbol. 'They are both dark-haired and buxom but that's about as far as the comparison goes. Lauren clearly isn't a movie aficionado but it's actually quite a funny mistake. 'It's like comparing a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon to a bottle of Prosecco.' Loren won a Best Actress Oscar in 1960 for her passionate performance in 'Two Women', the first person ever to win an Oscar for a non-English language role. She starred in a string of hits including The Millionairess with Peter Sellers and earned a second Oscar nomination for 'Marriage Italian Style' opposite Marcello Mastroianni. According to the prestigious British Film Institute, Loren 'towers above them all' in terms of female Italian movie stars: 'Her dark features and opulent figure have long been associated with a certain idea of Mediterranean beautybut she proved herself to be an actress of rare spontaneity whose talents could be turned to dramatic roles as well as to comedy.' But it appears Lauren, who is known for her bold fashion choices, mixed up her Hollywood icons - because the Daily Mail can reveal that her ruby red spaghetti-strap Galliano was never touched by Sophia Loren (pictured) It was another bombshell who first wore the 1994 showstopper - Raquel Welch Welch enjoyed Hollywood success but is considered more of a B-movie vamp who shot to fame wearing a fur bikini in One Million Years B.C. A spokesperson for Lauren declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail last night but had the TV star Googled her dress she would have seen it was sold by a famous LA vintage store, 'Timeless Vixen', for $7,000 - a drop in the bucket for a woman whose fiance is the second-richest man in the world. While it is unlikely she bought the dress herself, Lauren's long-time stylist Kelly Johnson is known for sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for her celebrity clients. According to the description on the Timeless Vixen website the 'ultra rare and totally breathtaking' Galliano gown was part of the designer's 1994 'Sao Schlumberger' collection, named after a famous art patron, which 'fused the East and West of Japanese kimonos and glamorous 1940s-style tailoring'. The website, which has pictures of Welch in the dress at an AIDS gala in LA in 1996, continues: 'What makes this dress even more special is that it was owned by superstar Raquel Welch. She wore this showstopper to the 'Commitment to Life' gala in Los Angeles where she gave a meaningful speech. This celebrity-worn gown is everything you look for in archival Galliano fashion.' Store owner and vintage dress expert Lauren Lepire added: 'The fabric itself is sensational, an ultra-flattering mid-weight stretch viscose rayon that hugs the body perfectly. It's also in the sexiest ruby red color. I absolutely love the low plunge thin-strap slip bodice with draped front overlay. You can wear it on the shoulders or let it playfully fall down the arm.' Wearing vintage fashion has become a trend in Hollywood as stars attempt to flaunt their eco-credentials by wearing 'repurposed' clothing on the red carpet. At this year's Oscars, Best Actress winner Mikey Madison (Anora) wore a vintage 1956 black and pink Christian Dior gown paired with a Tiffany diamond necklace which was more than 100 years old. For the Oscars nominees dinner Ariana Grande (Wicked) chose a vintage Yves Saint Laurent frock. Even Queen Camilla has joined the trend, choosing to re-wear her wedding outfit from 20 years ago during a state visit to Italy with King Charles last week which coincided with the couple's wedding anniversary. Meghan Markle has been criticised after using a four car motorcade while attending a broadway show on Thursday night. According to Page Six, the mother-of-two was taken to watch Gypsy in three SUVs and an unmarked police car. The outlet reports that the 43-year-old travelled in one of the SUVs. The other two were empty apart from drivers. Meanwhile, it claims, she hired former Secret Service agents to be part of her private security team. Two intel detectives rode in the unmarked police car, which it says belonged to the NY Police Department. Her security measures were criticised by a paparazzi source, reports Page Six, which says they described her efforts as 'absolutely abnormal, totally over-the-top and excessive'. The source was reported as saying that Taylor Swift generally has two cars - one for her and one for her security team, and that they don't travel together, rather her security team will arrive wherever she is going ahead of her. In addition, they noted that A-listers including Beyonce and Kim Kardashian generally travel with a single car (unless they need two if they are travelling with family), and do not use police escorts. The source said: 'Meghan is out of control and over-the-top, and its ridiculous if the city is paying for this. And if NYPD was not on duty, then they shouldnt be allowed to run lights. Somebodys got to be paying for it.' During her night out in New York on Thursday - during which she used a four car motorcade to travel to see Broadway play Gypsy - Meghan Markle (pictured, right) met actress Audra Mcdonald (pictured, left) However, the outlet noted that celebrities can ask NYPD for its services if they want protection. Meghan, who was not accompanied by her husband Prince Harry, who was visiting Ukraine at the time, went for dinner at Ralph Laurens Polo Bar before watching Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre. The former Suits actor donned a $1,390 Houndstooth Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt by designer Carolina Herrera with a $448 silk button down by Veronica Beard TK for the outing. She tied the look together with a pair of black suede pumps by Aquazzura for $609. After watching the show, which has been running since November 2024, she met some members of the cast. Celebrating the occasion with a post on Instagram, in which she shared a series of photos, Meghan gushed about meeting actress Audra McDonald. The first snap featured Audra, who plays the lead as Momma Rose - the protagonist who tries to make her two daughters into Vaudeville stars. Meghan shared a black-and-white photo of herself embracing the stage actress as she gazed directly into her eyes, with dozens of other cast members gathered behind them. The Duchess also shared pictures of her with the rest of the cast and crew, including a video of the moment when she met Audra. The former Suits actress (pictured while meeting one of the Gypsy cast members) gushed over the show on a post on Instagram Writing about Audra Mcdonald on Instagram, Meghan said: 'Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, and if the theater didn't have to close for the night, the standing ovation would still be happening' (Meghan is seen with the cast of Gypsy) She captioned the post: 'If you get a chance to see @gypsybway, you absolutely must. Congratulations to the tremendously talented cast and crew for creating magic on that stage,' Meghan wrote in the caption of the photo carousel. 'And meeting @audramcdonald for the first time last night...' she continued, including a smiley-face emoji with tears in its eyes. 'Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, and if the theater didn't have to close for the night, the standing ovation would still be happening,' Meghan's message concluded. Her night out on Thursday came at a busy time for Meghan, amid the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and new podcast with Lemonada Media, Confessions of a Female Founder. The new product range, which included her infamous raspberry spread as well as flower sprinkles and pancake mix, sold out in just under an hour. And, the most expensive item, the wildflower honey with honeycomb, was out of stock in five minutes. However, many didn't seem to be a big fan of the launch, with DailyMail.com columnist Maureen Callahan ripping it as 'snobby, salty, [and] superficially sweet.' 'Meghan's crepe mix, meanwhile, resulted in a flavor and mouthfeel most akin to undercooked pancakes,' Callahan wrote this week. 'It was bland, as was the shortbread cookie mix ($14), which yielded cookies that tasted both a little too sweet and a little too salty, but ultimately lacked any distinctive punch,' she continued. 'Same with the edible 'Flower Sprinkles' ($15), which looked like colored lint you'd pick out off your sweater and felt rough on the tongue and teeth almost like roasted hay.' FEMAIL also put all eight of Meghan's products to the test - but found none of them to be worth the wait. In particular, DailyMail.com issued a scathing review of Meghan's hyped-up jam, where it crumbled, or rather dripped, under the pressure of a taste test. The confection, which Meghan has cheesily described as 'her jam' many times, has had much hype surrounding the launch, as she sent 50 jars last year to famous friends such as Kris Jenner under the company's former name, American Riviera Orchard. The Duchess explained in an episode of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, that her preserves can't technically be called jam, because 'jam is equal parts sugar and fruit' 'I just dont think you can taste the fruit that way,' she suggested on her show, With Love, Meghan, explaining why she doesn't use the proportions of fruit and sugar used in jam FEMAIL put Meghan's hyped-up jam to the taste test , where it crumbled, or rather dripped, under the pressure But her brand has now been rebranded to As Ever, and the company claims that the raspberry fruit spread 'is inspired by the recipe Meghan crafted in her home kitchen'. The Duchess previously explained in an episode of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, that her preserves can't technically be called jam, because 'jam is equal parts sugar and fruit.' 'I just dont think you can taste the fruit that way,' she suggested on the show. Per Food & Wine, jam is regulated by the FDA, and it must come from a single fruit, containing at least 45 percent fruit and 55 percent sugar. They wrote that the jam was 'extremely sweet' and was more reminiscent of a sugary dessert sauce. The flavour was also surprisingly strong, which meant the taste testers could taste the sour lemon in the spread, which Meghan had promised in the product's description. They added that it was difficult to eat the spread with toast, as it was so thin that it dribbled everywhere and made a mess, making toast soggy. In addition, the spread is so sweet that it masked the flavours from the sourdough, with only the sugar from the fruit and tang of the lemon coming through. Stepping through the front door after work, Heather Richard arrived home before her husband Taylor. The then 29-year-old put her bag down and checked her phone - he was 45 minutes away and hadn't left the office yet. Perfect, I have time, she thought. Heather tracked Taylor's whereabouts on the Life360 app, not because she didn't trust him, but because she didn't want to get caught. No, she wasn't having an affair, nor was she living a double life, but she was hiding a devastating secret from Taylor. She quickly reached for a full bottle of vodka and double shot glass and swung one back, followed by a second. 'I never enjoyed drinking, I just wanted to feel the effects of it. Taylor knew I drank, but he just didn't know how much I was drinking,' Heather, now 30, tells Daily Mail Australia. She put the vodka in the freezer, sat on the couch to watch TV for ten minutes and started to feel the buzz. Heather Richard, who hails from Austin, Texas, but now lives in Kansas City, struggled with a drinking problem for a decade. She is now eight months sober Heather and her husband Taylor (left) have been married for seven years. He knew about her drinking but wasn't aware of the extent of the problem because she hid it from him She checked the app again - he was 20 minutes away. Heather returned to the kitchen and took another two double shots. By this point, the vodka bottle was looking a little depleted, so she added a small amount of water to make it seem like she'd had a 'reasonable amount' to drink and popped it back in the freezer. With ten minutes to spare, she downed some wine, thinking that if she managed to polish it all off, she'd hide the bottle at the bottom of the kitchen bin. The glasses were quickly washed, dried and put at the top of the kitchen cabinet moments before hearing the garage door open. As Taylor walked through the door, Heather made it appear as if she was cleaning or doing laundry, and then welcomed him home. Heather, who hails from Austin, Texas, but now lives in Kansas City, struggled with alcoholism for ten years, and, like many problem drinkers, her toxic relationship with booze started during her teenage years. Heather was raised in household she describes as 'chaotic' and fractured. When she was 16, she tasted her first drop of alcohol with friends. By the end of the night, she was barely able to stand up. Like many problem drinkers, her toxic relationship with booze started during her teens. When she was 16, she tasted her first drop of alcohol and by the end of the night could barely stand 'It immediately became a sense of escape from reality. From then I wanted to go out all the time and I would try sneak out at night or say I was staying somewhere else,' Heather says. She dropped out of high school in Year 11, was kicked out of her family home and started dabbling in drugs. 'I quickly realised [drugs] was a really bad road to head down so I turned to just drinking instead,' Heather says. From 19, her battle with the bottle worsened. Binge drinking was socially accepted - it was fun, everyone did it, and no one noticed Heather was spiralling out of control. But as her friends began the next chapter of their lives and moved away from college, Heather kept partying. 'The difference between me and everyone else is they grew out of it and I continued. And it only got worse,' Heather tells me. Like a toxic boyfriend or devil on her shoulder, drinking was always on her mind. Heather met her now-husband Taylor at the age 21 when they were living in the same apartment complex. They soon went from dating to living together and marrying within two years. During that time, Heather revealed her childhood trauma, and explained to Taylor how alcohol was a coping mechanism for her. Taylor supported her through the difficult times but sometimes felt helpless. At age 23, Heather fell over while drunk, hit her head and suffered a concussion. She doesn't remember the incident, only waking up in hospital. 'It knocked me out cold. I have no idea what really happened, where I was or why I was there. I was having an argument with a friend then woke up in hospital,' she says. By 25, her drinking was out of control. She was struggling with her mental health so much that she tried taking her own life and ended up in psychiatric care. 'The psych ward was terrifying but not even that made me sober. I continued to make excuses for it,' Heather says. By 25, her drinking was out of control. At 10pm, after Taylor had gone to bed, Heather would go to the kitchen, reach for the double shot glass on the shelf and grab the full bottle of vodka HIDING A SECRET It was the same routine almost every night for a year. At 10pm, after Taylor had gone to bed, Heather would go to the kitchen, reach for the double shot glass on the shelf and grab the full bottle of vodka. She would take three double shots, one after the other. Then she'd pour another three shots into a glass and fill the rest with water and a dash of juice or flavouring. 'I would take the filled glass to bed and sip on it while I felt the intoxication of the shots,' she said. 'After drinking the glass, I'd repeat the process until the bottle of vodka was gone.' Sometimes she would have two bottles of vodka, put one in the freezer and one in her bedroom and slowly drink both in different rooms to make it seem like she was drinking less. It was a vicious cycle she could not escape from. She and her husband were sleeping in different beds, which made her drinking habit easier to hide. At her worst, she would wake to an empty bottle of vodka, two bottles of red wine, and a 12-pack of seltzers under the bed - all of which she had drunk in one sitting. She says she would tell herself her drinking was under control, that it wasn't that bad - then the shame, guilt and realisation she did have a problem would overwhelm her. This continued until she was 29, by which time she had gained 45kg (99lbs or 7st) due to the excess drinking. Every month, she would spend US$800 (AU$1,300 or 620) on alcohol alone - totalling about US$9,600 (AU$15,600 or 7,500) a year. During those years, she and Taylor moved from Florida to Kansas City, which was challenging because all her friends from home were in Texas. Her permanent state of intoxication made it difficult to sleep and she would wake in the middle of the night. Moreover, she became so physically unfit she couldn't walk anything further than a short distance and couldn't even sit cross-legged. For Heather, the road to recovery started after turning 30 and moving to Kansas City THE TURNING POINT For Heather, the road to recovery started when she turned 30 and moved to Kansas City. 'I looked back at my 20s and I was like. "I'm in the same place, except I'm drinking even more now",' she says. 'All my friends had careers and children, while I didn't have any of that.' One evening, in the middle of the night, Heather was drunk and crying over her childhood and family. 'I started looking up rehabs and I found one that opened at 8am. I called and the guy who answered talked to me for two hours.' Heather cried on the phone as she blurted out her life story. 'He was trying to convince me to come to rehab and at the end of the conversation, I told him, "I don't think I have a problem," then hung up,' she recalls. In the morning Taylor came to comfort her and she confessed to everything. 'When he found out, he was very surprised. He could tell I had a problem, but he didn't know what to say or what to do,' Heather adds. The financial cost of being an alcoholic By the time Heather turned 29, her monthly alcohol spend was: US$800 (AU$1,300 or 620) This amounts to an annual spend of: US$9,600 (AU$15,600 or 7,500) Advertisement How drinking in her 20s ruined Heather's health Weight gain Low fitness and flexibility Depression Daily panic attacks Fitful sleep Constant body aches Advertisement 'I told him, "I'm going to try to stop drinking and if I can't I'll go to rehab."' Heather was sober on and off for the next week before finally deciding to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. She hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since. Now, more than eight months sober, she says she has turned her life around. Heather has lost 11kg (24lbs or nearly two stone), feels happier and healthier, is able to sleep through the night, and her body doesn't ache anymore. 'I used to have a panic attack every day, now I've only had two in the last eight months,' Heather says. 'Three months into sobriety I went to a wedding and didn't drink, which was a real challenge. But after that it was a real confidence boost.' 'The hardest part is dealing with my emotions head-on without alcohol.' Heather is now in college and has grown a following of more than 42,000 people on TikTok by speaking about her experiences and helping others. As for her advice to others who are struggling, Heather says: 'Look at it for what it is. is alcohol affecting your life negatively? If the answer is yes then take a step back and look at your relationship with it.' Support services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Australia: Lifeline: 13 11 14 A flight attendant has urged travellers to avoid certain refreshments while flying due to the risk they could pose to your health. Former flight attendant Alex Quigley warned that there are high risk food and drink items that could increase your chance of developing food poisoning on a flight. While you may be tempted to request a coffee or tea to help combat jet lag, Mr Quigley said you may want to think twice. He explained that the water used to make hot drinks mid-flight airlines is stored in tanks that can sit stagnant for long periods and which are not cleaned regularly. 'There's no telling how often or when the tank has been cleaned last,' Mr Quigley told Delish. 'This is a beast for bacteria,' he said. 'I can be honest and say I never knew or saw anyone empty and refill or wash them out in between trips.' He also said passengers should carefully consider what food they order for their flight. Mr Quigley said while the meat option may be tempting, this carries the highest risk of food poisoning. Former flight attendant Alex Quigley warns hot drinks are high risk refreshment while flying 'You're putting the trust of storing any meat in the flight attendant's hands, and as we all know, delays happen, and mechanical issues happen,' he said. 'There's a possibility the cooked meals aren't actually being stored appropriately or have exceeded the storing time allotted for the meal.' There are also foods he suggested avoiding to protect other passengers' health and comfort. Gas-inducing foods like dairy, beans, fatty foods, green vegetables, and sodas can lead to poor air quality in the cabin, he suggests. Mr Quigley said: 'Air in the airplane is circulated, it's never fresh. That means if someone passes gas, you're breathing that in over and over again, so this is more so for common decency.' Alcohol was another refreshment Mr Quigley said could cause problems on board. While overindulgence is a natural hazard of drinking he explained that the combination of high altitude and alcohol can make you feel more drunk than if you were on the ground. 'When pressure is decreased in the airplane, the body can't absorb oxygen as well,' said Mr Quigley, 'so you are doing yourself a favour by not drinking on the flight.' A pre-flight tipple to celebrate the start of a holiday or to calm the fears of a nervous flyer is a common pre-boarding ritual for many travellers but it could leave you at increased risk of a variety of flight-related maladies The warning follows a number of reports over the last six months of poor food hygiene on flights. In September, an Air India passenger flying from Delhi to New York posted on social media that she had discovered a dead cockroach in her omelette. Later that month, a flight had to return to its departure airport after a mouse scampered out of a meal on a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Norway to Spain and scurried off. Then, in October last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shut down Delta's Detroit catering facility after a routine inspection of the kitchens and found a 'food safety issue' where the flight meals were being prepared. 'Airline passengers should be aware of food safety issues in the in-flight catering industry,' Darin Detwiler, a food safety adviser expert at Northeastern University in Boston, told the Washington Post. 'The confined nature of airplane travel makes foodborne illness outbreaks especially challenging to manage.' As investors worldwide nursed huge losses in the wake of US President Trump's tariff wars last week, one escaped relatively unscathed. Legendary investor Warren Buffett has seen his wealth grow by another $19 billion so far this year to a mammoth $161 billion. Of the ten richest people in the world he is the only one to have grown his fortune, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Although the other nine enjoyed a recovery on Thursday when Trump announced a 90-day pause on higher tariffs for most countries, they all have less wealth than at the start of the year except for Buffett. So how has the 94-year-old investing guru done it and how can we apply his secrets to success to our own portfolios as we navigate current market turbulence? Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway 1. He focuses on getting good value Buffett's most famous advice to investors is 'to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful'. This is a big ask for investors. It can be stomach churning to go against the crowd and buy when markets are down and sell investments that are still rising in value. But once again it has paid off. Warren Buffett increased the cash reserves of Berkshire Hathaway, the investment vehicle he founded and runs, to $334.2 billion by the end of last year because he thought company valuations were running too high. He even trimmed his holding in Apple. Damien Fahy, founder of personal finance website Money To The Masses, says: 'The sale of Apple shares drew criticism at the time, especially as Apple's share price surged to all-time highs in late 2024, but is now being applauded. Apple's share price has been among the hardest hit during the market slump.' Fahy adds that everyday investors can learn valuable lessons here. Resist the fear of missing out when markets are soaring and don't be afraid to take profits if you think an investment is overvalued or is starting to make up too great a proportion of your portfolio. Recognise that attractive value may be scarce, particularly among the largest, most-popular stocks. 2. Buffett doesn't try to time the market For anyone who gets frustrated that they struggle to call when financial markets have hit their peak or dipped as far as they are likely to here's some consolation. Even the most feted investor in the world doesn't attempt to. Andrew Oxlade, investment director at Fidelity International, says: 'Buffett doesn't try to predict how markets will behave. Instead, he ensures he is ready if and when a fall does occur. In his words: 'Predicting rain doesn't count; building arks does.' Ordinary investors don't need to know when markets will fall, they just need to be prepared for when they do. 3. Only ever buying for the long term Buffett famously said: 'Our favourite holding period is for ever'. Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio bears this out. It has held shares in Coca-Cola for more than 35 years, American Express for 30 and credit ratings agency Moody's for 23. That means when market shocks come along, Buffett can drown out the noise and keep on going. 'Last week may have felt awful and your pension may have taken a huge knock,' says Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services. 'But if you still have decades until you retire, by the time you do the falls over the last few days will look like a blip. Much like Buffett does, the best approach is usually not to worry. Have a good strategy in place and keep going.' Fund ideas Warren Buffett at the premiere of The Post at The Newseum in in Washington, DC, in 2017 All investors can apply Warren Buffett's words of wisdom to their strategy whether they put their money into shares, funds, bonds or other assets. If you really buy into his ideas, you can buy shares in Berkshire Hathaway, traded on most large investment platforms. The original shares are currently trading for around $782,000, but the more affordable 'B' class of shares which are effectively a fraction of an original A share are trading for around $520. Alternatively, you could seek out funds that are aligned with his philosophy. Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at investment platform AJ Bell, mentions Fundsmith Equity, which shares Buffett's approach of buying for the long term. Top holdings include Facebook owner Meta, Microsoft, and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The fund is down 6.8 per cent over one year, but up 48.4 per cent over five. McDermott's choices include Liontrust UK Smaller Companies, which seeks out firms it believes have a competitive advantage over their peers. Finally, although Buffett manages a fund himself, he advocates passive investing for ordinary investors. He suggests a low-cost fund that follows an index of the largest 500 companies in the US the S&P 500. Such funds are available to UK investors from providers including UBS, Vanguard and iShares which cost as little as 0.09 per cent in ongoing charges. Even with the turbulence in recent days, an investor in the S&P 500 would have seen their holding rise by 2.6 per cent over the year, and 91.2 per cent over five years. The 25th President of the United States, William McKinley, led the country during the Spanish-American war and created an empire stretching from the Philippines to Puerto Rico. But he is best known as a fierce advocate of tariffs. That enthusiasm lasted from 1890 to 1901, when, on the eve of his assassination, McKinley had a change of heart. Donald Trump is a McKinley fan, calling him the 'tariff king.' However, it took the current US President just seven days to change his tune on tariffs, introducing a 90-day reprieve for many nations in the face of financial mayhem. Markets bounced back as Trump recanted but the relief was temporary, as the White House upped the ante on China and its president, Xi Jinping, unleashed a raft of tariff missiles in response. It took Donald Trump just seven days to change his tune on tariffs, introducing a 90-day reprieve for many nations in the face of financial mayhem There are, however, some London-listed businesses that are better placed than most to withstand the ups and downs of Trump's tariff tantrums. And our selection below look like bargains at current prices. With a significant presence in the US, they are either sheltered from onerous new import taxes or embedded in American corporate life. Spectra Systems Spectra Systems is based in Rhode Island on America's East Coast. Founded by former Nasa scientist Nabil Lawandy, it helps central banks, customs officers and government agents to detect whether banknotes and passports are genuine. The group, listed on the junior Aim market, developed a powder that is inside banknotes and can be spotted only with its highly sophisticated sensors. Known as a Level III covert feature offering the highest level of security, this is the most reliable way to spot fake cash a crucial tool to combat criminal gangs, terrorists and money launderers. Lawandy has been sworn to secrecy by most customers, but they include some of the best-known financial institutions in the world and business is brisk. Spectra sensors can authenticate up to 40 banknotes per second, significant contracts have been signed in recent months and more are under way. Spectra cut its teeth in the paper note market but has now pioneered a way of incorporating Level III security into plastic notes as well, an area that should yield substantial growth. Brokers expect Spectra profits to double this year to $25 million and dividends are rising too, with 11.7 cents pencilled in for 2025, up from 11.6 cents last year. Despite robust prospects and a business that is barely touched by tariffs, Spectra shares have fallen more than 10 per cent to 2.16 since Trump's inauguration. They should recover from here, making the stock a canny buy for long-term investors. Traded on: Aim Ticker: SPSY Contact: spsy.com Public Policy Holding Company Public Policy Holding Company is another Aim-listed business whose roots and operations are firmly based in the US. Headquartered in Washington DC, the group specialises in public affairs helping companies and industries to navigate the US political maze. Right now they need all the help they can get, and PPHC boss Stewart Hall is upbeat about the future. The company joined Aim in 2021 with a view to expanding in America and abroad. Over the past few years, Hall and his team have done just that, growing both organically and through acquisition, to create a business with 1,200 customers, including a quarter of America's Fortune 500 top firms. Only this month, PPHC bought Texas-based TrailRunner, an expert in corporate advice, reputation and crisis management. Further deals are likely, as public affairs is a fragmented market and there are opportunities aplenty to snap up small firms. Brokers expect a 21 per cent increase in revenues to $182 million this year, rising to $200 million in 2026. Profits should rise around 18 per cent to $41 million this year, with further strong growth down the line and decent dividends too. Hall is determined to build a business with $500 million revenues, and analysts are confident that he will achieve his ambition over the coming years. PPHC is bipartisan, focused on helping companies to negotiate with whoever is in the White House. Tumultuous times should be good for business, however. PPHC is the top lobbying firm in the US, Hall is ambitious and the stock looks attractive at 1.32. Traded on: Aim Ticker: PPHC Contact: pphcompany.com With a significant presence in the US (New York City, pictured), these London-listed businesses are either sheltered from onerous new import taxes or embedded in American corporate life 4imprint 4imprint shares have almost halved since Trump took office, slumping from 60 to 31.45 in little more than three months. Founded in Manchester selling promotional goods via catalogue, the business is now based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and most of its revenues come from 100,000 customers in North America. Orders topped 2.1 million last year, from mugs to pens and caps. Firms use this kit to reward employees, suppliers and customers. Prices are low, quality is sound and service is speedy. Many goods are made in Asia, fuelling fears 4imprint will suffer from rising costs coupled with falling demand from cash-strapped customers. Chief executive Kevin Lyons-Tarr has been here before. A 4imprint veteran, the 60-year-old has been at the helm for a decade, during which time sales have more than tripled, profits have soared five-fold and the dividend has risen from 32.4 cents to $2.50, with a $1.93 special payout added to the mix last year. Brokers predict a resilient performance this year, with sales barely changed at $1.37 billion and profits slightly down at $150 million and a core dividend of around $2.30. But the company has spent years working with suppliers and should be able to mitigate at least some of the curveballs lobbed from Capitol Hill. Lyons-Tarr admits it is too early to gauge the full impact of tariffs on his business, but City brokers are in agreement the share price woefully undervalues 4imprint's past record and future prospects. Investors who take the plunge now, at 31.45, should be rewarded. Traded on: Main market Ticker: FOUR Contact: 4imprint.com National Grid National Grid owns the pylons, cables and substations that distribute electricity in England and Wales. But it is a major US business too, supplying power to more than 20 million homes in New York and Massachusetts. Big changes have been delivered on both sides of the Atlantic, which should contribute to a step-change in growth over the next five years. Here, a 60 billion investment plan is expected to create a business better placed to deal with future energy needs. There, upgrades are under way and non-core offshoots are being let go. Focus and expansion should drive sustained dividend growth, and 46p is expected for the year to March 31, rising to 47p next year. With the shares at 10.16, the stock is yielding 4.5 per cent, making this a solid, all-round investment. Traded on: Main market Ticker: NG Contact: nationalgrid.com When MasterChef star Graham Hornigold reconnected with his estranged mother after decades of silence, his strongest instinct was to embrace her with open arms. But within only hours of an emotional reunion with Dionne Marie Hanna, the 50-year-old pastry chef from London was handed devastating news. It seemed that just as swiftly as Dionne had reentered Graham's life, his mother was destined to leave again - because she had a brain tumour and bone marrow cancer, with only months left to live. The events that then transpired revolved around Dionne wanting to spend her last months reconnecting with the son she had not laid eyes on since he was a young child. In an effort to make up for that lost time, she told Graham he would inherit her fortune of millions, amassed thanks to her purported success as an international entrepreneur, as well as being the illegitimate daughter of the former Sultan of Brunei. But the lavish-living Dionne, who had a penchant for expensive hotels, vintage champagne and luxury cars, would need to travel to Switzerland with Graham to set up a bank account in his name. Dangling the promise of a life-changing amount of money, as well as the chance to have his mother back in his life, Graham did all that Dionne demanded of him - even transferring huge sums of money to cover her legal fees on the premise she would pay him back. But the money never came - and devastatingly, it was revealed that Dionne had lied about being terminally ill, as detailed in Netflix's gripping documentary, Con Mum. When MasterChef star Graham Hornigold reconnected with his estranged mother, Dionne, after decades of silence, his strongest instinct was to embrace her with open arms - but within hours she told him that she had terminal cancer and just a few months left to live Graham was duped out of 300,000 by his mother to the detriment of his relationship with his partner, Heather Kaniuk, and their newborn son - and was left devastated by his mother's lies Dionne, now living in Singapore, was this week charged with fraud involving three other alleged victims In all, Graham was duped out of 300,000 by his mother to the detriment of his relationship with his partner, Heather Kaniuk, and their newborn son. Dionne, now living in Singapore, was this week charged with fraud involving three other alleged victims. But for Graham several questions still remain, including perhaps one of the most pressing of all: Why did she lie about having cancer? It's a question many have said of others who have faked terminal illness in recent years. Among them is self-proclaimed health guru Belle Gibson - the subject of Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar - who inspired hundreds of thousands with her tale of how she 'cured' her brain cancer through healthy eating, clean living and 'positive thinking'. Off the back of her Instagram account @healing_belle, the Australian influencer launched her wellness app, The Whole Pantry, and a cookbook of the same name, claiming her earnings reportedly in excess of 1million - would be donated to various cancer charities. But in 2014, when the Melbourne-based influencer revealed her cancer had returned, her once-loyal followers began to grow suspicious and eventually her entire story unravelled and was exposed as a lie. Others who have similarly deceived those close to them include American television writer Elisabeth Finch, who pretended she had cancer for almost a decade, amazingly while advising on storylines about the illness for Grey's Anatomy. Self-proclaimed health guru Belle Gibson - the subject of Netflix's Apple Cider Vinegar - inspired hundreds of thousands with her tale of how she 'cured' her brain cancer through healthy eating, clean living and 'positive thinking' - but it was exposed as lies American television writer Elisabeth Finch pretended she had cancer for almost a decade, amazingly while advising on storylines about the illness for Grey's Anatomy And then there was Amanda Riley, also known as 'Scamanda', who maintained a seven-year deception by telling people she had Hodgkins lymphoma via her blog Lymphoma Can Suck It - with well-wishers raising a reported 84,000 to help pay for her allegedly expensive cancer treatments. The financial gain from such deception is obvious - but according to one expert, there are also emotional rewards to be had from pretending to be gravely ill. Speaking to MailOnline, London-based psychotherapist Dr Belynder Walia says that in at least some of these cases the individual is suffering from 'factitious disorder', formerly known as Munchausen syndrome, which causes people to fake illness in themselves or others to gain attention. This differs to the 'malingering' cancer faker who lies about having the illness to make money from well-wishers or fund their addictions. But certainly in some cases there can be an overlap between the two, with the con artist desiring both a financial and emotional benefit. Speaking about factitious disorder, Dr Walia, who is also the author of Fix Me, explained: 'People who fake illnesses often feel unseen, insecure or without purpose, and by pretending to be sick they can receive sympathy and special treatment which makes them feel valued or cared for. 'In some cases it can give them a sense of control when other areas of their life feel chaotic. 'After a time, you have some people who actually begin to believe their own lies, while for others they know that they're lying, but continue because they enjoy the benefits. Amanda Riley, also known as 'Scamanda', maintained a seven-year deception by telling people she had Hodgkins lymphoma via her blog Lymphoma Can Suck It - with well-wishers raising a reported 84,000 to help pay for her allegedly expensive cancer treatments 'It could start with a small lie, but as more people believe them they begin to convince themselves it's true, and it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy because others are accepting their stories.' At this point, says Dr Walia, some begin to 'deliberately fabricate and exaggerate, or induce physical or psychological symptoms' as they embrace the 'sick role'. In the more extreme cases, some individuals will 'research all that they need to' about their condition and even undergo risky and unnecessary medical tests to keep up the charade. There are however those who truly 'believe their own lies', with factitious disorder amounting to 'reality distortion' for some. Dr Walia has seen that first-hand after treating one patient who had gone to extremes to have time off work. 'A few years ago a patient of mine was going through personal issues and wanted time off work, but she couldn't get sick leave - so she faked breast cancer. 'And then that breast cancer led to a heart attack, or so she told herself. 'I had to use cognitive behavioural therapy to get to the root cause of why she was using stories to get time off work for herself, and it was revealed that she had a lot of childhood trauma. Psychotherapist Dr Belynder Walia says that in at least some of these cases the individual is suffering from 'factitious disorder', formerly known as Munchausen syndrome, which causes people to fake illness in themselves or others to gain attention 'She used to seek attention from her mother, but never received it and at the time she felt that she wasn't getting validation at work. 'The past was catching up with her in the sense that she related it to the present. 'It was all a lie that led to another lie that she couldn't get out of and the reality was that she was hurting emotionally and needed support for her psychological and emotional wellbeing, more so than her physical well-being. 'She truly believed that she had a heart attack, but in reality it was a panic attack from all the anxiety she was experiencing from her lies.' While childhood trauma was behind her patient's behaviour, the exact reasons why someone would develop factitious disorder is still undergoing research, though experts highlight a few possible causes. 'Potential explanations for the condition also include neglect or abuse, history of frequent hospitalisation, an undiagnosed personality disorder or even a deep-seated need for attention or validation,' Dr Walia explained. 'Some people with narcissistic traits enjoy the admiration more than the financial gain. 'Not everyone fits a specific diagnosis, but these behaviours often stem from deep insecurities and the need for validation.' American actress Kaitlyn Denver plays cancer fraudster Belle Gibson in the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar, based on the true story of the Australian influencer Dr Walia is of the belief that those with the condition are suffering 'deep psychological distress' and deserve empathy and compassion - but she acknowledges too the huge damage caused to those who believe the lies. In the case of Hornigold, the deception was such that he was mired in debt and lost his life savings, while his relationship with his partner crumbled. But for those that followed Belle Gibson - many of whom were fellow cancer sufferers - there was a life-threatening price to pay for believing her false health claims over following conventional medicine. Why then do so many people get taken in by cancer fakers? 'The human brain is wired to believe personal stories more than scientific facts, making people very vulnerable to misinformation,' explains Dr Walia. 'But that can be very dangerous for people who believe fake health claims. 'When people are scared or sick, they look for hope and if someone pretends or presents a miracle cure with a powerful story it captures their emotions. 'Sadly all it does is spread false hope and confusion and makes it harder for people to trust real doctors. 'In extreme cases it can lead to people rejecting life-saving treatments in favor of fake remedies, which puts their health at serious risk.' With the rise of social media and crowdfunding sites, those with factitious disorder now have access to not only detailed information about the conditions they are faking, but also to other genuine patients and support groups - a situation that some experts believe could be 'enabling' them to carry out their deception, or as one termed it, 'Munchausen by Internet'. Dr Walia believes that social media platforms could be doing more to protect vulnerable people falling prey to such scams - but adds that everyone should become more aware to 'verify' the information they are given. 'I think social media platforms have a responsibility to help vulnerable people check facts, while also regulating misinformation. 'They have a duty of care to protect people. 'But individuals also need to develop critical thinking skills and verify health advice before believing what they read - or even see.' She adds: 'There's nothing wrong with asking questions - but we should remember to trust our own instincts and if something feels wrong, don't ignore it.' Under the relentless Louisiana sun, a spectacle unfolds - part rodeo, part reckoning. Beneath a sky heavy with humidity, prisoners grip the reins of wild horses, their bodies jolted and thrown as they face down charging bulls. Crowds from across the nation are preparing to gather again this month to witness a raw, gladiator-style spectacle - the last prison rodeo in America. Although outlawed across the country, this event endures in Louisiana, the state with the world's highest incarceration rate. Branded as the 'South's wildest clash' and marketed as a rehabilitation gem, it unfolds on the sprawling grounds of Angola, Louisiana's state penitentiary, a site stitched together from former slave plantations. Black people, roughly a third of Louisiana's population, account for 80 percent of Angola's inmates - a place named for the African nation tied to its enslaved past. At this maximum-security prison, where most serve life sentences, new laws under Governor Jeff Landry have ended parole and cut early release, trapping them within its 18,000 acres. The rodeo, that usually runs in April and October, brings in $450,000 each weekend it runs, yet for prisoners, the real draw is simpler: a fleeting connection to the outside world, a sliver of cash, and a rare moment to see their loved ones beyond the bars. The next event is on April 26 and 27. Crowds from across the nation gather to witness a raw, gladiator-style spectacle - the last prison rodeo in America. The next rodeo action will be on April 26 and 27 Inmates participate in Convict Poker where they attempt to be the last contestant with their hands on the table as a bull charges them during the Angola Prison Rodeo held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary History of the Angola Prison Rodeo Founded in 1965, just months after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the Angola Prison Rodeo has become a deeply rooted tradition in southern Louisiana, obscuring the harsher realities of life behind bars. Initially conceived as a joint effort between incarcerated individuals, prison staff, and Angola's civilian residents, the first two rodeos in 1965 and 1966 were closed to the public. By 1967, limited tickets were made available, with proceeds benefiting the Inmate Welfare Fund, which supports recreational and educational programs for prisoners. Early spectators watched from pickup trucks or brought their own seating to view the small event. But as its popularity surged, the penitentiary constructed a 4,500-seat arena in 1969. Today, the rodeo draws such massive crowds that a newer arena now holds more than 10,000 attendees. The Angola Museum website stresses that 'inmate participation is entirely voluntary', and that 'many offenders see the rodeo as a rare opportunity to feel a part of society outside of the gates and take pride in showcasing their talents'. Still, several petitions are found across the internet calling for the state to abolish the event, but none have made it to the prison warden or state legislators. In recent decades, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi have all ended their prison rodeos for profit's sake - though Oklahoma's GOP lawmakers recently voted to revive them. The prison rodeo event endures in Louisiana, the state with the world's highest incarceration rate, despite being banned across the nation Black people, roughly a third of Louisiana's population, account for 80 percent of Angola's inmates - a place named for the African nation tied to its enslaved past Pictured: A prisoner whose serving a life sentence for murder, waits for an opening event during the Angola Prison Rodeo held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in 2023 The prison itself is plagued with a dark past. Once dubbed America's bloodiest prison, it claimed lives yearly - 100 are reportedly buried in levees they were helping to build along the Mississippi River. After slavery was abolished, plantations shifted to convict leasing, forcing black people jailed for minor offenses - like straying onto the wrong road - into labor. By the late 1800s, Louisiana bought the Angola plantation, converting it into a prison. On a typical day at Angola, a former plantation turned prison behemoth, inmates grind through brutal labor - clearing land, farming crops for global brands - earning next to nothing. Herman Wallace, one of the Angola 3 - Black Panther Party members who faced over 40 years in solitary - labeled the prison not just a jail, but 'an institution crafted to crush men'. Numerous inmates, their identities shielded by Capital B News due to prison rules, described toiling in scorching heat without adequate care or breaks, leading to about 50 early deaths each year. Today, the prison churns out millions in crops - soy, corn, cotton - found in Frosted Flakes and Coke, powered by forced labor, unique to Louisiana's laws. Your browser does not support iframes. Pictured: The first Angola Prison Rodeo in September 1965 Pictured: Incarcerated men building the levees along the Mississippi River in the early 20th century The events The rodeo fuses classic events - bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, and steer wrestling - with perilous twists unique to Angola. For instance, in Convict Poker, four 'rodeo workers', the prisoners volunteering in the show, sit at a table as a raging bull storms toward them; the last one seated claims the win. Prisoner Pinball pits participants inside hula hoops against an erratic bull, the prize awarded to whoever stays rooted in their circle. The climax, Guts and Glory, sends inmates scrambling to grab a poker chip lashed to a towering longhorn's head, courting danger for a cash reward. Angola acknowledges the raw, hazardous nature of these contests but insists they're overseen by veteran handlers. Rodeo clowns, skilled at redirecting bulls, leap into action, while inmates don protective gear and medics wait in the wings, per the prison's website. Still, the safeguards don't erase the reality: fractured bones and crushed spines fuel the chaos, sustaining this divisive tradition's dark allure. The rodeo brings in $450,000 each weekend in October, yet for prisoners, the real draw is simpler: a fleeting connection to the outside world Pictured: Inmates attempt to subdue a horse in order to ride it during Wild Horse Racing during the Angola Prison Rodeo Founded in 1965, just months after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the Angola Prison Rodeo has become a deeply rooted tradition in southern Louisiana Angola acknowledges the raw, hazardous nature of these contests but insists they're overseen by veteran handlers Rodeo clowns, skilled at redirecting bulls, will leap into action, while inmates don protective gear and medics wait in the wings, per the prison's website 'One of the Better Days of the Year' Though the prison rodeo harks back to a dark American era, inmates call it 'one of the better days'. Beyond the arena, dozens sell handmade art, leather, and woodwork - some behind guarded fences, most in the open, sharing hugs and laughs with family. In those fleeting moments, they shed the labels of 'convicts' or mere objects, emerging as creators and contributors, carving out their humanity and identity within a system bent on stripping both away. Earnings can reach $2,000 yearly for competitors, minus the prison's 22 percent take. A word from a former inmate Troy Grimes, attending the rodeo as a free man nine months after his release, told Capital B he remains torn, returning to see friends still inside. 'The prison and this prison rodeo is one of the most powerful political tools that is used to stereotype [black people] and normalize our negative environments,' he said. He spoke yearly with inmates about the rodeo's backwardness, but its role as the only event offering free outside connection and extra money kept them in. The rodeo fuses classic events - bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, and steer wrestling - with perilous twists unique to Angola Pictured: Inmates Derrick Small, Zachary Bench, and James Martin, all serving life sentences for murder, prepare to compete during the Angola Prison Rodeo held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary 'Here you see how politics and money defines how we're seen and what we accept,' Grimes said. He understands its draw for inmates: cash and contact. 'I came back to support the guys, kick it with them, and to spend a little money with them, because a lot of these guys, I'm gonna say 90 percent of these guys, don't have any income coming in, don't have family supporting them,' he said. Still, he marveled, 'But, I'm like, wow. My people - black people inside here and out - are supporting this?' He said he doubts the $2million yearly take from the events benefits inmates, despite state claims it supports education, trades, and hospice. 'When I was in here, it was a different ball game, but now when I look at it, I'm like how are we giving these politicians and the state all this money? Why is anybody outside of these fences supporting this?' Anthony Albanese's handwriting is so bad that one possible explanation could be that he has suffered an injury, a graphology expert has claimed. The Prime Minister's child-like scrawl was revealed after he appeared on Adelaide's Nova Radio on Tuesday to be interviewed by hosts Jodie Oddy and Andrew Hayes. Ms Oddy's 13-year-old daughter Payton was also in the studio and managed to persuade the PM to pen her a note to get out of science class. Mr Albanese obliged, with Payton's school later quipping: 'Well make an exception this time, but only this once.' The heartwarming episode was light relief amid the five-week election campaign where the PM's every move is watched by hordes of journalists waiting for the smallest mistake. But the note has now given a fascinating insight into PM's hidden depths. Daily Mail Australia spoke to renowned graphologist and handwriting expert Craig Pebbles to discover what Mr Albanese's loopy scrawl really says about him. It reveals a man who may rarely use a pen any more or is carrying a secret injury, but also capable of generosity, vigor, vivid imagination - and a propensity to exaggerate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was interviewed Adelaide's Nova Radio hosts Jodie Oddy and Andrew Hayes and met Ms Oddy's 13-year-old daughter Payton (pictured together) Payton managed to convince the PM to pen her a note to get out of science class (pictured, below) 'Firstly, the writing appears unpractised in the way some letters are formed,' Mr Pebbles said. '[But the] other possibility is from an injury or issue with the writing hand? But only Anthony can confirm this.' Mr Albanese did suffer injuries when a 17-year-old P-plater behind the wheel of a Range Rover ploughed into his Toyota Camry in January 2021. The then-Opposition Leader was hospitalised with several internal and external injuries although it was not clear if he hurt his writing hand. In more positive analysis though, the large spaces between his handwritten words 'suggest generosity', according to Mr Pebbles. 'Very long lower descenders generally mean physically energetic, and the large loops indicates he prefers variety in his physical life,' he added. 'These loops also point to an active imagination. When Anthony recalls a story or an experience, it may be exaggerated.' If that is indeed the case, it will no doubt be a concern to the PM's legion of media spinners who will hope he doesn't get caught embellishing any more anecdotes on the campaign trail. Mr Pebbles said that Mr Albanese's tendency to cross into words below indicates he has 'too many irons in the fire' - noting that it did not take a hand-writing expert to observe this For example, during the 2022 election campaign he referred to his period working as an 'economics advisor' to the centre-right Hawke government. In reality, he was a lowly 'research officer' to a hard-left, out-of-cabinet minister, according to a report by The Australian. Mr Pebbles said that Mr Albanese's tendency to overlap into words on the line below indicates he has 'too many irons in the fire'. 'He needs to prioritise. But you dont have to be a handwriting expert to know this,' Mer Pebbles quipped. Meanwhile, his 'uphill writing slant' suggests optimism and the highly-crossed 'T's' are a 'positive self-esteem trait'. 'Tall letters of d and t suggest pride and dignity. Individual slant of letters suggests logical to emotional traits,' Mr Pebbles added. 'Anthony will generally get on with most people. If he is in control of these fluctuating traits, he can successfully apply where needed. 'If not, it may cause problems. Anthonys "O" letters exhibit minimal inner loops means that he will give a direct and possibly blunt response. 'If you dont want to hear the truth, then dont ask! He only trusts those who "qualify" to receive his trust.' A lifelong member of the factional left, Mr Albanese's entire political career has been driven by his passion for 'fighting Tories'. There are some Labor figures, such as serially-demoted frontbencher Tanya Plibersek, who some may suggest does not 'qualify' to receive his trust. Their uneasy relationship is well-documented. But don't ever say Mr Albanese is stuck in his ways. According to Mr Pebbles, his 'bouncy base line writing often means versatility'. 'Anthony can also be stubborn. Once his mind is made up, it will be extremely difficult to change it,' Mr Pebbles added. 'Open letter es indicate Anthony will listen. But he is stubborn, so you had better make good points if his position differs!' Mr Pebbles said his analysis was provided free of 'any preconceived impressions'. He added: 'As always, the handwriting analysed is from the sample supplied and is scrutinised as if it was from an unknown author.' The worst injured 7/7 terror attacks survivor has hit out at Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer - branding their disability cuts 'lunacy' that victimise the most vulnerable. Dan Biddle, 46, lost both his legs, an eye and his spleen when a bomb went off on an Edgware Road Tube train nearly 20 years ago. He was left with life-changing disabilities after 7/7 ringleader Mohammed Siddique Khan, 30, detonated his rucksack full of explosives next to him. It means he understands all too well the difficulties faced by the 16 million disabled people in the UK and just how badly Labour's cuts will impact them. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Mr Biddle warned Starmer and Reeves' plans had left millions terrified about what would happen. And he questioned if the Government had thought beyond the headline-grabbing savings figure to how to actually get people back into work. He said: 'I was surprised at the Spring Statement, I thought that's a very brash thing to say. Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer have gone after a group of people who can't defend themselves. Where did the decision come from to attack this group of people? 'Labour are scapegoating disabled people. It is all very well saying they want to cut 5billion off the benefit bill and people should be working. Disabled people want to work, it's not a lack of capability that's the problem, it's a lack of people willing to employ them. Dan Biddle, 43, is the worst injured survivor of the devastating 7/7 terror attacks in 2005 Rachel Reeves Spring Statement has struck fear into the hearts of disabled people in the UK The announcement of the cuts sparked a number of protests in London from disabled people 'Disabled people are frightened about what is going to happen to them. 'There is a lot of fear right now about the cuts. It's lunacy what the government is doing - they are trying to fix a problem with half a solution. 'Disabled people are not looking for special treatment. It doesn't feel like the government has spoken to any disabled people before it has done this. Politicians need to create opportunities for disabled people, not shut things down more for them.' Married Mr Biddle, a freelance disability employment consultant, sustained his injuries after Khan killed himself and six commuters after their train left Edgware Road Tube station on July 7, 2005. Three other terrorists also set off explosives in the capital, taking the death toll that day to 52. The blast threw Mr Biddle out of the train but South African ex-soldier Adrian Heili saved his life. His injuries left him in a wheelchair and suffering complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that once caused him to attempt to take his own life. Every time there is a terror attack the trauma takes him back to the day he nearly lost his life. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government was accused of targeting the vulnerable The wreck of the Number 30 double-decker bus is pictured in Tavistock Square in central London the day after 7/7 He said if he discloses his disability when he is applying for a job the application immediately stops. Mr Biddle added: 'I have no issue with the Government wanting people who can work being put back into work but you have got to get employers to employ disabled people. 'I always thought Labour would be more about looking at the wealthier people paying their share. I thought they would support the most vulnerable in society - they haven't really done that. 'As a disabled person myself I can talk about lived experience of disability. It doesn't feel like Labour have consulted anyone with that experience before making these cuts. I think there is a real lack of understanding of the most vulnerable in society. 'You've only got to look at the House of Commons to see why that might be, there is not a huge amount of disabled representation there.' Starmer and Reeves proudly unveiled their cuts last month in a divisive Spring Statement. Slashes to welfare were predicted to save 4.8billion after 'final adjustments' by the Government. Universal Credit's health element will be cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants. Changes made to PIP will create the largest proportion of savings, with The Resolution Foundation think tank estimating huge losses. It could see between 800,000 and 1.2 million people in England and Wales losing support of between 4,200 and 6,300 per year by the end of the decade. Mr Biddle added: 'My thoughts when they announced this, was where is the substance behind it? 'Access To Work is not fit for purpose, it can take up to 30 weeks for an application to be processed - no employer is going to want to wait that long. 'And it doesn't matter how much money they throw at Disability Employment Advisers or things like that, they've been around for years, the disability gap hasn't really changed. 'Labour need to speak to employers if they want disabled people to work - that's the biggest problem.' The Government is understood to be consulting on the future of Access to Work and on how it could be improved. A DWP spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Protecting people in need is a principle we will never compromise on. That's why the social security system will always be there for those with severe health conditions, and we will introduce a new premium for those who will never be able to work. 'Our reforms will unlock work for sick and disabled people who can do so - backed by a 1 billion support offer to guarantee tailored help into work while protecting those who cannot.' When Heather Wallace's eight-year-old son had a tantrum on the drive home from school, she gave him an ultimatum that's all too familiar to many frazzled parents: Behave yourself or you're walking home. When Aiden refused to calm down kicking and hitting his four-year-old brother Declan Heather stopped half a mile from their home in Hewitt, Texas, and told him to get out of the car. Aiden knew the route well through their safe, suburban neighborhood. He would cross only side roads at which he knew to look left and right and had already walked home on his own several times. Plus, after a long day at school, having ten minutes away from Heather, Declan and his seven-year-old brother Liam usually improved Aiden's mood. But, that sunny afternoon in October 2021, his short walk came at a cost: a $9,595 legal-fee cost to be precise. Because less than 15 minutes after dropping Aiden off Heather was arrested, charged with child endangerment and put on a Child Protective Services (CPS) watchlist. Now, almost four years on, the married mother-of-three is speaking out for the first time about her shocking ordeal. 'It was a living nightmare,' Heather, now 40, tells the Daily Mail through tears. 'I get so emotional when I think of what happened to our family. It turned our lives upside down.' Heather Wallace and her eight-year-old son Aiden on their way back from his new school - the day before the fateful car drive in October 2021 The 40-year-old with, from left, her three sons: Aiden, four-year-old Declan and seven-year-old Liam And it was all because of one car drive. That fateful afternoon around 4.40pm on October 19, 2021 Heather remembers Aiden being 'out of sorts' when she picked him up from an after-school karate class three miles from their home. He had just finished his second day at a new school and clearly 'overstimulated' he began to misbehave not long after he got into her Toyota Sienna. I said, Kids who are calm are welcome to stay in the car, Heather recalls. But he obviously didnt calm down. So, when we reached a certain spot where I felt comfortable, I dropped him off.' The sleep consultant had no worries about leaving him there given how well Aiden knew the route. 'I thought that when he arrived home hed be a lot more relaxed and wed put the behavior behind us,' she recalls. But as Aiden walked back, clutching his leaf-patterned T-shirt which he'd taken off in the heat, he was spotted by a passer-by who dialed 911. In a recording of the call, the worried neighbor said that Aiden looked about six years old and seemed like the perfect target for somebody to kidnap'. Those words triggered a devastating chain of events which, Heather claims, were vastly out of proportion and which almost destroyed the lives of her, her 50-year-old husband Scott and their three children. Around 5pm, less than 15 minutes after she dropped off Aiden, a cop knocked on the door of Heather's four-bedroom family home. The officer claimed that several people though it turned out to be the one caller had phoned the authorities because they were worried Aiden was in danger. The cop's bodycam footage shows Heather in handcuffs outside her home in Hewitt, Texas, as he questions her The police bodycam footage showed Heather leaning against the bricked entrance to her house in bemusement while Aiden was made to wait in the cop car. To have an eight-year-old get out of the car and walk by himself, thats a big problem, the officer said. We dont know who's in that white van.' He asked if Heather thought her actions were appropriate, stressing that he wouldnt let his own child a four-month-old baby, it oddly transpired stray 20 or 30 feet. And he said that hed seen terrible things happen to kids on his usual beat in downtown Waco a city of 145,000 people around ten miles away adding that Heather would feel bad if something happened to Aiden, who was two months shy of his ninth birthday. Heather, a former pre-K schoolteacher, was astonished. 'One of the reasons wed moved from another suburb was to live in a safe neighborhood where our kids could play outside and ride on their bikes, she says now. Downtown Waco is a whole different place. She told the cop that she and her husband were 'intentional' in what they allowed their children to do and said she trusted Aiden to walk home on his own. But the officer wasnt happy with her attitude. In the footage, he then told her to put her hands behind her back and placed her in cuffs. Declan, who was standing in the doorway with Liam, was heard gasping in shock. By this point, Scott was driving back from the office where he worked as a mechanical engineer. He got home to find an emotional Heather on the doorstep, while inquisitive neighbors watched from a distance. CPS officials were then summoned by police to question both Heather and Scott. They asked the three boys if they were OK they said yes and entered the house to look for signs of neglect. Heather and her husband Scott, pictured, struggled with their mental health after the shocking ordeal She had picked Aiden up from an after-school karate class and he began to misbehave not long after he got into the car home During their inspection, Heather was driven to McLennan County Jail on the outskirts of Waco. She was led into a cell with only a toilet, blanket and a metal bench where a fellow prisoner lay asleep on the floor. I had absolutely no idea what was going on back at home, she recalls. I thought my husband was going to be furious with me and I didnt know if our kids were going to be taken away. She spent a sleepless night crying on the bench until she was charged with child endangerment around 4am. She was released nine hours later on $3,000 bail. When she got home, an exhausted Scott told her that he'd agreed to a 'safety plan' the CPS had provided the night before. He didnt know what a "safety plan" meant, Heather says, sobbing at the memory. He was confused and in terror that the children might be taken away.' The 'plan', which the couple regret signing, ruled that neither parent could be alone with their sons. Over the following three weeks, the children's grandparents took turns staying at the house to care for them. The CPS dropped their investigation within a month, after the family paid a lawyer $3,500 to deal with the government agency. But that didn't stop the district attorney from pressing ahead with the case against her. Two weeks after her arrest, Heather was charged with child endangerment. Prosecutor Tara Avants went so far as to claim that Heather, who had a clean record, had put Aiden in imminent danger of death' and had acted against the peace and dignity of the state'. From that point on, Heather says her reputation started to unravel. She felt 'shamed' by other parents in her circle and was forced to resign from the sleep consultancy where she worked. Aiden, wearing a leaf-patterned T-shirt, sits in the police car after being picked up while walking home Heather, pictured in the bodycam footage, gets out of the car at McLennan County Jail on the outskirts of Waco It wasnt until April 2022 that the prosecution settled on a plea deal with Heathers attorney. As part of this, she says she was forced to write an essay admitting guilt, including the lines: I did not put eyes on him. This put him in danger.' She was put on a Pre-Trial Intervention program for which she paid $400 which included parenting classes and 65 hours community service. If she then satisfied the courts, Heather says, she would not formally enter the justice system and her record would be erased. People often ask why I agreed to the plea when I was innocent, Heather says. But our lawyer explained that, whether we won the trial or not, the process would cost us more than $7,000. By this point, the couple had already spent $5,000 on a trial attorney and were 'drowning in debt'. What's more, if a jury were to find her guilty of child endangerment, she would have faced up to two years in prison. I couldnt take that risk for the sake of my husband and my sons, Heather says. She took the parenting classes and completed the community service, cleaning a school for special needs children. To some extent, her actions paid off. The charges were dismissed in December 2022 and her records expunged after she paid a $695 paperwork fee. But the saga had already taken a heavy toll on the family which, Heather says, continued long afterwards. She was put on medication for anxiety and PTSD while Scott severely struggled with his mental health. He checked into a treatment center for six weeks over the summer of 2022, even telling his wife that he 'didnt care' if he woke up in the morning. There was a lot of fear on his part, especially because I was the one having to complete the program and do everything I was supposed to do,' Heather says. He felt powerless and scared that, if we made just one misstep, the CPS would be back at our door. Heather, pictured with Aiden, was cleared of child endangerment in December 2022, more than a year after she was arrested The family, pictured in their new neighborhood, moved house six months ago to a suburb 150 miles from Hewitt where children are encouraged to roam As for the boys, Heather says it was difficult to gauge how traumatized Aiden, Liam and Declan were at the time. It kicked in later, she tells me. Things werent easy because they picked up their mom and dads declining mental health. The boys became more introverted, preferring to play video games rather than socializing. They were also terrified to play outside or walk to places nearby. They were constantly looking over their shoulders, Heather recalls. 'I really do fear what harm it did to their childhoods.' Still, the family has worked hard to repair the damage. Last fall, Scott was transferred from his job in Hewitt to Melissa, north of Dallas. They moved into their new house 150 miles from Hewitt six months ago. Were so relieved to be out of there, Heather says. The couple took pains to choose a neighborhood where kids play outside and are encouraged to roam. We wanted to live somewhere where the kids felt secure enough to feel free again, says Heather, who now moderates a Facebook group established by the non-profit, Let Grow, that promotes childhood independence. The Waco Police Department confirmed that Heather's charge was expunged and directed the Daily Mail to the District Attorney's office. The DA was contacted for comment. The Texas department handling the CPS case gave no comment, saying 'all information is confidential by law'. So where does that leave Heather? After all, given her astonishing ordeal, does she feel like a victim of the authorities or the so-called 'nanny state'? Its hard for me to take a stance, especially as a former educator who cares about children so much, Heather says carefully. I always thought that CPS and the police getting involved was a good thing. Of course, there are children at risk who desperately need protection, but who knows how many families have been punished without warranty, like me? This was a perfect storm of institutionalized and socialized paranoia. Our family was caught in the center.' Do you have a powerful story to share about a relationship? Please email Jane Ridley, real-life correspondent at The Daily Mail US, at jane.ridley@mailonline.com The royal bodyguard who was with William and Harry on the day Princess Diana died would have been 'horrified' at their estrangement, a former colleague told MailOnline today. Graham Craker embraced the role of 'protector and pseudo-parent' to the brothers when they were children, especially when they were sent to boarding school and lost their mother. Mr Craker, who was fondly nicknamed 'Crackers' by the two Princes, was a Metropolitan Police officer for 35 years after joining as a teenager. He served as the boys' personal protection officer for 15 years until he retired in 2001. He died after a battle with colon cancer at the age of 77 on April 2. A retired Metropolitan Police royal bodyguard who knew Mr Craker has told MailOnline that Graham was a model professional - whose care for Diana's sons went well beyond their personal safety. 'He would be horrified about the rift between the princes', he confided to MailOnline. Graham was one of the first people to see William shortly after he found out Princess Diana had died in Paris in 1997 as he protected the Royal Family at Balmoral. But six years earlier he and his sons Matthew and James suffered their own personal tragedy when his wife Carole Ann was found dead at the age of 42 after a battle with depression. News of her death had left Princess Diana 'very upset' for him and his family. In the years that followed he was a reassuring presence for the princes, even joining them on a rollercoaster at Alton Towers in 1994. Graham was particularly close to William. In 1995, after the future king passed his Eton entrance exam, the pair were seen together eating a Cornetto each to celebrate. Such was his importance to the boys, and their mother, on the day of Diana's funeral he accompanied William and Harry as they walked behind the hearse carrying their mother's body as it made the journey from St James's Palace to Westminster Abbey. The extent of the Princes' bond with Craker was also demonstrated by the fact he was a guest at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 - 10 years after he had quit his job as a royal bodyguard. Harry was William's best man. Prince William and Graham Craker together out shopping in London in 1996 Crackers, as William and Harry called him fondly, on an Alton Towers ride with the boys in 1994 On the day of Diana's death, Craker was with the pair in Balmoral in Scotland, with their father the then-Prince Charles and their grandparents Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh. Pictured here on the day of Diana's funeral Craker, a Met Police officer for 35 years, is seen here (top left) watching the crowd during a public engagement by Princess Diana Graham Craker (left ) was a volunteer at the Southern Maltings creative centre in Ware, Hertfordshire. He served as a royal personal protection officer for 15 years until he retired in 2001 The Duke of Sussex was in London this week for his legal battle over police protection Graham was from the 'old school' of royal bodyguards who protected them but also ensured they knew he was someone they could trust and talk to. 'Crackers' was hand-picked because he had those qualities, MailOnline's insider said. Graham was known to pop out to the shops with the boys, and was pictured several times on high streets close to Kensington and Buckingham palaces with William when he was a teenager. He also spent time with Harry, including on a hunt. Rumours are already swirling that Harry and William could attend the funeral, which is expected to take place in Hertfordshire. The police insider said that a report claiming that Harry could be barred by his father or brother from his funeral are far-fetched - and is certainly not what Graham would want. 'It would be wonderful if somehow they were brought closer together, especially after all they have gone through. But unfortunately there doesn't appear to be any common ground. One has isolated himself in California - the other is fully on the side of The Firm'. Graham with Diana and William as they left a cinema in 1995 The two young princes (pictured here in 1989 in their uniforms for Harry's first day at Wetherby School in Notting Hill) nicknamed their bodyguard 'Crackers' 'Crackers', as William and Harry called him, would have been a 'pseudo-parent' to the boys, as were the other officers who guarded them, the former royal bodyguard said. 'As a protector of the royal family, you do get to spend an awful lot of time with principals. At the time in the boys' life, they were young, Graham would have also been someone to talk to and confide in', the retired Met Officer said. 'Everybody who worked with them will have felt very protective of the princes'. At the time he was protecting the Royal Family, he and his sons Matthew and James suffered their own tragedy. Carole Ann Craker died in December 1991. Her inquest recorded an open verdict but heard she had been clinically depressed. The couple had split the previous year but remained good friends. Their sons are now grieving their father. They have described him as 'Our hero, our rock'. 'Words can't describe the pride we feel in how he lived his life so selflessly, not only in his professional career but in his personal life, right up to the very end', they said. On August 31, 1997, the day of Princess Diana's death, Mr Craker was with her sons in Balmoral in Scotland. Their father the then-Prince Charles and their grandparents Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh. Harry has described in his memoir Spare how he was 12 and was woken at around 7am by his father waking him to tell him that his mother was dead. 'Pa didn't hug me. He wasn't great at showing emotions under normal circumstances. But his hand did fall once more on my knee and he said, 'It's going to be OK.' But after that, nothing was OK for a long time', he wrote. Speaking to the New York Post in 2017, Graham Craker described hearing the news and then seeing Diana's eldest son soon afterwards. 'Perhaps the most emotional was seeing William the morning after', he said. 'I saw William walking his dog outside, and I walked up to him and said, 'I'm very, very sorry to hear your bad news.' William very sadly said, 'Thank you.'' He said: 'I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey. Despite clashes as young boys, the brothers had been close. But relations have crumbled since Harry's explosive autobiography and recent docu-series on Netflix. The pair are pictured in 1991 with mother Diana in Ontario, Canada Craker rode up front in the hearse containing the coffin of Princess Diana as it left Westminster Abbey after the funeral service 'There were people in tears, on their knees crossing themselves, throwing flowers at the hearse. 'The bit that amazed me is when we got on the northbound M1, even the southbound traffic had stopped and people got out of their cars and bowed in respect.' The Princes' fondness for Craker was evident in the way they spoke about their protection officer - including in their personal writings. In his memoir Spare, Harry wrote: 'The driver had to keep pulling over so the bodyguard could get out and clear the flowers off the windscreen. 'The bodyguard was Graham. Willy and I liked him a lot. We always called him Crackers. We thought that was hysterical.' Craker was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order by the late Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Royal Family and made a Freeman of the City of London. Later in life he worked with charities in Ware, including serving as a trustee for Always Bee You, a Hertfordshire based charity which supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues. He also volunteered at Southern Maltings creative centre, who in a tribute post on Facebook, affectionately referred to him as 'our very own James Bond'. 'It is with much sadness that we must share that our friend and colleague, Graham Craker, has sadly died,' they wrote. 'Graham has been on our journey almost from the very beginning, and has been behind our bar for the whole of that time, making sure everyone has the best of times. 'While to the most important people in his life Graham was a father, and grandfather, to us he was a valued friend and colleague. 'He was the only volunteer to have a set of keys to the building, such is the measure of how trusted and respected he was, and it was not unusual to find him around, even when there was no event, because he wanted to make sure the bar was clean, stocked and ready for everyone else. 'But mostly, for those of us who worked events, he will be remembered for his laugh, his warmth and the way he always just wanted to help people. 'From a career in the police, as a member of the protection squad, a huge driving force in the rotary and eventually a key volunteer at the Southern Maltings, so many people are going to miss our very own James Bond. 'Our broken hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew him. RIP Crackers, we'll make sure you are remembered behind the bar and will raise a glass for you this evening.' Democrat George Hornedo shared on TikTok last month that he was exploring a run for Congress in Indiana. According to him, a state party elder warned he was 'going to get hurt' even for considering the bid. 'The people in charge of the Democratic party don't just fight Republicans, they fight anybody who challenges them, and that's why we keep losing ground,' Hornedo said in the video. His post was viewed nearly 120,000 times and received nearly 20,000 likes. It came as Democrats across the country are fed up with their party's response to President Trump's second term so far in Washington. On Wednesday, Hornedo, 34, announced he was officially launching a primary challenge to longtime Congressman Andre Carson, a 50-year-old Democratic lawmaker who has represented Indianapolis since 2008. Hornedo is one of several younger Democrats who have worked in the trenches to help elect Democrats who are throwing their names in the ring ahead of the 2026 midterms wanting to shake up the status quo. Democrat George Hornedo in his campaign launch video upon announcing his bid to challenge Congressman Andre Carson in Indianapolis Hes worked for the Obama administration, Pete Buttigieg and Hillary Clintons campaigns as well as President Joe Biden, so he is not exactly anti-establishment. But like other young people, he has become fed up with where the party is headed. Im running because too many people in Indianapolis are still waiting - whether it be for safer streets or for affordable housing - for leadership, Hornedo told DailyMail.com in an interview. After nearly 20 years in Congress, its clear that Congressman Andre Carson is just holding office and not actually doing anything with it, he claimed. The Democratic strategist cited a report by the Center for Effective Lawmaking which ranked Carson near the bottom. That would be one thing if we were in a blue state with a congressional body with a lot of strong Democrats, maybe we could afford having a warm body and an empty suit in Congressman Carson, but thats not the case here in Indiana, he said. Hornedo is challenging Indiana Democratic Congressman Andre Carson who has served in the House since 2008 But Carson is not heading into the primary without a fight. 'Im proud to have brought over one billion dollars back to my district, including investments in infrastructure, bus rapid transit, and economic development,' Carson said in a statement to DailyMail.com. 'Ive had over 24 bills signed into law under Republican and Democratic presidents. Ive always invited new voices to the conversation we all need to work together to defeat Donald Trumps extreme agenda,' he continued. Hornedo said his bid was about more than just one person but whether the government is working for the people who need it most. According to him, it's not right now. Im interested because not only do I have the background and the experience to be proactive and a hustler and bring next generation results oriented leadership and represent my community the way that we deserve to be represented in Washington, DC, he said. As the Democratic party faces pressing questions about its future in the second term of Trump, Hornedo rejects the idea that its left versus center or young versus old. Hornedo's TikTok video where he said he was exploring a congressional bid that was viewed more than 119K times The real divide in the Democratic Party right now is between those like Congressman Carson who believe that our institutions and our systems are largely working for people and that we simply have to protect them and manage them in this decline versus those like myself and a lot of people in my generation and beyond that grew up in crisis and recognize that we have to think ahead about building what comes next, he said. Hornedo warned that people are totally p****d off with how the Democratic Party has responded to Trumps second term. His described the party leadership response to the president as p**s poor. With that in mind, he plans to build a campaign from the ground up with grassroots volunteers and people tired of settling. He suggested it is building into a movement and tapping into the energy thats about more than just one campaign or cycle. But when it comes to House leadership, Hornedo did not shut the door on supporting Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to be speaker should he win the primary and Democrats retake the House next November. I very much appreciate and respect Leader Jeffries, but right now hes acting more as a manager of the Democratic caucus as opposed to a leader of the Democratic caucus, he observed. Id love to see a little bit more bloodlust from him in meeting this moment. His observation is that Democratic leaderships approach is to let voters see that Republicans break everything and then ride a blue wave in 2026, but he said House Democrats cant just focus on winning majorities but on rebuilding what comes next when they do retake power. The Democratic base is rightfully angry, rightfully wanting more out of their leadership, he claimed. But Hornedo, who holds degrees from Cornell and Harvard and went to law school at George Washington University, is well aware he faces an uphill climb. Carson won the safe blue 7th Congressional District with more than 68 percent of the vote in November. His grandmother Julia Carson represented the district in Congress before him. His campaign spokeswoman noted his deep roots in the state while slamming Hornedo as a 'DC insider.' Hornedo acknowledged his zero percent name ID is something to overcome before the primary next May. I am absolutely 110 percent determined, and I am confident that we are going to build an operation that will win, shock the community and shock the nation,' he said. He argued there is also something freeing about being a primary challenger and not having to run in a cookie cutter way. Im George Hornedo and Im running for Congress because the old way isnt working. 17 years of the same leadershipand too many families in Indy are still falling behind. Its time for new energy. New urgency. New results. Lets build a better Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/RAgC3LYXJs George Hornedo (@GeorgeHornedo) April 9, 2025 He is campaigning on what he calls the Fair Shot Agenda which he said would focus on an economy that works, a safer city, a sustainable future and democracy that puts people first. He said the Democratic Party has not done a good enough job of being intentional with its words are argued he has been calling a winning approach over progressive pragmatism, two words he believes can scare different parts of the base. Everyone wants to win at the end of the day, and you cant govern unless you win, he said. But while he attempts to unite Democrats across the board to create a winning coalition, he still believes there are places where he can work with MAGA considering overall its a ruby red state. Living in Indiana, growing up here in Texas prior to Indiana, Republicans are part of my life, he noted A lot of my closest friends are Republicans. He said theres deep love and respect there, and while it does not mean he wont as he put it call out their b***shit, he wants to get stuff done. A retail worker who contracted a deadly flesh-eating disease through a small cut while at work has revealed the horror medical ordeal that followed. Yvohn Ray Rosero, 25, spoke to Daily Mail Australia shortly before his sixth operation for the workplace injury that changed his life forever. Last month, Mr Rosero accidently cut his left index finger on the corner of a metal sign and continued working after washing the small wound. But when the Sydney man woke up the next morning his finger was stiff and sore. 'I had a fever, chills, and was visibly unwell, but I still showed up to work,' he said. 'My co-worker immediately noticed something was wrong and helped clean and dress the wound again.' By the end of his shift, the pain had become excruciating and he was rushed to the Westmead Hospital's emergency department at 6pm. 'By that point, the infection had spread all the way to my left elbow. My finger had already turned necrotic,' Mr Rosero said. Sydney retail worker Yvohn Ray Rosero lost his left index finger after he cut it at work The swelling was then accompanied by bruising as the infection took hold Mr Rosero's hand quickly blew up while waiting for treatment in hospital Mr Rosero has been in ICU ever since after he was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease - a rare but aggressive infection that spreads quickly and destroys tissue beneath the skin. 'Doctors told me that my case progressed alarmingly fast. In just one day, the tissue in my index finger had already started dying,' he said. 'The infection led to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation. Thankfully, it was caught early after the first surgery, but the damage had already been done.' Mr Rosero underwent five surgeries in two weeks to try and save his finger but on Monday doctors told him they had no choice but to amputate. Before undergoing a skin graft on Wednesday, the retail worker said he was trying to remain positive. 'I feel a bit better but I still can't believe I lost my finger because of a small, tiny wound. I've already accepted it and I'm thankful that I'm still alive. If I didn't go to the hospital that day I could have died or I might have lost my whole arm,' he said. Mr Rosero, who is from the Philippines, turns 26 next month and has been in Australia for three years, studying a diploma in leadership and management. The swelling started quickly and grew so fast that doctors couldn't save the finger He's started a GoFundMe page to help with expenses while he's out of work and recovering. His current visa expires on May 16 and he's seeking an extension. 'The healthcare system isn't the same in a third world country compared to a first world country so I still consider myself lucky,' he said. 'I also need hand rehabilitation because my other fingers were affected as well.' Mr Rosero said he was glad he still had his arm and nine other fingers. 'I'm thankful to the doctors who tried to save my finger. I'm still looking on the positive side and am thankful to the nurses who took good care of me,' he said. We've all seen the movies - strange lights in the sky, flying saucers hovering ominously, and panicked news anchors declaring Earth's final stand. But if E.T. and his mates really did decide to pay us a less-than-friendly visit, would your state make it through the chaos? According to a brand-new analysis by GIGAcalculator, some Americans are in a much better position than others when it comes to surviving a full-blown alien invasion. The site crunched numbers on forests, caves, emergency personnel, and engineers per capita - plus population density and water access. The result? A survival score out of 10 for each state and the rankings might just surprise you. Coming in hot at No. 1, Virginia scored an impressive 8.06 out of 10. With nearly 17 military personnel per 1,000 people, 29 caves, and a healthy amount of forest cover, the state is practically built for an alien invasion scenario. It also boasts high numbers of healthcare workers and engineers, making it the ultimate all-rounder in alien resistance. But investigative journalist and UFO researcher Jeremy Corbell isn't so sure any of that would matter. According to a brand-new analysis by GIGAcalculator, some Americans are in a much better position than others when it comes to surviving a full-blown alien invasion Your browser does not support iframes. 'We're kidding ourselves,' said Corbell. 'UAPs - unidentified aerial phenomena - can outperform and outmaneuver any weapon system we've got. It's like bringing a squirt gun to a knife fight. If they wanted to occupy Earth, we'd be powerless.' Still, if the mothership does descend, Virginia might be our best shot at survival. Hot on its heels is Alabama, scoring 7.91 out of 10. With 35 caves - more than any other top state - and 9.3 engineers per 1,000 people, it blends brainpower with plenty of places to duck and cover. Corbell, however, isn't convinced hiding will help much. 'Sure, driving might not be optimal if you have to hide,' he joked. 'But realistically, the first thing in any invasion would be cutting off communications and then it's game over.' Massachusetts lands in third, not because of bunkers or terrain, but brains. With a score of 7.81, it tops the charts in scientists, engineers, and healthcare workers - even without a single cave. So could smarts actually be our secret weapon? 'Maybe they'll like your sense of humor and keep you around,' Corbell laughed. 'If you can play cosmic chess, they might keep you alive.' GIGAcalculator crunched the numbers, factoring in terrain, emergency personnel, population density, and water access to give each state a survival score out of 10 - with some surprising results Coming in hot at No. 1, Virginia scored an impressive 8.06 out of 10. An archive photo from The Amalgamated Flying Saucer Club of America, which headquarters in Los Angeles. This photo was taken by a member reportedly showing a flying saucer estimated at 70ft in diameter Right behind the top three are New York and Minnesota, tied at 7.79. Florida (7.55) and Alaska (7.46) also score high, the latter thanks to its isolation and the highest military presence in the country. But Corbell said that doesn't matter. 'With the technologies we've observed and documented, it's already over if they want it to be,' Corbell said. Other solid contenders include North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Georgia, all scoring above 7.4 and offering strong mixes of forest cover, emergency personnel, and food production capacity. But while some states are practically survival bunkers, others are woefully unprepared. Nevada, ironically home to Area 51, ranks dead last with a score of just 5.27. 'If you're an extraterrestrial and you look state by state, you find the one with the largest number of nuclear bombs ever exploded in history,' Corbell quipped. 'And absolutely go for that one first. I think Nevada is good.' Idaho and Arizona dont fare much better, landing near the bottom with scores of 5.71 and 5.77, respectively. Nevada, ironically home to Area 51, ranks last with a score of just 5.27 But maybe our obsession with alien invasions says more about us than it does about the cosmos. 'I think we've always had this fascination with doomsday it's fun,' Corbell reflected. 'But also, people are starting to learn that UFOs are real. It makes us ask these big questions about who we are and what else is out there.' This new study comes after 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. DailyMail.com previously reported on the best hospots to for 'alien spotting' in the US. Coming in first, Californians have recorded a staggering 36,286 reported UFO sightings since 1974. When a fellow soldier spoke about his life in the army with actor Park Bo-gum, everyone was captivated by his revelation about the latter. Park's humility, kindness, and stellar character in service are reported in this viral story. A YouTuber claiming to be a fan of Park Bo-gum released a clip with the title, "My Experience with Park Bo-gum in the Navy Training Camp." In the video, Smith talks about his time as a recruit in the Navy's 669th class alongside the actor. Speaking of ridiculous and hardly perfect timing, the YouTuber reminisced about their first meal together after a typhoon had interrupted their training. "He looked like he was in 4K when I saw him in person. So that's surreal," he said, emphasizing Park's striking appearance. Their short meet clearly made an impact when Park was asked to shake hands, he wiped his hands before offering them for a shake. Park Bo-gum was pretty well-behaved during his military training. The YouTuber said that even with a celeb in their midst, Park held his dizzying social distance pose position upright and free of any proximity-touching graciousness. Other recruits would pull him aside to ask him about other celebrities, and he always obliged. A particularly memorable moment was towards the end of a week of training when an anonymous survey saw all recruits punished as a group after a disrespectful comment was made about an instructor. Park was the only one to raise a hand to a question about whether anyone had never sworn during training, leaving instructors in amazement. His colleagues quickly praised this act of integrity. Park Bo-gum's physical strength also caught his attention at the training camp. In the video, the YouTuber recalled running with him on his cross-country team and coming a long way behind the star, who consistently performed well despite no special treatment because of his celebrity status. Before signing off, the YouTuber explained that he absolutely trusts Park as a person: "His good reputation did not come from nothing." Park Bo-gum is already known for his ideal image of a good citizen. And, as fans share more stories about his time in uniform, they are honoring his gifts as an artist while acknowledging his great attributes as a human being. Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic Rock & Roll bands, but their name has eluded music fans for generations. The legend of the name goes back to when guitarist Jimmy Page pitched a new group to Keith Moon, the drummer for The Who. He suggested that the two join forces with Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. Moon quipped that the band would, 'go over like a lead balloon', joking that the group would fail. The phrase inspired the iconic name, except Page opted to spell 'lead' like 'led' so that it wouldn't be mispronounced. A 'zeppelin' is a type of cylindrical gas-filled aircraft named after its German inventor, Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Alas, the name was born and the band soared to become the opposite of what their name suggested. Before they became Led Zeppelin, Page, Plant, Bonham, and Jones toured under the name, New Yardbirds. People are just now realizing that the band, Led Zeppelin, is named after a lead balloon, inspired by a comment made by The Who's Keith Moon Keith Moon told Jimmy Page that the band would 'go over like a lead balloon,' inspiring the iconic name The band first performed under the name New Yardbirds before becoming Led Zeppelin They performed their first show at a converted gym used as a 'teen club' in Denmark on September 7, 1968. They took their name at the time from a popular British blues band called the Yardbirds. Page toured with the Yardbirds, and recruited the other three members when his first band fell through. He funded the band's first tour in Scandinavia, and after performing their last show in Oslo, Norway, they jetted back to London to record an album. Page revealed in a book titled, Conversations with Jimmy Page, that they arrived at the Atlantic record label with a tape in hand. 'We recorded the whole first album in a matter of thirty hours. That's the truth. I know, because I paid the bill,' he said in the book. The band dropped their debut self-titled album the following year, which fittingly featured a black and white photo of a zeppelin balloon on the cover. Led Zeppelin went on to become a ginormous commercial success, dropping their quintessential song, Stairway to Heaven, in 1971. The eight-minute rock ballad became known to be one of the most popular songs of all time and The Rolling Stone ranked it 61 on its list of 500 Greatest Songs. Led Zeppelin became one of the most iconic Rock & Roll bands of all time, winning multiple Grammy Awards and being inducted into the Hall of Fame The band tragically broke up in 1980 after their drummer John Bonham suddenly died, but their iconic song, Stairway to Heaven, has gone down in history as one of the most popular rock ballads The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2005. Tragically, Led Zeppelin announced they were breaking up in December 1980, after Bonham died. The group was set to embark on a tour when Bonham died from asphyxiation after he had choked on vomit while asleep. 'We wish it to be known, that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were,' the band said at the time. Led Zeppelin was honored by the Kennedy Center in 2012 and the surviving members sat for tribute performances by The Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, and Heart. A leading Teal election candidate waited eight days to report her husband missing after he went for a drunken late-night swim following a row about his drinking, and never returned. Kate Hulett, a Climate 200 candidate for the West Australian seat of Fremantle in next month's election, lost her husband Matthew Bale during a holiday in 2016 when he tried to swim from Rottnest Island to Perth, but was never seen again. A coronial inquest found Mr Bale, then 38, had disappeared by misadventure on March 21 that year, following a late afternoon argument with his wife about his drinking problem when she smelt vodka on his breath. He left their holiday accommodation after an argument, taking a ferry ticket with him, but missed the last ferry and attempted to swim the 20 kilometres back to Fremantle at night. Ms Hulett and Mr Bale's British parents Alan and Brenda Bale stayed on Rottnest Island for three more days after he left, and it was only when they returned to Fremantle that they realised he was not there. Ms Hulett waited until March 29 - eight days after she last saw him - to go to police and report him missing. WA Deputy state coroner Barry King handed down his inquest report into Mr Bale's death in June 2019. 'The deceased asked Ms Hulett for his telephone, his ferry ticket and some money,' the inquest found. A leading Teal candidate waited eight days to report her husband missing almost a decade ago - after he drunkenly went for an ocean swim at night following a marital argument 'She gave him the ferry ticket since the ferries had stopped running for the day, but she did not give him his phone or any money. 'He left through the back door after punching the screen door.' The inquest also noted Ms Hulett and her parents-in-law continued their holiday even after Mr Bale had disappeared. 'When the deceased had not returned to the unit by the next morning, Ms Hulett and the deceased's parents assumed that he had caught the ferry back to Fremantle,' it said. 'They decided to stay on Rottnest Island for the remainder of their booked holiday. 'When they returned to Fremantle on March 24, 2016, it became apparent that something was wrong. 'There was no sign of the deceased at home or work, and his bank account had not been used.' But after returning home to Fremantle, Ms Hulett waited another five days to report him missing to the police. Kate Hulett, an independent Climate200 candidate in the port seat of Fremantle, lost her husband Matthew Bale in 2016 when he tried to swim back from Rottnest Island to Perth during a holiday - only to never be found again 'On 29 March 2016 Ms Hulett and the deceased's mother went to the Fremantle police station to report that he was missing,' the coronial report said. Ms Hulett addressed her husband's disappearance from Rottnest Island on in a campaign podcast video made last week. 'To come to the dramatic end, his mum and dad were over one time from the UK and we were in Rotto and basically he went missing one night,' she told her 'A Piece of Kate' Podcast. 'There was this big blow-up where he was kind of trying, like, poke his mum and dad, snapping at him, saying, "You're a horrible son". 'He was just trying to get something, don't know what, and he just stormed off and he didn't come home and I was, "Fine, he'll just be sleeping on the beach or something".' But Ms Hulett realised days later that her husband had not caught a ferry back to Perth when she arrived at their Fremantle home. 'And then, next night, I was like, "He's going to come back" and then I was like - "He would have just get on the ferry and come back (to Fremantle)",' she said. 'And then we got back and he wasn't here and I was like, "We've got to go to the cops, I guess, because he's got no money, he's a missing person" but I just assumed he was on the ferry. 'It was another pretty horrific time because he'd gone missing and he was an alcoholic. 'Initially the police were like, "We're not going to spend a second on this".' She later organised a search of Rottnest Island after the State Emergency Service decided it had been too long since he went missing to do a search. 'SES wouldn't do anything because it had been too long; they only spend time looking for potential missing, alive people,' she said. 'This is so nuts as well - I arranged a whole search of the island with grids and teams, a hundred people came over and literally walked the island looking for a dead body or a body or him or anything. Didn't find anything then.' Ms Hullet did not learn about her husband's attempt to swim from Rottnest Island to Perth until a year later when two women who were on the island that night doing housekeeping had encountered her husband and shared some wine with him. 'Maybe a year later, or a bit longer, I got a call from the police randomly saying, "We've just had a call from someone in Queensland who's seen the missing persons ad in Queensland saying that they were on Rottnest the night that he went missing",' she said. 'And they had a drink with him on the beach and then he said he was going to swim back. 'That's classic Matt; he would just be like, "I'm going to swim back to Freo, no worries ... night time, I'll just swim over".' Ms Hulett addressed her husband's disappearance from Rottnest Island on in a campaign podcast video made last week Ms Hulett had met her husband in the UK in 2008, and they moved to Australia in 2013, buying a unit in Fremantle and setting up a hat shop before later running a cafe. The coronial inquest noted that Mr Bale, a former TV production editor in London, was physically fit and had previously competed in triathlons, with an ambition to complete the Rottnest Channel swim. But he had also struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, resorting to using methylamphetamine to the point where Ms Hulett had to call the police on him when his behaviour became extreme. 'Of course he was addicted and was losing his mind, like really publicly losing his mind,' Ms Hulett told her podcast. 'And it got really, really bad to the point where I, like, I was calling the police on him and he was trashing the building. 'It was complete chaos and I was living through this hell.' Her husband, who possibly had ADHD, developed a drug-induced psychosis and a psychiatrist prescribed him lurasidone, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The inquest concluded he had died of misadventure as a result of having problems with drugs and alcohol. His body never found after he went for a late-night swim, hoping to get back to Perth after the last ferry for the day had left (pictured is Rottnest Island in Western Australia) 'While, on the basis of the limited evidence available to me, I am unable to form any considered view as to the deceased's character, the impression I have is that he was a personable, vibrant man with a passionate approach to aspects of life which interested or challenged him, of which there were many,' it said. 'Unfortunately, the deceased was afflicted with depression and alcohol and drug addiction. 'Despite the opportunity afforded by extended rehabilitation and the ongoing support of his wife and family, he was unable to beat that addiction entirely and, as a result, made apparently impulsive choices which cost him his life.' Ms Hulett almost won the state seat of Fremantle at Western Australia's March state election, scoring a 26.4 per cent swing against Labor after she campaigned to ban billionaire Kerry Stokes from owning media outlets because of his oil and gas interests. Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk held on with a bare 0.8 per cent margin. At the May 3 federal election, she is one of 35 Climate 200 'Teal' candidates backed by Melbourne-based multi-millionaire Simon Holmes a Court. A small town overrun by Turkish-style barber shops is in revolt over plans to open yet another with even the men who work in them saying the number is becoming unsustainable. There are already five catering for the 6,000 residents of Porth in the Rhondda Valley, on top of seven traditional hairdressing salons, all on just two streets and within a six-minute walk. Now a Kurdish businessman wants to open a sixth barber shop in a shuttered-up shop sparking opposition from the local business community who say the town is already saturated with one salon for every 500 residents. There are a further six Kurdish barbers shops in neighbouring towns of Blackwood and Newbridge - barely ten miles from Porth - where cut-throat competition led to mob violence earlier this year. The concerns come after police have warned of criminals infiltrating the industry by setting up barber shops as front companies to launder the proceeds of crimes like drug dealing. More than 750 barbers opened in the UK last year despite a broader High Street downturn - raising suspicions that some are being used by gangs. Just last week, enforcement teams across the West Midlands raided a string of Turkish barber shops and seized more than 500,000 in illegal cash during a crackdown on money laundering. Meanwhile unhappy customers have taken to TikTok to share videos of their wonky haircuts and patchy skin fades possible signs of illicit businesses cynically co-opting the proud, centuries-old tradition of Turkish barbering. Snur Abdulhmid, 18, who works at Porth Barber, one of five Turkish-style barber shops catering for a population of 6,000 in Porth, in the Rhondda Valley, says there are already 'too many' such salons in the town A Kurdish businessman wants to open a sixth barber shop in a shuttered-up former amusement arcade in Porth sparking opposition from the local business community who say the town is already saturated with one salon for every 500 residents One of five Turkish-style barbers already trading in the town of Porth in the Rhondda Valley, all but one of which is actually Kurdish-owned Hannah Street one of Porths two main streets - once boasted a Boots chemist, a Woolworths, a Clarks shoe shop, womens fashion stores and mens outfitters. Only last month a branch of fashion store New Look which was based there shut its doors for good. Today it and neighbouring Pontypridd Street, like many of Britains high streets, are full of barbers, nail bars, takeaways and charity shops. Council planners are due to consider an application for a new barbers in what used to be an amusement arcade in Hannah Street. Now the local chamber of trade has sent a formal objection, saying there are already 13 barbers or hairdressers within a radius of less than 550m (600 yards). Mail Online found 12 when it visited the town, of which five are Turkish-style barbers although none is run by Turks, with four Kurdish-owned and one Arabic. Barber Snur Abdulhmid, 18, who works at Porth Barbers in Hannah Street, said: There are too many, we dont need another one. If there are too many, no-one can make money. Pictured at the empty Turkish-style barbers in Porth where he works, Snur Abdulhmid, 18, said there were already 'too many' such salons to cater for a population of 6,000, adding 'we dont need another one' Another of the five existing Turkish-style barbers in Porth in the Rhondda Valley - local businesses say the town is already 'saturated' and does not need another one Situated side-by-side, two out of a total of 12 barber shops and hair salons within a six-minute walk on two streets in the centre of Porth Porth in the Rhondda Valley currently has 12 businesses offering haircuts - five Turkish-style barbers and seven traditional hairdressers, such as Jaz Hair Design (pictured) If it carries on, wed have to close the shop. Mr Abdulhmid said the barbers was a legitimate business, although he was aware that Turkish and Kurdish barbers are seen as a front for organised crime and money laundering. That doesnt happen here, we pay tax and VAT, he said. There were no customers there when MailOnline visited on a weekday afternoon and some of the mens salons were closed. The list include some traditional womens hairdressers with names like Chic and Hair by Janine. David James, 76, a retired plumber and heating engineer from the town, said: I use a local barber although I have nothing against the others in the town centre. Its ridiculous to have so many barbers and hair salons so close to each other. It cant be sustainable. It makes the town centre unattractive when you get so many businesses all offering the same thing. Andy Murrains, 62, who runs a cafe bar in Hannah Street, Porth, is opposed to a further increase in the number of Turkish-style barbers, saying it is 'not in the position where it can afford to lose a few businesses' Porth Barber is one of five Turkish-style salons catering for the 6,000 residents of Porth in the Rhondda Valley Shuttered shops and estate agents signs in one of Porth's two main shopping streets illustrate how businesses other than barbers, nail bars, takeaways and charity shops are struggling A survey conducted last year found locals in Porth felt there was already an over-abundance of certain businesses such as fast-food takeaways, beauty parlours, and barber shops Andy Murrains, 62, who opened up a cafe bar in Hannah Street six months ago after moving from London, said: Theres always gossip and Chinese whispers about some of the places. This street is not in the position where it can afford to lose a few businesses, thats the reality of it. A survey conducted last year by Porth and District Chamber of Trade found locals felt there was already an over-abundance of certain businesses, such as fast-food takeaways, beauty parlours, and barber shops. After the chamber of trade posted about the application on social media, many locals commented that there were already plenty of barbers in Porth. One said: They are overrun with barbershops. Does make me wonder how they can all stay in business, Ian Heritage posted. Another person added: Objection raised, more need to do the same, this is getting beyond a joke. The chamber has now written to Rhondda Cynon Taf council saying an extra Turkish-style barbers would be detrimental to the town centre. A lot of our members are hairdressers and barbers and they have come to us with their concerns about this application, vice-chair Dan Parry said. A brawl erupted earlier this year in the South Wales town of Blackwood over a barber that was set to open in the nearby town of Newbridge Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The lack of diversity it creates within the town centre is also a problem and is causing a deficit in customers for the high street. If it keeps being repeated that there are only barber shops in the town centre, youre not going to go there unless you want a haircut. Then, if you already have a barber, in Tonypandy for example, youre not going to go to Porth, even though there are independent businesses opening up, offering new things. In a letter opposing the proposed change of use, the chamber said: This application is detrimental to Porth town centre and should be refused. Approving yet another barbershop in a town already saturated with similar businesses would offer no tangible benefits and would indeed pose several harms: it would strain existing barbers/hair salons, erode the diversity of the high street, contradict the councils own development plans, and go against clear public sentiment. The application for change of use is currently out for consultation. Sudan tops the league table of sex offence arrests by nationality, 'disturbing' analysis suggests. Data laying bare the scale of such alleged crimes by foreigners in England and Wales places Afghanistan second. Eritrea, Iran and Iraq rounded out the top five, out of a total of 155 named countries. Police made 8,500 arrests of foreign nationals for sexual offences including rape in 2024 and start of 2025. More than 220 came from Sudan, according to figures obtained exclusively by MailOnline. Latest Government statistics, from the 2021 Census, say only 18,650 Sudanese-born people without British citizenship live here. This equates to a rate of around 1,200 arrests per 100,000 of the African country's migrant population. Because the supplied data only looks at arrests, it does not mean they were all convicted. Suspects may have also been nicked multiple times. Your browser does not support iframes. If Sudan's rate was applied to the home-born population in England and Wales, it would equate to approximately 500,000 arrests. Yet cops only nicked 44,000 people for sexual offences across all nationalities in the year to April 2024. Huge gaps in the available data on the contentious topic of migrant crime means the real figures may be very different. Immigration has spiralled to all-time highs over the past few years and thousands have arrived on small boats. Chris Philp MP, shadow home secretary, said of MailOnline's investigation: 'These figures are deeply troubling. 'It is disturbing to see so many horrific crimes perpetrated by foreign offenders but also so many gaps in available data. 'The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. 'Labour must heed our calls to deport all foreign criminals at once.' Robert Bates, from the Centre of Migration Control think tank, added: 'Police forces are clearly recording this data. 'This is hugely important information, which could be used to greatly improve the manner in which our immigration system works. Homeless Sudanese national Fawzi Omar (pictured) was jailed for four years after he sexually assaulted a woman in Exeter city centre last May 'But a political choice has been made by officials to try and ignore the evidence.' Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'Not only is mass migration making us poorer, but this data proves it's also making us dramatically less safe. 'Not only do we need to reduce overall migration radically, we also need to overhaul security vetting.' He added: 'It should not be surprising that migrants from cultures with backward attitudes towards women are more likely to commit sexual crimes here in the UK. 'If we are serious about tackling violence against women and girls, we need an immigration system that takes that into account and puts the safety of the British people first.' Homeless Sudanese national Fawzi Omar was jailed for four years after he sexually assaulted a woman in Exeter city centre last May. The 27-year-old, who was also given a further four years on extended licence, approached the victim, grabbed her and sexually assaulted her as she was walking home in the early hours of the morning. Another Sudanese national's sexual assaults sparked a newspaper to warn locals about his predatory behaviour, with the bold headline: 'This man keeps sexually assaulting women'. In January, Ali Hamad was jailed for eight months after being found guilty of assaulting 'two lone females' who were walking home after a night out in Cardiff. He touched one's bare shoulder and slapped the other in the face three times. The assaults happened just a fortnight after he was sentenced to a 12-week jail term for masturbating on a busy London street and reaching through the seats of a bus to touch an off-duty female police officer's bum. The Sudanese national, whose age sparked confusion in court, was described as 'fairly rootless, with no job or relatives' by a lawyer. In January, Ali Hamad (pictured) was jailed for eight months after being found guilty of assaulting 'two lone females' who were walking home after a night out in Cardiff MailOnline calculated the league table using Freedom of Information (FOI) data from the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Greater Manchester Police, Warwickshire Police, Northamptonshire Police and Dyfed-Powys Police did not provide data. Our probe covered all of 2024, although some forces gave figures for parts of January and February 2025. It solely looked at sexual offence arrests, which might also include child grooming. Forces did not explicitly state how they determined whether the arrested were foreign nationals. The FOI data was then plotted against the 2021 Census, which asked respondents about their country of birth and nationality. We only took into account those without British citizenship or a passport, and did not include dual British citizens. Only countries with at least 10 arrests were included. A handful of countries had no population data to compare against. Some forces didn't give us an exact figure for nationalities with fewer than five arrests. For those, we chose to count them as just one. It means the actual number could be higher. Dual foreign nationals were also excluded from our probe. Due to the unavailability of official migrant crime statistics, the methodology used is one of the only ways to compare different nationalities. Using Afghanistan as an example, Census data shows there were 27,850 people born there without British citizenship living here in 2021. According to the FOIs, there were at least 281 arrests of Afghan nationals for sex offences during the 12-month spell. This equated to a rate of 1,009 per 100,000. Similar analyses by the Centre for Migration Control estimated a rate of around 50 per 100,000 for Britons. The higher rate of arrests for foreign nationalities could be down to a host of factors, including the possibility that police might disproportionately target some groups. The data also does not consider sex of the alleged offender. An estimated 98 per cent of sexual offences are committed by men, meaning the ratios could be much higher if broken down. A spokesperson for the Home Office declined to comment when presented with the data. Your browser does not support iframes. In terms of raw numbers, MailOnline can reveal more Indians were arrested for sexual offences than any other foreign nationality last year (785). But with an Indian-born non-British population of 437,566, it meant India ranked 40th in the league table. Romanians were the second most arrested nationality, with 668 over 12 months, followed by Poland with 649 citizens. Mr Bates added: 'We know which nationalities are more likely to commit certain heinous crimes, yet our immigration system is presently doing nothing to try and stave off this crisis. 'The Home Office has a duty to keep the British public safe, something it is patently failing to do with its open-door policy. 'Coming to Britain is an immense privilege, and any foreign national found guilty of committing a crime should be removed from our country forthwith so they no longer blight the lives of the British public.' The Government has previously claimed to have returned more than 24,000 individuals with no right to be in country since Labour took power and a 16 per cent increase in foreign national offenders being removed in the same period. ICE has repeatedly denied the release of a Russian Harvard scientist, claiming that she is a 'danger to the community' for making a customs error when she attempted to transport frog embryos to her lab. Kseniia Petrova, 30, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, was detained by Customs and Border Protection for failing to declare the scientific material properly at Boston Logan International Airport while she was returning from a trip to France on February 16. Despite multiple attempts to get her released on parole, Petrova's attorney, Greg Romanovsky told the DailyMail.com she's still being held in an ICE detention center in Louisiana, thousands of miles away from her Massachusetts lab. 'Kseniia is holding up remarkably well, especially given the freezing temperatures and otherwise difficult conditions at the detention facility,' Romanovsky told DailyMail.com. He said that ICE has claimed Petrova is a 'danger to the community' and a 'flight risk', despite no sufficient evidence that the Harvard scientist poses a threat. Petrova fled Russia in fear of prosecution since she actively opposed the country's invasion of Ukraine. She was arrested on March 2, 2022, for protesting in Moscow against Russia's military incursion. Petrova was legally in the US on a J-1 visa sponsored by Harvard so that she could work in the lab as a biomedical researcher. Kseniia Petrova, 30, was arrested and detained by ICE after she made an error when declaring scientific materials in her luggage after a trip from France Petrova's visa was revoked and she was sent to a detention center in Louisiana after she was questioned by Customs and Border Patrol at Boston Logan International Airport on February 16 Petrova was transporting frog embryos, which are not illegal to carry but need to be properly declared with customs when she was detained. Her lawyer said the error should've resulted in a $50 fine, not a detainment When Customs discovered the frog embryos in her luggage, she was detained, questioned and had her visa revoked. Petrova didn't commit a crime by attempting to transport the embryos. It isn't illegal to bring the scientific materials into the country, but they do have to be declared through a specific process. After she was questioned by CBP, she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but due to her fear of prosecution in her home country, she was sent to a detention center in the US instead. Romanovsky argues that ICE overstepped its jurisdiction by revoking Petrova's visa for an offense that typically only requires a fine of up to $500. Petrova's lawyer added that the fine is usually decreased to just $50 for first offenses. The scientist's detainment has sparked outrage across the country and caught the attention of 17 US senators, who signed a letter advocating for Petrova's release. The letter was addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons on March 31. 'Absent evidence that Petrova is a flight risk or a danger to the community, we strongly urge you to reconsider ICE's recent decision not to grant Petrova parole and exercise discretion within your authority to release her from detention while her asylum case is pending,' the letter read. ICE said that Petrova was a 'danger to the community,' but Petrova's lawyer argues that she is a dedicated scientist and has no criminal record Seventeen senators have signed a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons advocating for Petrova's release 'Moreover, we are deeply concerned about the possibility that Petrova could face persecution if deported to Russia. 'We urge the Administration to ensure full due process in her case and take all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure she is not deported to Russia.' Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey were among those who signed the letter supporting Petrova's release. Markey also advocated for Petrova's release on social media, writing on X, 'I'm urging DHS to release Kseniia Petrova, a dedicated Harvard Medical School researcher, while she awaits her asylum hearings. 'She faces prolonged detention after the Trump admin revoked her visa. Kseniia should be in Massachusetts - not 1,500 miles away in a cell in Louisiana.' California Senator Adam Schiff, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine also signed the letter. On Wednesday, Romanovsky sent an update announcing that despite the support from multiple US Senators, Petrova was still detained by ICE. 'Ms. Petrova, a talented Harvard Medical School researcher, inadvertently failed to declare a non-hazardous scientific sample she was bringing from a laboratory in France to continue her research at Harvard,' Romanovsky said. Despite the support from senators and outrage across the country, Petrova's lawyer said that she is still detained in a Louisiana center Petrova said in an interview with The New York Times that she just wanted to get back to her lab and was shocked by the way she was treated by the federal government He added that Petrova's offense was a 'minor customs violation' that should've resulted in a $50 fine, but instead, she was treated like a criminal. 'Ms. Petrova is a Harvard Medical School researcher who has dedicated herself to advancing scientific knowledge, she has no criminal record whatsoever, is not a flight risk, and poses no threat to society,' Romanovsky added. 'Her detention is not only unnecessary, but unjust.' Petrova recently spoke to the New York Times and revealed that she's been in a dormitory with dozens of women. She said the detention center is freezing, and the detainees are only given a thin blanket with which to sleep. They sleep in rows of bunk beds and are only allowed one hour outside a day with sporadic meals. 'I thought this was impossible, to be in this situation,' Petrova said. 'Even immigrants here, they have to have some rights. But it seems that nobody really cares about our rights here.' Petrova said that she feared deportation because she was previously arrested in Russia for protesting against the country's invasion of Ukraine Petrova's friends described her as a 'caring and funny friend' and have set up a fundraiser to help pay for her legal fees and her expenses when she is released 'This is not the kind of America I used to know.' Petrova has spent her time reading books and studying cell division while she eagerly awaits the moment she can get back to the lab. She said that being in the lab was her 'paradise,' adding: 'I would very much like to stay in paradise.' Petrova studied how genes are used in organisms and investigated the earliest stages of cell division in her lab at Harvard. The team observed the embryos in frogs because they were smaller and easier to handle than rodents. An aquarium was constructed where pregnant female frogs bobbed in water, referred to by the team as the 'frog palace.' She worked under Dr. Leon Peshkin, who had asked her to bring the frog embryos back from France. They had previously shipped the embryos to the lab, but after shipments turned up damaged, Petrova's vacation in France offered the perfect opportunity for her to bring them back herself. Peshkin has rallied for Petrova after her detainment, pleading with his colleagues to write letters of support for her so she could get parole. Peshkin told The New York Times that many colleagues refused to send a letter since they were in the country on temporary visas themselves and feared retribution. 'Something has happened to the fabric of society,' Peshkin said. 'Something is happening.' Dr. Leon Peshkin asked Petrova to bring the embryos back from France because their previous shipments were destroyed in transit. He said she was a dedicated scientist and her detainment has impacted her colleagues back at Harvard Petrova had a unique background in computer science and biology. She had been working at Harvard for two years before she was shockingly detained after a trip from France Since Petrova's visa was revoked, she is asking asylum since she fears prosecution in her home country. Her hearing is set for May 7 Petrova's colleagues and friends have described her as a dedicated scientist and a brilliant researcher. She has a unique background with skills in computer science and biology, with knowledge of embryology, bioinformation and data science. Her friends and colleagues at Harvard have set up a fundraiser for Petrova, calling her a 'caring and funny friend' and 'a genuinely beautiful person.' They set up a GoFundMe to cover her legal fees, and daily expenses as Petrova may not be able to work if she is released. They have since raised more than $56,000 toward their initial $30,000 goal. Since Petrova's visa was revoked, her lawyer is attempting to get her released on humanitarian grounds while she awaits her immigration hearing on May 7. If she wins her asylum case, she can stay in the US - however, if she loses, she will be deported back to Russia. Petrova said that she feared political repression if she returned to Russia. Her home country has imposed severe punishment for those who speak out against the government. American ballerina, Ksenia Karelina, was just returned to the US in a prisoner swap after being sentenced for 12 years in a Russian jail for treason after she donated $51.80 to a charity supporting Ukraine. She served 15 months of her sentence. DailyMail.com reached out to ICE and DHS for comment on Petrova's case but didn't immediately hear back. The wife of a British businessman who died in mysterious circumstances on holiday in Morocco is back in the UK, and pictured without her dazzling engagement ring - less than two months after inheriting his fortune, MailOnline can reveal. Majda Mjaoual, 25, who was married to Allen McKenna, 47, whose death has sparked questions from his family, is staying at a house in Kent. It is the first time she has been seen since being accused by Mr McKenna's father Alan Moorhead of leaving him in the dark about the exact circumstances of his son's death. Ms Mjaoual, who was 22 years Mr McKenna's junior, previously refused to reveal where she was when she spoke to MailOnline yesterday. Mr Mckenna, a company director, is believed to have died from a heart attack at Ms Mjaoual's home in Morocco on February 22 and buried in a cemetery in Casablanca shortly afterwards. Mr Moorhead said he received a video call from Ms Mjaoual on the day he died but has heard nothing from her since. He also claims he has been unable to see his son's body and that she has refused to hand over his death certificate or tell him where he is buried. It comes shortly after MailOnline exclusively revealed Ms Mjaoual inherited the entirety of Mr McKenna's estate after he mysteriously died on holiday two months ago. In new pictures unveiled today, Ms Mjaoual appeared to be without the engagement ring she previously flaunted on social media. She was snapped ringless while taking out the rubbish on Friday. Majda Mjaoual, 25, whose husband Allen McKenna mysteriously died while they were away in Morrocco is back in the UK, MailOnline can reveal (pictured) In pictures captured on Friday, Ms Mjaoual was seen emptying the bins, apparently without her engagement ring on Ms Mjaoual previously showed off her dazzling ring in pictures on social media (left) before being seen on Friday without the engagement band on her wedding finger Pictured: Allen McKenna (left) who died in Morocco while on holiday with his wife Majda Mjaoual (right) After dying in mysterious circumstances company director Allen McKenna, 47, was buried in a cemetery in the Moroccan city of Casablanca shortly afterwards. His father Alan Moorhead says he received a video call from Ms Mjaoual - who was 22 years McKenna's junior - on February 22 and tragically could see his son's body but since then he has heard nothing from her and has been left in the dark about the exact circumstances of the death. MailOnline has since pieced together the fullest picture yet of Mr McKenna's death - and spoken to his widow and friends. We have learned details of how he converted to Islam, how the couple married in a mosque - and how he was certified after his death overseas. Ms Mjaoual says she told Mr McKenna's father his son had died at her family home from a heart attack and had been unwell for several weeks, but he claims she has refused to hand over a death certificate or tell him where his son is buried. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Ms Mjaoual described the death as a 'personal matter' and added: 'His father is harassing me, and you don't know what's going on. If his father wants to know anything he can use lawyers.' She later added: 'When Allen passed away, I informed the authorities in Casablanca and the British consulate, then I called his father, I asked him if he would like to come to Morocco he didn't. 'I explained everything to Alan and the Foreign Office in London also said that I didn't have to call his parents, they would do it, at the time I was extremely upset and very emotional. Company director Allen McKenna, 47, died in mysterious circumstances during a break with his wife Majda Mjaoual two months ago. Pictured: At the wedding ceremony Mr McKenna was buried in a cemetery in the Moroccan city of Casablanca shortly after his death (pictured: Allen McKenna who, according to social media, took part in bodybuilding) Ms Mjaoual says she told Mr McKenna's father his son had died at her family home from a heart attack and had been unwell for several weeks It is the first time she has been seen since being accused by her late husband's father of leaving him in the dark regarding Allen McKenna's death 'I am really fed up with Alan because he has been so unfair and so unreasonable. He knows everything that happened. 'Allen passed away at my home in Casablanca in his sleep and he was buried after an autopsy. He was an amazing guy, the best person I have ever met. 'I loved that man for seven years, he was wonderful, I looked after him when he was ill but I will not have anything to do with his father.' A pal said: 'There is a lot of animosity between Allen's father and Majda. The will names Majda as the sole beneficiary. 'Allen and Majda had a big falling out with his dad, his mum was OK, but his dad wasn't happy about the relationship.' Mr McKenna, who ran brewing firms and a security company, met Ms Mjaoual in London in 2017 shortly after he left his first wife, and he converted to Islam with the two later marrying in a ceremony conducted by the Regents Park Mosque imam. He was originally from Harrogate but had moved to Adelaide with his parents and siblings in the late 1970s. He later moved back to the UK where he became a successful businessman. Initially he lived in London with Ms Mjaoual, who was working as a waitress when they met, but they then moved to Harrogate where his companies were based and where he still had extended family. Mr McKenna, who ran brewing firms and a security company, met Ms Mjaoual in London in 2017 shortly after he left his first wife, and he converted to Islam with the two later marrying in a ceremony conducted by the Regents Park Mosque imam Mr McKenna, 47, collapsed in Casablanca in February, while abroad with Ms Mjaoual, 25 (pictured together) MailOnline has a certificate which shows how Mr McKenna converted to Islam and later married Ms Mjaoual at their home in south London, with the certificate signed by Kazi Luthfur Rahman who is still at the Regents Park Mosque. The pal added: 'This all boils down to Allen converting to Islam which didn't go down well with his father, his mother was OK, but Alan just didn't agree with it. 'Some of the messages he got from his dad were awful. The thing is his father and mother have both been to Morocco to see her family. 'But Allen didn't have a good relationship at all with his dad. They often had arguments, but he got on OK with his mother.' The day before Mr McKenna died, Ms Mjaoual posted on her Instagram a clip of her arriving at what is thought to be Gatwick airport before taking an easyJet flight to Morocco. She captioned it: 'That airport feeling especially when the destination is your home country.' Mr McKenna's father Alan Moorhead, of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, (pictured) says he received a video call from Ms Mjaoual on February 22 and could see his son's body in the background Mr McKenna was originally from Harrogate but had moved to Adelaide with his parents and siblings in the late 1970s. He later moved back to the UK where became a successful businessman Initially he lived in London with Ms Mjaoual, who was working as a waitress when they met, but they then moved to Harrogate where his companies were based and where he still had extended family MailOnline has seen a Moroccan death certificate that lists his death the day after they arrived and gives his place of death as a residential address in Casablanca. It is signed by Dr Abdelilah Lekbiri, a forensic medicine specialist. The pal added: 'Allen's conversion really rankled with his dad and this is what has caused all the problems. 'Allen's parents both came to Morocco to visit Allen and Majda.' The pal went on: 'Allen had been in and out of hospital the last few weeks before he died. 'He was warned he wasn't in good health and was treated at Lewisham hospital for five days. 'All the money has gone to her and that's what this is about.' McKenna lived in a large detached house in Harrogate, one of the most desirable towns in the UK, but it's unclear what the source of his evident wealth was. Companies House records show Mr McKenna as the director of McKenna Investment Management and McKenna Global Services with Ms Mjaoual listed as a company secretary for both firms. Another photo from social media appears to show Mr McKenna competing in a bodybuilding competition One of the companies in his name is McKenna Brewery, based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Ms Mjaoual is listed as the company secretary On his LinkedIn page he wrote: 'Someone who has learned from his mistakes and that success isn't about being great, it's about being consistent. Consistent hard work breeds success.' An online profile reveals how he 'bounced back from setbacks to create successful brewing and security enterprises.' Companies House records show that McKenna had a current balance of 87,323 and was owed 1.178 million. A search of probate records failed to reveal any will details, although this is not unusual as the death was only registered two months ago. One of the companies in his name is McKenna Brewery, based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Ms Mjaoual is listed as the company secretary. Brewing had stopped at the business today and the gates were padlocked. Neighbouring businessmen, unaware of Mr McKenna's death, said the company's three or four staff haven't been working in the brewery for a few weeks now. Ms Mjaoual's social media which has since been deleted showed her in various glamorous locations across the world on luxury holidays including Tokyo, Rome, Paris, Seoul and Dubai. One of the companies in his name is McKenna Brewery, based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Ms Mjaoual is listed as the company secretary. Brewing had stopped at the business today and the gates were padlocked Although she appears in all of the pictures intriguingly there are none of her with Allen. Neighbours told how Ms Mjaoual was last seen around two weeks ago, clearing out the couple's 2,000-a-month rented home in Harrogate, North Yorks. She was seen with five other people, believed to include her mother, sister and aunt. Possessions were moved into two removal vans, both with foreign number plates, they said. When MailOnline visited the four-bed detached new-build, the property had been completely emptied, with even the lightbulbs taken from their fixtures. The property was marketed to let on February 28, less than a week after Mr McKenna's body was seen by his father on the video call. A neighbour said: 'We saw that the house was up for rent and we just stopped seeing Allen. 'I thought they'd split up because we stopped seeing him. McKenna lived in a large detached house in Harrogate, one of the most desirable towns in the UK, but it's unclear what the source of his evident wealth was. Pictured: Ms Mjaoual outside the property When Mail Online visited the four-bed detached new-build, the property had been completely emptied, with even the lightbulbs taken from their fixtures 'They have a Chow-Chow dog together and he would always walk the dog. 'You wouldn't ever see her walking the dog and then we started seeing her with her mum walking it, and then she moved out. 'Two vans with foreign number plates turned up. I assumed it was her family helping her move out because they were wearing hijabs and they looked familiar with each other. 'She moved out all their stuff about two weeks ago.' Another neighbour described Allen as 'really friendly' but that Miss Mjaoual was not often seen. They added: 'We just stopped seeing him and then she started walking the dog. 'I'd say maybe a week before she moved out, I saw her with her mum walking the dog. 'I remember thinking it's not normal to have removal vans with foreign number plates, so I presumed she was moving out of the UK. 'There were quite a lot of family relatives. Sisters, a mum, maybe an aunt, and then there was an old man. They all looked Moroccan. 'Allen was very into fitness. He was a big guy but really, really lovely. They'd lived there for around two years.' A spokesman for the Foreign Office told MailOnline:' We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Morocco and are in contact with the local authorities.' North Yorkshire Police, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Interpol are also said to be investigating. If you remember walking into K-Mart with your mom as a kid to grab a value pack of Fruit of the Loom t-shirts with a cornucopia printed on the label, your memory would be slightly faulty. The official logo never actually contained the weaved item, or so the company says. This has turned into a years' long internet debate that has since re-sparked this week after an X user posted a photo of a t-shirt with a Fruit of the Loom that seemed to have the cornucopia printed on it, writing: 'Don't tell me it didn't exist.' But the company insists the horn of plenty was never actually apart of its logo, which has changed at least seven times since its conception, its website showed. 'We have never featured a cornucopia as part of our trademarked "cluster,"' the company told DailyMail.com in a statement on Friday. 'If one ever appeared in an ad it would have been part of a marketing campaign, but NEVER as part of our official brand logo.' But internet sleuths are convinced they have proven the company is lying and it was an official part of the logo. In fact, a woman named Nicole lost sleep over the logo in 2023 and said she found the proof. If you remember walking into K-Mart with your mom as a kid to grab a value pack of Fruit of the Loom t-shirts with a cornucopia printed on the label, your memory would be slightly faulty. The official logo never actually contained the weaved item, or so the company says This has turned into a years' long internet debate that has since re-sparked after an X user posted a photo of a t-shirt with a Fruit of the Loom that seemed to have the cornucopia printed on it, writing: 'Don't tell me it didn't exist' 'I've got to the bottom of the Fruit of the Loom cornucopia Mandela Effect and I'm upset,' she said in a December 2023 video. The young woman found an old newspaper clipping, which she claimed said the 'Fruit of the Loom logo was initially a cornucopia swollen with an apple, green grapes, purple grapes, and their green leaves.' She did not reveal which paper or when it was published. Nicole also claimed a woman named Claire found an old sweat-stained shirt that featured the weaved item. 'I'm convinced this is 100 percent corporate gaslighting,' Nicole deadpanned, saying it was a ploy for views. 'Should we just admire their marketing or do we open a class-action lawsuit to be reimbursed for emotional damage?' Others even pulled out 1974 trademark that was canceled in 1988, stating that the design included a cornucopia. However, the active trademark, filed in 1981, does not mention a cornucopia. Several Redditors have also taken to the forum site to post photos of the cornucopia logo printed on a tent, a clothing item, and more, convinced these images prove the logo had to have included it, but Snopes, a well-known fact checking site, said otherwise. Several Redditors have also taken to the forum site to post photos of the cornucopia logo printed on a tent, a clothing item, and more, convinced these images prove the logo had to have included it 'We have never featured a cornucopia as part of our trademarked "cluster,"' the company told DailyMail.com in a statement on Friday. 'If one ever appeared in an ad it would have been part of a marketing campaign, but NEVER as part of our official brand logo' (pictured: 1987 ad) The only time the cornucopia has featured on the logo was on April Fools Day in 2022 The fact checking site found the cornucopia labels people were posting to the internet came from two sources - an 2017 Imgur image and an 2022 April Fools joke by the company itself. The 2017 image became popular after Buzzfeed used it in a Mandela Effect quiz, while the 2022 joke appeared on the clothing company's website for the holiday. Even an old ad from 1987, showed the current label with just fruit and leaves. Although the company has told DailyMail.com it was 'never' a part of its official logo, only time will tell if the internet's collective memory of the cornucopia is actually true. For now, the company continues to deny all allegations against their logo on their social media pages, despite die hard fans claiming they know the truth. Nestled in the heart of Britain's once thriving coalfields, the village of South Moor was formerly a flourishing community of mine workers and their families. But in recent decades the area has fallen further and further into decline, with many of its once cherished facilities now shut down or depleted, while violent crimes, arson and antisocial behaviour have become commonplace. Some say the village has become a dumping ground for offenders leaving prison, while others claim drug dealers from larger cities like Newcastle have moved into the area, squeezing out local criminals. The recent shooting of a 60-year-old father in his own home shows how the crime-ridden neighbourhood has been gripped by the violent exploits of remorseless thugs. Barry Dawson, known to his friends as Buck, was gunned down in the house he shares with his son on Elm Street - just days after the life-long Magpies fan was pictured celebrating Newcastle United's first domestic trophy in 56 years. The reason this mild mannered, affable, factory worker met such a sudden and violent death is something his home community has been wrestling with ever since the fatal shot rang out in a terrace of former pit houses. Whatever tensions this may have caused among the criminal fraternity, everyone is agreed on one thing: Barry Dawson was not a part of it. Mailonline went to the former mining community of South Moor, a village which is now part of Stanley, County Durham, to get a first hand glimpse of the crime ridden neighbourhood and find out what lay behind the shocking events of April 5th. Barry Dawson, 60, (pictured) was fatally shot on Saturday April 5 Sporting his club's unmistakable black and white shirt, Barry to toasted his Newcastle United heroes with a can of bitter as they parade their first domestic trophy in 56 years - just days before his death After Barry was shot in his home, video showed there followed a momentary silence as the men run off and then the chilling sound of screams from within the house - 'They've shot my dad. No, no, no, they've shot my dad.' Neighbours begin running from their homes and into Barry's to try to help and someone shouts: 'Call an ambulance.' However when paramedics arrive within minutes there is nothing that can be done to save his life. Police launched a murder probe and quickly arrested a man and woman, who have subsequently been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice. On Friday a second man was charged with murder. Other arrests followed, with a number of people being held, and police have continued door to door enquiries in Elm Street with armed operations elsewhere in the area. On Thursday an armed response team, supported from the air by the Durham force helicopter, carried out an operation in the neighbouring village of Annfield Plain. The killing has caused shock and revulsion in South Moor, evidence, locals say, of an increasingly dangerous uptick in violent crime in the area. On Wednesday night his family organised a gathering at South Moor Exelsior Workingmen's Club and Institute, one of Barry's favourite watering holes. Barry is pictured with girlfriend Sara Daniels, who he had been in a relationship with for the past 18 months They came together to toast his memory and share stories of a well-loved son of their small community, which was built to accommodate miners working in local pits that were part of the once vast Durham coalfield. Gordon Dawson, 72, isn't related but like most people in South Moor, knows of Buck, who was born and raised there. He told Mailonline: 'I've seen him around but my brother knows him quite well. What happened to him was unbelievable, it was cowardly, cold blooded and they should bring back hanging for crimes like that. 'You have to ask, who carries a gun nowadays? Gangsters or druggies and Barry wasn't a gangster or a druggy, that's for certain. 'He was a good lad, my brother played darts with him at the club in Stanley and said you'd never meet a nicer fella. 'He worked at the KP Snacks factory at Tanfield Lea, liked a game of darts and a drink in the club, but he was no criminal. 'There have been problems around here related to drugs, it's certainly nothing like it used to be, the community feeling it once had has gone. 'But Barry Dawson was nothing to do with that, it's just very very sad and you feel for his family.' Even those closest to Barry's home are mystified by what could have led to the killing. Where was once a thriving community, there is now a struggling high street with many shops remaining shut even on a Saturday afternoon Shops keep their shutters closed on a Saturday afternoon as the main road appears absent of any local residents A derelict building site - which was once the site of a community primary school - just off the main road running through South Moor A boarded up house sits on the corner of a street in South Moor, close to the scene in Elm Street where Barry Dawson was shot dead last weekend His neighbour, who was at home in a state of shock as the shooting happened, said: 'I must have lived next door to him for about 20 years and in all that time there hasn't been a moment's trouble. 'Even though we were next door I didn't know him well but he was always friendly and spoke when we met in the street. 'He lived with his son, who is in his early twenties and he also had a girlfriend who would spend a lot of time there. 'I just can't understand what has happened here, he lived a totally normal life, went out to to work, went for a drink and came home like anyone else. 'He lived quietly and to my knowledge there had been no trouble at all at the house in the days or the weeks leading up to him being shot. 'It's so sad for him and his family and of course it's left people in the street very anxious because things like that just don't happen in places like this.' Another neighbour said the sound of people yelling in Elm Street was nothing new to him. He said: 'When I moved in here I used to rush to the window when I heard disagreements or people yelling outside. Bins pile high in the alleyway of shop in South Moor, which otherwise appears abandoned on a Saturday afternoon Yet another shop that appears abandoned along the main road running through South Moor Odd items of rubbish and even an entire fridge litter one back alley street in South Moor The site of a once bustling pub that lies next to a nursery appears overgrown and untouched for years 'But after a while I came to realise that was normal for this street and this area. There are domestics kicking off all the time and sometimes someone will get a window smashed. 'You learn to tune it out, I don't even bother looking now when I hear raised voices outside. 'So for that reason I thought nothing of what happened last weekend. I heard the bang and thought someone had slammed a car door. 'When I heard what had happened and that someone had been killed I was horrified, this area has its problems but this has taken things to a whole new level.' The most recent crime statistics back up the feeling of locals that more needs to be done to keep people safe in South Moor. There were 152 crimes reported in south Stanley in February 2025 and of those 72 were violent or sexual offences, which is almost double the figure for the northern part of the town. There were 20 cases of criminal damage and arson, 18 reported instances of antisocial behaviour and 42 listed as miscellaneous crimes. Despite being used to hearing of violent crime in the neighbourhood, Dawn Watson, 52, a friend and former colleague of Buck, was horrified to discovered he had been the victim of the worst in recent history. The village of South Moor was once a flourishing community of mine workers and their families But now the village's main street appears a husk of what is once was, with several shops remaining closed even on a Saturday afternoon Police officers on Elm Street in Stanley yesterday after a man aged 60 was fatally shot Police attended the scene on Elm Street in Stanley, County Durham, following the shooting She said: 'He was such a lovely, friendly, cheerful man, he was full of fun and just a nice person to be around. 'When I heard about the shooting, I was horrified like everyone else, you don't expect something like that in a small town like Stanley. 'But then my daughter told me it was Buck who had been shot and I was devastated, it was hard to comprehend. 'I can only think that they didn't mean to get him. He's never been involved in anything that could have led to him being the target of something like that. He was a good man and a huge miss. 'I feel for his sons in particular, to lose you dad like that is unthinkable.' Barry was father to three boys, all in their twenties, to a previous partner. One of them joined the army and all live locally. For the past 18 months he had been happily involved in a relationship with his girlfriend Sara Daniels. A relative of Ms Daniels said she was too distraught and in shock to speak about the murder. The Dawson family released a statement, saying: 'Barry was a much-loved father, granddad and partner who will be greatly missed. We are truly devastated, and his loss will leave an enormous gap in our lives.' Michael Anderson, 60, also paid tribute. He said: 'I have known him since I was five years old, he was a really good lad. 'I saw something on Saturday saying there was a load of ambulances and police cars flying down South Moor. Then my mate rang and said his name. I just couldn't believe it when I heard it was him. I'm still in shock now. You just don't expect someone you know to be shot dead. 'He was a great bloke. He never got into any bother. He had a good life and enjoyed his life. He's the last person you would expect anything like this to happen to. He was very well known, and very well liked. That's what makes it even more shocking. It's just really, really sad. We just have to hope the family gets justice.' On Thursday a man and a woman from Annfield Plain appeared before Newton Aycliffe magistrates court and were remanded in custody. Kevin Dorward, 38, is charged with murder and Michaela Hetherington, 35, is accused of perverting the course of justice by lying that a car had been stolen. Prosecutor John Garside told the court that the incident leading up to the murder at 5.30pm on Saturday April 5 began earlier that afternoon in Annfield Plain. The Crown alleges that the car reported as stolen by Hetherington was actually used to carry assailants to South Moor and was later burnt out. Michaela Hetherington, 35, (pictured) is charged with perverting the course of justice by falsely telling police that a car had been stolen Ms Hetherington allegedly reported the car as stolen Paul Donoghue, for Hetherington, said she was not involved in the murder, saying: 'This lady does not accept to being part of that activity.' Judge Steven Hood remanded both in custody. He told Hetherington: 'Your case will be brought before Durham Crown Court where you will be able to make an application for bail.' A second man has also appeared in court charged with the murder. Thomas Lee Sterling was arrested on Wednesday evening and the 21-year-old, of Stanley, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on Friday morning. He did not enter any pleas and was remanded into custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, April 14. A Durham Police spokesman said: 'A 47-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the death handed himself in yesterday afternoon and has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody today. 'A 49-year-old woman and 20-year-old man were also arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have since been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out. 'Detectives continue to work around-the-clock on the case and a significant police presence in the community will continue as all lines of enquiry are thoroughly investigated.' Within weeks of his marriage to his young bride Frances Shea in April 1965, Reggie Kray was taking out his anger on her during the sadistic and violent rages horribly familiar to anyone who crossed him and his twin Ronnie during their reign of terror in Londons East End. One night, knowing how morbidly squeamish his 21-year-old wife was, he deliberately cut his own hand and bled all over her. Such abuse was all too typical in a relationship dominated by the fear which left Frances in the throes of breakdown and drugs, and led to tragedy two years later. Things started miserably on their honeymoon in Athens. Black-and-white photos taken at the Acropolis show an unhappy, uncomfortable couple, completely at odds with their surroundings and with each other. Most nights, Reggie went out drinking, often leaving Frances alone in their hotel and, according to the Krays business associate Micky Fawcett, failed to consummate the marriage. Fawcett recalled how, just after they returned from Greece, the newlyweds joined him for a drink at the Krays El Morocco club in Soho. Id hardly said hello before she said in front of him, Do you know he hasnt laid a finger on me in all the time weve been away? Reggie himself didnt sound angry, though, just defeated. Cor, Im glad its you shes told, he said sadly and no one else. Ten years older than his virginal bride, Reggie had been having covert sex with men since his teens. Even as he died in October 2000, his second wife Roberta and his long-term former boyfriend sat on either side of the bed. Frances Shea and Reggie Kray on their wedding day, in a photo taken by David Bailey The couple outside their Bethnal Green home in east London As I described in yesterdays Mail, he had once tried to pounce on Francess older brother Frankie, who would later claim that Reggie only started dating his sister in revenge for Frankie rejecting his advances. Reggie had also had frequent one-night stands with women, usually nightclub hostesses and prostitutes, both before and probably during his courtship of Frances. Yet, while he later confided in Micky Fawcett that he could have sex with these women, Frances was different. He had a bit of a Madonna complex about her, Fawcett told me. In his mind she was an idol, nothing to do with love between a man and a woman. Somehow he felt she shouldnt indulge in sex. Whether Reggie could not consummate the marriage because he preferred men or because he simply could not bring himself to damage or defile Francess purity in any way remains an unanswered question. What we do know is that he succeeded in defiling her mentally, totally destroying her peace of mind as they attempted to live as man and wife. He moved them into a flat below Ronnies in Cedra Court, a 1930s block in Clapton, East London. He could have chosen so many other places to live but Reggie wasnt comfortable anywhere away from his twin. Hed wanted Frances; hed got her. Now there were three of them in the marriage, a terrified young wife, an intense, obsessive husband and a jealous madman who detested the sight of her and saw her as a threat to their twinship. At Cedra Court, Reggie made considerable efforts to provide a comfortable home with new furniture and plush carpeting and Frances was pampered beyond reason. Hed buy her anything she wanted. But he was so intensively possessive that she became virtually a prisoner. Sure, she could go shopping whenever she fancied, buy what she liked as long as someone from the Firm accompanied her. And none of this could compensate for the living hell Frances was descending into, the twins erratic, booze-soaked, criminal way of life. Reggie kept a loaded firearm by the side of their bed, along with an arsenal of other weapons including a chopper and a flick knife under his pillow. On the nights when they stayed home at Cedra Court, Reggie would down his first gin of the evening, leave Frances to the telly and climb the stairs to Ronnies flat where hed remain until the small hours. Once in bed, it would be impossible for Frances to nod off without a sleeping pill: the noise from the flat above, where Ronnie constantly partied and entertained his friends, was unbearable. Attempting to question or remonstrate with her drunken husband when he finally returned made everything worse. On and on hed go, ranting and raving, swearing and shouting, threatening to hurt her and kill her family, until, finally, the taunts would stop and hed lie down and pass out. It was at Cedra Court that he terrorised Frances by dripping his own blood on to her but that wasnt the worst of it. On one occasion, Ronnie brandished a sword at Frances, saying, Ill put this through you, then started laughing, pretending it was a joke. On another night, Reggie and Ronnie returned to Cedra Court where Rons bodyguard Billy Exley had been left behind to make sure that Frances didnt leave the flat. While Ronnie retired with one of the many young men who were his sexual partners, Reggie and a hostess hed brought back went to the bedroom where Frances was out cold from the sleeping tablets the twins had made her take before they went out. Waking up in the morning, Frances was horrified to find that she had been an unwitting and unwilling participant in a bizarre three-in-a-bed with Reggie and the other woman but when she tried to get out of the room the door was locked. When she did finally get out, Billy Exley was forced to watch as Reggie slapped her to calm her down. Eventually, Ron came into the room and grabbed her as she made a dash for it, taking her back into the bedroom where Exley heard him telling Reggie to stuff pills down her throat to keep her quiet. Her diary records how, whenever Ronnie was around, Reggie talked to her like a pig, swearing at her and abusing her verbally, and frequently telling her to shut your mouth. He was always arguing with her in front of his family at their home in Vallance Road and Ronnie was happy to join in. One night he started talking about girls writing letters to the twins, and how they were going to take them out, a speech aimed at tormenting her. Already an anxious young woman even before she met Reggie, Frances became overwhelmed with fear and depression. According to her diary, she had to keep on at Reggie for what she called tablet money implying that she was already reliant on certain types of medication thanks to the debilitating emotional decline she experienced just weeks after their wedding. Ronnie (left) with Reggie and Frances at their wedding Frances Shea (far left) and Reggie (far left) with Barbara Windsor and her husband Ronnie Knight in Soho in 1965 Maureen Flanagan, a former Page Three Girl who was a regular visitor to Vallance Road in the Sixties, remembered the brooding atmosphere. Every time Ronnie wanted his twin and Reg said, Im with Frances that would cause even more rows between the twins, she explained. And it was even more obvious how much she disliked Ronnie if he turned up while she was there. Her face told you the story. As soon as he came in the door, she couldnt wait to get out. Shed pick up her bag and say, Are we goin, Reg? As she became increasingly down, Reggie arranged for her to see the same psychiatrist who had prescribed antidepressants for Ronnie. After a week in a private hospital, she moved in with her parents who forbade Reggie from even entering their house. Once safely back with her family, Frances recounted some of what had been going on. Her husband, she told her mother, was perverted and didnt make love to her at all. On one occasion hed attempted to take her from behind, as if she were a boy. She felt ashamed, soiled, degraded. She said she didnt believe any other man would want her now. Reggie had no intention of staying away and letting her get better. Instead, he stood outside the house in the early evenings and talked to her as she stood at her open bedroom window. It would have been romantic if he had not then got back into his car to be driven back to his smoke-filled clubs, his twin, the hostesses, the minders the life he couldnt relinquish for the love of Frances. Rather than searching inside himself to understand why his wife, so fragile emotionally, had been driven to breaking point following her exposure to his crazy and scary world, he blamed her family for the breakdown of the marriage. Theyd interfered, hed thunder to himself in his brooding drunken rages. Hed show that old cow Elsie, Francess mum, what Reggie Kray did to people like her. He sent anonymous letters to Frank Senior, Francess dad, saying his wife was sleeping with other men. He wrote to the men Elsie worked with, claiming she was anyones for the asking. He even got someone to go round to the Shea house in the dead of night and damage the familys Mini. Things only got worse as Ronnies illness created the terrible unpredictability that culminated in the shooting dead of rival gangster George Cornwell in the Blind Beggar Pub in Whitechapel in March 1966. A pointless murder carried out by a homicidal schizophrenic, and played out in full view of the pubs staff and customers, it confirmed to the Shea family what they were dealing with something way beyond anyones control, including the law. Two weeks after the Cornell killing, with Ronnie in hiding and Reggie making sure that witnesses knew exactly what would happen to them if they didnt keep their mouths shut, Frances visited a firm of solicitors and changed her surname back to Shea by deed poll. She then told Reggie that she wanted the marriage annulled because it had not been consummated. He said he would handle the petition through his solicitors but in reality he did nothing. Frances was now more or less dependent on her medication. The smallest thing could have her reaching for her packet of pills, legally prescribed by the doctors and now a consistent feature in her life. She was in a bad way and spent several months in a psychiatric ward at the local hospital where she was given ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) as well as drugs four times a day. The young woman who finally left the hospital in the autumn of 1966, just before her 23rd birthday, was nothing like the beautiful bride in their wedding photos, taken by David Bailey. She looked drawn, like someone who had just given up, remembered her friend Maureen Flanagan. It was all too much for her. She could never be scruffy or untidy, but she had no make-up on, was pale, white as a ghost, like a little will-o-the-wisp: not really there. That October, she was readmitted to hospital after taking an overdose of barbiturates. Another suicide attempt in January 1967 saw Frances barricading herself into the front room of her parents house, and turning on the gas fire without lighting it. Her father found her in the nick of time. But that June, by which time she was staying with her brother Frankie, he took his sister a cup of tea in bed one afternoon and found her dead. Shed taken a huge number of sleeping pills and there was a strange half-smile on her face that was to haunt him down the years. To Frankie, it was as if she was saying: Im happy now. His beautiful sister had found her way out. Reggie, upon seeing Frances lying there, lifeless, lost to him for good, was overwhelmed with grief. He drank himself into oblivion that afternoon and spent the night on the floor beside her body, weeping and wallowing in his hatred for the Sheas. He believed them responsible for this terrible thing. He wanted to kill them. What happened next was a measure of his dogged determination to possess Frances Shea to the grave and beyond. After she had been taken to the mortuary, he didnt waste a minute, driving around to her parents house and then her brothers flat, and demanding every single item belonging to Frances. Her engagement ring. All her jewellery. All the letters between them. Even her make-up. There was no pity or concern for the family of the girl he claimed to love, just a savage ransacking of Elsie and Frank Sheas daughters life, both to terrorise them and lest anything in her belongings might betray his image and incriminate Reggie as the monster controller he was. Ignoring the familys wishes, he insisted she would have a send-off befitting her celebrity status. Id given her the East Ends wedding of the year, he told John Pearson, author of a history of the Krays. Now I was giving her the East Ends funeral of the year. Costing todays equivalent of around 30,000, it was as ostentatious as Reggie wished and the more modest wreaths from Francess family were dwarfed by enormous floral displays from the Krays underworld contacts. They darent send anything less, as Reggies right-hand man Albert Donoghue recalled. I had to go and check all the bouquets, see who had sent flowers and then tell Reggie whod been missing, he said. Hed remember that. It was sick. After the service, the mourners were transported in ten huge black limousines to Chingford Mount Cemetery, where Reg had purchased a large burial plot, his intention to be buried there with Frances, along with all the other members of the Kray family. At the grave, as his wifes coffin was lowered into the earth, Reggie wept as everyone watched in silence. It was a classic Hollywood performance, a ritual demonstrated to show the world how Reggie Kray had loved and lost his wife. As Reggies right-hand man, Albert Donoghue said: He was a good actor. If Frances was mentioned afterwards, hed start to cry. It was either remorse or acting. Within a few months, the grief-stricken husband would be finding comfort in the arms of a 23-year-old woman but he looked haggard and drawn. Tormented, drunk nearly all the time, and more under the influence of his twin than at any time before, Reggie now started to take out his rage on virtually any random target, egged on by Ronnie. Helpful as ever, Ron told him about a small-time criminal, who had been rude about Frances and Reggie went round to the mans house and shot him in the leg. Another man was knifed for some half-imagined slight. Both victims survived so this wasnt enough for his twin who kept reminding him that he hadnt yet done what he, Ronnie, had done that night in the Blind Beggar pub. Only murder by Reggies hand, he insisted, would seal their bond, reinforce their legend as killer twins. By now, Reggie was teetering on the edge of a breakdown and the increasing amounts of drink and drugs he was taking as a result of Francess death may well explain why just four months later he so brutally stabbed to death Jack The Hat McVitie, a fellow gangster who had bottled out of killing someone but kept the fee the twins had paid him. Since this and the murder of George Cornwell were the crimes which finally led to the twins being sentenced to life in jail at the Old Bailey in March 1969, it might be argued that Frances had played an indirect role in bringing about their downfall from beyond the grave. Yet, as ever, it was Reggie who sought the upper hand and he got his revenge on her and her family with the extravagant Italian marble headstone he had engraved for her. In one of her suicide notes, Frances referred to having changed her name back to Shea and expressed relief that this would be the name on her headstone. But instead it read in loving memory of my darling wife Frances Elsie Kray. All attempts by her family to have the headstone replaced with one bearing Francess maiden name were blocked by Reggie. There it remains to this day. And even close to half a century on from her suicide at the age of 23, total strangers visit her final resting place, place flowers on her grave and ponder the short existence of a young woman who remains permanently linked to the evil Kray twins. Jacky Hyams. Adapted from Frances Kray The Tragic Bride by Jacky Hyams (John Blake, 9.99). To order a copy for 8.99 (offer valid to 26/04/25; UK p&p free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Four members of the most famous 'bunch of nurses' in Britain are wondering how things might have panned out if they hadn't been, as one of them puts it, 'just a bunch of female nurses'. Lisa Lockey, 52, who has spent 35 years working for the NHS, poses an alternative scenario to illustrate her theory. 'Say one of us did this just changed our name, and without any other evidence that we were transitioning, walked into the male changing room, believing we had every right to be in there, in our bra and knickers, as the men got undressed. How would that have been received? 'You can joke about it and say, 'Oh the men would love that', but in all seriousness, I don't think they would like it at all. 'I also think that if the male surgeons, anaesthetists and consultants in that male changing room had something to say about the situation, it would be dealt with very differently from the off. 'It's the difference between men and women, isn't it? Men are listened to way more than women are, unfortunately.' (L-R) Tracey Hooper, Annice Grundy, Lisa Lockey and Bethany Hutchinson are preparing for their courtroom showdown after they were treated 'like naughty schoolgirls' following a complaint against a transgender NHS nurse using their changing room We will never know how that hypothetical situation would have turned out, but we do know what happened when 26 nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital Lisa included spoke up after they found themselves in a similar, albeit reverse, situation. Back in 2023, to their abject horror, they discovered that they were expected to undress alongside a biological male colleague who went by the name of Rose and identified as a woman even while striding around in boxer shorts, male genitalia very much intact and in evidence. After questioning whether this could possibly be right, and saying they felt threatened and intimidated by the presence of a male in the female changing room one, it is important to note, who was not taking hormones, and had been open about the fact that 'she' was sexually active and trying for a baby with 'her' female partner the nurses were told by their HR department that they were the ones with the problem. They needed to 'broaden their mindset', they were told. To be more 'inclusive'. They also needed to be 're-educated'. Their anger is still palpable today. 'We were treated like naughty schoolgirls,' says Tracey Hooper, 46, who has clocked up more than 20 years as a nurse and thought she was unshockable. 'When we raised genuine concerns, the message was, 'Shut up and go away.' ' In a move that may well be recorded in the history books, the Darlington Nurses now heroines to many refused to be silenced. Eight of them not only went public with their concerns, even in the face of threats of disciplinary action and warnings that they could lose their jobs, but effectively went to war against their own bosses. They launched an extraordinary legal action against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, accusing it of sexual harassment and discrimination, claiming that the trans-inclusive agenda was effectively trampling over women's hard-fought rights. On April 2, five of them: Lisa, Tracey, together with colleagues Bethany Hutchison, Annice Grundy and Joanne Bradbury, attended court for the preliminary hearing of this landmark case one that could have ramifications for every public sector organisation in Britain. Although the case had been scheduled to start in June, the Trust asked for more time to conclude its internal investigation and will now be heard in October. But already the nurses have notched up a victory: they objected to an application for the transgender colleague concerned Rose Henderson to be granted anonymity during the proceedings, and won. The judge ruled that allowing Rose's identity to be concealed would be against the principle of open justice. Bethany, 37, the youngest of the nurses but the one who led the revolt, explains why they feel it was important for Rose to be identified. 'I like to quote my friend Sandie Peggie on this [a Scottish nurse who has taken similar legal action north of the border]. She says privacy is for changing rooms, not courtrooms. 'This case isn't about Rose our issues are with the Trust, not Rose personally. 'But at the same time I think it's important that the public sees what we are dealing with here. 'Most people don't have any idea, because the name Rose conjures up images of a delicate, fragile sort of person. This is not a delicate sort of person this is a big, burly bloke.' The four women objected to an application for their transgender colleague Rose Henderson to be granted anonymity during the proceedings, and won Having already faced accusations that they are bigoted transphobic bullies astonishingly, including from their former union representative the women want every twist and turn of this debacle to be laid bare in a courtroom. Lisa says: 'I think the public will be astonished at what women are being asked to accept. It's completely crazy. 'This isn't a group of mouthy women who are twisting against a poor transgender person who is just trying to quietly live their life. It is not. It's about so much more. 'It baffles me that people keep saying this is a trans issue. What we are dealing with is a man who is obviously attracted to women being in the female changing room, which is supposed to be a safe space.' It is striking that every single time these women refer to Rose they use the he/him pronouns. They all see a clear difference between the transgender patients they've treated using preferred pronouns and there have been a few and Rose. 'It's about respect,' says Lisa. 'But there is no mutual respect with Rose. He's not bothered. There is no consideration there. It's like rocking up to a party you haven't been invited to.' It feels terribly wrong, too, that such an almighty fight is being left to ordinary nurses. Some of the most powerful people in the land up to and including Health Secretary Wes Streeting have paid lip service to backing them, yet still it has come down to these women putting their careers on the line. While they may have the backing of high-profile supporters such as J. K. Rowling ('millions of women stand with the Darlington nurses,' she has said), they do not have her financial cushion. As we sort the logistics for this interview, the madness of what they feel they have to do 'for our daughters, and for everyone's daughters,' says Annice, 55 becomes apparent. These warrior women, as they have been dubbed, are all working mothers with varying shift patterns and giddying to-do lists. They have children to be picked up from nursery, grandchildren to mind. Accommodating others is their default setting, even off duty. Annice, who works full time, and has 'a son, a daughter, a stepdaughter, five grandchildren and a mum who was widowed three years ago', apologises for having to tweak the timings. She has to run an elderly neighbour to a hospital appointment. It is also obvious that these are the sort of women for whom making others feel comfortable is hardwired. There is a moment where I ask Lisa how many children she has is it two or three? 'Now I don't want you to feel mortified when I tell you...' she begins, before explaining she has two living sons, but lost her daughter to cancer when she was four years old. And yet these are the women who will walk into a courtroom, knowing they are going to be called uncaring bigots with nothing better to do than cause trouble. Of course they are terrified, but point out they are acting for so many others who can't put their heads above the parapet including the international nurses who dare not speak out for fear of losing their visas and right to work. Even so, they are acutely aware of how much is at risk. 'Of course it's a worry,' says Bethany. 'It's my livelihood, my career and I love my job.' You do wonder if the HR managers at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust ever called up Bethany's file before they told her she needed re-educating. This is a woman with three degrees, including yes, really a master's in disaster management. She downplays the academia, joking about her convoluted path to the NHS wards: she studied environmental development at university, then a stint working on a malaria project in West Africa as part of her dissertation sparked a passion for nursing. 'The plan was to kind of save the world, maybe work for Medecins Sans Frontieres, but that stopped when I married and had children,' she laughs. The irony, though... the woman who could have had a career on the front line has indeed found herself on a battlefield, leading her own little army. She baulks at that suggestion, however. 'I don't see myself as any sort of warrior woman,' she says. None of them do. Annice points out that before she was a nurse she used to be a store manager for Laura Ashley hardly a training ground for 'this sort of thing'. The tribunal expects to hear from 30 witnesses, these women and Rose included. Doubtless there will be debate about who said what and when, but what's striking about the women's accounts today is the sense that full conflict could have been avoided if they'd been listened to. It isn't known exactly when Rose began to identify as a woman, but they had been vaguely aware of a transgender nurse working at the hospital for several years, but no one thought much of it. Lisa recalls her first encounter with Rose, in the summer of 2023. 'I walked in to get changed one day and heard a male voice. At first, I thought I'd come in the wrong door, but then I remembered the transgender person.' When she saw Rose, however, she was shocked. 'I expected someone in women's clothes, but although he has long hair he just wears jeans and a T-shirt. I can't stress this enough he looks and dresses like a man.' She was embarrassed to strip off in front of 'this obvious man', so she didn't. 'I rummaged about in my bag and pretended to be busy until he left.' Her second encounter with Rose came some weeks later, after a busy shift. 'It was as busy as I'd ever seen it, some people coming off shift, some going on. There were bodies boobs and bums, basically everywhere. Then I saw Rose just walking about chatting to everyone. 'I'm not the sort who strips off anyway, and I remember thinking, 'Well, I'm not getting undressed in front of you,' so gathered my things up and went to the toilet cubicle. I was in there for quite a while, but when I came out Rose was still there, walking about. I remember thinking, 'How long does it take you to get changed?' ' Although she insists there was no confrontation, 'I did detect a look... a sort of, 'I dare you to say something'. But I just smiled and left.' Lisa stresses that she went home that day thinking she was the problem and that she needed to be 'more accepting'. The Mail on Sunday revealed the nurses' complaints last summer Yet in their break-room, the nurses started nervously talking about how Rose's presence was making them feel uncomfortable. Nor could the women ignore the fact that Rose had been open with colleagues about not taking female hormones through a desire to try for a baby. Mind-blowing. A major flag came when some of the international nurses 'whose religion or culture forbids them from undressing in front of men who aren't their husbands' began to share their distress. Some began to wear to wear leggings and T-shirts under their clothes, to avoid ever being undressed when they changed into their uniforms. Bethany was the one who first spoke to superiors. She says: 'I had a word with the sister on the ward, and she spoke to senior management, who said there was nothing they could do because of the Trust's inclusiveness policy.' At the same time, however, Bethany says she was taken aside by a clearly upset colleague. 'She approached me cautiously, bless her. She said she was glad I'd raised it because she'd been abused as a child, by a man, and had been having panic attacks in the changing room because she had to get dressed with a man in there. 'That was it for me. I thought, 'This is wrong.'' By now Bethany had sought legal advice, and was furiously reading up on the law around safeguarding. Word had swept through the hospital that the nurses were not accepting the status quo. Lisa recalls the relief. 'I remember thinking, 'Oh, it's not just me then. Good.' That was when the ball started rolling, slowly.' That was in August 2023, although the first formal complaint was made in April 2024, when the women felt they were out of other options. The women are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre. Chief Executive Andrea Williams says that accountability and justice in this case was 'long overdue', adding: It is completely unacceptable that ideological radicals within NHS management have turned what should be a safe and supportive workplace into a cultural battleground.' A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: '[We are] fully committed to supporting all members of our staff and ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment. We recognise legal proceedings are under way and we are engaging with the process in full accordance with employment law and the tribunal's instructions. As this case is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail.' This case will pivot on how the Trust reacted to the women's concerns, and questions will surely be asked about why this matter has dragged on for so long. Bethany insists that for the best part of a year they were 'stonewalled, dismissed, made to feel that we just didn't matter'. She adds: 'All that was coming back was 'inclusivity'. A particular low was when one HR manager said she wouldn't have a problem undressing in front of a man, 'because she was ex-Forces.'' All accuse the Trust of heavy-handedness. There was a warning that speaking publicly about the case 'would not be helpful'. Some developments were unnecessarily confrontational. The nurses turned up for work one day, to find a notice taped on the changing room door indicating it was now 'inclusive'. They saw it as a slap-in-the-face confirmation that Rose's rights trumped theirs. A request that separate changing facilities be made available to Rose was rejected. Instead they were offered a small locker room little more than a cupboard with one hook on the back of the door to change in. Rose has not tried to use this room but 'that's not the point,' argues Bethany. 'It's the policy that's wrong. It's not about individual rooms.' Lisa steps in: 'It probably doesn't sound like it, but none of us wish Rose ill,' she says. 'The fault here likes with the Trust, which has allowed this situation to happen. The common sense thing would have been to do what we asked for in the first place - create a third changing space for transgender people.' She chats for a minute about the layout of the hospital, suggesting where this could be. I ask about the size of the designated male changing room. 'I've no idea,' she says, surprised. 'I've never been in it.' Why would she? Eight people have been placed under formal investigation for manslaughter following the death of a British ex RAF test pilot in Italy. Experienced flyer Dave Ashley, 49, died after his Leonardo Spa Aermacchi M346 plane crashed into a snow-covered mountain side three years ago. The jet went down minutes after taking off. Shortly after it had stopped responding and although father of two Mr Ashley and his copilot Giampaolo Goattin ejected, he was killed. Now MailOnline can reveal that prosecutors have decided to investigate Goattin, 43, and seven Leonardo Spa executives on suspicion of manslaughter following a lengthy investigation. Now MailOnline can reveal that prosecutors have decided to pursue charges against Goattin, 43, and seven Leonardo Spa executives with manslaughter following a lengthy investigation. Goattin had told prosecutors the plane stopped responding after they performed a 'loop the loop' and they both ejected as it slammed into Mt Legone near Lecco. Tragically Mr Ashley landed violently into the rock face, while Goattin was able to grab onto a tree branch poking out from the mountain and he was found by a search and rescue team. Initially the Italian pilot was hailed a hero for steering the plane away from a nearby village, but prosecutor Ezio Domenico Basso has now decided to send the eight before an investigating judge who will decide whether to charge them. Eight people have been placed under formal investigation for manslaughter following the death of British ex RAF test pilot Dave Ashley, 49 Mr Ashley was married to wife Heather, and they had two sons, and three years before the accident survived another crash. He is pictured with his wife Heather in 2019 Goattin and the seven executives from Leonardo Spa are accused of negligent disaster and involuntary manslaughter because of the alleged violation of accident prevention regulations. Prosecution sources say the plane's avionics systems had not yet been completed and as a result it was subject to limitations that were breached during the 'loop the loop'. Italian media have claimed the plane was being rushed through tests as half a dozen had bene ordered by the Turkmenistan government and the order needed to be completed. Mr Basso added:' Responsibilities and contributions within a chain must be weighed.' One source said:' The plane was not mechanically ready, and it should have not been in Ashley's hands.' Footage from the rime of the crash in March 2022 showed black smoke billowing up from the side of the 8,200 ft mountain. The black box data recorder was recovered as were transcripts and all form part of the investigation. At the time a leaked report said the electronics of the fly-by-wire system were shorted by a solar storm, but this is now thought not to be the case. Mr Ashley was married to wife Heather, and they had two sons, and three years before the accident survived another crash. Mr Ashley was flying a M-346 trainer aircraft (pictured) which crashed during a 'test flight' in the mountains north of Lake Como The plane went down near the town of Colico, near Lake Como (Pictured) in Italy at approximately 12:00pm on March 16 after it was conducting tests for the Italian Armed Forces Mr Ashley joined the RAF on a scholarship at 17 and spent 18 years in the military before joining BAE Systems as a fighter pilot instructor Pictured: Heather Ashley, widow of David Ashley, arriving at Bournemouth Town Hall in 2022 The former RAF Harrier and F18 pilot sustained a broken back, hip and ankle and a fractured eye socket during air combat manoeuvres while training in Qatar in July 2019. His mask and visors were torn off during ejection and hit an object which shattered his eye socket. Initially it was feared he had lost sight of his right eye after what he later described as a 'particularly severe' parachute landing while his back was already broken. Mr Ashley joined the RAF on a scholarship as a 17-yearold spent 18 years in the military before joining BAE Systems as pilot instructor. The family oved back from the Middle East to Poole in Dorset to help his rehabilitation. A pre-inquest review has also been held in Bournemouth and a further one is scheduled later this month and evidence from the Italian case will be submitted. At the first inquest in 2023 coroner Rachael Griffin criticised Leonardo Spa for 'obstructing' her investigation and turned down its applications to suspend the proceedings. At the hearing Mrs Ashley also criticised the manufacturer for having no 'corporate morals'. The former RAF Harrier and F18 pilot sustained a broken back, hip and ankle and a fractured eye socket during air combat manoeuvres while training in Qatar in July 2019. He is pictured with wife Heather The recovery of Mr Ashley's body in Italy was filmed She said: 'There is no respect at all for my husband where are the ethics when they say they can't comply with directions from the coroner. 'My primary concern is to prevent his happening again.' Paying tribute to her husband Mrs Ashley said' He was quite some man, he certainly lived his life to the full and thanks goodness he did because sadly it was cut too short. 'I can't possibly began to explain how big a hole he has left.' The family have filed a High Court claim against Leonardo seeking 1 million in damages which has been resolved. A statement on behalf of the family from their legal representative James Healy-Pratt, of Keystone Law, said:'Mr David Ashley died in a tragic accident on 16 March 2022 on Mt Legone in Lombardy, northern Italy. 'A civil action was commended in the English High Court which involved the manufacturer of the jet Leonardo Spa and the other pilot involved. 'The parties confirm that a full resolution has been reached to the satisfaction of all parties.' A lorry driver with 40 years of experience travelling back and forth across the Channel says he wants to 'pack it up' after receiving thousands of pounds in fines by Border Force officials - the latest one for failing to properly attach a small door seal. Gary Probert, 65, has accused the Home Office of landing freight workers with 'disproportionate' financial penalties in efforts aimed at stopping asylum seekers crossing over from Europe to the UK. He was shocked to receive a letter demanding 1,500 at risk of having his vehicle seized after officials spotted a plastic seal connecting to a padlock on his lorry had not been fastened tightly enough. No one infiltrated his lorry during the journey - but he says he has also been punished to the tune of thousands of pounds after migrants sliced their way through plastic sheeting to stow away on board. On that occasion three years ago he says he was the one who alerted the trespassers to officials, after they got in while he slept on an overnight journey from Zeebrugge. But Mr Probert, from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, and his firm were landed with a 2,500 fine for having an 'unsecured goods vehicle' in breach of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 including the Carriers' Liability Regulations 2002. He is now speaking out after a British couple were fined 1,500 after it was discovered how a migrants had got into their caravan on a trip back from France. Adrian and Joanne Fenton had the penalty rescinded last month, after a public outcry over their treatment as the couple had been oblivious to their unwanted human cargo. Experienced international lorry driver Gary Probert, 65, from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, has told of being fined thousands of pounds for allegedly having an 'unsecured goods vehicle' His most recent 1,500 fine was over the plastic seal on a cable connecting to his lorry He has been working as a cross-Channel freight driver for 40 years - pictured are hundreds of trucks biund for Britain on the access ramp to the Channel Tunnel in Calais in December 2020 Now Mr Probert says he and many of his fellow cross-Channel lorry drivers should receive leniency themselves, as they face the prospect of 'life-changing' financial punishment as they go about their daily journeys. The latest fine came after he failed to complete the fixing of a plastic seal on a secure connection between his vehicle and the trailer - which he accepts was his human error, but one that he believes it was unfairly penalised. He told MailOnline: 'It can be life-changing, these sums of money.' Such misdemeanours can land both the driver and the transport firm employing them with separate fines - meaning a double whammy for self-employed drivers who run their own individual firms. Mr Probert said of the highlighted problem with his lorry's door: 'It was failing to click the plastic seal together that cost me 1,500. 'It's not proportionate to the nature of the "crime" - well, it's not a crime. I'd put the seal in place in Dunkirk but forgot to click it just how they say it should be. They said I'd failed to secure it. 'Border Force refer to it as unsecured - but A, it was padlocked, and B, on checking - as I knew - there were no persons inside. 'If I decided not to pay, I was warned any vehicle I could be driving through the port in future could be held and impounded - together with the goods on board.' Mr Probert said of the highlighted problem with his lorry's door: 'It was failing to click the plastic seal together that cost me 1,500' He says the lorry remained safely padlocked and the cable was connected but was deemed not to have 'clicked' correctly into place The plastic seal clips on to a security cable which runs along the back of his lorry, running through a buckle. He said: 'The fatal day I got done, I locked the trailer with a padlock - the trailer was fully padlocked, but I forgot to snap the seal on the two ends of the cord. That was my mistake, which I admit to, and that cost me 1,500.' Mr Probert claimed that vehicles with British registration plates were more likely to face penalties, deemed more likely to be pursued for payment rather than counterparts based overseas. Mr Probert said: 'They never prosecute or detain foreign vehicles for failing to secure the plastic seal - we see many on the ferry and, when you ask them, they have never been challenged. 'It is because it's harder to get the money off foreign registration trucks' firms. 'If they detain a foreign vehicle, they have the problem of, where is the driver going to sleep? What can we do with him? 'If it's a driver with a UK home address, it's not a problem - and not a level playing field at all. 'I've done this job for 40 years and I've loved it - but now I want to pack it up. The job's being ruined. Gary Probert regularly travels back and forth across the Channel delivering goods He demonstrated how his vehicle was padlocked and no one could get inside nor had done so He said of the Fentons' case and their financial penalty being waived: 'I'm happy for them. But we get fined every time - every single time.' Mr Probert recalled of the incident three years ago in which two asylum seekers 'sliced the roof open with a Stanley knife', how he reported it to ferry officials as well as Border Force staff at the time. He said: 'The only way they could have got in was by coming in through the roof. I could prove my trailer was locked. 'Staff said, "We believe you" - then eight months later I get a summons for 1,500.' In the case of caravan owners Mr and Mrs Fenton, they were taken aback to discover a Sudanese man inside the rain cover of their bike rack when they arrived back at their Essex home following a long drive back from Calais. The couple immediately called police, who took the man away for processing. Yet just over two months later, the pair were issued with a 1,500 fine by the Home Office for failing to 'check that no clandestine entrant was concealed' in the camper van. Amid widespread astonishment at their punishment, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month said he was 'concerned' about this case, and it was 'important' that it was looked into. The plastic seal demonstrated by Gary Probert clips on to a security cable which runs along the back of his lorry, running through buckles He has previously been fined after migrants appeared to have sliced their way into his vehicle by taking a knife to plastic sheeting on the roof Mr Fenton then told MailOnline how the Home Office subsequently waived the fine although without cancelling the penalty. He said: 'We're obviously both really pleased that the fine is being rescinded and very grateful for all the public support we've had. 'But we still believe the law should be changed so innocent holidaymakers like us don't get caught up in the same trap as we did and fined.' The couple had bought the campervan after Mr Fenton retired following a 28-year career with the London Fire Brigade which saw him rise to become assistant deputy chief commissioner. The shock stowaway discovery came after Mr and Mrs Fenton returned to their home in Heybridge, Essex, on October 15 last year after a four-day trip to the Champagne region of France their first journey abroad in the vehicle. The Fentons believe the man zipped his way inside the bike carrier after they stopped at a French supermarket before getting onto the shuttle ferry to come back home. Mr Fenton, 55, told how they were unpacking after the trip when he unzipped the cover and spotted 'two white trainers' with 'legs attached to them'. Realising there was a stowaway 'contorted' around their bikes, he immediately shouted at his wife to call the police, saying he was 'thinking of the guy's welfare, and of our safety'. Joanne and Adrian Fenton were ordered to pay 1,500 by the Home Office when they reported a migrant clinging to the back of their motorhome after returning from France Having spotted the Sudanese migrant, Mr Fenton immediately shouted at his wife to call the police, saying he was thinking of the guy's welfare, and of our safety Mr Fenton added: 'I didn't know whether he was on drugs, whether he had a weapon. This was our home.' When police arrived to process the intruder, Mr Fenton followed his training as a first responder to video what followed 'purely for evidential reasons' footage which helped the encounter go viral. Officers at the scene treated the couple as the victims of crime right down to establishing a crime incident number should they need to make a claim about damage to property. But then instead of being thanked by the authorities for their civic mindedness, the Fentons were contacted by the Home Office in February and told they were going to be fined 1,500. Officials cited asylum and immigration legislation legislation introduced in 2023 that the Fentons knew applied to lorry drivers, but had no idea was relevant to them. They were told it had been their responsibility to 'check that no clandestine entrant was concealed' in their vehicle. When asked for comment before the fine was waived, the Home Office said penalties which can be up to a maximum of 10,000 - were 'designed to target negligence rather than criminality'. They stressed that contacting the authorities was a 'huge mitigating factor' in how people are dealt with in these cases. The couple were left fearing the bizarre and unfair outcome would prevent people from 'doing the right thing' if they found themselves in a similar situation Pictured: The bike rack on the back of the motorhome, which they bought after Mr Fenton retired following a 28-year career with the London Fire Brigade A spokesperson said: 'Responsible persons who have fully complied with the actions laid out in the carriers liability amendment regulations of 2023 will receive a reduced penalty. The scheme is designed to target negligence, rather than criminality. 'We would expect drivers who are actively involved in people smuggling to be investigated and prosecuted in the courts. 'Increased fines, new maximum penalty levels and a new penalty for failing to adequately secure a goods vehicle came into force on February 13, 2023, to prevent dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK.' MailOnline has contacted the Home Office regarding Mr Probert's complaints. Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of appeasing Beijing by waving through plans for a new Chinese 'super-embassy' in London which will include 'spy dungeons' in the heart of the City. Planning documents for the controversial embassy on the site of the Royal Mint buildings include 'two suites of anonymous unlabelled basement rooms and a tunnel', with their exact purpose 'redacted for security reasons'. The plan for the embassy, close to the Tower of London, was blocked by the previous government after British intelligence agencies and Scotland Yard objected on the grounds that sensitive data cables that run nearby could be vulnerable to attack by Chinese spies. But the application was revived in the run-up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' visit to China in January, with president Xi Jinping said to have lobbied for it personally. Downing Street has refused to disclose whether it is backing the embassy plans to boost trading relations with the Chinese amid the global turmoil caused by Donald Trump's tariff war. The row comes against the backdrop of a growing Cabinet split over whether to place China on an official list of hostile states, alongside Iran and Russia. Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of appeasing Beijing by waving through plans for a new Chinese 'super-embassy' in London which will include 'spy dungeons' in the heart of the City. Pictured: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves Planning documents for the controversial embassy on the site of the Royal Mint buildings include 'two suites of anonymous unlabelled basement rooms and a tunnel', with their exact purpose 'redacted for security reasons'. Pictured: Redevelopment plans for the former Royal Mint site next to the Tower of London The plan for the embassy, close to the Tower of London, was blocked by the previous government after British intelligence agencies and Scotland Yard objected on the grounds that sensitive data cables that run nearby could be vulnerable to attack by Chinese spies. Pictured: A planning document Both Yvette Cooper's Home Office and David Lammy's Foreign Office are understood to want to add China to the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme designed to combat covert activities while No 10 and Rachel Reeves' Treasury have argued against doing so. Last night, the Tories accused the Prime Minister of adopting a 'policy of appeasement towards state bullying and intimidation' from Beijing, saying that the 'dungeons' could be used for eavesdropping or interrogation. In a letter to the Prime Minister, shadow levelling up secretary Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Downing Street has been caught red-handed in an attempt to ram this mega- embassy through the planning system. 'Labour have disregarded democratic concerns through a contempt for local democracy, and by failing to defend free speech in Britain. 'It would be a barbarous irony that a site so close to the medieval Tower of London could become a modern-day dungeon under a Starmer Government.' Mr Hollinrake writes that the lack of information about the dungeons in the planning documents was 'striking', saying: 'Why does the use of the basement rooms need to be redacted, given they are not in public sight and there is no public access?' He adds: 'This subterranean zone will undeniably be used for intelligence work by the Chinese Communist Party and its arm, the United Front Work Department. 'But there is also a chilling prospect that it could be used for the abduction, intimidation or torture of anti-Chinese dissidents living in the United Kingdom.' Pictured: Royal Mint Court, the site of the proposed new Chinese Embassy in London Last night, the Tories accused the Prime Minister (pictured) of adopting a 'policy of appeasement towards state bullying and intimidation' from Beijing, saying that the 'dungeons' could be used for eavesdropping or interrogation Mr Hollinrake cites the example of a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester who was dragged into Chinese consulate grounds in Manchester and beaten up. Unofficial Chinese government 'police service stations' have operated in Croydon, Hendon, Glasgow and Belfast, allegedly being used by Beijing to monitor the country's expatriates. Last year, Amnesty International warned that Chinese and Hong Kong students in the UK and other countries 'are being intimidated, harassed and silenced by the Chinese authorities as part of a sinister pattern of transnational repression' with the embassies being used as the hub of the Chinese state surveillance. Scotland Yard and British intelligence agencies objected to the project because sensitive data cables which run nearby could be vulnerable to attack by Chinese spies. Mapping data shows that the proposed site for the embassy lies directly between financial hubs in the City and Canary Wharf and close to three major data centres. Diplomats also said that Donald Trump's administration would have reservations about sharing intelligence with the UK if the embassy was allowed to open. Within a fortnight of Ms Reeves returning from China earlier this year, Scotland Yard and Tower Hamlets Council mysteriously dropped their objections to the project. Responding to questions from the Conservatives about whether No 10 had intervened in the local planning process at the behest of Beijing, the Government would only say: 'The public interest lies in favour of withholding the information you have requested.' A Chinese embassy spokesman dismissed claims it could be an espionage hub, adding: 'Anti-China elements are always keen on slandering and attacking China.' The former City Minister is likely to have an arrest warrant issued against her today by a Bangladeshi court on charges of corruption, the Mail on Sunday can reveal. Charge sheets against her and members of her family were submitted to judges in the capital Dhaka by the country's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) last week. Today, judges at the Senior Special Judges' Court are scheduled to examine the charge sheet against Ms Siddiq, 42, and issue an arrest warrant for her. The court has already issued an arrest warrant against Ms Siddiq's aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, 77 - the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh - on Thursday on the same corruption investigation. Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, 52, also had an arrest warrant issued against her at the same hearing. The charge sheet against Ms Siddiq relates to one of at least three separate investigations against her by the ACC. In this case, the Commission claims Ms Siddiq used her influence as a British MP to persuade her aunt, Hasina, to allocate three plots of land in an exclusive residential area of Dhaka, for the MP's mother, Sheikh Rehana, 69, her brother Radwan, 44, and her younger sister, Azmina, 34, all of whom are based in Britain. Ms Siddiq and her family deny the claims. Former City Minister Tulip Siddiq is set to have an arrest warrant issued against her today by a Bangladeshi court on charges of corruption The court has already issued an arrest warrant against Ms Siddiq's aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed (pictured), 77 - the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh - on Thursday on the same corruption investigation Ms Siddiq resigned as City Minister in January, a month after the Daily Mail revealed that the ACC had launched its first corruption probe into her, accusing her and her family members of embezzling up to 3.9billion from a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bangladesh The ACC alleges that after the Labour MP's pressure, Hasina allocated one plot of land each to Ms Siddiq's mother and siblings in the Purbachal New Town Project, a 6,213-acre residential development in the north-east of the capital. The arrest warrant would make Ms Siddiq, a sitting Labour MP, an absconding suspect wanted in a foreign criminal investigation. The warrant would also pave the way for the Bangladeshi authorities to seek the extradition of Ms Siddiq to face charges in her native country. In total, 16 individuals have had charge sheets submitted against them for corruption relating to the Purbachal project, including six members of Hasina and Ms Siddiq's family. Last month, Ms Siddiq's lawyers sent a letter to the ACC accusing it of launching 'targeted and baseless' investigations into her, claiming the corruption allegations against their client are 'false and vexatious.' But last week, the head of the ACC, Abdul Momen, said that the Commission will not exchange letters with Ms Siddiq, but let the court deal with the case. He said: 'Exchanging letters cannot take the place of a proper court process. 'A full charge sheet has been prepared after a detailed review of documents. The matter now rests with the court. If she fails to appear after a warrant is issued, she will be treated as a criminal absconder.' Ms Siddiq resigned as City Minister in January, a month after the Daily Mail revealed that the ACC had launched its first corruption probe into her, accusing her and her family members of embezzling up to 3.9billion from a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. Ms Siddiq strongly denies the claims. Ms Siddiq has always denied the claims made against her It then emerged that Ms Siddiq lived in flats in London that were gifted by British political allies of her aunt, Hasina. An official inquiry into the controversy found that Ms Siddiq may have misled the public when she told the Mail on Sunday in 2022 that a flat owned by her in London's King's Cross was bought for her by her parents. She later admitted it was in fact a gift by a property developer linked to her dictator aunt. After her resignation as a Minister, the ACC launched the Purbachal investigation, and another probe regarding a flat she owned in Dhaka since 2002. Ms Siddiq claimed she transferred ownership of the flat to her sister in 2015, shortly after becoming an MP. But the ACC claims she did not transfer the flat legally, but merely created a fake transfer document without actually changing the deed to the property. Last month, inquiries by the Mail on Sunday at the Dhaka Sub Registry Office Bangladesh's equivalent of Land Registry showed Ms Siddiq was still the owner. An official inquiry into the controversy found that Ms Siddiq may have misled the public when she told the Mail on Sunday in 2022 that a flat owned by her in London's King's Cross was bought for her by her parents. She is pictured with Kier Starmer in 2015 However, the Labour MP told the MoS she transferred the flat 'legally and legitimately' to her sister under Bangladeshi law. Last night, Ms Siddiq said in a statement through her lawyers: 'The ACC has made various allegations against Ms Siddiq through the media. 'The allegations are completely false and have been dealt with in writing by Ms Siddiq's lawyers. 'The ACC has not responded to Ms Siddiq or put any allegations to her directly or through her lawyers. 'Ms Siddiq knows nothing about a hearing in Dhaka relating to her, and there is no basis at all for any charges against her or an arrest warrant.' Delta passengers were forced to camp out onboard a plane overnight as the aircraft sat on an Alabama tarmac after adverse weather caused them to divert. The two Delta flights from Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City were redirected to Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama due to weather risks on Thursday. Flight 1828 and Flight 599 were initially destined for Atlanta but, after landing in Alabama with no customs for international travelers, nearly 300 passengers were forced to stay on board the aircrafts all night. Both flights landed around 10.30pm and passengers were stuck onboard until just after 5am when customs crews were made available. Even once they disembarked, however, travelers faced a further five-hour delay with 'chaos' inside the airport before being boarded onto a new flight to their destination. One Boston native, Lauren Forbes, told WCVB that she and her boyfriend were onboard one of the flights. Forbes said: 'So we ended up in Montgomery, which is not an international airport. I guess the law is that if there's no customs at the airport, you are literally stuck on that airplane. So, I just learned that today.' The airline had hoped to make it to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, but said it wasn't possible due to storm conditions. Forbes confirmed the pilot told passengers it was unable to make it to Birmingham because they 'were going to run out of gas.' Two Delta flights destined for Atlanta were forced to divert to Alabama, but with no customs for international travelers, nearly 300 passengers were forced to stay on board the aircrafts all night Both flights landed around 10.30pm and passengers were stuck onboard until just after 5am as customs crews were made available Political commentator Mike Gallagher was onboard the flight and shared updates throughout the hours-long chaos with updates to his social media The long hours spent stuck on the tarmac, however, left a plane full of passengers 'ravenous,' according to Forbes, who said that the crew could only give out water and cookies. 'People would sleep, but then you were woken up by the announcements, and there was a point where people just said, you know, don't make the announcement if it's going to be a lie,' she added. As they were finally allowed off the plane, they were escorted by police into the terminal. 'We had to walk out onto the tarmac, and it was freezing, and it was dark, and there were hundreds of us just standing there.' As they were allowed inside, they were kept confined with 'police even guarding the bathrooms,' Forbes said. Political commentator Mike Gallagher was a passenger on the flight and posted pictures of the nightmare scenes at the airport as he updated his followers on the grueling experience. 'Total chaos at the airport. Five gate agents overwhelmed,' he wrote once the plane had landed in Montgomery. 'No one here at the Montgomery Airport knows what to do. In all the years Ive flown, Ive never seen anything like this in my life.' Passengers were finally allowed to disembark the aircraft around 5am after landing at 10:30pm in Montgomery the night prior The airline had hoped to make it to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, but said it wasn't possible due to storm conditions. Passenger Loraine Forbes (left) confirmed the pilot hoped to make it to Birmingham, but they 'were going to run out of gas' Gallagher posted an update with a picture of himself looking exhausted while waiting for passengers to take their seats before their final flight to Atlanta. 'After 12 hours at the overwhelmed Montgomery, Alabama airport - 7 hours trapped on the plane on the tarmac, 5 hours stuck in a cordoned-off area of the airport - they are now boarding people 10 at a time,' Gallagher wrote. 'They are checking off names by pen, one by one. So hey, 16 hours after our original departure, there's hope! I'm thinking it will take at least an hour to board.' Forbes said that despite being offered a flight from Montgomery to Atlanta, it was up to them to re-organize their flight back home to Boston from then on. 'We shouldn't have been responsible for that,' she added. Another passenger, Loraine Foushee, told NBC News that it was the 'longest day ever.' 'We had pretzels, over and over again. I did take a nap - it wasn't comfortable,' she added. Christine Millken similarly told the outlet that the experience was 'so frustrating, so uncomfortable,' and they weren't able to be offered any meals. Once the passengers were off the plane, Gallagher said it was 'total chaos at the airport' A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement: 'We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. 'We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast US Thursday evening.' The spokesperson furthered that they would be reaching out to customers to offer a full refund for the booking. An American pastor has been abducted by masked gunmen in front of his wife and children as he was preaching during a church sermon in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Four men broke into the Fellowship Baptist church in Motherwell Township on Thursday evening, stealing two cellphones from members of the congregation before took away the pastor in his own truck. Police have now initiated an investigation into abduction and armed robbery. 'It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church,' police told CBS News. 'They robbed two cell phones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene.' Local media identified the pastor as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee. On Saturday, Sullivan's wife, Meagan, issued a statement through a family spokesperson, saying: 'I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. 'We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home.' The church wrote in a statement: 'He was kidnapped at gunpoint. Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa.' An American pastor, identified by local media as 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, was abducted by masked gunmen as he was preaching a sermon before a congregation in South Africa 's Eastern Cape province 'Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa,' the church wrote in a statement. 'He was kidnapped at gunpoint by six men during their church service this evening.' Pictured: Pastor Josh Sullivan (left) with his wife, Meagan, and their children Rev. Jeremy Hall, another local pastor, speculated that the kidnapping might have been financially motivated. He added that the abduction occurred during a prayer meeting attended by about 30 people, including Sullivan's wife and children. 'The suspects knew him by name,' Hall told AP. Police confirmed that Sullivan's stolen vehicle, a silver Toyota Fortuner, was found abandoned in Motherwell shortly after the abduction. The investigation has since been taken over by the Anti-Gang Unit and South African authorities have opened a case in the Motherwell precinct. Captain Andre Beetge, a police spokesperson, stated that if a ransom is demanded, the case will be handed over to the Hawks, a specialized unit tasked with investigating organized crime, corruption and serious offenses. 'Hawks officials are following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects,' Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, a Hawks spokesperson, told BBC. 'As far as we know, no ransom has been demanded.' Beetge encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward. According to the Fellowship Baptist Church blog, Sullivan, along with his wife Meagan and their children, arrived in South Africa in November 2018 to establish the Motherwell branch. On his blog, Sullivan described himself as a 'church-planting missionary' who hoped to soon complete language school and reach out to the Xhosa-speaking community. Sullivan had been a staff member at Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, since February 2012. On Saturday, Sullivan's wife, Meagan (left), issued a statement through a family spokesperson, saying, 'I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home' As the search for Sullivan (left) continues, his supporters have flooded the church's website and social media platforms with messages of hope and prayer Tonya Rinker, a woman from Maryville who claims to be Sullivan's mother, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, asking for continued prayers for her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She also noted that the US embassy in South Africa is involved in the search. As the search for Sullivan continues, his supporters have flooded the church's website and social media platforms with messages of hope and prayer. 'We are now praying that you delivered from these evil men,' a poster named Richard Stockton said on the church website. 'Praying the Holy Spirit well work on their hearts and be saved. And release you!!!' Kody Moore, another supporter, described Josh as a 'faithful brother doing much to make Christ known in Africa,' adding, 'Please pray for Josh's safe return and for his family during this incredibly difficult time. May Christ be glorified.' The Speaker of the House of Commons has triggered a late legal challenge to parents fighting against VAT on private school fees. Sir Lindsay Hoyles advisers launched an 11th hour bid to challenge the use of key evidence at the end of the recent judicial review into the controversial tax after Commons legal experts questioned the constitutionality of it being admitted as evidence in court. And now the High Court has ruled that an emergency hearing should be held on Monday to look at whether the National Audit Office (NAO) report into the 'broken' special educational needs (SEN) system was admissible in court. Parents who brought the judicial review say the proposed VAT imposition breaches their childrens rights because it would make the education they need unaffordable. And they have accused the Speaker and Government of behaving pretty outrageously by raising last-minute objections to the use of the NAO report and undermining their legal case. The House of Commons declined to comment. The speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle (pictured here in 2024) has been accused of 'acting outrageously' in the latest in the case of VAT on private school fees Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured in March, 2025) has levied the new tax But sources stressed the Speaker was not taking sides over the battle between the parents and the Government. They said that it was part of the Speaker's functions to intervene in litigation where he believes Parliaments right to freedom of speech may be impacted as the representative of the House of Commons - not as an agent of the Government. One said: 'The Speaker is acting here on the advice of his legal counsel that as the NAO reports to the Commons, its report here is subject to Parliamentary privilege and by long-established custom, it cannot be used in court as evidence if its findings are not agreed to by all parties. 'He and the House are taking no view on the merits of the parents' case and are not attempting to prevent or delay it.' Monday's hearing is set to cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds in addition to the vast costs of the original hearing as all of the original parties including the Government's team of four crack KCs have been summoned back to the court. The Speaker will have a leading barrister in court to represent the House of Commons, David Manknell KC. The NAO report was heavily relied on in the original hearing by the parents of children with SEN and by the Independent Schools Council to demonstrate that SEN children displaced from private schools could not receive the education they needed in the state sector. Ironically, the NAO report has widely been used by the government itself including by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) The Speaker will have a leading barrister in court to represent the House of Commons, David Manknell KC Their actions against the Chancellor Rachel Reeves who has levied the new tax were held together over three days in one of the largest cases ever seen in the administrative division of the High Court in front of three senior judges. The government has disputed the parents claims, arguing that they could all be satisfactorily educated by the state. Ironically, the previously undisputed NAO report has widely been used since its publication in October 2024 by the government itself including by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson - to highlight the failure of SEN provision in the state sector. An insider told The Mail on Sunday that at the start of the early April hearing 'the admissibility of this key evidence' was now being determined because 'the Speaker suddenly announced a concern about the NAO report', adding: 'The issue went quiet; then at the end of the hearing the government, having raised no concern about the use of the NAO report in the previous four months since the claim was commenced, opportunistically stated that they did indeed object to the use of the report.' The insider added: 'The Speaker and the Government are behaving pretty outrageously on this. 'The NAO report into SEN provision cited extensive government data and concluded in hard-hitting terms that the SEN system was broken, failing thousands of vulnerable children and in need of urgent reform. 'The government did not dispute the findings, and various government ministers acknowledged the issue and promised reform.' Accusing the government of 'underhand conduct in raising no concerns whatsoever throughout the entire proceedings and then jumping on the bandwagon right at the end', he said it would be a 'real injustice' if families were prevented from relying on published data 'after the trial has ended'. The Mail on Sunday has previously exclusively revealed that the Chancellor who has called private school parents 'snobs' - had lined up a team of top KCs the most expensive barristers in the land to fight parents who has crowdfunded to bring the action. Judgement on the three day judicial review had originally been expected within weeks but the emergency hearing throws the process into disarray. Losing the case could force the Government to abandon the tax, which affects all 550,000 pupils in the independent sector. Around 100,000 of these have special educational needs. Questioning why the government was going to such lengths to prevent the NAO report being used, James Gardner of SinclairsLaw, representing the claimant group, said: 'The NAO report is a truly important document - it lays bare the severity of the funding crisis that means the most vulnerable pupils are not getting the educational support that they need. 'Why is the Government so desperate to prevent it from being used in Court? Do they not want children with SEN to get the justice that they deserve?' A woman has been stabbed in the head in a horror early morning incident in the inner Sydney suburb of Pyrmont. The emergency services were called to a unit complex on Bowman Street at about 4.50am on Sunday. When they got to the scene, police officers were told a man had allegedly forced entry into the unit and stabbed a 41-year-old woman to the head before leaving. She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before she was taken to hospital in a stable condition. The police are searching for the man, who is believed to be known to the woman. Another woman and two children were also in the home at the time were not injured. Police have established a crime scene and started an investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is urged to call Sydney City police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police have arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a woman was found unconscious and died at a city centre hotel in Liverpool. The woman, who is yet to be named, was discovered inside the Royal Nelson Hotel in the centre of Liverpool earlier today. Emergency services were called to the Hotham Street hotel at around 1.40pm on Friday but were unable to save the woman, who was pronounced dead. A significant police presence remained at the scene this afternoon as Merseyside Police begin their investigations. And the force tonight provided an update, announcing the arrest of a suspect. CSI officers in white suits were spotted walking in and out of the accommodation with part of Hotham Street still cordoned off. A number of people staying at the hotel reported being told not to leave their rooms. One woman said that residents on the top floor of the three-storey building had been told to stay inside. A significant police presence remains at the scene on Hotham Street in Liverpool following the emergency The woman, who is yet to be named, was found unconscious inside the Royal Nelson Hotel in the centre of Liverpool earlier today Another man, who lived on the second floor, said he had been told he was not allowed to go back into his room, and had no idea when he would be able to get back inside. Merseyside Police tonight said an investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident and the cause of what they called an 'unexplained death'. And they said that a 52-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The man was taken to a police station and will be questioned by detectives. Det Supt Paul Grounds said: 'These are still the early stages of our investigation and our work will continue at pace at the location and elsewhere, as we look to piece together what happened. 'Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims family, who will be supported by specialist officers, and to everyone affected by the events of yesterday. 'A man is in custody, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the importance of not posting speculation or other comments online which could affect our ongoing work.' If you have any information that could assist the investigation, you can call 101 or DM @MerpolCC on social media, quoting log number 25000297013. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Taken on the sun-drenched terrace of an upmarket Mayfair restaurant, the infamous pictures sent shockwaves around the world. A terrified-looking Nigella Lawson was seen embroiled in a dispute with her then-husband Charles Saatchi, which culminated in him putting his hands around the chef's throat. But despite the repercussions of the June 2013 incident a police warning for multi- millionaire art collector Mr Saatchi, and divorce for the couple the scene was apparently replicated for personal amusement by Elizabeth Hurley's ex-husband, Arun Nayar. Sitting on the same terrace at celebrity haunt Scott's, the smiling Indian textile heir reached over to his female companion and put his right hand around her throat in full view of other diners and passers-by. The tycoon, 60, whose left arm was in a sling, then appeared to whisper something into her ear which caused them both to laugh. Whatever it was, the joke was in extremely poor taste, particularly as Mr Saatchi, 81, happened to be in the restaurant at the same time. He was vilified as a domestic abuser in the wake of the original incident, despite denying physically attacking his wife, and it led to the breakdown of their near ten-year marriage. It is not clear whether Mr Nayar, married to actress Ms Hurley between 2007 and 2011, was aware of Mr Saatchi's presence, or if the advertising mogul witnessed his antics. Sitting on the same terrace at celebrity haunt Scott's, the smiling Indian textile heir reached over to his female companion and put his right hand around her throat in full view of other diners and passers-by A terrified-looking Nigella Lawson was seen embroiled in a dispute with her then-husband Charles Saatchi, which culminated in him putting his hands around the chef's throat But 15 minutes after they left the restaurant on Tuesday, Mr Saatchi emerged from the main entrance. Last night, women's rights campaigner Patsy Stevenson said she was 'disgusted' by Mr Nayar's behaviour. 'I hope [he] wasn't recreating the image. To recreate abuse for a 'joke' is misogynistic. It belittles what Nigella Lawson went through. Jokes like this are not funny, they are harmful. 'It shows we are still at a similar place in regards to male violence against women and girls, where men think it's acceptable to put their hands around a woman's throat.' It has been nearly 12 years since Mr Saatchi and Ms Lawson were photographed at the same spot in June 2013, in scenes which were to trigger the very public breakdown of their marriage. The couple were having lunch when, in clear view of fellow diners, Mr Saatchi, then 70, was seen using first his left hand, then both hands, to grab his wife around the throat. The TV chef appeared visibly upset, dabbing her eyes on a napkin. The photos were published in a Sunday newspaper, with one onlooker describing the scene as 'utterly shocking' and 'horrific'. Whatever it was, the joke was in extremely poor taste, particularly as Mr Saatchi, 81, happened to be in the restaurant at the same time Hours later, Ms Lawson, then 53, was seen leaving the couple's 12million home in Chelsea with a suitcase. She did not make a complaint to the police, and Mr Saatchi later said it had been a 'playful tiff'. But Scotland Yard interviewed Mr Saatchi, who accepted a formal warning for assault. He announced his intention to divorce Ms Lawson to The Mail on Sunday, claiming it was because of her refusal to publicly defend his reputation. But it was Ms Lawson who was granted a divorce in July 2013 over his 'unreasonable behaviour'. Mr Nayar and Ms Hurley are said to still be friends. He was also previously married to Italian model Valentina Pedroni and personal trainer Kim Johnson. The MoS made Nigella's spokesman aware of the photographs but the TV chef declined to comment. Army veterans will this week launch a campaign against what some feel is Labour's 'total betrayal' of soldiers who served in the Northern Ireland Troubles. They will make last-ditch appeals to Sir Keir Starmer's government to abandon hugely controversial plans which they fear will expose veterans to 'relentless and vexatious' court prosecutions for events which took place decades ago. The Parachute Regimental Association is urging all 13,000 veterans of the elite unite to write to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, to spare ageing ex-British soldiers from being dragged before the courts for actions taken while on duty during the Troubles. A draft letter seen by the Mail on Sunday advises veterans to tell Ministers that Parliament should 'be ashamed' of the 'relentless and vexatious pursuit of Northern Ireland veterans [that] has continued for more than 50 years'. The row centres on Labour's decision to press ahead with repealing the Legacy Act brought in by the last Conservative government and which ended future investigations into Troubles-related violent events apart from those carried out by a new reconciliation commission. It also sought to offer a conditional amnesty for people suspected of Troubles-related crimes in exchange for co-operation over providing information in connection with specific events although a court later ruled that provision breached human rights rules. When he was Prime Minister, Boris Johnson hailed the plans as a way to 'draw a line under the Troubles' and to help 'many members of the armed services who continue to face the threat of vexatious prosecutions well into their 70s and 80s'. British Army veterans welcomed the overall legislation plan as a step toward providing them with the protection from prosecution for which they had campaigned. Army veterans will this week launch a campaign against what some feel is Labour's 'total betrayal' of soldiers who served in the Northern Ireland Troubles. Pictured: British troops with their armored personnel carriers surround a blazing barricade near the Andersonstown Police Station in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1979 They will make last-ditch appeals to Sir Keir Starmer's government to abandon hugely controversial plans which they fear will expose veterans to 'relentless and vexatious' court prosecutions for events which took place decades ago The Parachute Regimental Association is urging all 13,000 veterans of the elite unite to write to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) and Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, to spare ageing ex-British soldiers from being dragged before the courts for actions taken while on duty during the Troubles However, the legislation was fiercely opposed by Northern Ireland political parties and by representatives of victims of violence in the conflict between the late 1960s and the Good Friday agreement in 1998. Last year, Mr Benn reaffirmed the new Labour government's determination to 'repeal and replace' the law which he said 'does not have the support of any of the political parties and victims' groups in Northern Ireland'. However, in its draft letter, the Parachute Regimental Association calls for a 'Statute of Limitations' on further cases unless a court was persuaded that 'there is truly new evidence.' It also suggested that in coroner's courts, ageing ex-soldiers unable to remember precise details of actions taken decades ago were 'often pilloried by serried ranks of lawyers' funded by legal aid in Northern Ireland. The letter asks: 'The Northern Ireland Secretary defends the changes he proposes, insisting that justice must prevail, but for whom?' Security guard Muhammad Taha has opened up on the heartbreaking lasting impact surviving the Westfield Bondi massacre has had on him. One year ago today, Joel Cauchi entered Westfield Bondi Junction and began attacking people, mostly women, with a fighting knife. In just three minutes, the 40-year-old fatally stabbed six people and injured ten others. The 40-year-old took just three minutes to fatally stab six people and injure 10 others before being shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott. Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Yixuan Cheng, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Ashlee Good, 38, and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, were all killed in the attack. Taha, 30, was stabbed in the chest by Cauchi alongside his friend and colleague Tahir after the pair heard screaming and ran towards the knifeman in a bid to stop him. Tahir, who was working his first shift at the eastern suburbs shopping centre, was jumped on and fatally wounded by Cauchi before the knifeman turned on Taha. The security guard is still suffering pain from the injuries he sustained a year ago and has said he's unlikely to ever return to the same type of work. Security guard Muhammad Taha has opened up on the heartbreaking lasting impact surviving the Bondi Westfield massacre has had on him Faraz Tahir (pictured) was fatally injured after being jumped on by the knifeman 'At the last moment, he was with me and everything that happened was in front of my eyes, so it's very painful,' he told news.com.au. 'For the last year, everyone who meets me asks me about my health and talks about that incident. 'I'm very glad that everyone still remembers me and the efforts we put in and the sacrifices we did.' Taha was granted permanent residency following the bravery he showed during the attack. The former security guard spends his time going between Australia and his home country of Pakistan. Taha was able to call for help via his radio after being stabbed in the left side of his stomach. He said that both security guards did everything they could to stop Cauchi but may have been able to prevent more fatalities if they'd been able to protect themselves. NSW Police officer Amy Scott (second from left) laid flowers at the commemorative display Members of the public lay wreaths at commemorative display boards during Observation of the First Anniversary of the Bondi Junction Tragedy (pictured) Floral tributes were laid at Westfield Bondi Junction on Sunday Westfield owner Scentre Group has now enforced body-worn cameras and stab-proof vests after the attack. However, some advocates don't feel the measures have gone far enough and security guards should have the option to be armed with items such as capsicum sprays, batons or handcuffs. On the anniversary of the attack, family members of Tahir lay flowers at commemorative display boards set up at Oxford Street Mall, Westfield Bondi Junction. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, 39, was among the visitors who returned to the scene on Sunday to pay her respects. Inspector Scott ran to the fifth level of the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on the day of the attack after being alerted that a man was on a stabbing spree. She confronted Cauchi and fatally shot him in the chest when he refused to drop the knife. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb have paid tribute to the victims and survivors. Speaking about the aftermath of the attack, Mr Albanese said: 'We saw a community united in grief, reaffirming for all of us a core truth: that love is greater than hate,' he said. 'The memories of those who didn't come home one year ago live on in the love they created, and in the hearts that they touched. 'Remember them today and every single day.' The police commissioner branded the attack a 'senseless tragedy' and said the 'memory and trauma' of the Bondi Junction attack will not be forgotten. The grieving brother of the woman killed alongside her family in a devastating helicopter tragedy has traveled to NYC to pay his respects to the crash site and identify the bodies of his loved ones. Joan Camprubi Montal flew from Spain to NYC where his sister, Merce Camprubi Montal, and her family, including her husband and three children, were killed in a devastating crash on Thursday. At a news conference on Saturday, Camprubi Montal briefly shared his appreciation for the support his family received following the tragedy. Through a wavering voice he spoke the names of all five family members - Agustin Escobar, Merce Camprubi Montal, Victor, Mercedes and Augustine - before continuing in his native Spanish. 'We will never forget you. We will keep your smile alive every day of our lives, and I believe that's the best legacy we can give you,' he said. 'This is a really difficult situation, but we are overwhelmed by the massive condolences we've received. 'They left together. They left without suffering, and they left with a smile on their faces, and that is important for us. 'As a family we want to honor their happiness and their smile forever... we want to move the bodies, as soon as possible, back home with all the family to rest in peace together. Joan Camprubi Montal flew in from Spain to NYC where his sister, Merce Camprubi Montal, and her family, including her three children, were killed in a devastating crash on Thursday 'They left together. They left without suffering, and they left with a smile on their faces, and that is important for us,' Joan Camprubi Montal said. 'As a family we want to honor their happiness and their smile forever... we want to move the bodies, as soon as possible, back home with all the family to rest in peace together' The family-of-five had been visiting New York City to celebrate one of their birthdays. They had only arrived in the city the day they took the doomed helicopter tour, which crashed into the Hudson River just 16 minutes into flight 'We will never forget you. We will keep your smile alive every day of our lives, and I believe that's the best legacy we can give you.' In a tear-jerking moment, Camprubi Montal threw flowers into the Hudson River where his sister and her family perished, NBC News reported. Mayor Eric Adams also lay flowers at the site for the pilot of the helicopter, Sean Johnson, 36, who was also killed that day. 'We mourn the lives of Agustin, Merce and their three beautiful children, Victor, Mercedes and Augustine. Our hearts our broken,' Adams said. He added that the flower-laying by the Hudson was a 'symbolic gesture for the loss of life.' 'You have 8.5 million New Yorkers who want to say to the family members and to the wider Spanish community that we are here with you,' Adams said at the news conference. 'And this symbolic gesture is our way of knowing and acknowledging that our words cannot bring back their family members, but it is our way of saying as New Yorkers, we stand united with this family during this moment of grief, and their grief is our grief.' Camprubi Montal's visit comes after the family of the victims issued a statement, signed by 19 members of the Escobar and Camprubi Montal families. 'We will never forget you. We will keep your smile alive every day of our lives, and I believe that's the best legacy we can give you,' Joan Camprubi Montal said Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive from Spain, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their three children, aged four, eight and 11, took photos just before the crash Mayor Eric Adams also lay flowers at the site for the pilot of the helicopter, Sean Johnson, 36, who was also killed that day. 'We mourn the lives of Agustin, Merce and their three beautiful children, Victor, Mercedes and Augustine. Our hearts our broken,' Adams said It read: 'Grateful for your support that keeps us strong. 'The Escobar-Camprubis will always be among us, with their joy and vitality. We love you family.' The letter was posted alongside a photo of the family in Times Square read: 'There are no words to describe what we are experiencing, nor to thank you for the warmth received. 'These are very difficult times, but optimism and joy have always characterized our family. We want to preserve the memory of a happy and united family, in the sweetest moment of their lives.' It said they had found solace in the knowledge that the young family 'passed away together.' 'They have gone away together, leaving an indelible mark among all their family, friends and acquaintances.' 'In the coming days we will send you the details of the farewell ceremony they deserve, but in the meantime, we ask for the utmost respect for their privacy, given the global impact of this tragedy and the involvement of the three minors.' 'Your support keeps us strong, and the Escobar-Camprubi will always be with us and in our hearts. Escobar Canadas Family: Agustin, Josefina, Maria Jose, Jose, Jose, Irene and Jorge. Camprubi Montal Family: Joan, Merche, Joan, Cristina, Berta, Albert, Jan, Bru, Berta, Teo, Alex and Anna.' The chopper was seen crashing into the murky waters of the Hudson River, closer to the New Jersey side, at around 3.15pm The young children sat on board the chopper, one with a thumbs up like their dad who was sat opposite, while Escobar's wife laughed next to their youngest child. Another of their children was seen strapped in front of the helicopter next to the pilot, smiling in another picture The family-of-five had been visiting New York City to celebrate one of their birthdays. They had only arrived in the city the day they took the doomed helicopter tour, which crashed into the Hudson River just 16 minutes into flight. The chopper was seen crashing into the murky waters of the Hudson River, closer to the New Jersey side, at around 3.15pm. One man described the sound from the aircraft like a 'sonic boom.' Heartbreaking photos showed the family grinning from ear to ear as they prepared to board the chopper and tour the city skies. The young children sat on board the chopper, one with a thumbs up like their dad who was sat opposite, while Escobar's wife laughed next to their youngest child. Another of their children was seen strapped in front of the helicopter next to the pilot, smiling in another picture. Michael Roth, 71, who owns New York Helicopter which provided the tour and the chopper, said the aircraft was running out of fuel before it crashed. 'He [the pilot] called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel, and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn't arrive,' Roth told The Telegraph. Devastating photos show debris from the helicopter tour floating in the Hudson River including a girl's shoe Michael Roth, 71, who owns New York Helicopter which provided the tour and the chopper, said the aircraft was running out of fuel before it crashed. 'I haven't seen anything like that in my 30 years being in business, in the helicopter business,' Roth said 'You have 8.5 million New Yorkers who want to say to the family members and to the wider Spanish community that we are here with you,' Adams said at the news conference Roth said he was devastated by the crash and agreed with other experts that the video appears to show the main rotor blades had broken off. 'The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades weren't on the helicopter,' he told the New York Post. 'And I haven't seen anything like that in my 30 years being in business, in the helicopter business. The only thing I could guess I got no clue is that it either had a bird strike or the main rotor blades failed. I have no clue. I don't know.' Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others later passed away in hospital, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. While skies were clear at the time, footage showed the helicopter flying 'erratically' just before it fell into the water. Flying on board were the tourist family of five as well as the pilot of the chopper. Emergency responders were seen late Thursday night pulling the remnants of the destroyed helicopter from the murky water of the Hudson River. Photos showed a crane pulling mangled clumps of metal out of the river. Rashmi Kamkeri, a 30-year-old engineer, was working remotely from her apartment in Newport Park when she heard a deafening crash about 3:19 p.m. on Thursday. While skies were clear at the time, footage showed the helicopter flying 'erratically' just before it fell into the water Emergency responders were seen late Thursday night pulling the remnants of the destroyed helicopter from the murky water of the Hudson River 'It was horrifying,' Kamkeri told DailyMail.com. 'I thought it was thunder and ten seconds later I saw the helicopter 10 feet above the water falling and then it made a big splash and went underneath the water. 'I panicked... then saw a piece of the helicopter fall into the water. The Waterway boat was moving and then it took a turn. 'I was almost in tears praying that someone would come and save them. I wished there would be someone who survives. I am so sad.' Escobar worked for the tech company Siemens for more than 27 years, most recently as global CEO for rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, according to his LinkedIn account. In late 2022 he briefly became president and CEO of Siemens Spain. 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones,' Siemens said in a statement early Friday. Spanish regional government officials said the family resided in Barcelona. '(I am) dismayed by the tragic helicopter accident in the Hudson River in New York which cost the lives of six people, five of which were members of a Barcelona family,' Catalan regional president Salvador Illa wrote on X. Another regional official said Agustin Escobar was originally from Puertollano, a town in central Spain. Your browser does not support iframes. 'I want to express my sorrow for the traffic helicopter accident in New York that claimed the lives of Agustin Escobar and his family,' Castilla La Mancha regional president Emiliano Garcia-Page wrote on X. 'Agustin is native of Puertollano and in 2023 we named him a Favorite Son of Castilla La Mancha.' At least 32 have been killed in helicopter crashes in New York City since 1977. The most recent helicopter crash happened in 2018 when a chopper crashed into the East River, leaving five passengers dead. Ministers are ready to bring back a Covid-style furlough scheme to save thousands of jobs at risk if Donald Trumps global trade war escalates. Downing Street has lined up measures to shield key sectors including the car industry that have been hardest hit by the US Presidents sweeping tariffs, now at their highest level since the 1890s. Yesterday Parliament was recalled on a Saturday for only the second time since the Falklands War to approve plans to aid loss-making British Steel. The Government also announced a package that gives UK Export Finance the power to expand financing support for British businesses by 20 billion. It also said small businesses would be able to access loans of up to 2 million through the British Business Banks Growth Guarantee Scheme. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: Our message to British business is clear - weve got your back. This package, backed by the British Business Bank and UKEF, will be a crucial shot in the arm to exporters and small firms looking to trade around the world. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: Our message to British business is clear - weve got your back' Trump has suspended imposing most of the levies for 90 days while bilateral trade deals with dozens of countries hit by enhanced tariffs are negotiated Experts say further state intervention is likely to prop up tariff-hit firms and protect up to 100,000 jobs under threat from a protracted trade war between the US and China, the worlds biggest economies. Prime Minister Keir Sir Keir Starmer has said he is ready to use industrial policy to help shelter British businesses from the storm, while Mr Reynolds told MPs he was keeping all options on the table. As well as loans and grants to businesses and households - as happened during the pandemic five years ago, Government action could involve reviving a less ambitious version of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which cost taxpayers 70billion. That programme gave grants to employers to pay 80pc of staff wages and employment costs, up to 2,500 each month. Other options from the Covid era include re-introducing an income support scheme for the self-employed and increasing universal credit payments and working tax credits. Such support would be the final line of defence in cushioning (the UK) against any negative economic shock if unemployment unexpectedly spiked, said Deutsche Bank economist Sanjay Raja. As well as via the British Business Bank, grants and loans could be administered by the National Wealth Fun and potentially the Bank of England, costing between 5billion-10billion, he added. A package of that size would blow a hole in Rachel Reeves non-negotiable fiscal rules and raise the prospect of more tax rises to balance the books. Prime Minister Keir Sir Keir Starmer has said he is ready to use industrial policy to help shelter British businesses from the storm The Chancellor left herself just 9.9billion of headroom in last months Spring Statement to meet her target of debt falling as a share of national output within five years. Shes going to have to have all options on the table, including re-visiting her promise not to touch income taxes or VAT, warned Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at insurer Allianz. Reeves room for manoeuvre is already under threat after Government borrowing costs soared last week to the highest level since 1998 as Trump slapped a blanket 10pc tariff on all goods entering the US, including UK exports. Trump also imposed a 25pc levy on car, steel and aluminium imports, and a 145pc tariff on goods from China, who retaliated in kind, sparking more turmoil on global stock markets. The tariffs shock comes as business reels from the 25billion National Insurance tax that came in to force last week. Despite better-than-expected growth figures on Friday, the UK is expected to take a big hit from all-out trade war between the US and China. Sarah Breeden, a top Bank of England official, warned tariffs would have chilling effect on UK growth. The Chancellor left herself just 9.9billion of headroom in last months Spring Statement to meet her target of debt falling as a share of national output within five years Trump has suspended imposing most of the levies for 90 days while bilateral trade deals with dozens of countries hit by enhanced tariffs are negotiated. Tariffs are expected to plunge the US into recession later this year as the price of imports soars and demand for items such as imported iPhones, cars and sneakers shrinks. Its clear the US economy hasnt seen a shock like this since the 1920s and 1930s, said Tiffany Wilding, chief economist at PIMCO, which manages $2trillion (1.5trilion) of assets. A Downing Street spokesperson said: A trade war is in nobodys interest. We dont want any tariffs at all, so for jobs and livelihoods across the UK we will coolly and calmly continue to negotiate in Britains interests. Keir Starmer is facing a potential rebellion over his plan to exempt AI firms from copyright law with MPs urging the Government to think again. The Prime Minister wants to give Big Tech free rein to train AI systems on copyright material, forcing writers, musicians, artists and filmmakers to 'opt out' if they want to protect their work. But members of Parliament's culture committee the majority of whom are Labour MPs this week advised the Government to abandon the scheme, saying it would 'undermine' the creative industries and damage the UK's reputation. They wrote: 'Our world-class creatives are the lifeblood of the UK's film and TV sectors. 'However, the rapid growth of generative AI technologies threatens their earnings and future employment opportunities. 'This is not just an issue for one part of the industry: it is about real lives and livelihoods, and the impact will be felt by the most vulnerable. 'The Government should abandon its preference for a data-mining exception for AI training with rights reservation model, and instead require AI developers to license any copyrighted works before using them to train their AI models.' The committee members suggested getting the balance between AI development and copyright wrong will 'undermine the growth of our film and TV sectors, and wider creative industries'. The Prime Minister, pictured, wants to give Big Tech free rein to train AI systems on copyright material, forcing writers, musicians, artists and filmmakers to 'opt out' if they want to protect their work The committee members suggested getting the balance between AI development and copyright wrong will 'undermine the growth of our film and TV sectors, and wider creative industries' The Mail is leading a campaign to halt Sir Keir's proposal and protect creators from the threat of AI. Some have told how their work was devoured by AI 'scrapers', allowing the system to regurgitate unlicensed versions of their books, artwork and songs. Baroness Beeban Kidron, who has introduced a series of amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill to protect creators, said the Government should 'put the UK first'. She said: 'It seems crazy that right now, when we see the insecurity created by over-dependence on the US, the Labour Government would give away the work and revenue of the UK's creative sector. 'It would impact 2.4 million people and they are doing it because they are in thrall to a handful of US companies. It is time for them to put the UK first.' Donald Trump backed conservative intellectual Douglas Murray after his tense debate with Joe Rogan on platforming misinformation and Israel's war against Hamas. Murray appeared on the comic's hit podcast and went back-and-forth with Rogan and libertarian guest David Smith on both the conflict and what Murray believes is Rogan's platforming of conspiracy theories. On Thursday's episode, Rogan - a free speech absolutist - denied that he was treating some of his guests who may provide alternative theories on the past as serious historians, while Murray and Smith were locked in an argument over the Middle Eastern conflict. After the clash went viral, Trump took to his Truth Social account to promote Murray's new book. 'My friend, Douglas Murray, just released a new book, 'On Democracies and Death Cults,' and it is quickly becoming a Best Seller! Based on his firsthand reporting, Douglas documents the barbarity of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel on October 7th, and Israel's heroic response,' he wrote on Friday. 'The Book serves as a strong reminder of why we must always stand up for America, and our great friend and ally, Israel. A powerful read from a Highly Respected author - Get your copy today!' Murray offered no public comment but shared the president's post to his own feed on X. Donald Trump (pictured) backed conservative intellectual Douglas Murray after his tense debate with Joe Rogan on platforming misinformation and Israel's war against Hamas Murray appeared on the comic's hit podcast and went back-and-forth with Rogan (pictured) and libertarian guest David Smith on both the conflict and what Murray believes is Rogan's platforming of conspiracy theories The columnist and author told Rogan to his face that he thinks he's responsible for a misinformation problem in society. 'I feel you've opened the door to quite a lot of people who now got a big platform, who have been throwing out counter-historical stuff of a very dangerous kind,' Murray said to Rogan. Murray offered podcaster Darryl Cooper and Holocaust denier Ian Carroll as examples of the kind of Rogan guests who have shared questionable information. Daryl Cooper has said that not only did the Nazis not intend to murder millions but that Winston Churchill is the main villain of World War Two. 'These guys are not historians, they're not knowledgeable about anything,' Murray said. 'No one is calling Ian Carroll a historian,' Rogan shot back. 'But then why listen to their views on Churchill?' Murray insisted. 'If you only get the contrary view, which is - 'isn't it fun if we all pretend that Churchill was the bad guy of the 20th century?' - at some point you're going to lead people to think that's the view. And that's horses**t of the most profound kind.' 'I don't think about it that way,' Rogan doubled down. 'I just think, I'd like to talk to that person.' Trump appears to have taken sides, taking to his Truth Social account to promote Murray's (pictured) new book But Murray wasn't having it and concluded: 'There's a point at which 'I'm just raising questions' isn't valid anymore... You're not asking questions you're telling people something.' Joe Rogan is a fierce defender of American First Amendment rights to free speech, repeatedly naming it as the main reasons he endorsed Donald Trump for president on the eve of the election. He also regularly praised Elon Musk for having bought Twitter, renaming it X, and allowed free speech to flourish on the platform, which previously censored views they did not agree with. Rogan has also previously criticized what he perceives as a creeping authoritarianism in Britain and has hit out and the nation's Online Safety Act, which has seen arrests over social media posts. Rogan's confrontation with Murray comes after president John F Kennedy's grandson criticized Rogan for spreading misinformation about the president's 1963 assassination. Jack Schlossberg took aim at the podcaster for his 2023 interview with his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, in which the now Secretary of Health and Human Services peddled the idea that John F. Kennedy was killed by America's intelligence agencies. Trump appeared on the same podcast months later and vowed to release all of the documents related to JFK's November 22, 1963 assassination if he were to be elected president. 'Are you going to go through all the JFK assassination files tomorrow with your little butt buddy Bobby,' Schlossberg asked Rogan in a video posted to Instagram Monday night. 'You better.' Rogan became the most successful podcaster in the country thanks to his interviews with guests with controversial views. It has paid off, as last year Spotify renewed their partnership with Rogan for as much as $250 million over its multiyear term 'After you spread all those lies, you're not going to make sure that they're true?' he asked rhetorically. In a caption for the video, Schlossberg also goaded Rogan to have him on his show. 'Just kidding, you're too scared to talk to someone who doesn't agree with you,' Schlossberg said. Rogan became the most successful podcaster in the country thanks to his interviews with guests with controversial views. It has paid off, as last year Spotify renewed their partnership with Rogan for as much as $250 million over its multiyear term. Over the years, Rogan has developed a huge audience who listen to his long, wide-ranging interviews with a variety of guests, including comedians, athletes, scientists and conspiracy theorists. 'There's no script of what we're going to talk about, and it all just sort of happens in real time,' said Rogan on Spotify's blog post. 'It's just an actual organic conversation with people enjoying themselves, which is something we all can relate to, and something we all love to do. These conversations have changed the way I think about life immeasurably and continue to do so.' The show is consistently Spotify's most popular podcast but also a frequent cause of controversy for the company. Spotify came under enormous pressure in 2022 to drop Rogan over his anti-coronavirus vaccine comments and use of racial slurs, with some musicians, including Neil Young, pulling their music from the platform in protest. In February 2022, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek denounced the host's racist language but said, 'I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer.' Rogan says he's a progressive who backed Bernie Sanders in 2016 but who became a MAGA supporter thanks to recent woke excesses of the Democrat party. Teenagers who get on well with mum and dad have stronger romantic relationships, a study shows. Researchers found teens who felt their parents were warm and supportive went on to have longer-lasting and better quality romances than those who constantly rowed at home. Their best friends were also more likely to stay close to them over the years. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam tracked hundreds of youngsters as they moved through teenage years into adulthood. At the beginning of the study, when they were in their late teens, each one was quizzed on the strength of their relationships with their parents, their best friends and their romantic partner if they had one. Researchers wanted to know whether volunteers often got angry with their parents as they were growing up, or willingly shared their fears and concerns with them. The results, in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, showed teens who felt loved and supported at home went on to have romantic connections that were more intimate and committed, researchers said in a report on their findings. Researchers found teens who felt their parents were warm and supportive went on to have longer-lasting and better quality romances than those who constantly rowed at home. Picture: Stock image The results, in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, showed teens who felt loved and supported at home went on to have romantic connections that were more intimate and committed, researchers said in a report on their findings. PIcture: Stock image They added: The findings support the notion that positive parent-teen relationships can lead to better quality relationships with best friends and romantic partners. When parents are warm and supportive, youngsters are more likely to form committed romantic relationships and more satisfying friendships. Previous studies have found teens who are close to their parents go on to enjoy better physical and mental health, with a lower risk of depression or substance abuse. But a 2018 Cardiff University study found clashing with mum and dad isnt all bad teenagers who do are more likely to give up their time for a charitable cause, get involved in campaigning for human rights or become involved in politics. Socialism Saturday, and the Commons ran as hot as a blast furnace. Parliament was recalled to pass the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act. Westminster Bills normally need months of scrutiny but this one whizzed through in roughly the time it takes to chill a Cotes de Gascogne. By the end of a captious day we certainly all needed a gargle. Mucho panico. Only after the House broke for Easter on Tuesday doh! did ministers realise steel production had reached crisis point. Recalling Parliament might at least obscure the foul-up and make voters think Downing Street was acting with despatch. Whips sent frantic return to base signals to their sheep. Mr Speaker, who as we know seldom strays far, agreed to the first Saturday recall since the Falklands War. Wrenched from their dirty weekends and Easter hols, MPs reacted with partisan peevishness. The mess was all the fault of (choose as many as you wish): Donald Trump, Kemi Badenoch, Ed Miliband, Kenneth Clarke, the Chinese, Russians, Prince Michael of Kent. Blimey, what was HRH doing in the mix? Then my carer pointed out that Prince Michael was in fact his ministerial double Jonathan Reynolds, the Trade Secretary. Ah, that explained the Wearside accent. Socialism Saturday, and the Commons ran as hot as a blast furnace. Parliament was recalled to pass the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act. Picture: Stock image The mess was all the fault of (choose as many as you wish): Donald Trump, Kemi Badenoch, Ed Miliband, Kenneth Clarke, the Chinese, Russians, Prince Michael of Kent. Blimey, what was HRH doing in the mix, writes Quentin Letts The mess was all the fault of (choose as many as you wish): Donald Trump, Kemi Badenoch, Ed Miliband, Kenneth Clarke, the Chinese, Russians, Prince Michael of Kent. Blimey, what was HRH doing in the mix? Then my carer pointed out that Prince Michael was in fact his ministerial double Jonathan Reynolds, the Trade Secretary, writes Quentin Letts The day began with Commons leader Lucy Powell, the clunkers clunker, sucking her tombstone teeth and hoping that all members can work constructively together. That might have happened had she not resorted to dingbat sloganeering about how the Government was acting decisively at pace to help ingdustry, as she pronounced it. Alex Burghart, for the Tories, snapped that ministers had made a total pigs breakfast of things. Labour went tonto at this. Mr Burghart held wide his arms and did a double-tickle of his finger-tips, as if wanting more volume. Mr Reynolds, who could easily have just cut the ribbon and waited for the band to play God Save The King, claimed that the only reason he could save the steel industry was that Rachel Reeves had restored economic stability. Opposition MPs cackled like drunken Daleks. Ms Reeves looked annoyed. Because the Tories were laughing at her or because she suspected Mr Reynolds of low sarcasm? Mr Reynolds is normally a mellow sort, but at the end of his speech he went oddly personal, singling out Mrs Badenoch for odium. She retaliated. A petty, complicated, inconclusive squabble ensued. They both looked cheaper for it. Time and again MPs complained about our Net Zero energy costs, highest in the world. Mr Miliband furtively fiddled with his lower lip. He soon left the chamber. What do you reckon? Out by July? Sir Edward Leigh (Con, Gainsborough) said the Scunthorpe steelworks Chinese owners were under the cosh of Beijings autocratic regime, and we should never have had anything to do with the beggars. Alex Burghart, for the Tories, snapped that ministers had made a total pigs breakfast of things, writes Quentin Letts As if that were not bad enough, Speaker Hoyle told off a Labour MP for taking photographs. Civilisation was crumbling. The Scots Nats and Plaid Cymru blamed the English. The English blamed the Americans and Chinese. The Lib Dems blamed Brexit. The Northern Irish did not get to speak but it is quite possible they would have blamed Dublin. Sir Jeremy Wright (Con, Kenilworth), a lawyer, foresaw oncoming complexities. Uh oh. That translates as this could cost a fortune in legal bills. Jeremy Corbyn (Ind, Islington N) seemed delighted. Nationalisation at last, comrades. In the Upper House, Lord Glasman (Lab) explained how big a philosophical deal this Bill was. Thatcherism is dead thanks partly to Right-wing Trumpism. Clever dissenting speeches were made by Lord Kerr (Crossbencher), who suggested that steel was less important than aluminium, and Lord Hannan (Con). Nationalisation of steel failed in 1949 and 1967 but politicians were again returning to a policy that was bound to fail. Lord Hannan quoted Kiplings line, the sow returns to her mire, the burnt Fools bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the fire. But the flames of nativist fervour burn stronger, and they, at present, are what smelt our politics. Counter Terrorism Policing will lead the investigation after a Manchester Arena terrorist 'attacked three prison officers with cooking oil and makeshift weapons' on Saturday. The officers received life-threatening injuries after being assaulted by Hashem Abedi at HMP Frankland, County Durham, on Saturday, the Prison Officers' Association (POA) said. Abedi, 28, is serving life at the high-security prison for helping his brother plot 22 murders in the Manchester Arena bombing. The officers suffered burns, scalds and stab wounds when Abedi threw hot cooking oil over them before using makeshift weapons to stab them in the 'unprovoked' and 'vicious' attack, the POA added. A source told The Sun Abedi was preparing food in a kitchen at the category A jail, dubbed 'Monster Mansion', when his terrifying rampage began and he started throwing scalding oil on a pair of guards. The attacker is then said to have produced two huge homemade weapons with 20cm long blades before he started slashing at the duo as well as another officer. The source said: 'It was horrific and a total bloodbath. 'There were even fears this was a terror attack and that hazardous materials could be in play.' One of the guards was stabbed in the neck once and another officer was stabbed five times in the back, according to the source. A Manchester Arena terrorist has 'attacked three prison officers with cooking oil and makeshift weapons', according to the Prison Officers' Association (POA). The officers received life-threatening injuries after being assaulted by Hashem Abedi (pictured) at HMP Frankland, County Durham, the union said A view of HMP Frankland in Durham, where the police officers were attacked earlier today A picture of the scene following the Manchester Arena bombing This picture shows police interviewing Hashem following the horrific 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack Salman Abedi, Hashem's brother, at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017 All three officers were rushed to hospital after the 'serious assault'. Two are still receiving treatment, and they have serious injuries. Prison service sources said the third, a female, was released after being treated. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'The appalling attack on prison officers by one of the terrorists involved in the Manchester Arena bombing is extremely concerning. 'My thoughts are with the officers affected. This deeply serious security failure must be a turning point.' Prison union sources suggested that Abedi may have stolen a weapon from a kitchen although there were unconfirmed reports that a knife may have been carried into the prison via a drone, according to The Telegraph. The attacker was restrained by prison officers who raced to the scene before a riot squad arrived. Police, paramedics, and an ambulance Hazardous Area Response Teama unit specially trained to deal with dangerous situations and hazardous materialswere also scrambled to the prison. Hashem (pictured posing with a gun) was in Libya at the time of the bombing, having left the UK weeks earlier. He offered no defence to the charges that he had helped his brother plan the attack on the Manchester Arena in May 2017, killing children, teenagers and adults as they poured out of an Ariana Grande concert or waited for their loved ones, and critically injuring dozens more Emergency services responded in force (pictured) to the attack during the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena Former prison governor Ian Acheson told the Telegraph: 'This is a catastrophic security failure. This will be a resignation issue. 'They have failed to manage someone who is profoundly and manifestly a dangerous terrorist. 'One of my recommendations to ministers was that they should have an independent adviser on counter-terrorism in prisons as I had no confidence in the senior leadership of the prison and probation service to manage the terrorist threat.' Mr Acheson stressed the importance of independent oversight into how the incident was managed. CTP's acting senior national co-ordinator, Commander Dom Murphy, said: 'Given the nature of the incident, it has been agreed that CTP North East will lead the investigation, supported by Durham Constabulary. 'This is an ongoing investigation which is in its early stages, and we are working hard to establish the facts. Therefore, we are unable to comment further at this time.' The incident comes five years after Abedi was convicted of a 'vicious attack' on a prison officer in the high-security unit of Belmarsh prison in May 2020. A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Three prison officers have been treated in hospital after an attack by a prisoner at HMP Frankland. The 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 'Police are now investigating so it would be inappropriate to comment further. 'Violence in prison will not be tolerated, and we will always push for the strongest punishment for attacks on our hard-working staff.' The national chairman of the POA, Mark Fairhurst, added: 'First and foremost, my thoughts are with the injured staff, their families and colleagues. No Officer should be subject to cowardly and vicious attacks at work. 'The POA will support our members as much as we need during this traumatic time, this attack displays the dangers brave Prison Officers face on a daily basis. 'Separation Centres hold the most dangerous terrorist offenders who simply do not wish to alter their ideology and as this event confirms, are determined to inflict violence on those who hold them securely. 'We must now review the freedoms we allow separation centre prisoners have. I am of the opinion that allowing access to cooking facilities and items that can threaten the lives of staff should be removed immediately. 'These prisoners need only receive their basic entitlements and we should concentrate on control and containment instead of attempting to appease them. Things have to change.' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'I am appalled by the attack of three brave officers at HMP Frankland today. My thoughts are with them and their families. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) called the attack 'deeply concerning' Former prison governor Ian Acheson (pictured) blamed the prison's management of the dangerous inmate 'The police are now investigating. I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. 'Violence against our staff will never be tolerated.' Abedi was jailed for life in August 2020 and is currently serving at the category A HMP Frankland. He offered no defence to the charges that he had helped his brother plan the attack on the Manchester Arena in May 2017, killing children, teenagers and adults as they poured out of an Ariana Grande concert or waited for their loved ones, and critically injuring dozens more. Abedi was charged with the murders in a bold move by the Crown Prosecution Service even though he was in Libya at the time of the suicide attack by his older brother, Salman who died in the attack. Duncan Penny QC, prosecuting, told the jury Hashem Abedi was 'just as responsible for this atrocity, as surely as if he had selected the target and detonated the bomb himself'. Category A is the highest level of security, housing some of the country's most serious criminals including Levi Bellfield, Ian Huntley and Wayne Couzens. An Albanian people smuggler pleaded guilty to entering the UK illegally after a Mail on Sunday investigation led to his arrest. The Home Office last night hailed this newspapers brilliant investigative journalism that led to Alket Dauti who smuggled hundreds of migrants to Britain in lorries being hauled in front of a court. Dauti, 38, was arrested a week after the MoS revealed how he sneaked into the UK months after being released from prison in Belgium and deported to Albania. He posted videos on TikTok of himself driving around London, while relatives uploaded photos of him walking his two daughters to school, near the family council home in Penge, south-east London. When we contacted the Home Office, officials had no record of Dauti entering the country. But a week after we published our story last month, he was arrested. Dauti, 38, was arrested a week after the MoS revealed how he sneaked into the UK months after being released from prison in Belgium and deported to Albania Alket Dauti being arrested in June 20, 2018 before returning to the UK At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, he pleaded guilty to entering the UK without leave and will be sentenced on May 12. He could get four years in jail and is likely to then be deported. He was the linchpin of an Albanian gang bringing migrants from Belgium to the UK, charging 8,000 per journey in the back of lorries, and 13,000 for a seat at the front. Dauti was arrested at his flat in Penge in 2018 and deported to Belgium, where hed been sentenced in absentia to ten years. He was released and deported to Albania last year, but is believed to have arrived in Britain by November. The Home Office said it is determined to remove foreign criminals, adding: We all have a role to play... whether it is the brilliant investigative journalism carried out by Mail on Sunday reporters, or the thousands who call our Immigration Enforcement Hotline. The new chief of the Charity Commission has been criticised by senior Tory MPs for 'partisanship' after he praised hard-left politicians while mocking Boris Johnson on social media. Mark Simms OBE was appointed the new acting head of the charity watchdog by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and is thought to be in the running to become its permanent chief. Days before his formal appointment last month, Mr Simms deleted his X account, which had a following of thousands. But an analysis of his tweets still available in Internet archives reveals he holds partisan views and interests. Charity bosses are expected to be politically neutral and must declare their political affiliations before being appointed. In one tweet in 2020, Mr Simms praised controversial hard-left US Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, saying in a tweet: 'This brilliant woman... smashed it.' His post was made after Ms Omar gave an interview about casual racism. At the time, the US House Representative was mired in a row over alleged anti-Semitic comments and had been kicked off the US's Foreign Affairs Committee. The new chief of the Charity Commission has been criticised by senior Tory MPs for 'partisanship' after he praised hard-left politicians while mocking Boris Johnson on social media. Mark Simms OBE (pictured) was appointed the new acting head of the charity watchdog by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and is thought to be in the running to become its permanent chief Pictured: Minister for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy arrives in Downing Street for a Cabinet meeting on April 8, 2025 Also in 2019 Mr Simms praised the then Labour MP and now Women's Minister Jess Philips. In a tweet he said: 'I don't care what anyone says, @jessphillips is a bloody good constituency MP. She's passionate and purposeful and puts country before self.' However, Mr Simms mocked former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet carrying misogynist overtones. In a 2019 post, Mr Simms tweeted 'ditch-slapped' above a graphic mocking Mr Johnson's declaration that he would rather be found 'dead in a ditch' than delay Brexit. The term 'ditch-slapped' rhymes with 'bitch-slapped', a sexist term which usually means striking someone to assert superiority over them. Mr Simms will formally begin as interim chief next week (25th) but Tory MPs have criticised his apparent political bias at a time when the Commission is under fire for delays in probing various Islamic charities accused of anti-Semitism or having links to Iran. In one tweet in 2020, Mr Simms praised controversial hard-left US Democrat Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (picture), saying in a tweet: 'This brilliant woman... smashed it' Mr Simms mocked former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) in a tweet carrying misogynist overtones Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: 'When we've got charities accused of links to the Iranian regime and spreading extremism the work of the Charity Commission must be beyond reproach. Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, said: 'There can be no signs of bias or activism, the task is too important. It's this kind of thing which erodes public trust in the fairness of our institutions.' Former Tory Minister Liam Fox added: 'It is essential that those policing the system are acting in our national interest, not promoting their own political agenda.' Last night the Charity Commission defended Mr Simms, saying that he made the standard declarations during his appointment, which included that he had no 'significant political activity' in the past five years. A spokesman said: 'The Charity Commission is fair, balanced and independent in its regulation of charities. Mark has been a member of the Board for two years and has a very clear understanding of the role and its responsibilities.' The criticism of Mr Simms comes amid condemnation of the watchdog for failing to take action against charities accused of spreading extremism. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) said: 'When we've got charities accused of links to the Iranian regime and spreading extremism the work of the Charity Commission must be beyond reproach Last month the government's former extremism tsar Lord Walney said the quango should be broken up if it failed to get a grip with several high-profile cases running for years. The Islamic Human Rights Commission, accused of being aligned with the Iranian regime, has been monitored since 2017 over its funding model. Another, the Islamic Centre for England, has had four directors named as the UK representative of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and boasts assets of more than 4 million. In December, it was reported that the Dar AlHekma Trust and the Abrar Islamic Foundation have possible links to the Iranian regime and are under police investigation. They deny any allegations of wrongdoing but continue to enjoy charitable status. The Charity Commission confirmed there was an ongoing investigation into the Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust. The Islamic Centre of England is subject to an ongoing statutory inquiry, while the Abrar Islamic Foundation and Dar AlHekma Trust are both subject to 'ongoing regulatory compliance' probes. A charity Commission spokesman said: We take very seriously any alleged links between a charity and extremism or terrorism. Such links are abhorrent, and corrosive to the trust on which the charitable sector depends. We will always deal robustly with those who intentionally or recklessly misuse charities for malign purposes, and do not hesitate to take action in accordance with the law to protect the reputation of the sector as a whole. Our investigations and cases into charities are rigorous and follow the evidence. Like any quasi-judicial process, our thorough work takes time, but we frequently require charities to take immediate steps to put things right whilst our investigations proceed. Russian aggression has seen the number of people charged with spying for a foreign state hit its highest level in over a decade, the Mail on Sunday can reveal. The number of those charged with espionage has rocketed in the last year. Experts warn Russia and other rogue states are launching a 'proxy war' on Britain which will only intensify. British intelligence services have launched a crackdown on this, which military leaders have said has led to the increase in prosecutions. There is also a fear organised crime gangs based in Britain are being recruited and paid for by rogue states to do work on their behalf, thus increasing the risk. Figures from the Crown Prosecution Service show that only three people were charged over espionage offences from 2014 to 2023, leading to two convictions - but a total of 14 people were charged with similar crimes last year. Espionage offences can include assisting a foreign intelligence service, providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, and conspiring to aid an enemy nation by collecting information that would jeopardise the safety of the UK. Of the 14 individuals who were accused of being spies last year, at least seven have now been convicted. Experts warn Russia and other rogue states are launching a 'proxy war' on Britain which will only intensify British intelligence services have launched a crackdown on this, which military leaders have said has led to the increase in prosecutions . Pictured: GCHQ Orlin Roussev (pictured), who lived in a guest house in Great Yarmouth, is said to have 'tasked' the network of spies Last month at the end of a three month trial, six Bulgarian nationals were convicted for spying for Russia in one of the largest foreign intelligence operations in the UK. Vanya Gaberova, 30, Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, who were all living in London, were found guilty of spying on journalists, a former politician, and a US military base in Germany between 2020 and 2023. Lord Richard Dannat, former head of the British Army, said the numbers had increased due to aggression from Russia and hostile states. He said the 'insecurity' across the world had meant they were launching more espionage activity and Britain's security services were becoming better at stopping it and raising awareness of it. Lord Dannat said: 'This shows Russia is becoming more and more aggressive. The world is a very insecure place right now. 'Russia is fighting its conflict in Ukraine and it is launching all sorts of other hybrid attacks. 'It is fermenting conflict short of war.' Vanya Gaberova (pictured), accompanied spy, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, on surveillance missions but claims she thought the trips were holidays and that he convinced her he worked for Interpol Jurors were told Gaberova, who ran a beauticians called Pretty Woman in West London, was 'naive' and that her judgement had been 'clouded by love'. Pictured: Biser Dzhambazov Lord Dannat said British intelligence services were very aware of the threat. He added: 'Our security services are aware of this and are doing a very good job at stopping it, as these figures confirm. 'The threat and activity has gone up and so our security services have upped their game. 'Russia itself is under a lot of pressure. It cannot afford a physical conflict anywhere else as it does not have the manpower. 'So it is creating these sorts of attacks through espionage. The figures show there is more threat and activity and we're also doing well at stopping it.' Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Defence Committee said: 'With adversary states acting with increasing aggression in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, focus at home should be turning towards our nation's defence and security. 'It is therefore concerning to see a spike in the number of individuals charged with espionage offences over the last year. Whilst I commend our security services for their vital work in safeguarding the UK and its interests, it is clear that more must be done to bolster our counter-intelligence capabilities.' Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: 'Over the last number of years, we've seen a sharp rise in threats projected into the UK by hostile state actors. Lord Dannat said: 'Russia itself is under a lot of pressure. It cannot afford a physical conflict anywhere else as it does not have the manpower. So it is creating these sorts of attacks through espionage. The figures show there is more threat and activity and we're also doing well at stopping it.' 'By this, we mean we are seeing the regimes of foreign nations, threatening individuals that have simply made the UK their home. 'It can also mean foreign states seeking to infiltrate or sabotage organisations and businesses, or interfere with democratic, financial or academic institutions for their own gain. 'That is why Counter Terrorism Policing worked closely with the UK government and our intelligence partners to make sure the National Security Act provided policing with the powers it needed to deter, detect, and disrupt this type of activity. 'We anticipated that once the act was live we would be able to increase our operational activity and that has been the reality since the implementation of the legislation.' Col Richard Kemp, former head of counter terrorism in Afghanistan, said the figures were 'worrying'. He said: 'It shows the nature of the threat we here in Britain face. These people want to harm our country and our democracy and our way of life.' The spy ring was run from a guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, by Orlin Roussev, 47, who pleaded guilty to espionage offences before facing a trial. Gaberova, along with her ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab assistant Katrin Ivanova, 33, all deny working for Russian intelligence services between August 2020 and February 2023. Pictured: Katrin Ivanova Pictured (left to right): Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Biser Dzhambazov appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London Fellow spies Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 33, also gave guilty pleas before their trials. After raiding the spy ring's base in a 33-room former hotel in Great Yarmouth, police uncovered an array of sophisticated spying equipment, including cameras concealed in a fake rock and a pair of glasses. The group had spied on a US military base in Germany as they believed Ukrainian troops were being trained on site. The spy ring also planned to stage a protest outside the Kazakhstan embassy in London and monitor a former senior Kazakh politician, who lived in the UK, as part of an elaborate plan to help Russia gain favour with its southern neighbour in Central Asia. The group's conviction comes less than six months after a former British Army soldier was found guilty of spying on fellow soldiers in an effort to aid Iran. On November 28, 2024 at Woolwich Crown Court, former British Army soldier Daniel Khalife, 23, was found guilty of gathering classified information to Iranian agents. Khalife had collated and passed on classified documents, military communications, and information about soldiers to Iranian authorities from 2019 to 2021. The former army network engineer sparked a nationwide manhunt in September, 2023, when he broke out of prison while he was awaiting trial over the espionage offences. Soldier Daniel Khalife told a court he escaped from prison to show British intelligence serivces 'what a foolish idea it was having someone of my skillset' behind bars Jurors were shown CCTV of the dramatic moment British soldier Daniel Khalife escaped from prison while clinging to the bottom of the lorry He escaped from Wandsworth Prison during a kitchen duty shift, which allowed him to stowaway under a food delivery lorry. During the trial last year, Khalife's lawyer claimed that the espionage to aid Iran had been more 'Scooby-Doo' than '007'. But in February of this year, Khalife was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his spying offences, with a further two years and three months to be served consecutively for his prison escape. Previous espionage convictions over the last decade include a security guard who sent Russia secret documents from the British Embassy in Berlin and a defence worker who sent highly sensitive information about a UK missile system to a variety of contacts. Former security guard David Ballantyne Smith was imprisoned for 13 years over his treachery in Berlin in February, 2023. Simon Finch, who had worked at defence firms BAE Systems and QinetiQ, was sentenced to eight years in prison after a hearing in March 2021. Crews in today's University Boat Race are being warned of a heightened risk of exposure to dangerous levels of E.coli bacteria. Almost a third of E.coli samples taken on the Thames by River Action UK have revealed water quality almost three times below acceptable limits. With downpours forecast overnight there are fears that swollen sewage outflows will increase the health risk still further. River Action spokeswoman Amy Fairman told the Mail On Sunday: 'With heavy rain forecast, there's a real risk the Thames will once again be flooded with sewagejust as rowers and spectators gather for one of the river's most iconic events. 'Just this week, we were alerted to a burst sewage pipe upstream of the finish line, pouring raw sewage directly into the course. 'How much more evidence do Thames Water and regulators need before they act? The health of our rivers, our communities, and the athletes on the water is on the line.' The campaign group urged today's winning crew to 'think twice' before throwing their cox in the river - the traditional celebration of victory - and called on Thames Water and regulators to act immediately to improve sewage treatment infrastructure. Crews in today's Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race are being warned of a heightened risk of exposure to dangerous levels of E.coli bacteria Campaign group River Action urged today's winning crew to 'think twice' before throwing their cox in the river - the traditional celebration of victory Almost a third of E.coli samples taken on the Thames by River Action UK have revealed water quality almost three times below acceptable limits (pictured: the Cambridge Crew celebrating after their victory in the 168th annual boat race on March 26, 2023) Other clean water campaigners have been quick to highlight the health risks. Giles Bristow, chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage said: 'Today's Boat Race throws the sewage crisis into sharp focus and foreshadows what holiday makers will likely experience over Easter - polluted water that puts their health at risk. 'It's time for the government to completely shake up our failing water industry.' A statement from Boat Race organisers read: 'We have put in place a series of precautionary measures this year to protect the health of our athletes. '[This] includes guidance regarding the covering up of open wounds, regular handwashing, a cleansing station at the finish area and highlighting the risks of entering the water.' Today's event, which marks the 170th men's and 79th women's race, has also been dogged by controversy and bad blood off the water. Last month it emerged that Oxford University Boat Club complained that three Cambridge rowers - former men's under-23 world champion Matthew Heywood, and women's squad members Molly Foxell and Kate Crowley were not doing 'proper' degrees but rather teaching diplomas. River Action spokeswoman Amy Fairman told the Mail On Sunday that 'the health of our rivers, our communities, and the athletes on the water is on the line' Last month it emerged that Oxford University Boat Club complained that three Cambridge rowers were not doing 'proper' degrees but rather teaching diplomas Today's event marks the 170th men's and 79th women's race, with Cambridge victorious in both 2023 and 2024 All three were subsequently blocked from competing by the race's independent panel on eligibility. A Thames Water spokesperson said: 'We investigated reports of a sewer discharge into the river Thames via the culvert on the embankment near Ship Alley. 'We have carried out the repair on our foul water sewer and have also finished re-lining the surface water pipes. Mitigation will remain in place to ensure there are no further discharges at this location and will continue testing until we have completed the work. 'We have and continue to deliver a record amount of investment to address our ageing infrastructure and the health of rivers. This includes 1.8 billion to improve river health in London over the next five years.' I've said it before and I will say it again: Donald Trump is resoundingly right, sometimes. The US President has an idiosyncratic grasp of economics, to put it tactfully, but when he declared in 2018, 'If you don't have steel, you don't have a country', he was correct. The irony is that Trump's 25 per cent tariffs were yet another blow to the UK's beleaguered industry. Its troubles reached a crescendo this weekend when MPs were hauled back to Parliament for an emergency sitting to decide the fate of the Scunthorpe steelworks. Reform MP Richard Tice another man I don't often agree with was bang on when he said our steel industry was a 'catastrophe', and that it had been both Labour and Tory 'negligence' that had brought us to this point. Like him, I see no other option than its immediate nationalisation. Steel is in my blood and bone. My father, grandfather, uncles and cousins were proud Teesside steelmen. The fortunes of the industry have played out in our family and shaped all our lives. Dad was one of the last people to leave Head Wrightson, which made bridges found around the world, when it closed in the late 1980s. I've said it before and I will say it again: Donald Trump (pictured) is resoundingly right, sometimes. The US President has an idiosyncratic grasp of economics, to put it tactfully, but when he declared in 2018, 'If you don't have steel, you don't have a country', he was correct, writes Ruth Sunderland The irony is that Trump's 25 per cent tariffs were yet another blow to the UK's beleaguered industry. Its troubles reached a crescendo this weekend when MPs were hauled back to Parliament for an emergency sitting to decide the fate of the Scunthorpe steelworks (pictured), says Ruth Sunderland Reform MP Richard Tice (pictured) another man I don't often agree with was bang on when he said our steel industry was a 'catastrophe', and that it had been both Labour and Tory 'negligence' that had brought us to this point. Like him, I see no other option than its immediate nationalisation, Ruth Sunderland writes My cousin Andrew followed his father Malcolm into the Redcar steelworks when he left school and lost his job there a decade ago when the Thai owners shut it down. The threat of that fate is now looming over the 2,700 workers at Scunthorpe and, sadly, I am not surprised. At the time of the 2019 sale of British Steel to Jingye, a Chinese conglomerate, I warned that the deal offered only false hope. There is zero pleasure in seeing my prophecies of disaster come true. The takeover was waved through in the middle of Boris Johnson's 2019 election campaign. Helpfully to the Conservatives, it averted the loss of thousands of jobs in a Red Wall constituency. Then, I advocated the government should at least try to protect UK interests by keeping a golden share and taking a seat on the board. The predatory deal was given a green light with no such safeguards. At the time of the 2019 sale of British Steel to Jingye, a Chinese conglomerate, I warned that the deal offered only false hope. There is zero pleasure in seeing my prophecies of disaster come true. The takeover was waved through in the middle of Boris Johnson's 2019 election campaign, Ruth Sunderland says. Pictured: Boris Johnson Johnson's government appeared to take it at face value when Li Ganpo, the former Communist Party official turned chairman of Jingye, turned on the treacle hose. He promised to 'create a splendid future' with an open chequebook for investment words that now sound as cold as the blast furnaces without a bailout. Politicians turned a blind eye to the fact the Chinese had helped eviscerate our industry by dumping cheap steel on world markets. Nor would they admit what was staring them in the face: that British Steel would be a Trojan horse for China, allowing it access to our know-how and skills, with the option of discarding the plant and workers down the line. And so it has proved, leaving the Government with little choice but to nationalise British Steel, which is no doubt the last thing Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to do at this juncture. The country's finances are on a knife-edge and the tax burden is already at its highest since the aftermath of the Second World War. Loading the national balance sheet with an open-ended liability to keep the steel industry going is an unappetising prospect. Saving Scunthorpe, however, goes beyond questions of profitability. It is too important to fail just as the banks were in the financial crisis. The Government has been left with little choice but to nationalise British Steel, which is no doubt the last thing Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) wants to do at this juncture, writes Ruth Sunderland Britain cannot leave itself the only member of the G7 unable to produce its own steel. Sadly, our industry has been the victim of poor and unscrupulous ownership for decades. Prior to Jingye, British Steel had been owned by private equity firm Greybull Capital, which bought the business in 2016 for 1 and whose stewardship was widely criticised. Producers have also been hobbled by Net Zero mania. Steel-makers here pay nearly 50 per cent more for electricity than those in France and Germany and are calling on the Government to set a price cap. Steel has also been stigmatised by a cultural contempt for industry. It has been fashionable among the bien-pensant elite to brand steel as dirty, basic and unnecessary in a modern, high-tech economy they see it as a rather regrettable activity that takes place in poorer towns far from their bijoux London haunts. Several years ago, I was interviewed for a job where two of the men on the panel sneered at the idea that the steel industry was worth saving, and at me for daring to argue otherwise. This is not about sentimentality or harking back to a mythical lost industrial past. If we don't have the ability to make our own steel, we cannot hope to keep this country secure, let alone prosperous, in an increasingly threatening world. Ed Miliband, in his zeal for Net Zero, ought to take note that enormous amounts of steel will be needed if we are to move to environmentally friendly energy sources including new nuclear. Pictured: Energy Secretary Ed Milliband Nationalisation is not a route I would normally advocate but when there is a national emergency, which this is, then it is the sensible option. Labour will no doubt hope this is a short-term solution and may wish to find a buyer or at least a commercial partner. Ministers should be cognisant, though, that the worst possible outcome at this point is yet another awful owner. Any new scavengers who come knocking at the door must be given short shrift. Naturally at this point the focus is on the financial downside. But that is not the whole story. It is not all cost there is also a huge opportunity. The Government does recognise this and published a steel strategy earlier this year. We need steel for our defence industry, green energy infrastructure, for new rail lines and we can make it here, instead of importing it from abroad. Ed Miliband, in his zeal for Net Zero, ought to take note that enormous amounts of steel will be needed if we are to move to environmentally friendly energy sources including new nuclear. Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to meet British Steel workers in Appleby Village Hall near Scunthorpe on April 12 Offshore wind alone will need 25 million tonnes of steel between now and 2050, which is a potential 21 billion market for UK producers. Government, now and in the future, can play a big role in this by adopting a 'Buy British' approach to procurement. The industry itself is becoming greener with the use of new steel-making techniques. The UK has a chance to take the lead on this but that will not happen if we lose our capacity. It will probably surprise many to learn that the steel industry still employs 34,000 people and supports another 40,000 in the supply chain. True, this is a fraction of the numbers working in steel in the glory years, but these are well-paid jobs in relatively poor communities. There is a very heavy human and economic toll as my family knows all too well when they are lost. If we can make UK steel great again, it will give the country a cadre of highly skilled and valuable workers, not just operating furnaces but in advanced research and development. Teessiders like to boast that we built the world with our steel, from the girders in Churchill's War Rooms to Canary Wharf and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It's just possible, if we learn the right lessons from this debacle, that we could do so again. A New York woman has been left devastated after she aborted her baby following paternity results, only to be told months later they were a 'technical error.' The 28-year-old Yonkers woman has sued Winn Health Labs and DNA Diagnostics Center after she aborted her long-awaited pregnancy due to what was revealed to have been false paternity test results. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told the New York Post: 'I just have a lot of emotions. These results were the reason why I decided to do what I did.' She and her then-fiance had been struggling to get pregnant for 'several months' before they broke up, partially due to the 'stress and aggravation' of trying to conceive. Their three-week split ended with her having had sexual relations with another man before she and her fiance got back together. However, she claimed that during the encounter with the other man that a condom had been used, the outlet reported. 'I was tracking my ovulation,' she said. Around August 11, she discovered she was pregnant but was 'certain' it was her fiance's baby. The 28-year-old Yonkers woman has sued Winn Health Labs and DNA Diagnostics Center after she aborted her long-awaited pregnancy due to what was revealed to have been false paternity test results Still, she decided to know for certain and sought out paternity testing with the other man without telling her fiance so as not to alarm him. The first two tests cost her more than $1,000, yet the results came back inconclusive, so they moved on to Ohio-based DNA Diagnostics Center online. According to court documents, the two went to a Winn Health Labs facility in the Bronx, located at the rear of a hair salon, in October to provide samples for the testing to be completed by DNA Diagnostics. However, she was confident that it couldn't be anyone's baby except her and her fiance's, so she threw a gender-reveal party with the father while waiting on the results to come back. She was left in 'utter surprise, disappointment and frustration' five days later after receiving a call on Halloween with the results. The results assured her with '99.99% certainty' that the other man was the father of her baby,' court records stated. Being nearly 20 weeks pregnant at that point, her decision of what to do next needed to be made before New York's 24-week deadline for a legal abortion. 'You took away the family I could have had. This was the person I was marrying. This is the person I wanted to build a family with,' she said It forced her to tell all to her fiance. The news was a 'devastating setback to her and [her fiance's] relationship,' court documents stated. 'He just cried,' she said. 'He asked, "Why would you go through a gender reveal?" I told him, "Because I was positive it was yours."' She decided the terminate the pregnancy 'in an attempt to salvage her relationship' after a 'week of anxiety, stress, arguments, confrontations and conversations.' The termination procedure lasted two-days, during which she even changed her mind, but it was too late, and the baby couldn't be saved. 'I wish I could reverse this,' she said. It wasn't until she received a call on Valentine's Day from DNA Diagnostics that her world shattered. The lab told her that the results she had been given were due to an 'IT error,' according to court documents. She was devastatingly informed by the lab that there was actually no chance whatsoever of the other man being the father of her baby. Her fling during their separation had not resulted in the pregnancy, the lab revealed. After staying together through everything, she and her fiance split from the final heartbreak of knowing they had lost their child. 'The reason I took action was because I believed in these results. I thought this was something that was one hundred percent true. And it led me to the abortion,' she said, People reported. Her lawyer, Craig Phemister, told the Post: 'When you know people are relying immediately on paternity tests to make life decisions, why did it take four months for them to call? It just doesn't make sense.' Now, she wants justice and to hold the labs accountable for traumatic decision she was forced to make. 'How many other people did it happen to?' she asked. The lab, in a statement to DailyMail.com, said: 'For 30 years, DDC has provided reliable and accurate testing to millions of customers. If any concern is raised, we take immediate action to validate the results and rapidly notify customers of any issues. The filings allege that the defendants gave the woman 'inaccurate DNA paternity test results, knowing she would have very little time to make a decision on whether to keep her pregnancy or not' 'We understand and appreciate the incredible amount of trust people place in us to get this right, and we expend every effort to meet that high standard.' The filings allege that the defendants gave the woman 'inaccurate DNA paternity test results, knowing she would have very little time to make a decision on whether to keep her pregnancy or not.' It furthered that they then 'outrageously failed to inform' her of the mistake until months later. 'You took away the family I could have had. This was the person I was marrying. This is the person I wanted to build a family with,' she said. Winn Health Labs did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon told Bill Maher he's got a team working on finding a Constitutional way for Donald Trump to run in and win the 2028 presidential election, sealing him a third term. The topic of a Trump third term was given credence by the president himself, when he talked to NBC Meet the Press host Kristen Welker by phone recently. Maher greeted Bannon just moments after the HBO comic detailed his 'gracious and measured' meeting with the president, whom he'd long been viciously critical of. However, it was not exactly as nice and clear cut with Bannon, who made Maher visibly uncomfortable when he spoke in detail about the plot for Trump to retain the White House in 2028. 'President Trump is going to run for a third term and President Trump is going to be elected again. On the afternoon of January 20th, 2029, he's going to be president of the United States,' Bannon declared. Maher responded by taking out a copy of the Constitution and reading the 22nd Amendment: 'No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.' Bannon, unmoved, pointed it out that he had initially brought up the idea of running for a third term and not Trump, though he has since spoken about it. 'It seemed like there was no wriggle room there. It said only two times,' Maher added. Longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon (pictured left) said he's got a team working on finding a legal way for Donald Trump to run in and win the 2028 presidential election, sealing him a third term The topic of a Trump (pictured) third term was given credence by the president himself, when he talked to NBC Meet the Press host Kristen Welker by phone recently Bannon then claimed he has a 'team of people' working on how to get around it, noting how often liberals had gone to court to challenge Trump's own Constitutional rights. He has faced '120 lawsuits on what President Trump is doing for his Article II rights,' Bannon claimed. Maher asked: 'How can a team do something about that? I don't care if the team is twelve trillion people, the words are still the words.' He admitted 'we've got long odds on this' but said that there's been long odds on Trump's entire political run until this point and it hasn't stopped him. 'We're gonna come out a third time. On the afternoon of the 20th of January, 2029, he's gonna be president of the United States.' Maher continued to be confused about going around the Constitution when Bannon took it and held it up. 'The interpretation of this [the U.S. Constitution] is open for interpretation,' he said. Maher then took it back and re-read the entire amendment, before eventually agreeing to disagree with Bannon. Bannon made Bill Maher (pictured) visibly uncomfortable when he spoke in detail about the plot for Trump to retain the White House in 2028 Bannon admitted 'we've got long odds on this' but said that there's been long odds on Trump's entire political run until this point and it hasn't stopped him Just three days into Trump's second term, Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, sent out a proposal to amend the 22nd Amendment to open the door for a Trump third term. Ogles' Constitutional amendment would allow for Trump to run for a third term - but prohibit Obama from doing so, because the Democrat had already served two consecutive terms. The other former two-term living presidents, Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Bill Clinton, also wouldn't be eligible if this amendment was passed. '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 term,' the text of the Ogles' Amendment read. There's an incredibly high bar to pass a Constitutional amendment - as two-thirds of both the House and Senate would need to sign on - as well as three-fourths of the state legislatures. With the current nearly 50/50 split in the country of Republicans and Democrats it's extremely unlikely an amendment of this kind would pass - especially one that only aims to allow Trump to serve thrice. Yet, when pressed by Kristen Welker on NBC, Trump seemed interested to see where it could go. 'A lot of people want me to do it,' the 78-year-old president said. Maher greeted Bannon just moments after the HBO comic detailed his 'gracious and measured' meeting with the president, whom he'd long been viciously critical of 'President Trump is going to run for a third term and President Trump is going to be elected again. On the afternoon of January 20th, 2029, he's going to be president of the United States,' Bannon (pictured left) declared A chant of 'four more years' broke out at the White House last week during the president's Greek Independence Day event. 'But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it's very early in the administration,' he continued. 'I'm focused on the current.' When asked why he'd want another term, the president responded, 'I like working.' 'I'm not joking,' he continued. 'But I'm not - it is far too early to think about it.' He was then asked if he'd been presented with plans on how to serve a third term. 'There are methods which you could do it,' he said. He was asked about those comments on board Air Force One Sunday as he traveled back to Washington, D.C. 'I don't want to talk about a third term now because no matter how you look at it, you've got a long time to go,' Trump said. A global Australian clothing brand has been slammed as disgruntled customers accuse it of failing to deliver their orders. Peppermayo is also facing accusations it has deliberately deleted comments by customers sharing their complaints on the brand's social media pages. Its Instagram account contains several comments from customers who are experiencing problems with communicating with the brand's support team. Desperate customers have been asking the Adelaide brand, founded by Georgia Wright and Huayi Huang, to respond to their emails regarding concerns, which include shipping and returns. One frustrated customer commented: 'Can someone please respond regarding shipping? Emails have not been responded to.' 'Have sent multiple emails trying to get into contact. This is ridiculous,' another wrote. Another wrote: 'Wait I didn't realise some many other people were also waiting forever for their package. How long is it taking??? Should I just dispute??' One customer claimed on TikTok that not only has Peppermayo not responded to their emails, but has also deleted comments she left regarding the matter on the brand's Instagram account. Sarona, who is a customer, accused Peppermayo of 'deleting comments on [Instagram] from me and other girls asking where packages are' A model showcases one of the many dresses for sale on the Peppermayo website Sarona said: 'Me getting ready to contact the police (A Current Affair) because Peppermayo keeps deleting comments on [Instagram] from me and other girls asking where packages are.' Peppermayo commented on Sarona's TikTok video apologising for the problem and asking the customer to send the brand a direct message so they can 'look into this'. The customer doubled down on her claim that her previous messages had gone unanswered and demanded the brand direct communications to her email. A member of Peppermayo's social media team replied: 'Sorry lovely, please DM us your email so our team can look into this for you ASAP.' The Aussie brand came under fire last year when a US customer went viral for sharing her order receipt for a dress that never arrived. However, in that instance, a representative clarified the customer had been the victim of a scam by a 'counterfeit website'. The US customer purchased a dress for her homecoming dance from what she thought was Peppermayo but in reality, the site was called 'Pepperrmayo'. PepperMayo (pictured) has warned of counterfeit websites tricking customers in the past Customers have been desperately seeking answers about their delayed orders (pictured) Peppermayo warned customers to be wary of ordering from counterfeit websites. The order number was also in a different style to the one you would receive from the official Peppermayo online store. 'It was only a four-digit order number, whereas Peppermayo's all start with "PMAU", "PMUK" or "PMUS",' the spokesman said. A Peppermayo spokesman also warned customers to watch out for fake public relations emails being sent from Gmail accounts. The Adelaide brand reached out to the US teen in order to send her the dress she had hoped to wear for her homecoming dance. Peppermayo describes itself on its website as a 'Sydney based fashion biz with a diverse, trendy, female customer base'. 'Over the last two years, their focus was to market their exclusive, in-house designs as the go-to outfit, suitable to women of all sizes,' it reads. 'Rapidly becoming their signature aesthetic, Peppermayo has become the hot new destination to shop all the latest fashion must-haves. 'As they continue to grow, so does their commitment to reduce their environmental impacts with the use of biodegradable mailing bags and recycled paper swing tags.' Its Instagram page has 1.2million followers Daily Mail Australia contacted Peppermayo for comment. An ABC presenter has laughed at a high profile independent MP live on TV over her response to a simple question - but she got her own back, saying people don't watch his show. Referring to independent MP Allegra Spender paying social media content providers 'to make videos talking about the great things she is doing', Insiders host David Speers asked Ms Spender's fellow teal Monique Ryan if she had a problem with that. Dr Ryan at first looked confused at the question, then paused, and then fumbled over an answer, eventually saying: 'We pay to generate the content we put to the voters.' 'I'm not sure there's a big issue there,' she said. 'Should it be clear to voters, people looking at this content, that it's paid for by the politician?' Speers asked. Dr Ryan again looked perplexed at the straightforward question, and after another pause and taking a loud breath, said 'Ah, look, I don't really have an opinion on it.' An astonished Speers said 'Really?' before Dr Ryan, who represents the Melbourne seat of Kooyong, again fumbled, saying, 'I think... well...' At this point, an incredulous Speers couldn't help but laugh out loud. Independent MP Monique Ryan (pictured) was perplexed by a simple question on ABC TV Insiders host David Speers (pictured) laughed at Dr Ryan's inability to answer the question 'You don't think voters deserve to know if someone they are watching is saying great things about that politician, whether they're being paid by the politician?' he said. 'Oh look, I'd have to give it some thought. It's not something I have given great thought to myself myself,' Dr Ryan again waffled. 'Obviously I haven't engaged in anything like that myself.' Speers seemed to barely be able to believe what he was hearing and asked: 'You'd have to give that some thought?' Yet again, Dr Ryan, who was a paediatric neurologist before becoming an MP three years ago, paused to gather her thoughts and took a deep breath. 'Well... ahh... I would think it would be clear... I don't know,' she said, followed by the longest pause so far. 'I think... I'd have to give it some thought, David,' she eventually said. 'So you might be alright with politicians paying for content that voters have no idea money is changing hands?' Speers said. Dr Ryan did manage to get a dig in on Speers though, saying politicians had to use social media as 'the reality is young people don't watch Insiders'. Ms Spender has admitted to paying an agency and using influencers and content creators to make social media content. 'We've worked with an agency and a bunch of influencers and content creators to reach different audiences,' she said. It comes after the Australian Electoral Commission suggested political authorisations should be added to influencer posts that have been paid for by politicians. 'There are no laws that prevent people being funded to put out messages or communicate on behalf of, or in collaboration with, a political entity,' an AEC spokesman told the ABC. 'It would only be a technical question of whether the specific statement meets the requirements.' The change would help create transparency between viewers and politicians and help audiences distinguish what online content has been paid for. Sunday morning's TV appearance was not the first time in recent weeks that Dr Ryan made unwanted headlines. Last month, in a heightening of tensions in a seat vital to the Coalition's chances of forming government, her husband Peter Jordan removed a sign backing her Liberal rival Amelia Hamer. Mr Jordan refused several times to say who he was when confronted by a Liberal supporter who filmed the encounter. He said he was entitled to take the sign down as it had been erected on public land in the constituency, which was previously held by a Liberal Party heroes Sir Robert Menzies and Josh Frydenberg, before Dr Ryan won it in 2022. Dr Ryan's husband Peter Jordan (pictured) was caught removing a sign backing her Liberal rival Amelia Hamer Dr Ryan (right) is pictured with her fellow teal MPs (left to right) Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps, Zali Steggall, Kylea Tink, Zoe Daniel and Kate Chaney Mr Jordan told Daily Mail Australia in a statement he had made an error by taking the sign down. 'I unreservedly apologise for removing the sign. It was a mistake,' he said. 'I believed the sign was illegally placed, but I should have reported my concerns to council.' Dr Ryan also issued a statement, offering her own apology. 'I apologise for the removal of the sign. It should not have happened,' she said. 'All concerns around signage should be reported to Council.' A furious man claims he was stabbed after confronting a Texas mortuary worker about the disgusting conditions in which he says his mother's corpse was being kept. The unnamed man was visiting Richardson Mortuary with his sister, Tamara McGruder, after the pair became suspicious about the working practices there. When they arrived they say were met with an appalling scene and the man began filming. The sibling duo say they found bodies exposed to the open air and discovered their mother's corpse with 'gnats in her face.' They saw several bodies stored around the building, which was said to have been undergoing construction, in rooms without any functioning air conditioning. Some bodies appeared to be entirely exposed to the elements while others were kept in body bags or caskets. McGruder told ABC affiliate KTRK: 'It's bodies in caskets, boxes, plastic bags. It's no A/C, its gnats. It smells like rotten blood.' An unidentified worker of the funeral home eventually confronted the two of them and ordered them to leave. But their refusal to do so caused the worker to stab McGruder's brother in the stomach. Tamara McGruder (pictured) went to Richardson Mortuary with her brother but they were horrified by the grim conditions their loved one was kept in and began filming McGruder said: 'It's bodies in caskets, boxes, plastic bags. It's no A/C, its gnats. It smells like rotten blood' They saw several bodies stored around the building, which was said to have been undergoing construction, in rooms without any functioning air conditioning 'I said I'm not leaving without my mom,' Mr McGruder said. The minor wound allowed him to drive himself to hospital, police said according to ABC 13. The viral video of the bodies' grotesque conditions brought other customers to the funeral home checking in on their own loved ones. Murita Brown told the outlet that her grandmother, Bonnie Ashley, was supposed to have been cremated last month. 'I saw a lady in purple in the same suit as my grandmother, so I said, "wait a minute, that look like my grand momma",' she said. 'This was March the 21st and she was supposed to be cremated already, and we been waiting on her ashes and nothing having been happening,' Brown continued. 'She was a loving person. She fed everybody. She'll give you the clothes off her back. And she was a fighter. She was in a wheelchair. She was paralyzed,' Brown added. 'To see her arm kind of like draped off that stretcher, it's just, heartbreaking.' Murita Brown told the outlet that her grandmother, Bonnie Ashley, was supposed to have been cremated last month. 'I saw a lady in purple in the same suit as my grandmother, so I said, "wait a minute, that look like my grand momma",' she said No charges have been pressed as the worker claimed the attack was in self-defense. The owner may face criminal charges according to Captain Jim Dale of the Houston Police Dept Demtrious Riley-Sylvester told KRIV that her brother's remains had been already cremated, or so the funeral home claimed. 'It's like some trash or a dog. Just throw him away like he's trash, and she had me believing. We were just waiting on them to bring the ashes,' she said. The viral video also sparked an investigation into the funeral home, which has received 14 complaints over the last 10 years, ABC reported. DailyMail.com has reached out to Richardson Mortuary for comment. Harris County Constable Smokie Phillips said he knew the funeral home's owner and that he had been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. Phillips said the owner agreed to allow bodies to be moved to alternate funeral homes to be refrigerated. No charges have been pressed as the worker claimed the attack was in self-defense. The owner may face criminal charges as Captain Jim Dale of the Houston Police Department said: 'You could look at abuse of corpse, things of that nature, but we'll know more as we go through it.' A 17-year-old student from Wisconsin has been charged in connection with the deaths of his mother and stepfather, whose bodies were discovered in a severely decomposed state in February. Nikita Casap, 17, had reportedly maintained perfect school attendance until the double homicide but now faces a lifetime behind bars. The teen is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of hiding a corpse, theft of movable property, theft involving special circumstances, unauthorized use of a vehicle and two counts of identity theft for financial gain, according to court records. Prosecutors allege the teenager shot and killed mom Tatiana Casap and stepdad Donald Mayer on February 11 before fleeing the scene and leaving their bodies to decompose inside their home. The couple were discovered on February 28 during a welfare check, court documents reveal. Casap's mother was found in an advanced state of decomposition, with her body described as 'blackened' and dried blood around her, while Mayer's body was discovered in another room, having suffered a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Authorities say the teenager had previously confided in a female classmate about 'fantasizing' not only about killing his parents but also about taking his own life. Nikita Casap's Wisconsin high school welfare officers sounded the alarm after he missed two weeks of school, despite having an otherwise perfect attendance record Prosecutors allege that Casap shot and killed his parents, Tatiana Casap (center) and Donald Mayer (right), on February 11, before fleeing the scene and leaving their bodies to decompose inside their home Disturbing surveillance footage from the crime scene reportedly shows a camera focused on the body of the stepfather, which had been covered with blankets and pillows. In the footage, Casap is seen entering the room to 'keep candles lit' and, at one point, looking directly into the camera and saying, 'So you can see him there. I can literally see the rotten body there,' as reported by Fox6. The star student had reportedly maintained perfect school attendance until the double homicide Days after the murders, on February 23, Casap is said to have fled the home, driving his parents' SUV. He traveled across several states, including Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado, before being apprehended on March 1 in northwest Kansas. According to the criminal complaint, officers found a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum firearm on the passenger side floorboard of the vehicle - matching the same type of gun his stepfather had recently purchased. In addition, investigators discovered the victims' driver's licenses, unused ammunition for the gun and spent shell casings. Casap, 17, has been charged in connection with the deaths of his mother and stepfather, whose bodies were discovered in a severely decomposed state in February Days after the murders, on February 23, Casap is said to have fled the home (pictured), driving his parents' SUV A commissioner set Casap's bail at $1 million, before dismissing a prior auto theft case against him, according to Fox6 Authorities also uncovered Telegram messages leading up to the murders, in which Casap allegedly inquired to a Russian speaker, '...while in Ukraine, I'll be able to live a normal life? Even when they find out I did it?' Casap had reportedly been in contact with a man from Russia, who, according to authorities, was aware of Casap's plans to flee the country with his parents' passports, their car and the family dog. During his court appearance, a commissioner set Casap's bail at $1 million, before dismissing a prior auto theft case against him, according to Fox6. Peter Dutton launched a series of personal attacks against Anthony Albanese during his campaign launch, even suggesting the Prime Minister had enjoyed 'a couple of wines' when making a major policy announcement. Mr Dutton levelled the accusation on Sunday as he touched on the decision to return the Port of Darwin to an Australian government approved operator rather than a Chinese company. Mr Albanese had called into ABC Radio Darwin at the start of April to unveil his plans to buy back the port if no private buyer could be found. The Prime Minister immediately came under fire as he was accused of hastily making the call to get ahead of the Opposition after learning they planned to make an announcement about the policy as part of its election promise. 'To give you an understanding of Labor's approach, Mr Albanese heard that we were going to make this announcement, and after a couple of wines, it seemed he called into ABC Radio in Darwin,' Mr Dutton said on Sunday. 'And he tried to fumble his way through the interview to say what he was going to do, how tough he was, how he was going to take the Port of Darwin back. 'The trouble for him was that the journalist who took the call knew a little more about the subject than he did. 'And it started to unravel very quickly, and that interview didn't end very well.' The federal election campaign went deep into personal offence territory when Peter Dutton suggested Anthony Albanese was affected by alcohol when making a policy announcement Mr Dutton added that 'it demonstrated to me, and I think to the Australian public, that this Prime Minister does things on the run. 'He's always late to whatever needs to be attended to. And he doesn't have the clarity and the vision and the strength for our country that's required to keep us safe. After Mr Dutton's speech, he was slammed by ABC presenter Patricia Karvelas who said the Opposition leader 'shouldn't have said that'. 'He is implying the Prime Minister was intoxicated if he said that. Well, he may not have liked the interview the Prime Minister did, that's kind of a big accusation,' she said. 'The other part of this is of course - the Prime Minister has not been drinking during the election campaign, famously so I had him on Q&A and he asked for non-alcoholic drinks, he is off the wines.' Host Liz Trevaskis gave the Prime Minister a tough grilling where the rushed nature of the announcement became quickly apparent. Mr Albanese's call to ABC came at 4.21pm on Friday, April 4 after the Labor campaign was tipped off that Mr Dutton was about to announce the Coalition would take back the Port of Darwin if it won the federal election. So he made the call to get in ahead of the Coalition. Mr Albanese fell off a stage during an appearance in NSW's Hunter Valley on April 3 (pictured) ABC's Patricia Karvelas slammed Peter Dutton for suggesting Anthony Albanese (pictured) was 'intoxicated' In the interview, Mr Albanese incorrectly said the 'LNP' government had 'flogged off' the port to Chinese company Landbridge. The port has been controlled by the Landbridge Group since 2015, after being granted a 99-year lease by the federal and territory governments. But, there has never been a LNP government there. The Prime Minister also incorrectly said the deal had been done in 2016 instead of a year earlier. During the campaign launch, Mr Dutton also tried to use the Prime Minister's reaction to falling off a stage as an excuse to criticise his character. He claimed Mr Albanese tried to lie about the incident and would deceive the public over other matters as well. 'If Anthony Albanese lies about something as simple as falling off the stage, there's nothing he might lie about,' Mr Dutton said. 'The footage was there. People saw it, Prime Minister. People saw you fall off the stage.' Mr Albanese fell off a stage during an appearance in NSW's Hunter Valley on April 3. Despite the embarrassing moment being captured by photographers, the Prime Minister later claimed he hadn't fallen. 'Just one leg went down I didn't fall off the stage,' he told ABC News. Shocking footage has revealed Lanzarote submerged under water after the holiday hotspot was hit with a two-hour deluge. The streets on the island were turned into a deep, fast-flowing rivers that left cars on them impossible to reach and homes lining them completely soaked through. The ground around many of the island's towns became waterlogged, leaving vast swathes of land covered in dirty, muddy water. Citizens forced to wade through the rushing water were seen struggling as they tried to make their way to safety. In one clip, an industrial bin was seen floating down a street on its side, with refuse spilling from its top. The torrential rain, left by an enormous storm on Saturday afternoon, forced local officials to call a state of emergency which was in place until 7am local time this morning. In some spots, around 60 litres of water fell on each square metre during the two-hour storm. The city of Arrecife, on the island's south, was hit particularly hard by the extreme weather - locals were met by the stench of untreated sewage caused by flooding overwhelming the drainage system. Shocking footage has revealed Lanzarote submerged under water after the holiday hotspot was hit with a two-hour deluge The torrential rain, left by an enormous storm on Saturday afternoon, forced local officials to call a state of emergency which was in place until 7am local time this morning The streets on the island were turned into a deep, fast-flowing rivers that left cars on them impossible to reach and homes lining them completely soaked through Also badly affected were the towns of Tahiche, Costa Teguise, Guatiza and Nazaret. But somehow, other parts of the island were completely dry. Despite this, officials warned locals and tourists alike to take precautions and to avoid unnecessary journeys. It comes weeks after the Spanish holiday hotspot of Malaga turned white after a freak winter storm covered parts of the region in a blanket of hail and snow. Striking images and footage emerging show streets submerged in floodwater and heavy hail crashing down from grey skies. Giant hailstorms were seen hitting cars and leaving the roads covered in white icy rocks in the town of Alhaurin el Grande. Large hail also fell in areas such as Campanillas, Puerto de la Torre and Teatinos after Spain's national weather agency Aemet had extended a yellow warning for heavy rain and hail. Torcal de Antequera, a popular tourist destination, also experienced the heavy snowfall, which made for spectacular scenes. In one clip, an industrial bin was seen floating down a street on its side, with refuse spilling from its top In some spots, around 60 litres of water fell on each square metre during the two-hour storm Officials warned locals and tourists alike to take precautions and to avoid unnecessary journeys 'If you like the magic of nature in its purest form, this is the perfect time to visit. Don't miss it!,' TorcalAntequera wrote in a post on X, taking advantage of the rare occurrence. The snow-capped mountains are even visible from Malaga Airport, and have left holidaymakers and locals stunned by the weather. Further west, Sierra Bermeja, behind Estepona, has also witnessed significant snowfall, offering more Winter Wonderland scenes. Rachel Reeves warned Brits to brace for 'difficult' times today as the UK now looks to be among the countries worst hit by Donald Trump's tariffs. Downing Street signalled relief when the US president's 'Liberation Day' assault was originally mounted. The UK was only targeted with the 'baseline' 10 per cent - as well as the worldwide 25 per cent charge on imports of cars, steel and aluminium. However, last week the US president postponed much tougher 'reciprocal' levies on the EU and a swathe of other trading partners as markets went into freefall. He made another extraordinary climbdown yesterday by declaring that smartphones, computers and other electronic devices will be exempted from tariffs - including the 125 per cent he had charged on China imports. That had sparked warnings that the prices of iPhones could triple in the US. Britain now looks to be among the countries worst hit by Donald Trump's (pictured) tariffs after his latest climbdowns Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It has left the UK's position looking relatively less attractive than other countries, even though the trade relationship was largely in balance before Mr Trump's attack. Cars are among Britain's main goods exports to America, while the ailing steel industry also relies on the route. Meanwhile, hopes have been fading that Keir Starmer can strike a wider Transatlantic trade deal to get rid of all tariffs. The PM had hinted at concessions on a digital services tax, but Trump advisers have suggested there is little chance of a complete exemption from levies. The 'baseline' reciprocal tariff of 10 per cent never applied to Canada and Mexico. The Chancellor warned today that the tariffs will have a 'profound' impact, saying she is 'under no illusion about the difficulties that lie ahead'. But in an article for the Observer she said the UK will argue for a 'more balanced global economic and trading system' that 'recognises the benefits of free trade', in an effective rejection of Mr Trump's protectionism. Ms Reeves stressed she wants 'an ambitious new relationship with the EU' as well as closer links with countries such as India. 'The Labour party is an internationalist party. We understand the benefits of free and fair trade and collaboration. Now is not the time to turn our backs on the world,' she wrote. In a largely symbolic step, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on imports of 89 products such as pine nuts and plywood. The government says that will save UK businesses 17million a year. Overnight Mr Trump tried to put a brave face on the situation as he said he would give more details of the latest exemptions this week. 'We'll be very specific,' he told reporters on Air Force One. 'But we're taking in a lot of money. As a country we're taking in a lot of money.' Some trade analysts suggested the move was a 'game-changer' that would bail out investors in tech firms such as Apple, Microsoft and Nvidia. The White House said: 'President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops. 'At the direction of the president, these companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible.' A prominent state politician has been charged with multiple counts of alleged assault against his wife of more than three decades. South Australian independent MP Nick McBride attended Adelaide's Norwood Police Station on Thursday, where he was charged with three counts of assault on a person known to him. It's understood the member for MacKillop in the state's south-east was charged over allegedly assaulting his wife Katherine. Ms McBride, an experienced nurse and one-time aspiring federal candidate, told the Adelaide Advertiser that she was 'okay' but did not wish to comment on the matter. SA Police confirmed a man was charged with multiple offences. 'A 55-year-old man from the Limestone Coast was arrested on 10 April at Norwood,' a police statement read. 'He was charged with three counts of assault on a person known to him. 'He has been bailed to the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on 7 May. 'The matter is before the court and no further detail will be supplied.' Independent South Australian MP Nick McBride (pictured with his wife Katherine) was charged with three counts of assault on a person known to him It's understood Mr McBride (pictured) was charged over allegedly assaulting his wife Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr McBride for comment. A former long-time member of the Liberal party, Mr McBride was elected to state parliament in 2018. He easily retained his seat at the 2022 election with 62.3 per cent of the primary vote and 72.6 per cent on two-party preferred. However, Mr McBride spectacularly quit the Liberals a year later, blaming 'dark forces' and 'divisive factionalism' within the party for his departure. Mr McBride is one of the richest men in South Australia, while his family is the 18th largest landholder in Australia with properties spanning over 1.1 million hectares. He described himself as a 'primary producer, long established business owner, Chairman and board member of numerous local not-for-profit organisations'. 'Nick prides himself on his approachability, and the open and honest relationships he has with local people of all ages,' his website reads. Nick McBride and his wife Katherine (pictured together) have been married for over 30 years and have two children Politics runs deep in the McBride family. His great-grandfather Sir Philip McBride was a founding member of the Liberal Party, who served as a defence minister in the Robert Menzies government. While Mr McBride is no longer involved with the Liberals, he still holds a largely liberal stance on social issues. Mr McBride and his wife have been married for more than 30 years and have two children. Ms McBride, 53, is a registered nurse who works in the not-for-profit aged care sector. She previously attempted a stint in politics when she took on federal MP Tony Pasin for pre-selection in the safe Liberal seat of Barker in 2023. Despite the 'fire in her belly', Ms McBride lost out to incumbent MP, who was pre-elected to contest a fifth term at the May 3 federal election. Russia staged a barbaric new double Iskander-M missile strike on Ukraine today hitting a trolley bus, killing at least 32 people and leaving 83 injured. The massacre in a region close to the border between the countries left people screaming in terror. The dead and wounded - covered in blood - lay in the streets of the city centre after two massive explosions. Photos too graphic for MailOnline to publish showed the trolley bus burning with victims inside. At least one child was a victim of the horrific new strike on a city marking the Sunday before Easter. At least one car was ablaze with people trapped inside. The Congress Centre in Sumy - part of the city's university - was hit in one of the most shocking strikes of the three-year war. Footage showed two strikes on the city hours after Donald Trump said a visit by his envoy Steve Witkoff to see Putin in Moscow showed that the peace efforts 'might be going OK - and you're going to be finding out pretty soon.' Russia staged a barbaric new double Iskander-M missile strike on Ukraine today hitting a trolley bus, killing at least 21 people and leaving dozens more injured At least one child was a victim of the horrific new strike on a city marking the Sunday before Easter The mayor of Sumy said 'more than 20 deaths' were already clear, as the emergency services continued to work He also said: 'There comes a point when you either have to act or shut up.' Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said: 'The Russians hit the city of Sumy with missiles, killing civilians.' The office of the Sumy mayor said there were 'many dead'. Acting mayor Artem Kobzar said: 'On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy. 'The enemy launched a missile strike on civilians. Unfortunately, more than 20 deaths are already known' Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: 'A terrible strike by Russian ballistic missiles on Sumy. 'Enemy missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street... 'And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. The office of the Sumy mayor said there were 'many dead' Zelensky pleaded for a 'tough reaction from the world' 'According to preliminary data, we are talking about dozens of dead and wounded civilians. Only a scoundrel can act like this. 'Taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the relatives and friends. A rescue operation is underway now. All necessary services are working.' Zelensky pleaded for a 'tough reaction from the world'. He said: 'The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants an end to this war and murders. 'Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war. Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. 'Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and air bombs. We need the kind of attitude towards Russia that a terrorist deserves. Thank you to everyone who is with Ukraine and helps us protect life.' Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, said: 'Sumy. Day off. A major religious holiday for Ukrainians is Palm Sunday. 'The day when Ukrainian families go to churches, walk around the city with their children. 'And it was on this day that Russia launched another missile strike on a peaceful city. 'The epicentre of the strike also included the premises of the regional Human Rights Protection Centre our Representative Office, which was completely destroyed. 'Many people were killed and injured. The exact number is being established. 'This is cynicism of the highest level. This is the deliberate destruction of the civilian population - on a weekend, when people go out into the street, when they are least protected. Condolences to the relatives. Eternal memory... Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, said: 'Sumy. Day off. A major religious holiday for Ukrainians is Palm Sunday.' The Palm Sunday massacre in a region close to the border between the countries left people screaming in terror with scenes from Armageddon 'This is a Russian terror tactic. The world has no right to remain silent. The best response is urgent action.' Anatoliy Fedoruk, the mayor of Bucha - destroyed earlier in the war by Putin's forces - said: 'A racist missile hit right in the heart of Sumy. Dozens killed. The city centre was turned into a bloody landscape. Continuous terror. They don't stop. 'Another day when a terrorist state exists on the map. Each such strike is yet another proof: Russia is incapable of existing alongside the civilised world. Only pain, destruction, and death that's its essence.' Support for the Coalition has fallen below levels recorded during the 2022 election campaign, amid a wave of personal approval for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The latest Newspoll for The Australian found that support for the Coalition has drastically dropped compared to earlier this year when the majority of voters believed Peter Dutton would win the May 3 election. But it's not all good news for Mr Albanese and the Labor government with majority of voters now expecting a hung parliament. Those who plan to support the Coalition fell further one point to 35 per cent from a high of 40 per cent in November and 39 per cent in January. It's the lowest support for the Coalition since the failed Voice referendum in October 2023. Personal support for Mr Dutton has also dropped with his approval rating now sitting at the lowest recorded for an opposition leader during an election campaign since Bill Shorten. Mr Dutton's approval rating fell one point to 37 per cent while his dissatisfaction rating rose to 56 per cent, resulting in a net rating of -19. Meanwhile, Mr Albanese's net rating rose to -4, well up from -20 recorded in February, his worst result since the 2022 election. Mr Albanese's net rating rose to -4, up from -20 recorded in February, his worst result since the last federal election (pictured, Mr Albanese, his son Nathan and partner Jodie Haydon at the Labor Party campaign launch on Sunday) Support for the Coalition and leader Peter Dutton (pictured on Sunday) has seen a big drop since January Mr Albanese (49 per cent) has extended his lead over Mr Dutton (38 per cent) as preferred prime minister. The result comes after Mr Dutton's backflip on return to the office mandate for public servants. Despite the PM's latest survey victories, support for Labor's primary vote remained low at just 33 per cent for the third successive poll. Support for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party has risen with its primary vote now sitting at eight per cent, three points higher than recorded at the 2022 election. The Greens' results remained the steady at 12 per cent with the same figure recorded for other minor parties and independents. Labor remains ahead of the Coalition 52-48 on the two-party-preferred vote for the second consecutive week. The majority of voters hoped the upcoming election will result in a hung parliament or Labor forming a minority government with the support of the Greens or independents. Only 15 per cent of those surveyed were in favour of a Coalition minority government. Labor remains ahead of the Coalition 52-48 on the two-party-preferred vote for the second consecutive week. Pictured is Mr Albanese with supporters in Perth on Saturday The shift in favour is very noticeable when comparing the latest results to those collected in January which tipped the Coalition as the winner of the election at 53 per cent versus 47 per cent for Labor. Older and younger voters were divided over whether they wanted a majority or minority government. More than half (53 per cent) of 18 to 34-year-olds were in favour of a hung parliament with either a minority Labor or Coalition government. In comparison, only 12 per cent of voters aged over-65 wanted a minority government, preferably Labor. The poll comes after a second week of campaigning dominated by US Donald Trump's tariff trade war and the first televised debate between Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton. About 1271 voters were surveyed for the most recent Newspoll conducted between April 7 and April 10. Peter Dutton (right) was also joined on stage by his family at the Coalition's campaign launch in south-west Sydney The poll comes as both Labor and the Coalition launched their election campaigns on Sunday. Former prime ministers Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott attended the Coalition launch in south-west Sydney. Mr Albanese announced a $1000 tax break for millions of Aussies at the Labor campaign in Perth. An arrest warrant has been issued against former City Minister Tulip Siddiq by a court in Dhaka over corruption charges. The arrest warrant came after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted a criminal charge sheet against the Labour MP last week. She is accused of pressuring her aunt Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh, to allocate three plots of land for the MP's mother, elder brother and younger sister, all of whom are based in the UK. The three plots of land were in an exclusive residential development in the north-west of the capital called Purbachal New Town Project. Today (sun), the Judge Mohamed Jakir Hossain, sitting at the Senior Special Judges' Court in Dhaka accepted the charge sheet against Ms Siddiq, and issued the arrest warrant against her, as she was a deemed a fugitive from the court. Now the court has given Ms Siddiq until April 27th to appear before the court and seek bail. After that, a trial can start against her in absentia. At the same hearing, the court issued arrest warrants against Ms Siddiq's mother, Rehana, 69, her elder brother Radwan, 44, and younger sister, Azmina, 34, on charges of acquiring plots of land illegally. Ms Siddiq and her family deny the claims. Former City Minister Tulip Siddiq is set to have an arrest warrant issued against her today by a Bangladeshi court on charges of corruption The court has already issued an arrest warrant against Ms Siddiq's aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed (pictured), 77 - the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh - on Thursday on the same corruption investigation Ms Siddiq resigned as City Minister in January, a month after the Daily Mail revealed that the ACC had launched its corruption probe into her, accusing her and her family members of embezzling up to 3.9billion from a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bangladesh The arrest warrant came after Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted a criminal charge sheet against the Labour MP last week The ACC alleges that after the Labour MP's pressure, Hasina allocated one plot of land each to Ms Siddiq's mother and siblings in the Purbachal New Town Project, a 6,213-acre residential development in the north-east of the capital. The arrest warrant would make Ms Siddiq, a sitting Labour MP, an absconding suspect wanted in a foreign criminal investigation. The warrant would also pave the way for the Bangladeshi authorities to seek the extradition of Ms Siddiq to face charges in her native country. In total, 16 individuals have had charge sheets submitted against them for corruption relating to the Purbachal project, including six members of Hasina and Ms Siddiq's family. Last month, Ms Siddiq's lawyers sent a letter to the ACC accusing it of launching 'targeted and baseless' investigations into her, claiming the corruption allegations against their client are 'false and vexatious.' But last week, the head of the ACC, Abdul Momen, said that the Commission will not exchange letters with Ms Siddiq, but let the court deal with the case. He said: 'Exchanging letters cannot take the place of a proper court process. 'A full charge sheet has been prepared after a detailed review of documents. The matter now rests with the court. If she fails to appear after a warrant is issued, she will be treated as a criminal absconder.' Ms Siddiq resigned as City Minister in January, a month after the Daily Mail revealed that the ACC had launched its corruption probe into her, accusing her and her family members of embezzling up to 3.9billion from a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. Ms Siddiq strongly denies the claims. Ms Siddiq has always denied the claims made against her It then emerged that Ms Siddiq lived in flats in London that were gifted by British political allies of her aunt, Hasina. An official inquiry into the controversy found that Ms Siddiq may have misled the public when she told the Mail on Sunday in 2022 that a flat owned by her in London's King's Cross was bought for her by her parents. She later admitted it was in fact a gift by a property developer linked to her dictator aunt. After her resignation as a Minister, the ACC launched the Purbachal investigation, and another probe regarding a flat she owned in Dhaka since 2002. Ms Siddiq claimed she transferred ownership of the flat to her sister in 2015, shortly after becoming an MP. But the ACC claims she did not transfer the flat legally, but merely created a fake transfer document without actually changing the deed to the property. Last month, inquiries by the Mail on Sunday at the Dhaka Sub Registry Office Bangladesh's equivalent of Land Registry showed Ms Siddiq was still the owner. An official inquiry into the controversy found that Ms Siddiq may have misled the public when she told the Mail on Sunday in 2022 that a flat owned by her in London's King's Cross was bought for her by her parents. She is pictured with Kier Starmer in 2015 However, the Labour MP told the MoS she transferred the flat 'legally and legitimately' to her sister under Bangladeshi law. Ms Siddiq's lawyers said today: 'The ACC has made various allegations against Ms Siddiq through the media in the last few months. The allegations are completely false and have been dealt with in writing by Ms Siddiq's lawyers. 'The ACC has not responded to Ms Siddiq or put any allegations to her directly or through her lawyers. Ms Siddiq knows nothing about a hearing in Dhaka relating to her and she has no knowledge of any arrest warrant that is said to have been issued. 'To be clear, there is no basis at all for any charges to be made against her, and there is absolutely no truth in any allegation that she received a plot of land in Dhaka through illegal means. 'She has never had a plot of land in Bangladesh, and she has never influenced any allocation of plots of land to her family members or anyone else. 'No evidence has been provided by the ACC to support this or any other allegation made against Ms Siddiq, and it is clear to us that the charges are politically motivated.' A record number of migrants have crossed the English channel in the first four months of 2025, new stats reveal. Despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's promise to 'smash the gangs' crossing from France on small boats, there have already been 8,064 arrivals so far this year. On Saturday, a record 656 migrants were picked up attempting to illegally enter the United Kingdom - the highest number to cross in a single day so far in 2025. The total figure of crossings this year is already higher than the 7,567 people who crossed the Channel over January, February, March and April in 2024 - at the time, a record number for that period. It is also a jump on the 5,946 arrivals in the first four months of 2023, and the 6,691 in the same period in 2022. The cumulative total for 2025 so far of 8,064 people is up 46% on this point last year as of Saturday (5,517) and 65% higher than at this stage in 2023 (4,899), according to stats produced by PA news agency. The 656 people recorded to have made the journey in 11 boats on Saturday is also the highest number of arrivals on a single day so far this year. Border Force vessels intercepted 11 rubber dinghies launched from French beaches yesterday, with an average of 60 people crammed into each boat. A further 50 people were picked up by French authorities after getting into difficulties off the Pas de Calais coast. A record number of migrants have crossed the English channel in the first four months of 2025, new stats reveal Migrants are seen crossing the Channel. In the distance, a ship can be seen shadowing them Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to 'smash the gangs' crossing the channel in small boasts All 28 passengers were taken to Calais, in northern France, from one boat that got into difficulty, and 19 people were rescued on another boat while the rest onboard continued their journey. From another boat, three people were taken to the quayside in Boulogne-sur-Mer, while others on board refused assistance and continued on their way, the coastguard said. It is thought that people smugglers took advantage of a break in harsh weather conditions to try and make the crossings. The daily total is still some way off the highest number of daily crossings recorded, which was 1,305 on September 3 2022. Your browser does not support iframes. Dozens of migrants are seen packed on a boat heading for the UK in August 2024 The new stats come just days after French authorities were accused of giving illegal immigrants lifejackets instead of intercepting and turned them back. Authorities are reportedly being overwhelmed by the numbers risking their lives crossing the 21-mile stretch of water in a dangerous bid to get to the UK. Fisherman Matt Coker, owner of Coker Seafishing in Dover, told Times Radio: 'They're giving them life jackets now because so many of them are not getting in the boats with life jackets. 'I suppose... they're trying to avoid another tragedy. 'Then they ask for the life jackets back off the British once they've picked them up.' Migrants are paying thousands to make the journey - with some even being given discounts if they post about it on social media (as seen here in one video) The British Government has, once again, this week vowed to crack down on illegal immigration. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. 'The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice. 'That's why this Government has put forward a serious, credible plan to finally restore order to our asylum system, including tougher enforcement powers, ramping up returns to their highest levels for more than half a decade and a major crackdown on illegal working to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.' The Home Office has been sending staff on 'Swedish dog massage' courses, it was revealed today. Nearly 1,000 was spent on the unusual lessons last September to ensure that sniffer dogs are 'well looked after'. There have also been other costs for 'dog enrichment', such as 574.70 on puzzles and sand for play pits in April. Transparency logs show that last May there was a 706.81 spend on items including a paddling pool and sandpit lids. The details emerged after ministers ordered Whitehall departments to crack down on spending on government credit cards. However, the Home Office has robustly defended the outlay on dogs, accusing critics of 'barking up the wrong tree'. Detector dogs are used to find drugs and other contraband items at the UK border (file picture) Detector dogs are used to find drugs and other contraband items at the UK border. There are thought to be around 64 currently in service across the UK's major ports and airports. Between July and December last year Border Force dogs were responsible for the detection of over 645kg of Class A drugs. They also look for firearms and tobacco. According to the Sunday Telegraph, the dog massage courses are held in Worcestershire, Herefordshire or online and cost between 138 and 192 per person. Some 966 went on the training in September. Participants are taught how to give dogs 'a full body 40-minute Swedish massage' to 'help loosen stiff, sore, tight muscles', improving 'comfort levels and their sense of wellbeing'. It is understood the paddling pool was for dogs to 'cool off' after searching for illicit substances on hot days. Tory MP Greg Smith told the paper: 'Civil servants are there to deliver services and good government for people in this country. 'I am utterly lost at what a Swedish dog massage course could possibly do to help that mission. Perhaps I am missing something, but I doubt it.' A government spokesman said: 'Our Border Force dogs do an outstanding job every day, helping to detect billions of pounds worth of drugs being smuggled into our country, and discovering the evidence that puts dangerous organised criminals behind bars. 'We make no apologies whatsoever for keeping our dogs well looked after so they are always ready to perform that essential work when called upon, and anyone who wants to criticise that spending is barking up the wrong tree.' Meghan Markle's new podcast is struggling to reach the success of the Duchess's previous show Archetypes amid criticism of her interview style. The Duchess of Sussex dropped the first episode of Confessions of a Female Founder on Tuesday, which sees her chat with women who successfully launched their own businesses and brands. It comes after Meghan launched her own luxury food brand As Ever last month, which was accompanied by an eight-part Netflix cooking show titled With Love, Meghan. As of Friday three days after the release of Episode One Meghan's new podcast was number 19 on Spotify's general Top Podcasts chart in the US. Previously, at the height of its success in 2022, Archetypes ranked at Number One in the podcasts chart in the US. In 2023, a top Spotify podcast executive called Harry and Meghan 'f***ing grifters' after they produced one 13-episode series of a podcast for the company and then split. The end of the couple's reported $20million deal was announced in June of that year, three years after it was signed. Spotify and the Sussexes's audio production company Archewell Audio released a joint statement saying they have 'mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together'. The Duchess of Sussex has launched a new podcast called 'Confessions Of A Female Founder' Meghan dropped the first episode of the new podcast on Tuesday, which sees her chat with women who successfully launched their own businesses and brands Confessions of a Female Founder was given just one star in The Times after its columnist James Marriott was 'seized by an urge to beat my head against the wall' The Irish Times reviewer Laura Slattery condemned the 'mutual love-in' of a 'multimillionaire and a duchess who want credit for daring to love themselves' in her article on the podcast In 2023 Bill Simmons, Head of Podcast Innovation and Monetization at Spotify, condemned Harry and Meghan in an episode of his own podcast, branding the pair 'f***ing grifters'. Confessions of a Female Founder hears Meghan receive advice and insights from a number of successful women who started their own companies. This week, it suffered a plethora of critical reviews, condemning it for giving 'vapid lessons in self-love' and being an 'ego-fluffing conversation'. Confessions of a Female Founder was given just one star in The Times after its columnist James Marriott was 'seized by an urge to beat my head against the wall'. The Irish Times reviewer Laura Slattery condemned the 'mutual love-in' of a 'multimillionaire and a duchess who want credit for daring to love themselves'. And Natalie Oliveri, royal reporter for Australian women's network 9Honey, joked there were 'certain prerequisites it seems the Duchess must have before booking a guest they need to be friends and the guest should praise Meghan where possible'. Meghan launched her own luxury food brand As Ever last month, which was accompanied by an eight-part Netflix cooking show, titled With Love, Meghan Telegraph TV critic Chris Bennion said the show had an 'inane stream of mindless aphorisms' In the Guardian, Rachel Aroesti said the 'sycophantic interview podcast is stomach-turning' Harry and Meghan with their baby son in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 It comes after the Telegraph, Standard and Guardian all gave the Lemonada Media show two stars amid other withering write-ups in the Express and i Paper, which saw the podcast branded an 'inane stream of mindless aphorisms' and 'stomach-turning'. Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine last month, Meghan revealed how other female founders have inspired her entrepreneurial journey. 'What's been meaningful is being able to talk about my own entrepreneurial journey with other female founders who are either on their own trajectory of growth or have IPO'd, sold, or created high-impact brands and gone through all of the learning curves that we all do at the start,' she said. MailOnline has contacted Spotify and Meghan and Harry's representatives for comment. A woman who cut her own mother's head off in a frenzied attack has again been accused of attacking and ripping the hair out of a fellow inmate. Jessica Camilleri, 37, was jailed for a minimum 16 years for brutally killing her mother Rita Camilleri, 59, in 2019. The then 30-year-old stabbed her mother more than 100 times before dumping her severed head outside the family home in St Clair in western Sydney. Camilleri was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter in 2021, owing to 'substantial' mental health issues. She is currently serving time at Dillwynia Correctional Centre in Sydney's west, where she allegedly ripped 'clumps of hair' from another female prisoner earlier this year. Inmates reportedly gathered around Camilleri during the alleged altercation on February 15. Corrective officers who intervened found 'clumps of hair' around the common area of the facility, a prison source told the Daily Telegraph. It's the sixth time Camilleri has been accused of pulling out hair of inmates or prison officers, the source added. Jessica Camilleri has been accused of attacking another fellow inmate while behind bars The then 30-year-old stabbed her mother Rita (pictured) more than 100 times before dumping her severed head outside the family home in western Sydney. Corrective Services NSW confirmed staff responded to an altercation between inmates following an alleged unprovoked attack by a 37-year-old on February 15. 'The inmate was removed from the accommodation unit where the alleged attack occurred,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'All other inmates involved with the altercation were seen by Justice Health and no further treatment was required. 'NSW Police was notified of the incident.' NSW Police was contacted for further comment. The latest incident comes weeks after prison sources revealed that Camilleri terrorising is her prison wing and that authorities don't know what to do with her. 'She has become an ongoing problem,' a prison insider told Daily Mail Australia. An additional 22 months were added to Camilleri's jail time in September 2023 after she assaulted two prison guards at Silverwater Correctional Complex by ripping hair out of their scalp two years earlier. Staff at Dillwynia Correctional Centre responded to an altercation between inmates following an alleged unprovoked attack earlier this year In May last year, Camilleri pleaded guilty to assaulting another two prison guards at Dillwynia Correctional Centre two months prior. She apologised and blamed her actions on 'frustration'. Camilleri had an additional 12 months added to her sentence. Just days after pleading guilty, Camilleri allegedly assaulted and pulled out lumps of hair of a fellow Dillwynia inmate. She currently isn't eligible for parole until December 2032. Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday Mass as he appeared in improved health. The pope was holding a bouquet of flowers and wheeled in to the ceremony in Vatican City, in which more than 30,000 people had gathered, as he recovers from double pneumonia. As he was escorted by several security guards who pushed him through on his wheelchair, Francis waved to thousands of fans who took pictures and reached out to hold his hand. Others preformed prayer gestures and touched him with religious jewelry. In a wholesome moment, the pope gave a young boy and girl two sweets each. 'Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week,' the pope said, before once returning inside the Vatican, stopping occasionally to talk with the faithful, including a group of delighted nuns. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is in the third week of doctor-ordered rest, has made three surprise public appearances in the last week. He also briefly met Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla. Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday Mass as he appeared in improved health He waved to thousands of adorned fans who took pictures and reached out to hold his hand In a wholesome moment, the pope gave a young boy and girl two sweets each The royal, 77, and her husband King Charles, 76, met Pope Francis during an unexpected visit to the capital of the Catholic Church as part of a state visit to Italy. Charles and Camilla's meeting took place at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope has been recovering for three weeks. 'I'm still alive,' the pope said after his discharge on Saturday from from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent a series of tests after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pain. The pope's decision to come out has been an encouraging sign he might be feeling stronger. He has been using a cannula - a plastic tube tucked into the nostrils - to help him breathe. Unlike last Sunday, when he made his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital three weeks ago, the pope was not receiving oxygen via the small hose under his nose. Francis thrilled the crowd at St. Peter's during a Jubilee Mass for the ill on Sunday, met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, before an impromptu turn through St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday. The pope's decision to come out has been an encouraging sign he might be feeling stronger King Charles and Queen Camilla met Pope Francis at the Vatican in Italy on Wednesday His medical team have urged him to take two months rest and the pope initially remained out of view after returning home. It is still not known how much he will participate in the forthcoming Holy Week - the most important week in the Church calendar which is packed with services and events. On Tuesday, the Vatican said that Francis's voice and mobility were improving, raising hopes that he may take part in upcoming Easter celebrations. A mother was banned from the playground by her daughters primary school after complaining that children as young as nine were having their transgender identity affirmed by teachers. Karina Conway, 42, was said to have complained about the way gender issues were being taught to pupils at Sunnyside Spencer Academy in Beeston, Nottingham. The mother-of-two claimed the school was teaching 11-year-olds that transgender identity was a protected characteristic, when the Equality Act makes no mention of it. She was ordered to stay away from the playground for eight months in September 2024 and then told she could only return if she didnt criticise the school online, The Telegraph reported. Teachers had previously called the police in 2023 when Ms Conway and womens rights activist Kellie-Jay Keen staged a protest outside the school. Ms Conway told The Telegraph: This trust is silencing the voices of parents who know sex is real and when it matters, it really matters. She was said to have first raised a complaint when she learnt the school had allegedly taught pupils that transgender identity was a protected characteristic. The Equality Act does not reference the disputed idea of gender identity, instead stating that a person must not be discriminated against because of gender reassignment. Mother-of-two Karina Conway claims she was banned from her daughter's playground for complaining about the way gender issues were being taught to pupils Sunnyside Spencer Academy in Beeston, Nottingham, was allegedly affirming the 'transgender identity' of pupils as young as nine The mother claimed the school had accepted some shortcomings in the teaching of the subject in correspondence to her, which recognised the factual errors relating to the Equality Act. She said the school thanked her for highlighting the matter, but then informed her its lawyers would get involved if she continued to make contact about it. I cannot understand why they think they can attempt to intimidate parents in this way, she told the newspaper. In June 2023, the year before the ban, an Ofsted inspection took place and Ms Conway used the opportunity to express her concerns to an inspector. She was advised to make a complaint, but alleged that nothing happened. Ms Conway consequently made a subject access request to Ofsted asking for all correspondence relating to her family between the inspectorate, the school and Spencer Academies Trust, which runs the school. Ms Conway said: This trust is silencing the voices of parents who know sex is real and when it matters, it really matters. It forced Ofsted to disclose a document revealing a call had taken place with the head teacher prior to the inspection in which the school described Ms Conway as a parent expressing [she] does not want her child to be exposed to gender identity and has transphobic views. It added: A child in the school is now non binary and has become a target. She is trying to work with other parents to drum up support. She has got a petition going. Ms Conway said this month she received a letter from the director of primary education at the Spencer Academies Trust, telling her the ban would be lifted if she informed the school in advance of any event she planned to attend so staff can feel prepared. She was also told she would have to agree she would refrain from posting negative posts about the school, trust or its staff. The trust said teachers feel nervous when interacting with you particularly when the discussion is raising a concern. Sunnyside Spencer Academy and Spencer Academies Trust were contacted for comment. Michigan's Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been ridiculed for covering her face with folders and looking embarrassed during a trip to see President Trump. One image taken by New York Times photographer Eric Lee shows the liberal governor shielding her face from the cameras while flanked by Trump aides. Whitmer, 53, took the folder away moments later - but looked deeply uncomfortable in other shots, with commenters saying she seemed embarrassed to be meeting a political foe. Lee himself appeared to recognize the gravity of the shot and shared a link to it on his X account yesterday afternoon Governor Whitmer's trip to Washington D.C. centered on discussions about tariffs and the aftermath of a severe ice storm, for which she sought a Presidential Emergency Declaration. However, her office stated she was unexpectedly brought into the Oval Office during President Trump's signing of executive orders and proclamations, leading to the photograph. Online critics interpreted the image as Governor Whitmer's attempt to distance herself from the 78-year-old president, even though she was part of a bipartisan delegation advocating for Michigan. 'This looks so stupid and childish, that it needs to be printed & framed in the Oval Office,' one X user commented. 'Maybe she thought if she couldn't see Trump signing, the economy would magically fix itself in Michigan' another said. A photograph of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer holding a stack of blue folders to obscure her face while President Donald Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office sparked online ridicule The image, taken on April 9 by the New York Times , showed the 53-year-old Democrat positioned between two White House aides, seemingly attempting to conceal herself just before her meeting with Trump Gretchen Whitmer temporarily shielded herself from the cameras when she was in Trumps Oval Office, per this photo from NYTs @erjleehttps://t.co/TFDPPnci7Q pic.twitter.com/hnLnvuQvlX bryan metzger (@metzgov) April 12, 2025 'Why didn't she just hold her head up high and express she was there for one reason only - the wellbeing of her state and no matter who is in office she is going to work with them for the better of her people? like a normal governor should.' read a third comment. Some observers contrasted her apparent discomfort in the Oval Office with her demeanor in previous public appearances. 'I need help understanding Democrat thinking. Gretchen Whitmer was embarrassed to be photographed standing in the Oval Office, but not embarrassed enough to do this,' another person added, referencing Whitmer's bizarre campaign video of her feeding Doritos to liberal podcast host Liz Plank. Governor Whitmer, accompanied by Michigan State House Speaker Matt Hall and Trump's cabinet secretaries, stood near the Resolute Desk during the Oval Office appearance. Trump used the occasion to announce investigations into Miles Taylor and Christopher Krebs, both individuals who had opposed him during his first term. He then publicly addressed Whitmer, stating, 'We're honored to have Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan, great state of Michigan, and she's been, she's really done an excellent job, very good person.' Whitmer's office clarified to CNN that she was unaware of the signing ceremony and stressed that her presence did not imply endorsement of Trump's orders. Yet the image still caused frustration among some Democrats, who felt it compromised her political stance. 'This does not look like the politics of resistance,' CNN host Audie Cornish said. Trump used the occasion to announce investigations into Miles Taylor and Christopher Krebs, both individuals who had opposed him during his first term 'Just a fking disaster,' one Democratic operative told NBC News anonymously. 'It feels like it removes some of the momentum she had as a politically savvy swing-state Dem.' Despite past clashes, Whitmer has reportedly shifted her tone toward Trump during his second term. The New York Times reported she sent him a letter the day after his inauguration, thanking him for mentioning the auto industry during his speech and providing her personal cellphone number for direct contact. Whitmer has long been touted as a future Democrat presidential candidate and knows she will need to win over centrists or small-c conservatives who voted for Trump if she ever does make her own White House run. Donald Trump's impact on the Special Relationship has been underlined in a new poll today. Some 34 per cent of Brits view the US as more of a threat than an ally - up from just 16 per cent at the time of the presidential election last November. That is effectively the same proportion as the 35 per cent who still have confidence in the alliance after Mr Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs and overtures to Russia. The Opinium research found that three-quarters of the public thought they had a lot in common with the French, traditionally seen as rivals. That was more than the 69 per cent who said the same thing about the US. However, Brits seem to suspect a shift in American views on Mr Trump, with 48 per cent thinking he does not represent the views of citizens. That was up from a third in January. Your browser does not support iframes. There is gloom about the impact of Mr Trump's chaotic trade war. Some 57 per cent believe it will make the US worse off, with just 16 per cent saying it will improve matters on that side of the Atlantic. Brits are even more negative about their own prospects, with 64 per cent anticipating a financial hit and just 8 per cent predicting they will be better off. Rachel Reeves warned Brits to brace for 'difficult' times today as the UK now looks to be among the countries worst hit by Mr Trump's tariffs. Downing Street signalled relief when the US president's assault was originally mounted. The UK was only targeted with the 'baseline' 10 per cent - as well as the worldwide 25 per cent charge on imports of cars, steel and aluminium. However, last week the US president postponed much tougher 'reciprocal' levies on the EU and a swathe of other trading partners as markets went into freefall. He made another extraordinary climbdown yesterday by declaring that smartphones, computers and other electronic devices will be exempted from tariffs - including the 125 per cent he had charged on China imports. That had sparked warnings that the prices of iPhones could triple in the US. It has left the UK's position looking relatively less attractive than other countries, even though the trade relationship was largely in balance before Mr Trump's attack. Cars are among Britain's main goods exports to America, while the ailing steel industry also relies on the route. Meanwhile, hopes have been fading that Keir Starmer can strike a wider Transatlantic trade deal to get rid of all tariffs. The PM had hinted at concessions on a digital services tax, but Trump advisers have suggested there is little chance of a complete exemption from levies. The 'baseline' reciprocal tariff of 10 per cent never applied to Canada and Mexico. The Chancellor warned today that the tariffs will have a 'profound' impact, saying she is 'under no illusion about the difficulties that lie ahead'. But in an article for the Observer she said the UK will argue for a 'more balanced global economic and trading system' that 'recognises the benefits of free trade', in an effective rejection of Mr Trump's protectionism. Ms Reeves stressed she wants 'an ambitious new relationship with the EU' as well as closer links with countries such as India. 'The Labour party is an internationalist party. We understand the benefits of free and fair trade and collaboration. Now is not the time to turn our backs on the world,' she wrote. In a largely symbolic step, the UK Global Tariff will be temporarily suspended on imports of 89 products such as pine nuts and plywood. The government says that will save UK businesses 17million a year. A child murdered his mother and stepfather at the family's stunning $900,000 home because he thought it would help give him 'clout' to kill Donald Trump. Nikita Casap, 17, was arrested in March after he allegedly killed his parents at their home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, then fled the state in their car. Prosecutors said the teenager shot and killed mom Tatiana Casap, 35, and stepdad Donald Mayer, 51, on February 11 before fleeing the scene and leaving their bodies to decompose inside their home. However, they were not discovered until police performed a welfare check at the family's sprawling home on February 28. Casap was pulled over by police conducting a traffic stop two states over in Kansas that same day with a gun on the passenger side floor. As part of the investigation, a federal search warrant obtained by WDJT revealed the teen had extremists materials on his devices including a manifesto that included assassinating Trump. '[Police] reviewed Casap's phone and saw images and communications that referenced a self-described manifesto regarding assassinating the president, making bombs and terrorist attacks,' court documents said. 'The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan.' Nikita Casap, 17, allegedly killed his parents then planned on assassinating Donald Trump and overthrowing the government Prosecutors said the teenager shot and killed mom Tatiana Casap, 35, and stepdad Donald Mayer, 51, on February 11 before fleeing Investigators found material on his phone regarding an extremist neo-Nazi group called 'The Order of Nine Angles.' His alleged writings shows images of Adolf Hitler with the following text: 'HAIL HITLER HAIL THE WHITE RACE HAIL VICTORY,' according to court documents. Casap allegedly called for the assassination of Trump to incite chaos and 'save the white race' from 'Jewish controlled' politicians. Investigators also said they found information on his devices about drone attacks details about purchasing weapons. 'He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the Unites States,' the document said. And he paid for, at least in part, a drone and explosives to be used as a weapon of mass destruction to commit an attack.' The teen is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of hiding a corpse, theft of movable property, theft involving special circumstances, unauthorized use of a vehicle and two counts of identity theft for financial gain, according to court records. Authorities say the teenager had previously confided in a female classmate about 'fantasizing' not only about killing his parents but also about taking his own life. They were not discovered until police performed a welfare check at the family's $900,000 home (pictured) in Waukesha on February 28 and Caspa was several states away A federal search warrant revealed the teen had extremists materials on his devices including a manifesto that included assassinating Trump Disturbing surveillance footage from the crime scene reportedly shows a camera focused on the body of the stepfather, which had been covered with blankets and pillows. In the footage, Casap is seen entering the room to 'keep candles lit' and, at one point, looking directly into the camera and saying, 'So you can see him there. I can literally see the rotten body there,' as reported by Fox6. According to the criminal complaint, officers found a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum firearm on the passenger side floorboard of the vehicle - matching the same type of gun his stepfather had recently purchased. In addition, investigators discovered the victims' driver's licenses, unused ammunition for the gun and spent shell casings. Authorities also uncovered Telegram messages leading up to the murders, in which Casap allegedly inquired to a Russian speaker, '...while in Ukraine, I'll be able to live a normal life? Even when they find out I did it?' Casap had reportedly been in contact with a man from Russia, who, according to authorities, was aware of Casap's plans to flee the country with his parents' passports, their car and the family dog. Casap was in court on April 9 for a preliminary hearing on his state charges. He has not yet offered a plea and remains in custody on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance is for an arraignment on May 7 A nine-year-old boy has been shot dead after a gun being held by a teenager unexpectedly fired in what police believe was a tragic accident. Emergency services were called to a Windellama property, near Goulburn in the NSW southern tablelands about 11.20am on Sunday following reports of a shot being fired. It's understood a family member on the farm raised the alarm. The young boy was treated at the scene for serious neck injuries but couldn't be revived by paramedics. Police sources say it's believed the firearm accidentally went off while being held by a teenager, the Daily Telegraph reported. Officers will investigate whether the gun was being prepared to be transported back to Sydney at the time. It's understood the family had just arrived at the farm for the start of the school holidays. A boy has died after he was accidentally shot at a rural property near Goulburn on Sunday (pictured) A crime scene was set up in the wake of the tragic incident No arrests or charges have been laid with NSW Police describing the fatal shot as the 'accidental discharge of a firearm'. An investigation has been launched and will be assisted by experts from the State Crime Command. Police spent much of the afternoon at the scene conducting inquiries as livestock wandered around the property. It's understood officers are still speaking with the boy's distraught parents. Shocked neighbours recalled hearing a single shot being fired, which they described as being unusual for the middle of the day. 'We were outside and heard it, and we reacted to the shot ... it was a bit perturbing really,' Ron Wenban told the publication. 'That was at 11.20am and then we heard the sirens, I reckon about 11.40am. Then the chopper came over at 12.03pm and that's when I said: 'Someone's been hurt'. 'It is school holidays, that's the tragic part about it. It's just really tragic.' Goulburn state MP Wendy Tuckerman described the incident as 'an absolute terrible tragedy' as she expressed her condolences to the boy's family. Police believe the boy died when a gun being held by a relative unexpectedly fired. Pictured are police at the scene Police (pictured at the scene) are treating the incident as a tragic accident 'My thanks to those police officers and emergency services who attended the scene,' the MP said. According to the 2021 census, Windellama has a population of 413 which consists of 100 families and 316 private dwellings. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Police conducted inquiries as livestock wandered around the property on Sunday afternoon Melinda Gates has given her iciest response yet on being reminded ex-husband Bill considers their divorce 'at the top of the list' of his greatest failures. 'I don't even quite know what to make of that statement, so I'm not going to comment on what he says,' the tech tycoon's ex-wife answered when she was asked about it by The Sunday Times. She then gave a short pause, then added: 'He's got his own life. I have my life now. I'm very happy.' Gates' did not refer to her billionaire ex by his name while discussing him, hinting further at her level of distaste for the Microsoft founder. 'It was something that was necessary,' Gates said of the split. 'If you can't live your values inside your most intimate relationship, it was necessary.' The 60-year-old philanthropist separated from the businessman in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage and having three children together, receiving an estimated settlement of $12.5 billion from one of the world's richest men. Their marriage broke down after what Melinda calls 'deeply disturbing' revelations emerged about Bill's relations with Jeffrey Epstein, along with rumors he had affairs with a Microsoft employee in 2000 and a young Russian bridge player 10 years later. Melinda got an estimated $30 billion of her husband's $150 billion Microsoft fortune and now runs a glitzy philanthropy organization called Pivotal Ventures in Seattle. Melinda Gates has given a scathing response to Bill Gates saying their divorce was 'at the top of the list' of his greatest failures - describing it from her perspective as simply 'necessary' The 60-year-old philanthropist separated from the Microsoft founder in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage and having three children together, receiving an estimated settlement of $12.5 billion from one of the world's richest men Microsoft founder Bill Gates is pictured at Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan mansion in 2011 Melinda previously rolled her eyes in response to Bill's emotional comment about their divorce, according to Elle magazine who asked her about the same remark in mid-March. Since 2022, Bill has been dating Paula Hurd, the widow of the former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, while Melinda is enjoying dating. She told the Times she meets met 'through friends'. Smiling, she added: 'I have had so many friends introduce me to people and it's been lovely.' When asked whether men are intimidated by her enormous wealth and status, she said: 'I'm sure some are and some aren't. But I'm not really looking for somebody who would be intimidated by my status. That kind of rules them out, right?' In her upcoming memoir, The Next Day, which is due to be released on Tuesday, Melinda describes the decline of her marriage, starting in the autumn of 2019 when their problems had 'reached fever pitch'. She recalls how the New York Times had just published a 'deeply disturbing article' about her husband's business meetings over a charitable fund with pedophile sex trafficker Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell while awaiting trial. Melinda said the article 'raised serious questions about Bill's conduct questions that suggested he had betrayed not only our marriage but also our values', according to the Times who have had an advance viewing of the book. Melinda Gates and Bill Gates attend The Robin Hood Foundation's 2018 benefit at Jacob Javitz Center on May 14, 2018 in New York City 'Bill Gates regrets ever meeting with Epstein and recognizes it was an error in judgment to do so,' a spokeswoman for the tech tycoon said at the time. 'He recognizes that entertaining Epstein's ideas related to philanthropy gave Epstein an undeserved platform that was at odds with Gates's personal values and the values of his foundation.' Melinda also wrote in the memoir that the night she asked Bill to move out was 'one of the scariest conversations I've ever had'. It came after they took a trip to Santa Fe in New Mexico in February 2020, in a final attempt to try to save their marriage. The billionaire philanthropist said she suffered frequent panic attacks during the divorce negotiations, to the point she had to call her therapist in the middle of the night. When asked when she last had a panic attack, she told the Times: 'Probably during the negotiations of my divorce. 'When youre leaving a marriage, its very, very hard. And the negotiations were tough.' Bill and Melinda Gates are pictured in 1998. The couple's marriage ended in 2021 over Bill's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and multiple rumored affairs Bill Gates was pictured with his girlfriend Paula Hurd at this year's so-called billionaire's summer camp in Sun Valley, Idaho, in the summer The couple share three children together - Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. Jennifer has two children, shared with her husband Nayel Nassar. Bill said he would be leaving his children less than one percent of his fortune - but this still amounts to $500 million each. Melinda spoke with the Times at the headquarters of her company, Pivotal Ventures, in Redmond on the outskirts of Seattle, Washington. She founded Pivotal Ventures in 2015 while co-running the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They separated in 2021, and she resigned from the foundation in 2024 to focus on Pivotal, which aims to accelerate social progress and advance women's power and influence. A Florida man appeared to be in good spirits despite being bitten by a shark in an area far better known for alligator encounters than shark attacks. Officials reported that a man is hospitalized in stable condition after being bitten by a shark at Everglades National Park on Saturday afternoon The incident occurred just after 3 p.m. near Flamingo Lodge Highway in West Miami-Dade. Fire Rescue paramedics airlifted the man to Jackson South Medical Center, where he was seen arriving alert and responsive. 7News cameras captured the patient waving with his uninjured left hand as he was wheeled inside, his right hand and part of his arm wrapped in bandages. The victim appeared to be in good spirits, even flashing a peace sign as he entered the hospital. The Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland in southern Florida, often called the 'River of Grass' because of its slow-moving, shallow waters that wind through expansive sawgrass marshes, according to the National Wildlife Federation. While the region is famous for its alligator population, it's also home to several species of sharksincluding some that can be dangerous to humans. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission describes bull sharks as a 'common apex predator' found along both Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Officials reported that a man is hospitalized in stable condition after being bitten by a shark at Everglades National Park on Saturday afternoon. While the region is famous for its alligator population, it's also home to several species of sharksincluding some that are potentially dangerous The agency adds that bull sharks are 'one of the few shark species that may inhabit freshwater, sometimes venturing hundreds of miles inland via coastal river systems.' According to the commission, bull sharks are dangerous and 'accounting for the third highest number of attacks on humans.' This incident follows a previous shark attack in the Everglades on June 23, 2023, when a fisherman was bitten while washing his hands over the side of a boat in Florida Bay. That shark pulled the man into the water before he was rescued by others on the boat. Allyson Gantt, chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, said that the shark in the video was likely a bull shark. Shocking video shows the minute a shark bit a fisherman and pulled him off a boat at Everglades National Park in Florida. The footage showed the man reaching near the water as the shark jumped up and pulled him in. The man was left scrambling to get back on the boat as his friends screamed. Blood was splatted on the side of the boat as the man made it back inside. According to local outlets, the man was airlifted Friday to a hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue after park rangers initially responded to the scene. The Everglades is a vast subtropical wetland in southern Florida , often called the 'River of Grass' because of its slow-moving, shallow waters that wind through expansive sawgrass marshes, according to the National Wildlife Federation The victim appeared to be in good spirits, even flashing a peace sign as he entered the hospital Wildlife officials are now using the video to urge those going fishing to exercise basic precautions while out on the water. 'PSA: please don't make the same mistake and please keep your hands and feet in the vessel,' wrote one fishing guide who shared the video to Instagram. The video was sent to Local 10 by Michael Russo, who identified himself as one of the people on the boat when the horrific attack occurred. In a since-deleted post, Russo shared the details surrounding the heart-stopping moment when his friend Nick was bitten. 'Today was one of the scariest days on the water I have ever had,' Russo wrote in a caption that was re-shared by fishing guide Mark Gore. 'It started off great and we were crushing the fish but the sharks were eating some, despite our best efforts. After releasing a snook, Nick washed his hands in the water and was immediately bit by a large [lemon] shark,' he continued. According to Russo, there was no chum or blood in the water when the shark bit Nick while he was attempting to cleanse his hand, calling it 'unprovoked.' 'The sharks are no joke in the Everglades and the warnings about keeping your hands out of the water are not an exaggeration,' he added. In the video, Nickwho is seen wearing whiteappears to drop a fish back in just before dipping his hands back in the murky waters. Shocking video shows the minute a shark bit a fisherman and pulled him off a boat at Everglades National Park in Florida Blood could be seen on the side of the boat as the man went into the water When he leans down the second time, the long grey shark jumps up out of the water and grabs at the man's hand, which hits the side of the boat as he is pulled in. It's unclear what kind of injury the man sustained in the attack. Russo wrote that Nick was rushed back to the dock and taken to the Jackson South Medical Center via helicopter, where he is being treated with 'the best care possible.' Gore's post also compiled responses from other captains and fishermen who have warned against hands and feet in the Florida waters. 'I could show you a dozen places where there are packs of these lemon sharks lurking below. We can't fish in those areas anymore because it's so bad. Anywhere from the size of the one in this video to 250lbs plus,' Captain Mike Venezia said. 'All it takes it 'two seconds' and a lapse of judgement to find yourself in a dangerous situation,' Gore wrote. Sean 'Diddy' Combs is roughing it inside prison as an insider revealed he's been forced to use packets of mackerel, or 'macks,' instead of money. The disgraced 55-year-old rapper, was well-known for bragging about his cash and jewels...but is now forced to trade packets of the oily fish inside Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits trial for sex trafficking charges. He has denied all of the allegations made against him since he was arrested in September 2024. Diddy had an extraordinary fall from grace since calling prison his new home, as the embattled music mogul has traded in his lavish lifestyle for lasagna, snickers, Cheez-Its, bunk beds and monitored computer time without WIFI. Diddy, who has ditched his black hair and beard for gray, is currently housed in 4 North - a fourth-floor dorm-like section inside the jail where about 20 other men are kept. That specific unit is known to house other high-profile inmates, including cryptocurrency king Sam Bankman-Fried - who was recently transferred to another facility - former gang members and government informants that have to be separated from the general population. Although his lawyers anticipated their client would be placed in a Special Housing Unit, where inmates spend about 23 hours a day inside their cells, Diddy actually has more freedom - but it still doesn't remotely compare to his past life. Gene Borrello, a former inmate, told The New York Times, inmates in 4 North are generally allowed to roam free and enjoy televisions, microwaves, a workout area, and a row of bunk beds, but there are several check-ins throughout the day from corrections officers. Borrello, who said he was locked up in that unit because he helped the government convict Mafia members, said 'you have nothing to worry about' in that unit. Sean 'Diddy' Combs has to use packets of mackerel, or 'macks,' as a form of currency between other inmates, according to a prison insider. (Pictured: Court sketch of him from March 14) The disgraced 55-year-old rapper, who is currently locked up inside Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center (pictured), is currently preparing for trial after he was arrested on September 16, 2024 for racketeering and sex trafficking charges The former inmate, who was last housed there in 2023, told the outlet that each of the bathrooms have stalls in the unit and that inmates are allowed to take their meals and tables inside the common area. Having social contact rather than being locked in a solitary cell for hours on end is said to leave most prisoners feeling more cheerful. For Diddy specifically, he meets with his legal team quite frequently in the common area or conference space. He is allowed to use a laptop without WIFI as his attorney's have told him to comb through the mounting evidence prosecutors have turned over ahead of his trial next month. Diddy is only allowed to use the laptop during specific hours - 8am to 3.30pm everyday - and has to do so in common areas like the visiting room or the space where inmates take video calls, the outlet reported. He and other pretrial inmates, who have to wear brown prison jumpsuits, are offered a rotating food menu to choose from for their meals. Breakfast is served daily at 7am. On the second Friday of every month lasagna is served, as well as 'pasta fazool,' spinach and salad for vegetarian eaters. Diddy can also choose from commissary snacks, including $3.65 Cheez-Its bags, and a six-pack of Snickers for $5.95. He can also buy toiletries and other miscellaneous items there like radios and watches. Each inmate is allowed to spend up to $180 every two weeks on commissary items with money that is provided to them through family and friends. He's had an extraordinary fall from grace since calling prison his new home, as the former music mogul has traded in his lavish lifestyle for lasagna, snickers, Cheez-Its, bunk beds and monitored computer time without WIFI Visitors are only allowed to see their loved ones on Tuesdays in that unit and their government monitored phone calls can last no longer than 15 minutes. Recently, a snippet of Diddy's call to Kanye West was leaked to the public, as he urged his pal to 'get behind the mic' and 'get back to smiling' ahead of the release of their controversial song. In audio of a recorded phone call between the pair, obtained by The Shade Room in March, Diddy told West: 'When I get out there, man, I want to see you f****g tear down the stadiums. I need to see you back on that stage, f*****g actually rapping and f*****g performing and everything. I be dreaming of that s**t.' Diddy even touched on his upcoming and highly anticipated trial, telling West: 'Fifty-nine more days before trial, so Ill definitely be touching in, to tap into your energy or something.' He then mentioned how 'sad' his present situation is, adding: 'I'm Puff Daddy in jail.' Prosecutors have alleged that Diddy has tried to take advantage of his privileges, including buying phone time from other inmates, trying to contact potential witnesses in his case, and that he even managed to analyze social media analytics from inside prison. They said that when Diddy posted a video of his seven children singing him happy birthday to his Instagram in November, he somehow was able to track the post from behind bars. 'The defendant has demonstrated an uncanny ability to get others to do his bidding employees, family members, and M.D.C. inmates alike,' the prosecutors said, in reference to the jail. His defense team said Diddy is not trying to cheat the system he has in jail and plans to face his case full on. At his most recent court appearance, Diddy looked noticeably older and appeared to have put on weight as he walked into Manhattan's federal court wearing a tan prison issue top and pants for his pretrial. He said 'not guilty' when the judge read out the updated indictment which included claims of 'forced labor.' But he was all smiles in court and waved to his son Christian 'King' and daughter Chance Combs. Diddy is only allowed to use the laptop during specific hours - 8am to 3.30pm - everyday, and has to do so in common areas like the visiting room or the space where inmates take video calls At his most recent court appearance, Diddy (pictured in 2022) looked noticeably older and appeared to have put on weight as he said 'not guilty' when the judge read out the updated indictment which included claims of 'forced labor' Diddy stood up as he was arraigned on the new charges by Judge Arun Subramanian who asked him if he had seen the updated indictment. 'Yes I have, sir', Diddy replied in a clear voice. When the judge asked Diddy if he would like the indictment read out, Diddy declined and said: 'I'm fine. I waive the public reading.' Opening statements for his trial are set to kick off on May 12 in Federal Court in Manhattan. The trial is expected to last eight weeks. The government of the Canary Islands has declared a state of emergency on the holiday hotspot of Lanzarote, after the island crippled by a two-hour deluge of rain that caused intense flooding. The streets on the island were turned into a deep, fast-flowing rivers that left cars on them impossible to reach and homes lining them completely soaked through. The ground around many of the island's towns became waterlogged, leaving vast swathes of land covered in dirty, muddy water. Citizens forced to wade through the rushing water were seen struggling as they tried to make their way to safety. In one clip, an industrial bin was seen floating down a street on its side, with refuse spilling from its top. The torrential rain, left by an enormous storm on Saturday afternoon, forced local officials to call a state of emergency which was in place until 7am local time this morning. It was the first time government officials activated the island-wide emergency under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk. In some spots, around 60 litres of water fell on each square metre during the two-hour storm. Shocking footage has revealed Lanzarote submerged under water after the holiday hotspot was hit with a two-hour deluge The torrential rain, left by an enormous storm on Saturday afternoon, forced local officials to call a state of emergency which was in place until 7am local time this morning The streets on the island were turned into a deep, fast-flowing rivers that left cars on them impossible to reach and homes lining them completely soaked through As a result, emergency services on the island were called 150 times for weather-related incidents in the two hours after the storm hit the island. The city of Arrecife, on the island's south, was hit particularly hard by the extreme weather - locals were met by the stench of untreated sewage caused by flooding overwhelming the drainage system. Also badly affected were the towns of Tahiche, Costa Teguise, Guatiza and Nazaret. But somehow, other parts of the island were completely dry. Despite this, officials warned locals and tourists alike to take precautions and to avoid unnecessary journeys. It comes weeks after the Spanish holiday hotspot of Malaga turned white after a freak winter storm covered parts of the region in a blanket of hail and snow. Striking images and footage emerging show streets submerged in floodwater and heavy hail crashing down from grey skies. Giant hailstorms were seen hitting cars and leaving the roads covered in white icy rocks in the town of Alhaurin el Grande. Large hail also fell in areas such as Campanillas, Puerto de la Torre and Teatinos after Spain's national weather agency Aemet had extended a yellow warning for heavy rain and hail. Torcal de Antequera, a popular tourist destination, also experienced the heavy snowfall, which made for spectacular scenes. In one clip, an industrial bin was seen floating down a street on its side, with refuse spilling from its top In some spots, around 60 litres of water fell on each square metre during the two-hour storm Officials warned locals and tourists alike to take precautions and to avoid unnecessary journeys 'If you like the magic of nature in its purest form, this is the perfect time to visit. Don't miss it!,' TorcalAntequera wrote in a post on X, taking advantage of the rare occurrence. The snow-capped mountains are even visible from Malaga Airport, and have left holidaymakers and locals stunned by the weather. Further west, Sierra Bermeja, behind Estepona, has also witnessed significant snowfall, offering more Winter Wonderland scenes. A hijab-wearing student who was dramatically detained by ICE last month detailed the nightmarish conditions inside the infamous Louisiana immigration detention center she is being held at. Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, who is from Turkey and currently studying at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was swarmed by a group of individuals near her off-campus home in March. The US Department of Homeland Security has accused Ozturk of 'engaging in activities in support of Hamas', a Palestinian group recognized by the US government as a 'foreign terrorist organization.' Ozturk now says she's been squeeze into a cell with 22 other people, even though it only has the capacity to hold 14, the Boston Globe reported. No-one can sleep through the night, according to Ozturk - and she has not been provided with a prayer rug or Quran so she can practice her faith. Officials revoked Ozturk's visa and moved her to Louisiana - despite an order requiring agents not to move her out of Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice. She is known to have signed an op-ed in a student newspaper calling for Tufts to brand Israel's bombing of Gaza as a 'genocide' and for the college to divest from Israeli investments, but no further details of 'Hamas-supporting activities' have been shared. The rural facility where Ozturk is now being held also housed several other migrants who were detained under the Trump administration's round up of anti-Israel activists living in the United States under student visas including Mahmoud Khalil and Badar Khan Suri. In recent court filings, Ozturk claimed her detention violates her constitutional rights and she has been living in horrible conditions. Ozturk alleged once she was put in the Louisiana facility, she was not allowed to go outside during the first week and had limited access to food and supplies for two weeks. 'When they do the inmate count we are threatened to not leave our beds or we will lose privileges, which means that we are often stuck waiting in our beds for hours,' she said. Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, detailed the hellish conditions inside the infamous Louisiana immigration detention center she is being held at Ozturk, who is from Turkey and currently studying at Tufts University in Massachusetts , was swarmed by a group of individuals near her off-campus home in March 'At mealtimes, there is so much anxiety because there is no schedule when it comes... They threaten to close the door if we don't leave the room in time, meaning we won't get a meal.' 'I pray everyday for my release so I can go back to my home and community in Somerville,' she said. The Tufts student said she suffered multiple asthma attacks and had limited care at the medical center. While waiting a 'very long time' to be taken to the medical center for treatment, Ozturk said, she was denied the ability to go outside for fresh air.. 'While waiting, I still couldn't breathe well and was crying,' she said. 'They let me stand near the door to the outdoors to get a little fresh air.' At the medical center, a nurse removed her hijab, telling her 'you need to take that thing off your head.' 'After a few minutes I put my hijab back on. But they did nothing to treat my asthma and gave me a few ibuprofen,' she said Ozturk alleged once she was put in the Louisiana facility, she was not allowed to go outside during the first week and had limited access to food and supplies After that experience the Tufts student said she has been afraid to go back to the medical center. 'I was in pain and very scared but I didn't ask to go to the medical center because I don't feel that they address my medical needs,' she said. Ozturk's arrest came a year after she co-authored an opinion piece in Tufts' student newspaper criticizing the university's response to calls by students to divest from companies with ties to Israel and to 'acknowledge the Palestinian genocide.' The op-ed added that the university's response to the resolutions 'has been wholly inadequate and dismissive of the Senate, the collective voice of the student body.' Supporters of Ozturk say the Trump administration has yet to share any specific details of alleged support for Hamas and that the only incidents mentioned thus far were her expressing her free speech rights. Ozturk's arrest footage sparked backlash as video showed her being surrounded by six undercover ICE agents, who handcuffed her and took her into a vehicle as she walked to a meal with friends. Nigel Farage has claimed Elon Musk was just trying to 'encourage' him by tweeting that he 'doesn't have what it takes'. The Reform leader tried to shrug off the spat with the billionaire - who had previously been rumoured to be considering a $100million donation to the party. In a BBC interview, Mr Farage said the pair had since discussed the jibe, insisting Mr Musk 'says what he wants to say at any moment in time'. The Tesla boss took aim at his fellow Donald Trump ally in January during a dispute over jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Before the row they had been pictured cosying up at Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. But Mr Musk subsequently expressed support for the now-Independent MP Rupert Lowe, suggesting he could take over Reform. Appearing on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Farage was asked whether Mr Musk had apologised for making him look 'a bit daft'. Before the row, Nigel Farage and Elon Musk had been pictured cosying up at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in December In a BBC interview, Mr Farage said the pair had since discussed the jibe, insisting Mr Musk 'says what he wants to say at any moment in time' After revealing that they had spoken about the episode, Mr Farage dodged on whether he had received an apology. 'Do you know what, he has been attacking half of Trump's Cabinet this week, Elon says what he wants to say at any moment in time,' he said. Pressed on what Mr Musk had said, Mr Farage said: 'He was just trying to encourage me in a few policy areas, ones I wasn't prepared to go down.' Mr Farage has consistently refused to allow Yaxley-Lennon to join his political parties, describing him as 'thuggish'. Mr Musk began making supportive comments about the far-right figure in January during a row over the handling of group-based child sexual exploitation in towns around the UK. Despite the split with Mr Musk, Mr Farage has continued to praise the billionaire, insisting they are still 'on good terms'. He describing him as a 'hero' during an appearance at a right-wing conference in America in February. The Clacton MP said at the CPAC gathering: 'I think he is a hero, because if you remember 2020, in November, you couldn't say anything about the conduct of the election in this country. 'You then couldn't say anything about vaccines or about lockdowns without social media closing you down. 'And then along came the hero of free speech, Elon Musk.' Schools are now asking lawyers to draw up codes of conduct to help police parent WhatsApp groups. The Employment Rights Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords, could make employers liable if they do not take 'all reasonable steps' to prevent their staff from harassment. Such a measure may mean that teachers can sue their employer if they receive abuse in parent WhatsApp groups. To prevent possibly having to pay-out to suing employees, schools are now reportedly rushing to have lawyers draw up codes of conduct for the online chats. It is thought that concern is growing amongst headteachers that they could actually be found liable if parent WhatsApp groups are used to spread false rumours or racist and homophobic abuse about staff. And those concerns have arisen when teachers are usually not even a part of these WhatsApp groups, which are routinely made by parents of pupils often in classes together. Head of the education group at the country's leading law firm, Mischon de Reya, told The Times that both independent and state schools have sought his company's advice over the possibility of drawing up a code of conduct for parent groups. 'Schools are very concerned about the impact on staff and being held liable, for what's been said in class WhatsApp groups and are implementing codes of conduct for parents. Schools are now asking lawyers to draw up codes of conduct to help police parent WhatsApp groups Under a new bill, teachers could sue their employer if they receive abuse in parent 'If a parent WhatsApp group was creating an intimidating or hostile environment for a teacher, for example horrendously homophobic statements, the school would in theory be expected to do something about it.' As well as abusive exchanges, concerns have arisen over the possible spread of misinformation on these WhatsApp chats. Alistair Wood, chief executive of Edapt, which too offers legal support for teachers, said: 'We frequently support staff where issued have escalated after misinformation or misunderstanding shared online. 'These situations can quickly erode trust and take significant time for school leaders to resolve, drawing them away from their core role of running the school.' Times Radio producer Maxie Allen and his partner Rosalind Levine were arrested on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications after a 'trivial' dispute The possible introduction of The Employment Rights Bill comes just weeks after the parents of two young children were locked in a police cell for 11 hours for complaining on WhatsApp chats about the teacher recruitment process at their daughter's primary school. Times Radio producer Maxie Allen and his partner Rosalind Levine were arrested on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications after a 'trivial' dispute. Mr Allen, 50, branded the police action 'dystopian' and a 'massive overreach', and accused Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood, Herts, of trying to 'silence awkward parents'. After a five-week investigation, however, Hertfordshire Constabulary finally concluded there was no case to answer. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted at a possible war with Iran if the authoritarian country attempts to obtain nuclear weapons. Negotiations between the US and Iran over the delicate foreign policy issue are ongoing, and Donald Trump has warned the Middle Eastern nation would face 'great danger' if it pushed ahead with alleged ambitions to launch a nuclear arsenal. Hegseth doubled down on this threat during an interview on Saturday, saying the president was 'dead serious' about his pledge to involve the Department of Defense if talks didn't go well. 'He's dead serious that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,' former Army National Guard officer Hegseth told Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. 'He's said that for 20 years, he's been consistent, that is clear,' 'He's dead serious that he wants it done at the negotiating table, he wants it done peacefully, and that's why he's going straight to these talks, he's set that deadline.' 'But he's also dead serious that if we can't figure this out at the negotiating table then there are other options to include my department to ensure that Iran never has a nuclear bomb,' Hegseth added, opening up the possibility of an armed conflict. 'We hope we never get there, but what we're doing with the Houthis and what we're doing in the region, we've shown a capability to go far, to go deep, and to go big. 'We don't want to do that, but if we have to, we will to prevent the nuclear bomb in Iran's hands.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted at a possible war with Iran if the country attempts to obtain nuclear weapons. Donald Trump previously warned the Middle East country would face 'great danger' if it pushed ahead with alleged ambitions to launch a nuclear arsenal Hegseth has hinted at a possible war with Iran if the country attempts to obtain nuclear weapons. (Pictured: detonation of the nuclear device Ivy Mike in the Marshall Islands in 1950) Hegseth said US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has held 'productive talks' with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this week, but there are still areas of uncertainty. Trump, 78, revealed on Monday that the US was holding the top-level 'direct' talks with Iran, while seated in the Oval Office next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a key ally against the Middle East adversary. 'I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country, but they can't have a nuclear weapon,' he added on Friday night aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida for the weekend. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, has given mixed signals about the negotiations, arguing that engaging would be useless under the shadow of threats. The push for a resolution on the nuclear question comes as Iran has faced a series of huge setbacks that has appear to have left Tehran in a weaker negotiating position. Iranian-backed forces, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been dramatically degraded by Israeli forces in recent weeks. Israel previously damaged facilities linked to Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs in Tehran in October. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) has given mixed signals about ongoing talks with the US, arguing that engaging would be useless under the shadow of threats US airstrikes have also been targeting Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, striking oil refineries, airports and missile sites. Meanwhile, Iran suffered another blow in December when their closest Middle Eastern ally, Syrian leader Bashar Assad, was ousted after more than two decades in power. The leaders of the Islamic Republic are facing domestic pressure too, after years of international sanctions have slowly choked the economy. The US Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions earlier this week targeting five entities and an individual that American officials say play key roles in Irans nuclear program. Iran was previously limited to only a small stockpile of uranium enriched to 3.67 percent under a 2015 nuclear deal it reached with the Obama administration. Trump scrapped the deal during his first term as president, enabling Iran to build multiple nuclear weapons with some material enriched up to 60 percent - a short, technical step away from destructive weapons-grade levels. The US president allegedly abandoned the previous deal which prevented this in order to spite his predecessor, Barack Obama, according to a leaked memo written by the UK's former ambassador to the US. Athens has been ravaged by flames after rioters threw petrol bombs during a clash with police officers before 70 demonstrators were arrested. Shocking footage emerging from the holiday hotspot showed rioters storming the streets just after midnight as the rowdy mobs came head-to-head with cops. Around 50 people launched petrol bombs and fireworks at police officers outside a station in Exarchia and some 21 cars were left wrecked after being torched in the chaos. Properties, local shops, and motorbikes were also set alight by protestors as terrified locals watched on in horror. Over 70 arrests were made during the riot which lasted several hours, Greek broadcaster EPTNews reported Sunday, citing security sources. 'Incidents occurred on Saturday night in Exarchia where unknown persons attacked police forces,' Greek authorities said. 'According to ELAS, the incidents began shortly before midnight when groups of unknown persons attacked police forces at the intersection of Kallidromiou and E. Benaki streets with Molotov cocktails and stones, with the police responding by using chemical weapons.' The riots erupted after a bomb planted near the offices of Hellenic Train - Greece's main railway company - exploded on Friday night in central Athens. Fire erupted across Athens Sunday after rioters threw petrol bombs during a clash with police Vehicles linking the streets were left wrecked after being torched amid the fighting Properties, local shops, and motorbikes were also set alight by protestors as terrified locals watched on in horror Anonymous calls warning of the attack were made to Greek media just moments before the blast. An unknown man is said to have warned that the bomb, placed inside a backpack, would explode in '30 to 40 minutes' and said that 'it is not a prank', The Sun reported at the time. In a statement, Hellenic Train said the explosion had occurred 'very close to its central offices' and said the blast had caused limited damage and no injuries to any employees or passers-by. Police cordoned off the site along a major avenue in the Greek capital, keeping residents and tourists away from the building in an area with several bars and restaurants. Officers at the scene said a bag containing an explosive device had been placed near the Hellenic Train building on Syngrou Avenue. The drama unfolded amid widespread public anger over a February 2023 railway disaster which saw 57 people killed, most of them young students, and dozens more seriously injured when a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions were accidentally put on the same track. Thousands have now turned out to strike and protest in Greece and abroad since the second anniversary of the collision. It also brought about two votes of no confidence last year and again in March that the conservative government overcame. The train's Italian-owned operator Hellenic Train has denied knowledge of any illegal cargo on the freight train. More than 40 people have been prosecuted, including the local station master responsible for routing the trains. The blast happened just yard away from the Hellenic Train headquarters A trial into the accident is not expected before the end of the year. Earlier on Friday, the parliament voted to refer a former junior minister to justice on possible misdemeanour charges for breach of duty in connection to the aftermath of the accident. Opposition parties say Christos Triantopoulos, who was dispatched by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the scene after the accident, authorised the bulldozing of the crash site which led to the loss of vital evidence. Triantopoulos denies any wrongdoing and says he was overseeing relief efforts. Greece's intercity trains went under private management in 2017, when state-owned Greek rail traffic services operator TrainOSE was privatised and sold to Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, becoming Hellenic Train. Greek state company OSE still owns the tracks. Hellenic Train's former CEO Maurizio Capotorto was reportedly summoned to testify before a magistrate, on suspicion of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee into the disaster in January 2024. Women-only spaces will get protection in an equality law overhaul by the government. Transgender people will be made to present Gender Recognition Certificates and organisations are compelled to define the difference between sex and gender under the proposed changes. the Equality and Human Rights Commission fears current guidelines on sex and gender have been loosely interpreted as hundreds of public organisations have been allowing self-identifying trans people into single-sex spaces. The human rights watchdog is now pushing for a radical overhaul to Statutory Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations to the Government. It comes as they submitted a 310-page revised version of its code to reflect their growing concerns, as they said it is 'out of date'. It is currently being reviewed by government lawyers and ministers in a bid to be presented to Parliament before the end of Summer. The new code aims to protect biological sex over gender identity as far as is possible. It is said the protections will be heavily based on the outcome of the Maya Forstater case - where a 2021 employment tribunal ruled that trans women are not real women is a belief that must be protected. Women-only spaces will get protection in an equality law overhaul by the government. The protections will be heavily based on the outcome of the Maya Forstater (pictured) case - where an employment tribunal ruled that trans women are not real women must be a protected belief Ms Forstater, a tax expert, had been sacked from her job after sharing gender critical views on X. The tribunal ruling set a new legal precedent as it said her belief was protected under the Equality Act. A government source told The Telegraph 'it will transform the weather' on sex and gender. It comes as a landmark Supreme Court case on sex and gender set to rule on Wednesday could also update the code. Gender critical campaign For Women Scotland is against The Scottish Ministers. They have argued that sex-based protections for women should only be afforded to those born female - but Scottish government say the definition of a woman should include trans people with a Gender Recognition Certificate. A vehicle sparked chaos in an airport car park after erupting into a huge blaze of flames. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle, which appears to be a dark coloured Volkswagen, 'start smoking' at Gatwick Airport earlier this afternoon, April 13. A short time later, flames began rising out of the bonnet before erupting into a major blaze of fire and smoke. The driver of a nearby AA van jumped out with a fire extinguisher and tried to tend to the incident, onlookers said - but the fire could not be stopped. Firefighters were called and later filmed trying to extinguish the raging fire as concerned onlookers watch on. In the footage, explosions can be heard as the Volkswagen's tyres burst - and the car soon becomes completely destroyed. It is thought that no one was injured, though police are yet to confirm anything. The fire has since been put out. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle, which appears to be a dark coloured Volkswagen, 'start smoking' at Gatwick Airport A vehicle sparked chaos in an airport car park after erupting into a huge blaze of flames The vehicle burst flames a short time later as concerned onlookers watched on A male witness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the ordeal as 'traumatic'. 'It was a full on blaze,' he said. 'People were screaming as the tyres were blowing out - and it sounded like explosions or gunshots. I saw the whole thing. 'The vehicle pulled up to the barriers and then it started smoking. A man in an AA van got out with a fire extinguisher but he couldn't put out the smoke. 'The smoke turned into flames and then the car erupted into a full blazing inferno. A male witness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the ordeal as 'traumatic' Firefighters attended the Gatwick Airport car park and were eventually able to put the fire out The blaze has now been stopped and no one is thought to have been hurt during the incident 'The pillar next to the car even started catching fire and burning.' The man, who was on a seven-hour layover and had gone outside to get some fresh air, said he believes the driver escaped the vehicle before it burst into flames. He said: 'A person seemed to climb out of the car when it started smoking - but I couldn't really see. I don't know how many people there were.' West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Gatwick Airport have been contacted for comment. A man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism and attempted murder after Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's mansion was torched overnight while he and his family slept inside. Harrisburg local Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested on Sunday and is expected to face charges of attempted murder, terrorism and aggravated arson, authorities said. Fire crews were dispatched to the Democrat's home in Harrisburg around 2am Sunday, Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline said. Everyone inside the home was in a separate part of the residence when the flames broke out and were able to evacuate safely. A significant portion of the estate was damaged from the fire, which broke out just hours after Shapiro posted a picture of his family celebrating Passover on Saturday. The investigation into the terrifying blaze remains ongoing, but authorities have confirmed it was caused by an act of arson. It is unclear if this was an act of hate targeting Shapiro over his politics or religion. Shapiro, who shares four children with his wife Lori, shared a post to X about the startling incident. 'Last night at about 2AM, my family and I woke up to bangs on the door from the Pennsylvania State Police after an arsonist set fire to the Governors Residence in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's mansion (pictured) was torched by an arsonist overnight Shapiro, his wife Lori and their four children (pictured) were in the home at the time of the blaze A significant portion of the estate was damaged from the fire, which broke out just hours after Shapiro posted a picture of his family celebrating Passover on Saturday 'The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire was on the scene and while they worked to put out the fire, we were evacuated from the Residence safely by Pennsylvania State Police and assisted by Capitol Police. 'Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished. Every day, we stand with the law enforcement and first responders who run towards danger to protect our communities. Last night, they did so for our family and Lori and I are eternally grateful to them for keeping us safe.' Photos showed damage caused to the mansion as thick plumes of black smoke were seen flowing out of the home. The fire also left portions of the home charred from the flames as firefighters were seen trying to calm the blaze. Shapiro and his wife share four children together - Sophia, Jonah, Max and Reuben. Sophie and Jonah are legal adults, while Max and Reuben are minors. It is unclear if the two eldest were in the home at the time of the blaze. The investigation into the terrifying blaze remains ongoing, but authorities have confirmed it was caused by an act of arson Shapiro (pictured in February) has served as the Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023 Just before the fire started, Shapiro, who is Jewish, offered Passover wishes on X, saying: 'From the Shapiro familys Seder table to yours, happy Passover and Chag Pesach Sameach!' The 29,000 square-foot mansion was built in 1968 and has served as the residence to eight governors and their families prior to Shapiro. The property has flooded several times in the past, including during Hurricane Agnes in 1972 when then-Governor Milton Shapp resided there with his wife Muriel. It then underwent 'extensive repairs' before flooding again in 2011 during Tropical Storm Lee. Shapiro has served as the Governor of Pennsylvania since 2023. He previously worked as the attorney general for the Keystone State from 2017-2023. He is viewed as a possible contender for the 2028 presidential race. Many had hoped he would have been Kamala Harris' running mate in the previous election. A nuclear engineer whose doctor husband allegedly tried to kill her on a Hawaii hiking trail was visibly injured in her first public sighing since the attack. Arielle Konig sported a visible stitch above her right eye as she attended husband Dr Gerhardt Konig's hearing in Maui Friday, which saw her ask for a restraining order against her spouse to be extended. Arielle, 36, wore a headscarf throughout the hearing. She was attacked with a rock and syringes by her husband who also tried to push her off a cliff, prosecutors say. It is unclear if the headscarf was worn to hide injuries Arielle may have sustained or scars she has been left with as a result of surgeries following last month's attack. During Friday's hearing, the court was told how Arielle had been accused of having an affair by her jealous husband. She said Konig had also sexually asaulted her. Arielle remained calm and emotionless throughout Friday's hearing and spoke only to say 'Yes it is,' when asked if the paperwork she'd submitted to the court was up to date. Her husband is being held at a prison on the neighboring island of Oahu and appeared via video link, Hawaii News Now reported. The request for a temporary restraining order was granted and means Konig must stay away from his wife and his two children if he later makes bail. Arielle Konig appeared composed but visibly injured as she faced her husband, Dr. Gerhardt Konig, for the first time since his alleged attempt on her life It was her first public appearance since the brutal March 2025 assault that left her hospitalized Wearing a headscarf and a bandage above her right eye, she sat quietly in the Wailuku courtroom on Friday Prosecutors say Konig struck Arielle with closed fists and a rock, tried to push her off a cliff, and attempted to inject her with unknown substances using syringes. According to her restraining order filing, Arielle had previously been subjected to controlling behavior, accusations of infidelity, and sexual assault. Police say the attack began after she refused to take a photo with him at the scenic lookout. She was left critically injured, suffering head and facial trauma, and was hospitalized after hikers called 911 around 10:30 a.m. on the day of the alleged attack. A six-hour manhunt followed before police caught up with Dr. Konig near Pali Highway after a brief foot chase. 'HPD officers located Gerhardt Konig near Pali Highway and arrested him after a brief foot pursuit,' Honolulu police said in a statement. 'Charges are pending. Mahalo to the public for your assistance.' 'Mr. Konig, I must make you aware that this is a civil proceeding,' the judge cautioned. 'Anything you testify to this morning can be used against you... Any questions, Mr. Konig?' They were visiting Nuuanu Pali Lookout in Oahu (pictured) at the time of the attack on Monday. The beauty spot is located more than 1,000ft above the coastline and offers stunning views of the Koolau cliffs and Windward Coast Konig was arrested following a short chase, and charges against him are now pending 'No ma'am,' he replied quietly. Legal analyst Philip Dube noted the emotional weight of Arielle's presence in court. 'That's the heart of domestic violence,' he said. 'It takes an emotional and physical toll on the victim.' While the courtroom offered few new details, the hearing underscored the personal devastation behind the legal drama. The TRO remains in effect. The criminal case has been continued until May, with a trial expected in June. Arielle is a project manager at TerraPower, a nuclear reactor design firm. She earned her degree in nuclear engineering from Penn State and holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. The couple had moved to Maui in 2022 for what Konig reportedly called his 'dream job.' It is unclear what drove the doctor with the seemingly picture-perfect life to allegedly commit a horrific act of violence against his high-achieving wife. He previously served as an assistant professor of anesthesiology and bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh before joining Maui Health through an independent staffing agency. Gerhardt and Arielle Konig, pictured on their wedding day, have been married since 2018 and live in a $1.5million home in Maui Arielle (pictured with Konig) worked as a nuclear engineer. She earned a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh Those who knew the couple, pictured together, say they were shocked by the allegations that 'friendly' and 'quiet' Konig tried to kill Arielle His medical license remains active, though he has been suspended by Maui Health pending an investigation. 'Maui Health is committed to patient safety and upholding the highest standards of care,' the medical system said in a statement. 'Dr. Konig has been suspended from the Medical Staff pending investigation.' Konig, who has at least one child from a previous marriage, shared a $1.5 million home in Maui with Arielle. Friends and colleagues alike have expressed shock. Former neighbors in Pittsburgh described the couple as 'friendly,' and staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center said they were stunned by the allegations against the 'quiet' doctor. But domestic violence advocates say the case illustrates how abuse can lurk beneath polished, professional lives. 'When they say it doesn't discriminate, it's absolutely true,' said Sanoe Ka'aihue, executive director of Women Helping Women. 'If the intent is there to harm someone, it'll happen.' Ka'aihue added that recent partner violence cases on Maui have grown more premeditatedand more lethal. In just the past few months, at least two women have allegedly been killed by their partners. 'High-income earners, doctors, engineersit doesn't matter,' she said. 'Domestic violence doesn't care who you are.' Hundreds of Delta Air Lines passengers have been forced to spend an entire night on an airport runway after two packed planes were delayed by 15 hours. The jets, flying from separate locations in Mexico to Atlanta, Georgia, were diverted to Montgomery in Alabama overnight due to severe thunderstorms. Due to a lack of Customs and Border Protection staffing, the airport was slated as a ground-stop only, and around 300 travelers had to stay on board for several hours. A Delta spokesman said the planes could not land in Birmingham, Alabama, which does have Customs staff, because of severe weather there. Exhausted passenger Christine Millken told NBC News the situation was 'frustrating' and 'uncomfortable', and left her needing to sleep 'for 12 hours straight'. 'Because we were an international flight, they could not open their cart for additional beverages or snacks, or offer meals,' she said. 'It was quite nerve wracking,' she added in an interview with WSB-TV. 'I think my nerves are very shot from all the turbulence and the back and forth and the circling.' 'I almost, almost want to cry just because I'm so exhausted, physically exhausted,' Milliken said. 'I haven't slept in like 26 hours.' Hundreds of Delta Air Lines passengers have been forced to spend an entire night on an airport runway after two packed planes were delayed by 15 hours. They were eventually allowed into a small gate but could not leave the terminal because of a lack of Customs officers Alex Alvarez (pictured), who was on board a Delta Flight 599 from Mexico City, said the delay stacked up to 20 hours in total. Alvarez is demanding a full refund from the airline Milliken was one of the 150 people onboard Delta Flight 1828 from Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, which landed in Montgomery around 10.20pm on Thursday. Passengers were forced to stay on board until 5.15am, when they were allowed off the plane but restricted to the gate. Alex Alvarez, who was on board a Delta Flight 599 from Mexico City which suffered the same fate, said the nightmare began after they experienced some turbulence. '(The delay) was supposed to be three-and-a-half hours,' Alvarez told 11 Alive. 'It turned out to be almost 20 hours. If it had been prolonged because of bad weather, we understand that. But things just kept piling up and piling up.' 'You could see on the tracker that we were just going in circles, and the captain finally said we were running out of fuel,' he added. 'So he had to land in Montgomery. Also, the crew and pilot had run out of time. So we're timed out, meaning we had to get an entirely new crew and pilot from Atlanta.' Once the passengers were finally freed from the aircraft, passengers said they had to walk to the terminal because the gates couldn't accommodate large jetliners Hundreds of Delta Air Lines passengers have been forced to spend an entire night on an airport runway after two packed planes were delayed by 15 hours. They were eventually allowed into a small gate but could not leave the terminal because of a lack of Customs officers Long day @Delta your staff is handling it, all passengers are handling it. We are safe, looking forward to making it to Atlanta. Loraine Foushee (@BlameItOnLorain) April 11, 2025 Once the passengers were finally freed from the aircraft, passengers said they had to walk to the terminal because the gates couldn't accommodate large jetliners. They were placed into a small zone within the terminal, and were only allowed to use monitored restrooms. Alvarez said Delta distributed sandwiches and chips to the passengers on Friday morning, after 20 hours of waiting. He's demanding a full refund. 'It's not all Delta's fault,' he said. 'I think it was a small airport, and so they didn't have security there, immigration to hold people. But Delta dropped the ball in many ways.' 'We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience,' Delta said in a statement. 'We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast US Thursday evening. 'We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking.' A 22-year-old Utah woman who survived a shot to the head as a child made her dream of riding a horse again a reality after entering hospice care. Deserae Turner was 14 when she was shot in the head and left to die in a canal bed in Smithfield in 2017 after being lured and attacked by two of her classmates, Colter Peterson and Jayzon Decker. She survived and was able to graduate high school and get married, but the attack left her with lifelong disabilities and daily pain and challenges. However, Deserae revealed last week that after nearly 50 surgeries, which included 16 brain surgeries, she has decided to enter hospice after learning that she is dealing with a deadly infection. On Saturday, her friends and family fulfilled her final wish of being able to ride a horse again. Deserae - who competed in shows and won ribbons before her attack - was able to ride in a two-wheeled carriage that was pulled behind a horse as it maneuvered through various obstacles. 'It was emotionally hard to be around other horses and be around our friends, because it was no longer the life that she could live,' Deserae's older sister, Lizzy Turner Leslie, told ABC4.com. 'Today is exciting, and very hard, and nostalgic all in one for me and also happy,' Deserae's sister Kaycee said. Deserae Turner, who was 14 when she was shot in the head and left to die, had her final wish of riding a horse again come true after she announced she was entering hospice care Deserae - who competed in shows and won ribbons before her attack - was able to ride in a two-wheeled carriage that was pulled behind a horse Savannah Pickett, who met Deserae at a horse show and befriended her several years ago, drove from Colorado to Utah for the show. 'I remember everything with her from the very beginning,' Savannah said. 'Horse shows I mean, our horses matched, we wore the same colors during all of it, I mean just tight. She always had a smile on her face, no matter the circumstance.' Deserae said that she is preparing for the end by surrounding herself with comfort and her loved ones and is ready to say goodbye. 'I have been in so much agony, so much pain, for eight years it is time for me to take the steps to be in less agony and less pain,' Deserae said. 'Everybody is scared of death and, yes, I guess I am scared a little bit , but I also just want it to come quick... Im not scared of whats gonna happen next I truly believe I know where Im going, and Im ready to get there.' Deserae's family have set up a GoFundMe to help cover her funeral costs and end-of-life care. 'Des has fought a good fight for more than 8 years now; she is tired. She doesn't have it in her to fight another life or death battle,' her family said. 'There are things worse than death. Quality of life is more important than quantity. Des made the very brave decision not to treat and to go on hospice. She has a firm belief there is life after death and we will be together again.' Deserae, seen with her father in 2019, managed to graduate high school after she was shot, but the attack left her with lifelong disabilities and daily pain and challenges Deserae has lived a full life since the attack and married her husband Mason in 2024. However, Deserae revealed last week she is dealing with a deadly infection Decker, left, and Peterson, Daserae's attackers, were 17 at the time of the crime. They were each sentenced to at least 15 years in prison in 2018 Peterson and Decker, Daserae's attackers, were 17 at the time of the crime. They were each sentenced to at least 15 years in prison in 2018. During their sentencing, Deserae told the court how the bullet, still lodged in her brain, left her struggling to walk, dress herself and function through debilitating headaches. 'You are evil. I wish this had never happened,' she told Decker, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. 'Good luck having a life in prison and remember that, because of you, my life is a prison too.' Prosecutors said the pair concocted the plan in February 2017 while playing video games and discussing their desire to 'get rid' of Dasarae, who was messaging Peterson on social media. They lured her to an isolated dry canal bed behind a high school in Smithfield, about 90 miles north of Salt Lake City, then shot her and left her for dead in a ditch, prosecutors said. Decker kept the spent shell casing 'as a memento,' charges said. Officers later found it displayed on his bedroom windowsill. Decker, who was tried as an adult, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder and felony obstruction of justice. Peterson, who was also tried as an adult, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated attempted murder and robbery. President Trump's senior adviser Peter Navarro insisted everything was 'great' with billionaire Elon Musk after the pair had a nasty tariff spat last week. The top White House official dismissed questions about the brutal social media post by the world's wealthiest person on Sunday after Musk publicly called him 'dumber than a sack of bricks' and a 'moron.' 'First of all, Elon and I are great. It's not an issue,' Navarro told host Kristen Welker. When Welker pointed out that Musk had attacked Navarro as a 'moron' to his millions of followers on X, the close Trump ally shrugged it off with a laugh. 'Ive been called worse. Everything's fine with Elon,' he said. Navarro even went on to praise Musk for his work with DOGE. 'Elon is doing a very good job with his team with waste, fraud and abuse. That's a tremendous contribution to America,' he added. But their savage back and forth this past week suggested they were anything but 'fine.' Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro insisted he and Elon Musk are great and said he has been called 'worse' after the tech billionaire last week called him 'dumber than a sack of bricks' in a heated spat over tariffs The extraordinary row between Musk and Navarro escalated as members of Trump's inner circle have split over how the administration has been handling trade policy. The SpaceX and Tesla billionaire frequently criticized the sweeping tariffs announced by the president earlier this month on imports from around the world. Musk has personally lost billions as the markets responded turbulently to Trump's widespread tariffs and escalating trade war with China. But their spat took a jaw-dropping turn last week after Navarro criticized Tesla. The top Trump adviser described Musk as a 'car assembler' and claimed his Tesla vehicles required parts manufactured in foreign countries including China, Japan, and Taiwan. 'When it comes to tariffs and trade, we all understand in the White House, and the American people understand, that Elon is a car manufacturer, but he's not a car manufacturer. He's a car assembler,' Navarro said in an interview last week. Musk fired back on X: 'Navarro is dumber than a sack of bricks' and called him 'truly a moron.' He even dubbed the trade adviser as 'Peter Retarrdo.' President Trump seated next to Elon Musk at the UFC fight in Miami on Saturday night Billionaire chief executive of Tesla Elon Musk savaged President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro after he criticized the DOGE advisor's car company. Pictured (left): Peter Navarro, Stephen Miller and Elon Musk speaking inside the Oval Office of the White House in March. Pictured (right): Trump and Musk in the Oval Office on March 14 But despite the hostilities playing out in public online, the White House dismissed the feud last week. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt even brushed it off at her press briefing with 'boys will be boys' and said the administration planned to let the public sparring continue while touting what she claimed is the 'most transparent administration in history.' When asked about a report last week that Navarro had been sidelined by Trump, he pushed back in the NBC interview on Sunday, pointing out 'I'm here.' Navarro is not the first person Musk as feuded with as he runs DOGE and remains an ever-present person in Trump's second administration. Last month, 'first buddy' also clashed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio according to a brutal New York Times report before they put up a public united front. A man and his partner are the final remaining tenants in a crumbling estate wanted for demolition by the local housing association. Andy Roche has lived in Lower Falinge social housing estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, since 1988 and feels his resident Zeburgh building meets all of his needs. There are six other blocks set for demolition in the area - which in 2013 was named England's most deprived - but his presence means Zebrugh is not yet one of them. Former Prime Minister David Cameron called Lower Falinge a 'sink estate' in 2016. And out of 24 flats in Mr Roche's block, his is the only one still occupied. The 50-year-old told the Manchester Evening News: 'It's upsetting to see them empty because I really like living here.' Mr Roche has been offered several different housing alternatives by landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) but has turned them down on the belief that his current situation is better. Mr Roche said he and his partner do not work due to difficulties with their autism. Andy Roche (pictured) and his partner are the last remaining tenants in their Rochdale housing block, and among the last in the whole estate The Lower Falinge estate in Greater Manchester, which is set to be largely demolished over the next 12 months The flat is perfect for them because it offers ground floor access and Mr Roche's partner has mobility issues. The couple feel lucky that they have a one-bedroom flat with no shared spaces. They are far from road noise, surrounded by trees which flower in spring and the area has no gang activity or violence. 'I'm not saying nothing ever happens but it felt safe here, especially when it was full,' Mr Roche added. Estate boss RBH plans to demolish the neighbouring blocks - named Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe and Vaynor - and build new homes in their place. Tenants have been gradually leaving the 1970s buildings over seven years, with the last occupiers having moved out 15 months ago. With many of the flats left vacant for years and RBH branding them 'unsafe' homes, the atmosphere on the estate is eerily stagnant. Despite his firm insistence on staying, Mr Roche is not entirely opposed to change. Mr Roche says there are now 128 vacant homes on the estate, while homeless people sleep in cars on his doorstep Former PM David Cameron called the housing site (pictured) a 'sink estate' in 2016 'The new builds change the nature of our area. We were never against regeneration fully, but we didn't trust RBH.' There have already been multiple phases of demolition and rebuilding on the estate since 2012. Now, newbuilds awkwardly straddle dilapidated 70s housing, which RBH argues is easier to demolish than to improve. Campaign group 'Save Our Home', once going strong in its opposition to the plans, has now dwindled. There are a staggering 128 empty homes on the estate, Mr Roche said, and many of them suffer from damp and mould problems, including his. But he believes that RBH prefers not to tackle these issues so as to use their rundown condition as justification for their demolition. Many of the vacant flats are boarded up, a response to bouts of vandalism in the area. As much as he does not want to leave, Mr Roche says staying in his home is taking a toll on his mental health and the pressure to move out is constant. Mr Roche has been offered several housing alternatives but has rejected them all, feeling his current situation is better Many flats on the estate are boarded up in response to a spate of vandalism on the empty homes 'If there is some mythical place that is better we would've found it by now. Everything I want and need is here,' he added. He and his partner feel their community space, once bustling with playing children and commuting workers, has been torn apart. Mr Roche described feeling like a number on a spreadsheet, and he believes that RBH does not care about tenants' futures. One of the last remaining campaigners fighting for the preservation of the homes, even Mr Roche admits it is difficult to keep pushing when so many homes lie vacant. However, he says local councillors are on his side, appalled at the loss of social housing. The last round of demolition on the estate took place over five years ago, but another year of destruction is now set to begin. The Lower Falinge estate campaigners have collaborated with a similar group - Save The Seven Sisters. Its head Mark Slater has consulted with London-based architecture company Unit 38 to produce a refurbishment plan - an alternative to total destruction. Six other housing blocks on the estate are due to be demolished by landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (File image) The plan would see Lower Falinge estate, as well as the Seven Sisters housing blocks, regenerated and brought to modern living standards. Mr Slater believes that retaining the buildings is the most cost-effective and time-effective option when there are 22,000 people waiting for social housing in Rochdale alone. And Mr Roche points out the tragic irony that homeless people can be seen sleeping in cars just outside hundreds of empty flats on the estate. Hannah Fleming, RBH Head of Regeneration and Development, said: 'The planning application in Lower Falinge is not a new proposal. 'The six blocks initially proposed for demolition are considered to be at the end of their life and are in a condition that would mean they cannot be occupied and would not be safe and warm homes. 'Our aim is to replace these blocks with new homes, the design of which will be informed in consultation with the people of Rochdale to ensure they meet the needs of the current and future residents of Lower Falinge.' An autistic teenager with cerebral palsy who was gunned down by Idaho police has succumbed to his injuries, his family revealed. Victor Perez, a 17-year-old boy described by his family as nonverbal, autistic and intellectually disabled, had been in a coma since the April 5 shooting. Doctors removed nine bullets from Perez's body and amputated his left leg. He was on a ventilator in 'critical condition' before he died, Idaho News 6 reported. His tests Friday showed that he had no brain activity, and he passed away after being taken off life support on Saturday, his aunt, Ana Vazquez, told The Associated Press. 'Those police broke our family. There is no way to explain the pain that we are feeling right now. It's like our hearts are kind of empty - it's not full anymore,' Vazquez said. Police in the southeast Idaho city of Pocatello responded to a 911 call reporting that an apparently intoxicated man with a knife was chasing someone in a yard. It turned out to be Perez, who was not intoxicated but walked with a staggered gait due to his disabilities. His family members had been trying to get the large kitchen knife away from him. Video taken by a neighbor showed that Perez was lying in the yard after falling over when four officers arrived and rushed to the fence at the edge of the yard. Victor Perez (pictured), a 17-year-old boy described by his family as nonverbal, autistic and intellectually disabled has died after being gunned down by police Disturbing footage captured the 12 second altercation which police made no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation They immediately ordered Perez to drop the knife, but instead he stood and began stumbling toward them. Officers opened fire within about 12 seconds of getting out of their patrol cars and made no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation. In the footage, Perez was seen lying on the ground, barely moving, as four officers rushed toward the chain-link fence surrounding the home - three pulling out handguns and another pointing what appeared to be a shotgun. When officers demanded Perez drop the weapon, the teen instead stood up and began stepping toward them with the knife still in his grasp. 'He saw everybody pointing guns at him, so he stood up and pointed the knife towards the officers,' neighbor Brad Andres told East Idaho News. 'After the officers saw this, they all unloaded.' Officers began repeatedly firing at Perez, with audio from the disturbing footage capturing nine continuous gunshots. 'They never once asked, "What is the situation, how can we help?"' Andres said. 'They ran up with their guns drawn, they triggered a mentally disabled person to react and when he reacted... they shot him.' Andres explained that the police 'appeared to be like a death squad or firing squad,' rather than officers trying to de-escalate a situation. Doctors removed nine bullets from Perez's body and amputated his left leg. He was on a ventilator in 'critical condition' before he died His tests Friday showed that he had no brain activity, and he passed away after being taken off life support on Saturday 'You can see that the kid, after he was shot, wounded and down on the ground in pain, suffering from the shots, they continued to shoot at him,' Andres told East Idaho News. After life-saving measures were taken at the scene, Perez was taken to Portneuf Medical Center where he passed away on Saturday. Videos of the shooting has since circulated around social media, enraging the boy's family, neighbors and the internet as to why officers opened fire within about 12 seconds of exiting their cars - all while making no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation or use less lethal weapons. The officers, whose names have not been released, were placed on administrative leave. Decisions about whether charges should be filed against them will be made after an independent investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Team, Bannock County Prosecutor Ian Johnson told the AP. 'When that investigation is complete a report will be submitted for review,' he said. 'In a continued effort to ensure independent and objective consideration, said report will be reviewed by an agency outside of Bannock County.' Perez loved watching professional wrestling, eating fries and taking walks while holding his mother's hand, Vasquez said. He would always notice when Vasquez painted her nails his favorite color blue, or when she wore a new weave, showing his admiration by touching her hair, she said. 'I'm going to miss him when he used to get in his weird moods, and I used to put him to bed,' she said. 'He wouldn't want to sleep and would wake up again, and I would have to walk him back to the bed. I would promise him, "Hey, Ill be back tomorrow but you need to lay down and sleep."' SNP ministers have been urged to turn down an astonishing 20,000 pay rise handed to them at the start of this month. John Swinneys ministerial team were quietly given the massive increase in their salaries after previously having earnings frozen since 2009. But they are now under pressure to forego the extra payment after the First Minister concluded it would not be appropriate for him to accept it. Opponents said ministers would turn the pay rise down if they accepted just how badly they have performed. Mr Swinney was directly responsible for the decision to award his Cabinet and wider ministerial team the increase in pay. Their earnings will rise by 19,126, taking the salary of a Cabinet Secretary to 116,125 and a junior minister to 100,575. The Scottish Government last night confirmed Mr Swinney will not take the extra money in order to avoid any perception that he benefits from his own decisions. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: The huge salary increase John Swinney has given SNP ministers cant be related to their performance in office, which has been uniformly dismal. John Swinney was responsible for the decision to increase ministerial pay Nationalist politicians have made a mess of everything they touch - our NHS, education, housing, policing and transport - while stifling the economy, pushing through savage cuts and making Scotland the highest-taxed part of the UK. 'If they accepted just how badly they have performed they would turn this rise down. Thats why so many Nats expect to be turfed out if they stand in at the next election, and many have already thrown in the towel. Theres bound to be speculation that this eye-watering rise is a way of boosting their pensions and payoffs, and getting as much as they can from the hard-pressed taxpayer on their way to the exit. The bumper pay rise came into force at the start of this month and was quietly announced by Mr Swinney in a written response to a parliamentary question initiated by the Scottish Government. A pay freeze for ministers was first announced by former first minister Alex Salmond in 2009. Since April 2009, ministers have been deducting the difference between their net salary entitlement - made up of their MSP pay and their ministerial pay - and their 2009 entitlement, with the surplus donated directly into the public purse. While the ministerial element of their salaries will stay frozen at 2008-09 levels, the MSP allowance will now be equalised with other serving MSPs at 74,507. The impact of this means each minister will receive 19,126 more than they did in 2024/25. There are currently 10 members of the Cabinet alongside Mr Swinney, as well as 14 junior ministers - meaning the total cost of the move to taxpayers is set to be 459,024. In his written parliamentary answer, Mr Swinney said the freeze of the ministerial element of pay will remain in place, but went on: From April 1, 2025, the MSP element of ministers salaries will be equalised with that of MSPs who are not currently serving ministers, providing parity in line with their roles. John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Scots will be absolutely seething at the way in which Ministers are stuffing their pockets with extra taxpayer cash all while front-line services are spluttering and the tax burden is soaring. If these ministers had any shame, theyd be abandoning this pay rise. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Ministerial and MSP salaries are set and paid by the Scottish Parliament. The MSP element of pay for ministers for 2025-26 will be identical to that of other MSPs. The ministerial element of pay has been frozen for 16 years at 2008-09 levels and this will remain in place for 2025-26. The First Minister has made clear that he will forego the equalisation of the MSP element of his salary in order to avoid any perception that he benefits from his own decisions. A Metropolitan Police officer has been fired without notice after sharing an image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu morphing into Adolf Hitler. Detective Constable Ibrahim Khan posted the screenshot in October, 2023, which was captioned: 'The irony of becoming what you once hated. Well done Israel, Hitler would be proud.' This and other images posted to Khan's 250 online followers between October 17 and 23 were disseminated to a gross misconduct panel which found him in breach of professional standards. In one image, Khan added the text: 'Every day they invent some new bull**** lie to try gain Western sympathy' and 'f*** them'. According to the senior officer who chaired the panel, several posts shared suggested that the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel's border 'were a fabrication'. The officer chairing said: 'I find that these posts all draw explicit comparisons between contemporary Israeli policy and the Nazis. 'DC Khan's conduct was deliberate and sustained over a number of days.' The images shared by the officer, who was based in Scotland Yard's Community Safety Unit, were found to be antisemitic according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of the term. A placard of the image shared by DC Ibrahim Khan with his 250 followers on social media The former officer has been dismissed without notice and found to have breach professional standards of conduct (File image) Khan denied antisemitism, arguing that the IHRA's definition of antisemitism is 'not legally binding'. The IHRA definition, widely used by several workplaces, has previously met criticism. A 2020 statement by Palestinian and Arab academics, intellectuals and journalists reads: 'Antisemitism must be debunked and combated. Regardless of pretence, no expression of hatred for Jews as Jews should be tolerated anywhere in the world. 'Through "examples" that it provides, the IHRA definition conflates Judaism with Zionism in assuming that all Jews are Zionists, and that the state of Israel in its current reality embodies the self-determination of all Jews. 'We profoundly disagree with this. The fight against antisemitism should not be turned into a stratagem to delegitimise the fight against the oppression of the Palestinians, the denial of their rights and the continued occupation of their land.' After his dismissal, Khan's name was added to the College of Policing's barred list. Comparisons have been widely drawn between Netanyahu and Hitler due to the Israeli leader's targeting of one ethnic group, namely Palestinians. Many such 'morphing' images can be found online. The Voice Of Rabbis, a nonprofit organisation comprised of 'Jews united against Zionism', shared a similar post on X to its almost 300,000 followers. An image shared to X by nonprofit organisation Voice Of Rabbis, comparing Netanyahu to Hitler Netanyahu is a Nazi, today's hitler. "Netanyahu is NO Jewish Leader. Netanyahu is a murderer and genocidal man. He should be tried and pay for all the war crimes he committed. Supporting Netanyahu means supporting genocide and Nazis. pic.twitter.com/nUyKTU8YNJ Voice of Rabbis (@voiceofrabbis) July 25, 2024 Another post, which features side by side images of Hitler and Netanyahu, reads: 'Netanyahu is a Nazi, today's Hitler. 'Netanyahu is no Jewish Leader. Netanyahu is a murderer and genocidal man. 'He should be tried and pay for all the war crimes he committed. Supporting Netanyahu means supporting genocide and Nazis.' The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity by intentionally depriving Palestinians of food and directing attacks against civilians. In response, Netanyahu said: 'This is an antisemitic act that has one goal - to deter me, to deter us, from exercising our natural right to defend ourselves against our enemies.' Most new mothers spend months working to get their figure back after giving birth. But Karen Gillan looked stunning as she posed for her first modelling shoot just four months after announcing the arrival of baby Clementine. The Scottish actress donned a striking red suit over a bright orange bikini for a series of images which she posted on her Instagram page as she announced to followers Im back. Commenting on the post, one fan said: I see Mum Life hasnt stopped you from being pure fire! Welcome back Pond! while another simply wrote stunning. It comes just days after the star, best known for playing Amy Pond in Doctor Who and blue alien Nebula in Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy movies, quipped that she had forgotten what to do after taking time off to enjoy motherhood. Posting pictures of herself sitting in a make-up chair at her first job since her daughters arrival, Ms Gillan said: First day back at work post baby. How do you do photoshoots again? Karen Gillan posted this image from her latest modelling shoot with the caption 'I'm back' The actress became a mother for the first time late last year The red-haired star also posted a snap of her making a face, and joked: Its just doing faces like this, right? Ms Gillan has been on cloud nine since she and husband Nick Kocher, 38, welcomed their daughter in December. The Inverness-born actress relocated to California in 2013 but has said she still considers the Highland capital to be home and hopes to return one day. A man and a teenager have been charged over the death of a nine-year-old boy who was killed when a firearm was unintentionally discharged. Emergency services were called to a property on Fernleigh Close at Windellama, in south NSW, at 11.20am on Sunday. Paramedics treated the nine-year-old boy who was suffering serious neck injuries but he could not be revived and died at the scene. A teenage boy and a 33-year-old man were arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station. The teenager was charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm and granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday. The 33-year-old man was charged with allowing an unauthorised person to possess a firearm and not keeping a firearm safely and will face Goulburn Local Court on May 14. It's believed the firearm was being held by the teenager when it accidentally went off, a police source told The Daily Telegraph. Police are investigating whether the gun was being prepared to be transported back to Sydney at the time. A man and teenager have been charged after a nine-year-old boy was fatally shot when a firearm was unintentionally discharged at a farm in south NSW ( pictured, police at the scene) It's understood they had just arrived at the farm for the start of the school holidays. Neighbours recalled hearing a single shot being fired, which they described as being unusual for the middle of the day. 'We were outside and heard it, and we reacted to the shot ... it was a bit perturbing really,' Ron Wenban told the publication. 'That was at 11.20am and then we heard the sirens, I reckon about 11.40am. Then the chopper came over at 12.03pm and that's when I said: "Someone's been hurt." 'It is school holidays, that's the tragic part about it. It's just really tragic.' The teenage boy and a 33-year-old man were arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station (pictured, emergency services as the scene) Goulburn state MP Wendy Tuckerman described the incident as 'an absolute terrible tragedy' as she expressed her condolences to the boy's family. 'My thanks to those police officers and emergency services who attended the scene,' the MP said. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The United Nations has condemned in the strongest possible terms the killing of over a hundred persons, including children and humanitarian workers, carried out Friday by the para military forces in camps hosting displaced Darfuri civilians There are three unmistakeable signs of ageing. One, your knees make that clicking sound when you stand up or sit down. Two, you not only listen to The Jeremy Vine Show, but youve considered phoning in. Three, you find yourself muttering about the younger generations and everything thats wrong with them. Guilty on all three counts, mlud. Especially number three. Ive become something of a grumpy millennial, shaking my head whenever I encounter Generation Z. Zoomers, as theyre also known, are people born between 1997 and 2012. And, Im sorry, but they just rub me the wrong way. Theyre so joyless and priggish and delicate an entire generation of HR managers. But nothing is quite as frustrating as their constant need to check their phones. You can be talking to one and, just a few sentences into the conversation, they are scrolling away. Children need to spend more time with parents - and less time on their mobile devices One Gen-Z acquaintance told me it was a coping mechanism for managing the anxiety of living in the Trump era. To which I mentally replied: OK zoomer. Manners I was ready to chalk it up to bad manners instead, that is until I stumbled across new research into the concentration crisis among young adults. The latest AXA Mind Health Report reveals that 71 per cent of Britons aged 18 to 28 are unable to go more than two and a quarter minutes without consulting their phone. Four in ten report feeling a strong urge to do so even in the middle of an in-person conversation. Not because they are rude or inconsiderate. No, something much more sinister is at work. Sixty-three per cent of young adults admitted that they have difficulty interacting with other people face-to-face and use their phones as a way to escape the awkwardness. But in doing so they end up spiralling into unhealthy behaviours. One in three report mental health problems as a result of checking social media before bed. There is the phenomenon of doomscrolling, or overconsumption of shocking or upsetting content on social media, a habit the tech giants feed with algorithms that dump more and more of that content on the users timeline. Thats not the only detrimental consequence. One third of young adults say they compare their physical appearance to that of others online. This will be predominantly young females, and once again Silicon Valley has a sin to answer for. Its nigh on impossible to open any social media app today without being bombarded by the idealised lives of influencers. Perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect weight. The pressure on young women to live up to impossible standards is immense and, as we all know, extremely harmful. No wonder one in every five zoomers say they struggle to focus or be productive. Their minds have been poisoned. Notice a pattern here? Exposure to a habit-forming product creates dependency and causes withdrawal symptoms when the product is unavailable. Social media dependency sounds so much like drug addiction. In the United States, campaigners against the China-owned TikTok platform have taken to calling it digital fentanyl. While we should always be guarded against moral panics, which have accompanied every development in technology, there is plainly an issue with smart phones and the social platforms they grant access to. Too much time spent on social media seems to rewire users brains in an antisocial direction. Its no surprise that we are hearing more and more about mental ill-health among the young. Unfiltered Its easy to decry Gen-Z and its hypersensitivity, but someone or something made them this way. That someone is the generation who raised them and that something is the smartphone, or rather the unfiltered, unmonitored access to smartphones they were allowed from the earliest of ages. Zoomers grew up in a time when home computers were already commonplace and smart phones and tablets on their way to becoming ubiquitous. They did not need to learn later in life how to navigate their way around tech products, as boomers, Gen-Xers and older millennials did. For Gen-Z, digital literacy went hand-in-hand with traditional literacy. There were many advantages to this. A world of knowledge, hitherto locked up in dusty old books, was now at the fingertips of even the lowest-income children. Youngsters were prepared for a global economy in which communications technology becomes more central by the day. But adults were too busy gushing about the possibilities, or perhaps reluctant to broach a subject they considered dauntingly complex, to step back and ask whether there might be a darker side to all this. Only in recent years has there been an acknowledgement of the dangers of juvenile radicalisation, not least by masculinity influencers like Andrew Tate. There is a belated awareness, too, that allowing children smartphones and social media accounts without adult supervision meant a generation growing up with ready access to explicit and other dangerous content. This was exacerbated by the pandemic. Shifting education to video call platforms ramped up the significance of digital devices at a time when the importance of real-world interaction was being driven down. Immersion Life became a succession of Zoom calls and WhatsApps, as teachers and classmates were replaced by a steady ping-ping-ping of their phone. Now the effects of this digital immersion are plain to see. Unsurprisingly, parents are becoming more pro-active and restricting their offsprings access to reduce the risk of them developing similar concentration complaints. Yet they are having to fight an uphill battle to do so. Vanessa Brown, a teacher from Surrey, was arrested and thrown in the cells last month after someone reported her for confiscating her childrens iPads. Police forces across the country appear to harbour some kind of hostility to law-abiding people, banging on their doors for criticising school boards on WhatsApp or posting intemperate opinions on X. Interfering with parental decision-making, however, is an outrage of another order. Given what we now know about smartphones, the state should be helping not hindering parents in re-establishing authority over their childrens viewing habits. There have been calls for Scottish schools to ban smartphones during class time. Learning devices are necessary in the classroom, personal devices are not. Its no wonder Gen-Zs concentration is shot, and their mental wellbeing along with it. The compulsive effects of social media can be devastating on adult minds, but zoomers were exposed to this pernicious reward cycle long before they were mature enough to recognise or resist it. Something good can still come out of this. Their experience should motivate Gen-Z to become parents who understand the value of technology but also the urgency of setting boundaries. Children should be raised by mums and dads, not phones and apps. Video caught the terrifying moment that smoke was seen billowing from a Hawaiian Airlines plane as it prepared to take flight from Los Angeles International Airport. Early Friday morning, Flight 33 'safely aborted takeoff' after smoke was seen coming from the bottom of the plane. Footage showed clouds of smoke worryingly billowing from the Airbus A330 as it screeched to a complete stop on the runway. It was seen on video swiftly turning around before it returned to the gate. The flight was scheduled to take off from LAX around 8am and land at Kahului Airport. As it prepared to lift off the tarmac, HA33 experienced what a spokesperson described as a 'vibration' in the nose wheel, the New York Post reported. The 'unstable' nose wheel prevented the flight from reaching its destination, according to the outlet. Airline officials said that the plane returned to its gate and allowed passengers to disembark safely before the plane was worked on by mechanics. Early Friday morning, Flight 33 'safely aborted takeoff' after smoke was seen coming from the bottom of the plane The delayed flight was then able to depart from LAX at 11.48am after repairs had been made. It landed at Kahului Airport at 4.55pm As it prepared to lift off the tarmac, HA33 experienced what a spokesperson described as a 'vibration' in the nose wheel. The 'unstable' nose wheel prevented the flight from reaching its destination An airline spokesperson told the Post: 'Guests were deplaned as mechanics assessed and later resolved this issue.' 'The safety of our employees and guests is our priority, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.' The delayed flight was then able to depart at 11.48am after repairs had been made. It landed at its original destination at 4.55pm (PT). The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an investigation, according to the outlet. The FAA did not have any further statement upon request. Hawaiian Airlines did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. China must be blocked from critical national industries after the British Steel fiasco, MPs say. Ministers are being warned the crisis at the company, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate Jingye, shows Beijing-linked firms cannot be trusted to run those that are crucial to Britain's security. The call came yesterday as the Government took control of British Steel after emergency legislation was passed by Parliament on Saturday. Nationalisation of the company is now likely. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds admitted he would not have 'personally' brought in a Chinese firm to run the steel sector. He declined to comment on whether other sectors, including nuclear power, should also ban Chinese involvement but said there was now a 'high trust bar' for dealing with its companies. But Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: 'We would be mad to allow China access to our critical national industries. 'I argued that we needed to stop them being out of our nuclear industry in the past but under Labour it has been hopeless. The trouble is that because of the mess Labour is in, they're looking to China for growth, but they won't get growth from China. 'The only reason the Chinese invested in our steel industry was so that, in due course, they could turn off the furnaces so we would have to buy their steel.' Ministers are being warned the crisis at British Steel, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate Jingye, shows Beijing-linked firms cannot be trusted to run those that are crucial to Britain's security (file photo of Scunthorpe) Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds (left) and shadow business and trade secretary Andrew Griffith appearing on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith (pictured) said: 'We would be mad to allow China access to our critical national industries' Conservative business spokesman Andrew Griffith said there should be 'heightened' concerns about how China operates. He told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'It is certainly a mistake for the Government, particularly in its energy policy, to be going headlong into more dependency on the Chinese.' Describing Labour's response to the crisis as 'botched nationalisation', he added: 'We have all got to learn from this. It's been a chaotic week. The Government could have seen this coming earlier.' However, he also conceded that it had been a 'mistake... given what we've learned' to sell the business to a Chinese company. Mr Reynolds said there were 'always direct links to the Chinese Communist Party' for firms operating in Britain. But added he was not accusing Beijing of being involved in the saga. But Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, said he was 'certain' the British Steel takeover by Jingye was an act of sabotage orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party. Asked for evidence, he said: 'You can call it intuition... I am 100 per cent certain they bought British Steel to close British Steel.' Addressing the claim that Jingye was trying to sabotage the plant, Mr Reynolds said he was told the company wanted to retain the four steel mills but supply them with metal from China. 'It might not be sabotage, it might be neglect,' he said. Conservative business spokesman Andrew Griffith (pictured) said there should be 'heightened' concerns about how China operates Nigel Farage (pictured), Reform UK leader, said he was 'certain' the British Steel takeover by Jingye was an act of sabotage orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party It is not the first time concerns have been raised about China's role in the UK's infrastructure The Government is unlikely to include China on its registration scheme for foreign influence a list of countries which pose the biggest national security risks to the UK, the Guardian reported. It is likely to only target certain sectors from the country which have been accused of interference. Concerns were raised recently after Iran and Russia were included on the list but not China. The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs) would mean anyone directed by those on the list to carry out activities in the UK would have to declare it. It is not the first time concerns have been raised about China's role in the UK's infrastructure. Huawei was banned from 5G networks in 2020. China General Nuclear Power Group was also removed from the Sizewell B project and a Chinese tech company was ordered to sell its stake in the UK's largest microchip factory. A quaint seaside town in Oregon has been torn apart by infighting - culminating in a local sheriff arresting the newly elected female mayor. Heide Lambert was voted in as mayor of Waldport in November, securing 57 percent of the city's vote. But her council members stunningly voted 6-0 to overthrow her this month, citing an alleged incident with her staff as reason to expel her from the role. On Thursday, she arrived at a council meeting and took a seat at the head of the City Council table, maintaining that she would continue on as mayor unless and until constituents voted her out. The act of defiance sparked a head nod from City Manager Dann Cutter toward the crowd, where the local sheriff and three deputies were waiting for the signal to move in and arrest her. As the sheriff warned Lambert to move along or face arrest, officials were met with loud jeers and boos from the crowd. 'I voted for this person and you have taken away my vote. You think we are going to forget that? We are not,' one person shouted. Others slammed city government and described the move as 'ridiculous.' Heide Lambert was voted in as mayor of Waldport in November, securing 57 percent of the city's vote Some of the 2,200 residents in the seaside town were so outraged they made outraged phone calls to city officials accusing them of undermining democracy. Others bombarded them with emails, text messages and social media posts to spread the word about the incident. Lambert stood her ground and refused to leave, prompting the sheriff to declare she was under arrest for misdemeanor disorderly conduct. She was out of the building and handed her a citation with an April 21 court date. The ugly incident was caught on camera and uploaded to YouTube, garnering thousands of views and overwhelming support for Lambert. 'We acted to protect this city. We acted to protect our staff. And we acted after giving the Mayor every opportunity to take this in a different direction,' the city council said in a joint statement. Three days on from the incident, Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace revealed the sheriff's department has not yet forwarded the case to her office. Without the case and the facts, she's unable to decide whether she will pursue criminal charges. Three days on from the incident, Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace revealed the sheriff's department has not yet forwarded the case to her office As the sheriff warned Lambert to move along or face arrest, officials were met with loud jeers and boos from the crowd Lambert plans to fight the citation and insists that her ouster was not legal. Instead, she said the public would have to issue a recall vote 'I was terrified,' Lambert told OregonLive. 'I was arrested for sitting in my mayoral seat.' Lambert plans to fight the citation and insists that her ouster was not legal. Instead, she said the public would have to issue a recall vote. The council voted 6-0 to remove her from her posting after she was accused of raising her voice at two city staffers and intimidating them. But she maintains she never yelled and was simply directing them to carry out a task, which did not breach the city charter. When Meghan Markle stepped out on her first solo official royal engagement after her wedding to Prince Harry, she was accompanied by none other than the late Queen. Elizabeth II had decided to come along personally to welcome the new Duchess of Sussex to life as a working royal - while giving her a masterclass on handling engagements. By all accounts, the June 2018 trip was a success, with the papers the following day focusing on the pair sitting giggling happily together. And although conversations with the Queen are usually private, Harry later revealed in his 2023 memoir Spare that the pair bonded over their love of dogs and motherhood. Body language experts revealed at the time that although Meghan appeared deferential and nervous, she above all seemed gloriously happy to be in the monarch's company. It seemed to everyone watching that they were witnessing a blossoming friendship. Things got more serious between the pair when the Queen appointed her as vice president of the Commonwealth Trust in March 2019, which supports youth empowerment in Commonwealth countries. Alongside Harry as president, it was hoped the young and enthusiastic couple could breathe fresh life into the institution for the next generation. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix documentary involved severe criticism of the Queen's beloved Commonwealth Meghan went ahead with the documentary despite Elizabeth II personally warmly welcoming her to life as a working royal on her first engagement without Harry on June 14, 2018 The Queen died weeks after filming for Meghan and Harry's Netflix series wrapped. Pictured during her Jubilee celebrations on June 5, 2022 When Meghan was announced she excitedly said her work would 'highlight the Trust's partnerships with young people across the Commonwealth, and in particular its work supporting women and girls'. Citizens of the Commonwealth comprise one third of the worlds population, with 60 per cent under the age of 30 - so the job had a huge responsibility. But most importantly, the role was a massive sign that the Queen was beginning to trust Meghan, as the Commonwealth was one of her most loved organisations. The Queen famously dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth on her 21st birthday during a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1947. Its modern version of the international institution was formed in 1949, after 'British' was dropped from the name and allegiance to the Crown was removed. However, like their other official roles, Harry and Meghan lost their patronages to the Commonwealth when they stepped down as working royals following Megxit. But eyebrows were raised when only a few years after leaving the organisation, Meghan seemed to be dismissive of the whole Commonwealth. When she and Harry's production company Archewell produced their Netflix 'docuseries' in December 2022, they hired experts to criticise the institution. The Queen famously dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth on her 21st birthday during a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1947. Above: The Princess inspects a guard of honour in the country during the trip Princess Elizabeth with her sister Princess Margaret (left) on the Royal Train in South Africa Perhaps most damaging was the claim by academic Afua Hirsch that it was 'Empire 2.0', while author Kehinde Andrews claimed 'nothing has changed' from the UK's colonial past, apart from the Royal Family's 'better PR'. Discussing institutional racism in the UK, Afua said in the documentary: 'Britain calculated that it needed to grant these countries independence in a way that protected its commercial and capitalist interest. So it created this privileged club called the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth is still described as a club of friends who share common values. I find that language really problematic. 'I sometimes call the Commonwealth "Empire 2.0" because that is what it is.' The commentators suggested this racist legacy made it difficult for Meghan to be both assimilated into the firm and widely accepted and loved by the British public. The accusations would surely have been a devastating blow to the Queen who had shown an enduring dedication to the organisation, making more than 200 visits to Commonwealth countries during her historic 70-year reign. Giving her analysis of the damaging remarks at the time, Royal Editor Rebecca English said: 'A lot of people I've spoken to found this particularly offensive when it comes to Harry and his much-loved grandmother and see it really as a direct attack on her and her legacy - when she of course isn't around to defend it.' Author Afua Hirsch (pictured) branded the Commonwealth Empire 2.0 in Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary Harry and Meghan used their Netflix documentary to launch an attack on the Commonwealth Twitter users reacted with fury to the Commonwealth being branded Empire 2.0 in Harry and Meghan's Netflix docuseries She said that while Harry and Meghan do not comment themselves on the Commonwealth, they hired talking heads to do so. The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said: 'It's almost lucky that Queen Elizabeth isn't alive to see this because the Commonwealth was so central to her and bringing people together. 'It's a voluntary organisation whereas [in the documentary], it's dismissed as this colonial body used for Britain to extract money and resources from the rest of the world. She would have been horrified.' TV pundit Dan Wootton tweeted: 'The only mercy in the late Queen's death is she didn't have to watch Harry and Meghan using Netflix to trash her beloved Commonwealth to millions around the world as the Empire 2.0. Disgraceful.' Meanwhile, The Mail on Sunday's Editor at Large Charlotte Griffiths revealed how all the filming for the series finished in August 2022 - just weeks before the Queen passed away at the age of 96. She said: 'They were planning to do all of this thinking that the Queen would be alive to see it [...] Thank God she didn't.' Charlotte pointed out Meghan's 'stance on the Commonwealth seems to have changed dramatically' since her May 2018 wedding, where she wore a veil boasting different symbols to represent each nation. In response to host Jo Elvin recalling how Meghan said she was 'excited' to visit the Commonwealth countries in her engagement interview, Charlotte said: 'So she hadn't done any research before getting married? The Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden said at the time the the Queen would have been 'horrified' by the claims that the Commonwealth is 'Empire 2.0' 'Is that what's she saying? And now she's done her research? That's inconsistent with who Meghan is as a person, she's obviously a very well-researched person. 'I just think her whole stance on the Commonwealth has changed dramatically, maybe she fully believes what Afua is saying. I don't know but it's a pretty hard line [to take].' But is the narrative of the Commonwealth that was painted by Meghan's experts accurate? It contains 56 countries as voluntary members, but instead of being dominated by a racist UK, its charter defines their shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Although mainly being former territories once controlled by the British Empire, that is not always the case. Rwanda and Mozambique became members in 2009 and 1995 respectively, although neither were colonised by the British. And in 2022, the former French colonies of Gabon and Togo opted to join too. It seems countries want to join the Commonwealth as the benefits of membership include diplomatic channels, developmental support and co-operation on international goals. South Africa withdrew in 1961 after it was criticised by Commonwealth members for its apartheid policies, only becoming a member again in 1994 following the end of the regime and the election of Nelson Mandela The account of Meghan's experts also seems to ignore Queen Elizabeth II's own personal steps to address racism through the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire. It was their first and only royal engagement On her 1961 tour of Ghana she famously danced with its president in a scene that has since been immortalised in The Crown. Her dance with the black African leader created headlines around the world, and she received high praise for sending a powerful anti-racist message at a time when the US was still segregated. The moment was a powerful testimony to the Queens belief in the equality of all of the Commonwealth nations. Although Meghan had married into The Firm at the age of 36, and was not brought up to appreciate the full historical importance of the Commonwealth like her husband Harry, she would have been aware of the most important details. After all, if the American actress had the time to learn how to curtsey properly and give a proper royal handshake, she would have had the time to learn about the most important international organisation to the Crown. But there might not have been time for a long lesson on the Queen and Meghan's only joint engagement in June 2018. Harry later wrote of the event in Spare: 'She returned from the trip glowing. We bonded, she told me. "The Queen and I really bonded!" On her 1961 tour of Ghana the Queen famously danced President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana Queen Elizabeth II sits and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 The Queen had gifted Meghan a pair of delicate pearl earrings, which she wore on her first joint engagement with the monarch in June 2018 (left). At the monarch's funeral in September 2022, she wore them again (right) '"We talked about how much I wanted to be a mom and she told me the best way to induce labour was a good bumpy car ride! I told her I'd remember that when the time came".' WATCH NOW: Meghan Markle & Queen Elizabeth II's relationship explained The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden analysed the Queen and Meghan's relationship in full in his series Reading the Royals. Watch on YouTube here. Advertisement The monarch was also seen sharing her blanket with Meghan while they travelled in the back of the car together. However, it seems that although they only spent a short period of time together, the trip had a big impact on Meghan. In a March 2021 interview with CBS, she revealed that the Queen's blanket gesture meant a lot to her. She said: 'We were in the car going between engagements. And she has a blanket that sits across her knees for warmth, and it was chilly. 'And she was like, "Meghan, come on", and put it over my knees as well and it made me think of my grandmother, where she's always been warm and inviting and really welcoming.' And in another sign of her apparent friendship with the Queen, Harry's wife sported a pair of delicate pearl earrings that day, given to her by the monarch as a gift. Meghan would later wear these same earrings to the monarch's funeral in September 2022. And the month after, she spoke about her relationship with the late Queen in an interview with US magazine Variety, where she said: 'I've reflected on that first official engagement that I had with her, how special that felt. I feel fortunate. 'And I continue to be proud to have had a nice warmth with the matriarch of the family.' But although Meghan seemed to be thankful to the Queen for welcoming her into the family (and the Commonwealth) so graciously, it didn't stop her from attacking the institution the elderly woman had spent her life building. From the moment Meghan Markle made her debut at Trooping the Colour in 2018, it was clear she was not going to be a royal who quietly blended into the background. Fresh from her wedding to Prince Harry just weeks before, the Duchess of Sussex arrived in an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress in a soft blush pink shade with a matching Philip Treacy hat. While fashion lovers lauded her modern and elegant choice, however, royal watchers raised their eyebrows. The reason? Her shoulder-baring frock broke with royal tradition, a move that in hindsight might be seen to have foreshadowed the Meghans challenge to the monarchy. The dress was a striking departure from the typical demure looks normally favoured at such occasions events. Laura Windsor, the UKs Queen of Etiquette, explains that for royal occasions such as Trooping the Colour, being modest and conservative is key. Shoulders should always be covered, and the golden rule of dressing is to adhere to protocol. Protocol is there for a reason as every time it is breached, a member of the Royal Family becomes headline news. While fashion lovers lauded her modern and elegant choice, however, royal watchers raised their eyebrows Meghan wore a pink bespoke Carolina Herrera Pink Off-The-Shoulder Separates and was accompanied by her husband, Prince Harry during the journey Meghan's bare shoulders were on show on the famous balcony whilst chatting to her father-in-law King Charles Meghan was a member of the Royal Family and should have respected protocol. By breaching protocol, she was sending a pretty clear message. In my view, that made her a poor decision-maker.' She wonders if Meghan felt mistakenly that she could single-handedly overhaul the dress codes of the Windsors. I would expect an emotionally mature person to respect the tradition and protocol of a country. Meghan chose to take her own independent path with her fashion choices. Trooping the Colour is one of the most important dates in the royal calendar, a time-honoured celebration of the sovereigns official birthday, steeped in centuries-old protocol. Members of the Royal Family turn out in their finest, adhering to an unspoken yet rigid dress code that prioritises formality and conservative elegance. Every outfit is more than just a style statement, it is a carefully curated nod to tradition and respect for the monarchys customs. The bottom line is that the outfit always has to fit the occasion, says royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette. It has to be modest, elegant and appropriate, and it should never distract from the role. She believes that when dressing for a royal event, the last thing you want is to spark a public debate about a poor outfit choice or be caught breaking royal etiquette. According to fashion etiquette expert Liz Wyse from Debretts: A royal attending an event will expect to be the centre of a great deal of focus and scrutiny whatever they wear, and they are likely to prioritise their own unique style and ease. The late Queen, Camilla and Kate were all dressed in co-ordinated powder blue ensembles, a striking show of unity. Meghan, however, stood out in her soft pink dress, further solidifying her status as an outsider to royal tradition. To some royal insiders, this was more than just a sartorial choice, it was a message. Royal women, from the late Queen to Kate, have long adhered to an unwritten but closely followed set of style rules, which dictate appropriate hemlines, sleeve lengths, and colour palettes. The Duchess of Sussex enjoyed her first Trooping The Colour and was seen waving to the crowds Trooping the Colour is one of the most important dates in the royal calendar, a time-honoured celebration of the sovereigns official birthday Etiquette expert Laura Windsor says that Meghan frequently bent or even ignored royal dress codes Meghan, ever the Hollywood starlet, brought a touch of red-carpet glamour to the palace balcony even though that style is usually for evening events Off-the-shoulder gowns are typically reserved for evening events, not daytime occasions steeped in military history. But Meghan, ever the Hollywood starlet, brought a touch of red-carpet glamour to the palace balcony. The decision to wear such a contemporary silhouette was the first in a series of fashion choices that would come to define Meghans time as a working royal. Even before her engagement to Prince Harry, she had made clear her preference for modern, structured designs that in contrast with the more traditional royal look. Often pushing boundaries, over the course of her short tenure as a working royal, Meghan regularly returned to the off-the-shoulder neckline, appearing in similar styles at multiple events. Etiquette expert Laura Windsor says that Meghan frequently bent or even ignored dress codes and opened herself to scrutiny to get attention and display her independence. Although Meghan certainly has her supporters, and plenty had hoped she would help modernise the monarchy, Ms Windsor is critical. A confident and happy person doesnt adopt disruptive behaviour but shows respect and decorum, she says Meghans choice to wear an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress at Trooping the Colour was just the first move. Her approach to royal dressing was unapologetically defiant - a declaration of independence in the eyes of some. Fashion has always been a powerful form of expression, and in Meghans case, it spoke volumes. Whether intentional or not, her style choices often sent a clear message: she was here to do things her way, even if that meant shaking things up. Whenever a member of the Royal Family goes abroad, hordes of lip readers come into their element. Take King Charles and Queen Camilla who embarked on a State Visit to Italy this week, or Prince William's recent trip to a NATO base in Estonia. The same goes for Harry and Meghan's 'quasi-royal' tour of Colombia in August of last year. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Bogota, they were warmly embraced by vice president Francia Marquez, who invited the couple to the South American country after watching their revelatory Netflix series, Harry & Meghan. After tea and coffee, the Sussexes visited Colegia Cultura Popular, a public school in the city centre. Meghan wore a navy blue Veronica Beard suit 448 trousers and a 598 waistcoat paired with a 3,775 Loro Piana 'Loom' White handbag. And Harry donned a matching navy suit, light blue shirt and black dress shoes. Standing in their blue uniforms, the students had the chance to speak to the couple about technological change. This is when a professional lip reader caught the fleeting moment a 'strained' Meghan seemingly interrupted her husband. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive in Bogota on August 15, 2024 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex speak to students at Colegia Cultura Popular Forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling noticed Harry go to say something to the Colombian student when Meghan cut him off. Speaking to The Mirror, Nicola said: 'Harry is about to say something ("look") when Meghan interrupts him and speaks to the boy. 'Meghan's eyes are closed and she clasps her hands together, it's almost like she is straining to speak at first.' As seen in the clip, Harry slams his mouth shut and looks at his wife, before he nods his head slightly. According to the lip reader, Meghan told the student: 'So, so you won an award in products, is that right?' When she finished speaking, Harry then asked the boy a follow-up question: 'How serious were you when you took on this offer?' The Duchess later described the group of students as incredibly 'impressive, smart and savvy' and highlighted the importance of them aiming to be 'self reliant and not tech reliant.' It is unsurprising that Meghan took the lead when speaking given her ability to speak Spanish which she picked up after interning at the US Embassy in Argentina in 2002. Forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling noticed Harry go to say something to the Colombian student when Meghan cut him off The Duchess later described the group of students as incredibly 'impressive, smart and savvy' It is unsurprising that Meghan took the lead when speaking to Colombian locals given her ability to speak Spanish after interning at the US Embassy in Argentina in 2002 Harry practices his Spanish at Colegio Cultura Popular Meghan hugs vice president Francia Marquez, who invited the couple to the South American country after watching their revelatory Netflix series On the second day of their visit, Meghan showed off her language skills when she told a student in the nursery class at La Giralda school in Spanish: 'You're the same age as my son Archie.' Meanwhile, the Duke practiced his beginner-level Spanish by asking the youngsters for their names and ages. The Sussexes also took part in a forum paying tribute to the contributions of Afro-Colombian women, leaders and entrepreneurs. Harry listened through an ear piece to a simultaneous translation as his wife delivered a passionate speech in Spanish. Addressing the audience in their official language, Meghan said: 'I'd like to start in Spanish because we are in your country, my husband and I, and because I feel the embrace in Colombia. It's incredible. 'So thank you, thank you very much, because the culture, the history, everything has been like a dream on this trip. 'And I'm sorry that my Spanish isn't perfect, because I learned it in Argentina 20 years ago, but I'm trying [it] here because I can feel this community and this feeling is the best in the world so thank you very much to the vice president, my friend, thank you very much.' Although there seemed to be a rather awkward interaction at the start of their visit, Meghan more than made up for it as she made Harry the centre of attention on the rest of the tour. Meghan kneels down as she speaks to a young girl in the school's kindergarten The couple smile as they pose for a photo with students wearing traditional Colombian clothing Meghan Markle speaks to the audience in Spanish during the 'Afro women and power' forum Harry listens through an ear piece to a simultaneous translation at the event A series of photos show the loved-up pair holding hands while watching folk dancers on the first day of their visit in what body language expert Judi James told MailOnline was a 'tie-sign of ownership and affection'. She said: 'Meghans hand on Harrys knee is a tie-sign of ownership and affection as it suggests she still cant keep her hands off him. It would also act as a connecting signal of approval and reassurance if Harry has an qualms about the visit or event. 'Its Meghan who acts like the lead and host for Harry so far on this tour, introducing him to the VP and taking some central spots in the more formal poses, so this "stroking" suggests he still has her love and support. Harrys response comes as he places one hand over hers to show he appreciates the bonding gesture. 'Meghans other key "stroking" ritual comes from her eye-gazing, where she throws Harry some extended, loving glances or teasing, flirty smiles or raises her brows or aims a "pinging" laugh at him to show he is still the centre of her attention and to encourage him to relax and laugh himself. 'Even during this first day of the tour she seems to be showing that she is hanging on his every word here. 'Meghans "love swoon" ritual is one of the most intensely affectionate pieces we have seen from the couple and that is a very high bar. 'Standing together, Meghan folds her hands in a soft, elegant gesture and places them over her heart as she leans her head onto Harrys shoulder. 'Her mouth smile is wide but her eye expression is softened and lowered, as though she is reflecting on their love in a romantic moment. Harry and Meghan at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogota where they are treated to a vibrant tribal dance Meghan touches Harry's knee during what body language expert Judi James described as a 'tie-sign of ownership and affection' 'And it has to be said that Harry totally joins in here, making the romantic-looking signals reciprocal and evenly-matched. 'Keeping one hand slung into his jeans pocket to create a manly-looking display along with his leg splay, he bends to kiss his wife on the head here, performing a coy-looking "in love" smile as he does so.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit cost the Colombia a total of Col$244,245,305 (44,725.14), which included expenditure on security and internal transport throughout the trip. The figure was released by Colombia's vice-president Francia Marquez, who organised the trip, following a request by Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal. Ms Cabal, who is her political opponent, previously branded the quasi-royal tour between August 15 and 18 as 'showmanship' and 'wasteful spending'. But the vice-president's office also revealed that Harry and Meghan paid for their own flights and accommodation in Bogota as well as general expenses. The King and Queen beamed as they made a sunny arrival for Sunday service this morning - where music will be played to mark the royal couple's 20th wedding anniversary. Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, were all smiles as they attended Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral and waved at wellwishers. The pair, who celebrated two decades of marriage on Wednesday, will be commemorated with a composition by Paul Mealor - who has in past worked on pieces for the Prince and Princess of Wales's wedding, as well as the King's birthdays and Coronation. The monarch, basking in the nice weather, opted for a kilt and sage green blazer; while his wife was effortlessly elegant in a green tartan dress, topped with a chic sky blue coat. For a pop of colour, the Queen donned a red hat with feather decor, her platinum hair sporting its signature style. The royals are sure to have been enjoying a restful return to Scotland - after an activity-packed trip to Italy his week. On the visit, where the royals got to have a private audience with the Pope and enjoyed the best of the nation's hospitality over four days, Charles made moving speeches in both the country's Parliament and Palazzo del Quirinale, highlighting unity and 'eternal friendship'. On Thursday, the couple touched down on home soil, where they will be able to spend a quiet Easter together. The pair, who celebrated two decades of marriage on Wednesday, will be commemorated with a composition by Paul Mealor - who has in past worked on pieces for the Prince and Princess of Wales 's wedding, as well as the King's birthdays and Coronation The King and Queen beamed as they made a sunny arrival for Sunday service this morning - where music will be played to mark the royal couple's 20th wedding anniversary For a pop of colour, the Queen donned a red hat with feather decor, her platinum hair sporting its signature style The couple spent a sunny last day in Italy, before waving to their friendly hosts as they boarded the royal plane. Earlier that day, Camilla was spotted enjoying a few tipples as she savoured the best of Italian hospitality. The royal looked elegant in an ivory Anna Valentine silk coat as she was seen sampling some of the country's finest wines on a visit to a UK-Emilia Romagna Food Festival in the Piazza del Popolo. The royal couple were treated to a selection of local delicacies - including a few glasses of brandy - as they ambled through the market in Ravenna, having spent the first part of the day in Rome. The two met with local farmers whose land and crops have been severely affected by devastating floods which have hit the region in recent years. Her Majesty's eyes lit up as one local brewer poured her a generous sample of a golden brown liquid, which appeared to be brandy, before clinking glasses with the royal and sharing a sip by her side. The royals are sure to have been enjoying a restful return to Scotland - after an activity-packed trip to Italy his week Charles and Camilla were all smiles after they attended the Sunday service this afternoon, near Balmoral Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, were all smiles as they attended Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral and waved at wellwishers The couple spent a sunny last day in Italy, before waving to their friendly hosts as they boarded the royal plane Charles and Camilla pictured posing with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella and his daughter, Laura Mattarella Queen Camilla was spotted tucking into a few tipples this afternoon as she enjoyed the best of Italian hospitality during a state visit to Rome (pictured) The 77-year-old royal looked elegant in an ivory Anna Valentine silk coat as she was seen sampling some of Italy 's finest wines on the fourth day of her and King Charles's state visit to the country And Camilla wasn't alone in making the most of the local treats as a beaming Charles also sipped on what looked to be brandy. Charles and his wife were greeted by an excitable crowd who offered warm wishes, smiling as they shook hands and snapped up selfies with the royal duo. The pair arrived in Ravenna, in the north of the country, earlier today. It seemed as if the entire city had come out to greet them with huge crowds packed onto the streets and squares as they waved from the balcony of the Town Hall. Camilla also gamely tried her hand at rolling out some pasta with a team of sfogline - pasta makers. Grabbing a rolling pin, the Queen said: 'I can see you need to be quite strong for this!' as she made flat golden sheets to be cut into mini squares. As Camilla dusted her pasta, the King was shown specially cured ham, which takes over 12 months to create, and was gifted a jar of chutney. 'We'll enjoy that later,' he smiled. At the Tempted Elderflower Cider stand, Camilla also sipped a local brew, remarking how 'lovely and fizzy' the drink was. On their arrival in the city a few hours earlier, the couple were greeted by scores of die-hard Italian fans - many of whom had queued for up to eight hours to catch a glimpse of them. A group of ladies dressed in red and blue, wearing eye-catching hats and fascinators and carrying Union Jack flags, were at the front of the crowd. They described themselves as 'Anglophiles' and 'huge fans' of the British Royal Family. Antique dealer Chiara Simonini said: 'We love England and the Royal Family. We love the history and their sense of duty. The fact that King Charles is coming here to us now is magic. ' Giorgia Lucenti added: 'It's a gift for us. We thought it was wonderful that King Charles spoke in Italian in the parliament yesterday. It showed enormous respect. We would give him ten out of ten. He was perfect.' Others shouted 'Bienvenuto Maestro!' as King Charles walked past. The couple then visited the tomb of the legendary medieval Italian poet, Dante the 'father of the Italian language' - and watched a reading of his most famous work the 'Divine Comedy'. Camilla wore the same cream Anna Valentine outfit she sported in their anniversary portraits this week, accessorising with a brooch by the Italian designer Lucia Odescalchi. The King went on his own to the stunning Basilica di San Vitale, gazing skywards in a moment of quiet contemplation that he called 'so moving'. The Basilica is designed in an octagonal shape with a domed ceiling and is decorated with spectacular Byzantine mosaics. Outside, Charles was introduced to artists working to preserve the ancient skill of Byzantine mosaic making. He was then invited to place a small gold tile into a picture of himself and the Queen at their Coronation, which they were later given as a gift. Charles asked - maybe slightly hopefully - whether it would stay in place. Meanwhile Camilla, went to visit Lord Byron's House in the city - he was known as the 'mad Englishman' - and highlighted the importance of reading and literacy. The King joked with a veteran partisan who fought to liberate Italy during the Second World War asking - 'how did you arrive at 103?' Charles chatted to Stefano Pagani in the city of Ravenna in a region of Italy celebrating being liberated from Nazi-Fascism by Canadian, British and other Allied forces 80 years ago. The elderly man stood up from his wheelchair to greet the royal guest proudly wearing a handkerchief in the Italian national colours round his neck. He told the king he would turn 103 this year when asked his age through an interpreter, and after Charles marvelled at his longevity the former Second World fighter quipped 'I'm always hungry'. The veteran said later: 'I didn't stop to see the liberation in the area, we kept moving and fighting, fighting to liberate my country.' Nearby in the town hall reception was the Queen who he spoke to a younger partisan, 98-year-old Minny Geminiani, who was aged just 17 when she served as a messenger during the war. She said after speaking to Camilla: 'I told her I would love to live one day as a Queen.' The couple were joined by Italy's president Sergio Mattarella and foreign secretary David Lammy who has accompanied the King and Queen throughout the four-day Italian visit. Before Charles and Camilla made a balcony appearance from the town hall to wave at crowds below, acting Mayor of Ravenna Fabio Sbaraglia gave a speech paying tribute to the sacrifices of the allies. He told guests who included senior British and Canadian officers working in Italy: 'Ravenna remembers with deep gratitude the Allied soldiers who came from distant lands and who, with courage and sacrifice helped liberate the city from Nazi-Fascism, paving the way for the rebirth of a free and democratic community.' A breathtaking oceanfront retreat on Oahu's North Shore has just hit the market for almost $10million. The rare listing is the ultimate Hawaiian retreat for beachfront living, offering buyers the opportunity to own a slice of tropical paradise. The fully renovated property on Crozier Drive in Waialua, Oahu - the island where the Obamas have a home - combines luxury living and pristine natural beauty, all for a staggering $9.738million. Listing agent Noel Shaw of Hawaii Life described the rare piece of untouched beauty a rare gem as they are increasingly difficult to find in the Aloha State. 'There are very few spaces in Hawaii that still feel undiscovered,' Shaw told Mansion Global. 'You can walk that beach and still feel like it was 100 years ago, yet you are just 40 to 45 minutes from Honolulu. Hawaii has so much been discovered, but not here.' The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2020 and 2021 that transformed it into what Shaw describes as essentially 'a brand-new house.' The home was 'renovated down to the studs.' Aside from the roof and the deck, everything is new, Shaw revealed. The sprawling home sits right on the beach lined with palm trees and clear waters A breathtaking oceanfront retreat on Oahu's North Shore has just hit the market for nearly an eye-watering $10 million The rare listing is the ultimate Hawaiian retreat for beachfront living, offering buyers the rare opportunity to own a slice of tropical paradise The fully renovated property on Crozier Drive in Waialua combines luxury living and pristine natural beauty, all for a staggering $9.738 'It's so rare for Hawaii to get this level of quality. It's like a brand-new house,' she said. Upon entering through elegant double front doors, visitors are immediately greeted by an open-plan living area featuring soaring ceilings and enormous windows with picture-perfect views of the lush lawn, pristine white-sand beach, and the Pacific Ocean. There is impeccable attention to detail throughout the property, with European cabinetry, luxurious hardwood floors, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen area features a spacious island, premium stone countertops, and top-tier appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Thermador, plus a 100-bottle wine refrigerator for the oenophile, according to the listing. For those who love to entertain, there's even a second fully-equipped kitchen located in the one-bedroom guesthouse. The main residence offers two bedrooms on the ground floor, while the primary suite occupies the entire upper level. This property also includes not one but two private decks offering breathtaking panoramic views of both the mountains and ocean perfect for watching Hawaii's legendary sunrises and sunsets. The stunning beachfront property boasts the ultimate luxury of privacy, with a secluded stretch of white sand beach that remains uncrowded throughout the year. Listing agent Noel Shaw of Hawaii Life described the rare piece of untouched a beauty a rare gem as they are increasingly difficult to find in the Aloha State The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2020 and 2021 that transformed it into what Shaw describes as essentially 'a brand-new house' Upon entering through elegant double front doors, visitors are immediately greeted by an open-plan living area featuring soaring ceilings The enormous windows offer picture-perfect views of the lush lawn, pristine white-sand beach, and the Pacific Ocean There is impeccable attention to detail throughout the property, with European cabinetry, luxurious hardwood floors, and a state-of-the-art kitchen 'The beach is not near a public right-of-way, and it's not busy nor noisy,' Shaw explained. 'You can swim and snorkel right in front of the house. You see sea turtles there all the time.' While the North Shore is world-famous for its massive waves that attract professional surfers from around the globe, this particular property offers the best of both worlds thanks to its unique location. 'The North Shore of Oahu has the biggest waves in the world,' but because of a barrier reef near the house, 'you can swim and snorkel 12 months of the year,' Shaw said. 'You get to be near the action but still swim safely.' It's also surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. 'You see sea turtles there all the time.' 'Stroll beachfront with your morning coffee from the covered lanai of this turn-key oceanfront estate and onto a lush lawn, dotted with palm trees and framed by the Pacific stretching out before you,' the listing says. The sprawling property encompasses 4,730 square feet of exquisitely designed living space, with a total of four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one partial bathroom. The estate sits on a 0.43-acre lot that extends right to the ocean's edge. The main residence offers two bedrooms on the ground floor, while the primary suite occupies the entire upper level On top of this, the property comes fully furnished, as the new owners can arrive and immediately begin living their Hawaiian dream The sprawling property encompasses 4,730 square feet of exquisitely designed living space, with a total of four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and one partial bathroom One of the bedrooms in the property offers views of lush palm trees While the North Shore is world-famous for its massive waves that attract professional surfers from around the globe, this particular property offers the best of both worlds thanks to its unique location It also includes a guest apartment situated above the four-car garage. On top of this, the property comes fully furnished, as the new owners can arrive and immediately begin living their Hawaiian dream. 'This is a rare find in Hawaii, satisfying those desiring a fresh, barefoot luxury, resort-style home,' the listing states. 'The vaulted plantation-style ceilings, hardwood floors, & neutral colors throughout lend an air of laid-back glamor to this North Shore property. The charming town of Haleiwa, renowned for its shopping and dining opportunities, is just 'six or seven minutes away,' while the vibrant city of Honolulu and its international airport can be reached in 40 to 45 minutes. 'All the famed activities of Oahu's North Shore are right out your backdoor including vibrant reefs for snorkeling, Silva's Channels and Glass Doors surf spots, and miles of white sandy beach for beach walks, snorkeling, kayaking & paddle boarding,' the listing writes. The Obama home butts directly onto Waimanalo Beach in Oahu and overlooks the ancient Pahonu Pond - an enclosure that juts 500ft out into the Pacific and was used by native Hawaiian chieftains to raise turtles for their meat The former president and first lady are said to be headed towards divorce which now raises questions as to whether their marriage will survive until moving day Last month exclusive Daily Mail aerial photos revealed the lavish three-acre estate of the Obamas on Oahu. It is valued by the local tax assessor at over $18million, comprising three properties with a combined 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, two pools and two Jacuzzis. Daily Mail's exclusive photos show the finished, wood-paneled and white-roofed exterior, manicured yard lined with palm trees, and private access to a stunning beach in Waimanalo - a striking difference from previous photos of the construction site taken in February 2022. A charming Florida neighborhood that was recently ranked as the fourth best place to live in the US is fighting back against efforts to develop a new hotel. Harbour Island, a community in Tampa was named as one of the best places to live by Niche calculations, but some residents claim a new hotel development will negatively impact the quality of life. A bitter legal battle dating back four years seems to be winding down after a circuit judge determined that the City of Tampa didn't have the authority to make a decision on the development site. The brutal back-and-forth between the city and the developers began in 2022 when Liberty Group Hospitality submitted plans to develop a boutique hotel in the community. Tampa City Council voted against the proposal on two separate occasions after the community rallied against the hotel. The AC Marriot Hotel was set to be erected outside of the residential community's entrance gates in South Harbour Island on Knights Run Avenue. Residents complained that the hotel would disrupt the community and make the traffic unbearable. Larry Premak, the President of the South Neighborhood Association told Creative Lofting Tampa Bay at the time, 'The hotel doesn't fit in the neighborhood from an architectural, commercial or traffic perspective.' The small community of Harbour Island in Tampa, Florida has been embroiled in a years-long legal battle to stop a hotel development The developer's CEO, Punit Shah, sued the city after his proposal to build the hotel was denied twice Pictured: The proposed new hotel's location on Harbour Island He added that the back end of hotels typically have trash compactors, which would be right at the entrance of their neighborhood. Despite the opposition, the developers didn't give up and took the city to court, suing for $6.6million in damages due to the delay in construction. The lawsuit was then put on hold so that the developers could participate in public mediation sessions with local officials. The developer's CEO, Punit Shah, offered to reduce the size of the hotel from a massive 12 stories down to 10. Shah argued that the hotel would provide jobs for the city, build tourism, and boost the local economy. The argument still wasn't enough to convince the city, and the proposal was denied once again. Liberty Group then filed to lift the hold on the city and continued litigation. Premak told CL Tampa Bay at the time that the developers were attempting to 'fundamentally change Harbour Island and turn Knight's Run into an Atlantic City Boardwalk'. Liberty Group argued that their hotel would provide jobs, build tourism, and boost the local economy. However, residents argued that it would add traffic and tarnish the community of Harbour Island Liberty Group decided to pause the litigation to mediate with the city council but eventually refiled the lawsuit after efforts to compromise failed Punit Shah, the CEO of Liberty Group, has argued that the hotel would benefit the community of Harbour Island 'We trust the courts will find this lawsuit to be without merit,' he continued. In a stunning ruling last December, Circuit Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe said that the city lacked the authority to make a decision on the development in the area, which was seen as the first major win for Liberty Group. 'After a four-year legal battle, Liberty Group has won a decisive victory in litigation against the City of Tampa,' the developer wrote in a press release. 'The decision paves the way for Liberty Group to advance its development plans, contributing to Tampa's ongoing economic growth and fostering new opportunities for the community,' the release continued. Shah said the decision marked a 'significant milestone' and reaffirmed the 'legal framework for zoning authority in the City of Tampa.' 'We are excited to move forward with our development plans and remain committed to investing in the future of our dynamic Tampa community,' Shah continued. In December, a judge ruled that the city council didn't have the authority to make a decision about the development site. The ruling was considered a win for Liberty Group The community association isn't giving up and has plans to continue fighting the developer's proposal The community association president, Larry Premak, said that locals have consistently opposed the hotel and the developers are the only ones arguing in favor of it Premak fired back, questioning who had authority over the development if it didn't belong to the city. 'If the ruling standsand we don't think it willit would turn any land use exemption, exception, or variation into the wild westit would be chaos,' he told CL Tampa. David Smolker, the attorney representing the neighborhood association, said that the community hasn't intervened in litigation and that they've been 'bystanders' to the whole process. Premak noted that the neighborhood has banded together in the wake of the development, telling CL Tampa that the only support from the hotel was from the developers themselves. 'Hundreds literally wrote in or were at city council to oppose it. And the only one who did speak for it was Punit Shah, the developer,' he said. DailyMail.com reached out to Liberty Group, the South Neighborhood Association, and the community's attorney for comment but didn't immediately hear back. The autistic teenage boy who was shot nine times by Idaho police has been pronounced clinically brain dead as his family calls for justice. The 17-year-old boy was identified as Victor Perez, and his family revealed that they had decided to take him off of life support on Saturday. The victim's aunt, Ana Vasquez, said, "They killed one member of my family." She said that the police who were involved should not be in uniform as they are meant to protect people, not kill them. Autistic Teen Shot by Police Pronounced Clinically Brain Dead Vasquez also criticized the officers for only being placed on administrative leave after the shooting, which occurred on Apr. 5, 2025. She noted that her nephew is dying while the police who shot him are at home spending time with their families. Perez's family claims that the teen, who is non-verbal and did not understand English, was not able to comprehend police commands shortly before they opened fire. A video of the incident spread online and has raised a variety of concerns, including those about police training, use of force protocols, and awareness of developmental disabilities, according to KTVB. The shooting happened after police officers responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance and found Perez seemingly trying to stab family members in a backyard and was supposedly intoxicated. However, the victim's family firmly denied these allegations and said that the entire situation was a misunderstanding and was escalated unnecessarily. Perez's grandfather, Luis Alicea, said they were preparing for a barbeque when his nephew approached him with a knife. A Tragic Development Vasquez added that law enforcement personnel who arrived at the scene barely spoke to anyone about the situation to learn more. She said they simply told them to get back and shortly shot to kill, CBS News reported. On the other hand, the Pocatello Police Department defended its officers' actions in a video statement, saying they wanted to clarify the situation. They argued that video footage of the incident only showed one angle and did not paint the full picture of what was going on. Vazquez said that the neighbor who called 911 wanted police officers to help Perez's family get the situation under control. She said that the caller did not know about the teenager's medical condition or that he was having a mental health crisis. Following the spread of the video of the incident, protests sparked across the city, which is home to about 56,300 people. Mayor Brian Blad said that they are now looking into the matter and are conducting an official investigation, as per NBC News. A self-proclaimed atheist set out to disprove God's existence, only to become a Christian who has since dedicated his life to the faith. Lee Strobel, the former legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, experienced a near-fatal health crisis that led him to see the light. Strobel's wife found him unconscious on the bedroom floor and rushed him to the hospital, where he was told he was 'two steps away from dying' before going unconscious again. While lying in the hospital bed, Strobel found himself 'hovering over that blurry line between life and death.' The experience sent him on a hunt to find out if death was truly the end or a new beginning. 'It caused me to dig a little deeper,' he told the Christian Broadcasting Network. 'And I was really kind of surprised by several things I discovered, because they really do in an unexpected way corroborate what the Bible tells us about the afterlife.' He met with dozens of people who claimed to have had near-death experiences, including a man who said he went to hell after dying and was torn apart by demons. '[These are] people who are clinically dead and yet their consciousness, their mind, their spirit, their soul continues to exist and see things and experience things that are impossible if, indeed, they weren't having an authentic out-of-body experience,' he said. One account came from Ian McCormack, who was stung by a venomous jellyfish while in the middle of the ocean, saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel and came back to tell the tale. This story was chronicled in Strobel's new book 'Seeing the Supernatural,' in which he spoke to experts, researchers, and survivors to understand the mysteries of these out-of-body incidents. McCormack (pictured) from New Zealand was scuba diving off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean when he was stung four times. He then turned to prayer as he hoped someone would save him The box jellyfish is considered the most venomous marine animal. Ian McCormack was stung multiple times by such a creature and had a near-death experience (Stock) 'I was a skeptic about near-death experiences until I found out we have 900 scholarly articles that have been written and published in scientific and medical journals over the last 40 years,' Stobel told CBN. Saw a light at the end of the tunnel McCormack was scuba diving in New Zealand when he felt a sharp stick, realizing he had been stung by a deadly box jellyfish. 'I'm too young to die, why did I go diving? What an idiot, I should have stayed at home,' he thought to himself. At the moment, McCormack saw a vision of his mother, who told him: 'No matter how far from God you are, no matter what you've done wrong, if you cry out to God from your heart, he will hear you and he will forgive you.' However, McCormack wasn't the only one having a vision during this ordeal. He claimed his mother told him she also had a vision of his impending death and began to pray. The diver then said 'an incredible peace' came over him, as the fear of death left his body. Before he was saved by those near the scene of the jellyfish attack, McCormack added he was 'drawn' into a tunnel by a bright light - but claimed he had to return to Earth for his mother's sake. The near-death experience (NDE) was so profound that it convinced the atheist from New Zealand to become a pastor. Atheist Howard Storm (left) was a professor of art at Northern Kentucky University when he had his near-death experience and a vision of hell-like torment However, neuroscientist Dr Jane Aspell explained that it could be caused by damage to a vital part of the brain responsible for processing senses and balance. It could explain why those who have come close to death, taken drugs or suffered from a brain injury are among those who have reported out of body experiences. Such accounts have detailed cases of sufferers floating above their body that is lying down beneath them just after a traumatic event or accident. However, some of these encounters with unexplainable forces have led even the most 'hellbent' individuals to spiritual enlightenment. Ripped apart in hell Howard Storm was a professor of art at Northern Kentucky University when he 'died' due to a stomach ulcer that perforated his duodenum. He was still in the hospital when he found himself having an out-of-body experience, standing next to his own bed and following friendly visitors. However, the visitors in Storm's vision became rude and hostile - punching, kicking, and tearing the dying man's body apart. 'There has never been a horror movie or book that can begin to describe their cruelty,' Storm declared. 'Eventually, I was eviscerated. I definitely lost one of my eyes, my ears were gone, and I'm lying on the floor of that place,' he recalled. 'So, now I have eternity - time without measure - to think about my situation. Because I had lived a garbage life, I had gone down the toilet,' the atheist professor confessed. Storm said he realized that the visitors who attacked him in his vision were his 'kindred spirits' - people who had denied God and only lived for themselves. 'I wasn't far from becoming like one of my own tormentors for all eternity,' Storm said. Then, Storm called out for help and a light appeared which was 'brighter than the sun' with arms and hands that reached out to him. The art professor said that when the arms of light touched him, all of the pain of his life melted away. 'If I took all my experience of love in my entire life and could condense it into a moment, it still wouldn't begin to measure up to the intensity of this love that I was feeling,' Storm explained. When Storm recovered from his ulcer, he resigned as a professor, and became the pastor of a small church. Lee Strobel's new book, 'Seeing the Supernatural,' has shared dozens of near-death experiences Researcher Kimberly Clark Sharp (pictured) recounted the story of a heart attack patient named Maria, who saw specific items in the hospital she shouldn't have been able to see unless she had somehow left her body Gaining impossible knowledge Strobel's book also delved into some of the 'impossible' knowledge near-death patients gathered as doctors worked to bring them back to life. Researcher Kimberly Clark Sharp described the story of a patient named Maria who saw something that should been physically out of reach during her near-death experience. Published in the Journal of Near Death Studies, Sharp revealed how Maria was dying from a heart attack at the time where she claimed to have seen a blue shoe on the ledge of a hospital window in another room. When Sharp went to check on the location of the shoe, she found it just as Maria had described. Sharp described Maria's impossible knowledge as a 'an out-of-body experience while flatlining.' Few foods in recent memory have caused such a global stir as the renowned Dubai chocolate bar. The delectable treat, which found fame on social media last year, contains a mix of pistachio and crispy kataifi pastry known as 'angel hair'. Also known as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It', it was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian Dubai-based chocolatier, as a new way to satiate her pregnancy cravings. Like Willy Wonka's golden ticket, chocolate fans around the world are clamouring for a taste of the confection, which is in desperately short supply. In the UK, Lidl and Waitrose are among the supermarkets flogging their own versions of the original creation prompting long queues and empty shelves. However, it appears this exclusivity is leading to a chocolate black market, as manufacturers are producing cheap and dangerous knock-offs. According to an investigation in Germany, Dubai chocolate bars imported from the Middle East are filled with nasty additives and contaminants. This includes palm oil, green food dyes, toxins produced by moulds and even chemical compounds thought to be carcinogenic. The Dubai chocolate bar - which went viral last year largely thanks to TikTok - contains a delectable mix of pistachio and crispy kataifi pastry known as 'angel hair'. But it's spawned a range of imitators (file photo) Because 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' (the original Dubai chocolate bar, pictured) is only available through Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, manufacturers have been making their own versions to cash in on the craze Palm oil itself is 50 per cent unhealthy saturated fat and its production in Malaysia and Indonesia is linked with deforestation, a driver of climate change (file photo) The investigation was conducted by Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) Stuttgart, an office in Baden-Wurttemberg focusing on food safety. Following Can't Get Knafeh Of It's viral attention last year, the experts tested eight imported samples of copycat Dubai chocolate five from the UAE and three from Turkey. As well as ground pistachio and kataifi, the Dubai chocolate bar's filling contains tahini, a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. But the investigation found traces of palm oil - a cheap and accessible oil high in saturated fat, which has long been linked with health issues like heart disease. What's more, the presence of contaminated palm oil in the chocolate caused the formation of 3-MCPD, a dangerous compound thought to be carcinogenic in humans. In all, six of the eight bars contained 3-MCPD, which is primarily formed during the refining of vegetable fats and oils like palm oil. Five out of these six, all from the same manufacturer in the UAE, contained 3-MCPD above the maximum levels generally considered safe and so were deemed 'unfit for consumption'. Also present were glycidyl fatty acid esters which are broken down into 3-MCPD and glycidol, another compound described as 'probably carcinogenic'. The Dubai chocolate bar, also known as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It', was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian Dubai -based chocolatier At Lidl, where a 4.99 Dubai chocolate bars branded 'J.D. Gross' hit the shelves in March, shoppers reportedly queued for hours to grab one, after 6,000 on the supermarket's TikTok shop sold out in 72 minutes The Dubai chocolate bar: A brief history The Dubai chocolate bar, also known as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It', was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian Dubai-based chocolatier. Hamouda, who established Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, had been inventing new fillings to satisfy her pregnancy cravings before settling on a blend of pistachio, knafeh, and tahini (sesame paste). In December 2023 when TikTok food influencer Maria Vehera posted a clip of her eating the treat and word quickly spread. Because Can't Get Knafeh Of It is only available through Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, manufacturers have been making their own versions to cash in on the craze. Many small pastry shops and confectioners also offer their own Dubai chocolate. Advertisement Meanwhile, the team also found mould toxins primarily aflatoxins which are also considered a potent carcinogen in humans. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced, among others, by the mould fungus Aspergillus flavus often during harvest and storage of agricultural crops including nuts. Worryingly, aflatoxins are 'undetectable by smell or taste' in the final product meaning consumers don't know they're ingesting them. Almost all products analysed also had food colourings E140 or E141 to give the filling a more intensely green shade and 'simulate a higher pistachio content,' the authority said in a statement. For the chocolate coating, five of the bars used poor quality substitutes instead of cocoa butter, including sunflower oil and palm oil. According to an EU-wide directive for cocoa and cocoa products, a product must contain cocoa butter to be considered chocolate at all, so the experts contend the branding as 'Dubai chocolate' as even an accurate description. Shockingly, cocoa butter was listed in the ingredients list in two of the five non-chocolate products, even though it was not actually included. In their report, CVUA did not reveal the name of the bars' brands or their manufacturers, or where they're being sold; MailOnline has contacted the department for more information. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced, among others, by the mould fungus Aspergillus flavus (pictured) The viral chocolate first gained notoriety in 2024 when a Dubai-based chocolatier, inspired by her pregnancy cravings, began inventing filled chocolate bars to satisfy her sweet tooth (FIX Dessert chocolate pictured) Green food colourings are being added to bars to give the filling a more intensely green shade and 'simulate a higher pistachio content' (file photo) But according to the experts, all samples looked 'externally similar' filled brown bars, decorated with colored stripes and blobs (yellow, dark green, and sometimes dark red) and filled with a light green mass with stringy components. As the craze continues, CVUA plans to conduct further tests on more 'Dubai chocolate' products made in Germany and around Europe. 'The initial test results are worrying and show that high-quality products don't necessarily come with high prices,' it said in a statement. 'We're continuing to investigate further "Dubai chocolates", including products produced in Germany and the EU, as well as further samples of pistachio preparations [and] we will report on the results.' In a statement, Tina Potter, head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), urged the public to be on the lookout for poor-quality products. 'The vast majority of sweets and confectionery on sale in the UK are safe and legal, but consumers should be aware that some products manufactured abroad may be being sold here illegally,' she told MailOnline. 'The products could be a food safety risk if allergens are not on the label, or if they contain additives or colourings that arent authorised here. 'We urge consumers who see such products on the market to contact their local Trading Standards office. 'If products are confirmed to be a risk, the FSA will alert consumers and work with local authorities to ensure they are removed from sale.' If you've ever wondered what keeps space weather physicists up at night, it's this. A solar superstorm, strong enough to cause an 'internet apocalypse', knock out satellites and cripple clean water supplies could hit Earth 'at any moment', experts have warned. A solar flare of this magnitude last took place over a thousand years ago well before the introduction of electricity. But if it were to happen in modern times then it would burn out energy transformers, cause financial markets to crash and even trigger a terrifying aviation communications blackout, scientists say. Water sanitation plants could be left without power, while food in fridges and freezers would quickly start to go off without electricity. People flying at high altitude in polar regions would likely receive an increased dose of radiation, while our protective ozone layer could also suffer in the long run. The only good outcome would be spectacular Northern Light displays, likely visible across the globe. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide of what to expect if a solar superstorm hits. Your browser does not support iframes. A solar superstorm, strong enough to cause an 'internet apocalypse', knock out satellites and cripple clean water supplies could hit Earth 'at any moment', experts have warned (stock image) Experts know about the previous extreme solar flare through close analysis of tree rings. In 2012, a PhD student called Fusa Miyake made an astounding discovery while studying very old Japanese cedar trees. She noticed a huge spike in a type of carbon known as carbon-14 in a single year around 1,250 years ago. Her team concluded that this spike must have come from something injecting a huge number of particles towards Earth most likely a monster burst of particles thrown out by the sun. The phenomenon is now referred to as a 'Miyake event', named after the researcher who first discovered it. Mathew Owens, Professor of Space Physics at the University of Reading, told MailOnline how another Miyake event could cause havoc on Earth. 'It's exciting if you're a space physicist but worrying if you're a power grid operator,' he said. 'If we got something like Miyake again, we'd be looking at a lot of power outages as transformers would be burned out. 'If you imagine that on a large scale, that becomes really worrying. It's then very difficult to get the grid back online because these transformers take months to build and install. Your browser does not support iframes. If internet went down, financial markets such as the New York Stock Exchange (pictured) would crash Airplanes would experience a terrifying communications blackout while passengers and crew flying at high altitude near the poles would experience increased exposure to radiation Energy transformers could burn out if another Miyake event were to occur, leading to a loss of power and electricity. Pictured: Residents walk down a street during a blackout following the failure of a major power plant in Havana, Cuba, last year NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare seen as the bright flash in the lower left on Oct. 1, 2024. A flare of this magnitude would be miniscule compared to a Miyake event 'If you lose power, you lose internet and you lose even more basic things like clean water because the pumps need power to run and sanitation needs electricity. 'Even all our food would be affected, as we rely on refrigeration for more of our food now. 'So getting access to food and water becomes quite difficult if you lose power for a significant amount of time.' Experts would only get about 18 hours of warning before another event of this magnitude took place, he explained. It could also knock out satellites and cause financial markets to crash. There would be serious implications for aviation, as their communications systems would go offline, he warned, and it's possible that airplane passengers and crew flying at high altitude near the poles could be exposed to increased levels of radiation. If it were to occur again, a Miyake Event would likely be at least 10 times more powerful than another havoc-wreaking solar phenomenon which took place in 1859. Known as the Carrington event, it was the most intense geomagnetic storm in recorded history, triggering awe-inspiring auroras across the globe including in the tropics. The only benefit to an extreme solar flare would be spectacular Northern Light displays, like this one pictures in Fairbanks, Alaska However, it also caused telegraph systems to go haywire, with historical reports of sparks showering from telegraph machines, operators receiving electric shocks and papers set ablaze by the rogue sparks. Professor Owens said it's impossible to know what kind of impact a Miyake event would have on human health. 'The level of radiation from the Carrington event would have been the equivalent of receiving a few chest X-rays,' Professor Owens said. 'You'd avoid that if you could, but it's not the end of the world for you.' The possibility of another Miyake event has been the subject of discussion within science circles for the last few years. In a 2022 study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A, researchers from the University of Queensland said: 'If a Miyake event were to occur today, the sudden and dramatic rise in cosmic radiation could be devastating to the biosphere and technological society. 'It is therefore concerning that we have little understanding of how to predict their occurrence or effects. 'A solar proton event orders of magnitude more powerful than any previously observed could cause an 'internet apocalypse' of prolonged outages by damaging submarine cables and satellites. 'The direct effects of energetic particles could even harm the health of passengers in high-altitude aircraft. 'It is also likely that the 774 CE event would have caused an approximately 8.5 per cent depletion in global ozone coverage, with a significant but not catastrophic effect on weather. 'The origin and physics of these radiocarbon spikes are therefore important not just for astronomers and archaeologists, but for risk planning and mitigation in general society.' Since the very earliest days of Christianity, saints, mystics, and regular believers have all described the experience of sudden, overwhelming visions. The history of the Church is littered with accounts of individuals seeing marching celestial armies, blinding lights, and vast heavenly cities. For many, these strange signs were clear confirmation that they had been touched by something beyond human understanding. But scientists say that there might be a physiological explanation, which can reveal what it is really like to receive one of these visions from God. According to some neurologists, the symptoms described by those experiencing a heavenly vision closely match with a phenomenon called a 'migraine aura'. These neural storms trigger visual hallucinations, almost always featuring bright zigzags known as 'fortification patterns' due to their similarity to city walls. In some cases, migraine sufferers can be struck by hallucinatory sounds, illusory odours, and even out-of-body experiences. Some scientists believe it may be these overwhelming and unexpected hallucinations that people describe when they report having a 'vision from God'. Since the first days of Christianity, saints and mystics have described receiving visions from God. Now, scientists say they have an explanation for what it is like to have one of these visions Migraines are thought to affect about 10 per cent of the general population, or approximately 148 million people worldwide. For about a third of people who experience migraines, the pain is preceded by a wave of strange perceptual effects known as an aura. Although the most obvious symptom of a migraine is a pounding pain in the head, this condition is far more than just an exceptionally bad headache. For some people, this can manifest in powerful visual effects like flashing zigzag lights, bright colours and even temporary blindness. Dr Philip Holland, a neuroscientist from King's College London, told MailOnline: 'It's essentially a wave of excitation that travels across the cortex [the outermost layer of the brain]. 'If that happens in your visual cortex, that's what causes visual symptoms like flashing lights.' Often these symptoms can be relatively mild, but some people experience powerful disturbances almost equivalent to full-blown hallucinations. The British neurologist Oliver Sacks once described an aura as seeing 'an enormous shimmering semicircle stretching from the ground to the sky, with sharp zigzagging borders and brilliant blue and orange colors.' According to some scientists, the experiences described in some religious visions match the symptoms of a migraine aura. This is an intense period of neural activity preceding a migraine headache which often causes visual disturbances (file photo) Migraine auras often manifest as a bright 'scintillating' field of light moving from the centre of the visual field to the edges. This is often followed by sudden blindness or intense tunnel vision What are migraine auras? Migraine auras are waves of visual or perceptual disturbances that sometimes precede a migraine headache. Scientists believe that auras are a seizure-like burst of electrical activity that travels across the brain in a wave. As it passes over the visual cortex, visual disturbances occur. After this period of excitment, the cells need to recover for a time. This is why auras often appear as a bright light followed by blackness. The aura sensitises nerves in the brain's protective outer layers, this is what leads to the migraine headache in some people. Advertisement In this video produced by The Mayo Clinic, scientists have visualised what it would be like to experience an intense migraine aura as it spreads across your vision. These intense experiences can be bewildering to a modern patient, so it is no surprise that they have often been interpreted as something more mysterious. In the 12th century, the German abbess, philosopher, and composer Hildegard von Bingen began to describe a series of wondrous visions from God. Von Bingen described how her daily life was nearly constantly interrupted by what she called 'umbra viventis lucis', or 'reflections of the living light'. In her writings, von Bingen said: 'I saw a great star, most splendid and beautiful, and with it an exceeding multitude of falling sparks with which the star followed southward. She continued: 'Suddenly they were all annihilated, being turned into black coals... and cast into the abyss so that I could see them no more.' At the same time, she also described falling into a pain 'so intense that it threatens to kill me'. From the perspective of Hildegard von Bingen and her fellow religious devotees, these intense experiences were clearly a visitation from a divine presence. The German abbess, philosopher, and composer, Hildegard von Bingen (pictured) began to describe a series of wonderous visions from God. However, scientists believe that her visions could actually have been caused by a migraine aura However, Professor Stephen Silberstein, a neurologist at Thomas Jefferson University, says that migraines are a more likely explanation. 'There are two ways of interpreting it. One is that it's an aura. Two is that the mystics took hallucinogenic drugs.' Although von Bingen's visions seem more complex than a standard aura, migraine auras can have a far wider set of effects than simple visual disturbances. For example, some migraine sufferers might experience 'Alice in Wonderland Syndrome' which causes them to see themselves growing or shrinking compared to the world around them. Professor Silberstein says: 'If the aura spreads over the brain it can bring back memories and make hallucinations. That's unusual, but not uncommon.' While migraine auras might not be the source of all reported heavenly visions, they might explain why some people report seeing blinding lights, fortifications, and armies from heaven. But that doesn't mean von Bingen or other mystics were crazy or making up their experiences, they simply interpreted them according to their understanding of the world. Hildegard von Bingen recorded her visions in incredible works of art. The tessellating patterns of these and her descriptions of a 'great star' appearing to her could be an attempt to make sense of the powerful hallucination caused by an intense migraine One of the most common migraine aura symptoms are bright zigzags known as fortification patterns due to their similarity to city walls. This may be what von Bingen recorded in some of her paintings (pictured) Professor Silberstein says: 'You're not imagining them; the brain is generating the information and you're interpreting it.' Why do migraines come with auras? However, there is nothing mystical about a migraine aura, and scientists are now beginning to understand their connection to migraines. In one study, patients experiencing migraine had their brains scanned with an MRI machine to look at which areas were activated. The researchers found that while the patient was experiencing a visual aura, this was associated with intense firing in certain parts of the brain. What made this so strange was that the pattern of activation in the brain appeared to follow the pattern of the visual aura described by the patients. More recent studies have even shown that the progression of the aura through the brain could be linked to migraines at the chemical level. Researchers found that the aura was accompanied by a wave of chemicals which travelled through the fluid surrounding the brain, activating regions which cause the headache. Scientists now understand that migraine auras are caused by disturbances in the brain. In this diagram, researchers showed that the progress of activity in the brain's outer layer (shown in green and red on Figure C) matches the progress of the visual aura (white lines in Figure A) Since the brain itself doesn't have any pain receptors it had been a puzzling question just how activity in the brain actually triggered the feeling of pain. Scientists now believe that the wave of aura activity sensitises nerves at the surface of the brain which can trigger headaches in some people. 'It seems that the migraine and the aura are separate, but related conditions,' says Dr Holland. So, as scientists learn more about the origins and causes of migraines and their auras, we can get a little closer to learning what it's like to receive a vision from God. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Shopping for a phone plan isnt easy. There are a ton of options out there, and its hard to know which one is actually worth your money. Is 5G really included? Can I stream video with no lags? Can I use my plan internationally? These are just a few questions that come to mind while choosing a plan. Then theres the cost to consider, and the last thing you want to do is pay a premium price for a subpar plan. Visible+ Pro Smartphone streamers rejoice! Get unlimited 5G, 4K streaming, 15 Mbps hotspot speeds, and unlimited international calling and texting with this new Visible plan. It's just $45 a month and even includes smartwatch service in the price. Shop Visible+ This $35 plan also offers unlimited 5G and lets you stream in Full HD resolution. Previously, this plan capped you at 50 GB, but now that it's unlimited and down to just $35 a month, it's worth your buck. Shop Thats where Verizons new Visible+ Pro and enhanced Visible+ plans come in, getting you exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost. The new Visible+ Pro plan is surprisingly affordable at just $45 a month. Youll get unlimited 5G for all your video streaming needs, the ability to stream in 4K, and whip-fast hotspot speeds. Thats not all the plan also offers unlimited international calls to 85 countries, and unlimited texts to around 200 countries. No need to buy an extra roaming plan you can keep the same number wherever you travel. Plus, if you have a smartwatch, youll get that service included without the pesky $5 to $10 charge most other brands tack on. This isnt the only upgrade Visible has. The Visible+ plan has a few new features of its own, and comes in at just $35 a month. Visible's latest plans pack a ton and are surprisingly affordable Youll still get unlimited 5G data, Full HD video streaming, and fast hotspot speeds just a smidge below the Pro plan at 10 Mbps. Previously, this plan capped you at 50 GB, so this change to unlimited is a big plus for new and existing customers and that goes for hotspot data too. No need to worry about maxing your data out. If youre interested in shopping for a new phone to go with your plan, select Google devices are a neat $300 off with code DEALTIME on the website through June 30. The power-packed Pixel 9 Pro, for example, is down to just $699 right now with the included code. Get your new device and enjoy Visibles newly released plans now and save on your next phone bill. You wont be disappointed. Chile is offering up to $100,000 to those who move there in a new government backed program called Start-Up Chile. The program also provides funding, mentorship, and resources to foreign entrepreneurs and is designed to bring in global talent that will boost the local economy by supporting early-stage businesses, especially in tech. As well as a year-long visa and a co-working space, Start-Up Chile gives out equity-free funding, meaning entrepreneurs dont have to give up a share of their company. New offer: Start-Up Chile is a government-backed program in Chile that provides funding, mentorship, and resources to foreign entrepreneurs The available funding ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 with one founder reporting that they received around $70,000 in total. However, there are a number of conditions: in return for equity-free funding, participants must move to Chile and work from the program's facilities. To stay in the program, participants must also earn 4,000 "social capital" points by mentoring others, giving talks, or attending events - all part of a system designed to boost collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Due to the popularity of the program, the application process is highly competitive, and not all applicants are selected. Participants should equally prepare for an extensive application process, as detailed by Growth Mentor. It starts with an in-depth online form of around 200 questions, followed by a one-minute video pitch, and if possible, a demo of the product or service. A referral letter from someone who has already taken part in the program is also required. Those who make it to the next stage are then invited to a 15-minute interview. The program has helped launch over 1,600 startups and has attracted big names like X and Facebook, who have both set up operations in the country in the last decade. While relocating to a new country is a big step, for many entrepreneurs, especially those in tech, Chile's offer could be the opportunity of a lifetime. The goal: The program is designed to bring in global talent and boost the local economy Meanwhile, Italy is offering families $30,000 to move to the idyllic regions of Sardinia and Calabria. The offer is a move from the Italian government to repopulate areas of the nation that are seeing their populations decline due to an exodus of young Italians moving to larger cities or overseas for work - meaning the towns from which they hail are being somewhat left behind. In response to the decline, the government is inviting overseas citizens to move to Italy but they will only receive $30,000 if they choose to live in one of nine small villages with a population of 2,000 people or fewer. While some may be put off by the idea of living in a sleepy Italian village, others may be enticed by the cash incentive and romantic scenery. She's previously been described as a 'perfect mix' of her famous parents Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe. But that resemblance seems to be the only thing Ava Phillippe, 25, shares with her actor father these days. The Daily Mail can reveal that Ava is 'estranged from her dad out of choice' and has not seen the 50-year-old in two years. 'She has no contact with him and rarely mentions him,' a source says. 'Ryan hasn't been a present father figure in her life for years.' But the pair's relationship hasn't always been so strained - with past interviews and social media posts speaking of their 'inspiring' bond. So what went wrong? Reese Witherspoon's daughter Ava Phillippe, 25, has 'no contact' with dad Ryan Phillippe, an insider exclusively tells the Daily Mail The source says the Cruel Intentions actor, 50, 'hasn't been a present father figure in [Ava's] life for years' Ava was born on September 9, 1999, less than a year after her parents starred in the iconic teen movie Cruel Intentions and got married. Ryan has since claimed that the day his daughter was born was the day he 'learned what love truly is'. In 2014, he described how he had raced by helicopter from Utah, where he was shooting thriller The Way Of The Gun, to Beverly Hills for her birth. 'With my stomach in knots, exhausted & dirty, covered in syrupy fake blood & shards of candy glass the heli[copter] found the pad and I was taken to an area to sterilize myself,' he posted on X. 'I made it to my then wife's bedside w/ two hours to spare before my baby girl first entered the world. Fifteen years ago I learned what love truly is.' However Reese, 49, has told a different story, suggesting she felt abandoned by Ryan during those early months. 'I did not have a lot of support with my first baby and I learned really early, like, this is not going to work,' the actress told the We Are Supported By podcast in 2021. 'I tried to muscle through for five months with Ava, just not sleeping and I became delirious. I was lucky enough to have money saved and I didn't have to work, but it's just not a one-person job. I would even say it's not a two-person job.' Ava is reportedly 'appalled' by Ryan's 'treatment of women' after he was accused by ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt of abuse in 2017 Reese and Ryan first met at her 21st birthday party, which took place in March 1997. They were married from 1999 to 2008 (pictured August 24, 1998) They had their son Deacon in 2003, but announced they were splitting up three years later. Ryan went on to describe their break-up as the 'toughest time in my life', but credited Ava with getting him through it. 'As difficult as it is, my daughter has been the inspiration,' he told The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007. 'She is beyond, in terms of conscientiousness and maturity, and she has gotten me through this. I know it sounds pathetic I'm a 32-year-old guy, but my seven-year-old daughter is getting me through the toughest time in my life, and that's beautiful too.' Since their divorce was finalized in 2008, Reese and Ryan have maintained a stable co-parenting relationship - with Ryan gushing about his tight-knit relationship with Ava in multiple Instagram posts. On her 18th birthday in 2017, he described Ava as the 'most beautiful daughter a father could ever have' in a heartfelt Instagram caption. The following year, he posted a photo of her having dinner with the caption: 'My little star on her birthday. Love you, punk.' But that was the last time Ryan posted a solo shot of his daughter to Instagram - and our source suggests that timing is important. Ryan has previously gushed over his daughter Ava in past interviews and social media posts, once describing her as the 'most beautiful daughter a father could ever have' At the release of Deacon's debut record in April 2023 Ryan and Ava were not snapped together Less than 12 months earlier, Ryan's ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt had accused him of assault in a $1 million lawsuit. The former Playboy model, who is now in a relationship with comedian Pete Davidson, claimed that Ryan came to her house in Los Angeles and threw her down the stairs before 'kicking and striking' her. She also claimed in the legal filing that he used drugs, alcohol and steroids, which caused mood swings and extreme anger. Ryan denied the allegations and emphasized his support for 'women's rights, feminism and advocacy'. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 2019, just days before they were set to go to trial for an undisclosed amount. Although the actor has continued to deny the allegations, our source says they had an impact on Ava who has been an outspoken advocate on issues like body positivity, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights. 'Things really soured in 2018 around the time he was accused of abuse by his ex,' the insider adds. 'Her issue with Ryan is his treatment of women which she finds appalling.' While Ryan remains close with Deacon, our source says: 'Ava doesn't follow Ryan on social media any more, and she has no interest in the relationship he shares with her brother.' Indeed, the pair reportedly haven't seen each other since April 2023 when they attended the release party for Deacon's debut album. While they were both pictured at the event in West Hollywood, there were no photos of father and daughter together. Ava, pictured with her mom in 2021, went on to find another 'father figure' in her mom's second husband Reese married her second husband, talent agent Jim Toth, in March 2011 but they divorced in 2023 But our source adds that Ava, who is now a model and artist, found another 'father figure' in her mother's second husband, Jim Toth. Reese began a relationship with the talent agent in January 2010, and they were engaged by the end of the year. Ava, who was 11 at the time, was the maid of honor at the couple's wedding in March 2011. Deacon, who was seven, was the ring bearer at the nuptials which took place on Reese's ranch in California. The couple went on to have a son Tennessee James Toth - Reese's third child - in September 2012 but divorced in 2023. However, our source says that Ava still appreciates the role Jim played in her upbringing, adding: 'Ava looked at Jim as more of a father figure as he helped to raise her. Ryan hasn't been a present father figure in her life for years.' While it is unclear if Ava will ever salvage a relationship with her biological father, it seems Ryan has been working towards getting clean. In September 2023, he celebrated a sobriety milestone, writing on Instagram that it was 'officially the longest I've gone since I was a teen without some kind of nicotine or marijuana in my system (among other things)'. He added: 'Feeling thankful for the freedom that comes with breaking addictions and dependency on substance. Sobriety, clarity, and spiritual connectedness feels real good.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ryan, Reese and Ava for comment. She stole the show with her portrayal of hypersexual Chloe in The White Lotus, portraying the model with a lust for young men but dating a much older man. Now Charlotte Le Bon has revealed that she nearly ended up in a real life scenario that would have mirrored scenes from the HBO show - admitting she unwittingly found herself at a sex party. The French-Canadian actress, 38, revealed she was 19 and had just come out of a long-term relationship when she met a 'tall hunk' who asked her out. She recalled on the Small Talk podcast: 'We were talking on the phone and I think we went to the movies together once, but nothing happened. It was very chaste, very respectful.' Yet things took a turn when he invited her to spend the weekend at a chalet with her friends, telling them it would be for a 'party'. On the way, she was surprised to see he stopped off at a pharmacy and picked up condoms, with Charlotte recalling: 'We hadn't even kissed so I said, "Are you not embarrassed?" He's like, "Better safe than sorry," which I thought was kind of gross.' The White Lotus' Charlotte Le Bon details her real life experience of being unwittingly dragged to a sex party, where her date slept with his ex and other couple In The White Lotus Charlotte stars in one of the most controversial scenes, which sees herself engineer an orgy brothers Lochlan and Saxon Ratliff, played by Sam Nivola (pictured) and Patrick Schwarzenegger The resulting bedroom scene has become the series most controversial and sparked a slew of complaints (Patrick pictured in the scene) Charlotte admitted she wanted to turn back but couldn't given they were already on their way, but things turned even weirder when they arrived at the chalet. 'We get to the party, his ex comes over and he decides to make love with her in the bathroom,' she recalled. 'And then he goes upstairs with another couple of friends and they make love together a foursome. 'I witnessed a little bit, I could hear them. But I was downstairs just waiting for the evening to end. 'I remember going home the next day and calling him and really insulting him, saying he was a really big d*****bag. 'He apologised vaguely, but I think he was a little proud of himself.' Charlotte did not know it at the time, but the incident was a case of life imitating art. Soon after winning the part of Chloe in the third series of White Lotus, she was handed a script featuring a messy group scene in which one of the participants is not keen to get involved. Chloe dates sinister millionaire Greg 'Gary' White, played by Jon Gries, in the Thailand-based drama, and she befriends actress Aimee Lou Wood's character Chelsea, who she hopes is a kindred spirit. But their diverging libidos become clear when Chloe engineers an orgy with brothers Lochlan and Saxon Ratliff, played by Sam Nivola and Patrick Schwarzenegger. The resulting bedroom scene has become the series most controversial and sparked a slew of complaints. Chloe dates sinister millionaire Greg 'Gary' White, played by Jon Gries, in the Thailand-based drama, but decides to sleep with younger men at the resort In real life, Charlotte claimed she was a bit of a prude growing up, despite being raised by two actors in Canada's French speaking city, Montreal. She mused: 'I remember, when someone told me what oral sex was, it disgusted me. I said to myself, but I'm never going to do that in my life. 'I didn't want to have that information.' Far from being the sex symbol she channels in White Lotus, Charlotte says she felt awkward about her looks and struggled to fit in at school. She said: 'The cool guys talked to me, but I wasn't invited to the cool parties. 'I talked to just about everyone, but I couldn't really find my group. It made me suffer a little when I was a teenager. I couldn't find myself socially. 'My memory of middle school is that pretty girls were saved and I wasn't considered a pretty girl in middle school. 'Kids would say things like, "We could break your legs, your legs are like matchsticks, we could snap them in two," that kind of thing. 'They would say, "You're anorexic" even though it's not true. 'I did everything I could to try to have thicker legs. So sometimes I would wear two pairs of pants to try to thicken my legs a little. 'And I was obsessed with girls who had muscular calves, I thought they were beautiful. So I did a lot of calf raises to try to have the same.' Far from being the sex symbol she channels in White Lotus, Charlotte says she used to feel awkward about her looks Despite her lack of confidence, Charlotte took up modelling when she was 16, but she soon found she hated the industry. She said: 'I was scouted in the street and at first, I was a little scared, in fact, I didn't particularly want to. 'And it was my parents who told me that it was a way to be able to become financially independent quickly, to travel, things like that. So I started doing that in Montreal but I hated it. 'I was very, very often alone. I was a model for seven years, I didn't make a single girlfriend, because it's empty. 'I think it's a job that is extremely dehumanizing. They just put clothes on your face, they take pictures of you, they do your makeup without asking your opinion. 'They put clothes on you without asking if you like them or not, they take pictures of you in positions without asking if you're comfortable or not. 'And then in the end, it's you, it's your image, but you have no right over that, what you look like, and all that, how the photo will be used. It also doesn't matter if I had things to offer, in fact, my creativity had absolutely no weight, no value. I was just an object. 'But it opened a lot of doors for me, and above all, it allowed me to move to France and this is where it all began.' The White Lotus cast (L-R) Sam Nivola, Charlotte David Bernad, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Parker Posey, Mike White, Walton Goggins, Lisa, Sarah Catherine Hook, Leslie Bibb and Jason Isaacs Following brief spells in Tokyo and New York, Charlotte settled in Paris in 2010, where she shot adverts before switching to acting. Her first film role was in the 2012 French comedy Asterix and Obelix: God Save Britannia. In 2014 she starred as Yves Saint Laurent's muse Victoire Doutreleau in the biographical film Yves Saint Laurent, earning a nomination for a Cesar Award. In 2015, she dubbed the voice of Joy in both the French and Quebec French versions of the Pixar film Inside Out. She starred alongside Christian Bale in the 2016 film, The Promise and she shot the action movie Bastille Day with Idris Elba the same year. But it is her riveting role in the Mike White-directed White Lotus that has turned her into one of the most talked about stars in the English-speaking world. Sadly, Charlotte says the role also led to ribbing about her looks, similar to the abuse endured by her English co-star Aimee. She suffered a chipped tooth when she was five and never had it fixed and says the result is she has been left with a 'pirate tooth.' Charlotte revealed her role in The White Lotus also led to ribbing about her teeth, similar to the abuse endured by her English co-star Aimee (right) Charlotte said: 'Yesterday, I saw a funny post from someone who commented on my teeth, because I do have bad teeth. 'Someone wrote, "Oh my god, look at these terrible, terrible teeth, they look like an old fence." 'There are a lot of pictures where I'm on the red carpet and I'm terrified. 'I don't like it at all. And there are lots of photos where I'm on the red carpet, and it's just her sticking out my pirate tooth. 'But I accept it. I think it's great that she's like that. She wants the light more than me. That is to say, when I'm shy, she comes out on her own. 'And even if I had perfect teeth, we'd find something else. There's always something.' Amelia Gray Hamlin made heads turn as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a photoshoot on Friday. The American model, 23, stunned in a nude skin-tight crop top that offered a peek at her toned midriff. She paired it with a lilac cardigan and dark grey trousers. Adding a pop of colour with bright green trainers, Amelia completed the look with a chic white bag, black sunglasses, and a pastel floral headscarf. The stunning model oozed retro glamour as she posed for shots both inside and alongside a vintage car. It comes after Amelia left little to the imagination as she stormed the DSquared2 runway during Milan Fashion Week. The model went braless as she took to the catwalk in a sheer Cher-inspired champagne-nude jumpsuit. Amelia Gray Hamlin made heads turn as she stepped out in Beverly Hills for a photoshoot on Friday The American model, 23, stunned in a nude skin-tight crop top that offered a peek at her toned midriff. She paired it with a lilac cardigan and dark grey trousers The stylish ensemble from the fashion brand's Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 collection featured a figure-hugging silhouette, a delicate sheer sequin embellished fabric, and long sleeves. The garment also boasted dramatic feather and fringe embellishments towards the end of the sleeves and lower legs. To complete her runway look, Amelia styled her dark tresses straight and kept things natural in terms of her make-up. Her look was inspired by Cher's 1974 Met Gala dress, which was created by American fashion designer Bob Mackie. This is the second time Amelia has walked for the brand DSqaured2. The model was also one of the stars for the brand's fall 2023 show. Amelia, who began her modelling career in 2017, has walked for high-end brands including Saint Laurent, Chanel, Balenciaga, Moncler, Givenchy, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood. In November, she also starred in Michael Kors' holiday campaign with her sister Delilah Belle Hamlin. DSqaured2's fall runway show marked the brand's 30th anniversary. Twin designers Dean and Dan Caten hosted the show, and famous names like Naomi Campbell, Alex Consani and Anok Yai also walked the runway. The stunning model oozed retro glamour as she posed for shots both inside and alongside a vintage car Adding a pop of colour with bright green trainers, Amelia completed the look with a chic white bag, black sunglasses, and a pastel floral headscarf It comes after Amelia left little to the imagination as she stormed the DSquared2 runway during Milan Fashion Week Guests in attendance were also surprised with an impromptu performance from Doechii, who also walked the runway. Amelia has maintained a close relationship with her parents as she embarked on her own rise to fame, with them even contributing to her wardrobe. She previously admitted to stealing items from mum Lisa Rinna and dad Harry Hamlin's wardrobes, including designer garments. She told People in May: 'I steal (but put back) a bunch of my dad's Calvin Klein white T-shirts and his Nike socks sometimes. He also has really comfy flannel pieces.' 'From my mum, I mostly take the tighter, chicer things. I've definitely stolen my fair share of Versace.' Amelia takes anything she 'can get [her] hands on' when it comes to the former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star's clothes. She said: 'I take whatever high-fashion things I can get my hands on from that woman's closet, that's for sure.' In Emily Bronte's classic novel, the brooding central character of Heathcliff is described as a 'dark-skinned gypsy' with 'black eyes'. Yet these exclusive pictures reveal Australian actor Jacob Elordi in the role for the first time in the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights and it appears to have reimagined him in a rather different light. There has already been controversy over the casting of 27-year-old heartthrob Elordi, known for his role in the darkly comic Saltburn, because critics claim he is not 'racially ambiguous' enough. One of literature's greatest male characters, Heathcliff is later described in the novel as 'a little Lascar', a 19th century term for an Indian sailor. But these pictures, which show Elordi on set alongside his co-star, Barbie's Margot Robbie, certainly appear to show him looking more rugged and swarthy than usual. Dressed in a long black coat, gold-buttoned waistcoat and with longer hair and sideburns, the actor also revealed a hooped earring for the highly-anticipated 62million production. When he smiled, he flashed a gold tooth. Robbie, 36, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, or Cathy, was dressed in a voluminous black gown with black veil during filming on Tuesday for what appeared to be a funeral scene. She clutched a hot water bottle in between takes on the moorland set. Exclusive Mail on Sunday pictures reveal Australian actor Jacob Elordi (pictured) in the role for the first time in the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights There has already been controversy over the casting of 27-year-old heartthrob Elordi, known for his role in the darkly comic Saltburn, because critics claim he is not 'racially ambiguous' enough Robbie, 36, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, or Cathy, was dressed in a voluminous black gown with black veil during filming on Tuesday for what appeared to be a funeral scene The star-studded line-up has led some to suggest that director Emerald Fennell relied on blind casting to choose actors for the roles Robbie returned to work on the project after giving birth to her first child with her British husband Tom Ackerley last year, and the couple's production company LuckyChap is producing the film Owen Cooper, the young British actor who has made waves for his debut performance in Netflix's Adolescence, is to play the teenage Heathcliff Robbie and her company have a long history of working with Emerald Fennell and produced both of her previous films, Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, which bagged an Oscar nomination for its star Carey Mulligan The star-studded line-up has led some to suggest that director Emerald Fennell relied on blind casting to choose actors for the roles. The character of Edgar Linton, a wealthy aristocrat who falls in love with and marries Cathy, is played by 36-year-old British Pakistani actor Shazad Latif, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, 45, an American born in Thailand, is set to appear as housekeeper Nelly Dean. Many fans have criticised the decision to use actors who 'look like they belong on Instagram' rather than on a bleak Yorkshire moorland during the 1800s. The Mail on Sunday revealed the first images of Robbie as Cathy two weeks ago after the production began filming in January. The star returned to work on the project after giving birth to her first child with her British husband Tom Ackerley last year, and the couple's production company, LuckyChap, is producing the film. Robbie and her company have a long history of working with Emerald Fennell, and produced both of her previous films, Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, which bagged an Oscar nomination for its star, Carey Mulligan. Meanwhile, Robbie and Elordi have also worked together before - on Saltburn, and also to appear in a new short film, See You at 5, for the new Chanel No.5 campaign. She recently gushed about him in an interview with Harper's Bazaar, calling him 'wonderful'. Many fans have criticised the decision to use actors who 'look like they belong on Instagram' rather than on a bleak Yorkshire moorland during the 1800s. The Mail on Sunday revealed the first images of Robbie as Cathy two weeks ago after the production began filming in January Dressed in a long black coat, gold-buttoned waistcoat and with longer hair and sideburns, the actor also revealed a hooped earring for the highly-anticipated 62million production The character of Edgar Linton, a wealthy aristocrat who falls in love with and marries Cathy, is played by 36-year-old British Pakistani actor Shazad Latif, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, 45, an American born in Thailand, is set to appear as housekeeper Nelly Dean Robbie and Elordi have also worked together before - on Saltburn, and also to appear in a new short film, See You at 5, for the new Chanel No.5 campaign The tortured Heathcliff is one of literature's most complex anti-heroes, and has previously been played in other screen adaptations by Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Lawrence Olivier The original story of Wuthering Heights centres around the upper middle-class Earnshaw family and their turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, an orphaned boy they take in 'So I haven't shared the screen with him before, but I know I've seen him on set, I've been around him on set, and he's just - he's got an incredible presence,' she said. Wuthering Heights, published in 1847, is considered a masterpiece. The original story centres around the upper middle-class Earnshaw family and their turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, an orphaned boy they take in. The tortured Heathcliff is one of literature's most complex anti-heroes, and has previously been played in other screen adaptations by Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Lawrence Olivier. Owen Cooper, the young British actor who has made waves for his debut performance in Netflix's Adolescence, is to play the teenage Heathcliff. Law enforcement personnel said that officials decided to place Silverton High School on lockdown on Apr. 11, 2025, over a potential shooting threat following a 911 call made from inside the school. An initial search was conducted and completed by the school resource officer and several officers from other neighboring agencies who reported to the school. Silverton law enforcement officials said they did not find any threats. Silverton High School Shooting Threat Amid the lockdown, students were transferred to nearby Silverton Middle School, located at 714 Schlador St. At around 3:09 p.m., the high school was cleared with no threat found anywhere, and parents were called to come to the middle school to pick up their kids. Additionally, Silverton police said that one student at Silverton High School had an unrelated medical incident during the lockdown but was quickly treated. Officials said that the investigation into the initial 911 call was still ongoing. Police officials from Marion County Sheriff's, Oregon State Police, Mt. Angel, Woodburn, Stayton, Hubbard-Donald, and Canby responded to the 911 call. The Silverton Fire District and Woodburn Ambulance also came to the school, according to the Statesman Journal. Authorities also let students with cars parked on campus walk onto the campus to get their vehicles at around 4:15 p.m. However, students were not allowed to go inside the high school yet but will be allowed to get their stuff back on Monday. During the lockdown of Silverton High School, District Assistant Superintendent Anthony Rosilez said that the other district schools were also able to secure their perimeters. When officers were investigating the area, public information officer Sam Willits was the one who told parents to go to the middle school to reunite with their children, KGW reported. Potential School Shooting There was a similar incident that occurred at Port Charlotte Middle School where a student was arrested after posting shooting threats on Snapchat. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said on Thursday that there was a physical altercation between two students captured on video and shared on social media. The footage showed one student saying, "Bring the gun, Ma, bring the gun." Later, the child posted a video in a group chat where he was seen holding a firearm and making threats. Officials said another student alerted Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies to the situation. When detectives interviewed the student, he denied his involvement in the matter, saying that he was only holding a BB gun. However, they found his explanation lacking and later arrested him and charged him with sending a written threat to conduct a mass shooting, as per Wink News. Crumbl Cookies, the beloved franchise chain of bakeries, has been receiving harsh criticism for collaborating with the Kardashian-Jenner family on their latest drop. At the beginning of the week, the cookie chain announced their limited partnership with the controversial A-list celebrities on social media and faced serious backlash for being 'tone-deaf.' For one week only, Crumbl's official Instagram account told fans to try out six cookie flavors on the 'iconic' menu named after the matriarch Kris Jenner and her daughters: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner. The special edition release of the week includes Kris' Classic Yellow Layer Cake, Kourtney's Flourless Chocolate Cake, Kim's Snickerdoodle Crumb Cake Cookie and Khloe's Cookies & Cream Skillet Cookie. Kendall's Cookie Dough Cupcake Cookie, Kylie's Pink Confetti Sugar Cookie alongside the classic double chocolate chip cookie are also available on the menu of the week. This comes as two of the famous sisters took to social media to share dueling busty selfies, which had their fans also saying that they 'ate.' Crumbl Cookies, the beloved franchise chain of bakeries, has been receiving harsh criticism for collaborating with the Kardashian-Jenner family on their latest drop At the beginning of the week, the cookie chain announced their limited partnership with the controversial A-list celebrities on social media and faced serious backlash for it In the comments section of Crumbl's post, many Instagram users voiced their discontent with the cookie brand for collaborating with the controversial family. While the general consensus appeared to be that the baked goods looked mouthwatering, many said they were 'done' with the company for choosing to work with the reality TV star family. 'Oof, you guys really dropped the ball with this one,' one critique read. 'What absolutely ridiculous family to align yourselves with, especially in this climate. I'll pass.' Another Instagram user commented: 'As if the Kardashians don't have enough money already.' Several other fans wrote to the cookie chain company: 'Yikes. Read the room Crumbl.' Many more slammed the bakery company, which was founded in 2017 and had opened over a thousand stores across North America by 2024. The often-viral cookie company changes up their menu each week, but many fans said they would no longer be supporting them because of their dislike of their latest celebrity partnership. 'These actually do look amazing but I won't be buying,' a Instagram comment read. For one week only, Crumbl's official Instagram account told fans to try out six cookie flavors on the 'iconic' menu named after the matriarch Kris Jenner and her daughters: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner The recognizable pink box was swapped out for a nude beige color inspired by the Kardashian-Jenners' own brand marketing The special edition release of the week included a total of six cookies for each of the five sisters and their momager Kris' Classic Yellow Layer Cake, Kourtney's Flourless Chocolate Cake and Kim's Snickerdoodle Crumb Cake Cookie were on the lineup for the week. The special edition menu also included Khloe's Cookies & Cream Skillet Cookie, Kendall's Cookie Dough Cupcake Cookie, Kylie's Pink Confetti Sugar Cookie alongside the classic double chocolate chip cookie The collaboration was only available for one work week from April 7 to 12 'Not supporting anything related to their name. This is not a good look for your brand.' Another added: 'This was so unexpected and uncalled for.' Others wrote that the menu was 'disappointing' while another called it 'a PERFECT week to SKIP.' Crumbl is no stranger to celebrity collaborations as they actually worked with one of the KarJenner sisters in the past. The cookie chain previously released Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS cookie, Jimmy Kimmel's Holiday Seasoning Candy Cane Brownie and the Jonas Brothers' Caramel Popcorn. Last year, they partnered with Kylie and her makeup line Kylie Cosmetics. Together, they held a one-day event at the Crumbl location in West Hollywood where fans could not only try out Kylie's skin tint, her new makeup launch at the time, and specialty treats. In the comments section of Crumbl's post, many Instagram users voiced their discontent with the cookie brand for collaborating with the controversial family While the general consensus appeared to be that the baked goods looked mouthwatering, many said they were 'done' with the company for choosing to work with the reality TV star family Another Instagram user commented: 'As if the Kardashians don't have enough money already' Many more slammed the bakery company, which was founded in 2017 and had opened over a thousand stores across North America by 2024. The often-viral cookie company changes up their menu each week, but many fans said they would no longer be supporting them because of their dislike of their latest celebrity partnership Several other fans wrote to the cookie chain company: 'Yikes. Read the room Crumbl' One comment criticized Crumbl and said the collaboration was 'not a good look for your brand' Another added: 'This was so unexpected and uncalled for' Others wrote that the menu was 'disappointing' while another called it 'a PERFECT week to SKIP' That day, local fans got to try cookie flavors such as Confetti Cake Batter, Kylie's Pink Sugar, Banana Caramel, Churro con Leche, Snickerdoodle Cupcake and Milk Brownie Chocolate. At the time, Jenner received praise from the local Los Angeles fans who were able to attend her pop-up launch event for the collaboration being delicious. The only criticism seemed to be about the 'mediocre' and 'boring' appearance of the cookies. However, fans acknowledged that the six-cookie box was inspired by her makeup line and the appearance of an eyeshadow pallette or skin tones. Though much of the comments on Crumbl's social media page seem to be negative, there are also many fans with a sweet tooth gushing about the special edition cookies available for the week. Advertisement Elyse Knowles has revealed why she turned her back on the spotlight. The Block alum, 32 who became an Aussie household name on the popular renovation show and has modelled for the likes of Billabong and Calvin Klein, opened up about her decision to give up fame. Speaking to Stellar Magazine, Elyse said that she was' very motivated' when she was building her career. 'I was very determined with my job in my younger years,' she told the publication, adding that she 'just wanted to keep climbing the ladder'. But after Elyse and her fiance Josh Barker started growing their brood, their priorities started to shift in a different direction. 'Then I got to a point where I wanted to step away, and put 90 per cent of my energy towards my family.' Elyse Knowles has revealed why she turned her back on the spotlight. Pictured Now, the couple share three kids together, Sunny, four, Zaii, one, and Java, who was born in December last year, as well as a design company called J&E Projects. Elyse says she'd love to be able to go to work, be alone and do something '100 per cent' again, but with a full house, it becomes a little farther out of reach. 'That would be great, but thats not what mumming is,' she says. This isn't the first time Elyse has opened up about putting her kids first. In 2023, she revealed why she is 'selective' about accepting modelling gigs. The blonde beauty, who currently lives in Byron Bay with her family, said she wants to give all her time to her children, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. 'I'm very fortunate to be able to have one-on-one time with my boys. I feel that's really important in this first part of their lives,' Elyse told the publication. 'I still do my modelling in between, but I'm very selective these days because I don't have time. I want to give my all to the boys, but it's also good to have an outlet.' After Elyse and her fiance Josh Barker started growing their brood, their priorities started to shift in a different direction Now, the couple share three kids together, Sunny, four, Zaii, one, and Java, who was born in December last year, as well as a design company called J&E Projects Elyse has a slew of magazine covers, fashion shoots and brand ambassador roles under her belt. Modelling since she was just 10-years-old, some of Elyse's biggest gigs include Range Rover, Myer, Aveda Haircare, Seafolly and Australian Made. She and Josh shot to fame after winning The Block in 2017 when their home was bought by Dave Hughes. The lovebirds moved to Byron Bay from Melbourne in 2019 seeking a quieter life. In May 2020, Elyse and Josh purchased a $2.3million beach house in the New South Wales coastal town, which they renovated. They welcomed their first born child Sunny in February 2021 shortly after revealing they had secretly become engaged. Lizzo took a not-so-thinly-veiled jab at US President Donald Trump's new tariffs during her performance on Saturday Night Live this weekend. The appearance marks her first return to Saturday Night Live since three former backup dancers sued her accusing her of misconduct including sexual harassment, which she has firmly denied, in a legal battle that remains ongoing. Shrugging off the scandal, the 36-year-old appeared as ebullient as ever during her latest shot on the sketch show, which was guest-hosted by Jon Hamm. She delivered an energetic rendition of her new song Still Bad - but it was her crop top that left social media abuzz with reactions. Her shirt read: 'TARRIFIED,' in large crimson lettering, in a clear dig at the new administration's controversial economic policy. Lizzo fans reacted with breathless delight on X, formerly Twitter, bursting with praise like: 'Fabulous,' 'I loved it' and: 'Lizzo never wears clothes. She wears conversations.' Lizzo took a not-so-thinly-veiled jab at US President Donald Trump 's new tariffs during her performance on Saturday Night Live this weekend, wearing a shirt that read: 'TARIFFIED' Underlining the political tenor of the performance, an American flag was projected on the curtains behind Lizzo while she sang. 'LIZZOS SHIRT SAYS TARIFFIED OMG IM DEAD,' wrote one viewer on X, where another chimed in sarcastically: 'Im sure the right-wing reaction to this Lizzo performance on SNL will be very normal.' 'Where do I get Lizzos #tarrified shirt?,' 'Honestly, LEGENDARY' and 'Its sooooo goooooood! Love her!!!!!' were among the other responses. 'Okay this is iconic, idc what anyone says,' gushed one fan excitedly as another punned: 'Lizzo looking Tariffic on SNL.' Not all viewers were impressed with the political statement, with one observer joking: 'She needs to tariff some of that food shes eating.' The body positivity icon, who has spent over a year undergoing a weight loss process she calls 'weight release,' emphasized her reduced frame in a fitted and diaphanous gold gown when she hit the stage again later that evening. Her frock included a massive translucent cape that billowed up behind her as she belted out her new song Love In Real Life for the crowd. She dropped Love In Real Life as a single in February, marking her first solo release since Pink, her musical number she wrote for the Barbie movie. Shrugging off the scandal, the 36-year-old appeared as ebullient as ever during her latest shot on the sketch show, which was guest-hosted by Jon Hamm US President Donald Trump is pictured Saturday night attending the Ultimate Fighting Champion at the Kaseya Center in Miami, flanked by Dana White and Elon Musk Lizzo fans reacted with breathless delight on X, formerly Twitter , bursting with praise like: 'Fabulous,' 'I loved it,' 'LEGENDARY' and 'She looks awesome' Not all viewers were impressed with the political statement, with one observer joking: 'She needs to tariff some of that food shes eating' The body positivity icon emphasized her reduced frame in a fitted and diaphanous gold gown when she hit the stage again later that evening Her frock included a massive translucent cape that billowed up behind her as she belted out her new song Love In Real Life for the crowd Jon Hamm drew plaudits for his latest turn as a host, largely for playing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the anti-Trump sketch The White POTUS, a take-off on The White Lotus - but also for his monologue. In a starry flourish, Jon brought out Succession breakout Kieran Culkin, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor last month for the film A Real Pain. Jon had been talking about how he had made 14 cameos on Saturday Night Live since his last hosting gig in 2010, back when he was on Mad Men. He extolled the importance of cameos, which can be a great help 'when a monologue is feeling aimless and needs a jolt of energy' - at which point Kieran walked on. Jon Hamm drew plaudits for his latest turn as a host, largely for playing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the anti-Trump sketch The White POTUS - but also for his monologue In a starry flourish, Jon brought out Succession breakout Kieran Culkin, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor last month for the film A Real Pain Jon appeared a bit miffed at the implication that he needed Kieran to spice up his set, asking: 'Why? Im a huge, huge star and Im doing really well by myself.' Kieran struck a conciliatory tone but when Jon said: 'OK, cool man, just give me your Oscar,' the brother of Macaulay Culkin shot back. He brought up to a viral picture of Jon in which the outline of his manhood was visible through his trousers, sniping: 'Look, dont you have enough, man? Ive seen those photos of you in those grey sweatpants. Must be nice.' In a final swipe at Kieran, Jon raised the matter of the shows that turned them both into household names, snarking: 'Mad Men is better than Succession.' He arrived on Married At First Sight looking for love but instead, Paul Antoine left the experiment broken, ashamed, and vilified after a now-infamous 'door punch' incident that would ultimately come to define his season. In his first raw and unfiltered interview, Paul, 30, opened up to Daily Mail Australia about the mental toll of reality TV, the true nature of his relationship with Carina Mirabile, his biggest regrets, and the parts of his story that producers 'didn't want viewers to see.' 'It's been overwhelming. Watching the show brought back so many emotions. That's why I just stayed quiet. I couldn't be bothered with the post-show drama,' he confessed. Paul has now finally addressed the moment that changed everything an off-camera altercation during which he punched a door, sparking outrage from viewers and a stern warning from production. 'I was mentally drained. We were filming 12 to 14 hours a day, and I was running on five hours of sleep. I just snapped,' he said. The blow-up occurred after an argument with his bride Carina following a night out with co-stars Jeff and Rhi. While in the back of a cab, Carina made a comment about having previously slept with a rapper a detail Paul said he already knew, but was shocked she brought up in front of others. He arrived on Married At First Sight looking for love but instead, Paul Antoine left the experiment broken, ashamed, and vilified after a now-infamous 'door punch' incident In his first raw and unfiltered interview, Paul, 30, opened up to Daily Mail Australia about the mental toll of reality TV, the true nature of his relationship with Carina Mirabile, his biggest regrets, and the parts of his story that producers 'didn't want viewers to see' 'It felt like she was bragging. It confused me. In her confession letter, she was ashamed of her past, and now it seemed like she was owning it proudly in front of everyone.' He said he went silent, stewed on it, and felt her apologies were 'deflective.' What followed was a breakdown that ended with Paul punching a door in frustration. 'It was unacceptable. I walked out of the room, and I lost control. The moment it happened, I instantly felt shame. I felt disgusted.' Production separated the couple for the night and considered kicking him off the show. 'They brought me into a private room the next day. I couldn't stop crying. I told them, "If you need to kick me off, I understand." But they gave me another chance. I was so grateful I wanted to make things right and show that wasn't who I am.' Paul also confirmed that this kind of behaviour had never happened before in his life. 'My friends, my family they know me. That's not who I am. I've never lashed out like that.' A love that could've been Paul has now finally addressed the moment that changed everything an off-camera altercation during which he punched a door, sparking outrage from viewers and a stern warning from production Paul and Carina entered the experiment with real chemistry - and even shared a surprising past. 'I knew her from a date a year earlier. When she walked down the aisle, I thought, "Wait, no way this is Carina." I was genuinely happy to see her.' He described their early weeks together as blissful: cooking meals, working out, asking deep questions and building trust. 'We were one of the strongest couples. Living together was easy. We had a great rhythm.' But that chemistry began to fray under pressure especially after the door incident, Paul said he became withdrawn. 'I felt like a shell of myself. I was ashamed. The judgment from others was hard to cope with.' 'The honesty letter ruined me' Paul also faced backlash during the experiment's 'feedback week,' when participants were asked to write an 'honesty letter' to their partners. 'We were one of the strongest couples. Living together was easy. We had a great rhythm,' he confessed of his 'marriage' to Perth-based fashion designer Carina Mirabile Paul also faced backlash during the experiment's 'feedback week,' when participants were asked to write an 'honesty letter' to their partners 'I was paired with Awhina for the task. I listed a few concerns I had about Carina, but they weren't major. I didn't know I'd have to read the letter to her I thought it was just for Awhina.' In the letter, Paul said he was 'not attracted' to Carina at times a choice of words he now deeply regrets. 'It was a horrible word to use. I never should've said that. If I'd known she was going to read it, I would've written it differently.' He believes that moment turned the tide of their relationship. 'I think that was the beginning of the end. The experts roasted me at the commitment ceremony. I was confused I did the task and got slammed for it.' The final blow: 'Temptation Week' Just when Paul and Carina seemed to be rebuilding after their rocky patch, the show threw in one last twist a temptation date challenge where participants could explore chemistry with someone new. 'I still don't know what I was thinking. Honestly, I don't even have an answer. It was so stupid.' Just when Paul and Carina seemed to be rebuilding after their rocky patch, the show threw in one last twist a temptation date challenge where participants could explore chemistry with someone new Paul admits he felt pressured in the moment. 'Producers were like, "Come on, hurry up what's your decision?" I didn't think it through. I just went along with it like it was another task.' Despite regretting it almost immediately even telling a producer he wanted to leave Paul stayed. 'I remember thinking, "I don't want to be here." But I felt stuck. My producer said it was too late.' Carina was devastated. 'She was shattered. I knew I had hurt her. I knew in that moment our relationship was probably done.' 'They didn't want viewers to like me' Paul believes his portrayal on the show was not only unfair but deliberately shallow. Paul believes his portrayal on the show was not only unfair but deliberately shallow 'The only thing people know about me is that I'm French and horny,' he laughed 'The only thing people know about me is that I'm French and horny. That's the meme that went around and honestly, it's kind of true based on what they aired.' But behind the scenes, Paul says he shared deep and vulnerable moments that were completely cut from the show. 'They didn't show me opening up about my grandpa. They didn't show the beautiful conversations with my groomsmen. They didn't show my confession letter where I spoke about my heartbreaks and my hopes.' 'It felt like they didn't want people to like me.' Counselling and healing Paul does however credit the show's offer of therapy as the turning point in his recovery. 'I took up their counselling offer. It saved me. I was struggling to forgive myself. That therapist helped me find peace.' He still sees the same counsellor to this day. Paul credits the show's offer of therapy as the turning point in his recovery. 'I took up their counselling offer. It saved me. I was struggling to forgive myself. That therapist helped me find peace' 'We built a real connection. He knows everything about me my background, my family. He never judged me.' For Paul, disconnecting from the show and social media was essential. 'I unfollowed everything. I stopped watching. I started feeling normal again. The show can be so toxic. The hate was intense.' Where things stand with Carina now Despite their ups and downs, Paul says he and Carina are now on good terms. 'We're amicable. She came over to my place in Sydney after the show. I made us lunch, we sat by the pool, and we laughed about it all.' He says she's a woman he still holds immense respect for. 'She's stunning. And she has a good heart. I have nothing but affection and admiration for her.' 'We're amicable. She came over to my place in Sydney after the show. I made us lunch, we sat by the pool, and we laughed about it all,' he said of his relationship with Carina now Final Vows & the aftermath Going into Final Vows, Paul said he had little hope but still held on to a sliver of optimism. 'I thought maybe she had forgiven me. But deep down, I knew I'd f**ked it.' 'Even asking for her forgiveness again I look back and think, the audacity. I kept making mistakes.' On Awhina & Adrian's 'shock ending' Paul also weighed in on fellow contestants Awhina and Adrian, revealing he spent a weekend with them in the lead-up to Final Vows. 'They were so affectionate. Cuddling, kissing they looked really happy off-camera.' But he doesn't believe either of them were truly in love. 'The experiment plays tricks on your mind. It becomes your world. It can make feelings seem more intense than they are.' Advice for future cast 'You need thick skin to do this show. They will test you. You have to be honest but maybe not too honest.' 'My biggest regrets? Punching the door. And going on that bloody date. If I could go back and change anything, it would be those two moments.' Despite everything, Paul says the experience was still transformative. 'It broke me. But it also taught me who I am and who I want to be.' Kelsey Parker cradled her growing baby bump in a red bikini as she hit the beach in Gran Canaria during a sun-soaked family holiday on Saturday. The pregnant influencer looked happier than ever as she was joined by boyfriend Will Lindsay, her parents and her two children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, who she shares with her late husband Tom Parker. Kelsey looked incredible in an eye catching red bikini as she packed on the PDA with Will as they kissed on the beach. Kelsey was all smiles as she cradled her bump while shirtless Will placed a caring hand on her bump as well. The stunner added a black and red cover up and pushed her blonde tresses back with a pair of sunglasses. Kelsey and Will were seen playing in the sand with her two children before splashing in the sea. Kelsey Parker cradled her growing baby bump in a red bikini as she hit the beach in Gran Canaria during sun-soaked family holiday on Saturday Kelsey looked incredible in an eye catching red bikini as she packed on the PDA with Will as they kissed on the beach Aurelia piled sand on top of Kelsey's growing baby bump as she lay on the beach relaxing in the sun. The couple were seen spinning her children round in the air before enjoying a walk on the beach with her parents. It comes after Kelsey opened up about being trolled for moving on from husband Tom Parker. Already a parent to children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with her late husband Tom, Kelsey surprised followers in January by revealing she is pregnant with a third child - her first with Will. Ahead of welcoming her and Will's baby, she revealed she has been getting a lot of hate online but her new partner has been very supportive and told her to 'block out the haters'. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, in their first joint interview together, Kelsey explained: 'It's been three years, this is Tom's three year anniversary of his death and it's almost like people want me to feel guilty for moving on.' Kelsey was devastated after husband Tom lost his battle with brain cancer aged just 33, four years after they tied the knot. She found love again last year, meeting Kent tree surgeon Will on a night out. They announced their romance last September and Kelsey, who is due in June, previously revealed her third pregnancy was a 'happy accident'. The pregnant influencer looked happier than ever as she was joined by boyfriend Will Lindsay, her parents and her two children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, who she shares with her late husband Tom Parker Kelsey was all smiles as she cradled her bump while walking along the beach The stunner added a black and red cover up and pushed her blonde tresses back with a pair of sunglasses Kelsey and Will shared a kiss while relaxing on the beach The couple looked in high spirits as they walked along the beach during the holiday Aurelia piled sand on top of Kelsey's growing baby bump as she lay on the beach relaxing in the sun The couple were seen spinning her children round in the air before enjoying a walk on the beach with her parents Shirtless Will chatted away to Kelsey in the sun Kelsey and Will were seen playing in the sand with her two children before splashing in the sea The couple kissed as they spent time with her children at the beach Kelsey shelter from the under a black cover-up The couple were seen playing in the shallow water with her young children Speaking on the ITV daytime show to mark Lorraine's March4March mental health initiative, The Mirror report that Kelsey asked Will: 'Does it stress you out that I get upset about trolls and people commenting on our relationship?' Will replied: 'Not really, I just tell you not to look at them don't I. There's bound to be some people sending nice messages but block out the haters.' She added: 'I'm always going to have guilt but what's so hard is that Tom's not here anymore so what do people want me to do? 'Our house was full of so much sadness but now it's full of happiness, the kids deserve that more than anything. 'They've been through so much, I feel like we are taking the steps forward to heal but I just want other women to feel like it's OK to move on, it's not taking anything away from the love I had for Tom.' Kelsey also opened up about the impact meeting Will has had on her life and how trolls don't 'understand how she feels' because they are not in her shoes. She started dating tree surgeon Lindsay last year, and told how her partner lives with her at the home she shared with Tom and the kids, remarking how he 'gradually moved in' when the time 'felt right'. The couple stated that they didn't have a preference about the baby's sex and were currently 'undecided' about whether they wanted to know - as the answer is waiting for them in an email. The pair were seen playing in the sand with Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four Kelsey was all smiles as she picked up her little girl Kelsey spent time with her parents during the holiday and other family members Kelsey recently revealed she has been bombarded with online abuse since confirming her pregnancy Kelsey was devastated after husband Tom lost his battle with brain cancer aged just 33, four years after they exchanged vows But she admits she must look forward and establish a future for herself and their children after coming to terms with the fact that he is gone It comes after Kelsey opened up about being trolled for moving on from husband Tom Parker as she prepares to welcoming a baby with new partner Will Already a parent to children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with her late husband Tom, Kelsey surprised followers in January by revealing she is pregnant with a third child - her first with Will Ahead of welcoming her and Will's baby, she revealed she has been getting a lot of hate online but her new partner has been very supportive and told her to 'block out the haters' She shielded from the sun under a stylish hat and sunglasses The influencer was all smiles as she spent quality time with her children Kelsey recently revealed she has been bombarded with online abuse since confirming her pregnancy. She told The Sun: 'I think people think I should be sitting at home and dressed in black all day. I have two children (and another one on the way) that I have to get out of bed for. People are shocked I go to Tesco but I need to feed my kids.' Kelsey was devastated after husband Tom lost his battle with brain cancer aged just 33, four years after they exchanged vows. But she admits she must look forward and establish a future for herself and their children after coming to terms with the fact that he is gone. Watch the interview on Monday's Lorraine from 9am on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player. Tributes are pouring in for Sydney marketing executive Paola Cracknell, 39, whose sudden death has left friends and colleagues heartbroken. Paola's passing was announced via a statement on her Instagram account on April 4. 'Though this is hard to share, we know the impact P had. We are incredibly sad to share that our beautiful girl has passed on,' the statement read. 'Anyone who knew Paola knows how special she was, an extraordinary person with a heart beyond words. We are heartbroken and are finding our way through the grief, as we ask for time while we process.' Loved ones are now planning a memorial in Sydney on Tuesday, April 15. 'We would love for you to join us in honouring and remembering our beautiful Paola a soul so full of love, light, and joy,' a follow-up post said. Tributes are pouring in for beloved Sydney marketing executive Paola Cracknell, 39, whose sudden death has left friends and colleagues heartbroken. Pictured Paola's passing was announced via a statement on her Instagram account on April 4 Paola's estranged husband, music executive Govind Sandhu, paid tribute to her in a moving Instagram post, sharing a gallery of special moments from their eight-year relationship. 'My darling P. We all are so heartbroken, devastated and still can't believe this is real. The pain & loss we are feeling is nothing like we have experienced before,' he began. 'You will always be the greatest of all time, the top of my pyramid and my soulmate. Eight years together and five years married gave us the most epic core memories.' He described their relationship as full of joy, travel and creativity: 'We travelled the world, lived, worked, drove to work and went to work lunch together for yearsthese are my happiest memories.' The couple had separated before Govind's stage-four Non Hodgkins Lymphoma diagnosis but she helped him in his battle. 'Even though we separated well before my diagnosis we remained close, you were my biggest supporter, always there for me and that meant the world to me.' He continued: 'You were my support system as we navigated the loss of my father in 2020 I'm so sorry for getting sick, I know it weighed so heavily on you.' 'You were a force like no other. One of one who left the most remarkable imprint on the world & those around you. We are all going to miss you so much forever. I promise to honour you for the rest of my life I love you so much, rest in peace our darling P.' Paola's estranged husband, music executive Govind Sandhu, paid tribute to her in a moving Instagram post, sharing a gallery of special moments from their eight-year relationship Paola's death has sent shockwaves through the creative and media industries, with her long and decorated career earning her admiration globally. According to her LinkedIn profile, she most recently held senior roles at INVNT Group, serving as Senior Director of Marketing at INVNT.ATOM and Director of Strategic Partnerships APAC. Prior to that, she led culture partnerships for Red Bull in Austria and was Head of Client Service at media agency Initiative. She worked as a senior producer and lead talent booker for The Kyle and Jackie 'O' show from January 2006 to May 2010. She was widely regarded as a trailblazer in brand storytelling, innovation, and cultural marketing, known for her bold creative vision and magnetic energy. Friends, industry peers and public figures have taken to social media to share their grief and memories of Paola, using the hashtag #Forever_Paola. Lisa Veronica of pop duo The Veronicas wrote: 'I love you Paola I will cherish every second I got to be back in your beautiful presence again. A soul sister who made life so beautiful. Rest easy babygirl. And into the next.' Radio presenter Justin Hill commented: 'So sorry to hear this. Sending love to you all.' Music executive Dave Simon added: 'Nooo, P. Heartbreaking to hear.' She was widely regarded as a trailblazer in brand storytelling, innovation, and cultural marketing, known for her bold creative vision and magnetic energy. (Paola pictured second from right, alongside Samantha Wills, Matt Dillon and Danielle Cox) Publicist Charlie Boyce said: 'Heartbreaking. All my love to those that loved her. Beautiful and vibrant xx.' Raul Gonzales added: 'Such devastating news to hear. Sending love and prayers.' Former friend Danielle Cox left a deeply personal tribute, recalling their early days together: 'My first roommate coming to Sydney at 19! One of my first friends in a new city, then workmates later on Party nights, going to live band shows together, and you being a cheerleader from the sidelines like you always were for people.' She continued: 'I was meaning to call and I hate that I didn't. Thinking we had all the time in the world. You are so loved and so admired P.' The celebration of Paola's life will take place at Wisteria Room, Centennial Homestead, with loved ones encouraged to bring photos and memories to share in a special memory book. 'We have felt so deeply the love from every part of P's world, and we would be so grateful to share this time with you,' the post read. 'If you have any special memories you'd like to share, we will have a memory book on the day a space to hold and treasure these moments for the family forever.' Katy Perry looked ready for action on Sunday as she posed alongside Lauren Sanchez in bodycon space outfits ahead of their Blue Origin mission on Monday as the singer declared: 'We're putting the 'ass' in astronaut!' The star will be part of a history-making 11-minute flight, alongside Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren, journalist Gayle King and three other women, which is set to be the first all-female trip to space since 1963. The launch is part of Blue Origin's New Shepherd program - and will take place in west Texas on April 14, with the new space suits designed by Lauren herself. Katy shared snaps from the launch on Sunday to her Instagram and penned: 'Happy International Day of Human Space Flight. Forever in awe of the Universe and it's alignment.' She looked confident in the blue jumpsuit which was emblazoned with 'Perry' and said 'Blue Origin' down the arm. This week Lauren told The New York Times of designing the blue suits: 'Let's reimagine the flight suit. Usually, you know, these suits are made for a man. Then they get tailored to fit a woman.' Katy Perry looked ready for action on Sunday as she posed alongside Lauren Sanchez in their blue space outfits ahead of their Blue Origin space mission on Monday The star will be part of a history-making 11-minute flight, alongside Jeff Bezos ' fiancee Lauren journalist Gayle King and three other women, which is set to be the first all-female trip to space since 1963 Mark Bezos, Jeff Bezos, Oliver Daemen and Wally Funk are seen in the original uniforms She added: 'I think the suits are elegant but they also bring a little spice to space.' Five months ago Lauren got in touch with Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, the co-founders of the brand Monse, who are also creative directors of Oscar de la Renta and made her 2024 Met Gala outfit. They agreed to help her with the space suit designs. Fernando said during the interview: 'We even had a meeting on what underwear Lauren is going to wear...' to which she responded: 'Skims!' As the end of the interview Lauren then quoted something she said Katy had told her: 'We're putting the 'ass' in astronaut!' Earlier this week Katy revealed how she is 'psychologically' preparing for her all-female Blue Origin space mission. The 40-year-old hitmaker has been motivating herself by telling herself that she will inspire others, reading the work of astrophysicists, and channeling her 'feminine divine' ahead of her space tourism stunt. Perry spoke with the Associated Press at her Ontario, California rehearsal space on Wednesday, days before she was set to leave for training in Texas. She said: 'I am talking to myself every day and going, 'You're brave, you're bold, you are doing this for the next generation to inspire so many different people but especially young girls to go, 'I'll go to space in the future.' No limitations.'' The Roar hitmaker also said she has been 'psychologically' preparing for the spaceflight by reading work from the late Sagan and other scientists. Katy explained: 'I'm really excited about the engineering of it all. I'm excited to learn more about STEM and just the math about what it takes to accomplish this type of thing.' She went on to say that whenever she is on the verge of something new or feels daunting, she looks within herself to unlock the strength that she needs. 'Using that feminine divine that I was born with and definitely unlocked when I had my daughter even more. It leveled up for sure. Being a mother just makes you level up with that type of power.' Katy shares four-year-old daughter Daisy with actor fiance Orlando Bloom. The launch is part of Blue Origin's New Shepherd program - and will take place in west Texas on April 14, with the new space suits designed by Lauren herself Earlier this week Katy revealed how she is 'psychologically' preparing for her all-female Blue Origin space mission Gayle shared a video trying on the suit for the first time She looked ready for action in the outfit This week Lauren told The New York Times of designing the blue suits: 'Let's reimagine the flight suit. Usually, you know, these suits are made for a man. Then they get tailored to fit a woman' She famously sung about falling in love with an extraterrestrial in 2010 hit track E.T. and now she is turning to the work of one of the most famous astrophysicists who studied them in the aforementioned Sagan. Regarding her preparations for the mission, she told AP: 'I was listening to Cosmos by Carl Sagan and reading a book on string theory, I've always been interested in astrophysics and interested in astronomy and astrology and the stars. 'We are all made of stardust and we all come from the stars.' Katy may have sung about falling love with an alien in that aforementioned track E.T. but Sagan was a pioneer in the field of exobiology, which is the study of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Sagan - who passed away in 1996 - was an American astronomer, planetary scientist and science communicator but is most well-known for his groundbreaking work in science communication and his role in popularizing science through his television series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, and numerous books. Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin announced the crew in February and his fiancee Sanchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, picked the women who will join her to take part in an 11-minute flight to space on a rocket. The stars will also join former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Of the crew the pop star said: 'I am feeling so grateful and grounded and honored to be invited and included with this incredible group of women.' The mission has had its detractors including Hollywood actress Olivia Munn who blasted it during an appearance on Today With Jenna And Friends earlier this month. Both Munn and Jenna began the conversation as they pointed out the group's recent cover for Elle and Olivia started to offer her thoughts before stopping herself. She then questioned, 'What are they doing? Like why? You know what I mean?' - which got a few chuckles from the live audience. 'I know that this is probably not the cool thing to say, but there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now.' Munn then added, 'What are you going to do up in space? What are you doing up there?' Hager cut in to express the six ladies will be on the flight for a total of 11 minutes - which prompted Olivia to compare the launch to a ride at Disneyland. Five months ago Lauren got in touch with Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, the co-founders of the brand Monse, who are also creative directors of Oscar de la Renta and made her 2024 Met Gala outfit They agreed to help her with the space suit designs Fernando said during the interview: 'We even had a meeting on what underwear Lauren is going to wear...' to which she responded: 'Skims!' As the actress continued to struggle to find the words to describe her thoughts, Jenna said that Munn was 'perplexed.' The mother-of-two expressed, 'I just was like, why do you guys need to tell us about it? It's like just go up there, have a good time, come on down. 'Also, you know, I just think about - I know that this is probably obnoxious - but like, it's so much money to go to space. You know, there's a lot of people that can't even afford eggs.' Jenna then informed Olivia that the all-female crew will go to space 'in glam' which prompted the actress to give a confused reaction. 'They are getting their hair done, their makeup done, even eyelash extensions,' Hager continued. Munn was left speechless once again and then questioned, 'They said this out loud?' While talking to Jenna, Munn then asked, 'But what's the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on ride? I think it's a bit gluttonous and I just think there are - the cover of Elle Magazine? I mean, I don't know.' Olivia later stated, 'Space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind. I mean, what are they gonna do up there that has made it better for us down here?' Jenna replied, 'That I don't know,' and Munn continued, 'I don't know if all that rocket fuel is good. This is a lot of resources being spent.' Katy said this week that she has been 'psychologically' preparing for the spaceflight by reading work from the late Carl Sagan and other scientists The actress silently shook her head and Hager humorously added, 'Yeah, and a lot of eyelash glue to nail that baby down. That's what I can't stop thinking about.' Blue Origin Flight NS-31 is the first launch with an all-female crew since Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo space flight in 1963. The rocket that the six women will use can fly itself - and will float in space for around four minutes before returning back to Earth. The launch is part of Blue Origin's New Shepherd program - and will take place in West Texas on April 14 at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC. Benjahmin James, best known as Carla From Bankstown, has shared a terrifying account of an alleged attack that left him shaken. The former Celebrity Apprentice star, 30, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to reveal he was nearly run over twice by two men in an SUV while leaving his local supermarket. In a chilling post on a pink background, the beloved drag queen and mental health advocate wrote: 'Today I was targeted I was almost run over twice by two men in an SUV, as I was walking they rammed the car and missed me by about 30cm.' Benjahmin claimed the men initially said they didn't see her, but then began 'hurling homophobic and fatphobic remarks' and followed her through the car park while laughing. 'They called me 'f**got', 'fat c*nt' and much more,' he bravely wrote. The media personality said the men even waited outside the supermarket for 'about 15 minutes' after he sought refuge inside. Benjahmin James, aka Carla From Bankstown, has shared a terrifying account of an alleged attack that left him shaken. (Pictured on Celebrity Apprentice) The former Celebrity Apprentice star, 30, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to reveal he was nearly run over twice by two men in an SUV while leaving his local supermarket 'Mark my words, I will find out who you are and you will pay for this trauma,' he declared. 'I don't stand for this and when I find out who you are I will expose you.' Benjahmin also revealed he had seen the same car 'multiple times' in his area before, adding: 'So bring it on.' While he assured fans he was okay physically, Benjahmin admitted the ordeal had left him emotionally shaken especially given his ongoing mental health journey. 'All of this while on my mental health journey just makes me really question society and the people in general,' he wrote. Fans have since taken to social media to offer messages of support, with many calling on authorities to investigate the incident. The news comes months after the social media star launched a scathing tirade against Jetstar after his flight to Sydney was cancelled. Ben posted a gallery of photos to Instagram Stories capturing him impatiently waiting at Brisbane Airport, and added some choice words for the low-cost airline. 'Thank you Jetstar Australia for cancelling my flight 10 minutes before it was boarding and making me wait three hours till the next one,' he began. In a chilling post on a pink background, the beloved drag queen and mental health advocate wrote: 'Today I was targeted I was almost run over twice by two men in an SUV, as I was walking they rammed the car and missed me by about 30cm' 'I have a gig on tonight back in Sydney [that] I'll be late for and will lose money for. It's amazing. Thank you for that! Ben then warned the airline he would become a complaining 'Karen' if the situation was not quickly rectified. 'I've been sitting here for the last two hours waiting and if you cancel this flight I will make a video and I will become Karen from Bankstown and lose my mind,' he continued, adding, 'I will lose money for these cancelled flights.' Ben went on to reveal he finally boarded a plane five hours later and was not happy with the staff's reaction to the incident - or their demeanour handling his concerns or questions. 'Five hours later on a plane home and @jetstaraustralia staff are so rude! You should be ashamed. Never had any issue with you EVER and now you want to be gronks?! 'Watch out, I'm making the BIGGEST complaint in the history of your existence. 'And your staff being so rude to me when asking what's happening, saying, "Oh, we all want to go home babe". Don't call me babe. I'm not your babe, bro. Seriously RUDE.' In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a Jetstar spokesperson said, 'A flight from Brisbane to Sydney was cancelled yesterday due to an engineering requirement, with our aircraft needing a spare part.' The news comes months after the social media star launched a scathing tirade against Jetstar after his flight to Sydney was cancelled James went on to reveal he finally boarded a plane five hours later and was not happy with the staff's reaction to the incident - or their demeanour handling his concerns or questions 'We apologise for the inconvenience this caused and thank our customers for their patience while our teams worked hard to get everyone on their way as quickly as possible.' 'Safety is always our number one priority.' Carla from Bankstown shot to fame in 2021 with her tongue-in-cheek videos where she posed as ex-NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's no-nonsense assistant. In July, the celebrity drag queen posted a hilarious video to TikTok, revealing she had scored a new gig working for current NSW Premier Chris Minns. The cheeky footage shows Carla working behind the desk at Minns' office as she takes a personal call with a friend and tells them, 'it's so boring today'. She is then caught off guard by Minns, 43, who approaches her desk and asks her: 'What's happening? Are phone calls coming through, no one's picking up.' 'Victorian premier Dan Andrews called and said he's hotter than you, but I told him no, absolutely not,' Carla cheekily responded. Fresh from walking away with a staggering $9million prize on American game show Deal or No Deal Island, David Genat is diving back into the world of Survivor. The 45-year-old, who cemented his place in reality TV history with his win on Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020, has been confirmed to join a brand new international edition of the show, Survivor: Australia v The World. This will mark his third appearance on the hit franchise, having first competed on Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019 before returning to dominate and win the All Stars season the following year. Now, he's taking on a global cast of returning players from Survivor editions across the world, including the US, South Africa, Finland, Quebec, and New Zealand all battling it out for the title of Sole Survivor and a $250,000 cash prize. The upcoming season, which was filmed in September last year, will see contestants compete in a shortened but intense 16-day format set on the beaches of Samoa. The cast was officially unveiled today, confirming Genat's participation alongside other standout Survivor legends from Australia and beyond. Fresh from walking away with a staggering $9million prize on American game show Deal or No Deal Island, David Genat is diving back into the world of Survivor The 45-year-old, who cemented his place in reality TV history with his win on Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020, has been confirmed to join a brand new international edition of the show, Survivor: Australia v The World Joining David in the Aussie lineup is Survivor All-Star and fan favourite Brooke Jowett, known for her strong physical gameplay and social connections. Also returning is international poker player and Brains v Brawn contestant George Mladenov, who became a breakout star for his scheming and strategic dominance. Representing the United States is legendary winner Parvati Shallow, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. She'll be joined by Boston Rob Mariano, who returns for another crack at glory after decades as a franchise icon. Other global names include Queen of the North Kim Levesque Lizotte from Survivor Quebec, Finnish powerhouse Aki Manninen, South Africa's ace player Killarney Jones, and Kiwi battler Lisa Holmes. Despite recently scoring one of the biggest payouts in reality TV history, it appears Genat isn't finished proving himself and he's ready to outwit, outplay and outlast once again. David made headlines last month after he walked away with $5.8million from the NBC series, which comes in at AUD $9.2million. His previous top earnings were on Australian Survivor All Stars, from which he netted AUD $500,000. Also returning is international poker player and Brains v Brawn contestant George Mladenov, who became a breakout star for his scheming and strategic dominance, and Luke Toki David made headlines last month after he walked away with $5.8million from the NBC series, which comes in at AUD $9.2million 'I'm rich... I am the Golden God of Deal Or No Deal Island,' he boasted to the Daily Telegraph. 'No one from Australia has done what I've done and no one from Australia has crossed over into American (reality) television, this is the first time it's been done.' He added: 'Not only have I crossed over, I've won the biggest amount of money ever on American reality television, so I hope it opens a lot of doors for Australian talent wanting to do what I've done.' David, who said that the skills he learnt on Australian Survivor helped him win Deal Or No Deal Island, told NBC that he plans to spend the money on his four children, who he shares with wife Pearl Christensen. 'I probably shouldn't be saying this out loud because they're gonna hold me to it, but like, all my kids are coming up to driving age,' David said. 'So I'm probably gonna have to buy a fleet of new vehicles. I mean, hey, that's what I'm gonna do.' He also had some plans for himself, disclosing, 'I'm going to buy myself a new motorcycle because I love motorcycles. That'll be my little fun spend.' David first found fame in 2002 when he won the Search for a Supermodel contest after he accepted a $50 bet. His previous top earnings were on Australian Survivor All Stars in 2020 (pictured), from which he netted AUD $500,000 David told NBC that he plans to spend the money on his four children, who he shares with wife Pearl Christensen. Pictured with wife Pearl and their four kids Later he became successful across the world, and was featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair - most notably photographed by the iconic Mario Testino. David returned to reality TV by starring in Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019. He was the 14th castaway voted out, and then returned to the franchise the following season for Australian Survivor All Stars, which he won. In 2021, he joined the cast of The Celebrity Apprentice, where he was fired in task 7. In 2023, he expanded his career by hosting an adventure reality series for Channel Nine called Rush. 'Are you ready for the rush of a lifetime? I know I am! Rush is an epic new travel adventure series. I am so excited to host this amazing series and can't wait for you to see,' he wrote. After retiring from his distinguished modelling career over a decade ago, Genat also made a comeback to the catwalk. He was inspired to return to modelling when he met fashion designer Camilla Franks on the Celebrity Apprentice, which aired on Channel Nine in 2021. 'I had a long fashion career doing a lot of runway shows, but I probably hadn't done one in about 10 years because I was a bit past my use-by date,' he told 9Honey. After Camilla and David formed a friendship based on their love of fashion, the famed designer asked him to open one of her fashion shows. It is one of the great mysteries of the modern world. Why does Molly Mae, a glorified reality star have such a hold over my generation of Gen Z women? Because you certainly cant escape the Molly-Mae effect. When, as a 25-year-old, I look around my peers, its there in what they are wearing, what they are carrying and what they look like. In the sea of nude-coloured lounge sets theyre all dressed in, the Stanley Cups they take everywhere, the perfectly manicured nails, the Gails coffees they buy and their scraped-back bun hairstyles held in place by gel. This is the aesthetic championed by Hertfordshire-born Molly-Mae, one of the most successful stars ever to come out of Love Island after she was placed as runner-up in 2019. But surprisingly, given the supposedly shallow world of social media and influencers, the Molly Mae effect runs deeper than simply ones appearance. Its an approach to business, to friendships, romance, family and life that she shares at length with her two million YouTube followers. For countless women my age, she is the guru who has it all; a 4million mansion, an adorable baby, a strong network of friends and family and, most importantly, an incredibly healthy head of platinum blonde hair. Molly-Mae Hague is one of the most successful stars ever to come out of Love Island after she was placed as runner-up in 2019 We trust and take in everything that Molly Mae says partially because of her success - she has after all just been selected for the Sunday Timess Young Power List, for Heavens sake! More importantly, she has always pledged to be open and honest with us. In a world where every influencer and their cat are flogging some dodgy product on social media just to make a quick buck, she comes across as different. You guys know I would never suggest anything I didnt fully believe in, she insists. That has been the beauty of Molly Mae - shes always appeared warm and reliable as well as being aspirational. The internets favourite older sister or, as she was once dubbed, the peoples princess. As one 20-something told the Mail: Me and my friends have said it feels like were on Facetime with her when she uploads a YouTube video. Shes so relatable and real even though shes rich - and everything she has recommended, Ive bought and loved. Last week, Molly-Mae delighted fans by posting a black and white image of Tommy Fury and their two-year-old daughter Bambi in Center Parcs, the first official picture confirming they are back together Last week, she delighted fans by posting a black and white picture of Tommy Fury, 25, and their two-year-old daughter Bambi walking down a wooded lane in Center Parcs. The pair had parted ways last summer and this, for the first time, was official picture confirmation they were back on. Molly Mae later posted her usual Vlog - video blog - on YouTube in which she sits in a room, stares down the camera and chats with her two million subscribers. Beaming, she said: Im not actually at my house, Im at Tommys. Ive been thinking a lot today about how I skipped a massive chapter in this... story. Its not a story, well it kind of is a story, but that doesnt sound right saying it like that. But I skipped a massive chapter in everything that went on in the breakup. Where I would be so open with you guys, its just so not me to not be so unbelievably open and share every inch and detail of my life. After months of will they, wont they, this should have been a great moment. Molly-Mae on the show in 2019 with her Love Island sweetheart, Tommy Fury The couple on holiday with their daughter, Bambi. In August, Molly-Mae announced to her nearly eight million Instagram followers that she and Tommy had split up after five years But, I had to stop watching. I felt she had broken her word. Nothing about the past few months and Molly Mae has been anywhere close to open. Im bored of it and switching off - and there are plenty of others like me doing the same. The reason is the murky way shes treated us over the breakup and then reunion with her Love Island sweetheart, Tommy Fury, 25. The entire saga from start to finish has gone against everything that made her stand apart from the sea of cookie-cutter influencers. In August, she dropped the now infamous bombshell statement to her 7.9million Instagram followers: I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommys relationship has come to an end. After five years of being together, I never imagined our story would end, especially not in this way. And then went on to refuse to tell us what had happened. The pair had been due to get married that summer, for Heavens sake! And the shock of the statement coupled with her ambiguous response to the devastating news sent social media, and quite frankly the entire UK news cycle, into meltdown. I find it hard to believe that someone as well versed in the internet as Molly Mae didnt know she would garner this reaction. Speculation began to roll and she let it continue. No doubt aware of the hunger for answers, Molly Mae released a YouTube video titled Hi which netted 3.8million views despite the fact it offered no clarity about her and Tommy. But, hey, at least she made around 9,000 from it. This was the first blow for me - Id been utterly loyal until then but she now seemed to be milking her fanbase by NOT being open. For weeks afterwards, you couldnt move on the internet without seeing wild theories about the reason for their breakup. It was exhausting, and at some points quite toxic and damaging to innocent parties. Amid rumours that Tommy had been unfaithful, a woman in Dubai had to prove the father of her newborn was not the semi-professional boxer by posting a picture of her real partner on TikTok in the hospital room with her. A Danish woman was roped into the scandal because she had once met Tommy when he was on a lads trip to Macedonia. Both had received an inordinate amount of trolls due to this break-up post. This was by no means Molly Maes fault but all this could have been solved by a simple and honest statement from the woman who preaches her honesty with followers. Molly-Mae's decision to remain silent about the rumours surrounding the break-up created a perfect environment to reel in more followers, more viewers and more attention. Every time she posted a video, people click to find out any morsel of information For clarity, Tommy and Molly came out months later and confirmed it was nothing but the boxers drinking that had forced a wedge between them. But, like millions of Molly Mae fans, I watched every one of her YouTube videos amid the ongoing break-up because I wanted to hear from her about the cheating allegations. Her decision to remain silent on the matter created a perfect environment to reel in more followers, more viewers and more attention. Every time she posted a video, people click to find out any morsel of information. And Molly Mae took complete advantage of this. She decided during this period to do a Vlogmas - a term coined by YouTube stars to document every day in the run-up to Christmas and share it with fans. We were therefore getting more Molly Mae content than ever before but she refused to address the ongoing situation with Tommy. Thats not to say she didnt hook people in with hints about her feelings - in one video she cried admitting that Christmas and December were long. But even if you watched every 40-minute video, and there were many, you were no closer to the truth about her and Tommy. Not very open and honest. Instead, she pointed people in the direction of her upcoming Amazon Prime Documentary for answers. The couple, pictured last week, looked ever the doting parents as they both held hands with their two year-old before swinging her in the air Questioned about the state of affairs with Tommy by the Daily Mail, for instance, Molly Maes answer was: We are doing the best we can, but I really do think the documentary is going to answer a lot of questions. We touch on that situation. Youll see a snippet in the trailer. The last thing I ever want is any confusion. When the three-part series dropped at the end of January, Molly Mae supporters raced to finally see if the cheating allegations which had ravaged the internet for months, were true. At one point, Molly Mae: Behind It All shows the mother-of-one, sitting alone on her plush white sofa, declare the breaking news of her Instagram post about breaking up with Tommy in the summer. Fans have been left wondering if the break-up was just a publicity stunt to create peak interest amid the launch of her clothing line, Maebe Explaining why she wrote the post and shared it with her millions of followers, she adds: I decided I dont have another night left in me crying in bed upset. It was the situation of, if I dont post this statement, Im not going to do this. I am not going to walk away unless I put this out. Is she saying she involved the public in her break-up because she would not have been able to split from Tommy on her own? Thats not only absurd but scarcely believable. And if it really is the case, I say leave us out of it. Wouldnt it have been the more adult thing to do to deal with it, like most celebrities, behind closed doors to avoid the constant and damaging online speculation for your family? What good could come from having the father-of-your child relentlessly bashed for weeks by trolls on the internet as a scumbag and a lying cheat? Was it all a publicity stunt to create peak interest amid the launch of her clothing line, Maebe? Whatever the case, something has just felt off about the whole sordid ordeal. We had to endure months of toxic speculation, secrecy and hints - and that went against everything I and many others loved about Molly Mae. She could have maintained our loyalty if she could have just kept it simple, saying something like: We are going through a rough patch at the moment, please give us some space. Instead she made the most of it, exhausting us all and wasting our time. So when she appeared beaming in her latest video laughing that Im at Tommys house actually today and explained herself, I was just fed up with the whole thing - and switched it off. Sorry, but nice try Molly-Mae. 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 ... Sunday Brunch viewers were left gobsmacked as they remembered guest Paul Feig's forgotten acting past. As hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer welcomed Paul onto the show, they introduced him as an American director, producer, and screenwriter. Fans realised Paul, 62, was famously known for starring in 1996 sitcom Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. Despite only starring as Mr. Eugene Pool, Sabrina's science teacher in the series, for one season - fans were quick to notice. According to The Mirror, fans wrote on X: 'Mr pool a#sabrinatheteenagewitch #SundayBrunch', 'I had to google who this Paul bloke is because Tim and Simon failed to introduce him at all #sundaybrunch can't believe he's Mr Pool, looks nothing like him', Sunday Brunch viewers were left gobsmacked as they remembered guest Paul Feig's forgotten acting past Fans were quick to notice Paul, 62, was famously known for starring in 1996 sitcom Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (pictured in the show) '#SundayBrunch #paulfeig, why has nobody mentioned that he used to be Mr. Pool and Sabrina the teenage witch!', 'Hang on a minute....... was that Mr. Pool from Sabrina the teenage witch #SundayBrunch?' In February, Paul said Blake Lively did not exercise any editorial control of their upcoming film Another Simple Favor, as fans peppered him with references to the allegations Justin Baldoni made about her involvement on their film It Ends with Us. Blake, 37, has accused Justin, 41, of sexual harassment in a lawsuit; while Justin accused Blake, her husband Ryan Reynolds, 48, and publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and extortion in a $400 million suit. Justin has denied the allegations brought about by Blake, while Blake, Reynolds and Sloane have denied the accusations made in litigation by Justin. Justin's team has released a website which includes private communications such as text messages that were included in court filings detailing his interactions with the Hollywood power couple over the making of romantic drama, and efforts he says they made to usurp and undermine his input as the film's director. After Prime Video released a promotional post for Another Simple Favor, a number of commenters implicated that Blake might have tried to assert her influence over Paul over that movie, leading the filmmaker to respond to the speculation. Dailymail.com reached out to Paul and his rep for further comment on this story. In February, director Paul said Blake Lively, 37, did not exercise any editorial control of their upcoming film Another Simple Favor (Blake pictured in October 2024 in NYC) After Prime Video released a promotional post for Another Simple Favor, a number of commenters implicated that Blake might have tried to assert her influence over Paul over that movie, leading the filmmaker to respond to the speculation Amid Justin's claims that Blake and her inner circle used their considerable clout to commandeer changes to the script - even enlisting Taylor Swift to lean on him at one point - and re-cut the motion picture, a user asked in the comment section, 'Is it Paul Feig's cut or Blake's cut?' Paul - whose other cinematic credits include 2011's Bridesmaids, 2016's Ghostbusters and 2024's Jackpot! - made clear he had full creative control over the film, replying, 'Its my cut. There is no other cut ... just wanted to clear that up.' Paul in his reply heaped massive praise on Blake, who he previously worked with on 2018's A Simple Favor. 'Blake has been nothing but supportive and a dream to work with,' said the Emmy-nominated director, who has directed shows such as Arrested Development, The Office and Nurse Jackie. 'She is the best and an amazing collaborator and Im her biggest fan.' A number of the director's fans criticised his defence of Blake, amid the allegations Justin made in court filings and on the website. 'Paul, I know youre gonna wanna shake off these comments as coming from a bunch of loons, but Blake and Ryan really did use their star power to bulldoze Justin,' said one user. 'It makes me really sad, and I hope you remember when you were starting off in this business.' Others told Paul that his stellar reputation as a feted industry veteran insulated him from the strong-arming and meddling Lively allegedly subjected Justin to in regard to It Ends with Us's screenplay, wardrobe and editing. 'Youve been in the directing game for so long, so of course Blake isnt going to attempt to step on your toes,' said one user. 'She just goes for the directors that are starting off and tries to use her husband to bully them and take over. Paul said of Blake, 'Blake has been nothing but supportive and a dream to work with. She is the best and an amazing collaborator and Im her biggest fan. Just wanted to clear that up.' (Pictured in 2018 in NYC) A number of the director's fans criticised his defence of Lively, amid the allegations Justin made in court filings and on the website (Pictured in 2018 in NYC) Paul (R) pictured with Andrew Rannells and Anna Kendrick on the set of Another Simple Favor 'Shed never have the balls to do that to someone like you so of course shes "amazing, great, kind, etc."' Said another user: 'Youre making things worse by defending Blake, you know. This just reaffirms that Blake treats powerful directors like you nicely and targets those she considers less than.' Another echoed, 'You're probably a good guy but you're extremely lucky that you got your cut [because] Blake knew not to bully you and put you in the basement. She thought highly of you [because] you're not a nobody. But good luck with this show. It's dead in the water.' Multiple commenters referenced on Paul's post Justin's claim made in court filings that Blake arranged for his presence to be minimized at the It Ends with Us premiere. 'Be careful you might end up in the basement in the premiere,' one user said, while another responded, 'Be careful Paul she may put you in the basement come premiere day.' Paul put up his own separate post amid news the motion picture, which was written by Jessica Sharzer. 'I have a simple favor to ask you can you save the date?' Paul said in the post. '#AnotherSimpleFavor from @AmazonMGMStudios is premiering as the opening night film at @SXSW in Austin on March 7th. And then we hit @PrimeVideo on May 1st. Stay tuned for more details and much more fun!' Prime Video's post read, 'We have Another Simple Favor to ask you can you save the date? Opening Night at SXSW. May 1 on Prime Video.' Instagram commenters told Paul that his stellar reputation as a feted industry veteran insulated him from the strong-arming and meddling Blake allegedly subjected Justin to Black stars in alongside Anna Kendrick in the sequel to their 2018 film A Simple Flavor, as they reprise their respective roles of Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers Paul put up his own separate post promoting the motion picture, amid news the motion picture, which was written by Jessica Sharzer Blake stars in alongside Kendrick in the sequel to their 2018 film A Simple Flavor, as they reprise their respective roles of Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers. A logline from producers said that the sequel 'follows Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy , for Emily's extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman.' The film's cast is rounded out by Allison Janney, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, Henry Golding and Andrew Rannells. People flooded both the Prime Video post and Paul's with comments referring to allegations made by Baldoni in court filings and an adjacent website. 'Did Ryan rewrite a scene?' one user asked, another wisecracked, 'Is the poster promoting Ryan's gin as well?' while another person asked, 'Is this the real version or did Blake edit it?' Others referenced a text exchange in Baldoni's court filing in which Lively likened Reynolds and Swift to Game of Thrones dragons, with one person writing, 'How involved are Blakes dragons on this one?' while another said, 'Will there be dragons?' Some acknowledged they were just commenting amid the spectacle of the situation, as one user said they 'came straight to the comments' amid the controversies, while another asked, 'Who came for just the comments?' Another person remarked, 'This is the worst timing for this promotion lmfao,' while one predicted, 'They will be turning off the comments soon.' Jamaican reggae legend Max Romeo has died aged 80. Max, who is renowned for his BBC-banned hit, tragically passed away from heart complications in his homeland. A statement on Instagram confirmed his death on Saturday, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Max. 'We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and tributes, and kindly ask for privacy at this time. 'Legends never die.' Touching tributes poured in for the 'great reggae icon' as the sad news was announced. Jamaican reggae legend Max Romeo has died aged 80 (pictured in 2013) Max, who is renowned for his BBC-banned hit, tragically passed away from heart complications in his homeland (pictured in 1981) Others wrote: 'our music will play eternally, thanks for all the big music. All my condoleances to your family and friends [sic]', 'Legend never die!', 'What sad news. Goodbye my friend. Your music will continue to uplift and bless people. May the Lord be gentle towards you and his angels guard you as you sleep. See you up there our musical brother', 'This one hurts me, I just talked to him on March 28, I'm so sorry for the loss of this GREAT reggae ICON, he will truly be missed & loved FOREVER, R.I.P. Max!! Jah know'. Max's greatest hits include Wet Dream, which shot to the top ten in 1968. His single, which spent 25 weeks in the charts, was later banned by the BBC due to its controversial lyrics. Max's other hits include War Ina Babylon and Chase The Devil. The singer, real name Maxwell Livingston Smith, kickstarted his career in the 1960s before he catapulted into fame with his controversial song. A statement on Instagram confirmed his death on Saturday, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Max. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and tributes, and kindly ask for privacy at this time. Legends never die' Touching tributes poured in for the 'great reggae icon' as the sad news was announced When Max moved to New York in 1978, he co-wrote the musical Reggae. The musician also collaborated with The Rolling Stones, providing backing vocals on the track Dance (Pt.1) in 1980. In 2023, Max filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Polygram Publishing, Inc. for $15million (11.4m). He claimed that he had not been given royalties for his work for over 50 years. Former Celebrity Big Brother star Danielle Marr has revealed the no-so-glamorous aspects of entering the house. The Irish TV personality, 48, an aesthetics doctor known as Dr Botox, was a housemate on the 12th series of the Channel 5 edition, with host Emma Willis, back in 2013. She was joined in the house by the likes of Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, Louis Spence and model Sophie Anderton. Two days before the stars enter the house, they go into lockdown to try and avoid their names being released - as bosses aim to keep the cast a secret. But Danielle said lockdown was very intense, and the living conditions were basic at best - describing one toilet as a Portacabin. She recalled in her new book Diary of a Botox Bitch: Spilling the Tea on All Things Reality Television: 'I hadnt been alone, not even to use the bathroom, for three straight days.' Former Celebrity Big Brother star Danielle Marr has revealed the no-so-glamorous aspects of entering the house (Seen in 2013) Two days before the stars enter the house, they go into lockdown to try and avoid their names being released - as bosses aim to keep the cast a secret (Danielle seen in 2013) Danielle revealed that with the live launch show on Thursday, she was put into isolation on the Tuesday. her phone was immediately taken away and she was officially cut off, besides one final call allowed after check in. The hotel was basic, she said, but the entrance certainly wasn't - as she revealed she had a towel draped over her head by security as she was hurried inside. 'It was all very high-stakes and dramatic,' she said as she recalled the security guards and producers communicating about her entering over walkie talkies, using code names to keep identities as secret as possible. She cabin fever set in quickly at the hotel, where she had no access to a phone, TV, or even discussions with hotel staff. But breaking up the isolation were press interviews, photoshoots and filming. Next was a psychiatric evaluation, which Danielle revealed was so strict that the daughter of an American star was sent home before launch night after failing it. Finally it was launch night and she was bundled into a car and taken to Ibis hotel near Elstree Studios, of which she said: 'The en suite bathroom was like a portacabin toilet, and the room itself wasnt much better.' The Irish TV personality, 48, an aesthetics doctor known as Dr Botox, was a housemate on the 12th series of the Channel 5 edition, with host Emma Willis, back in 2013 She was joined in the house by the likes of Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, Louis Spence (Seen on show) and model Sophie Anderton The showbiz vibe kicked in and at 10pm she made her entrance, thankfully to no boos. The confession comes after Mickey Rourke was removed from the ITV edition of the show. The Hollywood star, 72, was asked to leave due to 'threatening and aggressive behaviour' directed toward Chris Hughes during a task yet to air, dubbed the 'final straw' for producers. The final outburst came after Chris threw him the 'side eye during the task', which saw the housemates dressed up as pirates, The Sun has reported. It came after Mickey's homophobic comments to JoJo Siwa and offending other members of the house. Mickey was thrown out of the Celebrity Big Brother house on Saturday after a bust-up with Love Island's Chris - who allegedly gave the star 'side eye' during a task. The actor and former professional boxer has been difficult to manage from the beginning when he leered inappropriately at host AJ Odudu as he entered the house. Things soon escalated as Mickey made homophobic comments towards JoJo Siwa, 21, before going on to offend Donna Preston, Ella Rae Wise and Patsy Palmer with rude conversations. On Saturday, he was asked to leave due to 'threatening and aggressive behaviour' directed toward Chris during a task yet to air, dubbed the 'final straw' for producers. The final outburst came after Chris threw him the 'side eye during the task', which saw the housemates dressed up as pirates, The Sun has reported. Mickey then 'went for the star and the situation unravelled'. A source told the publication: 'Mickey didn't like Chris disrespecting him with the side eye and went for him with loads of smack talk. 'On this occasion it was offensive, threatening and aggressive. However it didn't get physical and security nor producers did not need to intervene. 'Mickey was called to the diary room and in discussion about his ongoing bad behaviour, he agreed to leave.' There was no physical altercation but a spokesperson for the show said: 'Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.' White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood was not amused by Saturday Night Live's skit that poked fun of her teeth on Saturday night. In the sketch, which included this week's host Jon Hamm, Sarah Sherman wore huge prosthetic teeth in her mouth as she did a cruel impression of Aimee. In response to being mocked on the show, the Sex Education star, 31, took to her Instagram Story to slam SNL and address rumors about HBO. 'Whilst in honest mode - I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny,' she told her followers. After noting she was feeling 'righteous' but 'might delete' her post later, fans encouraged her not to remove it. 'Don't delete it, one comment read. 'It was mean and unfunny and saying it out loud removes their power. Aimee Lou Wood was not amused by SNL 's skit that made fun of her teeth on Saturday night In the sketch, which included host Jon Hamm, Sarah Sherman played Aimee, with huge prosthetic teeth in her mouth Sarah Sherman parodied Aimee's White Lotus character in a skit called White Potus 'You're unreal in every way, I have a big gap in my teeth and an overbite and you've genuinely made me feel so much better about myself. 'I was going to spend thousands on fixing it all which I'm not doing now because I look at you and think how gorgeous you look so why not try and apply that logic to myself,' they concluded. Another commenter wrote, 'I agree- everyone else in that parody was a political figure who was being mocked. 'The only character who wasn't political was Chelsea, and they were clearly just taking the piss out of your appearance/accent, which is extremely c***y and uncalled for.' Earlier, she clarified that 'nobody at HBO called' her 'ugly.' 'That was my own paranoid thought' she explained, referring to a recent interview, which she says was misconstrued. The star continued: 'Nobody at HBO would say that. My point in the article was about how our mind plays tricks on us. Please read carefully before getting angry for me.' 'So to conclude today's rant: @hbo - kind and supportive and never wronged me so leave them alone. @nbcsnl - mean.' The Sex Education star, 31, took to her Instagram Stories to address rumors about HBO and slam SNL for their mockery In a series of slides the British actress wrote her sentiment over the photos The sketch saw Aimee's character parodied as someone who had never heard of fluoride 'Nobody at HBO called me ugly!! Jeez, as if! I clearly say that was my own paranoid thought...' she began Later, Aimee shared another image saying that SNL had apologized to her. In a recent interview with British GQ, Aimee explained that White Lotus creator Mike White had to 'fight' to cast her, which made her feel insecure. She continued: 'When someone (not a producer) told me Mike fought for me it was said in a nice way. 'I just spiraled about it because of my own imposter syndrome. That was my point. Just really wanted to clear that up because hbo have been nothing but super supportive. 'Nobody at HBO would say that. My point in the article was about how our mind plays tricks on us. Please read carefully before getting angry for me' Later, Aimee shared another image saying that SNL had apologized to her In the GQ article, Aimee dove into the insecurity, saying, 'My little head goes: "HBO didnt want me. And I know why HBO didnt want me, its because Im ugly."' 'Mike had to say, "Please let me have the ugly girl!" That was the thing that was in my head,' she continued. Elsewhere in the interview, Aimee spoke about the interest in her natural overbite and gapped buck teeth, which she worried had progressed to the point that it was stealing attention from her performance. She worried that her teeth were now seen by some White Lotus fans as something 'goofy' that she hadn't yet had 'fixed.' 'It makes me really happy that its symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but theres a limit,' she said. 'So to conclude today's rant: @hbo - kind and supportive and never wronged me so leave them alone. @nbcsnl - mean' Her fans, who went to her defense when they thought HBO had wronged her, were supportive in the comments 'The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I'm not getting to talk about my work. 'They think its nice because theyre not criticizing,' she said of those focused on her smile, before pausing and suggesting that the whole discussion might be tied in with sexism. 'And, I have to go there I dont know if it was a man would we be talking about it this much? Its still going on about a womans appearance,' she added. Aimee has been praised online for leaving her buck teeth natural, instead of caving into the artificial beauty standards of Hollywood. During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, the actress marveled: 'I cant believe the impact my teeth are having. Americans cant get over them. 'Even the way White Lotus fans are talking about me and my teeth that I dont have veneers or Botox it feels a bit rebellious.' Hollywood actor Jacob Elordi has claimed that Adolescence breakout star Owen Cooper was 'intimidating' on the set of the new Wuthering Heights adaptation. The Australian star, 27, is taking on the iconic role of Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation, where he is joined by Cooper as his younger self. Cooper shot to fame last month in the Netflix hit Adolescence, where he played the role of 13-year-old Jamie Miller - a teenager accused of the brutal murder of a female classmate. But speaking about the 'brilliant' youngster, who has been dubbed the next Robert De Niro, Elordi admitted he found him 'intimidating'. Asked in an interview with 10 News First about working with teenage star as young Heathcliff, Elordi said: 'He's a rock star. He's brilliant and he's intimidating.' 'I think the first time I met him I asked "Are you nervous mate" and he went "No" and I thought cool... cool me neither,' he added. 'But no he is a tremendous actor.' Hollywood actor Jacob Elordi has claimed that Adolescence breakout star Owen Cooper was 'intimidating' on the set of the new Wuthering Heights adaptation (Seen filming on April 1) Cooper shot to fame last month in the Netflix hit Adolescence, where he played the role of 13-year-old Jamie Miller - a teenager accused of the brutal murder of a female classmate He was then asked how he found filming Wuthering Heights, to which he said: 'It was beautiful. It was amazing. It's a truly epic romance and Emerald Fennel is a genius.' In Emily Bronte's classic novel, the brooding central character of Heathcliff is described as a 'dark-skinned gypsy' with 'black eyes'. Yet exclusive pictures revealed on Sunday showed Elordi in the role for the first time and it appears to have reimagined him in a rather different light. There has already been controversy over the casting of heartthrob Elordi, known for his role in the darkly comic Saltburn, because critics claim he is not 'racially ambiguous' enough. One of literature's greatest male characters, Heathcliff is later described in the novel as 'a little Lascar', a 19th century term for an Indian sailor. But these pictures, which show Elordi on set alongside his co-star, Barbie's Margot Robbie, certainly appear to show him looking more rugged and swarthy than usual. Dressed in a long black coat, gold-buttoned waistcoat and with longer hair and sideburns, the actor also revealed a hooped earring for the highly-anticipated 62million production. When he smiled, he flashed a gold tooth. Robbie, 34, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, or Cathy, was dressed in a voluminous black gown with black veil during filming on Tuesday for what appeared to be a funeral scene. She clutched a hot water bottle in between takes on the moorland set. Exclusive Mail on Sunday pictures reveal Australian actor Jacob Elordi (pictured) in the role for the first time in the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights There has already been controversy over the casting of 27-year-old heartthrob Elordi, known for his role in the darkly comic Saltburn, because critics claim he is not 'racially ambiguous' enough Robbie, 34, who plays Catherine Earnshaw, or Cathy, was dressed in a voluminous black gown with black veil during filming on Tuesday for what appeared to be a funeral scene The star-studded line-up has led some to suggest that director Emerald Fennell relied on blind casting to choose actors for the roles Robbie returned to work on the project after giving birth to her first child with her British husband Tom Ackerley last year, and the couple's production company LuckyChap is producing the film Owen Cooper, the young British actor who has made waves for his debut performance in Netflix's Adolescence, is to play the teenage Heathcliff Robbie and her company have a long history of working with Emerald Fennell and produced both of her previous films, Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, which bagged an Oscar nomination for its star Carey Mulligan The star-studded line-up has led some to suggest that director Emerald Fennell relied on blind casting to choose actors for the roles. The character of Edgar Linton, a wealthy aristocrat who falls in love with and marries Cathy, is played by 36-year-old British Pakistani actor Shazad Latif, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, 45, a Vietnamese American born in Thailand, is set to appear as housekeeper Nelly Dean. Many fans have criticised the decision to use actors who 'look like they belong on Instagram' rather than on a bleak Yorkshire moorland during the 1800s. The Mail on Sunday revealed the first images of Robbie as Cathy two weeks ago after the production began filming in January. The star returned to work on the project after giving birth to her first child with her British husband Tom Ackerley last year, and the couple's production company, LuckyChap, is producing the film. Robbie and her company have a long history of working with Emerald Fennell, and produced both of her previous films, Saltburn and Promising Young Woman, which bagged an Oscar nomination for its star, Carey Mulligan. Meanwhile, Robbie and Elordi have also worked together before - on Saltburn, and also to appear in a new short film, See You at 5, for the new Chanel No.5 campaign. She recently gushed about him in an interview with Harper's Bazaar, calling him 'wonderful'. Many fans have criticised the decision to use actors who 'look like they belong on Instagram' rather than on a bleak Yorkshire moorland during the 1800s. Dressed in a long black coat, gold-buttoned waistcoat and with longer hair and sideburns, the actor also revealed a hooped earring for the highly-anticipated 62million production The character of Edgar Linton, a wealthy aristocrat who falls in love with and marries Cathy, is played by 36-year-old British Pakistani actor Shazad Latif, while Oscar-nominated actress Hong Chau, 45, an American born in Thailand, is set to appear as housekeeper Nelly Dean Robbie and Elordi have also worked together before - on Saltburn, and also to appear in a new short film, See You at 5, for the new Chanel No.5 campaign The tortured Heathcliff is one of literature's most complex anti-heroes, and has previously been played in other screen adaptations by Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Lawrence Olivier The original story of Wuthering Heights centres around the upper middle-class Earnshaw family and their turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, an orphaned boy they take in 'So I haven't shared the screen with him before, but I know I've seen him on set, I've been around him on set, and he's just - he's got an incredible presence,' she said. Wuthering Heights, published in 1847, is considered a masterpiece. The original story centres around the upper middle-class Earnshaw family and their turbulent relationship with Heathcliff, an orphaned boy they take in. The tortured Heathcliff is one of literature's most complex anti-heroes, and has previously been played in other screen adaptations by Tom Hardy, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Lawrence Olivier. Owen Cooper, the young British actor who has made waves for his debut performance in Netflix's Adolescence, is to play the teenage Heathcliff. Beloved British actress Jean Marsh, who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, has died at the age of 90. The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed. The cause of death was reported as complications from dementia. Jean, known for her striking features and commanding presence, became a household name in the 1970s thanks to her unforgettable role as Rose Buck - the no-nonsense but warm-hearted head parlour maid - in the much-loved ITV series set in Edwardian England. Upstairs, Downstairs was a groundbreaking show that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. It aired in the UK from 1971 to 1975 and in the US from 1974 to 1977, drawing millions of viewers. Her compelling performance as Rose earned her a prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - one of seven Emmys the show would ultimately collect, along with a coveted Peabody Award. Beloved British actress Jean Marsh who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs has died at the age of 90 The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed Jean Marsh in Paris, France - 17 Nov 2010. Upstairs, Downstairs was a groundbreaking show that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. It aired in the UK from 1971 to 1975 and in the US from 1974 to 1977, drawing millions of viewers Born in Stoke Newington, north London, in 1934, Marsh began her career as a stage actress before making her name on television and film screens in the 1950s and '60s. Her career spanned over six decades, with appearances in everything from sci-fi classics to Hollywood films. Before becoming a household name, she featured in several early episodes of Doctor Who, including the iconic 1965 serial The Daleks' Master Plan, where she played space agent Sara Kingdom, one of the first truly empowered female characters in the series. Her big-screen credits included roles in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy, and the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale. She also starred in fantasy favourites like Return to Oz (1985) and Willow (1988), where she portrayed the evil Queen Bavmorda in a memorably menacing performance. On television, Marsh was a familiar face in countless dramas, including The Twilight Zone, The Love Boat, The House of Eliott, and 9 to 5. She also appeared in several Shakespearean adaptations and held her own opposite the likes of Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench. Her big-screen credits included roles in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy, and the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale But it was Upstairs, Downstairs which she co-created alongside friend and fellow actress Eileen Atkins that cemented her place in television history. Marsh played the no-nonsense yet warm-hearted parlour maid Rose Buck in the Edwardian-set ITV drama, which aired from 1971 to 1975 and explored the complex relationship between the aristocratic Bellamy family and their servants. The show became an international sensation, winning seven Emmy Awards, a BAFTA and a Peabody, with Marsh taking home the 1975 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series a rare accolade for a British performer at the time. She reprised the role of Rose in the BBC's 2010 revival of Upstairs, Downstairs, where she returned as the housekeeper, bridging the gap between old and new generations of fans. Despite her fame, Marsh remained fiercely private. She had a brief marriage to actor Jon Pertwee, the Third Doctor in Doctor Who, in the 1950s, but the pair later divorced and remained friends. Known for her intelligence, wit and elegance, Marsh was not only a talented actress but also a passionate advocate for women's voices in the arts. Marsh was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to drama. Delawares Governor has dismissed Texas and Nevada's attempts to steal companies incorporated in The First State. New Governor Matt Meyer has been in office just two months but has already made major changes to the states corporate law, limiting the ability of shareholders to sue a companys founders. The rapid changes are an attempt to stem the tide of companies leaving Delaware to incorporate in other states - dubbed 'Dexit' - but critics argue it merely makes the state friendlier to billionaires. Companies must pay states fees in order to incorporate their companies there and be protected under their state law, should any disputes or other incidents arise. More than 60 percent of the S&P 500 is incorporated in Delaware, and one third of the state's budget is generated by the $2 billion of corporation fees they collect annually. Texas and Nevada have been circling the First State's lucrative incorporation supremacy for years, offering tax incentives and looser corporate laws to lure away founders and their companies. Now Governor Meyer has introduced sweeping changes to Delaware law his message to those states is clear: you can try, but you will not succeed. Delaware had been the global leader in corporate franchise for over 100 years, Meyer told DailyMail.com. Delaware's new Governor Matt Meyer is working to take the sting out of 'Dexit' Before Delaware, New Jersey was the leader and New Jersey lost it because they weren't nimble. They didn't change with the times. The high profile case of a Delaware court blocking a $55.8 billion pay package from Tesla to Elon Musk threw the region's status as the premier incorporation destination into sharp relief. In response Musk uprooted Tesla's legal home to Texas, spurring several other billionaire-led companies to leave Delaware too. Others such as Meta - who is facing a court case over data privacy in Delaware later this year - is threatening to follow suit. There are things we need to do to lead and make sure that we're not just looking in the rear view mirror, Meyer admitted. We need to provide clarity, predictability and fairness to the market in 2026 and beyond. However, Meyer is adamant that Senate Bill 21 was not written by billionaires. It was not written for billionaires. Indeed Meyer said that lobbyists for many of the billionaires with companies incorporated in Delaware actually sent him their own drafts of the law, which he rejected. Elon Musk moved Tesla to Texas after a Delaware court blocked his $55.8bn pay package Texas Governor Greg Abbott (left) and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (right) have both made bids for businesses to move to their states Delaware is also known for being the longtime home of former president Joe Biden What they proposed was pretty much a replica of Texas law, Meyer told DailyMail.com. Texass governor Greg Abbott, a Trump loyalist, has made highly publicized efforts to lure companies to the Lone Star state. Meyer dismissed the idea that Texas or Nevada are a threat to its incorporation supremacy. Its nothing new, North Dakota tried 20 years ago, Meyer said. We've been number one for a long time. It doesn't surprise me. They say iron sharpens iron. If states want to come after us and try to take our business, they should do so. My interest is not a left wing interest or a right wing interest,' he said of the imperative to change he law. 'It's not a woke interest or a MAGA interest. My interest is clarity, predictability and fairness in the law, and as long as we continue to do that in Delaware, we're going to win. Hobby Lobby is setting up shop in one of the most liberal corners of New York City. Locals arent exactly rolling out the welcome mat. The arts-and-crafts retailer, known for its deep discounts and its conservative Christian politics, is opening its first Manhattan location this spring in TriBeCa. It's a big shift for the company. Many of its 1,000 stores are in America's deep south and rural communities. But the store, known for selling everything from yarn and faux-flowers to home decor with bible verses, will open a 70,000-square-foot store a quick walk away from the Freedom Tower. The TriBeCa neighborhood is a liberal stronghold. Multiple residents told the New York Times they weren't happy to see the retailer come to their neighborhood. 'I moved to New York to get away from things like that,' Heide Fasnacht, a TriBeCa local said. Hobby Lobby entered the American political fray in 2014 after the Supreme Court reviewed its complaint against Obamacare. Justices ruled in the company's favor, saying the federal government's health care regulations infringed on the company's religious freedom. Hobby Lobby is looking to open a new store in a surprising location Hobby Lobby is known for its yarn Before the ruling, federal law required employers to provide free contraception to female employees. 'Hobby Lobby does a lot for our employees because we know theyre so important,' the company's CEO, David Green, previously told Christian Post. 'We have a Master, we have a Creator that loves us, that died for us and cares for us. Why should we not tell that story?' But retail experts don't believe the conservative politics will hurt the store's bottom line in Manhattan. 'Hobby Lobby excels at many of the basics of retail,' Neil Saunders, the managing director of retail at GlobalData, told DailyMail.com. 'Its stores are well run, its prices are sharp, and it has a very comprehensive range of crafting products. Thanks to its skills, it successfully expanded over the years.' This is Hobby Lobby's second location in New York. The company's first store opened in Staten Island, a far more conservative borough. It's a great time to expend deeper into the New York arts and crafts market: some of the largest competitors are pulling back. The first Hobby Lobby is opening in liberal downtown Manhattan Hobby Lobby's CEO, David Green, has been outspoken about his religious views Joann's announced earlier this year that it was shuttering all of its stores across the US and Michael's has struggled with foot traffic and customer interest in the past year. Hobby Lobby, meanwhile, keeps expanding. It opened nearly 40 stores last year. It also say spikes in sales, including a 17 percent increase in traffic between 2019 and 2024. Hobby Lobby is not the only Christian-values corporation that has opened its doors in New York. Chick-Fil-A, which also shuts its doors on Sundays and has roiled liberal customers with former donations to anti-LGBT organizations, has 26 stores in the city. The first restaurant was met with a series of protestors. But it has expanded throughout New York City since. Saunders believes Hobby Lobby will also rise above the tension between its CEO's religious belief and the political alliances of the store's new neighbors. 'While it is true that Hobby Lobbys owners have a strong religious faith and some dislike their views, most shoppers simply dont care,' Saunders added. 'They judge a retailer by its merits, not by the opinions of its owners.' President Trump spared electronics like iPhones and laptops from his sweeping tariffs, but the exemptions will be short lived. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday those products will be part of the tariffs that are still to come. The top Trump administration official appeared on ABC News' 'This Week' where he was asked by host Jon Karl about the electronic exemption revealed in a notice late Friday. 'Well remember those products are going to be part of the semiconductor sectoral tariffs which are coming,' Lutnick said. He said like the separate pharmaceutical and auto tariffs, electronics will face levies as part of the semiconductor tariffs. 'They're going to have a special focused type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored,' Lutnick explained. He argued such products need to be made in America, so the electronics are exempt from the 'reciprocal' tariffs but will be included in tariffs coming 'in a month or two.' Lutnick did not get into specific details about the looming tariffs, but said they will have a 'tariff model in order to encourage them to reshore to be built in America.' 'This is not like, a permanent sort of exemption,' he said. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said electronics would be included in the sectional tariffs that are coming on semiconductors in the next month or two. His admission came after the notice showed electronics like iPhones and laptops were exempt from his widespread tariffs imposed last week In a notice revealed late on Friday, the unexpected tariff exclusion allowed gadgets will avoid Trump's 125 percent import tax on Chinese goods and even his sweeping 10 percent global tariffs. The list of exempt items includes smartphones, laptop computers, hard drives, memory chips and processors all tech essentials that are rarely made in the United States. Experts say it would take years to ramp up domestic production, if it happens at all. More than 80 percent of all Apple products are made in China including a staggering 80 percent of iPads and over half of all Mac computers, according to data from Evercore ISI. In the days following Trump's tariff announcement, Apple saw $640 billion wiped from its market value. But it was not clear at the time if the tariff timeout would be permanent as the White House move appeared to stem from technical rules that stop overlapping tariffs meaning the products could have still faced new levies in the near future. Lutnick's comments on Sunday clarified that the exemptions would be temporary. After Pres. Trump exempts tech like phones, computers and chips from new tariffs, Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick tells @JonKarl they will be included in semiconductor tariffs to be released in coming months. This is not a permanent sort of exemption. https://t.co/p9xXrT2Xvx pic.twitter.com/RoVH72kfM1 This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 13, 2025 China is preparing for a 'prolonged economic warfare' with Donald Trump (pictured) after the president added additional tariffs on Beijing, while announcing a pause for other trading partners Trump's current industry-focused tariffs sit at 25 percent, but it's unclear what rate semiconductors, chipmaking tools and other electronics could ultimately face. Analysts warn that relocating iPhone production to the U.S. would be a monumental task, both logistically and financially. Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan previously estimated that producing the iPhone 16 Pro Max domestically could increase its price by 91 percent, pushing it from $1,199 to approximately $2,300. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives also suggested the cost could soar even higher, potentially reaching $3,500 per unit. Apple iPhone 16 models are displayed at a store in London amid fears the price could soar Apple boss Tim Cook ensured his company got an exemption for billions of dollars in imports of Chinese-made smartwatches and other components during President Donald Trump's first term in the White House The challenges stem from higher labor costs in the U.S. around $200 per unit compared to $40 in China and the lack of a skilled workforce for specialized manufacturing tasks. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously highlighted the scarcity of qualified tooling engineers in the U.S., noting that while China boasts a vast pool of such talent, the U.S. has a significant shortfall. In response to the escalating tariffs, Apple has taken swift action to mitigate potential disruptions. The company chartered flights to expedite the shipment of approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S., aiming to preempt the impact of the tariffs. This move underscores Apple's reliance on its global supply chain and the challenges of rapidly adjusting production logistics. As you may remember, last week, when writing about Cool Discs, Andy White was quoted as calling it the coolest record shop in Ireland. As you may further remember, I said that Andy White would be gracing these fine pages later this month. Well, after seven whole days, later this month has finally arrived. Andy White has been on the scene now for forty years, releasing his first album Religious Persuasion in 1985 on Stiff Records (home to The Pogues, Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, and some other artists who didnt have the honour of playing Derry). Now, hell be returning to Sandinos on May 11th in support of his new live album The Night Is Approaching Though Some Would Say It Was Morning. The album was recorded in Abbey Road Studios for a small group of family and friends and features Andy playing solo with no band and no overdubs. I caught up with Andy in the downstairs bar of Sandinos to talk about the album: Ive never had a live album out, and Ive also never had a solo album where its just me playing the guitar. What happened was, this producer friend of mine, John Leckie [producer of such albums as the Stone Roses debut and Radioheads The Bends] said Andy, I like the records youve put out with the band, but after seeing you on your own, I want to buy a CD which is just like that. I said, What are we going to do? and he said, Well record it in the best sounding room in the world, Abbey Road Studio 2, where he worked as a young man. Its coming out now at the end of April. From the time we got the tapes, I realised its got a very special sound, that room. You go in across that famous crossing, theres crowds of people outside the gate, writing stuff on the walls, and up the stairs, that youve seen in loads of photos. When you go in its all pretty modern. I was with John and George Martins son was walking out. Its quite modern, the control room, but if you go downstairs, its not really changed since the Beatles recorded there. John said that in the sixties it smelt the same, all the fabrics the same, it sounds the same. Its preserved within this very modern building. Its very beautiful. I had some friends and family who came. We couldnt make it a concert and I didnt want it to be one, so we just had everybody come and it was a beautiful day. Its really the only live album Ive done, even though Ive put out lots and lots of records. READ MORE: MacD on Music Next, I asked him about playing here: I played Derry for the first time in years at the very start of 2024, and I always knew Sandinos is the place where the revolution has already started. The first track on the last record (Good Luck I Hope You Make It) is called The Revolution. "Its like an homage to The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The whole record, its like when I started, Rave On Andy White and Religious Persuasion were real statements of what it was like growing up at that time. I went right back to that mode. I went back to spoken word, break beats, before I used a drum machine and bass guitar and just wrote a whole spoken word record, starting with that song The Revolution and Sandinos is exactly the kind of place Id want to play that music in. Andy then went on to talk about the Derry crowds: If youve got Mickey Bradley in your audience, and hes one of the people who inspired you and told you, you could do it yourself if you wanted to, because the whole punk thing, if youre my age, one of the main things they told you was that you can do this if you want to do it. You dont have to be the Eagles. You dont have to sing in a perfect voice, you can just use your accent. So, to have Mickey in the audience was great. Paul McCartney [the real one, from Bam Bam And The Calling] was there, hes a great guy. I really hope it does well this time. Sandinos is unusual, theres not lots of places like this. Were on the same wavelength. And thats it from Andy White. Hell be in Sandinos on May 11th and his live album is out on April 25th. Now, onto other business. This Saturday (April 19th) Our Space is taking part in the Triumph of Music event in the Guildhall. The free gig features some of this towns finest up-and-coming artists, including Disarm, Pseudonym, Intuition, The Backroom Bandits, Seventh Heaven (who have also recently released their brilliant debut single Another Girl) and Sunset Theory and starts at 12pm. Finally, time for the socials. Disarm can be found on Instagram @disarmedinderry, Pseudonym @pseudonym_band_derry, Intuition @intuition.band_, The Backroom Bandits @thebackroombandits, Seventh Heaven @seventh_heaven_b4nd, Sunset Theory @sunset_theory_doire, Sandinos @sandinosbarclub and Andy White @andyohyeah. A 'Walk of Hope' will take place in the city from Ebrington Square to the Guildhall on Friday, April 25. The 'Walk of Hope' is part of the "Making Hope Happen" initiative, a partnership with RESILIO and North West Community Network supported by the Western Trust and Derry GP Federation Multidisciplinary Social Work Teams and endorsed by the Mayor of Derry. This also marks a significant milestone as Derry City and Strabane District Council embark on becoming the First District of Hope during a time of uncertainty and despair for many. Primary seven classes from throughout the district have been invited to participate in designing a flag of HOPE and the winning flag will be carried by young people at the front of the march. The flag will be presented to Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, followed by a number of activities a HOPE Human Library, HOPE Workshops and music. Everyone is welcome to attend. Individuals, groups, schools, workplaces are encouraged to organise their own HOPE event in the lead-up to Friday, April 25. READ NEXT: Derry the setting in new horror story dedicated to the author's cousin These events will provide opportunities for individuals to activate hope by coming together. Welcoming the news, Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said: I am delighted to support this initiative. We would encourage everyone to support the HOPE event on Friday, April 25 in the Guildhall. This dynamic initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of optimism, resilience, and progress within our communities and beyond. Roisin McLaughlin, Manager of North West Community Network said: Making Hope Happen embodies a spirit of collaboration, and unity and this has been evident by the number of groups who have come on board to activate this initiative across the District. We encourage everyone to come and join us on Friday, April 25. Director of Resilio, Marie Dunne, said: "We are delighted to have the support of the Western Trust who are facilitating a HOPE Chat Tea Train on April 16, as well as Ulster University who are also hosting a HOPE event. Through the collective efforts of RESILIO, North West Community Network, we hope to make a lasting impact on our communities by fostering a culture of hope and resilience. A community where hope is not just a concept but a lived reality and together we will activate the power to uplift, inspire and transform lives. Shona McEleney, GP Social Work Assistant said: Our GP Multidisciplinary Teams are delighted to get involved this year with the District of Hope initiative. As part of the Walk of Hope event on April 25 we have organised a Chat Tea Train of Hope event on April 16 which helps to connect older people from the Derry area and promotes social and emotional wellbeing. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss what hope means to them and how they can help support their own mental health to create a Sunflower montage. We are looking forward to participating in this wonderful Walk of Hope event on April 25 and would encourage everyone young and old from the Derry City area to come along and take part in the many events over the coming months. If you plant seeds of Hope you can see it flourish! Early Childhood Ireland says it is thrilled to announce that an incredible 3,750 was raised by Early Years and School Age Care settings in Louth during National Pyjama Day 2024. Over 1500 excited children and educators in 26 Early Years and School Age Care settings across Louth donned their favourite pyjamas to take part in this unique fundraiser in late November 2024. Through teddy bear picnics, sing-alongs, and lots of storytelling fun, their generous families and settings raised vital funds to make a meaningful difference for other children across Ireland. This year, the funds raised will go towards supporting Sensational Kids, an award-winning social enterprise that works with children who have sensory processing challenges, and Early Childhood Irelands Eco-Emotions project, which empowers educators and parents with the tools they need to support children in caring for themselves, their communities, and the planet. Since the first National Pyjama Day in 2003, over 4.5 million has been raised for a host of charitable causes that support babies and children all over Ireland. Read next: Countdown underway for the 2025 Dundalk Show Commenting on the success of National Pyjama Day, Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, said, Were thrilled to announce the significant funds raised in Louth during National Pyjama Day 2024, a campaign that continues to inspire generosity and community spirit. These contributions will create lasting, positive change for children, and were immensely grateful to our members in Louth for making the day so special for the children and their generous families. Karen Leigh, CEO of Sensational Kids, said, We are thrilled that Sensational Kids was selected as a charity partner for National Pyjama Day 2024. This wonderful initiative embodies the spirit of children helping children, making a real impact in young lives. Thank you to Early Childhood Ireland and all who took part for helping to create inclusive learning spaces for all children to thrive. Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, Denise Charlton, commented, National Pyjama Day is a unique coming together of children, parents, and members of Early Childhood Ireland to have a positive impact on children's lives. A huge showing of generosity that makes a real difference for the youngest among us. All of us at the Community Foundation are incredibly proud to contribute to this partnership. Local Pharmacist Paul McGivern of Oriel Pharmacy, Lisdoo, Dundalk gives top tips on how to manage hay fever symptoms as spring approaches. As I look out the window it is hard to imagine that spring will soon be on the way. The thought of longer evenings, warmer days and hopefully some sunshine brings a sense of joy and new found optimism for the year ahead. Unfortunately, as ever Irish person knows, it is a necessary trait to make sure we identify the bad in any situation. For the purposes of this article, that bad is hay fever. This is a condition so bad, it has a full season all to itself. The dreaded hay fever season brings with it a collection of symptoms including itchy red eyes, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing and, in more severe cases, can result in a loss of smell or pain around the temples and forehead. For some people, those symptoms would be classed as a good day! READ NEXT: Dundalk Sub Aqua Unit celebrates dive success The blur of lawnmowers and the smell of freshly cut grass can trigger a degree of fear and anxiety in any hay fever sufferer and theres more bad news.even though hay fever typically begins in childhood or as a teenager, adults may also develop it even if they have no previous issues with allergies. The image of a young child standing in front of me with eyes barely open, red, puffy and streaming whilst holding a small packet of tissues in each hand from my early days of pharmacy still remains with me to this day. So, what to do? Apart from locking yourself inside for the next six months or emigrating, there are a range of measures and over-the-counter products that can at the very least make the symptoms more manageable. A number of seemingly simple measures such as showering regularly and closing windows can help reduce symptoms, but who wants to be stuck indoors on a good day? god knows we have enough bad ones! The portfolio of hay fever products available to buy in a pharmacy is vast and continues to evolve year on year. Knowing what to ask for or use can be like navigating your way through Copper Face Jacks on a Saturday night, so I have tried to briefly explain what is available whilst also trying to highlight some general tips that might make life a bit easier. ANTIHISTAMINE TABLETS Antihistamines form the basis of the majority of hayfever remedies. Tablets are the most popular formulation due to the simplicity of use. Most OTC products are a simple one-a-day tablet although some require alternative dosing. Although they tend to be classed as drowsy or non drowsy the truth is that the latter are actually less likely to cause drowsiness so be careful, particularly if it is your first time taking an antihistamine. Check with the pharmacist or a member of the pharmacy team that it is safe to use with other medication (e.g. antidepressants) or if you suffer from any medical conditions (e.g. increased intraocular pressure). TOP TIP: Ask if a generic is available. You may feel a brand works better for you and thats fine but buying generically can represent a significant saving!!! ANTIHISTAMINE LIQUID Pretty much as for tablets. Although primarily used by children they can be taken by adults. Flavours can vary so to avoid placing your child in a vice-like grip, while simultaneously trying to administer a liquid through gritted teeth ask or check what they took last year!!! TOP TIP: Liquids tend to be slightly more expensive than tablets. Generally antihistamines are no bigger than a tic-tac, most can be easily halved and tend to be licensed from as young as six years old!!! NASAL SPRAYS and DROPS These tend to be only licensed for use in those aged 18 and over and fall into two main categories: Steroid and Decongestant. Steroid nasal sprays funnily enough work to reduce nasal symptoms such as sneezing, running or itchy nose as well as nasal congestion. However, they will also help with other symptoms including sinus pain and pressure as well as streaming eyes. Most suggest using for no longer than 14 days if you dont see an improvement. Decongestant nasal sprays are more suitable when the nose is completely blocked or running heavily. Saline based spray and drops tend to be the more suitable for children although the licensed age for uses varies so please check! TOP TIP: A smearing of vaseline at the entrance to each nostril will help reduce the amount of pollen that gets into the nasal cavity!!! HAYFEVER WIPES These wipes claim to trap and remove pollen and are handy to have. Reports seem to suggest they are effective and easy to use although it would be interesting to see how they compare with standard wipes. TOP TIP: The wipes tend to contain Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint. Before using as an emergency baby wipe, patch test on the skin. HAYBANDS I initially dismissed these as a gimmick, a fashion accessory I was wrong! Whilst they dont work for everyone, they offer a natural alternative to all of the above and generally one size fits all. TOP TIP: These tend to be durable enough to last the entirety of the hayfever season and beyond if they are looked after representing a saving in the long term. If you have any queries or questions, please feel free to email AskOrielPharmacist@gmail.com or even send a WhatsApp to 087 9040413. Ciaran Walsh who owns Castletown Pharmacy, opened the Oriel Pharmacy at the Lisdoo which is opened two years this month. A Louth student at Dundalk Grammar School was one of six remarkable students to compete today at the national finals of ActionTalks, a speech writing competition focused on global issues and particularly the impact on women and girls due to climate change and other crisis. The event, held at Europe House in Dublin, brought together Ireland's most articulate and passionate young voices addressing important global challenges. The six finalists from across Ireland delivered speeches on themes including women's leadership during crises, climate change impacts on women's rights, and the importance of overseas aid. While Aimee Dignam, from Our Ladys School Terenure, Dublin claimed the top prize, the organisers say that all finalists demonstrated extraordinary research, creativity, and public speaking abilities, including Chucks Kpaduwa, from Dundalk Grammar School, who was among the finalists. Each finalist received a certificate of achievement and a 50 voucher in recognition of their outstanding contributions. Read next: Dundalk Sub Aqua Unit celebrates dive success Karol Balfe, ActionAid Ireland CEO said: "The quality of speeches we heard today gives me tremendous hope for the future. These young people have shown remarkable insight into complex global issues and a genuine commitment to creating positive change. While we could only select one overall winner, each finalist should be incredibly proud of their achievement in reaching this stage of the competition." The judging panel, comprising Carl O'Brien Education Editor, The Irish Times, Sara Hakim, School of Sanctuary Director, and Maria Riordan Education Officer, Irish Aid, evaluated the speeches based on research depth, argument strength, and delivery quality. This competition is supported by Irish Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs), which funds ActionAid's Women's Rights Programme, a programme that works to eliminate violence against women and girls. Irish Aid programmes are funded by Irish citizens and play an important global role in supporting women and girls. Groups of men carrying iron bars and accompanied by dogs hunting foxes, rabbits, and badgers, would be very intimidating for the owners of land, a circuit court judge said. Five men appeared at Cork Circuit Appeals Court appealing the severity of fines imposed on them for hunting on privately- owned lands with dogs, in contravention of the Wildlife Act. Barrister Orla Meere said that because of the fact that the men were on social welfare they were appealing the fines imposed on them, which ranged from 500 to 750. Essentially, it is the same application, Ms Meere said. They accept their action, they are just seeking leniency. Judge Sinead Behan said: One of the problems with this is that it is private land and there have been instances where owners are intimidated by men appearing on their land with bars and dogs, and that has led to terrible consequences, sometimes fatal. You would present as a very intimidating bunch of men if you arrived on someones land with dogs and bars, apart altogether from wildlife considerations. This is a serious matter. If this is activity you get involved in as a hobby, it can lead to damage to property, let alone the unfortunate animals you are pursuing. The judge said that because of the mens financial and family circumstances, she would reduce the fines in all cases to 300. Sergeant John Kelleher said that at 10.10am on March 14, 2021, at Kilboy, Riverstick, gardai observed a large number of men spread out across two fields hunting with dogs. They saw three vehicles parked up on the side of the road with a dog trailer attached to each vehicle, Sgt Kelleher said. They had at least three different dog breeds, as well as bars and a shovel. The dogs were off-lead and hunting around the fields. The land was private property. Each man was fined on a charge that on March 14, 2021, not being the owner of land, he entered the land for hunting foxes without permission, contrary to the Wildlife Act. Michael Foley, aged 43, of Awbeg, Rivervalley, Mallow, Co Cork, had been fined 500; Anthony OReilly, aged 32, of Ballinure Ave, Mahon, Cork, was fined 750; Joseph OReilly, aged 30, of Ballinure Ave, Mahon, Cork, was fined 500; and Timmy OReilly, aged 45, of Meelagh Drive, Mahon, Cork, was fined 750. After the appeal, the fines now stand at 300 in each case. Patrick OReilly, aged 56, of Ballinure Ave, Mahon, Cork, had been fined 300 originally, so his appeal was effectively withdrawn. A three-month jail term was imposed on a man who was caught shoplifting at Penneys on Patrick St, Cork. Dean McCarthy of Cork Simon Community pleaded guilty to the theft. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the background to the offence was that the 25-year-old went to Penneys on Patrick St on the afternoon of January 27 and stole a pair of runners, a jacket and tracksuit pants with a total value of 48. Judge Mary Dorgan noted previous convictions of the accused and jailed him for three months at Cork District Court. The summer weather of late has been replaced by more typical April weather with a mixture of scattered showers and sunny spells being predicted for the next couple of days with the prospect of isolated thunderstorms and hail showers expected in some parts tomorrow. The last couple of weeks have seen people heading to the beach and shops putting out their 99 signs, thanks to warm sunny days and beautiful evenings but these temperatures have been replaced by more seasonal weather conditions over the weekend. According to the Met Eireann weather forecast, a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers are expected today, some heavy with the chance of hail and thunder mainly across Connacht and Ulster. Showers will become more confined to western areas by evening. It will be cooler than recently with highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees and with moderate southwest breezes. The forecast for the overnight weather is to expect a mix of clear spells and scattered showers. The showers will become mostly confined to western coasts later with largely dry conditions elsewhere. Lowest temperatures will be between 2 and 6 degrees in south-westerly breezes. The week ahead is expected to begin in a similar vein, with scattered showers extending eastwards, some of hail with the chance of isolated thunderstorms. The showers will ease during the evening with a possibility of some rain moving into southeastern parts. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 or 14 degrees in moderate to fresh south-westerly winds, easing later. A call has been made for faster progress on the new childrens wing of Cork University Hospital (CUH). An extension to the paediatric unit, which will provide 83 in-patient bedrooms, high-dependency units, operating theatres, and diagnostic facilities, was granted planning permission in 2022. Former lord mayor Mick Finn told The Echo that construction needed to happen soon: There were the usual welcomes for the announcement of funding and the start of the planning process five years ago, but nothing since... it baffles me why this is not already under construction. A HSE spokesperson told The Echo that the development remains a top priority for HSE South West. Since the project was announced five years ago, significant progress has been made. We now have a dedicated project team in place and theyre working on the final preparation stages. The hospitals design is almost finished and is now going through the national review and approval process. Once complete, we are aiming to send out tender documents for the main construction phase by the end of 2025 and building work should commence in early 2026. Construction is expected to take around three years, followed by a period to fit out and test the facility before it opens. Mr Finn said that a multi-storey car park should also be considered for the CUH site. The spokesperson said: On the issue of parking, we understand the current difficulties at CUH, and we apologise. A multi-storey car park is part of the hospitals future development plan, and this will provide spaces for both the public and staff. Currently, CUH provides several off-site park-and-ride services for staff, which increases the on-site parking available for the public. Were also exploring options for additional off-site parking to ease pressure and improve access for everyone using the hospital. (Photo: Vatican Media)Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla made a private visit to Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 9,2025. Pope Francis has held a private audience at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta with Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla, expressing his best wishes for their wedding anniversary. They met on their 20th wedding anniversary and the four-year anniversary of the death of the King's father, Philip of Edinburgh, Vatican News reports. The meeting took place on March 9 at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, where the Pope has been convalescing for over two weeks after being released from Gemelli Hospital, and where he has recently resumed various meetings. "Pope Francis met privately with Their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla, this afternoon," the Holy See's Press Office said in a statement. "The Pope expressed his best wishes to Their Majesties on the occasion of their wedding anniversary and reciprocated His Majesty's wishes for a speedy recovery of his health." The Pope's wishes were a reference to the King's condition, following his hospitalisation at the end of March due to the side effects of treatment for cancer diagnosed a year ago. King Charles III is not only the Sovereign of the United Kingdom (and 14 other commonwealth realms), but he is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. An official meeting with the Pope had been announced by Buckingham Palace at the beginning of March, during Pope Francis's hospitalization due to bilateral pneumonia. The initial announcement explained that the royals would spend the first segment of their trip to Italy to celebrate the Jubilee with the Pontiff at the Vatican. The King and Queen were able to express their best wishes in person during their audience on Wednesday afternoon. A post on The Royal Family account on X Thursday morning noted, "the King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope's kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person." During their three-day visit to Rome, the British monarchs met with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. On March 9, King Charles also became the first British Monarch to address the assembled Italian Houses of Parliament in Montecitorio. King Charles III is not only the Sovereign of the United Kingdom (and 14 other commonwealth realms) but is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a position the British monarch has had since the times of the Reformation.. In 2019, on the eve of the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the first Briton in over 40 years to be proclaimed a saint, the then-Prince of Wales published an article in L'Osservatore Romano, calling the event "a cause of celebration not merely in the United Kingdom, and not merely for Catholics, but for all who cherish the values by which he was inspired." The future king was later present for the canonisation ceremony at the Vatican on Oct. 13, 2019, and he later greeted Pope Francis. (Photo: REUTERS / Toby Melville)Britain's Prince Charles (Center R) is accompanied by the Archbishop of the Syrian Church in the United Kingdom, Archbishop Athanasius (Center L), during a visit to a Syriac (Syrian) Orthodox Church in west London December 17, 2013. Prince Charles was accompanied by Prince Ghazi bin Mohammad of Jordan during the visit, celebrating Christian communities from the Middle-East in Britain The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles has warned that the decline of Christians in the Middle East is a major blow to peace as they often act as bridge-builders between communities. Charles, who is the Prince of Wales, at an inter-faith ceremony Tuesday marking the period of Advent was speaking to Christians from the Middle East. "It is important to note, above all, that the decline of Christians in the region represents a major blow to peace as Christians are part of the fabric of society, often acting as bridge-builders between other communities," said the prince who is a commited Christian. "It seems to me that we cannot ignore the fact that Christians in the Middle East are, increasingly, being deliberately targeted by fundamentalist Islamist militants," said Charles. In doing so he echoed the setiments of clerics from different faiths who have spoken out against sectarian violence in the region. He spoke in the presence of Prince Ghazi of Jordan and also at the ceremony were the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols and the Chief Rabbi in Britain, Ephraim Mirvis. "Now, of course, is the time to re-double our combined efforts to stress what binds the three Abrahamic faiths together and, as Christians, Jews and Muslims, to express outrage at what tears us asunder," said the British prince. "In saying all this about the difficulties facing the Christian churches in the Middle East I am, of course, conscious that they are not the only faith community in this region suffering at the moment," said Charles. He also said the Middle East is not only part of the world in which Christians are suffering. "But, given the particularly acute circumstances faced by the church communities in the Middle East to-day, I felt it worthwhile to draw attention to their current plight," said the prince. He explained that for 20 years, he had tried to build bridges between Islam and Christianity in order to fight ignorance and a lack of misunderstanding. "The point though, surely, is that we have now reached a crisis where the bridges are rapidly being deliberately destroyed by those with a vested interest in doing so and this is achieved through intimidation, false accusation and organized persecution including to Christian communities in the Middle East at the present time." Sunday, April 13, 2025 Imagine juggling homework assignments while quietly developing an app that would revolutionize how people consume news. Thats exactly what Nick DAloisio did at age 15. While many of his peers were still figuring out after-school clubs, Nick was busy coding Summly, a news-summarizing app that would eventually sell to Yahoo for a reported $30 million. Curious about his early steps to tech stardom? You can learn more from BBC News , which covered his incredible journey. Nicks story illustrates exactly what it means to be an early starter: a young person who harnesses every resource and opportunity before most of us have even begun thinking about our futures. Growing up in the UK, Nick showed an early fascination with technology and problem-solving. He once mentioned, I love the idea of making technology simpler and more human. That desire led him to begin experimenting with code during his teenage years. While some kids were getting lost in video games, Nick was diving into programming tutorials, learning how to build something from the ground up. By the age of 15, he had set his sights on solving a particular challenge: sifting through the overwhelming flood of online information. His idea? A mobile app that would generate concise summaries of long articles, making it easier for users to stay informed on the go. This concept would become Summly, an app that used sophisticated algorithms to deliver quick news snippets. The idea resonated so much that it didnt take long for the tech world to notice. One of the most striking aspects of Nicks story is how he viewed his age not as a disadvantage, but as an asset. While still in high school, he used every moment of free timelunch breaks, evenings, weekendsto refine Summlys algorithm and user interface. He was able to tap into a growing network of mentors, investors, and collaborators who saw promise in his youthful enthusiasm and innovative thinking. This approach demonstrates the power of early synergy: each step forward built on the last, from small test versions of Summly shared with classmates to later beta releases attracting thousands of users. The feedback loops were quick and efficient because Nick was nimble, open to suggestions, and able to iterate at a pace that larger companies often struggle to match. When youre a teen, youre used to learning new things every day anyway, he joked in one interview. That mindset makes it easier to pivot and adapt. Summly might have remained a small-scale pet project if it hadnt caught the eye of major players in the tech industry. Investors saw enormous potential in Nicks algorithm, which turned walls of text into bite-sized summaries that were perfect for the smartphone era. Encouraged by early enthusiasm, Nick continued to refine the app, adding features and polishing its interface. Before long, Summly was making headlines of its own. The press marveled at the teen who was changing the way we digest information, and users praised the apps ability to deliver just the facts without the fluff. Nicks efforts paid off when Yahoo acquired Summly for a reported $30 millionan astonishing figure for any entrepreneur, let alone a high school student. If you dig into Nicks story, youll notice a common theme: he didnt wait for someone else to give him permission to start building. While many teens might assume they need a college degree or years of work experience to tackle a problem as big as information overload, Nick saw a gap in the market and jumped on it. His timeline reveals several key advantages of starting early: 1.Accumulating experience quickly: Every prototype, every bug fix, and every user feedback loop fed into Nicks broader skill set. 2.Building a powerful network: Though young, Nicks determination and fresh perspective attracted mentors, advisors, and future business partners. 3.Leveraging momentum: Each media mention, investor pitch, and user milestone compounded, leading to bigger opportunities down the road. He also wasnt afraid to fail. People think failure is the end, he once said. Its notits the beginning of understanding. For Nick, every misstep was a chance to refine Summlys features or pivot the business strategy. That resilience helped him hold his own in competitive tech arenas where older, more experienced entrepreneurs were vying for attention. After Yahoo acquired Summly, Nick joined the company briefly to assist with its news offerings. But that was far from the end of his entrepreneurial journey. He continued to explore new ideas in the tech space, sometimes stepping into investment roles for other startups. His path reminds us that an early success can catapult you into new ventures, especially if you continue honing your skills and forging relationships. Today, Nick remains an inspiration for young innovators worldwide. Hes often cited by organizations that encourage coding in schools, and his story is used as a prime example of how teenagers can disrupt entire industries. For those who think theyre too young to start something meaningful, Nicks experience shatters that illusion. Nick DAloisios meteoric rise from a curious 15-year-old to a headline-making entrepreneur shows that with curiosity, drive, and a willingness to learn, you can tackle big problems no matter your age. His journey highlights the extraordinary potential that unfolds when passion meets preparation, and when each step is used to build synergy toward bigger goals. So, what about you? Do you know someone who defied the notion that teens or young adults should wait their turn to pursue big dreams? Maybe a friend who wrote a book in middle school, or a sibling who started a business out of a garage? Share their stories far and widebecause sometimes, the best inspiration comes from seeing someone your own age accomplish what others deemed impossible. After all, Nick DAloisio shows that sometimes all it takes is a spark of curiosity and the courage to start codinghomework and all. (The Center Square) Reversing Biden administration policies that halted offshore leasing, prompting lawsuits and restricting oil and natural gas development, the Trump administration is expanding offshore capabilities. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to hold the administrations first offshore lease sales in the Gulf of America, with the first proposed notice of sale slated for June. By continuing to expand offshore capabilities, the United States ensures affordable energy for consumers, strengthens domestic industry and reinforces its role as an energy superpower, the Interior Department says. Opening the Outer Continental Shelf is central to this strategy as it unleashes domestic energy potential that had been blocked under the previous administration, and is expected to generate tens of thousands of high-paying jobs throughout the industry. The BOEM also released a new analysis stating that a significant increase of estimated oil and natural gas reserves exists in the Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf. BOEMs updated assessment evaluated more than 140 oil and natural gas fields, identifying 18 new discoveries, and analyzed more than 37,000 reservoirs across 1,336 fields in the Gulf. It says theres an additional 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent since 2021, bringing the total reserve estimate to 7.04 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This includes 5.77 billion barrels of oil and 7.15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas a 22.6% increase in remaining recoverable reserves. This new data confirms what weve known all along America is sitting on a treasure trove of energy, and under President Trumps leadership, were unlocking it, Burgum said. The Gulf of America is a powerhouse, and by streamlining permitting and expanding access, were not just powering our economy were strengthening our national security and putting thousands of Americans back to work. The comprehensive review added 4.39 billion barrels of oil equivalent in original reserves, BOEM found. After subtracting production of 3.09 billion barrels of oil equivalent since 20202021, the net increase reflects continued opportunity and momentum in offshore development, it says. The Gulf of America is delivering 14% of the nations oil, BOEM Gulf of America Regional Director Dr. James Kendall said. These updated estimates reaffirm the Gulfs vital role in ensuring a reliable, affordable domestic energy supply. The BOEM oversees nearly 3.2 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf, with roughly 160 million acres located in the Gulf. Energy dominance is a pillar of U.S. economic strength and global leadership, the Interior Department argues. By expanding offshore capabilities, the United States ensures affordable energy for consumers, creates high-paying jobs, and reduces dependence on foreign adversaries. Expanded leasing is projected to create tens of thousands of jobs across exploration, production, logistics and supply chains revitalizing coastal economies and fueling American innovation. Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, also announced it is beginning production at Dover, a second subsea tieback connecting new wells to existing infrastructure of its Appomattox production hub in the Gulf of America. Dovers estimated peak production is 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day, it says. Shell is the leading deep-water operator in the Gulf of America; Dover was discovered under the first Trump administration in 2018. Its located in Mississippi Canyon, roughly 170 miles offshore southeast of New Orleans. Shell estimates that Dover will contain 44.5 million barrels of oil equivalent recoverable resources, adding stable, secure energy resources. Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas activities have generated billions of dollars in revenue from lease sales, rental fees and royalties to the federal government and states, helping to fund infrastructure, education and public services and wildlife conservation. They also help strengthen U.S. energy independence, national security and global stability, by reducing reliance on foreign producers, the Trump administration argues. Offshore production in the Gulf of America accounts for the third greatest volume in the country, of nearly 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, according to Energy Information Agency data from January. The greatest volume is produced in the Permian Basin in west Texas, which leads the U.S. in oil and natural gas production, The Center Square reported. GREAT FALLS, Mont. The Great Falls Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month in April by transforming a walk in Gibson Park into a poetic experience. The library has set up a poetry-filled Story Walk, inviting visitors to follow painted paw prints leading to poems displayed along the park path. "We have our story walk that we do each month, and this month we actually curated a list and patrons, staff, and volunteers picked their favorite poems to put along the story walk this year," said Jake Sorich, communications specialist for the library. The selection of poems includes works from well-known poets and local Montana artists, offering a diverse mix of voices and styles. Sorich, highlighted the unique experience. "Each stop along the trail is a poem. It's a great way to celebrate poetry, to read new poems you've never heard of before, and just spread the word that April is National Poetry Month," Sorich said. The Story Walk, typically featuring pages from children's books, is dedicated entirely to poetry for April. The program started several years ago, aiming to bring literature into public spaces. "The Story walk was created by our Youth Services Department, I want to say four or five years ago, as a way to kind of spread the different ways to access these titles and especially youth-oriented titles," Sorich added. The poems cater to different audiences, with some suitable for families and others more adult-oriented. "Some of these poems like, we have one by Tupac, might be a little more on the adult side, and others are geared towards kids," Sorich stated. Visitors who find a poem they like can explore further by looking up the poems at the library or online. "Poetry is kind of the most distilled way of expression," Sorich said. The Poetry Story Walk will be available until the end of April, offering a chance for visitors to enjoy poetry in a unique setting. After April, the Story Walk will feature a new book. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Rain likely. High 77F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A shower or two possible this evening with partly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. NFU Scotland has issued a strong warning that recent UK government tax policies are jeopardising the future of farming and food production in the country. In a formal letter to the chancellor, the union has outlined serious concerns over the fiscal measures announced in the autumn budget on 30 October. These include proposed IHT changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), as well as increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The reclassification of double-cab pick-up trucks for tax purposes and the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are also issues. NFU Scotland warns that these are already undermining food security, curbing agricultural investment, and threatening the viability of rural businesses across the UK. While the union has previously raised these concerns to the UK government, the growing urgency of the situation has prompted a call for immediate discussions with the chancellors team. Findings from independent research conducted by CBI-Economics, based on input from over 4,000 UK farms and businesses, highlights the scale of the impact of these measures. Nearly half of all farms surveyed (49%) have either paused or cancelled investment plans, while another 34% have reduced or delayed investments. Meanwhile, 14% of respondents intend to sell assets or parts of their farms, and 10% have already downsized operations since the budget. Alarmingly, 21% of farms plan to downsize further before April 2026. NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said: Farmers across Scotland are already pulling back investment, cutting jobs, and in some cases, being forced to walk away from their businesses. We understand the pressure on public finances, but if the government wants economic growth, it must start with food security and the rural economy. What is NFU Scotland calling for? To help stabilise the sector and protect food production, NFU Scotland is calling on the UK government to take four actions. First, it should postpone the planned increase in employer National Insurance Contributions for farms, as these additional costs would place strain on supply chains, raise concerns around food security. Second, the government should delay the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and enter into dialogue with the industry to fully understand its potential impact. Third, NFU Scotland urges the government to exempt double-cab pick-up vehicles used in agricultural businesses from the new tax rules. Treating these essential vehicles as regular cars for tax purposes from April 2025 would impose additional financial burdens on farming operations. Finally, the union encourages the Treasury to reconsider its proposed changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). Vietnam earned $102.8 billion in export revenue in the first quarter (Q1) this yeara rise of 10.6 per cent year on year (YoY), while imports increased by 17 per cent YoY to$ 99.68 billion. According to the ministry of industry and trade, total trade turnover in Q1 2025 reached an estimated $202.5 billionup by 13.7 per cent YoY, signalling rising demand for production inputs. The trade surplus stood at $3.15 billion. Vietnam earned $102.8 billion in export revenue in Q1 2025a rise of 10.6 per cent YoY, while imports rose by 17 per cent YoY to$ 99.68 billion. Total trade turnover in Q1 2025 reached $202.5 billionup by 13.7 per cent YoY. The trade surplus stood at $3.15 billion. Exporters have been urged to shift to online platforms, expand into new markets and fully leverage FTAs. Deputy minister of industry and trade Truong Thanh Hoai urged exporters to shift to online platforms, expand into new markets and fully leverage the countrys 17 free trade agreements (FTAs). Exporters are being encouraged to explore emerging markets like the Middle East, Africa and Northeast Asia to reduce over-reliance on the United States. The ministry also plans to strengthen trade promotion and improve compliance with international standards, a domestic news agency reported. Industry leaders are adjusting strategies to mitigate risks by diversifying export destinations and balancing market shares. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) At the pre-release event of Kalyanrams upcoming film Arjun s/o Vyjayanthi on Saturday, Jr NTR assured fans that hes going to meet them soon.Jr NTR was the star attraction at the pre-release event of Kalyanrams upcoming film Arjun s/o Vyjayanthi on Saturday. The actor was at his usual best and the speech was filled with praises for yesteryear actress Vijaya Shanthi who played a mother to Kalyanram in the film. He also lauded the films cast and crew for bringing out a special film which he describes as an emotional drama. Continuing in the same vein, Jr NTR stated that he couldnt meet the fans due to his itinerary and travel plans, but assured that soon he is going to meet all of them this year.He said, Let the mercury levels go down a bit (summer), and very soon I am going to meet you all, said NTR. Its been a long time since we met, so lets take time to plan things and meet soon, he said, appealing to all the fans to be patient. Recently, I spoke about one of my upcoming films directed by Prashanth Neel. But even before that, we have Kalyanrams film releasing. And I have a release coming up, WAR 2, in August. The film came out brilliantly and I hope itll enthrall you all.Meanwhile, NTR would commence shooting for the upcoming film under director Prasanth Neel from April 22. The action drama is being mounted on a lavish scale and is tipped to be the most expensive film in the actors career. On the other hand, War 2 star Hrithik Roshan continues to shower praises on NTR. Recently he described that he is one of the best chefs, apart from talking about his humility. In his latest interview, Hrithik stated that working with Jr NTR has taught him so many things, and his heart is filled with gratitude. NTR achieved Pan-India acclaim with RRR and Devara, naturally, the expectations on War 2 are huge. New Consumption Trends, New Technological Forces HAIKOU, China, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 13 to 18, the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) is held in Haikou, Hainan. A key highlight is the debut of the Exhibition of "Zhejiang's Fine Products: A Legacy of Excellence" at the China Chic section. Companies such as Lingban Technology (Rokid's parent company), OSM, and Hu Qing Yu Tang unveil global product launches at the event. Themed on "New Consumption Trends, New Technological Forces," the exhibition shows Zhejiang's ambition to integrate heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. With the slogan "World-Class Quality, Made in Zhejiang," visitors experience a hybrid exhibit combining physical displays and virtual interactions. The cultural section highlights time-honored industries, with 18 brands presenting over 200 products, from traditional crafts to modern consumer goods. A virtual exhibition, co-developed with Alibaba's Taobao & Tmall Group, extends the showcase digitally. A major event in the CICPE's official agenda is the global product launch session, themed "New Discoveries at the CICPE: Global Premieres." On April 14, three innovations are unveiled: the AI+AR Rokid Glasses, OSM's 2025 edition of Soothing Whitening Essence, and Hu Qing Yu Tang's "Light Wellness: Workplace Saviors" series for health-conscious young professionals. Throughout the exhibition, Zhejiang Satellite TV's VR hostess, Gu Xiaoyu, serves as the "digital news officer," providing real-time updates. The exhibition also introduces interactive experiences that engage sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to explore Zhejiang's historical products. Traditional crafts such as Dongyang wood carving, Wanfeng joinery, traditional Chinese medicine from Hu Qing Yu Tang, and Longjing tea from Shibake are showcased. Prominent figures lend their support to the Zhejiang brand initiative, including Zhu Zhu, advertising spokesperson for OSM Skincare; Shen Zhirong, Founder of OSM known as OSM "Grandpa Pearl"; Zhu Mingming, Rokid's Founder and CEO; and Chen Yunhan, Board Chairman and General Manager of Hu Qing Yu Tang. The exhibition attracts significant attention from both domestic and international media. Through live broadcasts, press conferences, and short video promotions, organizers seek to elevate the profile of Zhejiang's brands on the global stage-part of China's broader strategy to enhance the international competitiveness of its consumer goods sector. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zhejiangs-fine-products-debut-at-the-5th-cicpe-302425773.html Reinhausen Manufacturing Inc. (RM) expands facilities in Humboldt, Tennessee Reinhausen Manufacturing (RM), a subsidiary of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) based in Regensburg, Germany, is excited to announce the South Side Expansion of its facility in Humboldt, Tennessee. This development marks another significant step in the company's commitment to supporting the modernization of the aging U.S. power grid and meeting the increasing energy demands of critical sectors like data centers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410586555/en/ Humboldt, TN Reinhausen Manufacturing current plant profile. This latest investment builds on RM's legacy of innovation and capacity growth. The South Side Expansion will add 12,000 square feet (1100m) of production space, along with additional office accommodations, to the Humboldt facility. Groundbreaking is projected for Summer 2025, with the project slated for completion by July 1, 2026. The new space is vital to RM's continued readiness to meet projected market demand through 2030. It will support the ETOS MD-IV production, consolidate packaging operations to enhance overall efficiency, and enable further production and testing expansion of the RMV-II systems. Located on the south side of the current plant, this addition reflects RM's proactive approach to scaling operations while maintaining its leadership in grid digitization and energy solutions. "This expansion is a testament to our dedication to our customers and the nationwide push for a stronger, more resilient power grid," said Bob Vary, CEO and President of Reinhausen Manufacturing. "By investing in production and assembly capacity here in Humboldt, we are maintaining our focus on innovation and providing faster response times as demand surges across the energy landscape. With this project, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering groundbreaking solutions necessary to meet evolving industry demands." The South Side Expansion also underscores RM's positive economic impact on the local community. Beyond its role in helping modernize the grid, RM expects this project to contribute to local economic growth through job creation and additional tax revenues. "Reinhausen has a proud history in Humboldt, having served the energy sector from this facility for decades," said Vary. "This continued growth highlights the importance of our U.S. operations in the global effort to deliver reliable energy and underscores our focus on strengthening domestic energy infrastructure." Reinhausen Manufacturing's Humboldt facility has long been a hub of innovation and excellence, and the South Side Expansion represents another significant milestone in the company's growth. With the projected summer 2026 completion, RM Humboldt is poised to continue delivering high-quality solutions that meet evolving industry demands. About Reinhausen Manufacturing (RM) Reinhausen Manufacturing is a leading provider of advanced energy solutions, supporting the modernization and reliability of power grids across the United States. With a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and customer-focused service, RM plays a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape of tomorrow. Humboldt TN (Factory), Charlotte NC, Fort Worth TX, Mesa AZ About Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH (MR) Founded in 1868 and headquartered in Regensburg, Germany, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) is a global leader in electrical energy technology. With 45 subsidiaries and a dedicated team of over 3,500 employees worldwide, MR equips 50% of global electricity consumption with its innovative products, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250410586555/en/ Contacts: Nicki Williams Marketing Manager P +1 731 487 1758 E n.williams@us.reinhausen.com Now, in 2025, director Karan Singh Tyagi makes his big-screen debut with Kesari Chapter 2 a powerful retelling of the tragedy and the courageous legal battle that followed, led by C. Sankaran Nair read more April 13, 1919. A date etched in blood and memory. Exactly 106 years ago today, thousands of unarmed civilians gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh only to be gunned down without warning. Now, in 2025, director Karan Singh Tyagi makes his big-screen debut with Kesari Chapter 2 a powerful retelling of the tragedy and the courageous legal battle that followed, led by C. Sankaran Nair, the man who dared to take on the British Empire. Advertisement The film sheds light on how Sankaran Nair, a senior Indian member of the Viceroys council and once knighted by the Empire, stood up and fought for the truth after the brutal massacre in 1919. The story highlights how Nair proved that the massacre was not a reaction to a riot, but a calculated act what we would today call genocide. Director Karan Singh Tyagi believes the story is more relevant than ever. He says, The event speaks to the present times that we live in. Its a post-truth world where fake news is rampant. I was fascinated that when people read about the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, the next day, the truth was suppressed, says Tyagi. He also points out how the British tried to silence every voice that spoke against the massacre.There were regional newspapers that wanted to report the truth, which got burned down. Theres this famous poem written by a survivor called Khooni Baisakhithe British Empire went to great lengths to ban that poem. The Empire started spreading a fake narrative where the victims were labelled as terrorists I think its a fascinating story to bring to the people in 2025. Tyagis approach in the film is twofold to explore what the British planned and did before and after April 13, 1919, and to examine the deeply human cost of it all. This is the story of Sankaran Nair, who was knighted by the British Empire For him to then take on the British in the most dramatic of ways is a story of valour. When he resigned from the council, he told the Viceroy [who can be compared to the PM today] that your empire is being run by yes-men so why dont you make the jamadar replace me. Advertisement Tyagi, a student of law and politics, was drawn to the story for its deep political and emotional layers. The film is based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire, written by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, Nairs great-grandson and his wife. Tyagi also dug deep into historical research reading books by authors like Kim Wagner, V.N. Datta, and Kishwar Desai, along with survivor accounts and government commissions. One of the films boldest arguments is that the massacre wasnt spontaneous it was deliberate. There was a plane that flew over the Bagh to check whether enough people had assembled. There were troops called in Gurkha troops and Baluch soldiers and the Sikh infantry was kept completely in the dark because they would be up in arms if they knew. Tyagi recalls being deeply disturbed after watching a documentary where General Dyers great-granddaughter defended his actions, calling the people gathered looters. That interview really angered me. She labelled the people who came to Jallianwala as looters. The film is important because youll be shocked to know that the empire went into overdrive after the massacre. They went to extreme lengths in order to laud General Dyer as a hero. Advertisement Despite being a star-driven film featuring Akshay Kumar, Kesari Chapter 2 began as an independent project. For Tyagi, the message is clear: Do you know Kesari is the colour of revolution? For us, the baton of revolution is being passed down to this story where one man is taking on the empire. Revolution seems like a big term but its essence is quite simplestanding up for whats right. Tyagi also praises Kumars performance in the film and says, Hes been incredible in his support for me. I just want the audience to watch the film because I feel this is one of his best performances. Hes heard stories from his grandfather, from his father. So he feels a personal connection to the tragedy. As the film nears release, Tyagi hopes audiences walk away with one core message best captured in the Pablo Neruda quote used in the film: Empires perish because they listened to their lawyers and ministers and not to their poets. Empires have to listen to the common people of this country. Advertisement In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Randeep Hooda spilled the beans on his prep for the menacing role of Ranatunga and his definition of mass cinema. read more Randeep Hooda has been a part of the Hindi film industry for nearly 25 years. His repertoire boasts off impressive films like Monsoon Wedding, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Jannat 2, Bombay Talkies, Highway, Sultan, Sarbjit, and most recently, his directorial debut Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. He was last seen in Jaat thats going great guns at the box-office and the actor is being hailed for his searing performance. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Randeep Hooda spilled the beans on his prep for the menacing role of Ranatunga and his definition of mass cinema. Advertisement He opened up about the herd mentality of Bollywood and how he wishes to create his own path. The actor revealed, Its a tricky situation. Bollywood or the Hindi film industry or any other industry, its a business. Whatever product is working, people tend to gravitate towards that. The same kinds of films are made because one has been successful. I have successfully and unsuccessfully tried not to follow the trend and gravitated towards true stories. I cannot say all my choices have been great nor they have been bad. He added, Im becoming a part of massy cinema, massy basically means that cuts across a larger section of the audience. After doing Jaat, I want to do more of these films where I can portray larger than life characters which are unbelievable and yet people buy into it. Your journey as an actor keeps changing as you go on. This is a genre I have come back to after a long time. When asked about his preparation for the role, the actor revealed, Get darker and put the make-up on. This was not a very prep-heavy film. You just had to be present on the film and know the bits about your character as this is a role totally dictated by the director. This is a villain with a certain defect that was required for this particular movie. All the credit goes to Gopi (the director). China is diversifying its alliances and lowering its reliance on US markets, as evidenced by recent actions such as increasing subsidies for domestic tech giants like Huawei and negotiating trade agreements with ASEAN countries read more The gloves are off in the economic cage match between China and the US. With tariffs, sanctions, and export controls as the preferred weapons, what started out as a strategic attempt to protect American interests has devolved into a high-stakes trade war. A flurry of repercussions has resulted from the Trump administrations assertive posture, which was domestically founded on pledges to bring manufacturing and limit Chinas influence worldwide. While Chinas retaliatory strikes are demonstrating Beijing is no pushover, Americans are being severely impacted by billions of dollars in lost exports, damaged supply chains, and skyrocketing consumer prices. This is a test of economic resolve that has the power to alter the global order; it is more than just a trade dispute. Although the United States may believe it is making decisions, it is actually playing with fire, and the burn is becoming more painful. The trade war between two nations threatens to wreak severe damage on both nations and will send shockwaves worldwide. Advertisement The most recent salvos paint a bleak picture. In order to curb Chinas technological aspirations and safeguard American jobs, the US imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, including semiconductors and electric vehicles, some of which were as high as 100 per cent. Theyve boomeranged instead. According to US Trade Representative data, US exports to China fell $18 billion in 2024, with agriculture suffering a severe setback. Chinas counter-tariffs have reduced US agricultural exports by 30 per cent in several important categories, leaving North Carolina pork producers and Iowa soybean farmers in shock. Beyond tit-for-tat tariffs, China is retaliating. Beijing has tightened exports of rare earth minerals, which are necessary for everything from iPhones to fighter jets, in an effort to weaponise its control over vital resources. China announced restrictions on gallium and germanium in December 2024, cutting off US tech companies from 80 per cent of the worlds supply. Silicon Valley was rocked by this decision, and businesses like Qualcomm and Intel rushed to find substitutes. In the meantime, Chinese state-sponsored companies are undercutting American rivals by flooding international markets with low-cost solar panels and batteries. You can feel the fallout. Due in part to shortages brought on by the trade war, the US Consumer Price Index increased 4.2 per cent in 2024 as a result of disrupted supply chains. Due to Chinas increasing control over pharmaceutical ingredients, everyday Americans are paying more for clothing, electronics, and even prescription medications. Manufacturers are also caught in the crossfire. According to a National Association of Manufacturers survey, 62 per cent of American businesses said tariffs increased costs, and one in five were thinking about laying off employees. The White House is still defiant, though. Reiterating his America First rhetoric, President Trump maintains that the suffering is only temporary. At a rally in February 2025, he said, Chinas days of cheating are over. Theyll blink first because were bringing jobs back. Decoupling from China is a painful but necessary step to ensure economic independence, according to some policymakers. Advertisement According to Senator Marco Rubio, This is a strategic battle. Our supply chains cannot be held hostage by Beijing. As evidence that the approach is effective, the administration cites achievements such as $12 billion in new semiconductor investments in Arizona and Texas. But does America underestimate Chinas determination? Under Xi Jinping, Beijings leaders view the trade war as a test of the countrys might. Chinas state-run media refers to it as a long war, indicating that it has no plans to concede. China is diversifying its alliances and lowering its reliance on US markets, as evidenced by recent actions such as increasing subsidies for domestic tech giants like Huawei and negotiating trade agreements with ASEAN countries. It is obvious that game theory is at work here: both sides are posing and looking for vulnerabilities. Trumps hardline stance is supported by his confidence and concessions from smaller economies, such as ASEAN countries. However, Chinas retaliatory attacks, which target American consumers, tech, and agriculture, are leaving a lasting impression. There is a significant chance of escalation. If China devalues the yuan, a mistake could lead to a currency war, global market disruption, or even wider economic repercussions. Advertisement What does this leave us with, then? As both countries prepare for a protracted standoff, reasonable talks appear months away. Trump has a way of declaring victory and changing direction, so the United States may eventually change course, but only after making big compromises. Americans are currently in the crosshairs as a result of a risk that hasnt yet paid off. Instead of establishing dominance, this trade war is revealing the US weaknesses. The longer the fire burns, the more difficult it will be to put out. The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The massive but obscure sculpture of Bahubali at Arethippur dates to the 9th century CE period, making it much older than the more famous one at Shravanabelagola read more Think of Bahubali not the movie, but the revered Jain figure and what comes to mind is the colossus standing at Shravanabelagola. While having pride of place, it is well known that this is not the only Bahubali icon in Karnataka, with others in Karkala (Udupi district), Dharmasthala and Venur (Dakshina Kannada) as well as Gommatagiri (Mysore). While all these sites, being focal points of temple complexes, are pilgrim destinations, there is one more site where a Bahubali stands. In isolation atop a rocky hill 81 kms north-east of Mysore and 93 south-west of Bangalore, Arethippur is technically not a remote place. It just happens to be one of those tiny enclaves that time forgot and did an even better job at hiding. Advertisement Though locally known for long, the hilltop Bahubali came into the limelight only in the 1980s when the first organised exploration took place at a related site close to the base of the hill. Excavations have revealed that Arethippur was once a thriving Jain centre known as Tippuru. Established in the 8th century CE by the Ganga dynasty, it remained a place of significance even during the Hoysala period of the 12th century CE. Distant view of the hilltop on which the Bahubali monolith stands The excavations have focused on Kanakagiri, a mound that lies outside the currently inhabited village. The site has thrown up the remains of a dozen temples, built and added over time. Surrounding the temples of Kanakagiri was a fortified wall which no longer exists this was perhaps a protective enclosure for the shrines. There is also a deep trough cut into the rock, serving as a water body for the ritual needs of Jain monks. Near this water body are several carved Tirthankara figures, including some incomplete ones. Were those who were carving these icons disrupted in their task by an external attack? The answer to that remains unknown. The partially excavated site of Kanakagiri at Arethippur A sculpted icon found at the partially excavated site at Kanakagiri in Arethippur What has been recognised is the importance of the place. Tippuru has been mentioned in several inscriptions found here and elsewhere. At the site itself, a Hoysala inscription was found that spoke of the grant of Tippuru by a Hoysala general named Gangaraja to a Jain teacher called Meghachandra Siddhantadeva. The date corresponds to December 25, 1117. Continuing digs at the site gradually reveal more of its past. But the object of this story is not in the excavated site but on a hill that overlooks the place. Looking up at the hill from the excavated site, a small dark object is visible at its peak. A short drive on a rough track brings a visitor close to the hill. After that, the journey has to be completed on foot. And true to the spirit of a pilgrimage, the going is rough, with the pathway being rocky and steps extending only part of the distance. At one point, a visitor needs to pass via a narrow space between two huge boulders. Clearly, this is not a trip for those looking for an easy passage. Advertisement The persistence and faith are richly rewarded at the top. And not just by the spectacular views. The Bahubali icon is magnificent a monolith carved on a black rock and standing over ten feet in height. Depicted at its feet are two female forms and curling on its hands and legs are creepers of the forest in which Bahubali stood in prayer, as per Jain epics. According to scholars, the Bahubali at Arethippur dates to the 9th century CE period, making it much older than the more famous one at Shravanabelagola. One wonders if it inspired, or even acted as the prototype, for the famed monolith of Lord Gomateshwara. Who knows, one day an inscription may be found mentioning a visit to Arethippur by Chavundaraya, the man who commissioned the Shravanabelagola icon. In a heart-warming initiative, the Jain community at Shravanabelagola has also played an active role in reviving the site. In 2017, a Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony was conducted at Arethippur, during which the monolith was anointed with sacred liquids. A Bhattaraka head of a religious institution such as a monastery is also said to have been appointed here. Advertisement A Tirthankara at the partially excavated site of Kanakagiri in Arethippur More than eleven centuries after it was created, the Bahubali monolith still stands upright and in doing so, appears to dominate the landscape of Arethippur. Spreading below is a carpet of fields, punctuated by clumps of trees and of course, a white-coloured patch where the archaeological excavation continues to surprise history buffs. The author is a heritage explorer by inclination with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The escalation of the trade tensions between the US and China could bring significant gains to some sectors of India. The reduced reliance of US companies on Chinese goods makes India an attractive alternative read more The White House clarified that the levies on Chinese imports stand at 145 per centthe 125 per cent tariff announced by President Donald Trump is in addition to the two hikes of 10 per cent post-Trump taking office. Chinas unflinching approach has made them offensive rather than defensive in this trade war. Beijing has vowed to fight Washington tooth and nail. The Trump administrations aggressive tariffs are aimed at balancing the trade deficit with China vis-a-vis negotiating tariffs imposed by China on imports from America. In 2023, China exported $463 billion in goods and services to the US, whereas the US export to China was $199 billion. The US imports from China include mobile phones worth $64.1, computers and accessories worth $50.5, electric and industrial equipment worth $46.2, sporting and gaming goods worth $30.8, car parts worth $15.5, etc (all in billions), and exports from the US to China include soybeans worth $12.8, aircraft and parts worth $11.5, pharmaceuticals worth $10, semiconductors worth $99, industrial machines worth $7.4, crude oil and liquid and natural gases worth $12.1, etc (all in billions). The consequential trade deficit between the US and China was $295 billion. Advertisement Interestingly, as per the latest news, the Trump administration has exempted smartphones, computers and other electronics from its reciprocal tariffsapparently to lessen the cost impact on American consumers for a number of popular high-tech products. The strategic economic collision of Eagle and Dragon will make the tremors ripple far and wide. The two economic giants are yet again locked in a bruising trade war that threatens global markets. India is not at war, but it is standing close enough to face the heat. India being cautiously positioned amidst the US-China trade tensions faces both risks and opportunities. Challenges for Indian Industries: The manufacturing sector of India, particularly electronics, may face vulnerability due to its heavy reliance on Chinese goods. This may drive up the price of consumer goods due to supply chain disruptions. India, despite being the global leader in pharmaceuticals, heavily relies on China for raw materials. As much as 70 per cent of the raw material for the pharmaceutical industry of India, including antibiotics, vitamins, and paracetamol, comes from China. The automakers and steel producers of India may also face supply chain pressure due to potential Chinese dumping threatening local prices. The China-facing trade barriers in the US and the redirected exports to India could flood the Indian markets with cheap goods in the electronics, steel, and textile sectors, disrupting supply chains. China is the worlds largest exporter of steel, amounting to $88.3 billion. Due to the increased tariffs of the US, India could be the prime target for dumping steel. The steel dumping would hurt domestic steel giants like Tata Steel and JSW. The disruptions in the supply of Chinese lithium-ion batteries could delay Indias green mobility transition. This would be the time to test the enforcement of anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel (2023). The redirections of cheap Chinese textiles to India would threaten Indias textile hubs like Tripura and Surat. Advertisement Opportunities for India Amid the US-China Trade War: The escalation of the trade tensions between the US and China could bring significant gains to some sectors of India. The reduced reliance of US companies on Chinese goods makes India an attractive alternative. India is a leading supplier of generic drugs, accounting for around 20 per cent of the global supply of generic medicines. The American companies withdrawing from China would prefer India as their production hub due to the competitive labour cost compared to China. The US restriction on semiconductor exports to China would push firms to invest in India. In 2023 AMD has committed to investing $400 million in India, and Applied Materials, Inc., has announced its intention to build a collaborative engineering centre in Bangalore, India. This could mirror Indias growth during the previous trade dispute between both economic giants. Similarly, if China reduces importing US goods, India could step in to supply commodities like soybeans and cotton to China. However, such gains could be limited and uncertain. Advertisement Geopolitical and Strategic Implications: The US-China trade war has made India indispensable for both countries. Xi Jinpings dragon-elephant tango message to President Draupadi Murmu reflects a strategic but friendly gesture from China, desiring a partnership of mutual achievement. India and the US, through a technological partnership in the form of iCET (India-US Critical and Emerging Technology), aim to enhance national security and advance economic development. India will have to walk a tightrope, maintaining strategic balance. This would also be a time of test for India to reflect its strategic posturing. If the tariff standoff remains consistent, taking a long-term goal, the concern of electronics import reliance could be addressed with faster PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme execution. The Pharma API dependence could be reduced by boosting domestic API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production via PLI. The issue of textile, steel, and auto part dumping would have to be tackled by stricter anti-dumping duties and local sourcing mandates vis-a-vis incentivising synthetic fibre production in India. Advertisement India is at a crossroads; it can either reduce supply chain dependency on China by taking critical policy action for the next 2-3 years or face prolonged supply chain pain. The strategic economic collision of Eagle and Dragon does not appear to be cooling down soon, and the countries standing close are destined to face the heat. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modis mantra of Aapda ko avsar mein badalna (turning disaster into opportunity), is the guiding light in todays volatile geopolitical landscape. Pranjal Chaturvedi is a Doctoral Research Fellow at Bennett University, and Suhasini is an Assistant Professor at the School of Law at Bennett University (Times of India, Group). The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. While the US and China compete for space superiority, India, with its tenuous relations with China, cannot ignore its growing space and counterspace threat read more Space has grown into a full-fledged warfighting domain and has been progressively militarised; India can't be behind in this race. Representational image: REUTERS Space has rapidly evolved as a warfighting domain since the Gulf War in 1991. Recent conflicts across the world have established the criticality of space in warfighting. Space enables intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, targeting, communications, positioning and navigation. Most spacefaring nations have progressively started viewing space as a domain of military conflict. Militarisation of space has led to the development of counterspace technologies. Counterspace options have become necessary for any nation which uses space for military operations. Advertisement The 2025 edition of the report by Secure World Foundation highlights growing counterspace threats across the world. Presently, 12 countries are involved in developing counterspace capability. As space becomes more congested and contested, the race for retaining space capability is leading to the development of counterspace capabilities, which can be used to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy space systems. Counterspace capabilities were hitherto ground-based and covert in nature, utilising non-kinetic means like jamming, which is being actively used in current military operations. However, with the passage of time and advancements in technology, there is more appetite for offensive counterspace capabilities, including kinetic options. The counterspace capabilities can be divided into three categories, viz, electronic warfare, kinetic weapons and directed energy weapons. These could be surface-based or space-based. Counterspace Capabilities Jamming Operations: Counterspace jamming is using the radio frequency signals to interfere with communication links (uplink and downlink) of the satellite. This prevents the satellites from transmitting or receiving data. The US, Russia and China are known to have good EW capabilities. Recent reports indicate that Russia was able to successfully jam Starlink signals in Ukraine using a system named Kalinka, it can also locate systems using Starlink. Presently, Russia seems to have the strongest counterspace jamming capabilities. It is believed that China has deployed a satellite in geosynchronous orbit to test jamming capabilities since most weather and communications satellites are stationed in geosynchronous orbit. The US has deployed Counter Communications System (CCS) worldwide for uplink jamming against communications satellites. The countries are also building capability to counter jamming of their satellites. Advertisement ASAT: Anti-satellite (ASAT) capability can be divided into direct ascent kinetic kill vehicles using an anti-ballistic missile vehicle or co-orbital kinetic kill using ones own satellite or a spacecraft which would approach, rendezvous and hit-to-kill the satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO). The US, Russia, China and India are the four countries with direct ascent ASAT capability. While the co-orbital ASAT capability resides with only the US, Russia and China. Co-Orbital Operations: The US, Russia and China have some capabilities for co-orbital operations. China and the US have been actively testing their Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in space. RPOs are both kinetic (hit-to-kill) and non-kinetic (observe and track) in nature. The US is planning an operation in 2026 in which payloads in LEO will be tested to rapidly move into other orbits. US Space Force intelligence reported RPO by China involving five satellites, three Shiyan-24C and two Shijan series satellites, between March 24 and April 24. These are Chinese experimental satellites which could operate in multiple orbits for RPO operations, including towing of satellites. Advertisement Russia has deployed two sub satellites at high speeds in LEO for RPO tasks; it has also tested the nesting doll satellite concept in which a small satellite comes out from a larger satellite for proximity or counter satellite operations. While all three countries are undertaking RPO, however, there has been no case of kinetic co-orbital ASAT so far; that is, no country has so far placed kinetic weapons in space. France has also initiated a programme for RPO, close inspection and countering threatening satellites. Additionally, the US and China have been testing their space planes named X-37B and Shenlong, which have been releasing payloads into orbits. Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Advancements in Directed Energy Weapons make them attractive for counterspace operations. High-energy lasers and high-power microwaves can be utilised for counterspace operations. DEWs can disable or blind sensors, high-frequency microwaves can jam satellite communication and high-powered lasers can physically destroy satellites. Advertisement China is developing ground-based and ship-based lasers which can disrupt, degrade or damage sensors or destroy satellites. The US is known to have been working for many years on ground-based lasers. Development of space-based DEW is likely in view of Chinese advancements. Russia also has a ground-based laser system, and it could potentially be working on an airborne laser system for neutralising satellites in LEO. Cyber Attacks: Space operations depend heavily on cyber; space security and cyber security are slowly merging. Cyber-attacks can be carried out against ground stations, data relay centres and space-based assets. Cyber-attacks are comparatively cheaper, faster and difficult to trace. Generally, there is not much evidence of cyber-attacks in the open domain; however, nations and non-state actors have been resorting to cyber-attacks. Military satellites and supporting ground segments are normally hardened against cyber threats; however, numerous attempts are being made against commercial satellites. These attempts provide a treasure trove of information which could be advantageously utilised against military satellites or satellites undertaking dual tasks. Advancements in quantum computing and cryptography will change the way we presently deal with cybersecurity algorithms. Advertisement Space Situational Awareness: Space Situational Awareness (SSA) has gained importance for military operations since space is getting more congested and contested. SSA means keeping track of objects in space and predicting their position at any time. Dual-use satellites make the task of SSA more challenging. SSA is a prerequisite to counterspace operations. The US is believed to have the most advanced SSA. It is based on a large number of ground-based radars and telescopes and space-based radars. This capability is further augmented by inputs from its allies and partners. Russia too has a robust SSA infrastructure to monitor satellites in LEO. China is also developing a strong SSA network; however, its infrastructure is primarily based within its own borders, which limits its SSA capability vis-a-vis the US. It is overcoming this limitation by placing satellites in orbit for SSA. Other nations like India, France, Israel, etc, possess rudimentary SSA capability. Indian Context The government recently approved the Space Based Surveillance-3 programme. While speaking at a seminar on April 7, 2025, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, said that India is set to launch 52 satellites and the new space doctrine will be released in the next three months. Advertisement Presently, India has limited space-based ISR capability. Also, only five satellites against 12 satellites planned for the IRNSS constellation are fully serviceable. Present efforts are aimed at deploying a sufficient number of satellites for effective ISR and completing the IRNSS constellation. The Secure World Foundation report states that India has some capability in kinetic ASAT in LEO, electronic warfare (EW) and space situational awareness. India successfully conducted a kinetic ASAT test christened Mission Shakti by destroying a defunct Indian satellite, Microsat-R, in low earth orbit on 27 March 2019 using a modified anti-ballistic missile interceptor PDV Mk-II. ISRO, on 16 Jan 2025, successfully conducted the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), demonstrating Indias capability to dock and de-dock two spacecraft. This experiment can be a harbinger of RPO capability for defensive and offensive counterspace operations in low earth orbit. Counterspace operations would require additional budget and resources. Counterspace capability buildup must progress parallelly with the ongoing military space programme. Chinese advancements in space capability have been extraordinary. It launches more satellites than any other nation and has focused on building strong counterspace capability. It is investing heavily in jammers, kinetic weapons, and directed energy weapons, in both ground and space-based versions. For India, safeguarding our space assets is critical to success in military operations. There is a need to develop a credible counterspace capability which must be visible. While small steps like ASAT and space docking tests provide confidence, they will succeed only with robust space situational awareness. India must therefore develop multiple capabilities like ASAT, co-orbital systems, EW (both surface to space and space to space) and directed energy weapons (DEWs). Major military powers like the US, Russia, China, France, etc, have recognised space as a warfighting domain and have established Space Forces or Space Commands to execute space vision and space operations. India established the Defence Space Agency (DSA) in 2019 as a tri-services agency; presently, it has limited manpower and mandate. There is a need to expand the functioning of this agency and upgrade it to Space Command. Conclusion Space has grown into a full-fledged warfighting domain and has been progressively militarised. The advantages accrued from use of space demand that India create the capability to safeguard its space assets through credible counterspace operations. Counterspace operations cannot be won by a single capability; it is a range of options which will provide the necessary deterrence and the capability to execute missions should the deterrence fail. China is far ahead of India in its space and counterspace capabilities. However, the issue is not of competing with China but of ensuring credible deterrence. Space situational awareness is an imperative for undertaking counterspace operations. Successful tests like ASAT, space docking and satellite miniaturisation offer the flexibility of utilising them whenever the need arises; these tests need to be converted into operational capability which is deployable at short notice. While the US and China compete for space superiority, India, with its tenuous relations with China, cannot ignore its growing space and counterspace threat. There is an urgent need to build capability to protect our space assets supporting military operations. The author is a retired Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The quake, one of the strongest aftershocks since the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, occurred as civil war-ravaged Myanmar continues to grapple with a massive humanitarian crisis read more Rescue workers conduct a search operation at the site of a collapsed building, in the aftermath of a strong earthquake, in Mandalay, Myanmar. File image/Reuters A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck central Myanmar on Sunday (April 13) morning, adding fresh strain to a country already reeling from a deadly quake just over two weeks ago. The latest tremor hit near the small city of Meiktila, midway between Mandalay and the capital Naypyitaw, according to the United States Geological Survey. Myanmars Meteorological Department recorded the quake at a depth of 20 kilometres, while US authorities estimated a shallower depth of 7.7 kilometres. Advertisement The quake, one of the strongest aftershocks since the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, occurred as civil war-ravaged Myanmar continues to grapple with a massive humanitarian crisis. Officials said there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties from the Sunday tremor, although residents in Wundwin township, near the epicentre, reported cracked ceilings and frightened crowds fleeing buildings. The March 28 quake devastated parts of central Myanmar, killing at least 3,649 people and injuring more than 5,000, according to a statement on Friday by Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military regime. Mandalay, the countrys second-largest city, was among the hardest hit. Government buildings in Naypyitaw also sustained damage. The United Nations last week warned that the scale of destruction from the March quake could deepen Myanmars existing humanitarian emergency. It said the quake severely disrupted agricultural production and that a health emergency loomed because many medical facilities in the quake zone were damaged or destroyed. Even before the disaster, more than 3 million people had been displaced due to the civil war in the country. The UN said food production had been severely disrupted and that a health crisis was looming, with many medical centres damaged or destroyed in the quake zone. Sundays quake occurred on the morning of the first day of the countrys three-day Thingyan holiday, which celebrates the traditional New Year. Public festivities for the holiday had already been cancelled. Advertisement With inputs from AP Bolsonaro has been in and out of hospitals since being attacked at a campaign rally prior to Brazils 2018 presidential election. Throughout his presidency from 2019 to 2022, the conservative leader endured multiple operations read more Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was flown by medical plane from northern Brazil to the capital Brasilia on Saturday after being hospitalised with stomach discomfort the day before. Bolsonaro was hospitalised on Friday morning while travelling in northern Brazil. The discomfort was caused by a bowel blockage and was the result of long-term repercussions from being stabbed in the abdomen in September 2018, according to his physicians. Bolsonaro has been in and out of hospitals since being attacked at a campaign rally prior to Brazils 2018 presidential election. Throughout his presidency from 2019 to 2022, the conservative leader endured multiple operations. Advertisement After so many similar episodes over the past few years, I had gotten used to the pain and discomfort. But this time, even the doctors were surprised, he said in a social media post Saturday, adding that a longtime physician told him it was the most serious case since the attack. Bolsonaro also stated that he will likely have another operation. Earlier on Saturday, physicians at Rio Grande Hospital in the northern state of Rio Grande do Norte informed media that he was stable and would not require emergency surgery, and that any additional treatments would be dependent on his recuperation. Doctors also stated that his family requested the move to Brasilia, which would take place Saturday afternoon. The far-right leader was admitted to a hospital in Santa Cruz, a tiny city in Rio Grande do Norte, and then transported to Natal, the state capital. Bolsonaro was set to start a trip across the region to promote his partys right-wing agenda, eyeing next years presidential election, though he himself is barred from running. The region traditionally has been a political bastion of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The tariff tit-for-tat between the US and China with Americas 145 per cent wall of duty and Chinas 125 per cent return fire has left businesses caught in the crossfire, and theyre not thrilled about it. Companies that once relied on relatively smooth trade flows are now sweating over future orders read more Beijing on Sunday (April 13) urged the Donald Trump administration to remove the sky-high 145 per cent tariffs on imports from China and asked it to return to the path of mutual respect. We urge the US to take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of reciprocal tariffs and return to the right path of mutual respect, Chinas Commerce Ministry said in a statement. Reacting to Trumps exemption for smartphones, laptops and other consumer electronics from his tariffs, China said it was a small step in correcting his mistake. Advertisement China is now evaluating the impact, a spokesperson of the ministry said. Huge tariffs on China have already caused losses to American tech giants like Apple, which has lost approximately $640 billion in market value. After tariffs, the cost of an iPhone would have risen to a staggering $3,500 under some estimates. According to Evercore ISI, Apple manufactures at least 80 per cent of its products in China. China builds 80 per cent of iPads and more than half of Mac computers produced. Trumps tariff exemption for consumer electronics US Customs and Border Protection announced Saturday (April 12) that smartphones and consumer electronics wont be subjected to President Trumps reciprocal tariffs. Additionally, items like laptops, semiconductors, solar cells, flat panel TV screens, flash drives, memory cards, and solid-state drives used for data storage are also excluded from the additional taxes. So, while many imports are getting hit with higher duties, these tech essentials have been sparedfor now. The tariff tit-for-tat between the US and China with Americas 145 per cent wall of duty and Chinas 125 per cent return fire has left businesses caught in the crossfire, and theyre not thrilled about it. Companies that once relied on relatively smooth trade flows are now sweating over future orders, wondering if their supply chains will snap under the pressure. Beyond the shipping delays and high costs, theres a deeper concern: whether the decades-old trade relationship between these two economic giants can survive this slugfest. Experts are warning that if the tension keeps climbing, what used to be a backbone of global commerce might soon look more like a fractured spine. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) On April 2, Trump stunned the world with massive tariffs that he said would prevent countries like China from ripping off the US. Chinese leader Xi Jinping ditched official caution and issued a patriotic message casting doubt on whether American voters could bear as much hardship as the Chinese. read more Beijing has placed civilian officials on wartime footing and launched a global diplomatic offensive in response to U.S. President Donald Trumps latest trade salvos, signaling a dramatic escalation in Cold War-era tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Foreign and commerce ministry staff have reportedly been told to cancel vacations and remain on standby 24/7, while propaganda departments are circulating defiant messaging, including archival footage of Mao Zedong vowing never to yield. The move follows Trumps steep tariff hikesframed as a Liberation Day by his alliesand marks a sharp shift from Chinas previous efforts to de-escalate the dispute through compromise. Advertisement Bureaucrats in the foreign affairs and commerce ministries have reportedly been told to cancel vacations and stay on-call 24/7, while propaganda officials have spearheaded efforts to frame the response with defiant messaging including videos of Mao Zedong vowing never to yield, Reuters reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the strategy. The sharp shift in posture follows Trumps latest tariff threatsdubbed a Liberation Day move by his supportersand marks a pivot from months of Chinese efforts to seek compromise. Beijing has now ramped up retaliatory tariffs and is reaching out to other nations targeted by US trade policy including European allies, Japan and South Korea, urging a coordinated response. The United States has escalated its trade conflict with China dramatically, raising tariffs to 145% in response to what President Donald Trump labelled as Beijings unfair trade practices. The move came after China retaliated with its own 125% tariffs, triggering alarm among global businesses and economists. Companies trading between the two countries now face severe uncertainty, with some questioning the future viability of their operations. The latest tit-for-tat measures have cast a shadow over decades of deep economic ties between the worlds two largest economies, with experts warning that a full-scale breakdown could have far-reaching global consequences. Advertisement A spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington said in response to Reuters questions that Beijing did not want to fight trade wars but is not scared of them. If the US puts its own interests over the public good of the international community and sacrifices all countries legitimate interests for its own hegemony, it will for sure meet stronger opposition from the international community, the official said. The South Korean and Japanese embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on talks between their countries and China. After the initial Chinese retaliation, Trump said: China played it wrong, they panicked the one thing they cannot afford to do! He has also suggested that Beijing wanted to make a deal but they just dont know how quite to go about it. US officials have also blamed China for the impasse because its trillion-dollar trade surplus with the world is the result of what they see as abuses of the global commerce system that havent been successfully addressed through years of negotiations. Advertisement Chinas foreign ministry has summoned many of the heads of its overseas missions back to Beijing for a special meeting held this week to coordinate the response, according to two Beijing-based diplomats. China has also sent formal letters to government officials of other countries pressured by Trump to engage in trade negotiations. China has approached some G20 governments with wording for a joint declaration voicing support for the multilateral trading system, an EU diplomat told Reuters. But the diplomat said that the messaging did not address concerns also held by non-U.S. governments about Chinese overcapacity, its subsidy regime and alleged unfair competition. Beijing has said those concerns are overblown and that the rise of its high-tech industries is due to its comparative advantages and benefits the world. Chinese officials also published on Musks X platform a clip of Chairman Mao giving a speech in 1953 the last time the U.S. and China were in direct military conflict during the Korean War. Advertisement In the clip, Mao, whose oldest son died in the war, says peace is up to the Americans. No matter how long this war is going to last, well never yield, he said. Well fight until we completely triumph. With inputs from agencies In the first round in February, Noboa edged past Gonzalez by fewer than 17,000 votes. Polls suggest the outcome of Sundays election could go either way read more Ecuadoreans were headed to the polls on Sunday (April 13) to vote in a tight presidential run-off election. Reuters Ecuadoreans are casting their votes on Sunday (April 13) in a fiercely contested presidential runoff that pits incumbent Daniel Noboa against leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez, in a race shaped by surging violence and economic discontent. Noboa, a 37-year-old businessman who assumed office in late 2023 after winning a special election, is campaigning on a platform of tough security measures and gradual economic recovery. His opponent, Gonzalez, a protege of former president Rafael Correa, has promised a return to the expansive social programmes and statist policies that defined Correas decade in power. Advertisement Polls suggest the outcome could go either way. In the first round in February, Noboa edged past Gonzalez by fewer than 17,000 votes. Both camps have since mobilised tens of thousands of polling station observers, with Gonzalez, Noboa, and Correa all raising concerns about potential electoral fraud. The vote takes place against the backdrop of a deepening security crisis. Murders, gun-running, fuel theft and extortion have all escalated over the past five years, driven by local gangs with ties to Mexicos cartels and the Albanian mafia. The countrys ports have become key transit points for cocaine exports to Europe and North America, turning once-peaceful cities into battlegrounds. Noboa has championed his Phoenix security strategy, which includes military patrols, expanded port monitoring, and a crackdown on arms and narcotics. He says the plan is showing results, pointing to a 15 per cent drop in violent deaths last year. Speaking at a final rally in Guayaquil, he said voters would reject the failed revolution of Correas movement and back his vision of economic and institutional reform. Ecuadoreans want real change, he told supporters. This Sunday we will teach a lesson to that failed revolution, to those bad officials who attack us, to all the mafias that have taken our peace and to all the corruption that has stopped us moving ahead. A test of two political legacies Gonzalez, 46, has pushed back, accusing Noboa of governing through improvisation and failing to improve daily life for ordinary Ecuadoreans. Has your life gotten better in these 15 months? Or worse? she asked voters in a social media message. This Sunday we choose between continuing to fall and getting up together to defend hope. Advertisement Her platform includes promises to re-establish social programmes, improve healthcare access and bolster public security. She has pledged to add 20,000 new police officers and has drawn support from large sections of the Indigenous movement, although some Amazonian Indigenous groups have backed Noboa. If elected, Gonzalez would become Ecuadors first female president. She insists that she, not Correa, will govern, but some lawmakers from their Citizens Revolution party have hinted at a possible return for the former president, who currently lives in exile in Belgium after being sentenced in absentia to eight years for corruption. The vote also carries implications for Ecuadors economy. Noboa has forecast 4 oer cent growth this year and has promoted a mix of austerity and tax reforms, while pledging to attract private investment into the energy sector. Recent payouts to flood-hit businesses and victims of an oil spill have been seen as an effort to boost support ahead of the vote. Advertisement With polls closed by evening, preliminary results are expected after 6 p.m. local time (2300 GMT). Both candidates have said they will accept the outcome provided the process is fair, although Correa has already claimedwithout evidencethat Noboa may try to cling to power. As votes are tallied, Ecuadoreans are left to choose between two sharply different futuresone promising continuity and gradual reform, the other pledging a return to a more interventionist state. With inputs from agencies This is not the first such incident in the region. A few years ago, nine Pakistani workers were killed in a similar fashion while staying at a workshop in Sistan-Baluchestan read more Eight Pakistani nationals were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in southeastern Iran on Saturday (April 12), in what appears to be a targeted attack in the restive province of Sistan-Baluchestan. The men were working at a car repair workshop in the Meharistan district when armed assailants entered the premises overnight, tied up the victims, and opened fire. Iranian officials confirmed the deaths and said the victims were all from Bahawalpur in southern Punjab, Pakistan. They had been employed at the same workshop, performing tasks such as denting, painting and polishing vehicles, Dawn reported. Advertisement Five of the victims were identified by Iranian authorities as Dilshad, his son Muhammad Naeem, Jaffar, Danish and Nasir. The other three names have not been released. Police arrived at the scene after being alerted to the killings and transferred the bodies to a local hospital. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the banned Balochistan National Army (BNA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group, in a statement sent to local media outlets. The group said it had deliberately targeted the Pakistanis, though no further justification was provided. Iranian police have launched an investigation, but no arrests have been made so far. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though the region has witnessed repeated violence involving separatist groups, drug traffickers, and militant organisations operating along the porous Iran-Pakistan border. This is not the first such incident in the region. A few years ago, nine Pakistani workers were killed in a similar fashion while staying at a workshop in Sistan-Baluchestan. The province, home to a Sunni Muslim ethnic minority, has long been a flashpoint for tensions with Irans Shia-dominated establishment. Authorities in both Iran and Pakistan have yet to issue formal responses at the diplomatic level. The incident is likely to raise fresh concerns about cross-border violence and the safety of migrant workers in volatile regions. Yoon sought to impose military rule on the country when he ordered the suspension of political activity and the censorship of media on December 3. The decree lasted just six hours as it was voted down by opposition MPs read more Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol will face his first criminal trial on Monday for insurrection after his short-lived imposition of martial law in December, which plunged the democratic country into political turmoil. Yoon sought to impose military rule on the country when he ordered the suspension of political activity and the censorship of media on December 3. The decree lasted just six hours as it was voted down by opposition MPs. Advertisement The disastrous attempt led to Yoons impeachment by the National Assembly shortly thereafter, with the Constitutional Court fully stripping him of his presidential duties on April 4. Although he has lost all presidential privileges, Yoon still faces a criminal trial on insurrection charges, which will kick off Monday. During a preliminary hearing in February, Yoons lawyers argued that his detention had been procedurally flawed, an argument accepted by the court, leading to his release 52 days after his arrest. He was detained in January in a dawn raid after holding out against police and prosecutors for weeks, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. On Friday, the 64-year-old former leader vacated the presidential residence and returned to his private home in Seoul, greeting supporters along the way. Now, I return to being an ordinary citizen of the Republic of Korea, and I will seek a new path in service of our country and our people, he said in a statement. Advertisement With Yoons removal, South Korea is set to hold a snap election on June 3 to elect his successor. Until then, the country is governed by acting president Han Duck-soo. Health officials at the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital evacuated the patients from the building after one person said he received a call from someone who identified himself with the Israeli security shortly before the attack took place read more Palestinians inspect a site where medics said two Israeli missiles hit a building inside the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, shortly after patients were evacuated following a call from someone who identified himself with Israeli security, in Gaza City. Reuters Two Israeli missiles hit a building inside a main Gaza hospital on Sunday, destroying the emergency and reception department and damaging other structures, medics said, in a strike which Israel said was against Hamas fighters exploiting the facility. Health officials at the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital evacuated the patients from the building after one person said he received a call from someone who identified himself with the Israeli security shortly before the attack took place. Advertisement No casualties were reported, according to the civil emergency service. The Israeli military said in a statement it had taken steps to reduce harm to civilians before it struck the compound, which was being used by Hamas militants to plan attacks. Images circulating on social media, which Reuters could not immediately verify, showed dozens of people leaving the premises, with some appearing to be dragging sick relatives on hospital beds. The Palestinian foreign ministry and Hamas condemned the attack at Al-Ahli and said in a statement that Israel was destroying Gazas healthcare system. Israel says Hamas systematically exploits civilian structures, including hospitals, which the militant group denies. Israeli forces have carried out numerous raids in medical facilities in the enclave. In October 2023, a deadly blast at a parking lot in the compound of Al-Ahli hospital was blamed by Hamas on an Israeli air strike. Israel said a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group had caused the blast. The militant group denied it was responsible. An investigation by Human Rights Watch later concluded the 2023 explosion was most likely caused by a failed Palestinian rocket launch. Advertisement Separate strikes in the enclave on Sunday killed the head of a police station in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Hamas-run enclave, according to Hamas media. At least eight more people, including a woman, were killed further north, according to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. There was no immediate Israeli comment on those reports. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities. Much of Gaza is in ruins and most of its population has been displaced. Friedrich Merz, who won the February 23 national election, has seen his poll ratings slide following the coalition agreement he reached two weeks ago - the only two-way coalition available if he sticks to his pledge to keep the second-placed far-right Alternative for Germany out of power read more Germanys conservative chancellor-in-waiting has cast doubt on some of the commitments he had made to secure a coalition with the Social Democrats, hinting that his government might not deliver on promises of lower income tax cuts and minimum wage hikes. Friedrich Merz, who won the February 23 national election, has seen his poll ratings slide following the coalition agreement he reached two weeks ago - the only two-way coalition available if he sticks to his pledge to keep the second-placed far-right Alternative for Germany out of power. Advertisement His hints, however, are likely to add to dissatisfaction in the SPD, whose 350,000 members must approve in a membership ballot the leaderships decision to place the old school conservative hard-liner in the German chancellery. We havent agreed to that, he said of the SPDs assertion that the minimum wage would rise to 15 euros an hour by 2026 in an interview with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. We agreed that the minimum wage commission is thinking in that direction. On plans for a low- and middle-income tax cut, he said: Thats not certain We want to cut income taxes if the budget allows it. Merzs party does not face a major election for almost a year, while the SPD membership ballot must be completed by the end of this month. His sagging popularity - the result of partly going back on campaign pledges not to borrow more - has propelled the far-right into first place in polls for the first time since World War Two. His comments reflect the letter of the coalition agreement, and SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil has also said that everything in it is conditional on public finances. If the SPD membership agrees, the Bundestag will appoint Merz as chancellor on May 6. The loquacious 69-year-old, who has never held a government job, has a reputation for verbal gaffes that sometimes alienate supporters. Advertisement A poll this week found that almost two-thirds of voters thought Merz, who would take office at a time of unprecedented diplomatic and economic crisis, was unsuited for the job of chancellor, with even 28% of his own partys voters agreeing. If the SPD rejected the coalition, Merzs party would have the choice of either seeking a different deal, perhaps with more concessions under a different leader, breaking the taboo against cooperating with the far right, or calling fresh elections. GPS spoofing is a normal wartime tactic in active conflict zones. Similar GPS spoofing incidents have been cropping up closer to the Line of Control as well. Since November 2023, 465 cases have been reported near Amritsar and Jammu read more Indian military aircraft deployed to send relief material to quake-hit Myanmar late last month encountered GPS spoofing, raising alarm. News agency PTI reported that as Indias C-130 J aircraft was dispatched to Myanmar on March 29 to transport relief material, its pilots faced a massive cyberattack while in Myanmars airspace. The pilots had to activate backup systems to navigate through the attack, preventing any casualties or losses. New Delhi dispatched six military transport aircraft to Myanmar carrying relief materials, field hospitals, and rescue teams. However, officials reported that most of these aircraft encountered GPS spoofinga deceptive tactic where false GPS signals mislead navigation systems. Advertisement According to the sources cited by PTI, as the aircraft faced GPS interference and spoofing, the pilots switched on inertial navigation system and thus were able to avert any untoward incident. Apart from C-130 J, the Indian Air Force also deployed C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift transport aircraft to carry relief materials and rescue teams to Myanmar. The sources said it was impossible for the IAF to investigate the cyberattacks as they had occurred in a foreign airspace. However, the sources pointed fingers at regional adversaries when asked about perpetrators. The GPS spoofing must have been carried out by our adversary in the region, the sources said. As the first aircraft encountered GPS spoofing, other IAF pilots were made aware of the threat and were asked to be prepared. GPS spoofing is a normal wartime tactic in active conflict zones. Similar GPS spoofing incidents have been cropping up closer to the Line of Control as well. Since November 2023, 465 cases have been reported near Amritsar and Jammu. While investigations are still underway, the growing frequency of these incidents is raising serious concerns about aviation safety and regional security. Advertisement On March 28, Myanmar was rocked by a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake that claimed 3,649 lives and left over 5,000 injured. The quake triggered hundreds of aftershocks, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and northeastern India. In response, India launched Operation Brahma, stepping in as a first responder with Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical support. Indian aircraft ferried tonnes of supplies, rescue specialists, and equipment to the affected zones. However, rescue operations in Myanmar have been severely hampered. The ruling juntas tight control over communication has made internet access patchy, while unpredictable weather continues to challenge relief efforts. (With inputs from agencies) Negotiations will continue to be indirect. Oman will remain the mediator, but we are discussing the location of future negotiations, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told Iranian state television read more Irans foreign ministry said on Sunday (April 13) that nuclear negotiations with the US would remain indirect, mediated by Oman, and focus exclusively on Tehrans nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Negotiations will continue to be indirect. Oman will remain the mediator, but we are discussing the location of future negotiations, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told Iranian state television, confirming talks set for next weekend. His comments follow a meeting between Iranian and US representatives in the Omani capital, Muscat, where envoys discussed how to structure future dialogue aimed at resolving tensions over Irans rapidly advancing nuclear activities. The renewed diplomacy has taken on urgency since President Donald Trumps return to office, sparking renewed concerns internationally about the trajectory of Tehrans nuclear ambitions. Advertisement The indirect Muscat negotiations on Saturday (April 12) involved Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. Talks took place at the home of Omans foreign minister, Said Badr Al Busaidi. Following the initial round, Araghchi said the two sides were edging closer towards agreeing on a basis for future negotiations. During the meeting, I think we came very close to a basis for negotiations, Araghchi told Iranian state TV. At our next meeting, if we can finalise that basis, we will have gone a large part of the way. According to Araghchi, four rounds of indirect messages passed between Tehran and Washington during the Muscat talks. Iranian state television also reported that Araghchi and Witkoff briefly spoke directly at the close of the meeting, an unusual occurrence in a dialogue process defined by its indirect format. Relations between Tehran and Washington have deteriorated sharply since Trumps initial presidency and his administrations withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. With Trump now back in power, both countries have cautiously sought ways to reopen communication channels to address international fears about Irans nuclear activities. Oman, a traditional mediator in US-Iranian diplomacy, has again stepped into its role as a trusted intermediary. The Gulf state previously hosted secret US-Iranian negotiations that paved the way for the 2015 nuclear deal. Advertisement Iran has insisted publicly that the talks focus strictly on nuclear issues and lifting economic sanctions, underscoring Tehrans determination to prioritise sanctions relief amid deepening economic pressures at home. Further indirect negotiations are expected next weekend. With inputs from agencies The timing of the missile strike is key, coming just two days after US President Donald Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow and held talks with Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg read more In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on April 13, 2025, a Ukrainian rescuer works to extinguish a fire at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP Photo In one of the deadliest single strikes in months, a Russian missile strike on Sunday in the city centre of Ukraines city of Sumy killed at least 34 people, Kyiv said, with European and US officials condemning the attack. Kyiv said Moscow hit the northeastern city, close to the Russian border, with two ballistic missiles on Sunday morning and that the attack also wounded nearly 120 people. The missiles targeted a busy area in the heart of the city. Video footage posted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed mangled buses, charred vehicles, and bodies lying motionless on the street, the wreckage framed by smoke and debris. Advertisement Only scoundrels can act like this. Taking the lives of ordinary people, Zelenskyy wrote on social media. And this is on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lords Entry into Jerusalem. US President Donald Trumps special envoy to Ukraine, retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, said on X that the attack by Russian forces on civilian targets crosses any line of decency. The strike came two days after US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin and push Trumps efforts to end the war. Trump has previously voiced anger at Moscow for bombing like crazy in Ukraine. Zelensky called on the United States and Europe to give a strong response to Russia, adding: Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs. French leader Emmanuel Macron said the strike showed Russias blatant disregard for human lives, international law and the diplomatic efforts of President Trump. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was appalled by the attack, which Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni described as a cowardly act by Russia. The fact the bloodshed fell on Palm Sunday outraged several leaders. Advertisement It was a barbaric attack, made even more vile as people gathered peacefully to celebrate Palm Sunday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X. The Russian version of a ceasefire. Bloody Palm Sunday, said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while Danish leader Mette Frederiksen said the missile attack on civilians gathered on Palm Sunday shows Russias true face. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the killing as many people made their way to prayer on Palm Sunday demonstrated that Putin underscores with blood that he seeks not peace but destruction. Dutch premier Dick Schoof urged more air defences so that Ukraine can defend itself against this violence. With inputs from agencies New Zealand and the United States have collaborated in the Pacific to counter Chinas expanding influence, but some New Zealand MPs are concerned about what the new administration in Washington and its suspension of assistance funds may mean for the area read more US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. File image/ Reuters Following a trip to Washington last month to strengthen ties with the Trump administration, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated on Sunday that his country wanted the United States to be an active partner in the Indo-Pacific area. New Zealand and the United States have collaborated in the Pacific to counter Chinas expanding influence, but some New Zealand MPs are concerned about what the new administration in Washington and its suspension of assistance funds may mean for the area. Advertisement Speaking in Honolulu, Hawaii, on a week-long Pacific trip by a group of New Zealand politicians, Peters said the message he took to the U.S. was that New Zealand wants, indeed needs, for the United States to remain an active, engaged and constructive partner in the Indo-Pacific. We look forward to more constructive dialogue in the days ahead, Winston said, according to a transcript. In Washington, Peters met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, the director of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assistance Peter Marocco, and a range of other administration and Congressional representatives. After the meetings, Peters said New Zealands relationship with the U.S. was on a strong footing amid what he called the most challenging strategic environment in at least half a century. The Eighth Brigade, the most prominent armed faction in southern Syria, announced its dissolution and placed its weapons and personnel at the disposal of the Syrian defence ministry, according to a statement read by the official spokesman on Sunday in a video recording read more People sit after receiving bread from Ecir Kapici, Turkish humanitarian NGO at al-Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, after Syria's Bashar al-Assad was ousted, in Damascus, Syria. File image/ Reuters A powerful armed faction in southern Syria led by defected military officer Ahmed al-Awdeh on Sunday announced that it was dissolving itself and integrating into the governments armed forces. The Eighth Brigade, the most prominent armed faction in southern Syria, announced its dissolution and placed its weapons and personnel at the disposal of the Syrian defence ministry, according to a statement read by the official spokesman on Sunday in a video recording. Advertisement We, members, soldiers and officers of what was previously known as the Eighth Brigade, officially announce the dissolution of this formation and handing over all its military and human capacities to the defence ministry, said Colonel Mohamed al-Hourani. This decision stems from our commitment to national unity and enhancing security and stability and adherence to state sovereignty, said Hourani. The Eighth Brigade is part of the Southern Operations Room, a coalition of armed groups, also led by Awdeh, from the southern province of Daraa formed on December 6 to help topple longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Assad was toppled two days later following a lightning offensive by rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led HTS, has since been named Syrias interim president and appointed a cabinet last month. The SOR was notably absent from a December 25 meeting during which other rebel factions agreed to disband and join a future army. Awdehs forces, including the Eighth Brigade, held on to their weapons and maintained their presence on the ground. Sundays announcement comes after two days of unrest between the forces of the Eighth Brigade and those of the new authorities. Advertisement Daraa returned to Assad control in 2018, but under a deal mediated by Russia, rebels were allowed to keep their weapons and continue to ensure security in their region. In March, Syrias new authorities reached a deal with the autonomous Kurdish administration in the countrys northeast to integrate its institutions into the national government. Negotiations are also ongoing with various representatives of the Druze minority in southern Syria, aiming to incorporate armed groups into the new military. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Trump administration would soon announce a tariff model which would encourage pharma and semiconductor companies to set up businesses in the US read more The US is soon going to announce special tariffs meant to cover smartphones, computers and consumer electronics that were exempted from reciprocal tariffs by US Customs and Border Protection on Saturday (April 12). US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick while speaking to ABC News said Sunday that the new tariffs will be imposed in a month or so. Lutnick clarified that it was a temporary exemption and the new semiconductor tariffs will come into effect in a month or two. Advertisement All those products are going to come under semiconductors and theyre going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored. We need to have semiconductors. We need to have chips and we need to have flat panels. We need to have these things made in America. We cant be reliant on Southeast Asia, particularly China, for all of the things that operate for us, he said. So, what President Trump is doing is hes saying theyre exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but theyre included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So these are coming soon, Lutnick added. Pharmaceutical tariffs also coming soon Lutnick further said that Pharmaceutical tariffs would also be imposed in a month or two. Pharmaceuticals were exempted from reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, giving a major relief to nations like India that produce medicines in large numbers. Lutnick said the Trump administration would soon announce a tariff model which would encourage pharma and semiconductor companies to set up businesses in the US. We cant be beholden and rely upon foreign countries for fundamental things that we need. So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption. Hes just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries. These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America, he said. On April 2, Trump rolled out a bold set of reciprocal tariffs, accusing several countries of exploiting the US. But just a week later, in a classic U-turn, he hit the brakes. On April 9only 13 hours after the tariffs officially kicked inhe paused them for most countries except China, giving everyone else a 90-day breather. Advertisement China, however, got the full treatment: a whopping 145 per cent tariff, effectively throwing the first punch in whats now shaping up to be a full-blown trade war between the worlds top two economies. For the rest, a lighter 10 per cent baseline duty remained in place. The sudden policy pivot came after a global outcry, which sent markets tumbling for four straight days, rattled businesses, and revived old fears of a looming recession. Irans state-run media stated that US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefly spoke together, the first time the two countries have done so since the Obama administration read more Iran and the United States will resume negotiations next week over Tehrans fast-expanding nuclear program, Iranian state television said Saturday, marking the end of the first round of talks between the two nations since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Irans state-run media stated that US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefly spoke together, the first time the two countries have done so since the Obama administration. Advertisement Tehrans assertion that the two parties spoke face-to-face, although briefly, shows that the conversations went well, even for Iranian state TV, which has long been dominated by hardliners. In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the White House described the discussions as very positive and constructive, while conceding the issues that need to be resolved are very complicated. Special Envoy Witkoffs direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome, the White House said. Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Saturday while flying to Miami for a UFC event that the talks are going okay. I cant tell you because nothing matters until you get it done so I dont like talking about it but its going ok. The Iran situation is going pretty good, I think, he said. The next round of talks will take place on Saturday, April 19, according to the Iranian and American statements. This first round of talks began at around 3:30 pm local time. The two parties discussed for more than two hours near Muscat, Omans capital, until approximately 5:50 pm local time. The convoy reported to be transporting Witkoff returned to Muscat before vanishing in traffic near the US Embassy. Advertisement The stakes could not be greater for the two countries, which have been at odds for half a century. Trump has regularly threatened to launch airstrikes on Irans nuclear program if a deal is not achieved. Iranian authorities are increasingly warning that they may seek a nuclear bomb using their uranium stockpile, which has been enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Talks took place Saturday afternoon in Oman Associated Press journalists saw a convoy believed to be carrying Witkoff leave the Omani Foreign Ministry on Saturday afternoon and then speed off into the outskirts of Muscat. The convoy went into a compound, and a few minutes later, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei wrote on the social platform X that the indirect talks had begun. Afterward, Araghchi described the meeting as constructive to Iranian state TV, with four rounds of messages exchanged during the indirect portion. Neither we nor the other side are interested in fruitless negotiations so-called talks for the sake of talks, wasting time, or drawn-out, exhausting negotiations, he said. Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time. However, that will certainly not be an easy task. Advertisement That the two men spoke face-to-face satisfied a demand of the Americans. Trump and Witkoff both had described the talks as being direct. I think our position begins with dismantlement of your program. That is our position today, Witkoff told The Wall Street Journal before his trip. That doesnt mean, by the way, that at the margin were not going to find other ways to find compromise between the two countries. He added: Where our red line will be, there cant be weaponization of your nuclear capability. Araghchi, however, sought to downplay the encounter as a brief initial conversation, greetings and polite exchanges likely to avoid drawing the anger of hard-liners in Iran. Badr al-Busaidi, Omans foreign minister who shuttled between the two sides, said the countries have a shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. I would like to thank my two colleagues for this engagement, which took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability, al-Busaidi wrote on X. We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal. Advertisement Sanctions relief and enrichment remain top issues While the US side can offer sanctions relief for Irans beleaguered economy, it remains unclear just how much Iran will be willing to concede. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran could only maintain a small stockpile of uranium enriched to 3.67%. Today, Tehrans stockpile could allow it to build multiple nuclear weapons if it so chooses and it has some material enriched up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Judging from negotiations since Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the deal in 2018, Iran will likely ask to keep enriching uranium up to at least 20%. One thing it wont do is give up its program entirely. That makes the proposal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a so-called Libyan solution you go in, blow up the facilities, dismantle all the equipment, under American supervision, American execution unworkable. Iranians including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have held up what ultimately happened to the late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was killed with his own gun by rebels in the countrys 2011 Arab Spring uprising, as a warning about what can happen when you trust the United States. Advertisement Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Israel for undermining stability in neighbouring Syria, saying Ankara would not allow Syria to be dragged into a new vortex of instability read more Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Israel for undermining stability in Syria as he called out the Jewish nation at a diplomatic forum. The wrath from the Turkish leader came days after the two countries held talks aimed at defusing an escalating conflict between them on Syrian soil. Turkey will not allow Syria to be dragged into a new vortex of instability, Erdogan told attendees at the Antalya diplomacy forum on the southern Turkish coast, accusing Israel of trying to undermine the 8 December revolution, about the insurgency that toppled the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad after decades in power. Advertisement We are in close dialogue and common understanding with all influential actors in the region, especially Trump and Putin, regarding the preservation of Syrias territorial integrity and stability, he added. Some of the prominent attendees at the diplomat forum included Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met Erdogan on the sidelines of the conference in Antalya. Brewing tensions between Israel and Turkey During his address, Erdogan reiterated that Ankara is making efforts to lift global sanctions on Syria. While meeting Syrias interim leader, Erdogan told Sharaa that Turkey welcomes the fact that those who want chaos in Syria to occur again are not given an opportunity. However, it is pertinent to note that tensions between Turkey and Israel have grown significantly since the fall of Assads regime. Earlier this month, Israeli forces pounded three military bases across Syria with airstrikes. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Turkish military teams had scoped out the main airport in Hama province as well as the T4 and Palmyra air bases in Homs, assessing the runways, hangars and infrastructure to see if forces and military hardware could be deployed. Ankara is getting involved in the Syrian territories as part of a planned joint defence pact between Turkey and Syria. Amidst all this, the defence minister Israel Katz called airstrikes a clear message and warning for the future. According to The Guardian, Israel has stuck military sites in Syria hundreds of times since Assad fled to Moscow four months ago. During these strikes, Tel Aviv destroyed assets including missile systems and air defences that the transitional government in Damascus had hoped to inherit. Meanwhile, Turkish officials have established fast ties with Damascus, while negotiating a reported defence pact that could see Turkish forces using Syrian airspace and establishing bases on the ground. Israel, on the other hand, is moving to expand its decades-old occupation of the Golan Heights into a designated buffer zone following Assads departure. Advertisement Assad had Russia as his protector in the second half of the Syrian civil war. If Turkey comes in and begins installing air defence systems or introducing jets into Syrian airspace, that limits Israels freedom of action significantly, Aron Lund, an analyst with the New York thinktank Century International told The Guardian. For Turkey, the problem now is not just Israel objecting to their military presence but doing things that by design or default are weakening or preventing the emergence of a functioning government in Syria, such as saying the new Sharaa government cant have forces south of Damascus, he furthered. With inputs from agencies. An immigration judge in Louisiana allows the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil based on an undated memo shared by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio read more A US immigration judge ruled on Friday that Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate and Palestinian protest organiser is eligible to be deported from the United States. The ruling came following a contentious hearing at a remote court in central Louisiana. The judgement is now seen by many as a victory for US President Donald Trump and his team, who are imposing a crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters in the country. The decision came just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio submitted a short memo to the court in which he argued Khalils current or expected beliefs, statements or associations were counter to Americas foreign policy interests. The secretary insisted that Khalils views are sufficient evidence to remove the lawful permanent resident from the United States. Advertisement Interestingly, the undated memo is the main evidence submitted by the counsel representing the Trump administration. However, the memo does not contain any allegations of criminal conduct. What went down during the tense hearing During the tense hearing on Friday, Khalils attorneys made an array of unsuccessful arguments, attempting to both delay a ruling on his eligibility for removal and terminate the proceedings altogether. The lawyers argued that broad allegations contained in Rubios memo gave them a right to directly cross-examine him. Meanwhile, Khalil held prayer beads while the proceedings were going on, The Guardian reported. Judge Jamee Comans, who was overseeing the case, ruled that Rubios determination was presumptive and sufficient evidence and that she had no power to rule on concerns over free speech. There is no indication that Congress contemplated an immigration judge or even the attorney general overruling the secretary of state on matters of foreign policy, Comans said. Meanwhile, shattered supporters of Khalil sat in tears on crowded public benches while the ruling was delivered. Khalil puts his argument forward Following the ruling, Khalil requested permission to speak before the court. I would like to quote what you said last time, that theres nothing more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness," he said, addressing the judge directly. Clearly what we witnessed today, neither of these principles were present today or in this whole process. This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court, 1,000 miles away from my family. I just hope that the urgency that you deemed fit for me is afforded to the hundreds of others who have been here without hearing for months," he added. The 30-year-old was one of the key players at the pro-Palestinian protests in Columbia last year. He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers in New York on 8 March and transferred to a detention facility in Jena, Louisiana, where he was detained for over a month. His case was one of the first string of arrests made by the Trump administration targeting pro-Palestinian students and scholars present in the US on visas or green cards. The Friday ruling means that Khalils removal proceedings will continue to move forward in Jena. However, a separate case is being heard at a federal court in New Jersey that examines the legality of his detention and questions surrounding the constitutionality of the governments claims it can deport people for First Amendment-protected speech if they are deemed adverse to US foreign policy. Advertisement Meanwhile, Khalils legal team is urging the New Jersey court to grant him bail so that he can reunite with his wife, who is due to give birth to their first child this month. His lawyers slammed the decision, which they said appeared to be pre-written. Today, we saw our worst fears play out: Mahmoud was subject to a charade of due process, a flagrant violation of his right to a fair hearing, and a weaponisation of immigration law to suppress dissent. This is not over, and our fight continues, said Marc van der Hout, Khalils immigration lawyer. If Mahmoud can be targeted in this way, simply for speaking out for Palestinians and exercising his constitutionally protected right to free speech, this can happen to anyone over any issue the Trump administration dislikes. We will continue working tirelessly until Mahmoud is free and rightfully returned home to his family and community, he added. The judge gave lawyers for Khalil until 23 April to seek a waiver. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Lawyers representing the Trump administration confirmed that the wrongly deported Maryland man is currently confined in a notorious prison in El Salvador read more Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the US legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador, looks on during a press conference with other family members, supporters and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in Washington, DC, US, April 9, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trumps administration on Sunday confirmed to a federal judge that the wrongly deported Maryland man is confined in a notorious prison in El Salvador. However, the filing from the White House does not address the judges demand that the Trump administration share the steps it has taken to return the man home. from Mayland was arrested by the authorities and was deported to El Salvador. In the latest filing White House confirmed that the man is under the authority of the government of the Latin American nation. The White House was represented in the court by Michael G Kozak, who identified himself in the filing as a Senior Bureau Official in the state departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. Advertisement The court filing came one day after a US government attorney struggled in a hearing Michael G Kozak, who identified himself in the filing as a Senior Bureau Official in the state departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. Xinis then issued an order requiring the administration to disclose Garcias current physical location and custodial status and what steps, if any, Defendants have taken (and) will take, and when, to facilitate his return. He is alive and in a secure facility: White House rep In the latest filing, Kozak confirmed that Gracia is alive and in a secured facility. It is my understanding based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador that Abrego Garcia is currently held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, Kozaks statement said. He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained under the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador. However, the statement did not address the judges latter requirement. On Friday, the lack of clarity on the matter was condemned by Xinis. Where is he and under whose authority? the judge asked in the hearing. Im not asking for state secrets. All I know is that hes not here. The government was prohibited from sending him to El Salvador, and now Im asking a very simple question: Where is he? The remarks from the judge came a day after the US Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the judges order to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the US, after Abrego Garcia and his family filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his summary deportation on 15 March. It is pertinent to note that Gracia has worked under a US work permit since 2019 but was stopped and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officers on 12 March. He was questioned about his alleged gang affiliations and later deported to El Salvador. Abrego Garcias wife, US citizen Jennifer Vasquez Sura, has not been able to speak to him since he was flown to his native El Salvador last month and imprisoned. She has been staging demonstrations outside the court and has urged the familys supporters to keep fighting. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Trump has also said earlier this week that military action was absolutely possible in conjunction with Israel- if the talks in Oman failed. If it requires military, were going to have military, read more US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that while the US continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution to Irans nuclear program, the military stands ready to go deep and to go big if talks fail. Hegseths remarks followed the first round of indirect negotiations in Oman between US and Iranian diplomats, which both sides described as productive. Appearing on CBSs Face the Nation, Hegseth said While President Donald Trump hoped to never have to resort to a military option. Weve shown a capability to go far, to go deep and to go big." Again, we dont want to do that, but if we have to, we will to prevent the nuclear bomb in Irans hands. Advertisement Trump said Wednesday that military action was absolutely possible in conjunction with Israel- if the talks in Oman failed. If it requires military, were going to have military, he told reporters. Israel will obviously be very much involved in that, be the leader of that. That followed a blunt warning in late March that if they dont make a deal, there will be bombing. Trump pulled the United States out of an earlier multi-nation nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018, during his first term in the White House. Analysts say Iran may now be just weeks away from producing a deliverable nuclear weapon though Tehran denies it is building such arms. This first round of talks between the US and Iran began Saturday and the next round of talks will take place next Saturday, according to the Iranian and American statements. The two sides spoke for over two hours at a location in the outskirts of Muscat, Omans capital. The convoy believed to be carrying Witkoff returned to Muscat before disappearing into traffic around a neighborhood that is home to the US Embassy. The stakes of the negotiations couldnt be higher for the two nations closing in on half a century of enmity. Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Irans nuclear program if a deal isnt reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Advertisement With inputs from agencies US Energy Secretary Chris Wright didnt mention any wider agreement with Riyadh, something that the previous administration of Joe Biden was seeking to include normalisation with Israel on the list read more President Donald Trump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh in 2017. (Photo: AP) US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told reporters Sunday (April 13) that Washington DC and Riyadh will sign a preliminary agreement to co-operate over developing a civil nuclear industry in Saudi Arabia. His announcement followed a meeting between him and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman earlier in the day. The secretary said a comprehensive version of the agreement detailing the energy cooperation between the two nations would be unveiled later this year. Advertisement For a US partnership and involvement in nuclear here, there will definitely be a 123 agreement theres lots of ways to structure a deal that will accomplish both the Saudi objectives and the American objectives, Wright was quoted as saying by Reuters. What is a 123 agreement? The so-called 123 agreement refers to a deal with Saudi Arabia under the Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The 123 agreement is a must before US companies and government are allowed to develop civil nuclear industry in the kingdom. Wright said that as of now, the Saudi authorities have not agreed to the conditions of the US act. The agreement lays out nine non-proliferation conditions a country must meet to ensure it doesnt use nuclear tech to build bombs or pass sensitive materials to others. But things had been stuck for a while because Saudi Arabia wasnt too keen on signing a deal that would prohibit it from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel. Those two processes are key stepping stones if you ever want to go from peaceful energy to nuclear weaponry. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has long vowed that the kingdom would definitely pursue a nuclear bomb if arch rival Iran manages to develop one. No wider agreement on table? Chris Wright didnt mention any wider agreement with Riyadh, something that the previous administration of Joe Biden was seeking to include normalisation with Israel on the list. A civil nuclear agreement would help Saudi Arabia generate substantial renewable energy and reduce emissions, under the crown princes Vision 2030 reform plan. A meeting between US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla and the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz also took place in Saudi Arabia last week read more Houthi supporters chant slogans during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on Monday. AP In what could be termed as the largest offensive of the Yemeni civil war, the internationally recognised government there could soon launch a massive operation against Houthis to reclaim control of Hodeidah Port. According to a report in Emirati state media, the operation could involve as many as 80,000 soldiers from the legitimate Yemeni government. The report quoted Dr Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center based in Saudi Arabia, as saying that the operation could pave the ground for a similar offensive on the capital city Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since 2014. Advertisement To my best knowledge, there is a preparation of almost 80,000 soldiers from the legitimate Yemeni government in different locations in order to take over [Hodeidah], Sager said. USAs role The US administration has renewed strikes against Houthis beginning last month, leading to the death of several key leaders of the Iran-backed rebels. On Saturday (April 12), Houthis said the US launched ten air strikes in three provinces in Yemen after US President Donald Trump last month threatened to completely annihilate them. Sager believes those US strikes may have prompted the Yemeni government to seek to deal another blow to the militias. He said the US could provide aerial cover and drone surveillance to Yemeni fighters during the operation. I think we might be at the stage of counting down the end of the Houthis, Dr. Sager said. Theyve had every chance for a political discussion and be a part of a government that would save Yemen from all this suffering. A meeting between US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla and the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz also took place in Saudi Arabia last week. Context Back in 2018, a joint offensive by Yemeni, Saudi, and Emirati forces surrounded the strategic city of Hodeidah, aiming to choke off supplies to Houthi fighters holed up inside. The move sparked international alarm, with the UN and several countries warning that the siege could tip Yemenalready teetering on the brinkinto full-blown famine. Fast forward to now, and experts like Sager are sounding the alarm again. He cautioned that any fresh attack on Hodeidah would likely trigger the same level of global pushback. But heres the kicker: with recent budget cuts to American and British foreign aid, the world may be less equipped this time to stave off a humanitarian catastrophe. Advertisement The murder charge once filed against a West End man in the 25-year-old disappearance of Dale Williams was brought prematurely, District Attorney Anna Cooling said, in explaining her recent decision to drop the charge. Coolings office moved to dismiss the charge without prejudice, and the motion was granted earlier this month. Public defenders for then-defendant James Dan Bishop wanted the case dismissed with prejudice, which would have precluded it from being refiled. Bishop, an acquaintance of Williams, has repeatedly denied having a role in his disappearance and presumed death. In court proceedings and filings, his attorneys pointed to a host of alternate suspects. They had also filed motions to have the case dismissed as a sanction against the District Attorneys Office; that filing contended significant rules of evidence violations had prejudiced Bishop. CASE NOT OVER YET Dropping the charge does not mean her office is dropping the probe of Williams disappearance, Cooling said. She is continuing to meet with investigators and has pledged updates to the Williams family. As well, she has brought in the state attorney generals office. This is a death; its a death where we dont have the victim. We dont have a body. Our evidence is about 90% circumstantial evidence. I made the executive decision as the new DA, at this point in time, because it was filed prematurely. It was my opinion it should have gone to the grand jury. It did not, Cooling said April 4. She directed Assistant District Attorney Jessica Waggoner to file a motion to dismiss without prejudice, which holds the door open for a new case being brought if evidence supports it. Bishop was arrested last October in the 1999 disappearance. Cooling was not in office when the charge was filed against him; she took office in January after having been named to fill the vacancy left when the former DA resigned. This is a cold case that has been investigated for several years, dating back to 1999, Cooling said. Our biggest problem in the case is that many of the witnesses and any suspects that we may have in mind are deceased. With the rules of evidence, we cannot get in any statements of the witnesses who predeceased, because the rules of evidence require us to lay a proper foundation if a witness is unavailable. A limited exception exists for dying declarations. Of course, we have no dying declarations. To get in evidence of people no longer with us is impossible, Cooling said. STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE Williams, an auto repair business owner and father, was reported missing to the Nucla Marshals Office in 1999. He disappeared May 27 that year, after leaving his auto body shop in response to a call from a stranded motorist. He was seen that day near a local store, with one witness reporting he was with a man and woman she did not recognize. No confirmed sightings of Williams have been reported since. On July 4, 1999, young people swimming discovered Williams vehicle underwater at the confluence of the San Miguel and Dolores rivers. The Montrose County Sheriffs Office recovered the truck and a gun from the bed they alleged was Bishops but Williams was not located. The case bedeviled the MCSO, Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other agencies for more than two decades. Last year, activity kicked into higher gear, with a search of property where Bishop once lived, although nothing was found. In mid-October, Bishop was arrested. Investigators alleged he had conspired with his cousin and the cousins girlfriend, paying them with his prized Corvette to get rid of Williams, who had an affair with his then-wife and also helped her move out of state. Investigators theorized that the woman lured Williams with the stranded motorist call and Bishops cousin then killed him and somehow disposed of his body. Both of these individuals are deceased. Bishop through his attorneys in court maintained that was not true and that he had nothing to do with what happened to Williams. During a preliminary hearing, Bishops attorneys pointed to numerous other people with a reason to harm Williams, whom they also said was engaged in the drug trade. Waggoner blasted that suggestion as smearing the victim. The case cleared the probable cause hurdle at the time and proceeded to District Court. Thereafter, Bishops attorneys contended the DAs Office had withheld discovery evidence in the case, to the point that it impeded Bishops ability to mount a defense, so it should be dismissed. Coolings request that Waggoner file to dismiss the case was separate of that, the DA said. She reviewed thousands of pages of discovery, but was not in office when the arrest warrant was signed and charges were brought against Bishop; Cooling reiterated she felt as though it had been filed too soon. Williams family disagreed with the decision to dismiss the case, which Cooling acknowledged. I have guaranteed that I will give them updates. Their fear was the case wouldnt move forward, she said. They just did not want it to be ignored. She said she also pledged that, as a team, the DAs Office is stepping back to regroup and reevaluate. At this point, we have two different agencies are actively engaged, the CBI and MCSO, said Cooling. She has also engaged the Colorado Attorney Generals Office, and is receiving assistance from Christian Champagne, the designated assistant attorney general for western Colorado. I dont have the staff, unfortunately, because Im down five attorneys, that we can effectively try this case with the staff that we have, Cooling said, expressing one of the factors that led the previous DA to resign. With those restrictions and unavailability of staff I asked the AG for help with the reorganization. The goal here is to present the case to the state AGs Office via Champagne, and since he would be the one prosecuting it, if evidence leads there, his opinion on case viability is critical. Cooling said she will continue conferring with the Williams family and agencies. This is traumatic, of course. Theyve lost a loved one. Its frustrating it was filed and then I made the decision, after review of the case, to have it dismissed without prejudice, she said. I think methodically coming and approaching the case makes the case stronger and puts us in positions where we can make a decision about how were going to move forward. And I dont know what that now is, because were not ready to present it to the AGs Office. This will be a process. Were not going to know by next week. Theres 12,000 pages of discovery, but thats what happens when you have a case from 1999. Bishops attorneys had been within their rights to bring up alternate suspects as part of his defense, she said. Thats not where were at. Our focus is on Mr. Bishop. The family just wants justice for the loss of their loved one. Bishops defense team said refiling a case against him would be unfair, because he is innocent. It would be completely unfair to arrest and charge him again down the road, given what has happened in the course of this case. Mr. Bishop has proclaimed and proven his innocence and he will continue to do so as necessary, public defenders Patrick Crane, Alida Soileau and Daniel Lavrisha said in a statement on Bishops behalf in late March, when the case was dismissed. POSSIBLE SIGHTINGS? Prosecutors cannot even prove Williams is in fact deceased, the defense has argued. The attorneys at prelim questioned witnesses about reported sightings of Williams after his disappearance, including in Montana, and about a financial document apparently recorded after the day he went missing. At the hearing, Waggoner said the date on the document is the date it was recorded, not the date it was signed. Cooling said her office and investigators have examined and ruled out the reported sightings. They did not line up with what the investigators believe is the chronological order that the death of Mr. Williams took place in, she said. Its a difficult case. It is circumstantial evidence, without the decedent, Cooling said. Circumstantial evidence is still evidence often described as a puzzle that clearly depicts something, even if pieces are missing, she said. This is a mixture of a cold case with the lack of a decedent. Its a difficult case. It was a difficult decision I made, but I made the decision because I thought it was in the best interests, Cooling said, reiterating that investigators are regrouping and working with the attorney generals office. I think it behooves us to make a hard decision. And it was a hard decision to make. Ex-assistant of foreign minister detained as spying cases in DPP expand ROC Central News Agency 04/12/2025 04:49 PM Taipei, April 12 (CNA) A former assistant serving under the Secretary-General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu () during his tenure as Taiwan's top diplomat has been detained in connection with an espionage case. Prosecutors in Taipei brought in the former assistant, Ho Jen-chieh (), for questioning after conducting a search of his residence on Thursday, and a court granted their request to place Ho under detention later that day. Wu's office has declined to comment on the case, saying only Ho resigned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2024, about two months before Wu was succeeded by Lin Chia-lung () as foreign minister and assumed the role of NSC chief in May. The office said that any individuals "engaged in activities betraying the country ... should receive the severest punishment," adding it supported the judicial authorities in handling such cases impartially regardless of party affiliation or personal background and in accordance with the law. Ho's arrest adds to a growing list of individuals suspected of spying for Chinese intelligence services while working for senior officials in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, which has been in power since 2016. Other suspects in the case include Wu Shang-yu (), who worked as an adviser in President Lai Ching-te () office; Chiu Shih-yuan (), former deputy head of the DPP's Taiwan Institute of Democracy, and Huang Chu-jung (), assistant to DPP New Taipei Councilor Lee Yu-tien (). According to the prosecutors, Huang was likely to have been recruited by Beijing's intelligence services when he was doing business in China, and, after returning to Taiwan, he started working with Ho, Wu Shang-yu and Chiu to gather confidential information about Lai and other top officials. In particular, the prosecutors said Wu had leaked information regarding Lai's visit to Paraguay in August 2023, when he was the vice president under former President Tsai Ing-wen (). The leaked information allegedly included Lai's flight schedules, accommodation, and meeting locations and lists. Prosecutors, however, did not disclose what confidential information had been compromised by Ho and Chiu. After giving such information to the Chinese intelligence services through Huang, the other three, namely Ho, Wu and Chiu, received tens of thousands of NT dollars in return, prosecutors said. Prosecutors claimed it expanded their probe into the case after they were able to trace money flows between Huang and the others in February, and subsequently Huang, Wu and Chiu were detained following interrogations. However, the prosecutors did not provide more details about the relations between Huang and the other three other than that they had all worked in the DPP for some time. Neither did the prosecutors disclose further information about the Chinese intelligence services and their ties with Huang. The DPP has expelled Wu from the party while removing Chiu and Huang from the membership list, citing their having "caused serious threats to national security" and "significantly tainted the party's reputation." A separate espionage case involved a former assistant to then-Legislative Speaker You Si-kun () of the DPP, Sheng Chu-ying (). Sheng, who began working for You in April 2022 but stayed for less than a year, has allegedly provided confidential information from the Legislature to the Chinese intelligence services and received payment through both cash and virtual currency. Sheng was released on bail of NT$200,000 (US$6,188) in late March on the condition that he wear an electronic tag. (By Hsieh Hsing-en, Wang Hung-kuo, Tsai Chih-ming and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former employee of Chinese military research institute sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage, selling core secrets: MSS Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 12, 2025 03:23 PM China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed on Saturday an espionage case involving a former employee of a research institute under a Chinese military industry group, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage, stealing and selling core secrets in the technological research and development and practical application of key sectors. The person, surnamed Wei who was a staff member and network administrator of the research institute, was sentenced to life imprisonment under espionage laws, deprived of political rights for life, and confiscation of all personal property, and ordered to return illicit gains, according to the MSS. Wei encountered a foreigner posing as a tourist in a park, who was actually a spy from an intelligence agency of a country employed by the country's embassy in China. The spy's purpose was to engage in conversation to identify potential recruits and gather intelligence from people like Wei, according to a video posted by the MSS via its official WeChat account on Saturday. Due to a lack of counterintelligence training, Wei quickly befriended this foreigner. This foreigner would occasionally invite Wei out for meals and drinks, and before leaving, he often gave out some small gifts. Wei began to realize that this foreigner might not be as simple as he had imagined, according to the MSS. Wei had a solitary personality and had tense relationships with other colleagues in his job. Due to the poor work performance, Wei was often criticized by the superiors. But in Wei's eyes, others were deliberately targeting him. When the foreigner tempted Wei with high financial incentives, Wei agreed without hesitation. Wei thought that this move would not only allow him to take revenge on the superiors but also bring economic benefits. Wei then exploited the security loopholes to engage in espionage, selling core secrets related to key areas of technological research and practical application. Wei used a mobile hard drive to copy large amounts of classified materials from the internal network, took photos of classified documents by phone, and secretly duplicated the keys to the supervisors' offices. Wei accessed the offices during off-hours or weekends to steal materials and planted a recording device to secretly tape internal meetings. When arrested, Wei had two forged office keys and a cellphone containing classified images provided by the foreign spy, according to the MSS. Wei sold more than 1,000 documents to foreign intelligence agencies, including six classified and 536 secret-level documents, the MSS said. The MSS warned that some sensitive state workplaces lack adequate personnel, physical and technical security safeguards, therefore it is essential to learn from this case and take it as a warning. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INTERVIEW: Don't forget Sudan, UN humanitarian coordinator urges 11 April 2025 - The top UN official in Sudan has called for more assistance to the population as the brutal war between rival militaries approaches the two-year mark amid rising needs, increased risk of wider famine and a shortfall in humanitarian funding. "We appeal to the international community not to forget Sudan," Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, said recently in an exclusive interview with UN News. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former ally the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been battling since 15 April 2023. The war has decimated Sudan and sparked the world's worst displacement crisis. Some 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes for other areas in the country, or across the border. This year, humanitarians are seeking $4.2 billion to support a staggering 30 million people in Sudan. Ms. Nkweta-Salami underscored the commitment of the UN and partners to continue assisting war-weary civilians trapped in a dangerous and deadly environment. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Clementine Nkweta-Salami: The humanitarian situation is catastrophic; I think we've used that adjective many times now. We are almost two years into the conflict, and we would have hoped to have been able to ensure that we could provide humanitarian assistance comprehensively to those in need. We're still struggling. We don't have access to all the hotspot areas. We are trying our best to make sure that the resources we have can be moved out as quickly as possible using all the modalities that we have available to us. But the displacement is significant, the needs are enormous, we've already had famine identified in some parts of the country, and we're working against the clock to try and prevent it spreading. So, all in all, I would say that we still need to make a mammoth effort. We still need support from the international community in terms of resources, and we still need greater facilitation by all the armed groups engaged in this conflict. UN News: Your focus is on humanitarian operations and getting aid to people, but is there anything you can tell us about the current phase of the fighting and political developments? Clementine Nkweta-Salami: Humanitarian assistance needs to continue in the absence of a political solution to the conflict, in the absence of a ceasefire. We continue to work with the international community - Member States who are engaged in the political discussions and negotiations - to try and use the discussions to facilitate our work through humanitarian pauses and trying to get the armed groups to agree to routes that we could use which would not be subject to attacks, shelling or bombardment. In the absence of a political solution, we will continue to forge ahead with the humanitarian response. The needs of the people are significant. They need health services. They need access to water. They need electricity. But more importantly, they need access to food, medicines, and shelter. And one of the areas that we believe is critical, and perhaps is not readily as visible, is of course protection. We have high numbers of gender-based violence. We have children in need of protection, children out of school, and we continue to insist in line with international humanitarian law and human rights law that the protection of civilians be upheld as this conflict continues. And this is something we haven't seen, and we continue to push. Civilians are really bearing the brunt of this conflict, and all armed actors need to abide by international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians: those in the cities and those who want to flee. UN News: This is a good time to remind our audience about how the UN is providing humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people. Clementine Nkweta-Salami: We're trying to bring in assistance across lines - that is throughout the territory, arriving at Port Sudan and trying to push it to those areas where there is the greatest need. We're also trying to use the cross-border entry points as well. We need to use as many of these options [as possible], keep them open, ensure that we have agreements with all the armed groups so that we can use them to bring assistance at scale and as quickly as possible to the highly impacted areas. We have convoys of food. We also have medicines. We have nutrition supplies. We have supplies to address some of the endemic issues. We've had cholera outbreaks. We need to ensure that populations have clean and safe drinking water. I should also underline that it's not the UN alone. The UN works with international NGOs, many of whom are able to work in parts of the country where we have no access, where we have no permission to establish a presence, and implement some of our activities. We also have a large national NGO network - and some of these are female-headed NGOs. They are really at the frontlines, and we are channelling assistance to them, either cash, money or in-kind. UN News: Famine conditions have been confirmed in some areas in Sudan, particularly the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. You mentioned that there's also the chance of it spreading to other parts of the country. How worrying is this? Clementine Nkweta-Salami: Very worrying. If you allow me to just perhaps turn to the situation in Darfur. El Fasher remains under siege, with civilian populations trapped for many months, and they face daily shelling, displacement and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Many of the populations have wanted to leave. They've been prevented from leaving. Many of them have moved many times, and the situation is very dire. We are very, very concerned, and I strongly condemn the intensifying deliberate attacks on civilians - particularly those in North Darfur but other parts of Darfur as well, and more recently, the airstrike on the market where we registered a significant loss of life. I've mentioned international humanitarian law before. I think particularly in the Darfurs the protection of civilians is key, and we remind the parties as often as necessary to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm, to provide safe and hindered passage for civilians seeking to flee areas of active conflict. Now, coming to the actual levels of food insecurity, let me just say that the situation at the Zamzam camp is catastrophic: severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies; the prices of basic goods have skyrocketed, making essential items unaffordable for most families, and Zamzam is a site in which famine conditions were identified last August and re-confirmed in December. We also had areas in Khartoum at risk of famine, and also in the Kordofans and in the Blue Nile state as well. UN News: You mentioned attacks, and humanitarians are also under fire. Can you talk about how the insecurity and the fighting affect aid delivery? Clementine Nkweta-Salami: We have lost an unacceptable number of humanitarian actors during this conflict, and humanitarian actors shouldn't lose their lives trying to provide support to those in need. There is conflict in various parts of the country. Khartoum previously was a hot spot, but the Darfurs continue to be a hot spot, more significantly around the border area with Chad, El Fasher and of course Zamzam. We also have hot spots in Nyala and now very recently in the Kordofans where we have seen an uptick in fighting, and also the Blue Nile. The security situation is impacting our work negatively. But even where there is conflict, humanitarian workers are willing - and do have means and methods of being able to access these locations. UN News: You've outlined the challenges, but also the work that the UN and partners are doing to bring aid to people in Sudan. This is taking place against the backdrop of an immense shortfall in funding for humanitarian operations worldwide this year. Clementine Nkweta-Salami: Indeed, we are concerned that we will not be able to obtain a level of funding for this crisis that would allow us to address the urgent needs of the population. We have been informed by some of our donors that there will be reductions in the resources that they will make available to us during the course of this year. I think it's important to know that since this crisis began, the humanitarian needs have only grown. We started 2024 with about 24 million people. We ended with about 30 million people. [Looking at] our Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, the figures seem to be quite high but when you break them down it's about 50 cents per person per day. People are in a dire situation and we appeal to the international community not to forget Sudan, not to forget the men and the women and children of Sudan who find themselves in this very difficult situation at this moment in time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Suica and Lahbib on the humanitarian situation in Gaza European Commission Statement Apr 12, 2025 Brussels The European Union deplores the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza. The EU's priorities remain the resumption of the ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the restoration of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza. The EU firmly condemns the killing of 15 humanitarian aid workers in Gaza on March 23 and calls for accountability. Too many Israelis and Palestinians have suffered and the death toll of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable. The EU is extremely concerned by reports of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which suggest that food supplies brought in during the ceasefire are running out. Under International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian aid must reach civilians in need. The EU repeats its call on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to start flowing at scale into and throughout the strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Commissioner Dombrovskis at the second ECOFIN press conference in Warsaw European Commission Speech Apr 12, 2025 Brussels Thank you, Andrzej. Good afternoon, everyone. In this current geopolitical situation, Europe is committed to taking more responsibility for its security by mobilising substantial investments in defence capabilities and defence industry. It is especially appropriate that we held this discussion here in Warsaw, given that Poland is leading the way in investing to enhance defence and security capabilities. EU Member States bordering Russia, or its satellite state Belarus, understand the threat that the European Union faces better than anyone else. They have also experienced hybrid-warfare, such as the instrumentalisation of migration, and have been the target of Russian disinformation campaigns and also faced a number of sabotage acts. It was therefore reassuring to see that there was a very broad agreement amongst ministers today that Europe must take more responsibility for its defence. Of course, rebuilding Europe's defensive capabilities requires urgent and significant investment. That was the focus of today's meeting. Last month, the Commission presented the ReArm Europe Plan and the Readiness 2030 initiative to facilitate and encourage such investment. As you know, it aims to boost defence funding to unlock up to 800 billion. This can be a game-changer for Europe's defence capabilities. Today provided an important opportunity to present ministers with this package and engage with ministers on its contents. Allow me to briefly present the three main elements that we discussed in today's meeting. Firstly, we have proposed the coordinated activation of the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact. This will facilitate a rapid increase in defence spending by allowing Member States to temporarily deviate from the normal fiscal requirements. I underlined that it will be crucial that Member States, at the same time, safeguard fiscal sustainability. To this end, the deviation is limited in terms of scope, duration and volume. From today's discussion, we can see that most Member States, a large majority of Member States, are considering triggering the clause. From the Commission side, we want to this in a coordinated and synchronised manner. We have invited Member States to come forward with their requests to activate the national escape clause by the end of April. It is not a deadline, but just to ensure coordination. The Commission stands ready to swiftly assess the requests received and adopt recommendations in June, for adoption by the Council in July. The second main element we presented was the new 150 billion loan instrument Security Action for Europe, or "SAFE". This will provide loans to Member States to invest in key defence areas like ammunition, missiles, drones, and cyber security. The funds will be raised on capital markets and disbursed to interested Member States upon demand, based on their national plans. So, SAFE will encourage Member States to spend better, together and European by providing loans on very good terms. The third and final element we presented concerns better channelling private financing towards the defence sector, also with the help of the European Investment Bank Group and the Savings and Investments Union. A short word on the economic impact of these measures. Beyond enhancing Europe's security, we expect additional defence spending to also boost competitiveness and economic growth, drive innovation and create new jobs. The precise impact will eventually depend on the spending trajectory of Member States over time and its composition. It can also act to enhance the capabilities and capacities of Europe's defence industries. As you know, the EU is working intensively to diversify our trade with new and existing partners across the world. We expect also to find new markets for a resurgent European defence industry, as our allies and strategic partners across the world seek reliable suppliers. To conclude, the Commission looks forward to continuing to engage closely with Member States in the weeks ahead on the next steps in rebuilding Europe's defence capabilities. Together, we can and will take responsibility for defending our freedoms and values. Before I finish, I would like to once again thank the Polish Presidency for their hospitality and for the excellent organisation of the meeting. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BRICS members express grave concern over US 'reciprocal tariffs,' call for joint defense of multilateral trade system Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 12, 2025 12:50 PM BRICS members engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the US "reciprocal tariffs" policy, expressed serious concerns over the trade tensions triggered by the US measures, and jointly called for opposition to unilateralism and trade protectionism during the second meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues, which was held via video conference from Thursday to Friday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Saturday. The group, established in 2011, is a key contact group for BRICS members to exchange views on a range of economic, trade and investment related issues, according to the official website of South Africa's Department of Technology, Industry and Competition. During the meeting, China pointed out that the US government's recent imposition of the "reciprocal tariff" policy has severely undermined the international trade system, disrupted global industrial and supply chains, exerted prolonged impacts on the world economy, which represents typical unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. China emphasized that BRICS countries serve as a crucial platform for emerging market nations and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and safeguard shared interests. They play a significant role in advancing the reform of the global governance system and promoting the liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment. At this critical juncture, BRICS members should steadfastly adhere to the correct direction of globalization, jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system based on rules, and maintain global economic stability, according to a statement published by the ministry on its official website. BRICS members expressed grave concern over the severe impact of the US "reciprocal tariffs" on the multilateral trading system. Multiple members noted that such tariffs seriously violate WTO rules, constituting unilateralism and protectionism that could substantially hinder global economic growth and undermine the interests of developing countries, read the statement. The BRICS countries should reinforce solidarity and present a unified stance to the world on this matter. All parties will continue to engage in in-depth discussions through economic and trade channels to respond to the US "reciprocal tariffs" policy, enhance coordination of positions, uphold and safeguard the rule-based multilateral trading system, and collaboratively respond to the current global trade tensions. According to the MOFCOM, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on Friday held a video call with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also serves as the country's minister of development, industry, commerce and services. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening China-Brazil economic and trade cooperation, responding to the US' imposition of so-called "reciprocal tariffs," and leveraging the role of multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the G20. Bloomberg reported on Friday that Brazil's mines and energy minister is heading to China to seek energy storage partnerships with companies including electronics leader Huawei Technologies and auto giant BYD. Alexandre Silveira's trip is scheduled for next week. The schedule also includes meetings with State Grid Corp. of China to discuss potential transmission lines to resolve bottlenecks in the power grid, according to Bloomberg. On Friday, a glitch in the system regarding the code to exempt all freight that was on the water this week and should be exempt from any new tariffs put into place by the US administration, including freight already on the way from China and any nations now under a 90-day reprieve, has now been fixed, according to a report by CNBC. The glitch lasted for more than 10 hours, according to the latest alert provided by the US Customs and Border Protection. Customs issued an update at 8:19 am (US local time) that they were aware the entry code for US shippers to use to have their freight exempted was not working and "the issue is being reviewed," according to the report. Imports to the busiest US seaport could drop as soon as May, as companies pause orders in response to the country's escalating tariffs on China and other trading partners, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said on Friday, Reuters reported. "Global trade will slow as companies try to figure out what this means," said Seroka, who also reiterated his forecast for imports at the Port of Los Angeles to fall at least 10 percent in the second half of this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas holds Netanyahu responsible for continuation of war in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for prolonging the war in the Gaza Strip and obstructing the implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement. Hamas, in a statement on Saturday, pointed to the growing calls within the occupying regime to end the war and release prisoners, saying they were clear evidence of Netanyahu's direct role in dragging the war and intensifying the suffering of both Palestinians and Israeli prisoners. The Palestinian group said that Netanyahu was shedding the blood of children in Gaza and its prisoners to serve his political objectives of remaining in power and avoiding his corruption trial. Hamas emphasized that its call for an end to the war in exchange for the release of prisoners has gained global support, yet Netanyahu remains the sole obstacle to its implementation. It warned that each day of delay in ending the war would result in further casualties among Palestinian civilians and worsen the plight of prisoners. The statement followed petitions signed by hundreds of military reservists, officers, doctors, and academics in the occupied territories, urging an immediate end to the war in Gaza. 2050**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli military will expand offensive 'throughout most of Gaza' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Israel's minister in charge of military affairs, Israel Katz, has announced plans to expand the ongoing offensive across much of the Gaza Strip. Israeli operations will intensify and expand to other areas throughout most of Gaza, and "you will need to evacuate the combat zones," Katz said in a message directed to Gaza residents. Katz also said that the Israeli army has taken control of what it calls the "Morag Corridor," a route in southern Gaza that separates Rafah from the rest of the Strip. This move effectively designates Rafah as an "Israeli security zone," he said. In his statement, Katz warned Palestinians in Gaza that this was their last chance to banish Hamas and release all prisoners. The Israeli minister also said that the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land that divides Gaza in two, will also be expanded. He added that Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza will be provided a "passage," referring to a contentious plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to relocate Palestinians from the enclave. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas fires rockets into occupied Israeli territories IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas has launched a rocket attack targeting Israeli positions from the southern Gaza Strip, reports said. Israel's Army Radio said three rockets were fired from Gaza at Israeli settlements on Saturday. The rocket attack comes as the Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza. Lebanon's Al Mayadeen news network reported that Israeli forces have encircled the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, initiating the demolition of Palestinian homes in northern neighborhoods. Additionally, reports said that Israeli forces attacked refugee tents in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis, resulting in the deaths of several Palestinians. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that at least 21 Palestinians were killed and 64 others wounded in the past 24 hours. At least 50,933 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, including at least 1,563 who have lost their lives since March 18, when Israel resumed its offensive, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen targets military positions in Tel Aviv IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Yemen's Army drone unit has targeted two military positions in the occupied Jaffa (Tel Aviv) using two Jaffa drones. According to Al-Masirah, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Army, said that the operation was carried out in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian nation and its resilient fighters, in response to the Israeli regime's crimes in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Palestinian nation, emphasizing that the ongoing U.S. invasion in Yemen would not deter them from fulfilling their humanitarian duty towards the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, the Israeli military released a statement claiming that it had intercepted and shot down a Yemeni drone before it entered occupied Palestine. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel orders evacuations in Gaza City amid military operations People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:52, April 12, 2025 JERUSALEM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in several neighborhoods of eastern Gaza City as military operations intensified in the area. In a message posted on social media X, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee called on civilians to move westward for their safety. "The IDF is working intensively in your areas to destroy terrorist infrastructure," he wrote. "For your safety, you must evacuate immediately to the known shelter centers in western Gaza City." Meanwhile, the IDF said in a statement that it had killed Hamas militant Ahmad Iyad Muhammad Farhat during a recent operation in Tel al-Sultan refugee camp in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, Farhat was the head of sniper operations for Hamas' Tel al-Sultan Battalion and was responsible for organizing and carrying out attacks on Israeli forces. The IDF also reported additional operations since Thursday across the southern and northern Gaza Strip, in which several Hamas militants were killed. The military added that it had dismantled Hamas' military infrastructure and neutralized booby-trapped buildings during these efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, US security advisers reiterate commitment to boosting alliance Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno April 12, 2025, 3:56 pm MANILA -- The strong military ties between the Philippines and the United States were further highlighted following an introductory phone call between the respective National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the two governments on Friday. "National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz of the United States held an introductory phone call on Friday to discuss recent developments in the Philippines-United States Alliance," the National Security Council (NSC) said in a media statement Saturday. The two NSAs, the NSC said, exchanged views on the regional security situation, particularly in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea. They tackled future bilateral activities between the Philippines and the US that seek to "accelerate the progress in the alliance." "They also underscored the importance of engaging with other like-minded partners to ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific," the NSC said. Ano and Waltz agreed to continue their discussion to include close coordination at the working level. "NSA Ano thanked NSA Waltz for the continued assurances of the United States' ironclad commitment to the Philippines," the NSC said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza's children paying for Netanyahu's political ambitions with blood: Hamas Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 9:30 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has lambasted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sacrificing the lives of the Gaza Strip's children by prolonging Tel Aviv's genocidal war on the territory. The movement made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, referring to Netanyahu's efforts at making the war last as long as possible until, what he has called, the ultimate release of the Israeli captives that remain in Gaza. The Israeli premier has been deploying the tactic as a means of securing his political longevity. "The blood of Gaza's children is a victim of Netanyahu's ambitions to remain in power," it said. The statement coincided with recent remarks by Hamas' officials marking Palestinian Children's Day, in which they said children in Gaza were being subjected to what amounted to "systematic genocide." Last year, Gaza's health ministry said more than 14,000 children had been killed in the coastal sliver since the onset of the warfare. Earlier this month, Hamas put the number at around 19,000. "The Zionist enemy targets Palestinian children systematically, denying them their right to life, education, and healthcare," Hamas also said in another statement earlier this month. Adding to its Saturday statement, the movement noted that even the regime's captives, themselves, had turned into a target of the premier's warlike efforts. Scores of the captives have been killed as a result of incessant and indiscriminate Israeli attacks on Gaza throughout the war. The resistance group further pointed to the growing public pressure among the regime's illegal settlers across the occupied Palestinian territories for Tel Aviv to halt the brutal assault and, therefore, secure the release of the captives. It said the demands underscored Netanyahu's direct responsibility for prolonging the warfare. "The escalating calls within the occupying entity to stop the war and free the captives confirm Netanyahu's responsibility for perpetuating the war and for the suffering of his captives and our people," Hamas added. Reiterating its position on a possible exchange of the captives with Palestinian prisoners, the movement said the formula was simple and widely accepted, namely a ceasefire in return for a release of the captives. "The world accepts it, but Netanyahu rejects it." The group warned that every day of delay in reaching an agreement on the prospect translated into further bloodshed and deepened the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Critics, meanwhile, note that Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption charges in three separate cases, saying making the war last longer could deflect attention from the underway legal proceedings that he faces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU says Israel must lift devastating aid blockade on Gaza, resume ceasefire Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 6:31 PM The European Union (EU) says Israel must lift the devastating humanitarian blockade on the Gaza Strip and resume the ceasefire deal with Hamas. The EU said in a statement on Saturday that the bloc's "priorities remain the resumption of the ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the restoration of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza." It said Brussels "is extremely concerned by reports of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which suggest that food supplies brought in during the ceasefire are running out." "Under International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian aid must reach civilians in need." The EU also said it "firmly condemns the killing of 15 humanitarian aid workers in Gaza on March 23 and calls for accountability." According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), the aid workers were "executed" and buried by Israeli forces in Rafah. Gaza conditions 'unbearable' The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) also said that "immediate action is needed to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis" in Gaza. "Food and clean water are in short supply in the Gaza Strip due to the blockade and the denial of aid for nearly six weeks," UNRWA said in a statement on Saturday. UNRWA's director of communications Juliette Touma said, "babies, children are going to bed hungry," as all basic supplies are running out in the Palestinian territory. "Six weeks into the Israeli-imposed siege blocking the entry of aid and commercial supplies, food stocks are nearly gone, bakeries closed, and hunger is spreading." The Palestinian Bureau of Statistics and the Water Authority said in March that more than 85% of water and sanitation facilities and assets in Gaza were completely or partially out of service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 500 children killed since Israel broke Gaza truce Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 5:18 PM Gaza's civil defense agency says over 500 children have been killed by Israeli attacks across Gaza since the occupying regime broke the ceasefire and renewed its genocidal war on the besieged enclave on March 18. Mahmoud Basal, the spokesman of the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza, made the remarks on Saturday, after at least 6 civilians, including a child, were killed in Israeli strikes across the Palestinian territory earlier in the day, bringing the death toll in the last 24 hours to more than 20. Two people lost their lives in Israeli strikes on Gaza's Tuffah neighborhood, while two others were killed in the al-Atatra district of the northern city of Beit Lahiya. An Israeli drone attack in the Qizan an-Najjar area, south of Khan Younis, also left another Palestinian dead. A newborn was also severely injured after the child's family was hit in an Israeli attack on the city of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. The child died of her critical wounds a couple of hours later, bringing to six the number of deaths early on Saturday. Several casualties were also reported in Israeli air strikes targeting tents housing displaced people in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in the south of Gaza Strip. According to figures from Gaza's ministry of health, more than 1,500 people have been killed since Israel resumed its bombardment of the blockaded territory. Separately on Saturday, Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), warned that all basic supplies "are running out" in Gaza. "It means babies, children are going to bed hungry," she said in a post on X. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini also described the situation in Gaza as a "post-apocalyptic" killing zone, calling on the international community to act on Israel's renewed war on the blockaded territory. The latest development came a day after Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported that 36 of the 224 documented Israeli strikes in Gaza, between March 18 and April 9, involved deaths that were only women and children. The Palestinian rights group al-Haq, which monitors and documents rights violations committed by the occupying entity, said in a post on social media that the findings by the UN further confirmed a pattern it previously identified, adding that "Such a calculated effort to exterminate women, boys, girls and even infants, has not been witnessed in any other modern conflict." The Government Media Office updated its death toll since October 2023 to over 61,700. It said thousands of people missing under the rubble across the territory are presumed dead. The usurping entity accepted longstanding negotiation terms by the Hamas resistance group under the Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19. On March 18, however, Israel unilaterally broke the truce and resumed its relentless bombing of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel has turned water into 'tool of genocide,' says Gaza's Government Media Office Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 4:25 PM Local authorities in the Gaza Strip say Israel has deliberately interrupted the operation of two Mekorot water pipelines east of Gaza City and cut electricity to the Deir el-Balah desalination facility, effectively bringing desalinated water production in the region to a complete stop. Recent data provided by the United Nations, which condemned the closure of the desalination facility, supports these assertions by the Gaza's Government Media Office. The media office noted that Israeli occupation forces have devastated over 90 percent of water and sanitation infrastructure, obstructed technical teams from accessing Gaza to restore damaged infrastructure, and attacked workers while they were performing their humanitarian duties. It added that over 1.7 million instances of water-related illnesses have been documented, alongside the tragic loss of more than 50 Palestinian lives, predominantly among children, as a result of dehydration and malnutrition. The Gaza media office then appealed to the international community and United Nations agencies to take prompt and decisive measures to halt the crime of water deprivation. The Israeli army launched a surprise aerial campaign on the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing hundreds of people, injuring many others, and shattering the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian group Hamas and the deal on the exchange of Israeli captives from Palestinian prisoners. The Gaza media office updated its death toll since October 2023 to over 61,700. It said thousands of people missing under the rubble across the territory are presumed dead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel threatens to expand ground offensive deep into Gaza as it encircles Rafah Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 3:52 PM Israel says it has taken control of a key corridor in the Gaza Strip in a move that has completely cut off the populated southern town of Rafah from the rest of the besieged Palestinian territory. Israel said in a statement on Saturday that its forces have completely encircled Rafah and created their "security zone" there. The announcement from the regime's minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, said that the military has taken control of "the Morag axis, which crosses Gaza between Rafah and Khan Yunis." It said the military is "turning the entire area between the Philadelphi Route (along the border with Egypt) and Morag into part of the Israeli security zone." Katz also called on Palestinians to start moving westward, warning that the military operations will soon "intensify and expand to other areas throughout most of Gaza, and you will need to evacuate the combat zones." "In northern Gaza as well in Beit Hanoun and other neighborhoods residents are evacuating, the area is being taken over and the security zone is being expanded, including in the Netzarim corridor," he claimed. The evacuation orders come as, according to the UN, two-thirds of Gaza has been designated as "no-go" zones or placed under evacuation orders since Israel unilaterally ended a two-month Gaza ceasefire and resumed its genocidal war on Gaza on March 19 It says 390,000 Palestinians - almost a fifth of the 2.1 million population - have been displaced once again, with no safe place to go. Katz threatened earlier that the military was leaving Gaza "smaller" and "more isolated" to pressure Hamas into releasing the captives it is still holding. Hamas, however, warned on Saturday that the offensive not only "kills defenseless civilians but also makes the fate of the occupation's prisoners (captives) uncertain." Katz's latest threat came as senior leaders from the Palestinian movement scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Saturday. Hamas said it anticipated the meeting in Cairo would yield "significant progress towards reaching an agreement to end the war, halt the aggression and ensure the full withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza." The resistance group said it has not yet received any new ceasefire proposals. Since mid-March, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,500 people across Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry. A report by the UN Human Rights Office said dozens of these strikes have killed "only women and children." The Government Media Office updated its death toll since October 2023 to over 61,700. It said thousands of people missing under the rubble across the territory are presumed dead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN analysis reveals 36 Israeli strikes on Gaza killed only women and children Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 6:54 AM A recent analysis conducted by the United Nations has revealed that at least 36 Israeli strikes on Gaza between March 18 and April 9 have only resulted in the killing of Palestinian women and children. The UN on Friday reported that "a large percentage of fatalities are children and women," and hundreds of strikes have hit residential buildings and tents since Israel broke the 2-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18. "Between March 18 and April 9, 2025, there were some 224 incidents of Israeli strikes on residential buildings and tents for internally displaced people," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. "In some 36 strikes about which the UN Human Rights Office corroborated information, the fatalities recorded so far were only women and children," she said. "Overall, a large percentage of fatalities are children and women, according to information recorded by our Office," she added. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 50,912 Palestinians were killed, and 115,981 were wounded in Israel's war on Gaza, which began in October 2023. The Government Media Office updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead. The UN warning came as Gaza rescuers said a pre-dawn Israeli air strike killed 10 members of the same family on Friday. "Ten people, including seven children, were brought to the hospital as martyrs following an Israeli air strike that targeted the Farra family home in central Khan Younis," Gaza civil defence agency spokesperson Mahmud Bassal said. Footage of the house showed a heavily destroyed structure, with mangled concrete slabs and twisted metal strewn across the site. Shamdasani also cited an April 6 strike on a residential building of the Abu Issa family in Deir al Balah, which reportedly killed one girl, four women, and one four-year-old boy. She highlighted that even the areas where Palestinians were being instructed to go in the expanding number of Israeli "evacuation orders" were also being subjected to attacks. "Despite Israeli military orders instructing civilians to relocate to the Al Mawasi area of Khan Younis, strikes continued on tents in that area housing displaced people, with at least 23 such incidents recorded by the Office since March 18," the UN official said. Shamdasani also warned that the military strikes across Gaza were "leaving nowhere safe." According to the UN rights office, the expanding Israeli evacuation orders were resulting in the "forcible transfer" of people into ever-shrinking spaces in the besieged Palestinian territory. "Let us be clear, these so-called evacuation orders are actually displacement orders, leading to displacement of the population of Gaza into ever-shrinking spaces," Shamdasani said. "The permanent displacement of the civilian population within occupied territories amounts to forcible transfer, which is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and it is a crime against humanity." UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also warned on Friday that Israeli evacuation orders have left Palestinians with less than a third of Gaza to live in, citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "OCHA reports that more than two-thirds of the Gaza Strip is either under active displacement orders or designated as no go zones," he said, noting that "this leaves Palestinians with less than a third of Gaza's area to live in, and that remaining space is fragmented." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 23 children and 9 aid workers reportedly killed in Al Fasher, Abu Shouk and Zamzam camps in North Darfur, Sudan UNICEF Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell 12 April 2025 NEW YORK/PORT SUDAN/AMMAN, 12 April 2025 - "Dozens of civilians, including at least 23 children, and several aid workers have reportedly been killed in North Darfur over the past three days. "Horrific violence has seen 16 children reportedly killed in Al Fasher, a further six children and nine aid workers killed in an attack on Zamzam camp for internally displaced people, and one child killed in Abu Shouk camp. Over the past three months, more than 140 children have been killed or maimed in Al Fasher alone, underscoring the relentless toll of the ongoing war on children in Sudan. "These unconscionable acts of violence against civilians, children and aid workers must end immediately. Children must be protected from this senseless violence, and humanitarian workers must never be targets. "I urge all parties to respect and protect civilians, including children and humanitarian workers, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. All hostilities in Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps must cease immediately to protect civilians and allow the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. "Access to the Zamzam camp remains blocked. Armed groups have been targeting rural villages, and insecurity has made the delivery of aid and commercial goods nearly impossible. "An estimated one million people in Al Fasher town and Zamzam camp - half of them children - are at high risk if additional supplies do not urgently reach these areas, where famine is already stalking children. The limited humanitarian response that has been able to continue within the camp is under threat with the continuously escalating violence. Sustained, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access is the only way lifesaving aid can reach families, including children, trapped in areas in and around the fighting. "These grave violations are a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against civilians and children in Darfur two decades ago. We must act now to prevent history from repeating itself. Inaction risks further suffering and loss. "The parties to the conflict bear not only a legal obligation but a moral duty to protect children and immediately facilitate the delivery of much needed lifesaving aid to reach them." ##### Notes for editors: Grave violations against children have surged across Sudan's Darfur states since the start of the year, with over 180 violations verified in North Darfur alone, and an 83 per cent increase in child casualties in Sudan compared to the first quarter of 2024. More than 400,000 people have been displaced within or from Al Fasher localities in North Darfur since April 2024, when the siege and attacks on Al Fasher town and Zamzam IDP camp began. Five localities within the North Darfur State are experiencing famine, with a sixth location at risk of famine - all are among the worst affected by violence and access constraints. An estimated 146,000 children will suffer from severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of malnutrition, in 2025. Severely malnourished children are up to 11 times more likely to die than a well-nourished child. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps and Al Fasher must end now - Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Port Sudan, 12 April 2025) I am appalled and gravely alarmed by reports emerging from Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps as well as Al Fasher town in North Darfur. According to reports, forces affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched coordinated ground and air attacks on the camps and Al Fasher from multiple directions on 11 April, triggering intense clashes and resulting in catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 100 people, including more than 20 children, are feared dead, and the deaths of at least nine humanitarian personnel killed while on a mission to support the most vulnerable have been confirmed. The colleagues from an international non-governmental organization were killed while operating one of the very few remaining health posts still operational in the camp. This represents yet another deadly and unacceptable escalation in a series of brutal attacks on displaced people and aid workers in Sudan since the onset of this conflict nearly two years ago. I strongly urge those committing such acts to immediately desist, as required by UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which demands an end to attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel in Sudan. Zamzam and Abu Shouk are some of the largest displacement camps in Darfur, sheltering more than 700,000 people who have fled cycles of violence over the years. These families many of whom have already been displaced multiple times are once again caught in the crossfire, with nowhere safe to go. This must end now. Those attempting to flee must be allowed safe passage. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and demand that those responsible be held accountable. Attacks on civilians, on humanitarian workers, and on civilian infrastructure are grave violations of international humanitarian law. Such acts are abhorrent and inexcusable. Those engaging in the hostilities must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians must be protected. Humanitarian personnel must be granted unimpeded, safe access to deliver life-saving aid. We have repeatedly reached out to all those engaged in the conflict to facilitate the immediate delivery of life-saving assistance to civilians in Al Fasher and the surrounding displacement camps, particularly in Zamzam, and while engagement is ongoing, these efforts have so far not resulted in the access needed to reach those most in need. As we approach the two-year mark of this devastating conflict, we are extremely alarmed by the escalating intensity of the violence, particularly in Zamzam, Abu Shouk, Al Fasher and across Darfur. We demand an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan. We cannot look away from these atrocities. *** For more information, please contact: Dan Teng'o, dan.tengo@un.org; +249 91 253 2791 12 April 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vucic Opponents, Supporters Rally In Serbian Cities As Tensions Mount By RFE/RL's Balkan Service April 13, 2025 BELGRADE -- Opponents and supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rallied at different locations on April 12 as tensions mounted in the Balkan nation, which has been hit by months of student-organized demonstrations against the Vucic-led government. Vucic himself rallied supporters in the capital, Belgrade, announcing that he will form a new political movement in the face of a growing wave of protests that began in November following the collapse of a rail station overhang that killed 16 people in Novi Sad. Protesters, led by student groups but joined by thousands of others, have blamed the rail station tragedy on corruption and poor oversight. Protests over the accident have evolved into a broader movement opposing what demonstrators say is the crumbling rule of law and systemic corruption under Vucic, the president since 2017 and prime minister for three years before that. Vucic insists that the protests -- which have developed into one of the biggest challenges to his long rule -- are threatening peace and stability in the country and accuses organizers of being paid by "foreign intelligence agencies." Before thousands of supporters, Serbia's populist president said authorities must begin procedures "to restore order in the country" and that "full respect for the Constitution [must take place] to ensure the security of Serbia." Vucic said at the gathering that a "Movement for the People and the State" is required "because we need new energy and new strength, a new plan, not a plan until 2027, but until 2035." He did provide specifics of the movement but said further rallies would be held. Vucic once again called on students to return to the schools and said that "the colored revolution is over." The authorities in Serbia have repeatedly called the student-led protests and blockades an attempt at a "colored revolution." That's a term referring to public uprisings in places like Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan that led to the ouster of governments. The popular protests that paved the way for the ouster of Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic in 2000 are also sometimes classified as a "color revolution." Journalists on the scene reported that many of the supporters attending the rally had been bused in from throughout the country as well as from Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which have large ethnic-Serbian minorities. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik -- wanted by central authorities in Sarajevo after being convicted of violating the Bosnian constitution -- appeared at the Belgrade rally, AFP reported. Dodik, who is president of the ethnic-Serbian entity in Bosnia -- Republika Srpska -- addressed the crowd at the rally. Dodik is also under US and UK sanctions for actions Western governments say are aimed at the secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia. The Public Meeting Archive, a nongovernmental group that estimates crowd sizes, put the Belgrade gathering at 55,000 people. On March 15, the group estimated the crowd at a student-led, anti-governmental rally at 275,000 to 325,000 people. Meanwhile, the student-led protest took to the streets of Novi Pazar, some 300 kilometers south of the capital. The protest is one in a series of demonstrations called for by students who have been blocking university faculties for more than four months, demanding government accountability for the deaths of the 16 people in the fall of the cement canopy in Novi Sad. A group of students in the blockade walked for days from other cities to Novi Pazar to join the students there in the protest. Novi Pazar University students blocked the roundabout at the exit from that city. Buses with supporters of Vucic's ruling right-wing Serbian Progressive Party were scheduled to pass that way on their way to the Belgrade rallies. It was not immediately clear if the buses took alternate routes. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-vucic-dodik-bosnia- protest-novipazar-belgrade-students/33383276.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 Michigan National Guard's Swift Response to Ice Storm By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine April 11, 2025 LANSING, Mich -- More than 800 members of the Michigan National Guard have been helping to clean up and repair damage in northern Michigan after a devastating ice storm last month. The March 28 ice storm coated trees, power lines and roads in thick ice sheets. Neighborhoods were devastated in minutes. Trees snapped and crashed to the ground, blocking access. Power lines fell, leaving homes without electricity, while emergency crews could not reach those needing help. It quickly became clear this wasn't just another spring storm, called the "ice storm of the century," according to the Petoskey News-Review. The damage stretched across more than 10 counties. By April 2, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had activated the Michigan National Guard to support overwhelmed local agencies. Lt. Col. Alex Kashenider, commander of 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery Regiment, led the joint task force. He received the call about the activation while feeding his children at home. "I thought, alright, I'm in charge of this," he said. "Fortunately, I have an outstanding staff behind me." What began as a smaller mission with 50 troops quickly expanded to more than 800 Soldiers and Airmen working across the state. "At first, the mission focused on housing utility crews," said Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Hopkins, senior enlisted leader for the Michigan Army National Guard. "But then we realized it was much bigger than we anticipated. We started with 50 Soldiers, and a few days later, we had 800." Kashenider strategically deployed his forces to tackle the evolving mission. In addition to the quick reaction and rapid reaction forces, military engineers were critical to the effort. Those units, organized into specialized debris removal teams, had the training and equipment to clear roads and debris. With roads blocked and infrastructure down, utility crews couldn't restore power until the engineers cleared the way. The mission started with a convoy to northern Michigan despite freezing rain, snow and hazardous roads. There were no vehicle accidents, which Kashenider attributed to the troops' discipline and professionalism. "They're doing hard work in awful weather, and they're doing it with care," he said. "It's unbelievable what we've accomplished." Leadership knew the pace of the growing mission would only be sustainable if they prioritized their people. Hopkins and others worked to bring in USO support, secure hot meals and provide space for soldiers to rest between 15-hour shifts. "It's easy to do the bare minimum," Hopkins said. "But real leadership is making sure your people are taken care of." It became clear that rapid mobilization and responsiveness would be key as the operation expanded. Capt. Jennifer Morrison, commander of the 1776th Military Police Company, led her team as part of the state's quick reaction force that mobilized within 12 hours. Her Soldiers were among the first to reach the hardest-hit areas. "We were told at 6 p.m. we were going," she said. "By 6 a.m. the next morning, we were at the armory ready." Morrison's unit helped support wellness checks and shelter operations for people with nowhere to go. In Alpena County alone, her team helped distribute food and essentials to more than 1,800 people in under 12 hours. "It was the largest emergency distribution in the county's history," Morrison said. "The need was overwhelming." Guard teams across the state worked long hours to help restore normalcy, including clearing roads, cutting trees, supporting shelters and delivering critical supplies. For many service members, the most powerful part of the mission was the response from the communities they served. "People were coming out of their homes just to say thank you," Kashenider said. "We have had non-stop appreciation from everyone, firefighters, police, and residents." Morrison said that was the moment it all sank in. "When you see that level of devastation, and then you see the relief on people's faces when help arrives, it's humbling," she said. "That's when you realize just how important the Guard is." For Kashenider, that's what makes the National Guard different. "We're part of these communities," he said. "We're not just here to respondwe're here to serve our neighbors. That's the heart of the mission. We bring compassion to the fight." The Michigan National Guard has cleared more than 500 roads and delivered more than 3,000 meals, with the mission ongoing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US judge rules for Mahmoud Khalil's deportation over his pro-Palestinian views Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 1:28 AM Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and green card holder, can legally be deported from the United States, an immigration judge has ruled during a contentious hearing at a remote Louisiana court. In a decision handed down on Friday, the judge sided with the Trump administration, which argued that a brief memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubioalleging Khalil's "current or expected beliefs, statements or associations" conflicted with US foreign policyprovided sufficient grounds to expel a lawful permanent resident. Khalil's attorneys fought unsuccessfully to delay the ruling and have the case dismissed, challenging the broad claims in Rubio's memo and insisting they should have the right to cross-examine him directly. Throughout the proceedings, Khalil clutched prayer beads as three Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attorneys presented their case for his removal. Judge Jamee Comans stated that Rubio's declaration constituted "presumptive and sufficient evidence," and noted that she lacked authority to address First Amendment concerns. "There is no indication that Congress contemplated an immigration judge or even the attorney general overruling the secretary of state on matters of foreign policy," Comans said. After the ruling, Khalil, who had remained silent until then, asked to address the court. Speaking directly to the judge, he said, "I would like to quote what you said last time, that 'there's nothing that's more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness.'" He added, "Clearly what we witnessed today, neither of these principles were present today or in this whole process. This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court, 1,000 miles away from my family." Khalil's arrest was part of a broader clampdown by the Trump administration, which soon after revoked over 300 student visas for international scholars at American universities. Now 30, Khalil had been active in student advocacy at Columbia before his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on March 8. He was later transferred to a detention center in Jena, Louisiana, where he has been held for more than a month. His case marked the beginning of a wave of ICE arrests targeting pro-Palestinian students and academics with visas or permanent residency. The ruling ensures that his deportation case will proceed in Jena, even as a separate lawsuit in New Jersey challenges the legality of his detention and the government's authority to deport individuals over First Amendment-protected speech considered contrary to US foreign policy. Khalil's attorneys have petitioned the New Jersey court to release him on bail so he can be with his wife, who is expecting their first child this month. His legal team condemned the ruling, suggesting the outcome had been predetermined. "Today, we saw our worst fears play out: Mahmoud was subject to a charade of due process, a flagrant violation of his right to a fair hearing, and a weaponization of immigration law to suppress dissent. This is not over, and our fight continues," said Marc van der Hout, Khalil's immigration lawyer. "If Mahmoud can be targeted in this way, simply for speaking out for Palestinians and exercising his constitutionally protected right to free speech, this can happen to anyone over any issue the Trump administration dislikes. We will continue working tirelessly until Mahmoud is free and rightfully returned home to his family and community." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney April 12, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte. The leaders discussed issues of shared interest, including strengthening Euro-Atlantic security, continuing to support Ukraine in its self-defence, bolstering military readiness and burden-sharing, as well as identifying additional opportunities to further deepen transatlantic co-operation in the defence industry and innovation. Prime Minister Carney underscored that NATO remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security. He reaffirmed Canada's commitment to strengthening the Alliance and contributing to the capabilities it requires. Prime Minister Carney and Secretary General Rutte agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's commerce minister exchanges views with WTO Director-General on US 'reciprocal tariffs,' stresses WTO's role Global Times By Global Times Published: Apr 12, 2025 05:13 PM Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao held a video call with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Friday. The two sides exchanged views on addressing the US' imposition of so-called "reciprocal tariffs," upholding the multilateral trading system and giving full play to the role of the WTO, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Saturday. Wang said the US has repeatedly imposed tariff measures, which have created immense uncertainty and instability to the globe, triggering chaos both within the international community and domestically in the US. The so-called US "reciprocal tariffs" represent typical unilateral bullying practice. The US tariff measures would cause significant harm to developing countries, particularly the least developed, and could even spark a humanitarian crisis, Wang warned. The US "reciprocal tariffs" seriously violate the WTO's most fundamental and core rules, including most-favored-nation treatment, non-discrimination, and bound tariffs. The US' moves also undermined the international economic and trade order and shook the foundation of the multilateral trading system. China has taken resolute countermeasures not only to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, but also to uphold fairness and justice for the international community, the minister noted. He emphasized that economic and trade differences among WTO members are normal and should be resolved through dialogue based on mutual respect and equality. At present, WTO members should unite to counter unilateralism, protectionism, and coercive practices through openness, cooperation, and multilateralism. China, Wang added, will continue to uphold WTO rules, participate deeply in its reform process, and protect an open, inclusive, transparent, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that the escalating trade tensions have posed significant challenges to the prospects of global trade and economic growth. WTO members should jointly uphold an open, rule-based multilateral trading system and address divergences through dialogue and cooperation under the WTO framework. Any outcomes from agreements with the US should adhere to the WTO's most-favored-nation principle, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said. On Saturday, nine major Chinese commodity industry associations, including the China Automobile Dealers Association and the China Materials Storage & Transportation Association, jointly issued an initiative condemning US tariff bullying and urging efforts to safeguard stability in the commodity market and industrial supply chains. Representing China's commodity circulation sector, the initiative strongly opposes US trade protectionism and expresses full support for Chinese government measures to defend national interests and defend the global commodity trade order. The initiative urges resolute opposition to US unilateralism, protectionism, and tariff hegemony, and advocates for joint efforts to defend the multilateral trading system and promote global trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. The initiative also calls for leveraging China's vast market advantages to diversify procurement and sales channels, strengthen international capacity cooperation and division of labor collaboration, in order to jointly safeguard the stability and smooth functioning of the industrial and supply chains for bulk commodities, read the initiative. Additionally, it proposed to participate in the development of international rules and promote the establishment of a more fairer and more balance international trade rules system and jointly build with international partners the yuan-denominated pricing system and cross-border settlement system for bulk commodities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi: No winner in a tariff war People's Daily Online By Cao Desheng (Chinadaily.com.cn) 11:13, April 12, 2025 There are no winners in a tariff war and China is not afraid of unreasonable suppression, President Xi Jinping said on Friday, calling on the European Union to work with China to jointly resist unilateral bullying. Xi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the first time the Chinese leader has spoken in public on the tariff war launched by the United States on April 2. There is no winner in a tariff war and going against the world ultimately results in self-isolation, Xi said. He emphasized that China's development over the past 70 years and more has been through self-reliance and hard work, never on others' mercies, and it certainly does not fear unreasonable suppression. Whatever changes may take place in the external environment, China will remain confident, resolute and focused on running its own affairs effectively, Xi said. The president noted that both China and the EU are major world economies and staunch supporters of economic globalization and free trade, with their combined economic output accounting for over one-third of the global total, forming a deep economic interdependence. China and the EU should fulfill their international responsibilities, jointly uphold the trend of economic globalization and the international trading environment, and resist unilateral bullying in order to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, while upholding international fairness and justice and maintaining international rules and order, Xi said. Xi's remarks came as the US tariff war with China escalates. The White House clarified on Thursday the 125 percent tariffs on Chinese imports announced on Wednesday were on top of a previous 20 percent, adding up to a whopping levy of 145 percent against China. In response to a question about the US tariff hike, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that China's countermeasures are not only aimed at safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests, but also at upholding international rules and order. "In the face of US bullying and arrogance, there is no way forward through compromise and concession," Lin said at a regular news conference. Sanchez was the first European leader to visit China following the US announcement of sweeping tariffs. The two-day official visit, starting on Thursday, marks his third trip to China within three years. He told Xi that China is an important partner for the EU, and Spain consistently supports the stable development of EU-China relations. The EU remains committed to open and free trade, is dedicated to upholding multilateralism and opposes unilateral tariff increases, Sanchez said, adding there are no winners in a trade war. Faced with a complex and challenging international situation, Spain and the EU are willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China, uphold the international trade order, and jointly cope with the challenges of climate change and poverty to safeguard the common interests of the international community, he said. On Friday, Premier Li Qiang held talks with Sanchez. They witnessed the signing of an array of cooperation agreements in the economy, trade, and science and technology. Both sides issued an action plan (2025-28) on strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. They agreed to enhance cooperation on the economy, trade, investment and technological innovation, and jointly support free trade and open cooperation and uphold multilateralism. China and the EU have been closely coordinating on trade issues over the past few days. Premier Li held a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to promote bilateral ties and uphold the multilateral trading system. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a video meeting with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic on Tuesday, during which the two sides agreed to promptly initiate consultations to thoroughly discuss market access-related issues. Observers said that the US tariff war may provide an opportunity to bring Brussels and Beijing closer together and has given China the opportunity to position itself as a potentially more reliable partner for the EU. Cui Hongjian, professor of the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that it is imperative for China and the EU to jointly confront this challenge, as US unilateral policies would severely damage globalization and the multilateral trading system that underpins China-EU cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shipments from Chinese ports slow as US tariffs bite Businessmen in southern China report that containers are piling up in Shanghai, Guangdong. By Qian Long for RFA Mandarin 2025.04.12 -- Major ports and foreign trade provinces in China are showing the first signs of disruption from the ongoing tariff war between the world's two largest economies. Virtually no cargo ships were bound for the U.S. by Thursday from once-bustling ports in Shanghai and Guangdong, while operations at export factories in provinces that feed China's export empire have ground to a halt, sources in the country said. Stacks of shipping containers that failed to make the ships bound for the U.S. by the April 9 deadline are now piled high at Shanghai and Guangdong ports, local businessmen told RFA. At warehouses, piles of goods originally intended to be exported to the U.S. lie abandoned, even as factory floors have come to a standstill in Zhejiang and Guangdong - two provinces that accounted for the largest share of China's exports in 2024. On Wednesday U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was raising "reciprocal tariffs" on China to 125%, which he said would be effective immediately. The White House later clarified that the total levies on Chinese imports actually stands at 145%, after accounting for a previous 20% imposed on Beijing for fentanyl trade. China on its part on Friday raised tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, from 84% in retaliation against the latest tariff hike imposed by the U.S. The tit-for-tat exchange that has played out between Washington and Beijing in the past two months was ignited when Trump imposed a 10% tariff on China on Feb. 4, citing its role in the trade in fentanyl, a deadly opioid that has become a major cause of death in America. But when China hit back with a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% on crude oil, large cars, and agricultural machinery, Trump raised China tariffs further by 10% to a total 20%. On Thursday, just a day after Trump's 125% China tariff announcement, Shanghai's Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals - where nearly half the vessels docked earlier that week had been bound for the U.S. - came to an abrupt halt, according to Beijing-based media group Caixin.com. Only days earlier, Shanghai's Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals had been teeming with activity as ships rushed to load containers in a desperate bid to complete shipments and set sail before the new tariffs kicked in, it said. Similar scenes are playing out at the Yantian terminal in Shenzhen, Guangdong, said Qian, a Guangdong export businessman, who is currently in Shanghai and has witnessed the impact at the port of Shanghai. Businessmen interviewed by RFA for this article requested to be identified only by their surnames for safety reasons. According to Caixin, an employee at Chinese state-owned COSCO Shipping Holdings said many freight owners are going through customs clearance procedures, while confirming that containers that failed to make the last ships that left for the U.S. are now currently piled up in the yard. A guidance released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday said any freight that's already on the water and coming into the U.S. ports in the coming weeks will not be subject to the tariffs. This applies to any cargo "loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transport on" or before April 5 and April 9. Impact on China's exports In 2024, China exported $438.9 billion in goods to the U.S., up 2.8 percent from 2023, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S., on the other hand, exported $143.5 billion worth of goods to China that same year. "Unless they are rolled back, the latest U.S. tariff hikes mean that China's shipments to the U.S. will more than halve over the coming years," Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at Capital Economics, wrote in a research note to clients. He expects this will mean a collapse in China's exports to the U.S. and a decline in the country's gross domestic product by somewhere between 1.0-1.5%, depending on the extent of rerouting. Guangdong and Zhejiang are the most affected by the tariff war, with businesses in both the science and technology industries now "stagnant", local businessmen told RFA. In 2024, Guangdong province exported $826 billion worth of goods, including computers, integrated circuits, video displays, and telephones, according to the online economic data platform, Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Zhejiang - which engages in export of autoparts and related accessories, semiconductors, seats, and refined petroleum - recorded $549 billion in exports in 2024, according to OEC. "All businesses that engage in foreign trade are currently having a hard time," said Zhang, a businessman from Qingdao, Shandong, which engages in heavy industries such as machine tools. "If they (foreign economies) don't perform well over there, at worst (the president) will be impeached. If ours doesn't 'perform' well here, it (economy) will collapse," he said. Local Chinese businessmen told RFA that there is a prevailing sense of helplessness among the general public and that all walks of life are showing signs of economic depression, with empty restaurants, little consumer activity, and shuttered factories. "Yesterday, a friend of mine took me to a restaurant for dinner on a very busy street in Shanghai. There were more than 10 waiters in the restaurant, but there were only two of us eating there," said Qian. "In the past, the restaurant was always full of guests upstairs and downstairs, but yesterday the upstairs was closed, and there were only two of us downstairs," he added. According to analysts at commodity and futures brokerage firm Huatai Futures Co., Ltd, a total of 26 voyages from China to the west and east coasts of the U.S. is expected to be canceled for weeks 16 to 19 or April 14 to May 11, with container capacity set to reduce by nearly 40%. Edited by Tenzin Pema and Mat Pennington 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 Macron warns Trump's 90-day reciprocal tariffs pause remains "fragile" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:30, April 12, 2025 PARIS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday the European Union (EU) members that U.S. President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on his so-called "reciprocal" tariffs remains "fragile." On his official X account, Macron said that Trump's tariff pause is a "signal" and opens doors to negotiation, but it remains fragile as the 25-percent tariffs on Europe's steel, aluminum, and automobiles and the 10-percent tariffs on all other products are still in place. According to Macron, the goal of the European Commission is to negotiate to remove the tariffs and obtain a balanced agreement with the United States. The French head of state called on EU members to stay lucid and united. "Europe must continue to work on all necessary countermeasures and mobilize all available leverage to protect itself," he added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that the EU will pause its countermeasures against the United States for 90 days, following Trump's announcement on Wednesday to suspend his "reciprocal" tariffs for 90 days for certain trading partners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VP for executive affairs says indirect talks with the U.S. were held with 'dignity and prudence' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Vice-President for Executive Affairs Mohammad-Jafar Ghaempanah has said that a first round of Iran's indirect negotiations with the United States was conducted well with "dignity and produce", and in line with the interests of the Iranian people. Ghaempanah made the remark on his X account on Saturday evening following the negotiations which were held earlier in the day in Oman's capital, Muscat. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi led the Iranian negotiating team. The U.S. side was headed by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. "Today's indirect negotiations with the United States, led by my esteemed brother Mr. Araqchi, were conducted well with dignity, prudence, expediency, and in line with the interests of the Iranian people," the VP said in his post, adding that the negotiations proceeded in a satisfactory way. Following the talks, the Foreign Ministry announced that the first round of the discussions in Muscat had been held in "a constructive atmosphere and based on mutual respect." Araqchi also described the negotiations as "promising and constructive," saying that Iranian and U.S. representatives will hold another round of negotiations next week. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign minister calls indirect talks with the U.S. 'constructive and promising' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has described the first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States as "constructive and promising." The talks were held in the Omani capital, Muscat, on Saturday and were mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. "Constructive and promising round of indirect talks with U.S. Special Envoy @SteveWitkoff, kindly hosted and mediated by my brother @badralbusaidi of the Sultanate of Oman," Foreign Minister Araqchi said on Saturday evening in a post on his X account. "The talks were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I elaborated Iran's viewpoints in a firm yet forward-looking manner. Both sides decided to continue the process in a matter of days," he further said. Araqchi echoed similar comments in a televised interview earlier in the day following his discussions with Witkoff, the U.S. top negotiator and President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy. "We had about two and a half hours of indirect talks in a calm and respectful environment, with no inappropriate language used," Araqchi said in that interview. Top negotiators from Iran and the U.S. exchanged the viewpoints of their respective governments on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on the Islamic Republic through Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Foreign Ministry said. While providing details about the talks, Araqchi commended Oman's foreign minister for facilitating the negotiations, noting that Al Busaidi actively shuttled between the two delegations to convey their messages. Araqchi confirmed that a second round of indirect talks with the American team would take place next week to "discuss the framework of an agreement." He added that the next round may not be held in Muscat, but Oman would remain the mediator. "The sides demonstrated their willingness to advance the talks and reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable," Araqchi said. The top diplomat emphasized that Iran is not seeking to waste time, but acknowledged that "negotiations will not be easy and require determination." 4399**4353**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran and the U.S. agree to continue negotiations next week IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran and the United States have agreed to hold another round of negotiations next week, following preliminary talks in the Omani capital, Muscat. The Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that the first round of the talks in Muscat had been held in "a constructive atmosphere and based on mutual respect." Top negotiators from Iran and the U.S. had exchanged the viewpoints of their respective governments with regards to the Iranian nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on the Islamic Republic via Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Foreign Ministry said. The sides agreed to continue the talks next week, it added, without offering an exact timetable. Araqchi, Witkoff meet in person The Ministry said that, after more than two hours of indirect talks, Iran's and the U.S.'s top negotiators, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Steve Witkoff respectively, met as they were leaving the venue of the talks and chatted for a few minutes in the presence of Al Busaidi. Witkoff is U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy for the Middle East. The Saturday talks, the first in years, came after Trump wrote to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, requesting that negotiations be opened into a deal between Tehran and Washington. Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from a previous agreement with Iran in 2018. Iran said it was giving diplomacy a "genuine chance" if the American side demonstrates resolve and goodwill. It viewed the preliminary talks on Saturday as an opportunity to ascertain whether the United States was serious about diplomacy. 4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: Iran seeks a fair and dignified agreement negotiated from a position of equality IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran is seeking a fair and dignified agreement with the United States negotiated from a position of equality, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says, ahead of planned indirect talks with U.S. representatives. Speaking after a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi in Muscat on Saturday, Araqchi said that if the U.S. has sufficient resolve, the two sides can decide on a timetable for the talks. "Our intention is to reach a fair and dignified agreement from a position of equality," he said. The foreign minister said that if the other side comes to the negotiating table with the same attitude, there will be a chance for a preliminary understanding that would mark a path for continued negotiations. He also said that the delegates accompanying him are experts who have extensive experience in negotiating. "What is clear so far is that the talks will be indirect," he said. "From our perspective, the discussions will only concern the nuclear issue and will take place with the aim of reaching an agreement from a position of equality that serves the national interests of the Iranian people." Earlier in the day, Araqchi arrived in the Omani capital of Muscat to hold indirect negotiations with top American diplomats. He is accompanied by his deputies Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, as well as Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. The U.S. delegation is led by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Tehran rejected Washington's proposal for direct negotiations over Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign and threats of military action against Iran. Trump withdrew from a previous, multinational deal with Iran in 2018. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign minister offers condolences on passing of Iran's nuclear industry founder IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has extended his condolences over the death of Akbar Etemad, the first head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and a key figure in the country's nuclear industry. In a message on Saturday, Araqchi expressed his condolences to the family of Etemad, as well as to all Iranians, especially the scientific community and those involved in the nuclear industry. He noted that the legacy Etemad left through the establishment of the AEOI continues to contribute significantly to the nation's development and progress. Similarly, First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref also issued a message over the demise of Etemad, noting that his tireless efforts and deep vision laid the foundation stone for Iran's scientific self-reliance in the field of nuclear energy. Born in Hamadan, Iran on January 9, 1931, Etemad served as the head of the AEOI from 1974 to 1978. He passed away in Paris, France on April 11, 2025. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Diplomatic stakes are high as Iran and the U.S. are set to start indirect negotiations in Muscat IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Apr 12, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- An Iranian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is in Oman's capital, Muscat, for indirect negotiations with the United States. Araqchi is accompanied by his deputies Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, as well as Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. The Iranian delegation arrived in Muscat on Saturday morning. The CEO of IRNA, Hossein Jaberi-Ansari, named Iran's negotiators in a post on his X account on Saturday and said everyone had to help the Iranian team succeed. The U.S. delegation is led by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The Iranian and American sides are set to hold indirect negotiations toward reaching a nuclear deal. Tehran rejected Washington's proposal for direct negotiations over Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign and threats of military action against Iran. Trump withdrew from a previous, multinational deal with Iran in 2018. Jaberi-Ansari also announced that Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who held a meeting with Araqchi earlier in the day, would hold a similar one-on-one with Witkoff to facilitate the indirect talks between the two sides later in the day. Baqaei said on Friday that the Islamic Republic seeks to evaluate the "intent and resolve" of the United States during the talks in Oman and will respond accordingly. He said Iran is giving diplomacy "a genuine chance" by taking part in the indirect negotiations, and that the U.S. should value that decision. Meanwhile, Takht-e-Ravanchi, who is deputy foreign minister for political affairs, said there is "a good chance" of reaching an agreement if the United States stops making excessive demands and issuing threats. "If the American side refrains from bringing up unrelated issues and demands, and abandons threats and intimidation, there is a good chance of reaching an agreement," Takht-e-Ravanchi said on Friday. 4354**4194**4482 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Constructive, promising': Araghchi says Iran, US moved closer to establishing 'basis of negotiations' Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 6:28 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman brought the two sides closer to establishing "the basis of negotiations" for future discussions. With Oman's mediation, Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President's Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, led the first round of indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday. Speaking to IRIB after the talks concluded, Araghchi announced that the next round of discussions is expected to take place on April 19 at the same level. He said that while Oman will continue to act as mediator, the venue for the next session may change. Araghchi added that the discussions aim to create a structured agenda for the negotiations based on a timeline. "We agreed to hold a second round next Saturday, and in the next session, we will delve into the overall framework that a deal can take to see how far this process can advance," he said. Araghchi stressed the importance of setting a basis for the talks, saying, "If we can finalize the basis in the next meeting...we can begin real discussions based on that basis." He hailed the hard work of Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi during about 2.5 hours of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, shuttling between the two delegations to convey their messages. The top Iranian diplomat described the first round of talks as "constructive" and said they were conducted in a "calm and very respectful atmosphere." "No inappropriate language was used. Both sides demonstrated their determination to advance the talks until an agreement is reached that is desirable for both parties and is based on an equal footing," he added. Neither Iran nor US seeks protracted negotiations The foreign minister said neither Iran nor the US wants to "negotiate for the sake of negotiating" and does not favor protracted "attritional talks." Both Tehran and Washington voiced their keenness to achieve an agreement "at the shortest time," he said. "This, however, will not be easy and requires full determination of the two sides." He noted that Tehran would precisely examine and consult on the issues discussed in Muscat at different levels. Face-to-face meetings between Iranian and American delegations normal The foreign minister said a short face-to-face meeting between the Iranian and American delegations after the talks was quite normal. "When leaving, the two delegations encountered each other, and we talked for a few minutes. This is a completely accepted issue," he explained. "We have always observed diplomatic courtesy when dealing with American diplomats, and this time, too, an initial greeting was exchanged, and then we left the place. It was nothing extraordinary," Araghchi said. Constructive, promising round of indirect talks with US In a post on his X account, Araghchi reiterated that his talks with Witkoff were "constructive and promising" and conducted "in an atmosphere of mutual respect and "kindly hosted and mediated" by his Omani counterpart. "I elaborated Iran's viewpoints in a firm yet forward-looking manner," the foreign minister added. He noted that Tehran and Washington decided to continue the process "in a matter of days." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, US conclude negotiations in Oman, agree to resume talks next week Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 2:32 PM Iran and the United States have agreed to hold another round of talks about the Islamic Republic's nuclear program next week. With Oman's mediation, the first round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US concluded in the Omani capital of Muscat. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the US President's Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, led the negotiations on Saturday. In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry said the sides exchanged views about Iran's peaceful nuclear program, particularly the removal of "illegal" sanctions against Iran. It added that the negotiations were held in a "constructive atmosphere and based on mutual respect." "At the end of more than two and a half hours of indirect negotiations, the heads of the Iranian and American delegations spoke for a few minutes as they were leaving the venue of the talks in the presence of the Omani foreign minister," the ministry said. On the sidelines of the talks, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told IRIB News in Muscat that Iran has one "very clear" objective in the talks: to secure its national interests. "We are giving diplomacy a sincere and honest opportunity so that through these negotiations, we can advance not only the nuclear issue but more importantly for us, the issue of lifting sanctions," Baghaei said. Iran-US talks conducive to achieving regional peace: Oman FM Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaid hailed the negotiations between Iran and the US with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. In a post on his X, he said Muscat on Saturday hosted indirect talks between Araghchi and Witkoff, which took place in a "friendly atmosphere." The engagement was "conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability," Busaid added. He emphasized that Oman would continue "to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq hopes indirect Iran-US talks lead to regional stability Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 11:34 AM Iraq's foreign minister has voiced support for the indirect talks between Iran and the US in Oman, expressing Baghdad's hope for regional peace and stability. Representatives from Iran and the United States are set to hold indirect negotiations in the Omani capital, Muscat, on Saturday. Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, welcomed the talks. "Hussein received on Friday at his residence in the Turkish city of Antalya the Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh," the Iraqi foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement added that "during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields were discussed." "Hussein welcomed the talks scheduled to be held tomorrow, Saturday, in the Sultanate of Oman between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, expressing his hope that these negotiations will yield positive results that contribute to achieving stability in the region." The Argentinean Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, also expressed hope that Iran and the US reach a nuclear deal as soon as possible. Grossi said he was optimistic that the two sides can resolve differences in economic and trade areas through equal-footed dialog and mutually beneficial cooperation. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed hope regarding the Muscat negotiations. On Friday, the Iranian President also expressed hopefulness of improving the welfare, stability, and development of all countries in the region. A delegation of high-ranking Iranian diplomats, headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in the Omani capital of Muscat on Saturday morning to hold indirect negotiations with the US team over Tehran's civilian nuclear program. Araghchi has emphasized that the primary objective of the upcoming negotiations with the US in Oman is to discuss the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities and the removal of illegal sanctions against Tehran. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned against the Americans' continued pursuit of a hostile position against the Islamic Republic, citing the unreliability of the United States' government. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened a bombing campaign against Iran if Tehran fails to reach a new deal. During his first term in office in 2018, Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the landmark Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal" or the "Iran deal." The announcement unraveled the signature foreign policy achievement of his predecessor Barack Obama. Trump's move isolated the United States against its Western allies and sowed general uncertainty about the reliability of the US government in honoring its deals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top Iranian, Omani diplomats meet ahead of indirect talks with US Iran Press TV Saturday, 12 April 2025 9:21 AM Senior Iranian and Omani diplomats met in Muscat ahead of the forthcoming indirect negotiations with the US delegation, which aim to terminate illegal sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over the country's civilian nuclear program. On Saturday morning, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, conferred on the arrangement for the indirect talks. Araghchi expressed his satisfaction over the strong and long-standing relationship between Tehran and Muscat, appreciated Oman's responsible approach vis-a-vis regional issues and developments, and described Oman's hosting of indirect Iran-US talks as a testimony to such a policy. Busaidi, for his part, welcomed the Iranian foreign minister and his accompanying delegation and lauded the close and intimate Oman-Iran ties. He also thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for choosing Muscat as the venue for the forthcoming indirect negotiations with the US. 'An honorable agreement' Araghchi has stressed that the Iranian negotiating team is looking forward to reaching an honorable agreement with the US delegation on equal footing. "If the other side holds the same position, God willing, there will be a chance for an initial understanding that will lead to a path of negotiations," the top Iranian diplomat pointed out. A delegation of high-ranking Iranian diplomats, headed by Araghchi, arrived in the Omani capital of Muscat on Saturday morning to hold indirect negotiations with the US team over Tehran's civilian nuclear program. Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Esmaeil Baghaei wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he and a number of his most experienced colleagues are accompanying Araghchi on the trip to the Persian Gulf kingdom. "We are determined to employ all capacities to safeguard Iran's might and national interests," Baghaei pointed out. During a meeting with media and cultural activists in Algeria on Tuesday, Araghchi emphasized that the primary objective of the upcoming negotiations with the US in Oman is to discuss the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities. "The nuclear topic, which means making transparency and giving assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of the cruel sanctions, will be the only topic of the talks," he said, outlining the agenda of the indirect talks on Saturday. The Iranian foreign minister noted that the upcoming negotiations in Muscat will give diplomacy a new opportunity, calling them "a test to gauge the seriousness of the United States, which has a long history of non-commitment and unilateralism." Araghchi has already highlighted that the talks in Muscat will be led by him and the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Iran has reportedly stressed that the US delegation must refrain from employing the language of threat or making unreasonable demands regarding Iran's nuclear program. Additionally, the US has been advised to avoid making any proposals concerning Iran's defense industry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani 12 April 2025 11:35 611-12-04-2025 On April 12, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with President of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The sides discussed some practical aspects of the further development of Russia's traditionally friendly relations with Iraq ad Iraqi Kurdistan. They reaffirmed their mutual interest in strengthening multifaceted cooperation, including the implementation of joint fuel and energy projects in the autonomous Kurdistan Region. They also exchanged views on the military-political situation in the Middle East, noting the importance of consolidating international efforts to bring about a political and diplomatic settlement of all conflict situations in the region and focusing on Syria in this context. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to the media questions during his remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Antalya, April 12, 2025 12 April 2025 20:28 618-12-04-2025 Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, welcome to ADF Talks-Russia, which is a one-on-one conversation at a time when the global diplomatic landscape is under, I think it's fair to say, extraordinary pressure and transition. We are joined today by His Excellency, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. As we all know, he is a seasoned statesman and one of the most enduring figures in global diplomacy. Mr. Lavrov has served as Russia's top diplomat since 2004. From the UN Security Council to the Geneva talks and beyond, he has shaped and responded to pivotal moments in global affairs over the past two decades. Today, with Europe's security architecture and infrastructure under immense strain and the global order fragmenting into competing visions, we're wondering about Russia's posture, its strategy, its alliances, and worldview. We'll be exploring over the next hour or so Minister Lavrov's perspective on this evolving geopolitical reality. What does Russia want? What role does it see for itself in an emerging multipolar world? And how does it define peace, power and diplomacy in the 21st century? So, let's begin. Minister Lavrov, welcome to Antalya once again. I know that you're likely to respond in your mother tongue of Russian, but if I could ask this one question in English. You see a full room out here. I think after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, you are by far the most popular figure here. How does it feel to be a diplomatic rock star? Sergey Lavrov: Well, I think if we have heads of state being a real rock star, then there is nothing wrong with diplomats to be what they are. And if people like it, if people believe this is fun, so be it. Question: Well, I think, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. It's a full room. Next year, we should be asking for maybe the Aspendos Ancient Theater, just about 14 kilometers from here. It can fit 14,000 people, I think. Anyway, last year I had the privilege and honor to share the same stage with you. And one of the things that you tried to emphasize was the rise of the multipolar world. Twelve months on, how do you assess the current state of this transition? And how do you feel this trajectory has met your country's expectations? Sergey Lavrov: Well, I think the trend became even stronger. More and more countries, big countries, medium-sized countries, small countries would like to have an equal say in the world affairs in full conformity with the United Nations Charter, which says that the UN is based on sovereign equality of states. And more and more countries want to determine their life themselves, to have fair treatment, to have fair competition in economy, trade, in other areas, just in line with the principles of globalization, which were promoted by our Western friends, especially by the United States, for so many decades. And when everybody became persuaded, the globalization stopped, and what we observe is fragmentation of the world economy. This is the time of uncertainty, I would say. Nobody knows how the situation with world trade and investment is going to end. Well, there would be no end, how it is going to evolve, I would say, because there would be new twists in this situation. But generally speaking about multipolarity, it is gaining ground, no doubt about this. Not only big countries like China, India, Brazil, Turkiye, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, many others. They believe that they deserve a say in world affairs, and therefore, multipolarity is a chance for the United Nations Charter principles to be materialized. Because before, during this globalization, especially during the Cold War, the sovereign equality of states was never respected by our Western colleagues. If you retrospectively consider history after World War II and creation of the United Nations, there was no single conflict where the leaders of the West would be treating parties to a conflict as equals, and I understand that this might sound idealistic, and maybe this equality would never be brought to life. But the principles of the Charter, drafted by the founding fathers, they already provided for multipolarity. Just like they provided for respect for human rights, respect for the right of nations to determine their fate themselves, and this is also on the rise, manifestations are plentiful. And it is very important to underline that in our vision of multipolarity, as we promote this concept with our partners in Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, in Eurasian Economic Union, the concept of multipolarity does not exclude the West. It embraces everybody, just like the Charter instructed us. I see no reason why China and the U.S. shouldn't have good relations, why Russia and the U.S. shouldn't have good relations, why everybody shouldn't be treated with respect and with understanding of national interests. I had some contacts with the members of the Washington administration. I liked the message which they were carrying. I'm not quoting, but in essence, the message was that the foreign policy of the United States is based on the national interests of the United States. At the same time, the United States recognize that other countries also have their national interests, and those interests would never coincide fully, maybe even half of these interests would not be similar. But when the interests, especially the interests of big countries, coincide, it is essential for them to find ways to materialize them into mutually beneficial economic, logistical, and other projects, while when these interests contradict each other, it is the responsibility and duty of countries, especially if we speak about big powers, not to allow these differences to degenerate into confrontation, especially the hot confrontation. And this is something which we absolutely support. We have been acting the same way throughout our history. And the last element of this multipolarity, in our common region, the security issues after World War II have been addressed from the Euro-Atlantic logic. The NATO, of course. EU was European per se, but lately the European Union signed a deal, a treaty with NATO, treaty or agreement, I don't know, but European Union is now part of Euro-Atlantic policies, no doubt about it, including the provision of its territory for NATO plans to move eastward, southward, I don't know where. OSCE was created as an obviously Euro-Atlantic creature. All of these Euro-Atlantic constructions, I think, failed. They failed to consolidate security and stability. What they succeeded in is igniting tension and re-militarizing Europe, including Germany, in spite of the fact that the economic and social situation is degrading. But all efforts of this Euro-Atlantic community are concentrated on getting ready for a new war. And Germany, together with France and Britain, are in the lead of this. If you think about how the world looks now, well, everywhere there are sub-regional organizations, many of them, the Organization of Turkish States here, Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN, Shanghai Cooperation, many. The same is true for Africa, many sub-regional groupings, and in Latin America. But Africa and Latin America, they do have their all-continental structures - African Union and CELAC. In Eurasia, there was never anything like this, and as I said, the attempts to bring some big unifying projects were only made on the basis of Euro-Atlantic concept. President Vladimir Putin, last year when he spoke in the Foreign Ministry, he suggested to consider the discussion on potential security architecture in Eurasia as a continent, architecture where all countries, without exceptions, including the Western part of the continent, will be invited to participate, where all regional organizations would be invited to join. And actually we have, some years ago, started building bridges between Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Eurasian Economic Union, Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization - ASEAN. We have been also planning contacts between these groups and, for example, Gulf Cooperation Council, which is a security but also an economic organization. And about 10 years ago we started building these bridges without having anything in mind in the security area, but economically, logistically, finding ways to cooperate, to join efforts, to harmonize plans. And this is a promising process. We call it Greater Eurasian Partnership. This is something like potential material foundation for the future security system open to all countries and organizations representing Eurasian continent. So, I think we are in favor of interactive discussion, so I, with your permission, stop here. Question: No, please, by all means. Do you feel that it's perhaps the West's failure? Some of the institutions and bodies that they have set up after World War II, you've described it as a failure, that's how you said. And the fact that you're talking about a Greater Eurasian Partnership, aside the military, aside the strategic perspective, is that a success in the 21st century? Sergey Lavrov: No, we cannot call a success something which is just being born in the minds of people. But the process of analyzing the situation is based on the failures of the Euro-Atlantic models of security. NATO should have been dissolved in the first place, after the Soviet Union ceased to exist, after the Warsaw Treaty ceased to exist, and there were voices in the West saying "Guys, let's now concentrate on OSCE. Let's give it some push, and let's be all in one organization." NATO, you know, the promises given to Mikhail Gorbachev, then to Boris Yeltsin, and there are memoirs where some people ask "Why didn't you insist on a written guarantee when James Baker said NATO would not move an inch to the East?" My answer, it just occurred to me. You know, in the Russian history, since the 17th, the 18th century, when the trade was booming, nobody signed any contracts. They shook hands. The word of honor, and it was never violated. So probably those who were running NATO at the time that we are discussing didn't have any relatives in the former Tsarist empire, which was not my fault, and did not inherit those traditions. But NATO not only stayed, remained, it was basically announced that this would be the only organization which can guarantee your security. 1999, Istanbul, Summit of OSCE, the solemn declaration is adopted, which among other things said, "Security is equal and indivisible." Everybody, yes, has the right to choose security alliances. But this cannot be done at the expense of diminishing security of others. Then it was even blunter when it said, "No country, no group of countries, no organization in the Euro-Atlantic, OSCE area can claim dominance," and NATO was doing exactly this. And when Vladimir Putin came to power, was elected president, he was repeatedly warning about the very dangerous nature of this course. In 2007 in Munich, if you relisten it now, it was very farsighted, unfortunately. Then in 2008, NATO summit in Bucharest, which was also followed by a Russia-NATO summit. I was there with President Putin. When it was announced that Germany and France did not allow to pass a decision formally launching the negotiating process for Georgia and Ukraine to be admitted to NATO, the Germans and the French were proud, they said, but they included in the declaration the statement that Georgia and Ukraine will be in NATO. When President Vladimir Putin asked Chancellor Angela Merkel what is the difference, she said, "No, no, no, no, this is just a political statement," and what we managed to avoid was a legal process to be launched. But it's, frankly, childish. Because Mikhail Saakashvili lost his brains a few months after Bucharest when he ordered to attack Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia, violated the OSCE-endorsed agreement, and so on and so forth. Then in 2010 in Astana, this was the last summit of OSCE so far, the Istanbul formula was repeated verbatim, no organization can claim dominance, no one strengthens his security at the expense of the security of others. So, and then when this NATO expansion continued and when it was clear that these principles promulgated in OSCE about equal and indivisible security, that they were not being implemented, then we suggested having the same language and codify it in a legally binding agreement. We were told, it was during the Obama administration, "No, no, no, guys, you don't understand. Legally binding guarantees, one can only get in NATO." We said, "But your president signed this OSCE declaration." They said, "This is a political statement." Cheating is the key word for what was happening. And our last attempt, but we're still in 2008 and 2010, we proposed the draft agreements between Russia and NATO, Russia and the United States. The same we did in December 2021, to no avail. And so yes, my point is that NATO did not, or rather NATO failed to strengthen security because NATO was manipulated by those who did not want to share security benefits. And they wanted to leave all the benefits for themselves, for others to listen and get instructions. OSCE, another Euro-Atlantic creature, has failed a few years ago when the basic principle of consensus was grossly violated by the people who replaced each other at the position of the chair in office, at the secretary general position. All the institutions, national minorities, freedom of media, what else? You see, I even forget about some institutions, which means that OSCE is not on anybody's mind anymore. Yes, they failed. We are not suggesting, you know, to have another closed club. All continents have their own continental roofs, if you wish, not in Eurasia. And Eurasia is the biggest, the richest, I would say. Well, Africa is also very rich, but it is not yet opening up this potential. And if you speak from a civilizational point of view, the number of great civilizations - coming from Eurasia, including this one, including China, Persia, India, Turkiye. Russia is younger. But you would forgive me if I also say that it's a great one. Question: Indeed. Minister Lavrov, you've stated here that NATO's desire for eastward expansion is the root problem, and then you went on to say that the OSCE is another chapter in this cheating. Do you feel that there is a viable path - I'm not saying return - a viable path to cooperative security on the European continent? Sergey Lavrov: Cooperative security is one of the terms used in NATO, in the European Union, in OSCE. It all depends. Frankly, we are just at the beginning of the process. We don't want to rush things. We want everybody to join in free discussions, to present his or her views. And I mentioned repeatedly that a couple of years ago President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus convened a first Conference on Eurasian security. The second one was held last fall. I participated in both. And it is an annual feature. And not only like-minded countries were invited to this conference, but also members of NATO and the European Union. Some other Europeans like Serbia, Hungary of course participated in both of them, Slovakia, and the list of invitees would be growing. It is not against anybody. It is not against NATO. I think the biggest enemy of NATO is NATO itself and those who were trying to use it to dominate in violation of their own pledges in OSCE. But the fragmentation process which I mentioned, which is taking place in the world economy, it is also reflected in the security area, the discussions of NATO, the scares of Europeans, that they would be left to their own devices. We don't interfere. If they believe that they are still relevant in the form which failed many times, this is their right. This is their right to decide. Our right is to make sure that the matters of the Eurasian continent are discussed and resolved by the countries located on this continent. This is not to close the door for outsiders. Take, for example, Central Asia. The 5+1 format is, I think, mushrooming 10 or 12 groups like this, with the US, with the European Union, separately with France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Turkiye, Russia, of course. I just had yesterday the meeting with five foreign ministers of Central Asian countries. So, outsiders always are participating in something which they believe is of interest to them and if they can find a form of cooperation which would be mutually beneficial. We cooperate with many countries in Africa, in Latin America, so do Western countries. Turkiye in Africa is very much present. So do the Arab countries. The matter is, when you come to somebody's region, you should respect the views of the regionals, and host countries, if you wish, and not impose your rules, like our European and British colleagues are running all over the world. It used to be also Biden administration involved in this, running all over the world, saying, "Don't trade with Russia, don't sell to Russia, don't buy from Russia, don't meet with Russia." I know because those are the facts. And this is not multipolarity. This is obsession with your global role, which you invented yourself and which worked during colonialism, during post-colonial times for some period, but now there is a second awakening of the Global South. After the decolonization process, the Global South was happy, freedom, but now they understand that the global economy was crafted the way which left them with peanuts from the use of the natural resources which they inherited from God and history. Absolutely. I remember during the second Russia-Africa summit in 2023 in St. Petersburg. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was giving statistics of the world coffee market. All in all assessed at about 460 billion dollars. Of which Africans were left with 2,5 - less than 1% because their contribution was raw beans, harvested and sent for roasting, packaging, advertising. Germany alone was getting more from the world coffee market than all African countries together. So, this awakening is inevitable. Yes, the tariff war which we witness now is going to, you know, change many things. We hear that many countries would like to sit down with the United States and negotiate. Fine. We will only be happy if people reach some deals peacefully and to their mutual satisfaction. World Trade Organization unfortunately is paralyzed. It was paralyzed by previous American administrations for many years. There is no global institution which would be authoritative enough for everybody to accept its ruling. So, I believe we just must have these discussions about security, Eurasian security, but in the context of the multipolarity movement, which is shaping itself up objectively. Question: You've mentioned on many occasions that your country's relationship with Western neighbors essentially depends on their willingness to acknowledge and rectify some mistakes. You've gone over some of them in the past 15-20 minutes. But I want to ask, and we talked about the U.S. administration. How is it like to have Donald Trump on the other side? Is it easier? Because in the last 48 hours, all of a sudden, we're talking about the possible lifting of sanctions against your country's flagship airline, Aeroflot, the release of Ksenia Karelina, the ballerina. Is there a potential for more movement? Sergey Lavrov: There is always a potential. And as I said in my opening remarks, nothing is wrong if the U.S. and Russia have good relations, if U.S. and China have good relations. And what is going on between us and the Trump administration is really a very banal thing. Countries talk to each other without dictating to each other, without asking for any precondition. They just talk to each other. China and the United States. They have many differences. Russia was doctrinated by the Biden administration as the immediate threat. China is the long-term biggest challenge to American dominance. So, competition in the world of economy, you see what kind of forms it acquires. And Taiwan, the situation in the Strait of Taiwan, the situation in the South China Sea, who is going to have more influence with countries of East, South Asia. And they exchange statements, China and the United States, which are not very pleasant to each other, including on Taiwan. When the West, headed by the United States and other Western countries, they say we recognize, we follow one China policy, but they immediately say, "Don't even think of touching the status quo". And what is the status quo? It is not one China policy. And from time to time, we hear from Washington the threats to Beijing, "Don't even think of using force, this would be catastrophic". So, they exchanged "niceties" publicly, but they never stopped talking to each other at the level of foreign ministers, ministers of defense, national security advisors, and presidents. And somehow the Biden administration decided that with Russia, it should be different. Russia must learn a lesson. And this lesson, this punishment would be in the form of isolation - stupid, to put it very politely, not talking to each other. So, Donald Trump has suggested to come back to normalcy, to stop this idiotic posture, which was a disgrace for the American role in the world affairs, let me put it this way. And yes, we discuss bilateral relations, starting with the normalization of the work, of the conditions in which our embassies work. The Obama administration started throwing out diplomats. He stole several pieces of diplomatic property, which are still under arrest. Just like the Biden administration has stolen the Russian assets, and they are now thinking what to do with it, as not to create a precedent. They created precedent already, and if they believe that they should not touch the body of the stolen money, but they can steal the interest and spend it on Ukraine. This is disgusting logic that shows that neo-colonial thinking never left these people. But the embassy activities, issuing visas in a certain time frame, not waiting, so the diplomats don't wait for years to get the visa, to normalize the issues of the U.S. visas to the Russians who are admitted to the United Nations Secretariat, there were also problems. And yes, we want to see what joint project we can consider and discuss together. This was the proposal from the Americans. We never rejected proposals to cooperate, in economy, in conflict resolution, never. When we met with Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz together with President's Advisor Yuri Ushakov in Riyadh, we touched upon some regional issues, the Middle East, the situation with the Iranian nuclear program, some other topics, and of course we discussed Ukraine. I will repeat again what I said then, and I repeated this publicly also, when we speak about eliminating root causes of any conflict, including Ukrainian conflict. This is the only way to resolve the problem and to establish long-lasting peace - remove root causes. President Trump was the first and so far I think almost the only one among the Western leaders who repeatedly, with conviction, several times stated that it was a huge mistake to pull Ukraine into NATO. This is one of the root causes which we quoted so many times. They also mention now another thing which is related to the root causes, namely territorial issues. They publicly, including Steve Witkoff, recognized that the territorial issues would have to be handled in the context of the long-lasting settlement. By the way, when Ukrainian and the U.S. delegations in Riyadh agreed on some paper in favor of 30-day ceasefire, this was done in the context of the Americans saying NATO and territories, inevitable. No NATO and discussion on the status of territories. Ukrainians and the people like Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Ursula von der Leyen, now they say Ukraine is in favor and Russia is against the ceasefire. But they lose sight, I think on purpose, from the nuances, as President Putin called them. NATO and territories. Because it is in the context of these aspects that the American proposal was put forward. Immediately after this was mentioned by the Americans, Zelensky administration said NATO is none of your business, territories we don't discuss, we need arms, arms, and arms. And then since it was in time of discussions of this peacekeeping thing, Zelensky said we don't need peacekeepers, we need fighting units. So, the schizophrenia of these mutually exclusive statements is very obvious. But on territories, I want to make a very important point. We are not about territories. We are about people who live on these lands, whose ancestors lived there for centuries, who founded cities like Odessa, Catherine the Great, who built factories, who built houses, ports, and these people, by twist of history, during the Soviet days, became not part of Russia, but part of Ukraine, because this was considered a consolidating factor to neutralize the ultra-radicals living in the Western part of Ukraine when it joined the Soviet Union after the war. The people who live there, they are being deprived of all human rights. I quoted the UN Charter, which in Article 1 says everybody must respect the human rights of every individual, irrespective of race, gender, language, or religion. Human rights and language rights of anybody who is ethnic Russian and lives on the territory which used to be Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, they were deprived of their basic rights. The Russian language has been prohibited at all stages of education, in the areas of culture, media. Russian books have been thrown out of the libraries. The Nazis in Germany were burning them, but Ukrainians are much more smart. They utilize them and get money for this, you know, but everybody is happy. And recently, the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church was prohibited by law. They literally exterminate anything Russian. When in September 2021, long before the operation which we had to launch, Zelensky was asked in an interview what he thought, and at that time the Minsk Agreement was still valid, though later Germans, the French, and the Ukrainian president before Zelensky admitted that they never intended to implement them, they needed more time to arm Ukraine, speaking of the ceasefire for 30 days, logic is the same. In November 2021, Zelensky was asked what he thought about the people on the other side of the line of contact in Donbass. And he said, trying to sound clever, "You know, there are people and there are species". Another time he gave his advice "to those who live in Ukraine but feel associated with the Russian culture, for the sake of your kids, for the sake of your grandchildren, get out to Russia". And just a couple of weeks ago, in another interview, when he was asked what is driving him, he said, "Hatred to Russia." The interviewer wanted to clarify, "To President Putin?", he said, "No, to all Russians." And this is said by the person who during his artistic days was defending the right of Ukrainians to speak Russian, and he said, "Get lost, don't even think about touching the Russian language, it's our history." So, this is where we are. Hatred is not the best guide. By the way, maybe somebody knows, Israel never prohibited Arab language, no? I don't think so. So, I think Ukraine is the only country on Earth which is multinational, and the language of one huge ethnic group is prohibited. So, if you read and listen to what the West is saying, EU, NATO, especially EU. Human rights is on top of everything. When they discuss Venezuela, Russia, Serbia, Turkiye, they never forget about human rights. Check what they're saying on the situation in Ukraine. They say Zelensky and his team defend European values. If your value is exterminating the language of those who founded the country, if your value is to glorify Nazis and their collaborators who were convicted by the Nuremberg Tribunal, to whom you put monuments, whose birthdays you celebrate as national holiday, while ruining, toppling the monuments to those who saved Europe from Nazism, toppling the monument in Odessa, which I mentioned already, to Catherine the Great, who founded that city. By the way, soon after this monument to Catherine the Great, the Empress, was toppled, UNESCO granted the Odessa central region where the monument was located the status of World Heritage. It's such a shame to the lady who happens to be French and happens, I think, by default to become director-general of this respected organization. Question: Minister Lavrov, all right, so you eliminate the root cause and you talked about territory. I was just in a session talking about the European security structure and there was the Ukrainian foreign minister and he says when it comes to territory, I hear your concept, your idea, your position on territory, but they're not going to accept anything less than the 1991 borders. Sergey Lavrov: It's not about them accepting. It's about making 100% certain that the people who have been living there for centuries are not deprived of their inherent right and if Ukrainian nazi regime, I cannot describe it otherwise, enjoys the cover from the European Union, which as I just mentioned, never dropped a word about the situation with human rights in Ukraine, then this is not our problem. We listen to those people who voted at the referendum to join Russia to restore all their rights which belong to them by international law and by history, by justice. Question: Okay, you have stated on numerous occasions that it is a hostile act to even entertain the idea of foreign peacekeepers. Would under any circumstance the Russian Federation think about neutral peacekeepers in the territory? Sergey Lavrov: The biggest advocates of something like stability force, sustainability force are Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer. They are not thinking about any neutral force. They say we, France and Britain, would be the countries who would provide the most of the contingent. They talk by the way to countries outside the European Union including Turkiye, according to the rumors. They said that they are talking to China, which is a lie, India, Indonesia, they mention. My question is, first, President Trump, who as I mentioned already, seems to understand much more about what is going on than any European leader, except I would highlight Hungary and Slovakia. These leaders are quite thoughtful. But it was President Trump who said first many things on NATO, on territories, and he said that when asked about this idea of contingent, a force, a group, whatever you call it, there should be some discussion between the parties. They say, I think President Macron said, no discussion with Russians, Ukraine is a sovereign country, it has the right to invite anybody, and they are inviting us. In brackets, I would repeat what Zelensky said, we don't need peacekeepers, we need fighting units. So, make your own conclusion, but Keith Kellogg, by the way, yesterday said that why don't we divide Ukraine like we divided Berlin after World War II. Then he said he was misunderstood, misspoken. But everybody is missing the key point. Imagine, yes, the leaders of Brussels bureaucracy, they say we must reach a deal which at the end of the day must guarantee Ukraine sovereignty. They, by the way, didn't mention territorial integrity, but sovereignty. My question is to them, you mean you want to have peacekeepers to keep the same regime which is now headed by Zelensky? You don't want to ask this regime whether it would be interested in implementing the international commitments including the UN Charter regarding the rights of minorities for national minorities language and religious rights? Nobody is raising the issue. So my conclusion is that by ignoring the gross violation of all the international norms about human beings, by ignoring these norms and violations by Zelensky of these norms, and at the same time, by discussing deployment of something military, call it peacekeeping, call it stabilization force, on the remaining part of Ukraine, they want to use this force not to keep peace, but to keep and protect the Nazi regime, and this is the key. Something else is a smoke screen. Question: You mentioned the important talks that were going on in Riyadh and some of the conversations that you had with the American delegation. Also, what was talked about is safe navigation in the Black Sea. We know that there was a process going on in building this with the Turkish side, with the Republic of Turkiye. What is your stance in terms of developing this? Sergey Lavrov: It was one of the proposals mentioned by President Trump in his latest phone conversation with President Putin. President Vladimir Putin said, "Okay, but we have to specify the deal the way which would not allow the failure of the first one to be repeated." And the first one was in 2022. It was a package: guarantees for Ukrainian exports, and the second part of the package was memorandum between the UN and Russia to guarantee the exports from Russia by ensuring normal freight rates, insurance rates, by ensuring the right of the Russian bulkers with fertilizers, with grain, to call in European, in Mediterranean ports, and so on and so forth. Just the normal terms of trade, no concessions. And the Ukrainian part of the deal was implemented. The Russian part did not even start. We don't blame the United Nations, whose representatives were trying, and they continue to try. Because formally the Russia-UN deal lasts until July this year. It was a three-year deal, while the deal on Ukraine was one year. And of course, after the first year elapsed, we said, "Thank you very much. We don't want to play one way." And then Secretary General Guterres was trying, Secretary General of UNCTAD, Rebecca Greenspan was trying, but the UN position, the UN Secretariat position, was very, you know, tricky. Basically, they were saying, "We cannot touch sanctions." The fact that they recognized unilateral sanctions as legitimate, so they told us, "We will try to find a way bypassing sanctions so that we don't violate them." And they have been trying to do this for almost three years and to no avail. So, it is not for the first time that this Black Sea topic is popping up again. Last year, President Erdogan, I think in March, proposed to President Putin to resume the deal. He said that Zelensky is ready to cooperate. The proposal was different from the original deal. Because the original deal provided for inspections of the Ukrainian cargo vessels going back to Ukrainian ports to make sure that they don't carry any weapons. Last year, the proposal by President Erdogan to President Putin was "to trust me". It would be an announcement that there are no weapons on board, and it would be allowed to go. It was not an easy situation, but President Putin said that he will support it, provided President Erdogan uses his good offices to discipline Ukrainians so that they don't violate. And then, at the last moment, Zelensky refused. Actually, he first added - President Erdogan called President Putin and said Zelensky also wants to add commitment not to attack nuclear power stations. Putin said, ok, it has nothing to do with Black Sea traffic, but ok. And then when he agreed to this addition, Zelensky refused. So, we are coming again and again to this situation. In the meantime, Ukrainians, frankly speaking, I don't think they complain about difficulties for their grain being exported. They send a lot on dumping prices to the European Union. The European Union is not happy. And instead of doing something about this situation for the sake of their citizens Brussels people threatened to stop importing any grain from Russia. They're very specific leaders. They say that Kaja Kallas, Annalena Baerbock, they were saying yes, when criticized by the people who saying, "We live worse than before". Yes, we understand, but our electorate should suffer for the sake of Ukraine, while at the same time thousands and thousands of Ukrainians living there in European luxury, buying very expensive vehicles. But this is what the European elite calls European values, which they defend in the person of Zelensky regime. So this time, when President Trump suggested another Black Sea deal, President Putin said, "Yeah, we are ready, but we need to draw lessons from the past, and let's make sure - before we launch it, let's resolve the things on freight, insurance, calling on the ports." The Americans took this, and they are considering - they didn't come back to us after this. Another initiative of President Trump was 30-day moratorium - not a total ceasefire, but a 30-day moratorium on attacking energy infrastructure. During this phone conversation, President Putin immediately agreed, and he authorized - gave orders to the chief of General Staff to stop attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, even infrastructure related to the military. And at that moment, seven drones, Russian drones, were airborne. And President Putin gave order to shut them down, which was done. Since then, we have been keeping the word, and Ukrainians have been attacking us from the very beginning every passing day, maybe with two or three exceptions. And I gave to our colleagues from Turkiye, to Minister Hakan Fidan, what we give to Americans, to UN, to OSCE, the list of facts, listing the attacks by Ukraine during the last three weeks against Russian energy infrastructure. We understand he hates all Russians, so he gives orders. Either he gives orders, and they are not taken, or he is lying, that he is giving these orders. It's a tragedy. It's a tragedy. Question: Has there been any direct or indirect contact by the Ukrainian side here in Antalya? Sergey Lavrov: Not to my knowledge. I came here to work. Moderator: Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, we're coming to the end of our allocated time. I've talked about relations with the West, the United States, and the situation in Ukraine. If any esteemed journalist has a question on anything else... Question: Mr. Minister, would you say that President Trump or some guys that are on President Trump's side, they'd like to adopt the so-called counter-Nixon approach to drive away Russia, China, and realign with Russia after the aftermath of the Korean War? How would you see, or how would you evaluate this kind of so-called counter-Nixon approach? Sergey Lavrov: Look, I can only tell you that in none of our contacts with the Americans, in none, be it phone conversation, be it meeting in person, this issue was never raised or even hinted upon, never. And I think that President Trump and his people are very experienced in life. And when you understand life, it's much easier to do politics. And since he understands life, I believe those who understand life, they would never even think about trying to drive away between Russia and China. Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, we've run out of time. We'd like to thank Minister Sergey Lavrov for your insights and for your candor and for your participation here at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov 12 April 2025 15:04 616-12-04-2025 On April 12, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jahyn Bayramov on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The two ministers discussed practical steps to strengthen allied interaction and strategic partnership between the two countries as well as a schedule of joint events including President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's attendance of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. The ministers exchanged views on the latest international and regional developments stating the importance of continued interaction within the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform and stepping up activities withing the so-called Caspian Five format. The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to assist Azerbaijan and Armenia in bringing their relations back to normal and signing a peace treaty, while also stressing the need to fully abide by the 2020-2022 trilateral agreements by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil Pinto 12 April 2025 13:22 615-12-04-2025 On April 12, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil Pinto on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. During the meeting, held in a trust-based atmosphere, the ministers noted the dynamic progress of bilateral relations in keeping with their strategic partnership and agreed on plans to further strengthen them, with a focus on enhancing political dialogue and increasing trade, investment, scientific and technical ties, as well as expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The ministers reaffirmed Russia and Venezuela's commitment to building a truly multipolar world based on respect for the sovereignty and equality of states and renunciation of the use of unilateral coercive measures. Further steps were identified to deepen foreign policy coordination, including within the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter. The Russian side expressed support for the Venezuelan authorities' consistent efforts to ensure internal political stability, in particular, to settle migration issues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Disinformation and propaganda have been used for thousands of years to control and manipulate public opinion. Even kings and dictators use these methods to control their subjects and avoid costly rebellions or periods of unrest. Currently the Middle East is where these methods flourish. Except for Israel, there are no other democracies in the region. Yet everyone in the Middle East relies on controlling information for political survival. Israel has been using Information War, via the Internet, a lot more, and a lot more aggressively than anyone else in the region. There have long been many pro-Israel Internet users who have been very active on message boards where Israel is discussed, especially when Israel is being disrespected with false or distorted information. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has recruited some of these internet activists to work in coordination with foreign policy initiatives, to deliver focused and more compelling messages in support of Israel. Israel is also making greater use of its large number of Arab speaking Jewish citizens, most of them descendants of Jews driven out of Arab countries in the late 1940s. These net activists visit Arab language message boards, and provide support for Israel, or at least deflate the more common lies and myths spread about Israel and Jews. Israeli intelligence has also done well by setting up Arab language websites to take advantage of animosities within the Arab world. In Lebanon, that meant anti-Hezbollah sites, or fake Israeli-operated pro-Hezbollah sites that spread harmful Hezbollah disinformation (black propaganda). The same tactic is used against Iran and Islamic radicals in general. Such sites are also used to recruit spies in Arab countries. All of this must, of course, be done covertly. Not the sort of thing you can openly boast about. But it's been going on for some time, and is now going to be an even more common event on the Internet. These tactics play a role in controlling Arab public opinion in areas where Hamas and Islamic terrorists are active. Israel developed software to infect and damage Iranian networks and strategic systems. The impact was so serious and the rumors and gossip inside Iran so widespread and detailed that the Iranian government admitted that there had been an attack but that it was being dealt with. In Iran, that means the government has a major problem and they would rather not reveal any details. Over a decade ago the government warned Iranians to brace themselves for more Cyber War attacks by the U.S., Britain and Israel. This came after the U.S. admitted that several successful Cyber War attacks on Iran were indeed the product of a joint American Israeli effort. Iran always includes Britain in these foreign conspiracies because Britain has been successfully interfering with Iranian diplomacy for several centuries and is greatly resented by most Iranians. The Cyber War attacks were all coming from the U.S. and Israel and their Cyber War offensive turned out to be a huge undertaking with many of these secret software programs going undiscovered inside Iran for years. When these programs were discovered, the subsequent investigation usually revealed that the infection had been active for several years. Some of these efforts, like Stuxnet, were seen as a major defeat for Iran, which had operated a successful smuggling and money laundering program for decades because of their ability to keep the details secret. With the Stuxnet revelations, it became clear that much of that secrecy was long gone because of the American/Israeli Internet espionage/sabotage campaign. Iran struck back with cruder and more readily available cyber weapons like hacking Western websites or shutting some down with DDOS attacks. Iran has a lot of smart, patriotic and well-educated people who dont have good jobs. A serious Cyber War capability was possible and Iran tried to create one. This effort was crippled when many of the key tech staff realized that the Iranian government was delusional as well as corrupt and incompetent, and that their best option was to emigrate. The government tried to discourage this sort of thing but cannot prevent young Iranians, especially the better-educated ones, from getting out. There is not really much of a market for well-educated and capable young Iranians when the government is largely responsible for the poor performance of the economy and Iranians dont need a college degree to figure that out. To make perceptions even more toxic, there were continuing government sponsored exhortations to destroy Israel followed by a growing number of Israeli responses like the 2018 Mossad heist of Iranian nuclear program documents and numerous air attacks on Iranian forces in Syria. Then Israel struck with another major Cyber War attack exposing Iranian assassination and terror attack plans in Europe and the Americas. The Middle East information wars continue, but in most cases the details often take several years to surface and reveal what actually happened. Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Acting Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Sudan Ali Youssef Al-Sharif 12 April 2025 12:23 613-12-04-2025 On April 12, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Acting Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Sudan Ali Youssef Al-Sharif on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The sides had an in-depth discussion of the situation in Sudan, focusing on the possibility of settling the ongoing military-political crisis there. Sergey Lavrov emphasised the pressing need to halt the armed confrontation between regular army units and the Rapid Support Forces and to launch a broad-based dialogue for establishing a durable peace in Sudan. The ministers also discussed several issues related to the further development of Russian-Sudanese cooperation in various spheres and called for maintaining an active political dialogue and strengthening bilateral coordination at the UN and other international platforms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan-U.S. tariff talks proceeding smoothly: President Lai ROC Central News Agency 04/12/2025 09:25 PM Taipei, April 12 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () said Saturday that Taiwan has officially begun negotiations with the United States on reciprocal tariffs, describing the process as "smooth." Speaking at a Rotary International conference in Taipei, Lai sought to reassure the public, saying that although the new U.S. tariff policy presents a challenge, there is no need to panic, as Taiwan's economy remains fundamentally resilient. Of Taiwan's more than US$400 billion in annual exports, only 23.4 percent go to the U.S., he said. Lai said that Taiwan would not respond with retaliatory tariffs and remains committed to close collaboration with the U.S., particularly in enhancing the country's position in the global supply chain. He added that the government had rolled out a series of response strategies to cushion the impact, including efforts to improve tariff terms through negotiation, provide support for affected domestic industries, and accelerate long-term economic development plans. In addition to forming a dedicated negotiation team, Taiwan also plans to increase its procurement of U.S. goods in a bid to help narrow the bilateral trade deficit, Lai said. Lai said efforts are also being made to deepen industrial and trade cooperation, remove longstanding nontariff barriers, and address U.S. concerns regarding export controls on high-tech goods. U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from dozens of countries -- including a blanket 32 percent levy on most Taiwanese goods -- were scheduled to take effect on Wednesday. However, on Wednesday afternoon (U.S. time), Trump announced a 90-day pause on the new measures, with reduced 10 percent duties to be applied instead to all but China. According to Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, representatives of Taiwan and the U.S. held their first meeting on tariffs via a teleconference Friday (U.S. time) and will hold further talks in the near future. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan, U.S. to hold more talks on tariffs after 1st meeting ROC Central News Agency 04/12/2025 02:45 PM Taipei, April 12 (CNA) Taiwan and the United States will hold additional talks on tariffs after representatives of both sides held their first meeting on Friday U.S. time, according to the Office of Trade Negotiations under Taiwan's Executive Yuan. The office confirmed on Saturday Taipei time that the negotiation teams from Taiwan and the U.S. talked with each other via a teleconference, saying the two sides exchanged views on reciprocal tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and other issues such as non-tariff trade barriers and export controls. The office did not disclose other details about the negotiations, citing a mutual tacit understanding, but said the two sides will hold further talks in the near future. On Friday, President Lai Ching-te () said Taiwan was among the first group of countries to enter into tariff negotiations with the U.S. on the Trump administration's latest tariff announcement, which has sent ripples through the global financial markets. On April 2 U.S. time, Trump announced sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" on U.S. trading partners, including a 32 percent tax on Taiwanese goods that was set to take effect on Wednesday. Trump had also declared a 10 percent baseline tax on imports from all countries starting April 5. Countries with larger trade surpluses with the United States would face higher duties beginning Wednesday, including Taiwan (32 percent), China (34 percent), Japan (24 percent), South Korea (26 percent), Vietnam (46 percent) and Thailand (37 percent). On Wednesday afternoon U.S. time, however, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the new measures, with reduced 10 percent duties to be applied instead to all countries except China. Lai has said Taiwan has no intention of launching retaliatory measures to counter the U.S. tariffs, and sought to enter negotiations with the Trump administration with a goal of "zero tariffs," modeled after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Lai acknowledged the "significant impact" that the 32 percent tariff would have on Taiwan's economy, but urged the public not to panic, citing Taiwan's strong economic fundamentals. As for non-tariff barriers, Taiwan remains on the latest U.S. list of trading partners with trade barriers, according to a report released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on March 31, two days before Trump's reciprocal tariff announcement. The report raised concerns over Taiwan's tariffs on goods imported from the U.S., as well as non-tariff barriers, technical trade barriers, measures on animal and plant quarantine, intellectual property rights protection, the service sector and investments, among other barriers. According to Lai, although 23.4 percent of Taiwan's exports went to the U.S. in 2024, more than 75 percent were shipped to other markets. He said among the goods exported to the U.S., competitive information and communication technology (ICT) products and electronic components made up 65.4 percent -- a sign that Taiwan's economy remains highly resilient, riding waves of strength of advanced tech items. (By Lai Yu-chen, Christie Chen, Teng Pei-ju and Frances Huang) Enditem/cs 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 2025/04/12 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Apr. 11 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 12 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 34 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 out of 34 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. 1140412_PLA activities 1140412_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister for Europe opening remarks at Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Saturday 12 April Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty makes opening remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Stephen Doughty MP 12 April 2025 Location: Antalya, Turkey Delivered on: 12 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) The principles are fundamental, and they are what is at stake here. And as Andrea said, this is not just a situation where we see a complete violation of those principles that were in the Helsinki Final Act, that we all stood by, and we have stood by for those 50 years. But it's also the UN Charter that is fundamentally under threat by Russia's aggression. And of course, this isn't just the aggression we've seen against Ukraine. It's the other hybrid and destabilizing activities that they prosecute across our continents against our democracies more generally, and whether that's disruptions, attempted disruptions, in the Western Balkans or in Moldova or elsewhere. This has consequences for all of us, and this matters for everybody in this room. It matters for everybody in the room if those principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty are not abided by, and it matters deeply for all of our people. Most importantly for the people of Ukraine at the moment, but for all of us. I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago, and I could hear in the background the alarm going off there. For Ukrainians in the room, this would probably be the air raid alarm on their on their phones, because Ukraine is seeing that escalation every night, civilians being attacked and killed. I was in Bucha, which saw some of the worst, appalling atrocities that we've seen since the start of this conflict, and seeing those mass graves and others, but also hearing about how just the night before, how drones have come and killed civilians, and how children and others have been taken away and still no idea where those where those young people and those civilians are. That is a brutal attack on the values that all of us in this room stand for. So I think we must absolutely recognize what's at stake here. That's why we as the UK are 100% ironclad in our support behind Ukraine, not just for now, but for 100 years into the future. It's why we're working with our NATO partners and allies here. And it's a genuine pleasure to be with friends - it's a genuine pleasure to be here in Antalya and to be hosted by our Turkish allies and friends. And it's why we must double down, not only on the support for Ukraine, but also for European, Euro-Atlantic security more generally - that's what we're doing. That's the leadership the Prime Minister and President Macron are showing, working with President Trump on that secure and sustainable peace for Ukraine. Which Ukraine again has come forward from, and yet we do not see that same response from Moscow. And President Erdogan very clearly set out yesterday the importance that that peace has to be sustainable. And that's going to come through those of us who are willing to get in there, to put boots on the ground, to get the support to ensure that Ukrainian forces are able to defend, deter against future aggression. But also that we as NATO partners are stepping up, particularly European partners here, for our own defence. That is what we're doing with our spending. That's what we're doing with our commitments. But this matters not just for us. It matters for the globe. It matters for us in this room, because these are fundamental principles that have been attacked here by Moscow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, Ukraine in contact via embassies in Belarus: Russian diplomat People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:24, April 12, 2025 MOSCOW, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine have established a diplomatic communication channel through their respective embassies in Belarus to address consular and legal matters, local media reported Friday. Alexey Polishchuk, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second CIS Department, told Russia's RIA Novosti news agency that the two nations maintain correspondence primarily through the embassy-mediated channel, describing the interaction as focused on procedural and consular affairs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, Ukraine Pound Each Other With Drones, As US Envoy Meets With Putin By RFE/RL April 12, 2025 Russia and Ukraine pounded each other with drones, with Moscow complaining that Kyiv had targeted its energy facilities in violation of a tenuous cease-fire agreement that has yet to take hold. Ukraine's military said Russia had launched more than eight dozen drones overnight on April 12, with most of them either shot down or intercepted with electronic jamming. At least one district in the capital, Kyiv, was damaged by drones, or debris from downed drones, Mayor Vitali Klitshcko said. At least three people were reported wounded. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said that more than 150 Ukrainian drones had been launched, including at five energy facilities. On March 11, Ukraine and the United States announced a breakthrough agreement paving the way for a 30-day cease-fire contingent on Russia's signing on. A major foreign policy priority for US President Donald Trump, it was the first concrete proposal on the negotiating table since the early weeks after Russia's all-out assault on Ukraine in February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin balked, saying he agreed in principle but there were "nuances" that would have to be addressed and attaching conditions including a halt to Western supplies of weapons to Kyiv. Despite the cease-fire announcement, the two sides have continued to fire drones at one another. Ukraine also announced that an F-16 fighter jet pilot had been killed in action, the second such combat death involving the US-made planes. The military gave no details as to the 26-year-old Pavlo Ivanov's death. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to his family and said details of the incident were under investigation. Ukraine has small flotilla of F-16s that it started receiving in 2024. In August 2024, Ukrainian officials said an F-16 had crashed while repelling a Russian missile attack, killing its pilot. Speaking to a Senate committee last week, US Army General Christopher Cavoli said Ukrainian F-16s were flying daily as part of both defensive and offensive missions. The United States, meanwhile, continues to engage in direct talks with Russian officials, as part of a wider deal aimed at rebuilding bilateral relations. White House envoy Steve Witkoff flew to St. Petersburg, Russia, to meet with President Vladimir Putin for more than four hours of talks on April 12. Neither Witkoff nor the White House issued any public comment after the meeting, though the Kremlin said "aspects of a Ukrainian settlement" had been discussed. Trump has signaled impatience with the pace of talks to cement a cease-fire in Ukraine. Hours after Witkoff landed in St. Petersburg, Trump posted a message on his social media account, calling the war "senseless" and said it "should have never happened." "Russia has to get moving. Too many people are DYING," he wrote. The White House's envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that British and French troops could adopt zones of control in Ukraine. Speaking in an interview published on April 12 with The Times of London newspaper, Kellogg suggested they could have areas of responsibility west of the Dnieper River, as part of a "reassurance force", with a demilitarized zone separating them from Russian-occupied areas in the east. "You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War II, when you had a Russian zone, a French zone, and a British zone, a US zone," he said. Kellogg later posted a message to X, saying his comments had been misconstrued. In his interview, Kellogg also said relations between Ukraine and the United States were now "back on track," and he pointed to a proposed deal on Ukraine's mineral resources. However, Reuters cited unnamed officials as describing a meeting between US and Ukrainian officials about the mineral deal as "antagonistic." The strains were due to the fact that the newest draft proposal is more expansive than the original version. The latest draft, according to Reuters and The New York Times, would give the United States privileged access to Ukraine's mineral deposits and require Kyiv to place all income from the exploitation of natural resources -- by both Ukrainian state and private firms -- into a joint investment fund. Trump has said he viewed access to Ukraine's rare and valuable minerals as a way to recoup billions of dollars in US military aid to Kyiv. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-drones-attack- minerals-kellogg-witkoff-envoy/33383138.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 'They're Taking Everyone.' In Russian Regions, Recruiting For Ukraine War Soars By RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities April 12, 2025 Russian recruitment for men to fight in Ukraine is soaring in many of the country's regions, with signing bonuses and other incentives reaching new records in some places. In Siberian regions like Irkutsk and Novosibirsk, local authorities have aggressively pushed contracts on potential volunteers, and signing bonuses in some places exceed average annual salaries, according to recruits and official advertising campaigns. Sergei, who asked that his real name not be used and that his specific town in the Irkutsk region not be disclosed, said that, when he showed up at a recruiting office, he was immediately shown into a room and handed a brochure with "big, red figure" on the front: 1.4 million rubles ($16,700). "It's supposedly what they're paying you to go die. Or kill. Depends how it turns out, I guess," he told RFE/RL's Siberia Realities. Russian officials have not released casualty figures since 2022, but Western estimates put the number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded since the start of the all-out invasion in February 2022 at more than 790,000. The bulk of those casualties have occurred as a result of the battlefield tactics that Russian commanders have relied on: front infantry assaults, sometimes on foot, sometimes on motorcycles, that seek to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Extraordinarily High Wages And Benefits To replenish personnel, authorities have relied heavily on extraordinarily high wages and benefits to attract volunteers to fight in Ukraine. The signing bonuses typically are a mix of federal and local payments. Authorities in Moscow have also pressured regional leaders to meet quotas for new volunteers. In Iskitim, a town near the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, a woman who asked to be called Galina said she visited her local recruiting office on behalf of her nephew, who had previously been rejected for medical reasons. She said the recruiter pushed her to bring him to the enlistment office -- not just pass along the brochures to him. "I told her I'd think about it," she said. "They're taking everyone." 'You Could Die In Your First Week' She said officials are offering 1.2 million ruble signing bonuses ($14,300), but they're also highlighting a monthly salary for fighting in the war: starting at 210,000 rubles ($2,500). "Then they keep adding numbers, trying to make it sound as good as it did in late 2024," she said. "Never mind that you could die in your first week." Galina said there were two other men at the recruiting on the day she visited recently. One was seeking a "missing-in-action" certification for a relative, the other wanted a death certificate for his 24-year-old son, so he could claim death benefits, but he didn't have the proper proof. "He told me, 'Of course we're sad about our boy. He didn't give us any grandchildren'," Galina said. "'But now we can fix up the house and buy a new car.'" "That's how much a life is worth -- even to his own family. I don't know, maybe he was just trying to justify what had happened. Maybe it's the only way he could cope." Some experts have pointed to the steady increase in signing bonuses, wages, and benefits as evidence that authorities are having difficulty attracting enough recruits to keep the war going. In Yekaterinburg, a major Ural Mountain city, a woman who gave her name as Aleksandra visited a local recruiting office recently and saw a man who appeared to be close to 60 years old being referred for a medical exam. "He said they told him it would be 'just a formality,'" she said. Her own relative, whom she did not identify, had had heart problems and was even hospitalized in a psychiatric facility not long ago. "They said it wasn't a problem. And they reminded me about the bonus payments announced in mid-March," she said. "It felt like they had a green light to take absolutely anyone." "I asked 'Are people really signing up?'" she told RFE/RL. The recruiter replied: "'Yes. The signings have been good, especially since they increased the payout by 2 1/2 times'." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-war-recruitment- soars-with-record-bonuses/33383051.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 12.04.2025 (13:05) In violation of the Russian-American agreements to cease strikes at energy facilities for 30 days from 18 March this year, the Kiev regime continues its daily unilateral attacks against the Russian energy infrastructure. In the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have attacked Russian energy facilities five times. In Zaporozhye region: On 11 April, at 02:00, a Ukrainian UAV attacked the Chubarevka 35kV power substation (Tavriya-Enegro state unitary enterprise). As a result of the attack, a transformer was damaged. Household consumers of five settlements (almost 1,650 people) were left without power. In Krasnodar region: On 12 April, at 02:40, an overhead wiring was damaged by an attack of a Ukrainian UAV near the Vasyurinskaya Severo-Kavkazskaya railway station, causing the stop of two passenger trains. In Kursk region: On 11 April, at 08:31, as a result of the deliberate AFU shelling on the Kondratovka power facility (Rosseti Centre's branch - Kurskenergo), wires were damaged, 10kV high-voltage line was powered off. The industrial demand of Belovksky District was left without electricity. On 12 April, at 04:29, a fire attack of the AFU damaged overhead wires and disabled a 110kV high-voltage line of the Belaya-Rybinskiye Budy (Rosseti Centre's branch - Kurskenergo). About 19,400 domestic consumers of Oboyansky and Belovsky districts were left without electricity. Moreover, on 10 April, at 18:43, 110kV high-voltage line of the Yuzhnaya-Lgov (Rosseti Centre's branch - Kurskenergo) was disabled due to a wire break. On 11 April, during an inspection in this area, fragments of a Ukrainian attack UAV were detected under the high-voltage line. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Could Be Sabotaging Agreements by Violating Moratorium with Strikes on Energy Facilities Sputnik News 20250412 MOSCOW (Sputnik) Kiev's strikes on energy facilities are carried out either because there was no order to halt them or because the order was not followed, Director of the Second Department of CIS Countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexey Polishchuk told Sputnik in an interview out on Saturday. "This can be happening for two reasons. Either Kiev did not give the order to cease shelling, or the order is not being followed. Both of these reasons are extremely worrying," Polishchuk said. If there was no order given, then we are dealing with deliberate sabotage of agreements, Polishchuk also said. "If it [the order] is not implemented, then the Kiev authorities are failing to control their own military," Polishchuk added. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with US President Donald Trump on March 18. Trump put forward a proposal for the parties to the conflict to mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Putin supported this initiative. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would support the proposal to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. Since the agreement on a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy facilities was reached, Kiev has violated it more than 60 times, Alexey Polishchuk added. "The Kiev regime is indeed maliciously violating the 30-day moratorium on strikes on energy facilities, which was agreed upon on March 18 by the presidents of Russia and the United States [Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump] and then supported by [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy," Polishchuk said. "Since this agreement was reached, the Ukrainian side has violated it more than 60 times," he said. According to him, attempts to strike Russian energy facilities are made several times each day. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On March 26th the Sudanese army commander landed at the Khartoum airport. This marked the recent recapture of Khartoum from Sudans RSF/Rapid Support Forces. The war fought by these two groups has been going on for two years. Unrest is reappearing seven years after the end if Sudans civil war. Despite RSF losing the capital, the civil war continues. The current battle for control of Khartoum has been going on since early 2023. So fat this war has displaced 15 million Sudanese and left over 100,000 dead. All this comes at a time when portions of Sudan are suffering famine because of disrupted food aid deliveries. There has been a cholera outbreak. Meanwhile the civil war has been tearing Sudan apart since early 2023. This conflict has been between the Sudanese government and major portions of the country that violently disagree with government policies. The SNC/Sovereign National Council was created by civilian and military groups to negotiate a peace deal. That effort has ended as a stalemate in the effort to restore democracy. The coup was supposed to be a temporary condition to speed things up. That backfired as a lot of the pro-reform civilians declared the military government another effort to restore dictatorship. Thats how Omar al Bashir, the dictator from 1989-to-2019, got his start. What form post-Bashir Sudan will take is still unknown. The situation in South Sudan, one of the results of Bashirs misrule, is more settled. Before the April 2023 outbreak of fighting between the RSF and the army, Sudan was planning a long period of peace, reconciliation, reform and rebuilding. By early 2025 the death toll, including civilians, was approaching 80,000. Many more people have been driven from their homes and lost their jobs. This has turned into an economic disaster and food shortages are growing. Foreign aid is often stolen by gangsters, the RSF or soldiers. Instability and violence are becoming Sudans normal state of affairs. The two Sudans became quieter in 2019 when the long-lasting Bashir dictatorship was removed by determined popular resistance. South Sudan ended its post-independence civil war when everyone realized that they were destroying what they were allegedly fighting over and maybe a shouting-match was preferable to a death match. That brought peace to both Sudans for the first time since the 1989 coup when then general Bashir took power and led Sudan on a downward trajectory. The peace did not last and the fighting between government forces and those of the RSF that has been around since 1988, when they appeared as the Janjaweed Arab Sudanese militia in the west Sudan region of Darfur. Before 1988 the Janjaweed were involved with violence going on in neighboring Chad and Libya but after 1988 the Janjaweed concentrated its activities in Darfur. In 2013 the Janjaweed rebranded themselves as the RSF and evolved into paid Sudanese government enforcers in Darfur. In 2023 the Sudan government suggested that the RSF become part of the Sudanese Army. RSF refused and in April 2023 the fighting between government forces and the RSF began. At this point the RSF was powerful enough to take on the army. Currently that struggle continues. Between then and now there were some other interesting developments. For example the slavery problem continues in Sudan and sometimes gets into the news. This happened a lot in Sudan since the 1990s as the government encouraged Arabized tribes to raid non-Moslem black African tribes and take slaves. In northern Mali retreating al Qaeda men sometimes took newly enslaved blacks with them. This tolerance of slaving is one of the many reasons Sudan is one of the five most corrupt nations in the world. These five outlaw states are, according to the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, North Korea, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan and Somalia. Sudan is considered a bit less corrupt than South Sudan and ranks 162 out of 180 nations. South Sudan ranks closer to the bottom at 177th place. Sudan has been behaving in other ways and in October 2020 was removed from the U.S.s State Sponsor of Terrorism/SST list. Sudan agreed to pay compensation to American victims of terror attacks, with the attack on the 2000 USS Cole in Yemen and the 1998 attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania the most important. Sudan was on the SST list for 27 years. Sudans 2020 transitional government agreed to peaceful relations with Israel. That eventually happened and since late 202, Israeli governments and security forces have cooperated with their Sudanese equivalents. Recognizing Israel was a divisive issue in Sudan. Even some pro-democracy groups opposed it. As for the SST, escaping the list means Sudan now had better access to international financial and investment organizations. It will also make it much easier and legal for Sudanese to import western technology like computers, smart phones and software. Sudan now had easier access to foreign aid of all types, including life-saving medical. The aid was a major consideration, for Sudans governments were always facing an extended economic crisis and shortages of food and medical supplies. Kellogg Blasts Times for Misrepresenting His Words on Ukraine 'Partitioning' Sputnik News 20250412 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg accused the Times newspaper of misrepresenting his words about control zones in Ukraine, clarifying that he did not mean "partitioning" the country itself. The Times wrote in an article that Kellogg suggested partitioning Ukraine into control zones after the end of the conflict like Berlin after World War II, but without US ground forces. Kellogg, the report said, proposed dividing Ukraine into several control zones, where the military of several countries would be located: British and French troops could be deployed to western Ukraine as a "reassurance force." Between them and the Russian forces there could be "Ukrainian forces and a demilitarized zone." "The Times article misrepresents what I said. I was speaking of a post-cease fire resiliency force in support of Ukraine's sovereignty. In discussions of partitioning, I was referencing areas or zones of responsibility for an allied force (without US troops). I was NOT referring to a partitioning of Ukraine," Kellogg wrote on X, attaching a link to the article. Earlier in April, Alexey Polishchuk, Director of the Second CIS Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, told Sputnik that London and Paris' discussions on sending deterrent forces to Ukraine were preparations for foreign intervention. According to Polishchuk, Kiev is known to be rejecting the peace process and is even sabotaging the moratorium on strikes against energy facilities. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in turn, previously stated that any foreign military presence in Ukraine would be viewed as a threat to Russia and carries the risk of a direct military clash. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously reported that the West would deploy a so-called "peacekeeping contingent" of about 100,000 people in Ukraine to restore its combat capability. The SVR said this would be a de facto occupation of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the deployment of peacekeepers is only possible with the consent of the parties to a particular conflict. According to him, it is premature to talk about peacekeepers in Ukraine. Earlier, he also left without comment statements that Russia would allegedly not be against the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine. On March 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia does not see any possibility for a compromise on the issue of deploying foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine. As the Russian minister specified at the time, if a foreign contingent is deployed in Ukraine, Western countries will not want to discuss the terms of peaceful settlement. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously said the plans of some EU countries to send "peacekeepers" to Ukraine are a provocative step aimed at maintaining unhealthy illusions in Kiev. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BOSTON and ZHUHAI, China, April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Actions Technology, a global leader in high-performance, low-power System-on-Chip solutions for AIoT devices, and MicroEJ, a pioneer in software solutions for embedded and IoT devices, announce their collaboration to revolutionize smartwatches. Together, they enable manufacturers to deliver premium smartwatch featuresvibrant UIs, rich app ecosystems, and extended battery lifeat a price point fit for mainstream consumers. Raising the Bar for Budget Smartwatches The smartwatch market faces mounting pressure as brands seek to balance rich user experiences with cost and power efficiency. Many entry-level devices are stuck in a race to the bottom, while premium models often disappoint on battery life. Combining Actions Technologys latest ATS3085S/E SoC with MicroEJs enhanced VEE Wear platform, now integrated with the Facer watch face ecosystem, this partnership delivers: High-performance, low-power operation: Actions Technologys SoCs are designed for efficiency, featuring a fast processor, an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), advanced audio capabilities, and a vector graphic engine (GPU) to ensure a high-quality user experience. Actions Technologys SoCs are designed for efficiency, featuring a fast processor, an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), advanced audio capabilities, and a vector graphic engine (GPU) to ensure a high-quality user experience. A scalable app ecosystem: MicroEJs VEE Wear enables seamless deployment of third-party Apps over BLE, unlocking premium smartwatch functionality. MicroEJs VEE Wear enables seamless deployment of third-party Apps over BLE, unlocking premium smartwatch functionality. Vibrant, fast user interfaces: MicroEJs MicroUI and MicroVG optimized vector graphics performance, combined with Actions Technologys GPU support, ensures high-frame-rate visuals for a sleek, modern UI expected for premium products. MicroEJs MicroUI and MicroVG optimized vector graphics performance, combined with Actions Technologys GPU support, ensures high-frame-rate visuals for a sleek, modern UI expected for premium products. Extended battery life: MicroEJs lightweight and ultra-efficient VEE Wear solution maximizes power savings, enabling multi-day battery performance, with an easy programming model for engineers. MicroEJs lightweight and ultra-efficient VEE Wear solution maximizes power savings, enabling multi-day battery performance, with an easy programming model for engineers. Support for leading smartwatch apps: Users can enjoy applications such as music streaming, health monitoring, fitness tracking, and Facer, which offers access to over 500,000 personalized loadable watch faces, further enhancing the smartwatch experience. "The smartwatch industry is at a turning point," said Dr. Fred Rivard, CEO of MicroEJ. "Consumers expect high-end capabilities at an accessible price, and our collaboration with Actions Technology makes that possible. With VEE Wear, brands can now create premium, long-lasting smartwatches that are affordable, customizable, and app-driven, enabling brands and customers valorization." Designed for a Thriving Smartwatch Market Leading smartwatch manufacturers are already developing products based on this powerful combination, with the first wave of VEE Wear-powered Actions Technology smartwatches expected to hit the market early 2026. "At Actions Technology, we design SoCs that push the boundaries of whats possible in affordable wearables," said Tim Zhang, General Manager of the Smart Wearable and Sensing Business Unit at Actions Technology. "By combining our high-performance, energy-efficient processors with MicroEJs VEE Wear technology, we are providing brands with a seamless, cost-effective way to deliver premium smartwatch experiences. This partnership is about empowering manufacturers to differentiate their products and bring more value to consumers." "Throughout my career, I have always focused on bringing innovative and high-quality experiences to the forefront of consumer technology, and that mission continues with my new role at Facer, said Brook Eaton, Chief Product Officer at Facer. As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, the challenge is to strike the right balance between performance, affordability, and battery efficiency. Our collaboration with MicroEJ and Actions Technology marks a significant milestone in that direction. By integrating cutting-edge SoCs and optimizing for extended battery life, we are delivering the premium user experiences that consumers expect without compromising on power efficiency. With seamless third-party app deployment and vibrant, fluid interfaces, VEE Wear, that includes the Facer eco-system, is poised to lead the charge in bringing truly premium experiences to affordable smartwatches." About MicroEJ MicroEJ is a global leader in software solutions for intelligent devices, trusted by industry leaders in consumer electronics, energy, healthcare, and industrial automation. With over 300 million units of MICROEJ VEE sold worldwide, MicroEJ empowers manufacturers to turn standard products into smart, cloud-connected, AI-enabled devices, enabling rapid, complexity-free innovation. By bridging IT and embedded systems, MicroEJ drives scalable transformation that helps industries innovate faster, adapt to market needs, and build a software-driven future for IoT and connected devices. For more info: Press Kit Press Room - www.microej.com LinkedIn About Actions Technology Co., Ltd. Actions Technology is a leading Chinese designer of low-power AIoT chips, specializing in delivering high-quality wireless audio experiences with low latency. The company excels in the complete high-fidelity audio signal chain, from high-performance audio ADC/DAC to audio codec and post-processing, as well as low-latency Bluetooth connectivity technologies. In the era of artificial intelligence, Actions Technology has pioneered Mixed-mode SRAM based Computing-in-Memory (CIM) technology, advancing powerful edge AI capabilities. Its CPU + DSP + NPU triple-core heterogeneous AI audio platform offers low power consumption, high computational power, high integration, and robust security for AIoT applications. The company is dedicated to fostering the growth of the edge AI ecosystem through innovative chip solutions. For more info: www.actionstech.com LinkedIn Press contacts: MicroEJ Elsa Hervio, press@microej.com Actions Technology Co. Ltd. Martin Ma, madahang@actionstech.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66b96608-9acc-4447-b942-286fd24152eb 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 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (e.l.f. Beauty or the Company) (NYSE: ELF) and reminds investors of the May 5, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) contrary to its representations to investors, the Company was experiencing rising inventory levels as a consequence of flagging sales; (2) Elf falsely attributed the rising inventory levels to, among other things, changes in its sourcing practices; (3) to maintain investor confidence, Elf reported inflated revenue, profits, and inventory over several quarters; (4) accordingly. the Companys 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 Companys 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. Beautys 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. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c27c0b77-4720-4e5d-8a4d-69609ae3e05d Much is being written right now about the years 1968 and 2020, seeking to compare the urban disorder of Richard Nixon's election year with the disorder that is taking place in the middle of Donald Trump's campaign for re-election. I think it's a useful comparison, but I'd like to try it a different way. I want to ponder what living in a large American city was like 50 years ago and what it is like in the 21st century.When I think of the Chicago of my youth in the 1960s, I sometimes find myself thinking of Archie Bunker . It's an odd notion in many ways: Archie never lived in Chicago, and the TV series that made him famous didn't even appear until 1971. Still, all American cities in the late 1960s were teeming with people like Archie Bunker: middle-aged working-class white men of limited education, many of them children of immigrants, employed in tedious but secure blue-collar jobs in factories or on loading docks or at city patronage enclaves, and living in brick bungalows with large families, crowded but one happy step up from the tenements of the pre-war years. These people were the core of '60s and '70s urban life. As Nicholas Lemann put it succinctly in his recent book,, there were three icons of this life: the Democratic Party, the Catholic Church and the employers the workers felt committed to for life.Nearly all of them spouted off prejudices that they didn't bother to disguise at all. "They're wonderful people," Archie said of the Black people that he knew. "But they are also colored people. If God had meant for us to be together he'd a put us together."In Chicago, the one thing these working-class families feared most was that Blacks would sweep into their neighborhoods, pressure them to sell their modest homes at fire-sale prices, sit next to their children in public schools, and raise the specter of violent conflict on neighborhood streets. I'm not saying these were rational fears; I'm just reporting the things that blue-collar Chicago believed. And Chicago was a blue-collar city. So were virtually all American cities. We sometimes forget that.Richard J. Daley was the mayor and political boss of Chicago, a man whom history has in part misunderstood. Daley regarded himself as a friend and patron of Black people, and when he ran for re-election in 1963 he actually lost the white vote because he was perceived as too close to Blacks. It was the African American wards that saved Daley that year. Only after his 1963 electoral scare did Daley make the conspicuous rightward moves that culminated in his incendiary rhetoric during the riots after the death of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.was enduring a stressful decade, the African American neighborhoods that lay east of it were experiencing long-sought but destabilizing change. The tight segregation that had packed them into a relatively small portion of the city was slowly breaking up, and Black middle-class residents were moving into areas that had been categorically closed to them in the past.But as many of them recognized, the coming of even modest desegregation brought the erosion of the vibrant Black community life that had characterized Bronzeville and other South Side neighborhoods for the previous half-century. Black-owned banks, insurance companies, funeral parlors, small department stores and, most crucially, the neighborhood Baptist churches were closing or losing their vitality. As the long-trapped Black middle class began to spread out across the city, Bronzeville and its counterpart communities were left with an underemployed, frequently rootless housing-project cohort for which desegregation had meant alienation rather than liberty.If you were growing up white on the South Side, as I was, you knew that the police were frequently crooked in dealing with both races. They took on-the-scene bribes as a way of shaking down minor traffic offenders; they colluded with towing companies that paid them for the privilege of taking cars off the street and bilking the owners who had to get them back. In the late 1950s, police officers actually had been part of a burglary ring. In a public elementary school, you could pick out the natural bullies and assume that a fair number of them would join the police force.But for the middle-class youth of Chicago and all other cities, the overwhelming life concern wasn't crime and it wasn't corruption: It was Vietnam. Virtually no one wanted to go; virtually everyone feared being drafted. This was a worry that was never far from everyday existence. What few of us understood at the time was that, in the end, we wouldn't be the primary victims of the brutal Asian war it would be disproportionately the sons of the Archie Bunkers in the Bungalow Belt and the minorities farther east. The families of these boys did understand what was going on, that few college kids would be paying the ultimate price, and this was part of their wide-ranging resentment, although most of them continued to support the war itself.One must grasp the mentality of blue-collar urbanites in these years to understand some of the things that politicians were saying at the time, and to understand how the politicians got away with them. In 1968, Mayor Daley ordered police to "shoot to kill arsonists" and "shoot to maim looters." But this was not the worst. Alabama Gov. George Wallace, running for president, warned that if a protester lay down in front of his car it would be the last one he ever lay down in front of. In other words, he was advocating murder. Delaware Gov. Charles Terry, panicked by rioting in his state, implanted National Guard troops on the streets of Wilmington and kept them there for eight months, long after any possible threat had disappeared. A while later, Frank Rizzo, the mayor of Philadelphia, promised to "make Attila the Hun look like a faggot."Horrific as the recent episodes of police violence have been, no elected city leader would even think of taking any of those actions today, in part because national sensibilities have changed but also because of the drastically altered makeup of urban America.are fairly obvious; some are not. But the difference most often overlooked is the virtual absence of the blue-collar population that gave the city its essential character 50 years ago. There are only a few white working-class neighborhoods left anywhere in Chicago; many of the people who live in them are city employees. The Archie Bunkers of 1968 have mostly passed away; their children are exurbanites, in two senses of that word: They have moved not only because of racist fears but because the blue-collar jobs they held have left the city as well.What this means is that America's large cities have become enclaves of affluent, liberal, well-educated professionals and much less affluent minorities. Journalists and academics like to point out that a number of big cities have been losing population in the last few years, and this is true, but it misses a crucial point: Many of these cities have been growing more affluent even as they have been losing people. Chicago lost more than 200,000 people in the first decade of this century, but much of the city was growing wealthier at the same time. The wealth was concentrated in the central city and in the surrounding neighborhoods. A recent Brookings study documented how big-city downtowns nearly all continued to gain population even as their cities contracted slightly in the recession years that followed the 2008 economic collapse.When cities lost their working-class flavor, they lost their family flavor as well. Gentrified Chicago is a city of singles and couples holding jobs in the professional economy. Most of the couples have no children, or leave the city with their one- or two-child families when the kids move into the middle years of school. Critics have argued that the dearth of families means that places such as Chicago aren't even cities in the traditional sense. This may be true, but it seems more useful to say that they are cities in a new way that needs to be understood rather than denigrated.Crime is a concern in the gentrified city, but almost entirely in the poorest minority neighborhoods. That is where virtually all the murders and other violent crimes take place. In the professional enclaves, there is little crime and little racial tension. For the most part, white and African American professionals get along with each other well.All of this helps to explain why city residents have reacted as they have toward the racial disturbances and complaints of police brutality that have characterized the spring of 2020, and also why the politicians who govern these cities have made the choices they have made.Elected city officials can no longer react to disturbances in the manner of Daley and Rizzo because there is no urban blue-collar constituency that would countenance such backlash rhetoric. Moreover, mayors like that couldn't be elected in the first place. Politicians with white working-class roots do run some city halls these days, such as Martin Walsh in Boston and Jim Kenney in Philadelphia, but only if they have moved to the progressive side of the fence. When racially tinged violence occurs, they respond to the interests and values of the professionals and minorities who now comprise most of the city. Backlash sentiments exist in this country, but they are concentrated, somewhat ironically, in the rural areas and small towns far from where the disturbances actually occur.Values matter in politics, and the values of the nation have evolved in the years since 1968, but when it comes to big cities, demographic change matters more. To understand a city, it's important to know what its residents think. But it's even more important to know who the residents are. Ferrari should have signed Antonelli says Montezemolo It's a shame Ferrari did not snap up teenage Italian talent Kimi Antonelli. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Japanese GP 2025 Mercedes That's the view of former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, on a rare visit to a Formula 1 paddock this weekend in Bahrain. Now 77, the Italian has been a regular critic of the Maranello based team since stepping down as president. Montezemolo said in Bahrain: "I see the Ferrari guys all very motivated, and I'm happy to see them like this. (Charles) Leclerc is third and therefore he can compete. This is a team that sometimes lacks leadership, and I say this in general, but sooner or later we hope to see not only a podium but a car capable of staying ahead. But to do this, time and organisation are needed, he told Sky Italia. First of all I'm happy to come back to breathe this air after ten years, and then it's an important third place for Ferrari. This is a difficult race in which we've always had problems with the rear tyres. More generally, Montezemolo says Sunday under the lights should be more entertaining than Suzuka was. "(Lando) Norris will have to fight, it will be a great grand prix. I'm happy to have seen people with whom I shared weekends and sometimes clashes - Toto (Wolff), Helmut Marko, and they were all very nice to me. I didn't have the chance to speak to Lewis. As for Antonelli, he is the sole Italian on the grid at present and Montezemolo laments that Mercedes - and not Ferrari - signed him. Antonelli is a first-rate driver, first of all because he's in his first year of F1 and he doesn't make mistakes, but he's fast and I see him growing. And then he's from Bologna, like myself, said the Italian. I'm just sorry to see him in Mercedes. Would I have taken him? At 18 maybe not, but I would have put him at Sauber to do two years there. Toto was good at finding him and raising him, like McLaren did with Lewis. (GMM) FIA to investigate Alonso steering wheel incident The FIA has opened an investigation into how Fernando Alonso's steering wheel fell off in his hands during practice in Bahrain. Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Racing I've never seen anything like it, Luca di Montezemolo, the former Ferrari president whose involvement in F1 dates back to the early 70s, told Sky Italia in Bahrain. Video and radio footage shows the Aston Martin driver grappling with a malfunctioning steering wheel display before the entire wheel detached from the car completely. It wasn't fitting properly on the column, Alonso explained afterwards. The mechanics quickly changed the parts and I was able to run again. The incident coincides with a dismal era of performance for the Silverstone based team, whose decline since early 2023 has been stark. It could be a long season, the 43-year-old, who will get to race the first Adrian Newey-penned Aston Martin next year, said in Bahrain. Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato said the steering wheel incident sums up the team's current situation. Brutal, he said on DAZN. A skinny dog is all fleas. Given the seriousness of steering wheels falling off at speed, the FIA has demanded that Aston Martin engineers provide a detailed report as to what happened, according to Sky Italia. A sanction cannot be ruled out, the broadcaster explained, both in the case of a technical problem, which would be very serious, or in the case of a simple attempt by Alonso to reset. (GMM) Next article: Visa overstayers in Nigeria to face $15 daily fine, lifetime ban from August Saudi Arabia to jail Umrah pilgrims who overstay visa deadline of April 29 Gulfnews International News Apr - 13 - 2025 , 11:42 3 minutes read Saudi Arabia has announced it will deport or jail Umrah pilgrims violating visa rules and failing to leave the country by April 29. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed April 29 as the final departure date for all Umrah pilgrims currently in the Kingdom. Staying beyond this date will be treated as a legal offence, subject to hefty fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The decision is part of wider preparations for this years Hajj season and comes amid concerns about growing attempts by some visitors to overstay their pilgrimage visas. Security is a red line. The systems in place are designed to protect the safety and dignity of the guests of God and to ensure the efficiency of crowd management plans in collaboration with security, military, and service agencies, said Director of Public Security, Lieutenant General Mohammed Abdullah Al Bassami. Saudi authorities have repeatedly emphasised the importance of upholding the integrity of pilgrimage regulations. Overstaying or circumventing visa rules not only strains logistical and security efforts but also undermines the Kingdoms sophisticated infrastructureheavily reliant on artificial intelligenceto manage the flow of millions of pilgrims across holy sites. Advanced AI-driven crowd management systems monitor density and direct movement from the entrances of Mecca to the Grand Mosque. These technologies allow real-time intervention to prevent bottlenecks and ensure safety. Violations such as exceeding national quotas or staying beyond permitted dates can compromise the entire ecosystem, officials warned. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Adel Zamzami, a security expert, said the Kingdoms embrace of smart city technology places it at the forefront of global pilgrimage logistics. Every effort is centred on the human being the pilgrim. When individuals violate the rules, they threaten the precision and safety of a deeply interconnected system, he said. Saudi Arabias Ministry of Interior has already launched joint field campaigns across the Kingdom to apprehend violators. Between March 27 and April 2, authorities detained more than 18,400 individuals for breaching residency, labour, and border laws. Among them, 12,995 were found violating residency laws, while over 3,500 were caught attempting to cross borders illegally. According to legal advisor Ahmad Al Maliki, first-time offenders who overstay face SAR 15,000 ($4,000) fine and immediate deportation. A second offense could result in a SAR 25,000 fine, three months in prison, and deportation. Repeat violations can incur fines up to SAR 50,000, six months in prison, and deportation. Individuals or companies that harbour, employ, or transport violators also face legal penalties, including fines up to SAR 100,000, imprisonment, deportation of foreign accomplices, and the seizure of vehicles used in such acts. Al Maliki stressed that pilgrimage service companies that fail to notify authorities about delayed departures also face tiered penalties: SAR 25,000 for a first offense, SAR 50,000 for a second, and SAR 100,000 for repeated violations. Saudi Arabias Director of Public Security, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al Bassami stressed that the safety of pilgrims is a sacred responsibility. Any attempt to breach the security of the holy sites or the pilgrimage system will be dealt with decisively. Bluesky is rolling out new features that offer new experiences on the platform. These new features come in the form of chat reactions for direct messages, as well as its latest revamp to the "Explore" page that offers more to discover online. Bluesky Update Brings Chat Reactions, New Explore Page Bluesky's latest update is now bringing over new features to enjoy on the platform, and while these are only a handful, the platform wants users to get a more intuitive experience. According to TechCrunch, there are two features that the company rolled out in their latest software update, and this includes chat reactions for the DMs and the new "Explore" page. First, the chat reactions are in every chat or conversation a user has with other Bluesky accounts. Users may now leave behind emoji chat reactions to a certain message or image sent via a DM, with a three-dot option that shows more emojis to use. Aside from this, there is the rework of the feature of the "Explore," particularly as the new feature found under the search page brings more things to discover on the platform. Are These New Bluesky Features Similar to X? The Explore page offers labels like "New" for newly-trending topics or "Hot," which are the trending topics that are still being talked about online. Moreover, there are also other trends to explore from earlier in the day. Users may also add their interests or preferences to personalize their Explore page, which will go alongside algorithmic suggestions of the platform. TechCrunch claimed that this new feature under the search tab is similar to what X offers, and the same goes for the chat reactions feature. Bluesky and Its Features to Enjoy Now The rise of Bluesky has been an exciting one as it brings a platform that is similar to what the former Twitter platform offered. There have been many additions to the platform in the past months, centering on new features to enjoy, like the Trending Topics. Despite Bluesky being a fairly new platform, it has been looking to catch up to the current trends and experiences available from other social media networks, particularly as TikTok faces an impending ban in the US. Bluesky, alongside its top rival X, has rolled out a vertical video feed, which collates all relevant videos on the platform in a certain tab, allowing users to watch videos easily by scrolling up and down. Users have been given a maximum length of three minutes for the videos they upload on Bluesky, and while this is significantly less than what TikTok and X offers, there is still a way to share clips on the platform. Bluesky also announced their new DMs management feature which gives users more control over their online experiences and avoid toxic online experiences. Trump to end protected status for Afghans and Cameroonians BBC International News Apr - 13 - 2025 , 11:45 5 minutes read Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians will have their temporary deportation protections terminated, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem found the conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer merited US protections, according to a statement from DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. An estimated 14,600 Afghans previously eligible for temporary protected status (TPS) are now set to lose it in May, while some 7,900 Cameroonians will lose it in June. TPS is granted to nationals of designated countries facing conditions - such as armed conflict or environmental disasters - which make it unsafe for them to return home. The status typically lasts for up to 18 months, can be renewed by the incumbent homeland security secretary, and offers deportation protection and access to work permits. Noem's decision comes the same day a US judge ruled that the Trump administration could deport a university graduate who was detained last month over his role in pro-Palestinian protests. According to McLaughlin, in September 2023 the then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced that TPS for Afghans would be extended by 18 months, until 20 May of this year. But on 21 March, having consulted with other US government agencies, Noem "determined that Afghanistan no longer continues to meet the statutory requirements for its TPS designation and so she terminated TPS for Afghanistan", McLaughlin said. She added that Noem's decision was based on a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) review of conditions in Afghanistan, where the Taliban reassumed control almost four years ago. A similar decision terminating Cameroon's designation for TPS was made on 7 April, McLaughlin said. Last month, the Trump administration said it would similarly revoke the temporary legal status of more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua and Venezuela. They were brought into the US under a Biden-era sponsorship process known as CHNV, which Trump suspended after taking office. More than 120,700 Venezuelans, 110,900 Cubans and 93,000 Nicaraguans were allowed into the US under the programme before it was closed. Those being told to leave have been warned to do so ahead of their permits and deportation protections expiring later this month, on 24 April, according to a notice posted by the federal government. But it is not just people granted TPS who have been affected by the US's changing immigration rules. Shukriah - not her real name - lives in Washington DC. She arrived in the US in January last year with her family. They had fled Afghanistan and endured a long journey to the US, across 11 countries, in a bid to claim asylum. "The fear of deportation has deeply affected my mental and physical health. I can hardly sleep, my legs are in pain, and I cry constantly from fear and anxiety," she told the BBC. An anonymous shot of an Afghan woman with a white headscarf around her head. She is sat on the bottom of a bunk bed with bottles of water and toiliteries around her on top of a basin. Shukriah, who is seven months pregnant, received an email - seen by the BBC - on 10 April from the DHS which read: "It is time for you to leave the United States." It added: "Unless it expires sooner, your parole will terminate seven days from the date of this notice. "If you do not depart the United States immediately you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions." The DHS website has information for Afghan nationals on how to apply for extensions to stay in the US now that programmes which previously protected them are being changed. While Shukriah's young children would all be eligible, because of their age, her and her husband's path might be more complicated. "My parole was granted under the humanitarian programme, and my asylum case is still pending," she said. "I don't know what steps to take now, and I am very afraid of what will happen to me and my family." Immigration, specifically mass deportation, was a key focus of Trump's election campaign - and has dominated policy since he took office. Earlier this year, data obtained by Reuters showed that, in his first month back in office, the US deported 37,660 people - less than the monthly average of 57,000 removals and returns in the last full year of the Biden administration. The Trump administration has gone on to revoke the visas of hundreds of international students in a bid to clamp down on pro-Palestinian protests at university campuses across the US. One such case saw a US immigration court rule on Friday that the US government could deport Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent legal US resident, who has been held at a Louisiana detention centre since 8 March. In a letter written from the facility, he said his "arrest was a direct consequence" of speaking out for Palestinian rights. Noem, praising the decision on social media, said that "it is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study" in the US, and that "when you advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists that relish the killing of Americans, and harass Jews, that privilege should be revoked". "Good riddance," she added. Mr Khalil's lawyer said his team was going to fight for his client's "right to speak out against what's happening in the US". Next article: Queenmother rallies new Akoto Lante Cluster of Schools Committee to champion academic excellence and sanitation GES announces optional Easter Break for SHS Form 2 Transitional Track students GraphicOnline Education Apr - 13 - 2025 , 16:31 1 minute read The Ghana Education Service (GES) has granted an optional Easter break for Form 2 students enrolled in Senior High and Senior High Technical Schools under the Transitional Track system. The break, scheduled from Thursday, April 17, to Monday, April 21, 2025, aims to accommodate students who wish to celebrate the festive season with their families. In a directive issued to all Regional Directors of Education on April 11, 2025, the GES emphasized that the break is not compulsory. Students who wish to travel home and celebrate the Easter festivities with their families should be given the opportunity to do so, the statement read. However, students opting to remain on campus will be allowed to do so under proper supervision. The GES further instructed that all traveling students must return to school by Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to ensure the timely resumption of academic activities. Regional Directors have been tasked with disseminating the information to affected school heads for implementation. The statement was signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah (Mr.), Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, on behalf of the Acting Director-General of GES. Disinformation law must target national security threats, not free speechformer Deputy Attorney-General Mohammed Ali Apr - 13 - 2025 , 08:42 2 minutes read A former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has urged the government to avoid using its planned anti-disinformation legislation to suppress free expression, cautioning that such a law must deal strictly with matters that threaten national security. Speaking on Joy News on Saturday, April 12 2025, Mr Tuah-Yeboah said while it is necessary to address the growing problem of disinformation and misinformation, any new law must not infringe on the publics right to free speech. Ive said this basically because of the right to free speech. Its a constitutional right, its a fundamental right and it is part of our democracy that people on the other side must also express their dissent, he said. Mr Tuah-Yeboah warned that poorly defined laws on disinformation could be misused to silence criticism and restrict public discourse. If you have a law thats seeking to also put some stumbling blocks on free expression, then there are reasons for worry, he noted. That said, he acknowledged the danger disinformation poses when it touches on national security concerns. If that misinformation borders on national security and has far-reaching consequences, then we must at all costs make sure that we crack the whip, he stated. His comments follow an announcement by the Minister for Communications, Mr Samuel Nartey George, that a legal document will soon be presented to Parliament to address misinformation and disinformation. The Ningo Prampram MP said the bill would provide a clear legal path to tackle the issue more effectively. Referencing Ghanas legal history, Mr Tuah-Yeboah recalled the repeal of the criminal libel law in 2001 and pointed to Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act as the current legal provision. That section deals with the publication of false news likely to cause fear and panic. Criminalising speech, as you know, has been outlawed in Ghana. In fact, in 2001, the law on criminal libel was repealed, and the remnant left is what we have under Section 208, he explained. Mr Tuah-Yeboah said the thresholds under the existing law already allow for broad interpretation, which could result in unnecessary arrests. If these are the thresholds, then a lot of people may be arrested, he observed. To avoid such risks, he recommended that the government consider a standalone law that clearly defines the circumstances under which disinformation may be penalised, especially where national security is at stake. If we can fine-tune the law have standalone legislation trying to figure out all the scenarios and come up with a very good law Im all for it, he said. Next article: Mahama launches Feed Ghana project; Encourages families and schools to grow their own food Previous article: Minister for Education urges SHS heads to step up checks against drugs and weapons in schools Finance Minister proposes Accra as World Bank regional office to fast-track development across West Africa Mohammed Ali Apr - 13 - 2025 , 10:35 2 minutes read Ghanas Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has proposed that the World Bank set up a regional office in Accra to support development work across West Africa. He made the call on Friday, April 10 , during a meeting with Mr Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank Group, at the Ministry of Finance in Accra. Discussions between the two focused on expanding Ghanas partnership with the World Bank in areas such as agriculture, transport, and energy. Dr Forson said these sectors remain central to Ghanas long-term growth efforts and called for stronger backing to address challenges and improve outcomes. He told Mr Zhang that locating a regional office in Accra would speed up project delivery not only in Ghana but across the subregion. The presence of a World Bank regional office in Ghana would allow for closer engagement, faster decision-making, and better results, Dr Forson said. Mr Zhang, in his remarks, said the World Bank is ready to deepen its support to Ghana, particularly in agriculture. He described agriculture as an area where the Bank has extensive experience and indicated its willingness to work with Ghana to improve production, reduce losses, and create more opportunities for farmers. He also noted that the Bank is currently involved in projects aimed at improving Ghanas energy sector. These include steps to help address power supply issues and strengthen access for both households and industry. The visit is part of ongoing talks between the Government of Ghana and the World Bank aimed at advancing development goals and improving living standards. Next article: Minister for Education urges SHS heads to step up checks against drugs and weapons in schools Government considers Danish digital model to merge NHIS, tax and driver licensing records - Communication Minister Mohammed Ali Apr - 13 - 2025 , 10:36 2 minutes read The Government of Ghana is considering adopting Denmarks eBoks digital platform to bring together services offered by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) under one secure digital system. This follows discussions between the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, and representatives of the Danish Embassy in Accra. The meeting, which the Minister disclosed in a Facebook post on Friday, April 11, 2025, is part of efforts to simplify access to public services through technology. Denmarks eBoks system allows citizens to receive and manage government documents, tax records, and medical information using a single digital platform. Ghana is looking at this model as a possible guide to developing a homegrown version that responds to local needs. We are keen on learning from Denmarks experience with GovTech solutions. Their use of platforms like eBoks can guide us in developing a similar ecosystem tailored to our local needs, Mr George stated. Talks also explored the digitalisation of the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet). Mr George said the government is looking to strengthen early warning systems by learning from the Danish Meteorological Institute. He added that improved forecasting could support better planning in agriculture, disaster response and environmental management. Discussions also included Denmarks work in renewable energy and green technologies, which could inform Ghanas efforts to move towards cleaner energy sources. The Danish delegation was led by Ambassador Tom Nrring, who was joined by Priscilla Owusuaa Opoku and Kim Sarup. Mr George described the engagement as part of a growing international interest in Techplomacy, the use of technology as a tool in foreign policy and global cooperation. Next article: Finance Minister proposes Accra as World Bank regional office to fast-track development across West Africa Minister for Education urges SHS heads to step up checks against drugs and weapons in schools Mohammed Ali Apr - 13 - 2025 , 10:35 2 minutes read The Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has urged heads of senior high schools to strengthen inspection routines to stop students from smuggling drugs, knives, and other prohibited items onto school campuses. He made the call during a meeting with members of the Conference of Heads of Government-Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), held at the Sunyani Technical University on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Mr Iddrisu expressed concern about the increasing safety risks in some schools and said stricter supervision was needed to maintain discipline and protect lives. We must step up inspection and supervision, he stated. School heads have a responsibility to prevent students from smuggling prohibited items like drugs and weapons into the classroom environment. This was the ministers first formal engagement with CHASS since his appointment. Heads of public senior high schools from across the country attended the meeting to discuss long-standing issues affecting the sector. Mr Iddrisu acknowledged that many challenges remain unresolved. These include a shortage of non-teaching staff, difficulties with the double-track system, and unpaid financial obligations carried over from previous administrations. He said the government intends to treat these issues with the urgency they deserve. Education must be treated as a national emergency, Mr Iddrisu told the heads. He called for broader cooperation among all players in the education sector to help improve teaching and learning conditions across the country. During the meeting, the minister also introduced the new leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Professor Ernest Kofi Davis was announced as Acting Director-General, supported by Prof Smile Gavua Dzisi and Dr Manawaru Issahaque as deputy directors. CHASS members used the occasion to raise concerns about inadequate resources, external interference in school administration, and what they described as unfair disciplinary measures taken against some school heads. Officials of the GES who were present acknowledged the concerns and assured the school heads of fair hearing processes moving forward. The meeting formed part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Education to build stronger engagement with school heads and find workable solutions to the challenges facing public senior high schools. MPs cant hide behind Parliamentary immunity after making false claimsAgalga on attempted arrest of Ntim Fordjour Mohammed Ali Politics Apr - 13 - 2025 , 10:35 3 minutes read The Chairman of Parliaments Defence and Interior Committee, Mr James Agalga, says Members of Parliament who make unproven allegations involving serious crimes such as drug trafficking cannot shield themselves from scrutiny by invoking parliamentary immunity. Speaking on Joy FMs Newsfile on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Mr Agalga defended the attempted arrest of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the MP who recently alleged that aircraft carrying cocaine and large sums of cash had landed in Ghana under the current administration. Mr Agalga described the claims as false, reckless, and damaging to the countrys image. He said such statements, when made without evidence, cannot be waved aside simply because they come from an elected official. You dont just go out there and make allegations against the national security apparatus without establishing anything, he said. Mr Agalga, a former Deputy Minister for the Interior, explained that Mr Fordjour, as a ranking member of the Defence and Interior Committee, could have raised his concerns through the proper channels, including a formal request to the committee or engagement with the relevant security agencies. Instead, he said, the MP chose to make the allegations publicly before seeking an internal committee meeting. Well, everything is wrong with that, Mr Agalga remarked. When you do that, you put the cart before the donkey. According to Mr Agalga, the allegations suggested criminal conduct, including money laundering and drug trafficking, and it was only right for the security agencies to take an interest. He questioned why Mr Fordjour failed to cooperate with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) when they sought his assistance. If your ranking member was not being malicious, why did he run away from assisting the security agency? he asked. Hes under no obligation, yes, but that is irresponsible, given the nature of the allegations he made. While acknowledging that MPs are entitled to certain privileges, Mr Agalga maintained that these protections should not be abused to avoid accountability, especially when public statements touch on criminal matters. Assisting the BNI in investigating a matter doesnt make you a suspect, he said. It means youre helping the state get to the bottom of it. That is the responsible thing to do. He dismissed suggestions that the attempted arrest was unlawful, stating that the action taken by the NIB was in accordance with Ghanas laws. Mr Agalga cited Section 10 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), which allows a senior police officer to authorise an arrest based on reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed. The arrest attempt was in consonance with the law. Section 10 is very clear. A senior officer can arrest on reasonable suspicion, he said. Mr Agalga added that Mr Fordjours refusal to engage with security officers gave the impression that the claims were baseless. If you wouldnt go, then clearly you are within the realm of publishing false information, and that is criminal, he said. Parliament cannot shield MPs who publish false information that threatens the security or image of the state. He clarified that the Defence and Interior Committee does not conduct criminal investigations and that once such allegations are made, the appropriate agencies must take over. Mr Agalga also defended the decision by government officials to address the matter publicly, noting that Mr Fordjours accusations had already been widely circulated. You wanted the government spokesperson to keep quiet and allow Ntim Fordjour to run amok with those spurious allegations? he asked. You dont do that and get away with it, especially when the allegations are false. He added that if the MP had credible evidence, he should have used proper channels to present it, rather than resorting to public accusations without proof. Oppo Find X8 Ultra is here, One UI 7 roadmap unveiled, Week 15 in review Samsung has been notoriously slow to release the Android 15-based One UI 7 to its considerable lineup of devices. But things are looking up. A revealed roadmap surfaced, listing a total of 46 devices that will get the software bump from now through June, featuring the most popular names from most series. We covered the full changelog of One UI 7, including the new looks, improved Galaxy AI, the quick activation of Gemini through the side button and more. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Edge, expected to arrive on May 13, will initially launch in Korea and China. Europeans and other markets may join later on in June. Samsung Members reveals One UI 7.0 update roadmap Over 46 Samsung devices will receive the new update from now until June. Here is the full changelog for Samsung's One UI 7 This is the changelog for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but we've included a couple of features that are specific to the Galaxy Z Fold6 too. Oppo announced the Find X8 Ultra, Find X8s and Find X8s+ along with the Oppo Pad 4 Pro, Watch X2 Mini, and the Enco Free4 buds. The Oppo Find X8 Ultra is naturally the most read-about device - it packs flagship cameras, a new, thinner and tougher (IP68/IP69) body, and a bump up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The phone's two zoom cameras got improvements - the mid-range option is now a 70mm (up from 65mm), and has a much brighter lens, while the 135mm telephoto has a nicer f/3.1 lens to let in more light. Oppo will start selling the Find X8 Ultra in China on April 16. Sadly, we don't expect the flagship to become globally available. The Moto G Stylus (2025) became official a week before its release. It boasts a 6.7-inch 1220p pOLED screen with 120 Hz refresh rate and 3,000-nit peak brightness, a 50 MP main camera using Sony's Lytia LYT-700C sensor with OIS, a 13 MP ultrawide with macro capabilities, and a 32 MP selfie snapper. The phone has a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It's powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. The Moto G Stylus (2025) will be priced at $399.99 and will become available on April 17. OnePlus' upcoming 13T will have a 6.31-inch screen, which OnePlus China President, Li Jie, shared for the first time, compared to an iPhone 16 Pro. The image shows the OnePlus 13T's thinner bezels. OnePlus 13T display teased ahead of launch OnePlus is going for a 6.31-inch flat OLED with rounded bezels. The vivo X200 Ultra and X200s will launch on April 21 - confirmed by vivo itself. The unveil will also feature the vivo Pad5 Pro, Pad SE, and Watch 5. Vivo's upcoming flagship will feature a Photography Kit, similar to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit, with a built-in 2,300mAh battery. Visitors to the Micronesia Mall in Dededo can get an instant taste of Japan at the newly opened Bread Bar Okayama Kobo. Its local operator, and franchise founder and training chef from Japan, as well as local leaders cut the ribbon on Friday to officially open the doors to the public. We are happy to bring healthy, delicious, preservative-free, Japanese-style bread to Guam. We are proud of the bread by Okayama Kobo, as it elevates the quality of bread and food offerings on island, said Jeselyn Gigi Tan Yu, president and chief executive officer for Goodwind Development Corporation, which owns both Bread Bar and the mall where it operates. Rene Lao, executive director of Goodwind, said Bread Bar is the companys second bakery, joining American Bakery as just two of its many Guam holdings. Its one of the top-quality brands that were bringing in, top-of-the-line Japanese baking. A lot of planning was involved, and training. Once we decided to get the brand Okayama Kobo, we came up with the name that we can call our own, Bread Bar, said Lao. We actually sent three guys to Anaheim to train at the Okayama Kobo there, for two months. After we formed our team of bakers, Okayama Kobo Japan sent over Chef Suzuki, the trainer, and the founder himself, Chef Kawakami Tsunetaka. Its his second visit here. Lao said that the flour used to make the ultra-light, super soft bread is sourced entirely from Hokkaido, Japan. She said that makes the breads cost more to make, but the brand name rides on the quality of the flour, which is always additive- and preservative-free. For us cost-wise, its more expensive, but you get what you pay for. No preservatives, so we advise that you eat it the same day. Not all of the products are good for keeping until the next day, but in case you need to, ask us. If you buy a half-loaf, for instance, you can freeze it. But there are no preservatives, so dont expect it to taste the same the day after its made. Chef Tsunetaka said that the Guam store was the 400th store he helped open. Most of them are in Japan. He also had three in U.S. states, including two in California and one in Hawaii. Other international locations include stores in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, India and Indonesia. Next week, its off to New Zealand to open Store No. 401. Tsunetaka said he thinks the Guam location is special, and he likes Micronesia Mall because everything. Its just so big, with room. His curry buns will likely be the most popular, he said. The other specialties come in rolls, filled buns, paninis, and bread by the sandwich loaf. Most items on the menu are between $3.50 and $5. There are sweet breads too, meaning even picky eaters are likely to find something they like. The Guam outlet will employ 15 people, said Tsunetaka. The Bread Bars vision statement declares it to be the premier destination on Guam for the freshest, warmest and most authentic Japanese bakery products, offering a modern artisanal experience that blends traditions with Guams local charm and a piece of Japan in every slice. Crews from the Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department and Navy are searching for a 58-year-old man whose 14-foot skiff, Lady G, failed to return to Hagatna Boat Basin as scheduled. Jeffery Hattori departed the marina at 5:30 a.m. Saturday and was expected back by 4 p.m. His vehicle and boat trailer remain at the basin. Hattoris skiff, registered as GU 325 PU, has a blue bimini top and reportedly carries flares and a flashlight, according to a news release from the Coast Guard. After being notified by Guam Fire Rescue, the Coast Guard launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor to search waters from Hagatna Boat Basin to Ritidian Point, checking fishing grounds, fish aggregating device buoys, and a reported sighting near Pati Point, with no sign of Hattori or his vessel. A Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) Knighthawk crew conducted an aerial search 23 nautical miles offshore, covering a central search area, and plans to launch an additional sortie. Guam Fire Rescue teams are scouring the Ritidian Point area and nearby buoy locations. Another Guam Fire Department vessel crew launched from Hagat Marina and searched from Hagat to Hagatna. An urgent marine information broadcast was sent to alert mariners and requested A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport tower personnel to instruct inbound flights to report any small vessels or lights around Guam. With the search area expanding, the Coast Guard is seeking fixed-wing aircraft support. Current weather conditions include east winds of 10 to 15 knots, seas of 3 to 5 feet, with wave details of east 4 feet at 8 seconds and east 3 feet at 4 seconds. No watches, warnings, or advisories are in effect. Cmdr. Patton Epperson, the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator for the case, underscored the collaborative effort. Were mobilizing every available resource to find Mr. Hattori and bring him home safely, Epperson stated in the news release. Anyone with information about Hattori or his vessel is urged to contact the Coast Guard at 671-355-4826 or 1-877-418-0168. The Department of Public Health and Social Services celebrated Adolescent Immunization Week with an immunization outreach at Guam Community College on Friday. April is Public Health Awareness Month as well, and the agency is continuing the celebration by letting the community know to Get Immunized Guam. The outreach focused on encouraging the community, specifically children and adolescents without insurance, to keep up to date with their vaccines, especially as measles spreads in the mainland U.S. Darlene Fukuichi is one of the parents who took the time to attend the event, sharing how helpful these outreaches can be for parents and children. Its very hard nowadays to get insurance, she said. Its beneficial for the community because Im pretty sure theres a lot of people out there that dont have insurance, so giving us this opportunity is a big help, especially for the kids. Courtney Michelle Untalan, another parent in attendance, also shared that these events are helpful for those seeking to find a quicker and easier way to ensure their childrens immunization records are up to date. Its faster than calling a clinic and probably waiting for two or three weeks, she said, noting that its important to ensure her daughter is vaccinated to continue attending school after spring break. This event being available is super helpful. While immunizations are the main focus of the event, the event also serves to promote other programs within Public Health such as the Division of Environmental Health, which showcased safe food handling practices through a Jeopardy-style board game. According to Aisleabesh Maglaque, environmental health officer, food safety starts at home. Maglaque said that food safety can be as simple as ensuring that children wash their hands or preventing cross-contamination when parents prepare food for their children. If they keep those in mind, it can help prevent food-related sickness, and we hope to get the message out there, she said. Annette Aguon, Public Health immunization program manager, said the agency also encourages families to contribute to the well-being of the community by availing of these services and actively learning more about Public Health programs. Help us to protect you and your loved ones, she said. Were here for the health and wellness of the island, so if you have any questions please call us and we can assist you as best we can, make you aware of what services you may be eligible within our agency and if not we can direct you to partners that can maybe assist you with what you need for health or social well-being. For parents looking to attend future immunization outreach events, Public Health requires that children under 18 have their birth certificates, photo IDs of parents or guardians and immunization records on hand. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Saturday signed eight bills into law while vetoing one bill that would have allowed the public auditor to establish deadlines to submit data and to impose fines against agency heads who dont meet them. These are the first bills authored by members of the 38th Guam Legislature to become law after completing their first session on March 31. The first Republican-led Guam Legislature in 16 years passed a total of nine bills during its first regular session. The governor vetoed Bill 14-38 which would have authorized the public auditor to establish deadlines for government agencies and instrumentalities to submit financial and program data to the Office of Public Accountability. It would have also imposed an initial $250 fine to be paid personally by the agency head for failure to submit such data by the deadline, and an additional $250 fine for every 30-day delay thereafter. The governor in her veto message of the bill said audits have been delayed because of a number of factors. The fiscal year 2022 audit was delayed primarily by the change in auditors and the need for the new auditors to gather information not transferred from the previous auditor, she said. The currently pending fiscal year 2023 audit was delayed by the significant delays in the OPAs procurement of auditors, which was not completed until April 2024, but could have and should have been completed months earlier, the governor said. She said she is waiting for the OPAs contract for auditor services for the Tourist Attraction Fund financial audit for fiscal years 2023, 2024 and 2025. The OPAs delayed procurement of this contract will most assuredly result in a delayed audit, Leon Guerrero said. She said the bill would punish supposed inaction on the part of the agency heads that result in audit delays, when the public auditor, by his own inaction, has held up the TAF audit, without consequence. These circumstances call to mind the old adage that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones, Leon Guerrero said. The governor said the Legislature has recently heard testimony regarding the difficulty in recruiting and retaining professionals and that is also impacting finance professionals. To lay the blame for audit delays at the feet of our agencies is unfair, and imposing fines on agency heads for delays in reporting will not improve the audit process it would certainly not have helped the public auditors procurement delays, or transitional delays between outgoing and incoming auditors, or solved the broader problem of recruiting finance professionals, Leon Guerrero said. She noted that Bill 14 would prioritize expediency over accuracy and completeness, which would undermine the integrity of the audit process. If the Legislature wants more efficient performance from our agencies, it shouldnt threaten them with fines. It should support them, the governor said. She said the Legislature should give the agencies the resources to recruit finance professionals, instead of burdening the limited number of employees with unreasonable deadlines. Ultimately, this bill would expand the public auditors enforcement role, placing him in the role of administrative judge over perceived agency slights. The level of activism the public auditor seeks would compromise his impartiality and independence, which is a cornerstone principle for auditors, Leon Guerrero said. New laws Bill 8-38, now Public Law 38-1, extends government of Guam leases from five years to 15 years. The governor said the bill will make leasing by government property more attractive to developers who will invest in the development of leased government property and facilities, which will in turn expand investment opportunities in the community. Bill 10-38, now Public Law 38-2, will give $100,000 to the family of public safety officers killed in the line of duty with the establishment of the Public Safety and Law Enforcement Officers Line of Duty Death Benefit Fund. The previous government-paid life insurance benefit for law enforcement officers was $10,000. The new law requires the Department of Administration to develop administrative rules and regulations to implement the benefit. The author of the bill, Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, in a statement said it was an exciting day for Guams public safety and law enforcement personnel and their families and thanked his colleagues and the governor. It remains my hope that the government of Guam will never have to issue one death benefit authorized under this new law. We will be prepared to support the families of our public safety and law enforcement officers if and when that fateful moment comes, Gumataotao said. Bill 25-38, now Public Law 38-3, expands the definitions of eligible media platform and newspaper of general circulation for public notices. As the technological world we live in continues to evolve, our government must adapt as well. The ability to share information via electronic media has made accessing news much easier for the average resident, Leon Guerrero said. By expanding the methods in which public notices can be published, we can be assured that the average resident of Guam would be able to stay informed of government activities and actions. Bill 34-38, now Public Law 38-4, requires employees who resign from GovGuam to submit and pass drug testing to retain re-employment rights if the resignation was tendered 30 days of an announced or random drug testing. Leon Guerrero said the bill will have limited impact on employees of the government of Guam, but she supports the intention of strengthening a drug free workplace so she signed the bill. Bill 35-38, now Public Law 38-5, would ban the import of certain sunscreens into Guam that pose dangers to Guams coral reefs. The sunscreens include oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene that may contribute to reef degradation. Violations of the ban would be punishable by fines of between $100 and $5,000. Testimony submitted for the bill suggests that most, if not all, sunscreen available on Guam contain the chemicals. Our coral reefs are vital to Guams coastal protection, marine biodiversity, and economy. By eliminating toxic pollutants, we align with global efforts to preserve marine life and promote sustainable alternatives, Leon Guerrero said. Bill 46-38, now Public Law 38-6, allows the Guam Council on Arts and the Humanities Agency to grant eight Guam Master Awards for award years 2018 and 2022. Local law allows CAHA to give the Guam Masters Award every four years, but the practice wasnt done in 2018 and 2022. The governor said the law is a positive step toward acknowledging individuals who have shown exceptional mastery in preserving and safeguarding the CHamoru culture. These artists play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuation of our rich heritage while contributing to its advancement and broader appreciation, she said. Bill 57-38, now Public Law 38-7, allows the building of accessory dwelling units in residential zones. The units are smaller, independent living spaces on the same lot as a primary home. The construction of ADUs is intended to help address the rising cost of homeownership. It also addresses the potential impact on the groundwater by restricting ADUs within the Groundwater Protection Zone and requiring residents within 200 feet of a sewer main to connect both the primary residence and the ADU to the sewer system. An ADU can also be built if it has a Type 4 sewage treatment/disposal system along with the primary residence. Bill 58-38, now Public Law 38-8, appropriates $5.75 million in excess revenues to the University of Guam. The money will help UOG fund a budgetary shortfall through the end of the fiscal year. Most of the money, about $4.7 million, will go towards staff salaries, according to testimony from UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. But the measure comes with strings attachedfor a year after the money goes through, UOG will have to justify any tuition increases to senators, based on conditions set in an amendment from Sen. Chris Barnett. It was a full house at Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, where every pew was filled as the villages Catholic faithful gathered with palms in hand to mark the start of Holy Week through the observance of Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, commemorates Jesus Christs triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The celebration is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. It is important for us, for Catholics because this is already our culture. We do this every year, said Annaliza Encarnacion of Dededo. The observance also marks the beginning of the Paschal Mystery Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Resurrection on Easter Sunday referring to the core of Christian belief, encompassing Jesus passion, death, resurrection and ascension. It reminds us of his humility and the beginning of his journey to the cross, said Tessie Matanguihan, a eucharistic minister from the Philippines. It let us welcome him into our hearts with faith and gratitude, preparing our lives for the hope and victory of Easter. Masses ran throughout the day to accommodate the turnout, starting as early as 6 a.m. The service began with the blessing of palm leaves, followed by a solemn procession, mirroring the crowds who welcomed Jesus with palms. Its joyful because we are still here to celebrate that Paschal Mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ, Matanguihan said. For many, Palm Sunday is a reminder of faith, sacrifice and devotion. Its to spread love for Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for all of our sins, Encarnacion said. When it comes to Palm Sunday, you have to sacrifice, the same as what Jesus Christ has done for us. Matanguihan shared a similar message. Its celebrating the way Jesus Christ saved us. He died on the cross for us. So we have to praise and thank him always and to follow Jesus, she said. Without Jesus, we cannot be saved. He gave us a choice, the free will, but we have the choice to follow Him. Otherwise, there are two things. Thats where we go, the hot and the cold. So we want to go to the cold. We want to and heaven is his choice. Its really a choice. So we have to follow Jesus. Beverly Huffington of Yigo, another Sunday parishioner, said Palm Sunday remains deeply personal and spiritual. Well, its significant for me only because, growing up, Ive been presented with this kind of religion, and so with my parents or other relatives, we just go every Sunday. Its just a practice that we do, Huffington said. But in terms of a deeper meaning of a Palm Sunday, it is just to celebrate Jesus, thats my main reason why. Huffington said tradition is one part of it, but spirituality and memory are what keep her coming back. Id say because Im very spiritual, she said. Like I said, ever since I was a little girl, Ive been going to church, and its just very important to me to remember his sacrifice and love for the people. A key part of the celebration is the blessing and distribution of palm leaves, which families traditionally take home and keep for the year. We put it on the door. Or if you have a cross, you put it on the back of the cross, reminding us of Gods sacrifice for us, that he died on the cross for us, Matanguihan said. We hold it for a full year. Next year, the leaves will be burned for the ashes used during Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. Encarnacion said the practice also serves another purpose. For me, its to keep the bad spirits away for the whole year. So every year after that, its blessed and I put it all around my house, she said. As much as Palm Sunday honors biblical history, it also reflects on modern spiritual challenges. Sometimes, especially on this island, there are a lot of problems, especially the young ones, Matanguihan said. So during this time, we have also to pray for them, so that they will be enlightened, and they will come back to Jesus. Because somethey dont come to Mass anymore, those other people, especially the young so we have to pray for them. Her message for this years observance was clear. We continue to do good things for the glory of God, thats it. Our youngest son is 5 years old, and his name is Mesngun Geftao Santos. He attends Magalahi Hurao Academy Charter School. At MHACS each child is encouraged to adopt a nickname in CHamoru based on qualities and characteristics that they admire and value. Mesngun already is a CHamoru name meaning resilient. We named him after my late grandmother Regina Arriola Espinosa Santos, because she was very resilient and very generous. Generous is what Geftao means. She is part of that greatest generation that survived through the war on Guam, and we wanted to honor her. But for Mesnguns nickname we chose Fayi. That is what everyone at MHACS knows him as. MHACS is more than a school, it is extended family. The students arent just classmates, they are lifelong friends. The faculty and staff arent just teachers and administrators, they are elders who guide the children with the values, beliefs, and customs of the CHamoru culture. Today, April 12, 2025, at our family day at Dungcas Beach in Tamuning, I was asked by a parent what Fayi means. The parent stated that he understood it to mean wise. I replied that it means more than wise. The CHamoru word tomtum means wise, but fayi transcends wisdom. It means genius or visionary. Leaders in history would be considered fayi. They are trailblazers. Today, our politicians in Guam have squandered a rare and golden opportunity with unprecedented tax revenues. The politicos have pandered to the masses and have given handout after handout in the form of direct payments or payments of utilities or other forms of subsidies. Those funds could have, and should have, been better spent. Lets first clarify that the term excess or surplus revenues is a legal fiction. The government projects revenues and budgets based on that revenue projection. If the actual tax revenue is greater or less than the projections, its not that the government made extra money or less money, it simply means that they were wrong. Greater revenues than predicted is not a windfall or unearned revenue to be returned to the people, its unexpected revenue based on the current tax system that ought to be put to good use and not squandered in the form of pandering. There are many areas of dire importance that the government of Guam could have used that money toward. The three basic areas of responsibility are health, safety, and education. But instead of focusing on those three areas, the additional revenues evaporated into thin air.. Many roads and buildings could have been repaired with the hundreds of millions of dollars used to pander for votes. One visionary suggestion that I can think of is an effort to reverse the brain drain that we have seen over the past couple of decades here on Guam. We could have established a repatriation program to get folks back who left, by giving them a tax holiday for three or four or five years. They would not have to pay any income tax as long as they were gainfully employed and worked in a field on Guam that was sorely lacking. We could have offered similar tax incentives to lure and attract professionals and specialists who would meet a need in Guam that has been unfulfilled. In CHamoru, malati means smart, tomtum means wise, fayi means genius or visionary. Unfortunately, our politicians nowadays are rarely malati, tomtum, or fayi. Haiti - FLASH : Scandal, police officers fall into a sex trap set by bandits On Saturday afternoon, Lionel Lazarre, Deputy Spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH), revealed that the attack that occurred in Godet (Kenscoff) on the night of April 11-12, 2025, contrary to reports suggesting that police officers were attacked by armed men from the "Viv Ansanm" coalition, and that five officers were injured in the fight, is not true. He explained that police officers from specialized units had, in fact, abandoned their position and gone to two houses to spend the night with women. It was a "hot" night, which turned out to be a trap set by the bandits. Lazarre acknowledged that "According to initial information, these women were in collusion with the armed men operating in the Kenscoff area." Informed that the police officers had fallen into their trap, the bandits advanced to these houses to attack the officers, most of whom were scantily clad. "The police officers managed to escape during the attack. Five were injured and are currently in the hospital. One officer is missing," said the PNH Deputy Spokesperson. The attackers seized all the officers' equipment from one of the houses. The three unattended PNH vehicles, which were transporting the officers who had been victims of their libido, were set on fire by the bandits. In a video circulating on social media, the bandits displayed their loot (bulletproof vests, automatic and handguns, magazines, ammunition, police IDs, among other items...) Lionel Lazare declared, "The police officers committed a serious administrative error" and announced the opening of an investigation by the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH) into This scandal will tarnish the image of the police institution, emphasizing, "The High Command deplores this situation. Sanctions will be taken against these officers for this serious administrative error." In Godet, officers from several specialized units have been deployed, and the situation is calm and under the control of law enforcement. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Les Cayes under real threat of armed attack In an information report addressed to the Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), Divisional Commissioner Daniel Compere, Departmental Director of the South, reported a threat confirmed by the department's intelligence service targeting the city of Les Cayes. "Dear Director General, The undersigned is hastening to forward to your office the department's emergency security information. Following persistent rumors of the presence of armed individuals in the department's southern coastal zone, the department's intelligence service was able to confirm the veracity of these allegations. Thirty-three (33) heavily armed individuals are based between the towns of Tiburon and Les Anglais. They are targeting the Departmental Directorate of the South and the civil prison in Les Cayes. Our intelligence has provided information on the modus operandi of these criminals. They plan to attack as follows : Storm the police stations in the coastal zone, while others coming from Pestel under the direction of Guy Philippe will do the same from the Camp-Perrin police station in order to reach the city of Les Cayes. Therefore, Mr. Director General, being short of ammunition and weapons, the Departmental Director requests your assistance at all levels to address this situation, including a temporary withdrawal of the UDMO team based in Gressier to reinforce the force on site. This information is submitted to you for your convenience. Daniel Compere Divisional Commissioner Departmental Director CC.: DCPA" HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... 60 PoliFRONT in Training The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have launched two training sessions for 60 new Border Police (PoliFRONT) officers who will be deployed along the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The training focuses on protecting and respecting the human rights of migrants, as well as combating migrant trafficking and smuggling. Justice : Hearings Postponed On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Magalie Habitant, former director of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Collection Service (SMCRS), former MP Prophane Victor, and Elionor Devallon, former director of the Social Assistance Fund (CAS), arrested by the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) for alleged links with armed gangs, were taken to the Port-au-Prince prosecutor's office, in Delmas 75, to be questioned by Frantz Monclair, Government Commissioner. However, the hearing was ultimately postponed to Monday, April 14th... International Haitian Diaspora Days The organization of the International Haitian Diaspora Days in Canada hears and understands the concerns and sensitivities expressed by the Haitian community in Montreal regarding the presence of certain public figures at its 2025 edition. It informs the Haitian community of Montreal, in particular, that no government representative is officially present at the event it is organizing on April 12th and 13th, 2025, at the Palais des Congres de Montreal. The organization of the International Haitian Diaspora Days in Canada is not politically aligned. It remains in solidarity with its community and the Haitian people in their struggle for a better future. Orlando : The Consulate Strengthens ties with the Sheriff's Office As part of strengthening cooperation with local authorities, a delegation from the Haitian Consulate in Orlando, accompanied by Attorney Anne Piervil and headed by Postmaster General Nedgie Phanord Jean Baptiste, met with the Orange County Sheriff. Discussions focused on the establishment of an emergency response unit within the Consulate to support Haitian compatriots in the jurisdiction and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the Consulate. Boulevard 15 Octobre Rehabilitation Work The Ministry of Public Works is continuing rehabilitation work on Boulevard 15 Octobre. This project, supervised by the West Departmental Directorate (DDO), combines asphalt concrete and hydraulic concrete for the construction of the roadway. This blended approach leverages the specific advantages of each material, ensuring optimal sustainability. FIFA : 5th Compliance Summit Ms. Gally Amazan, Chartered Professional Accountant and Internal Auditor, member of the Standardization Committee of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), participated in the 5th FIFA Compliance Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event brings together experts and professionals from the world of football to discuss critical issues related to governance, compliance, risk management, and internal auditing. HL/ HaitiLibre It has taken two years for the Hyundai offshoot of the Kia EV9 to be launched on the European market. The time has certainly been used, because in some respects the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a few steps ahead of the EV9. Whether this will help it to become more widespread, however, is questionable. We have already been able to take a short test drive. Anzeige Pretty powerful The first impression that the Hyundai Ioniq 9 leaves is one of enormous size. With a height of 1.79 m and a width of 1.98 m, the SUV looks very massive. It extends to 5.06 m in length, of which the wheelbase takes up 3.13 m. With these dimensions, it is hardly surprising that there is a certain spaciousness in the interior. The customer has the choice of occupying the second row with two seats or a bench. There is plenty of space even at the very back, at least for teenagers. Hyundai also installs electrically adjustable seats in the rear, which are air-conditioned and can be massaged on request. If the third row is needed, only 338 liters remain behind it; if it is folded down, there are already 908. Focus on comfort The Ioniq 9 is neatly finished and has an appropriately high-quality interior. The good insulation and the suspension set-up contribute to the impression of a comfortable car. Hyundai has refrained from suggesting to the driver that the SUV, which weighs more than 2.6 tons, is a fast cornering predator by making the dampers firmer. The low center of gravity of the large battery in the underbody of the E-GMP platform may help in fast corners, but this is more for safety than for the feeling of handling. The chassis always remains on the comfortable side, and rightly so. Bild 1 von 9 Hyundai Ioniq 9 (9 Bilder) Wer sich auf den Hyundai Ioniq 9 einlassen will, sollte sich klarmachen: Das E-SUV ist mit 5,06 m ein wirklich riesiges Auto. Auch die Breite ist mit 1,98 m gewaltig. (Bild: Christian Bittmann ) Charges quickly Anzeige The Hyundai Group was the first to bring a platform with an 800 volt voltage level to cars that are still affordable. It is also used for the Ioniq 9. Under ideal conditions, it can be charged with up to 260 kW at its peak. Charging from 10 to 80 percent is possible in 24 minutes. These two figures alone are of little practical relevance, but give an indication of what is on offer here. The battery has an energy content of 110 kWh. Ideally, the net charging capacity is between 10 and 80 percent, i.e. 193 kW. Pre-conditioning of the battery is of course available. Drives: Medium version is the favorite Hyundai offers the Ioniq 9 in Europe with three drive configurations. The base model with rear-wheel drive offers a range of 620 km in the WLTP. Consumption in the cycle is specified as 19.4 kWh/100 km. This means that around 400 km of range can be recharged in 24 minutes. In practice, 24 kWh/100 km is more likely on the highway, and it remains to be seen how many people interested in the Ioniq 9 will stick with the base model. With 160 kW, the least powerful drive system has plenty to do with the 2.6-ton SUV. Hyundai quotes a standard sprint time of 9.4 seconds. Of course, this is a long way from holding up traffic, but many other current electric cars can do it a little faster. The next stage is an all-wheel drive model, in which Hyundai adds a 70 kW electric drive on the front axle to the rear motor, which is always identical. This variant is also listed as "Long Range" and, as it offers significantly more temperament for a moderate surcharge, should have a good chance of becoming the best-selling drive. We certainly recommend this step, especially as the expected additional costs are unlikely to cause monetary embarrassment for potential buyers in this segment. If a system output of 230 kW is not sufficient, the top version with 320 kW remains, i.e. 160 kW on each axle. This heavyweight then accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The top speed for all versions is always 200 km/h. Hyundai specifies a towing capacity of up to 2.5 t. Which version can tow how much has not yet been revealed. Are you looking for a huge E-SUV by European standards that doesn't even try to be sporty? The Hyundai Ioniq 9 could fulfill this wish. (Image: Christian Bittmann) No prices yet Hyundai has not yet revealed exactly how much the Ioniq 9 will cost. We expect the base model to cost at least around 60,000 euros. For orientation: The Kia EV9 is available from 62,000 euros, the upgrades for the drive systems cost 3000 or 7000 euros. Even more expensive in the EV9 is the jump to the mid-range equipment line, which costs 7500 euros for an identical drive system. The prices for the Ioniq 9 will presumably be in a similar range. Hyundai will probably reveal more about this in June at the latest, as sales are due to start in the summer. (vbr) 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. In 2022, Fortum incurred a pre-tax loss of almost 6bn when it transferred its shares in Uniper to the German government. The handover formed part of a 13.5bn state bailout of the gas importer, which was hit by an energy crisis triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine. Fortum , the Finnish energy company majority-owned by the state, is examining the possibility of acquiring Swedish assets from its former subsidiary Uniper. This comes three years after it exited its stake following multibillion-euro losses. The bailout agreement included a clause giving Fortum the right of first offer on Unipers Swedish assets, including hydro and nuclear facilities. That right remains in effect until 2026. According to two people familiar with the matter, Fortum is now interested in acquiring those Swedish operations. Uniper owns a stake in all three of Swedens active nuclear power plants. Two of them are already co-owned by Fortum. The company also controls 74 hydroelectric plants across Sweden. A feasibility study published by Fortum last month stated that it plans to extend the lifespan of its nuclear plants and invest in new capacity. The report cited rising electricity demand as a factor driving the strategy. Fortum declined to confirm interest in Unipers assets but said the company has always considered the Swedish operations valuable. It described recent reports as rumours but noted that its right of first offer remains active. Analysts estimate the value of the Swedish assets to be in the billions of euros. They also warned that selling them would require a significant restructuring of Uniper. Germanys government currently owns 99 per cent of the company and has not confirmed any plans to divide its holdings. A European investment bank analyst said he believed Finlands government was unlikely to support another large investment in Uniper. He said the current priority for Helsinki is securing stable dividends from Fortum, not repeating high-risk transactions. We saw what happened back in the day. It was a big failure, the analyst said. Germany injected 13.5bn in equity into Uniper and issued 6bn in loans during the energy crisis. Uniper had lost tens of billions replacing Russian gas, which had stopped flowing due to sanctions and geopolitical tensions. Unipers market valuation is now approximately 16bn, based on the small percentage of shares that remain publicly traded. A decision on Unipers future rests with Germanys next government. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), is expected to take office in early May after securing a coalition agreement. A person familiar with the CDUs internal discussions said the party may support keeping a minority strategic stake in Uniper. German officials have not ruled out a public offering of Uniper shares. The aim is to recover as much of the states financial support as possible. Other companies are also expected to show interest in Unipers Swedish assets. These include Swedens state-owned power firm Vattenfall and Norways Equinor, backed by the Norwegian government. Both companies declined to comment. Czech investor Daniel Kretinsky, who owns East German energy company Leag and holds a stake in Thyssenkrupps steel division, is also seen as a possible bidder. A spokesperson for Kretinsky did not respond to a request for comment. Neither the German finance ministry nor Uniper provided a statement. Fortum originally acquired an 80 per cent stake in Uniper in 2017 for 7.2bn. At the time, the deal drew criticism from energy analysts and environmental groups. Critics said the investment conflicted with Fortums climate goals and posed financial risks. Those risks materialised during the 2022 crisis. After its exit, Fortum restructured its operations and began focusing on clean energy growth, particularly in the Nordic region. The companys nuclear and hydro interests in Sweden now form a key part of that strategy. In its 2025 investor presentation, Fortum emphasised energy security and long-term capacity as central objectives. Unipers assets in Sweden generate a steady flow of power and are considered reliable sources of energy during periods of market volatility. Any acquisition of those units would require approval from German authorities and potentially from the European Commission, depending on transaction size and regulatory conditions. For Fortum, returning to former holdings poses both opportunity and risk. The market environment has changed since 2022, but political complications and stakeholder scepticism remain. HT It applies to foreign nationals and companies not permanently resident in Finland. Russian citizens who live permanently in the country remain eligible to buy property but must obtain permission from the Finnish Ministry of Defence. Finlands parliament has passed a law banning non-resident Russian citizens from purchasing property in the country, citing national security concerns. The new law targets individuals and entities from countries the European Union considers to be engaged in wars of aggression or hostile acts. Finlands government has linked the move directly to Russia. This decision sends a clear message we will not allow Finland to be undermined, Antti Hakkanen, Minister of Defence, said. I was very pleased that Parliament so comprehensively supported this proposal. The Finnish Ministry of Defence is preparing a policy to define countries considered a threat. This includes states that violate the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of another state, and those posing risks to Finlands infrastructure or autonomy. YLE, Finlands public broadcaster, reported that while Russia is not named in the law, the current implementation applies only to Russian nationals. The restriction follows months of growing concern over Russian property ownership in Finland. The bill originated in September 2024. Government officials cited worsening security conditions and the threat posed by property linked to Russian interests. The Finnish Defence Ministry previously stated that Russia represents a long-term threat to European security and identified property transactions as a possible method of influence or disruption. There have been reports of suspicious Russian-owned properties in Finland. Some included fortified buildings with private helipads or unprofitable hotels located near critical infrastructure. Authorities have raised concerns that these properties could be used for purposes other than civilian activity. In June 2024, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told Bloomberg News that such properties could be used to cause harm, or perhaps as a springboard for a broader operation. The Finnish government is also drafting a new bill to increase its powers to interfere with or restrict the use of already acquired property if it is believed to pose a security risk. The new legislation follows broader measures by Finland aimed at protecting its eastern border and limiting Russian influence. In July 2024, the Finnish parliament approved a law allowing border guards to return asylum seekers arriving from Russia. This measure was introduced to counter attempts to use migration as a geopolitical tool. Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre border with Russia the longest of any NATO member. In recent years, Finnish authorities have accused Russia of enabling illegal crossings. In November 2023, Finnish border guards recorded a sharp increase in the number of people without proper documentation attempting to cross from Russia. On 15 November 2023, Prime Minister Orpo stated that Russia was helping migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Russia to enter Finland without valid documents. In response, Finland began closing border checkpoints on its southeastern frontier. In April 2024, the Finnish government extended the closure of those checkpoints indefinitely. Since joining NATO in 2023, Finland has introduced a series of national security measures. These include changes to border control and foreign property laws. The government maintains that the actions are aimed at reducing the threat of foreign influence and safeguarding the countrys sovereignty. HT The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that travellers whose passport gender entries do not align with their sex assigned at birth may face entry denials at US borders. The advisory also highlights inconsistent immigration enforcement and risks of detention. Finland has issued an updated travel warning advising citizens to reconsider travel to the United States due to increased border enforcement, political instability, and risks to vulnerable groups. Similar warnings have been issued by Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark. The Finnish update follows changes in US federal policy on gender documentation. Under new rules introduced by the current US administration, federal identification documents must list gender as either male or female. The US State Department has stopped issuing passports with the X gender marker. Policies that allowed gender changes on federal documents without medical proof have been rescinded. These changes affect non-binary and transgender travellers. Finlands advisory urges those with potentially mismatched documents to consult the US consulate before travel. Germany has also warned its citizens that a valid visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee entry to the US. The German government issued the statement in March after reports of German nationals being detained at US entry points despite carrying valid documents. The United Kingdom updated its travel advice following the detention of a British woman over a visa discrepancy. She was held for more than ten days by US immigration officials. British authorities have asked the US government for greater clarity and consistency in border procedures. Canada has added specific guidelines for citizens planning extended stays in the US. Travellers remaining in the US for more than 30 days must now register with local immigration authorities. The Canadian government said failure to comply could lead to legal penalties. It also noted increased checks and scrutiny at border crossings. Denmark advised transgender travellers to speak with US embassies before departure. Officials expressed concern about the legal and personal risks posed by the US governments redefinition of gender on official documents. These warnings come amid broader tensions between the United States and its allies over immigration policy and trade. On 2 April, the US introduced new import tariffs under its Liberation Day framework. The plan includes a 10 per cent duty on general imports, with higher rates for some countries. China responded with retaliatory tariffs. Several European governments have criticised the tariffs as destabilising. China issued a US travel warning on 9 April, telling citizens to assess risks carefully before visiting. Chinese officials cited border enforcement and racial profiling as key concerns. The warnings from European governments and Canada cite not only visa policy but also political tensions and concerns about discriminatory practices in the United States. Officials said these developments undermine confidence in US institutions and raise questions about legal protections for foreign visitors. The US Department of Homeland Security has not responded publicly to the foreign travel advisories. According to the Finnish advisory, travellers should avoid unnecessary visits to the United States until further notice. It recommends that those with upcoming travel verify entry requirements directly with the nearest US diplomatic mission. All five countries have stated that travel policies will remain under review. Updates will be issued if conditions change or new risks emerge. HT The rare and contentious meeting between Pia Kauma , President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly who is also a Finnish MP, and Konstantin Kosachev , a Russian representative was covered in an article by EUobserver on April 9. Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: The article looks at the meeting as the first notable interaction with Russia within the OSCE PA since the countrys invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and its subsequent isolation from the organization. Kauma initiated the meeting with the stated goal of reviving inter-parliamentary dialogue and exploring possible avenues for ending the war in Ukraine. According to the OSCE PA spokesperson, this outreach was made in the spirit of diplomacy and dialogue. However, the meeting was met with considerable controversy and raised political questions, particularly in Finland. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which holds the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2025, clarified that Kauma acted independently and not on behalf of the Finnish government. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reinforced this stance, stating that now is not the time to engage directly with Russian leadership, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin. Domestically, Kaumas decision drew criticism, with observers suggesting it could be perceived as undermining Finlands strong support for Ukraine. However, Finnish foreign policy experts, including Hiski Haukkala of the Finnish Institute of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the meeting does not signify a shift in official policy and would not lead to formal re-engagement with Russia unless a broader political consensus is reached at a higher level. The fact of the matter is that president Trump and his administration has inserted a new dynamic into the process, Haukkala said. In response to these developments, the Europeans have started to talk among themselves [on how to communicate with Russia]. Haukkala added. The meeting also sparked internal division within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Some members supported the idea of maintaining dialogue, but others, particularly Ukraines delegation, were strongly opposed. Our delegation stands on [a critical] position against Russia from the very beginning from the full-scale invasion [of Ukraine]. We dont see any reason for the communication of Russian representatives they are muppets, they dont decide anything. They are appointed personally by Putin, Mykyta Poturaiev, the head of the Ukrainian delegation and vice-chair of the PA, told EUobserver. Original story was published by EUobserver on 09.04.2025 and can be found here. Outback diplomacy: Finnish ambassador braves Australias loud, rough and dusty Shitbox Rally Finlands ambassador to Australia, Arto Haapeas participation in the 2025 Shitbox Rallya popular charity road trip across the rugged Australian outback in cars worth less than $1,500 (1,320.66) was covered in an article by The Guardian on April 5. The article delves into Haapeas adventure, comparing it to the beginning of a trend in Mad Max-style soft power. Haapea is taking on this physically demanding and unconventional challenge not only as a nod to diplomatic soft power but also as a deeply personal mission to raise $30,000 for cancer research. The event, scheduled for June, involves driving from Perth to Darwin over unsealed and harsh terrain. Haapea was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, the former US ambassador to Australia, who participated in the previous years rally in a dilapidated Ford Falcon. Seeing her example on social media motivated him to follow suit. He and his partner, Steven Mortonhis co-driversecured a used blue 2005 Toyota Camry through a donation from a Finnish-descended Australian. Theyve named it The Happiest Car in the World, a playful reference to Finlands eight-year streak as the worlds happiest country. For Haapea, this journey is more than a fun, rugged adventure. Having survived testicular cancer in his early 20s and a relapse later, he sees the rally as an opportunity to support vital cancer research. Feedback Ive been getting from the Finnish community has been incredible; so many people have lost loved ones or faced cancer themselves, Haapea said. The Shitbox Rally, started in 2010 by James Freeman after he lost both his parents to cancer, has raised over $50 million for the Cancer Council. The event emphasizes camaraderie, grit, and collective purpose, with drivers often facing mechanical failures and rough conditions but always finding support among fellow participants. Haapea sees the rally as a blend of fun, diplomacy, and cultural connection. He also draws links between Finnish and Australian valuesboth being laid-back, outdoorsy culturesand hopes to learn more about Australias Indigenous heritage along the way. Original story was published by The Guardian on 05.04.2025 and can be found here. Nokia, Telia, Finnish Defence Forces claim 5G standalone slice first A successful 5G technology trial conducted by Nokia, Telia, and the Finnish Defence Forces, demonstrating a seamless handover of a secure 5G standalone (SA) network slice across three different countries was covered in an article by Computer Weekly on April 9. The article highlights this achievement as a milestone for both defence and the broader use of 5G slicing technology in critical industries. The trial took place in March 2025 during a Nordic military exercise in Finland. Utilizing Nokias 5G core software as a service (SaaS), AirScale base stations with ReefShark chips, and Telias commercial network infrastructure, the test demonstrated that a secure and uninterrupted 5G SA slice connection could be maintained while transitioning across three different national networks. This continuous connectivity across borders is crucial for defence operations where troops frequently operate beyond their home territory and require constant, secure access to critical systems and applications. A key technological component of the test was Nokias MantaRay NM, a network management platform that provides unified visibility over the networks, enabling efficient monitoring and optimization. The success of this test is a milestone not only in defence communications but also in demonstrating how commercial 5G technologyespecially network slicingcan be leveraged for strategic and mission-critical use cases. This trial marks a significant milestone in showcasing the dual-use possibilities of 5G for defence while also enhancing communication capabilities within the Nato domain, Jarmo Vahatiitto, major general of the Finnish Defence Command, Chief of C5, said. We are delighted to have partnered with Nokia and Telia on this project and are eager to explore further opportunities for integrating 5G into our operations, he added. This development follows a broader trend in which 5G network slicing is increasingly being used by defence organizations globally. Examples include similar initiatives in Norway, Singapore, and the UK, where commercial telecom infrastructure is being tailored to meet the unique needs of national security. Nokia itself has previously engaged in network slicing projects across Austria and the Middle East, collaborating with major players like Microsoft and regional telcos to create dedicated high-performance network environments for both civilian and enterprise applications. Original story was published by Computer Weekly on 09.04.2025 and can be found here. Tax hike signals data centres not welcome in Finland The Finnish governments decision to eliminate electricity tax incentives for data centres was covered in an article by Montel News on April 8. The article highlights how this policy change has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, who fear it may deter future investments. This move could prompt companies to consider relocating to neighbouring countries like Sweden and Norway, where more favourable tax regimes for data centres exist. Previously, Finland attracted significant data centre investments due to its low electricity tax rates, cool climate, stable infrastructure, and access to renewable energy sources. These factors made it an appealing location for companies seeking efficient and sustainable operations. However, the removal of tax incentives is perceived by industry representatives as a signal that data centres are no longer welcome in Finland. Industry bodies have expressed concerns that the policy change could undermine Finlands competitiveness in the data centre sector. They argue that without tax incentives, Finland may lose its edge to neighbouring countries that continue to offer more attractive conditions for data centre investments. This could result in a slowdown of the countrys digital infrastructure development and a potential loss of economic opportunities associated with the data centre industry. Original story was published by Montel News on 08.04.2025 and can be found here. HT Bounty of Bethlehem seeks new leader Volunteers serve guests during the Bounty of Bethlehem dinner. [LIGHTNING FILE PHOTO] Bounty of Bethlehem, the cherished community tradition that for 40 years has served a free Christmas Day dinner to all those in need, is seeking a new director to carry the mission forward in 2025. Related Stories Bounty brings together hundreds of volunteers, generous donors, faith-based organizations and local businesses to ensure no one spends Christmas hungry or alone. The director plays a crucial role in overseeing the events planning and community support and serving as the public face of the organization. After leading the effort since 2020, outgoing director Annamarie Jakubielski has announced she will step down to focus on caring for an aging parent. This event is deeply important to me, and stepping away is not easy, Jakubielski said. The engine of Bounty of Bethlehem thrives on community involvement, and I am confident that a new leader will continue to grow and strengthen this incredible tradition. The director does not work alone. A dedicated team of volunteers handles meal preparation, logistics, fundraising and outreach. The director provides leadership, guides planning and nurtures key community partnerships. Additionally, strong alliances are well-established with the Salvation Army of Hendersonville and the Community Foundation of Henderson County. While this is a volunteer position, it is a highly visible role and includes a stipend of up to $5,000. To apply or nominate someone for the role, visit bountyofbethlehem.org/new-director. A MOUNTAINEER from Henley is hoping to set the fastest time from London to the summit of Everest and back after first breaking the record three years ago. Garth Miller, 51, will attempt to get to the summit the highest on earth at almost 8,850m next month and return in seven days. He will be joined by Colonel Al Carns, who is a Royal Marine reservist, Anthony Stazicker, a former sniper who spent a decade in the Special Boat Service and Kevin Godlington, who joined the Royal Engineers at the age of 16. Mr Miller, who served in the Royal Gurkha Rifles, took on the same challenge in 2022, which he completed in 21 days, claiming it was the fastest anyone has managed. This time around, the team, who have 75 years of military experience between them, will be using Xenon gas, which is believed to help climbers pre-acclimatise to the high altitude, dramatically cutting the time required to conquer the peak. They want to raise 1m for several armed forces and military charities to help children of bereaved military families. A typical Everest expedition takes an average of about two months. Mr Miller, of St Andrews Road, said: The whole thing is based on speed, innovation and sustainability. Were going to smash this record. The target weve set ourselves has never been done before. Having climbed Everest, you cant go any higher so I became fascinated by how fast you could go. Were taking advantage of new technology because there is a number of things were doing differently to normal expeditions. There is a huge risk associated with climbing high rapidly and the change in pressure can cause potentially life-threatening related illnesses. Climbers can get high-altitude pulmonary oedema, a fatal form of altitude sickness. Mr Miller, who is a captain for British Airways, will fly with the group from Heathrow Airport to Kathmandu before getting on a helicopter to the Everest base camp. They will have two hours to get ready before setting off with Sherpa team. Their equipment will be ready for them in Nepal, which will be blessed by a Buddhist monk during a puja ceremony to pray for their safe passage and they will all receive a health check from a doctor before they start the mission. They will wear bespoke kit that can withstand sub-zero temperatures. All four men are currently sleeping in hypoxic tents over their beds to simulate the experience of being at high altitude to get them used to the low-oxygen conditions. Temperatures in the Himalayas can get as low as 30C. Mr Miller said: You have to accumulate about 450 hours in the tent. Were acclimatising in the comfort of our own home. There are also a lot of physical training and technical skills that we need to refresh. Theres about 14 hours of training a week. We typically do three strength training sessions a week and a long weighted hike and one long run. Running along the river is nice but its good to get some hills in so that might take me out into Fawley and in terms of local gyms, I train at F45 and TG gym in Henley. Then, for simulated altitude training, its for two sessions a week, both about an hour long. I typically do mine on an exercise bike with a mask on for about 6,000m to work at altitude. Mr Miller lives with his wife Ashleigh and their two children Amelie, 12, and Archie, six. He studied maths at Queens University Belfast then took a masters degree in international relations at Cambridge. After university he joined the army to help him achieve his desire to conquer Everest. Mr Miller, who has completed 10 Ironman triathlons, said his children are not fazed about him attempting the record. He said: My children think its quite normal. Archie wants to climb Everest with me when he leaves school and my daughter is more interested in the geography and history of the mountain. From a family perspective, its crazy to think in five weeks time Ill be saying Im off to climb Everest so Ill see you on Friday, which is completely unheard of.